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Block Explorers

Block explorers are websites that allow you to look up Bitcoin addresses, transactions, and blocks. They are useful tools but come with significant privacy risks.

The Privacy Problem

When you look up an address or transaction on a public block explorer:

  • The explorer operator sees your IP address
  • The explorer sees which addresses you are interested in
  • This links your IP to those Bitcoin addresses
  • The operator can build a profile of your Bitcoin activity

The Risk

If you look up your own addresses from your home IP, the operator may be able to guess how many bitcoins you own and where you live. This information could be sold, leaked, or subpoenaed.

Running Your Own Explorer

The best solution is to run your own block explorer on your own node. This way, all queries stay private.

Available on most node software (Umbrel, myNode, etc.). The most popular block explorer with a clean interface.

Lightweight, self-hosted block explorer. Good for users who want a simple, fast explorer.

Was the gold standard for advanced analysis. Created by LaurentMT. Shut down following the arrest of Samourai Wallet developers.

Using Public Explorers Privately

If you must use a public explorer:

  • Use Tor Browser

    This hides your IP address from the explorer operator.

  • Use .onion Endpoints

    mempool.space has a .onion version. Use it for maximum privacy.

  • Do Not Look Up Your Own Addresses

    From your regular IP, do not look up addresses you control.

  • Use a VPN

    As an additional layer, use a trusted VPN service.

  • Wait Before Querying

    Do not look up recent transactions immediately. Wait to avoid timing correlation.

Explorer .onion Available Self-Hostable Best For
mempool.space Yes Yes General use
Blockstream Explorer Yes Yes Cross-referencing
BTC RPC Explorer No Yes Lightweight use
OXT No No Advanced analysis (offline)