Lighthouse Review

// Review

by the bestcloudmining editorial desk · review version 2 · prose updated 2026-09-24 · facts as of 2026-09-24 · how we verify

Overview

Lighthouse is an active Singapore-based provider offering IPFS hot storage and Filecoin deal-making with an S3-compatible API (L3), encryption tools, and support for Walrus. It targets developers and projects needing decentralized storage with familiar interfaces. While it has operated since 2021 and integrates with trusted networks like Filecoin, it resells storage without disclosing its legal entity, offers no SLA, and explicitly disclaims any guarantee of "permanent" storage.

What you can rent

You can rent decentralized storage capacity on IPFS and Filecoin, with plans starting at 5 GB free and scaling to 2.5 TB on the Premium tier. Walrus storage is also available from 100 MB free up to 250 GB. Access is provided via SDK/CLI, IPFS HTTP API, S3-compatible API (L3), a dedicated IPFS gateway, and a web app. You do not get ownership of physical hardware or direct control over storage nodes - Lighthouse acts as an orchestration layer, and your data is stored as long as your subscription is active and deals are renewed on Filecoin.

Contract & terms

The contract term length is not specified, though subscriptions auto-renew monthly or annually unless cancelled via the Console. No maintenance fee is listed, and payout terms do not apply since this is not a mining or compute service. Refund policies are not stated, and the Terms clarify that “permanent” or “lifetime” storage refers only to the duration of the service, not indefinite retention. Minimum purchase is $0 for the free tier.

Proof & verifiability

Proof of storage relies on Filecoin’s blockchain-based storage proofs and IPFS content addressing (CIDs), which allow retrieval verification. However, Lighthouse itself publishes no independent proof-of-possession, durability metrics, or attestation reports. Its documentation states it is not a storage network but a routing and access layer atop them, meaning you must trust its integration with Filecoin and IPFS for integrity.

Reliability & history

Lighthouse has operated since 2021 and is used by projects like SingularityNET, with generally positive but sparse community feedback on ease of use. However, red flags include no disclosed company registration, no SLA, no published durability figures, and Terms that explicitly disclaim “permanent” storage. Reddit discussions show limited critical scrutiny, and while the operator has been consistent, the lack of legal transparency warrants caution for mission-critical data.

Pricing

Pricing starts at $12/month for 500 GB on Filecoin (Lite plan) or $11/month for 250 GB on Walrus (Lite). The Premium Filecoin plan is $49/month (2.5 TB), with annual billing offering ~17% savings. There is no minimum spend - free tiers are available. Payments are accepted via credit/debit card; “popular tokens” are mentioned but not specified, and no KYC is required. Third-party processors handle payments, and taxes are billed separately.

Verdict

Lighthouse is a functional onramp to IPFS and Filecoin with useful tooling and an S3 API, suitable for developers experimenting with decentralized storage. However, the lack of legal transparency, no SLA, and explicit disclaimers about permanence mean it’s not ideal for critical long-term archives. Consider alternatives with stronger accountability if data durability is essential.

// Lighthouse FAQ

Is Lighthouse legit?

Based on our checks as of 2026-09-24: Lighthouse scores 5.2/10 in our weighted review. We logged 3 red flags (listed above). User reports and operator background are documented with dated sources in the meta-review below.

What do I actually get when I pay?

You get access to managed IPFS and Filecoin storage with tools like an S3 API and encryption. You do not own hardware or have direct node control - your access depends on your subscription and Lighthouse’s continued operation.

What are the total costs and fees?

Plans start at $12/month (500 GB) or $11/month (Walrus 250 GB), with annual billing offering ~17% savings. No maintenance fees are listed, but taxes apply and are billed separately.

Is there a minimum purchase or trial option?

Yes, there is a free tier: 5 GB on Filecoin and 100 MB on Walrus. No minimum spend is required, and you can upgrade or cancel at any time before renewal.

How do payouts or data retrieval work?

This is not a mining or income-generating service - there are no payouts. Data retrieval is done via CID through IPFS, S3 API, or gateway, as long as your plan is active and deals are maintained on Filecoin.

What happens if Lighthouse shuts down?

If the service stops, your subscription access ends. Data may remain on Filecoin if deals are still active and retrievable by CID, but you’d lose the API, S3 interface, and management tools unless you migrate manually.

How does this compare to buying storage directly or using another provider?

Lighthouse simplifies IPFS/Filecoin use with developer-friendly APIs but at a premium. Buying hardware or using self-hosted solutions offers more control; other providers may offer better transparency or SLAs.