How to Run Crypto Nodes on Cloud?

Running cryptocurrency nodes on cloud infrastructure is one of the most common use cases for purchased cloud accounts. Whether you are running a Bitcoin full node, an Ethereum validator node, a Solana RPC node, or validator nodes for other proof-of-stake networks, the cloud provides reliable, always-on infrastructure without the need to manage physical hardware.

The hardware requirements for crypto nodes vary significantly by blockchain. A Bitcoin full node requires approximately 8GB RAM, 500GB+ SSD storage (the blockchain is around 500GB and growing), and a reliable internet connection with good upload bandwidth. An Ethereum execution client (like Geth or Erigon) requires 16–32GB RAM and 1–2TB SSD storage. Ethereum's proof-of-stake consensus layer (Lighthouse or Prysm) adds modest additional requirements. Solana validators are the most demanding, requiring 512GB RAM, NVMe SSDs, and high-bandwidth networking.

For cost-efficient node hosting, Hetzner Cloud is the top choice for European-region nodes. A Hetzner AX102 dedicated server (8 cores, 128GB RAM, 1.92TB NVMe) costs around 70 euros per month — far less than an equivalent AWS or GCP configuration. Our Hetzner accounts (starting at $45 for a 5-server limit) provide access to this exceptional value. Note that Hetzner has specific terms around crypto mining and may have limitations on proof-of-work mining, but running nodes is generally allowed.

Vultr is the most popular choice globally for crypto nodes, particularly due to its 32-location footprint and straightforward pricing. Many blockchain project documentation pages specifically recommend Vultr. Our Vultr accounts with $200 ($30), $250 ($60), or $300 ($99) credits are excellent starting points for running nodes. With a $200 credit on a $10/month 2 vCPU, 4GB instance, you can run a lightweight node for 20 months.

DigitalOcean and Linode are also commonly used for lighter nodes. Our DigitalOcean accounts (starting at $20) and Linode $100 credit account ($25) are cost-effective options for Bitcoin, Litecoin, and other less resource-intensive blockchain nodes. For validators that need port configuration and network accessibility, DigitalOcean's straightforward networking and firewall rules make setup easier.