Running a node from scratch — a Raspberry Pi, a spare computer, or a custom build — gives you full control over every piece of software and configuration. It also means you're the one responsible for updates, backups, troubleshooting, and keeping the whole stack secure.
Start9 OS packages a full node, a Lightning node, and a growing set of self-hosted services behind a simple interface, on hardware built for the job. You still hold your own keys and run your own verification — you're just not maintaining a Linux server by hand to do it.
For most people, the DIY route is a great weekend project if tinkering is the point. If the point is actually using self-custody day to day without babysitting a server, Start9 is the faster path to the same sovereignty.