![Crypto Terms Glossary: What is Light-Client Node? Crypto Terms Glossary: What is Light-Client Node?](/img/134/818/what-is-light-client-node-sm.webp)
A light client, or light node, is software that connects to full nodes in a blockchain network. Unlike full nodes, light nodes do not keep a full copy of the blockchain, or communicate directly with the blockchain. Instead, light clients rely on full nodes as intermediaries. Most crypto wallets are light clients and can be used to send and receive crypto transactions and to verify account balances, but are less functional than full node variations.