Reviews

Start9 has a reputation in the Freedom Tech community for making personal data hosting simple. While their StartOS is open source, allowing you to run it on an old laptop or any spare computer, they also sell custom built hardware preloaded with the OS. Whether you want to roll your own, or support the company by purchasing prebuilt hardware, they've made running a server and installing services as easy as point and click. If you can install apps on your phone from an app store, you can install services and in minutes be running a Bitcoin node, Lightning node, Mempool, your own cloud backup server, a private password manager... you name it. However, even better than their software and hardware is their customer service. I've had limited tech problems in the past four years that I've been running StartOS on various hardware configs purchased from Start9. Every time I have had an issue, the Start9 support team has been professional, knowledgable, and fast to help resolve my problem. The CEO, Matt Hill, even jumps in to assist if the tech support ticket gets pushed up to that level. My most recent experience was with a rattling cooling fan with bearings that were beginning to go bad. Start9 sent out a replacement fan and I was able to swap it into my server in about 15 minutes. Start9 support is white glove concierge level service.

Got my server because I wanted to support the network by running Knots. As a nontechnical person and total beginner to running my own node, I was able to get my server up and running in less than 20 minutes and the ease of use of the system allowed me to explore what's possible with it. Its been really fun learning all the ways I can reclaim my digital sovereignty. I'm currently exploring mining, lightning, and other things like private password management because of it. Had no idea I'd be able to expand into any of this as quickly as I did. Feels really good.

I recently purchased the Server One. I followed the very simple instructions presented during initial setup and was absolutely amazed at how easy and clear the setup was. Every step was straightforward. In fact, unless you intentionally deviated from the instructions, which would actually be a bit difficult, you almost have no choice but to set up the unit properly. It was only during the accepting of the TLS certificate that you could choose to deviate from the instructions. Following the step by step instructions was just plain easy.

I was struggling with part of the setup and posted a question in the start9 support chat. "h0mer" guided me through the process and also took the time to explain the details in a way that made it easy to understand how to proceed. I was able to complete the setup process! Outstanding support as I could not have done it without their guidance and explanations. Thank you!

Un producto realmente bueno. Destaca su facilidad de uso y especialmente su asistencia: rápida y eficiente como pocas.

Start9 not only has the best customer support in the Bitcoin space, it has the best support of any company I have ever used. It is not free but well worth the money. Highly recommend their products also.

I reached out for help after an unexpected power drop left me unable to access my Start9 server which was subsequently giving me an error on boot. Distressed at the thought of no longer being able to access my StartOS services including password manager, and very much a beginner in all things linux, debian, servers and most things techie, I reached out for help to the Start9 Community Forum. I eventually received a response from someone at Start9 who suggested I email their support team from where they could provide further guidance. Promptly thereafter I received an email with very specific, detailed and easy to follow instructions on how to remedy the problem. These were simple enough to follow for someone with limited experience with debian, linux or working in shell console. With the assistance of a more experienced mentor, I followed the instructions and after more than a month of no access to my server, the instructions and patches worked and I was relieved to finally regain access to my server, StartOS services and my password manager once again. Throughout the process, the Start9 support team dealt with a very distressed, anxious and inexperienced noob in thoroughly professional and patient and thoughtful manner. In an era of gated digital access, exploitation and monetisation of the digital property of ordinary individuals, I can not speak more highly of the need for and value of the products and services produced by the Start9 team that empower individuals to become sovereign.

Unbelievable!!! My node had an issue when moving and I thought we'd lost it. But after working with the S9 team, its Totally restored!! Ive been with S9 since the initial node was introduced and have never been disappointed!YThis company and the people who work there are incredible! I will be singing their praises to everyone I know and will be a lifetime client! Thank you again for your help and incredible POW

Been using Start9 Servers since 2021 Started with a Raspberry Pi, but on x86 hardware as well as in VMs and all have worked flawlessly. Started with a password manager, added another for cloud storage accessible from anywhere, then built a BTC Node, added Alby Hub and Electrum. When I did that I didn't realize the space requirement, and crashed the system. Not to worry Start9 has a VERY simple way to add a larger drive and transfer the existing install over, restart and it was back up and running. Added a custom private search engine, simplex server, and a Nostr relay to the original system, and every bit of it installed simply and works flawlessly. Highly recommended!

A bit technical of a setup, but excellent customer service that can walk you through.

I began my journey by installing Ubuntu on Windows 11, then full Ubuntu followed by going back to windows. My coding experience started off smoothly—until it didn’t. So, for now, I’ve returned to Windows while I get more familiar with Linux. Self-sovereignty in computing is something I deeply value, and as I dug deeper into security, I discovered Start9. Researching their company, I quickly realized that their values align with mine. They’ve streamlined and packaged what I had spent days trying to accomplish—only to run into issue after issue. Start9 has invested time and effort to ensure their customers' security and privacy, offering a product that caters to beginners, professionals, and everyone in between. One standout benefit— I’ve explored so far—is the incredible community that comes free with purchase. If you ever feel lost, there's a knowledgeable and supportive network ready to help. Start9 has launched me into a fascinating journey, sending me down a rabbit hole of security and sovereignty that I’ve only begun to explore. Thanks to their hardworking team, I feel empowered to keep learning. This is an amazing product, and I can't wait to see this community grow exponentially with time.

I love the UI, and security measures taken by the Start9 team. StartOS for me had quite a learning curve, but once you get used to it it works like a charm. An added bonus is definitely the support team, they ae very fast and thorough and really help a complete beginner find his/her way through the OS.

I've had my START9 node up and running since mid-September 2024, and the summary is as follows: my market research of existing alternatives was accurate and better than expected. It's my first node, and its support material is excellent for step-by-step instructions until the node is up and running. I'd like to highlight the following points regarding START9 in my user experience: 1. Excellent build quality and parts. 2. Professional online support with an excellent attitude. 3. Step-by-step guides for beginners. 4. Exhaustive selection, in its own marketplace, of the best and most proven services to run on the node. 5. Service updates are first reviewed by start9 before being implemented on the node. 6. It provides the best available services in the areas of Bitcoin, Lightning, AI, Data, and Communication. 7. The services come pre-configured for ease of use for beginners. 8.- Built-in security and privacy. Thank you, Start9 team, for a job well done!

Start9 spent several hours helping me recover LND funds after a crash. Many thanks to their team.

Got my Start9 server in the mail today, and within 30min I was up and running. With just a few more clicks I got a bitcoin node set up and syncing, and a private nostr relay running. Feels pretty awesome to have my sovereign services hosted at the homestead, as it should be.

Totally worth it to buy a Start9 if you are not a Linux pro. Complete BTC stack available with good application options. Core or Knots, C-Lightning or LND, Cool to run Datum and mine with Ocean. Good support via Element. Some guides for running various services ping pong back and forth. Use your redemption code on the bottom of the server and Elements to get questions answered and avoid spinning your wheels.

Love the graphical user interface, it makes all processess simple no more fat fingered CLI

I had a question regarding bitcoin knots and core and if I needed to uninstall the one for the other for it to work, do I emailed the team and got a reply back within hours. Stuart was very helpful and detailed and resulted in me getting back bitcoin core without uninstalling anything. Other people on the web suggested otherwise but I knew better to ask start9 themselves. Great work team with customer support!

I’ve been using the Server One from Start9, and I must say it’s an impressive piece of hardware. The design is compact and aesthetically pleasing, making it a great fit for any setup. The installation and setup process was incredibly easy, making it perfect for beginners. What stands out the most is their [b]amazing customer support[/b]. This was my first time tinkering with a server, and I encountered quite a few [b]rookie mistakes[/b], but their team responded [b]quickly and efficiently[/b], helping me resolve every issue. [b]Highly recommended![/b]

He estado usando StartOS durante un tiempo y ha sido una gran experiencia. El proceso de instalación es sencillo, incluso para quienes no tienen conocimientos técnicos avanzados. La interfaz es limpia e intuitiva, lo que facilita la configuración y gestión de aplicaciones. El software es sólido y fiable, especialmente para ejecutar un nodo de Bitcoin y otros servicios autohospedados como Nextcloud y Nostr. El equipo de soporte es excelente, responde rápido y brinda mucha ayuda. Si buscas una forma sencilla pero potente de gestionar tu propio servidor, StartOS es una gran opción. ¡Muy recomendado!

Whether you're a seasoned IT professional or someone just starting out, StartOS offers value. It saves time for those accustomed to traditional server management workflows and opens the door for newcomers to operate a personal server with confidence.

Easy to install. Robust reliable software for a bitcoin node. Many additional options are bundled with the free FOSS software. Highly recommended. Give it a try.

Después de llevar utilizando un año StartOS y, en la última semana, habiendo tenido un percance con el disco duro SSD (SATA) donde tenía instalado el servidor, creo estar preparado para escribir esta review de una forma totalmente subjetiva y honesta. Tras haber acudido a un meetup de Bitcoin y haber escuchado, al ponente de la charla, hablar de Start 9 y su servidor StartOS, me decidí probar a instalarlo en un mini PC, Fujitsu, que tenía por casa cogiendo polvo. Para los que hayan entrado en su página web (https://start9.com/), habrán podido observar que, además de vender su propio hardware con StartOS instalado, también existe la posibilidad de instalar el firmware en un equipo propio, en mi caso el Fujitsu mencionado anteriormente. Tan fácil como entrar en la siguiente página, https://docs.start9.com/0.3.5.x/flashing-guides/os-x86 , y seguir los pasos e instrucciones que en ella se detallan. Una vez instalado, la simpleza de su interfaz gráfica permite que te familiarices enseguida con ella, teniendo la instalación de todas las aplicaciones a golpe de un solo "click". Instaladas las apps deseadas, las configuraciones de las mismas son de lo más escuetas y sencillas posible, casi todas ellas vienen preconfiguradas por defecto con lo más aconsejable, por lo que, en la gran mayoría de casos, no será necesario cambiar nada. Si alguna cosa no queda clara, en cada app hay un apartado de "Instrucciones" que te sacarán de toda duda. En mi caso, el hadware que tenía era un un viejo mini PC que carecía de puerto para la intalación de un disco NVMe, los cuales son muy rápidos tanto en lectura como escritura, ideales para la sincronización de la blockchain de bitcoin. Así que la opción por la que me decidí fue mantener el disco SSD SATA de 240 GB, que ya tenía instalado en el PC, y comprar un disco SSD externo de 2TB conectado por USB, opción que para nada es la ideal. Con esta configuración, descargar y sincronizar la blockhain es una tarea, prácticamente, imposible de conseguir por las limitaciones que tiene el tener un disco externo conectado por USB. Si queréis un consejo, no os decantéis nunca por esta configuración. Comprobando todas las bondades que me ofrecía StartOS, a pesar de no poder instalar Bitcoin Core en el disco externo, lo dejé en funcionamiento como nube personal y privada, en el que tenía instalado aplicaciones como Nextcloud, Robosats, cliente privado de Nostr, como es Iris, un relé privado para Nostr y, hace escasamente un mes, Alby Hub, un indispensable para todo bitcoiner que quiera ser soberano, también en lightning, sin complicaciones. Soy una persona que me gusta indagar y me di cuenta que, para lo que yo quería tener en mi nodo personal y soberano 100%, me hacía falta Bitcoin Core. Así que hace una semana decidí cambiar de hardware y comprar otro mini PC con puerto NVMe y disco de 2TB. El disco SSD SATA es de 240 GB, igual que el antiguo. He de decir que descargó y sincronizó la blockchain en apenas 26 horas!!! Increíble lo rápido que fue, una maravilla estos discos NVMe. A paritr de aquí viene el percance que he mencionado al principio de mi review. Cuando intenté apagar el PC antiguo (no lo había hecho después de un año encendido) para cambiarlo de enchufe y hacer la migración al nuevo, no hubo forma de hacerlo, ya que se quedó en "bug" constante y tuve que apagarlo desconectando el enchufe de la corriente. Mi sorpresa fue que al volver a enchufarlo e intentar iniciarlo no había forma de hacerlo, el disco SATA había muerto. El agobio vino de forma repentina, ya que, a priori, había perdido todos los datos que tenía en la nube: fotos, contactos, calendarios y.... el bitcoin que tenía en el nodo Alby Hub. Sí, lo sé, había sido un inconsciente por no apuntar las frase semilla ante desastres como el que me había ocurrido. Buscando soluciones, opté por la primera opción que me vino a la cabeza, que fue contactar con el servicio técnico de Start 9. Fue mandar el mail y pasar unas pocas horas para que recibiera un mail de respuesta (un millón de gracias, Stuart) con la solución a todos mis problemas. Resumiendo un poco, mi problema estaba en que el disco SATA, donde se instala el firmware de StartOS, había muerto, pero no el disco externo de 2TB donde se guardaban los datos, pues éste estaba perfecto. La solución venía por cambiar el disco defectuoso por uno nuevo, reflashear StartOS y recuperar los datos desde el disco externo, opción que ofrece el sistema tal y como se detalla en esta página: https://docs.start9.com/0.3.5.x/misc-guides/attach-drive#attach-drive No tardé más que unos 20 minutos en hacerlo todo y ver que mi servidor estaba tal cual lo tenía antes de que se muriera el SSD!! No me queda más que agradecer al equipo que hay detrás de Start 9 su atención y rapidez en solventar dudas y problemas, por no hablar del formidable producto que han creado, tanto por su robustez, simpleza de uso y rápida amigabilidad con su interfaz gráfica, CHAPÓ!! Si estáis buscando instalar un nodo con todo lo necesario para ser soberano, no lo dudéis, StartOS es vuestra elección perfecta. Un saludo.

StartOS is simple to use and has great support. I run my lightning node through StartOS and it runs very well with over 100 channels. All of the best software is available in the marketplace. The migration to new hardware is streamlined and simple. Everything works. 10/10