Why run your own node
Running your own node means you don't trust Infura, Alchemy, or any other provider to tell you the truth about chain state. Your wallet queries go through infrastructure you control. Bonus: you help decentralize the network.
Hardware requirements by chain
Bitcoin full node: VPS-M, 600 GB disk. Ethereum validator (consensus + execution): DS-2 or DS-3 with 128 GB RAM and 2 TB NVMe. Ethereum archive node: DS-4, 256 GB RAM, 4×4 TB NVMe. Monero full node: VPS-L, 200 GB disk.
Jurisdiction & staking
Switzerland is the de facto capital of crypto: crypto-friendly legal framework, first to legalize staking as a non-taxable event, strong data protection for validator keys. Iceland and Netherlands are also strong choices with good peering.
Best jurisdictions for crypto nodes
Switzerland for regulatory clarity, Iceland and Netherlands for performance.
Iceland
Free Speech HavenStrong privacy laws, renewable energy, outside EU.
Panama
No Data RetentionNo retention laws, no MLAT with most western countries.
Switzerland
Premium PrivacyStrict privacy laws, political neutrality, top-tier infra.
Netherlands
Best PeeringExcellent connectivity, tolerant hosting, AMS-IX peering.
Recommended node plans
VPS-L for BTC/XMR full node; DS-3 or DS-4 for ETH validator or archive node.