# Should I run a Bitcoin full node or a pruned node?

Source URL: https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/education/nodes/introduction-and-role/should-i-run-a-bitcoin-full-node-or-a-pruned-node
Updated: 2026-04-16T10:24:01.000Z
Category: Introduction and Role
Section: What are the types of Bitcoin nodes?

---

A pruned and full Bitcoin node differ in the amount of blockchain data they store. A full node stores the entire blockchain, which includes every transaction that has ever occurred on the Bitcoin network. In contrast, a pruned node only stores a subset of the blockchain, which is beneficial for users with limited storage capacity or who want to avoid the longer wait time of the initial block download required with a full node.

Unless you are low on storage space, we recommend running a full archival node rather than a pruned one. The reasons are many. For example, a full node:

- can serve blocks to other nodes
- can index the blockchain, enabling much faster access
- can find older transactions, which may be necessary to recover an older wallet
- allows you to run an Electrum server, a software that enables easy integration with many signing devices

Navigation: Blockstream Help Center > Education > Introduction and Role > Should I run a Bitcoin full node or a pruned node?

## Related Articles in This Section
- [What is a Bitcoin node?](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/education/nodes/introduction-and-role/what-is-a-bitcoin-node)
- [What are the types of Bitcoin nodes?](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/education/nodes/introduction-and-role/what-are-the-types-of-bitcoin-nodes)
- [Should I run a Bitcoin full node or a pruned node?](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/education/nodes/introduction-and-role/should-i-run-a-bitcoin-full-node-or-a-pruned-node) (current)
- [What is the role of a Bitcoin node?](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/education/nodes/introduction-and-role/what-is-the-role-of-a-bitcoin-node)
- [What is the role of a node in mining?](https://helpcenter.dxp-frontend.devserver.app/education/nodes/introduction-and-role/what-is-the-role-of-a-node-in-mining)