# lnd

> MIT Lightning Network node daemon in Go

**Category:** Payments  
**Pricing:** open-source  
**URL:** https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd  
**GitHub:** https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd  
**Added:** 2026-10-18

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## The Hook

lnd is a full Lightning Network node implementation in Go: open and close channels, route payments, issue invoices, and expose it all over gRPC and REST so your app can send and receive bitcoin over Lightning.

## What's Good

MIT (lightningnetwork/lnd), release v0.21.4-beta (2026-10-01), developed since 2016. Pluggable chain backends: btcd, bitcoind or the neutrino light client. Fully manages channel state, path finding and the channel graph, and ships many reusable Lightning libraries. It sits underneath a large share of Lightning wallets, exchanges and payment tools. ★~8.2k.

## The Catch

Running a Lightning node means managing liquidity, channel backups and hot-wallet risk yourself; this is infrastructure, not a checkout button. Releases still carry a beta tag. For simple merchant payments a hosted processor or BTCPay-style layer on top is easier.

## Verdict

The reference choice when you want to run your own Lightning node.