What is the Lightning Network?
A second-layer Bitcoin payment protocol enabling near-instant low-fee transfers via payment channels. Self-custody wallets like Phoenix and Zeus make it usable; RoboSats and SideShift use it for P2P.
Lightning is a second-layer protocol on top of Bitcoin that enables fast, low-fee payments without recording each transaction on the base chain. Payments route through a graph of payment channels between Lightning nodes. The Lightning routing graph is private to the participating nodes — public visibility of any specific payment is much lower than on-chain Bitcoin. For self-custody, Phoenix Wallet (ACINQ) is the most polished mobile option for non-U.S. users; Zeus connects to your own LND/CLN/Eclair node. RoboSats is Lightning-native P2P. SideShift supports Lightning swaps. Bitrefill sells gift cards for Lightning. Lightning is a real payment rail in 2026, not just an experiment.
Related services
- Phoenix Wallet optional kyc · France
- Zeus Wallet none kyc · independent
- RoboSats none kyc · decentralized
- SideShift none kyc · Anguilla
- Bitrefill optional kyc · Spain
Deeper reading
- Privacy stack for crypto users in 2026 — A practical privacy stack for people who hold and use cryptocurrency in 2026 without binding it to a KYC identity — wallet choice, on-ramps, mixing strategy, network hygiene, and exit paths.
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Answer reviewed .
Cite as: https://fuckyc.org/q/what-is-lightning-network/