In a blockchain, nodes are an essential component. The term “node” stands for a computing device, through which users can communicate complex messages with each other and keep track of the network’s activity. With the help of a blockchain node provider, nodes are easily accessed by blockchain API.
What is a blockchain node provider?
Blockchain node providers offer a safe and reliable way of accessing node infrastructure -an out-of-box toolkit for web3 developers. They follow the consensus algorithm of each individual blockchain in order to supply access to various node infrastructures. Furthermore, deploying a node from a provider helps save time and money, which otherwise would be used on building and maintaining self-run infrastructure.
What are the features of the top blockchain node providers?
These services are designed to ensure the smooth integration of blockchain solutions into clients' diverse web3 products. Therefore, when searching for the best service to meet developer needs, prioritizing top-tier security and real-time analytics is crucial.
Additionally, it's important to consider the service's compatibility with leading networks. Many popular node providers aim to provide access to a broad range of chains, simplifying the process for users to enter the blockchain ecosystem through a single platform.
Furthermore, leading node providers can offer valuable technical expertise and consulting services to assist new users in seamlessly onboarding to Web3 development.
Best Blockchain Node Providers: Users' pick
In this article, the GetBlock team discusses the top 12 best API-driven services in 2024, which include Ethereum node providers, BSC (BNB Chain) node providers, as well as Polygon node providers. In no particular order, they are:
- GetBlock
- Infura
- Alchemy
- AWS
- Quicknode
- Chainstack
- Moralis
- Allnodes
- Tatum
- NowNodes
- Ankr
- Blockdaemon
GetBlock blockchain API provider
First and foremost, a leading blockchain API node provider, GetBlock started operating in 2019. Its intuitive dashboard allows entrepreneurs and enthusiasts to reach 50+ blockchains through JSON-RPC, REST, and WebSocket APIs.
Nodes for 50+ chains, including BNB Chain (formerly known as Binance Smart Chain) nodes, Ethereum nodes, Bitcoin nodes, Polygon nodes, are available on GetBlock.
Besides providing access to shared and dedicated nodes, GetBlock can empower your analytical tools with raw data for every top blockchain. GetBlock’s team can create a customized explorer for every blockchain and dApp. GetBlock’s dedicated nodes offer unlimited access to blockchains’ computational resources.
Last but not least, GetBlock is ready to explode in the blockchain consulting segment. Its high-profile engineers can support crypto entrepreneurs with expertise in the spheres of on-premises deployments, blockchain nodes infrastructure rollout, transactions simulation, third-party systems integration, private blockchain development, and so on.
With its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) blockchain expertise, GetBlock is able to facilitate seamless integration of distributed ledger solutions into the startups of various profiles.
As such, GetBlock definitely looks like the number one heavyweight of the segment:
- Unmatched number of blockchains supported;
- Widest range of services: tools for infrastructure, consulting, analytics, and so on;
- Most powerful demo plan with zero fees.
Infura blockchain API provider
Among the blockchain veterans, Infura, a subsidiary of a leading Ethereum development studio ConsenSys, is a benchmark BaaS platform in the segment of EVM-compatible networks. Infura allows its customers to get connected to Ethereum (ETH) mainnet and testnets, Polygon Network, Arbitrum L2 solution, Interplanetary File System (IPFS), a Web3 ‘Decentralized Internet’, Optimistic Ethereum, and many others.
Infura pricing includes a free tariff plan that allows users to send up to 100 000 requests on a daily basis in total and includes up to 25,000 ETH mainnet archive requests per day. Paid plans start from $50 per month. Furthermore, there are options to try add-on services, such as Layer 2 solutions, for free.
Alchemy blockchain API provider
One of the Infura competitors, Alchemy is highly-focused on Ethereum L2 scaling: it connects dApps to both Arbitrum and Optimism Ethereum-based networks. Besides the Alchemy ETH node option, the platform became the first BaaS team to offer access to Crypto.com ‘corporate chain’.
Alchemy node provider released a number of the ‘out-of-the-box’ solutions like ‘Free’, ‘Growth’, and ‘Enterprise’. They allow the launching and scaling of applications of various sorts on EVM-compatible platforms and new-gen NFT-focused blockchain Flow.
Alchemy nodes, hosted by the team, can be tried out via the platform’s free tariff with 300,000,000 compute units per month; however, Alchemy does not currently support BSC nodes.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) blockchain API provider
The most unusual project in our review, digital heavyweight Amazon API gives access to Ethereum (ETH) mainnet as well as to Ropsten and Rinkeby testnets.
In addition to getting connected to Ethereum, Amazon AWS allows users to set up the node infrastructure for their own permissioned distributed systems. Amazon node provider is free to join. Moreover, users are only required to pay for Amazon API in use.
Quicknode blockchain API provider
Seasoned BaaS vendors Quicknode delivered a toolkit for blockchain devs: the platform’s endpoints are compatible with major Web3 development SDKs: Truffle, Ruby, OpenZepellin, and so on.
As of now, Quicknode Ethereum nodes are a popular choice. In addition to that, Quicknode API endpoints work with Solana (including Quicknode Websocket for Solana), Polygon, BNB Chain, Algorand, Harmony, Optimism, and more. With Quicknode’s Discover Plan users can try out the platform’s APIs for free.
Chainstack blockchain API provider
Singapore-based Chainstack node provider offers access to various popular blockchains including Ethereum, Bitcoin, Arbitrum, Solana, NEAR Protocol, and more. Chainstack API endpoints are also available for BNB Chain, Harmony, Avalanche, and other Web3 networks.
Besides node access services, the Chainstack provider offers hosting and marketplace solutions. There are no free tariffs on Chainstack, but enthusiasts can try the ‘Developer’ plan charged with usage fees only.
Moralis blockchain API provider
BNB Chain, Ethereum, Polygon blockchains as well as Arbitrum L2 solutions are available with Moralis web API-powered dashboard for ‘serverless’ dApps. Moralis could also be called the Infura for BSC alternative option.
Moralis API access is widely used for further managing blockchain data. What’s more, the platform released its Software Development Kit (SDK) and a variety of ‘out-of-the-box’ solutions for decentralized applications, NFT marketplaces, multi-chain wallets, etc. For instance, the Moralis archive node service is available for users.
Allnodes blockchain API provider
US-based team Allnodes provider released a blockchain node access service for over 60 protocols, both mainstream (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain) and rare (Crown, Wagerr, Phore). There’s no free plan, but for the paid plans the pricing for Allnodes API services starts from a negligible $2 per month.
Alongside blockchain node access, Allnodes node provider launched a staking dashboard for several Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchains including Ethereum 2.0. Monitoring and mastermodes options are also available.
Tatum blockchain API provider
Tatum's team allows its customers to get connected to 40+ blockchains as well as add-on projects. For instance, the Tatum provider allows users to integrate three versions of Tether (USDT) stablecoin, three versions of USD Coin (USDC), and so on. All blockchains are accessed via the REST API method.
The free plan allows developers to send 5 requests per second while paid plans pricing starts from $7. According to the information provided by the Tatum node provider’s team, its services are utilized by Deloitte, Microsoft, and Mastercard. Tatum API infrastructure is backed up by tremendous community support.
NowNodes blockchain API provide
NowNodes is a side-project of the high-performance cryptocurrency exchange platform ChangeNow. The NowNodes node provider connects customers to 40+ blockchains including an exclusive P2P solution for Free TON, a project of Telegram’s community.
Furthermore, the NowNodes provider developed a group of solutions for decentralized businesses. The platform offers instant access to NowNodes API solutions.
Ankr blockchain API provider
Currently, the Ankr node provider supports 27 chains and offers a globally distributed decentralized node provider model as well as other services, such as hybrid RPC endpoints, gaming SDKs, Liquid Staking, etc. Standard Ankr API with no advanced enhancements is free of charge, whereas the premium plan, based on the pay-as-you-go model, requires a minimum of 1000 ANKR token deposit.
Besides, Ankr utilizes Intel SGX as one of its core technological components, meaning users are able to execute dApps with no hardware.
Blockdaemon blockchain API provider
Last but not least, Blockdaemon, an American-based platform launched in 2017, which lets users stake, scale and deploy nodes for over 60 different networks. Customers can try out the platform’s services free of charge.
Blockdaemon boasts its uptime, security, and slashing insurance. Besides, Blockdaemon node provider utilizes institutional-grade security and is, therefore, trusted by multiple big companies. Blockdaemon pricing varies depending on the type and specifications of a node.
Blockchain node provider trends in 2024
To sum up, the GetBlock team noticed several trends that have affected blockchain node providers’ segment in 2024:
- Stressed interest in Ethereum L2 solutions (Arbitrum, Optimism).
- BNB Chain nodes and Polygon nodes are the two fastest-growing platforms for dApps.
- BaaS services develop the ‘ready-made’ instruments for NFTs, wallets, marketplaces.
- Best blockchain node providers in 2024 offer consulting services modules for individuals and enterprises.
Bottom line: How to choose the best blockchain node provider?
As mentioned above, web3 developers can deploy self-hosted nodes or use the services of a provider to save massive amounts of money and time. Popular node providers implement cutting-edge technologies to help users supercharge their decentralized products. Depending on the needs and requirements of each user, it goes without saying that choosing a blockchain node provider is an important task. To make the process of finding and opting for the most suitable service easier and more efficient, GetBlock has narrowed down the list of the top 12 best-performing providers in 2024.
FAQ
Why are blockchain node providers important?
Node providers play a crucial role in overseeing the optimal state of Web3 infrastructure, sparing developers the complexities of self-management. This not only streamlines the development process but also results in substantial time and cost savings when crafting blockchain-based products.
How much do blockchain node providers cost?
Given the diverse array of services tailored to developers' infrastructure requirements, users have the flexibility to choose a solution that suits their needs. While the pricing of such services depends on the volume of client requests, it's viable to secure a top node provider starting from as low as $50 per month.
Risks to consider when working with popular node providers
It's crucial to be cautious of security vulnerabilities, downtime risks, and fluctuating costs when opting for infrastructure services. Additionally, consider data privacy compliance and the extent of customization offered by the chosen service.
