As someone with limited technical ability am I better off with a Start9 or Umbrel Home?
My main goals are to self host all of my files including photos / videos and run a Bitcoin node.
#asknostr
Discussion
Umbrel is easier barrier to entry, more beginner friendly. However I recommend start9. Once you get start9 up and going it'll satisfy those desires you mentioned. I am in the same boat you are, I have not done either. I'm saving money, start9 is kind of high for me.
I think the best is learn from online tutorials (btc sessions YouTube) and read the start9 documentation. Be confident in it before you purchase.
I’d get two start9 setups. DIY with 2TB for the Bitcoin on one and 4TB for services and hosting if I could have any setup. But making out great with a DIY 2TB right now for everything, and a Linux laptop and a soon to be permanently offline Windows 10 desktop. And three 3TB external drives for redundant storage.
I recommend buying a start9 and/or also get a decent old laptop and install start9 + Tailscale … I’m no expert though. Check with others
Start9 is amazing. Easy even for non technical folks. My Dad is even running one and he is in his 70’s.
I would try both, the install is very quick, skip the bitcoin node when you are testing it out, since that takes a long time to sync and there is no difference in the bitcoin experience between the two.
Where you will see the biggest difference is the amount of available apps, umbrel still has more. It depends which apps you need in the end.
Start9 has an integrated backup feature that umbrel lacks. So start9 might be a better choice for the file share server part...
Umbrel. It has one click set ups for things like Bitcoin node lighting nodes, Nostr relays and other things like btcpay.
You can use next cloud on it all for managing files etc.
Either one works, it's just a UI over docker containers.
No need to buy their hardware either, just run it on an old machine.
Tbh I don't run either after I figured out how to run docker containers and tailscale.
GPT is your friend and I've spent ZERO on hardware or software, just repurposed an old desktop machine, wiped it clean, installed a headless Ubuntu server and docker and basically just made my own, lean clean version of Umbrel/start9.
FDE Ubuntu install, VPN, ssd, install node, instructions are all there!
I’ve heard start9 > Umbrel
Start9 is easily setup but is also not watered down. The community is great too, lots of help.
Start9 without a doubt. I have two mini PCs set up; one for a full â‚¿itcoin stack and the other a NextCloud server. Easy to set up, in fact very easy. Tried Umbrel but gave up pretty quick as it seemed a tad flakey.
Start9 is the most stable software for running a node.