Connecting to Monero comes down to two paths. You can run your own monerod full node, which means syncing the entire chain and keeping the machine online around the clock, or you can plug into a remote node through an RPC provider that runs the heavy infrastructure for you.
If you would rather ship your app than babysit a server, a provider is the quicker route, and here is where to start.
1. NOWNodes
NOWNodes gives you a fast, reliable gateway to on-chain Monero data without running anything yourself.
You connect over the xmr.nownodes.io endpoint and get 99.95% uptime, backed by automatic failover, multi-layer load balancing, and 2n+1 node redundancy, plus 24/7 support and access to 120+ networks from one API key.
It is the same monero rpc setup used by teams like Tangem, Trust Wallet, Exodus, and CoinGate.
For XMR specifically, the dashboard gives you full RPC access, Archive Mode for historical state, and a dedicated node option when you need isolated throughput.
Through the JSON-RPC interface you get the monerod methods you would expect, such as:
- get_block_count, get_last_block_header, and get_block for reading chain data
- get_info and sync_info for node and network status
- get_fee_estimate ahead of building a transaction, plus relay_tx and submit_block for pushing data back
You also get Unlimited RPS on all paid plans, no rate limits, so bursty wallet traffic will not get throttled.
It fits wallets, explorers, and payment flows that need steady access to the privacy chain.
2. GetBlock
GetBlock is another way to reach Monero over JSON-RPC without your own node.
You point requests at its mainnet XMR endpoint with an API key and call the standard daemon methods for reading blocks, checking node status, and relaying transactions. A few things worth knowing:
- Shared and dedicated node plans, with a free tier for testing
- Broad coverage across many chains if you work beyond XMR
- Some daemon methods are restricted on shared endpoints
It works well for smaller projects and prototypes, though heavier traffic may run into limits on the shared tier.
3. Run your own full node
Running monerod yourself keeps everything in your own hands and takes any third party out of the picture.
You download the CLI or GUI from getmonero.org, let it sync the chain (a pruned node keeps the storage footprint modest), and then talk to it locally over RPC. A few basics to get right:
- Use restricted RPC on port 18089 if anything outside your machine will connect, not the unrestricted port
- Add prune-blockchain=1 in monerod.conf to cut disk usage
- Route through Tor or I2P when you want to hide where the node sits
The trade-off is setup time and an always-on machine, but you answer to no one for uptime or your data.
4. Public remote nodes
If you want the convenience of a remote node without paying for one, community operators run open nodes you can point a wallet or app at.
Lists like Monerica and monero.fail track these with uptime notes, and many wallets (Cake Wallet, for one) ship a default node so you can start right away. When you pick one:
- Prefer nodes offering restricted RPC, usually on port 18089, or TLS/HTTPS on 443
- Reach for .onion endpoints when the operator provides them
- Rotate nodes and never share your seed, since you are trusting someone else’s box
It is quick and free, though reliability and privacy vary from operator to operator, so it suits testing more than production traffic.
5. One-click node tools
Between raw monerod and a hosted provider sit tools that automate the setup for you.
Projects like xmr.sh, EasyNode, and Docker-based images spin up a node with monitoring in a handful of commands, while devices such as MoneroNodo or a PiNodeXMR build give you a plug-in box for the home. Worth weighing:
- Scripts and Docker images handle syncing, pruning, and updates on your behalf
- Hardware nodes swap an upfront cost for a set-and-forget node with Tor/I2P support
- You still own the machine, so uptime and backups land on you
These are a fair middle ground when you want your own node but would rather skip the manual configuration.
Conclusion
Which path fits you comes down to how much you want to run yourself. Your own monerod gives you full control and keeps your data in your hands, public nodes and one-click tools sit in the middle, and a managed RPC provider takes the infrastructure off your plate.
If you are building a wallet, explorer, or payment flow and want steady access without owning a server, starting with NOWNodes keeps things simple — point at the xmr.nownodes.io endpoint, grab an API key, and you are talking to the Monero network in minutes.
