Essential Nostr Tools

A curated directory of the most useful Nostr tools and services. Find tools for key management, media hosting, analytics, and more.

Nostr has a rich ecosystem of tools and services that make using the protocol easier. Here’s a curated list of essential tools organized by category.

Key Management Tools

Key Converters & Generators

Nostr Tools (key converter)

• URL: nostr-tools.com
• What it does: Convert between npub/hex/nsec formats
• Why use it: Useful for developers or when you need different key formats

NAK (Nostr Army Knife)

• URL: nak.nostr.com
• What it does: Command-line tool and web interface for Nostr operations
• Features: Key generation, event signing, relay interaction, debugging
• Best for: Developers and power users who need CLI tools

Nostr Key Generator

• What it does: Generate new key pairs offline
• Why use it: Create keys in a secure, air-gapped environment

Backup & Recovery

Key Storage Best Practices

• Password managers (Bitwarden, 1Password)
• Hardware security keys (YubiKey)
• Paper backups (written and stored safely)
• Encrypted USB drives

Media Hosting

Image & Video Hosting

nostr.build

• URL: nostr.build
• What it does: Free image and video hosting for Nostr
• Features: Drag-and-drop upload, instant URLs, CDN delivery
• Best for: Sharing images in posts

NostrImg

• URL: nostrimg.com
• What it does: Simple image hosting service
• Features: Fast uploads, permanent storage

File Sharing

Nostr Files

• URL: nostrfiles.com
• What it does: General file hosting for Nostr users
• Best for: PDFs, documents, and other files

Identity & Verification

NIP-05 Providers

NostrPlebs

• URL: nostrplebs.com
• What it does: NIP-05 identifiers (you@nostrplebs.com)
• Cost: Paid only - 12,500-65,000 sats/year (pricing based on username length)
• Note: No free tier available
• Best for: Getting a human-readable identifier quickly

NostrCheck

• URL: nostrcheck.me
• What it does: NIP-05 + additional verification tools
• Features: Free tier, extra utilities

GetAlby

• URL: getalby.com
• What it does: Lightning wallet + NIP-05
• Best for: Combining payments and identity

Analytics & Discovery

Zap Analytics

Zaplife

• URL: zaplife.lol
• What it does: Track zap activity and earnings
• Features: Top zapped content, historical data, leaderboards
• Best for: Creators tracking their earnings

Network Discovery & Stats

Stats.OtherStuff

• URL: stats.otherstuff.org
• What it does: Nostr network statistics and analytics
• Features: Global metrics, relay statistics, network growth data
• Best for: Understanding the overall Nostr ecosystem

Primal Explore

• URL: primal.net/explore
• What it does: Discover trending content and users
• Features: Topic feeds, trending posts, user recommendations

Relay Tools

Relay Lists & Monitoring

Nostr.watch

• URL: nostr.watch
• What it does: Monitor relay uptime and performance
• Features: Real-time status, latency monitoring, global map
• Best for: Finding reliable relays

Relay Tools

• Various community-maintained relay lists
• Check nostr.watch for current recommendations

Relay Software

strfry

• What it does: High-performance relay software
• Best for: Running your own relay

nostr-rs-relay

• What it does: Rust-based relay implementation
• Best for: Technical users wanting to self-host

Lightning & Zaps

Wallets

Alby (Browser Extension)

• URL: getalby.com
• Best for: Desktop/web users
• Features: Browser integration, Nostr Wallet Connect

Phoenix (Mobile)

• URL: phoenix.acinq.co
• Best for: Mobile users wanting self-custody
• Features: Non-custodial, automatic channel management

Wallet of Satoshi (Mobile)

• Best for: Complete beginners
• Features: Easiest setup, Lightning address included

Zeus (Mobile)

• URL: zeusln.app
• Best for: Power users, node operators
• Features: Connect to your own node, advanced features

Mutiny (Web/Mobile)

• URL: app.mutinywallet.com
• Best for: Browser-based self-custody
• Features: No app store needed, federated custody

Zap Tools

ZapSplits

• What it does: Automatically split zap revenue
• Best for: Collaborative content (podcasts, team projects)

Zap Stream

• What it does: Real-time zap notifications
• Best for: Live events, streams

Search & Indexing

Primal Search

• Built into Primal client
• Fast, comprehensive results

Iris Search

• Client-integrated search

Developer Tools

Libraries & SDKs

nostr-tools (JavaScript)

• GitHub: github.com/nbd-wtf/nostr-tools
• What it does: Core JavaScript library for Nostr
• Best for: Building web apps

NDK (Nostr Development Kit)

• GitHub: github.com/nostr-dev-kit/ndk
• What it does: Comprehensive TypeScript SDK for Nostr
• Features: React hooks, cache management, relay pool optimization
• Best for: Modern TypeScript/React applications

Khatru

• GitHub: github.com/fiatjaf/khatru
• What it does: Go framework for building Nostr relays
• Features: Modular design, easy to extend, production-ready
• Best for: Developers building custom relay implementations

Nostr Python

• Various Python libraries for Nostr development

Nostr Rust

• Rust implementations for high-performance apps

Testing & Debugging

Nostr Debug

• Various tools for testing Nostr implementations
• Check GitHub for latest tools

Relay Test Tools

• Test your relay implementation
• Verify NIP compliance

Privacy & Security

Signer Apps

Primal Signer (iOS)

• Built into Primal app
• What it does: Secure key storage with biometric authentication
• Features: FaceID/TouchID protection, no separate app needed
• Best for: iOS users who want built-in security

Amber (Android)

• Dedicated signer app for Android
• What it does: Secure key signing with approval prompts
• Features: Multiple key support, detailed signing requests
• Best for: Android users wanting maximum security

Other Signer Apps

• Various dedicated apps for secure key signing
• Keep your nsec off your main device
• Search your app store for “Nostr signer”

VPN & Tor

Tor Support

• Many clients support Tor for enhanced privacy
• Check client documentation for setup

Mobile Apps

See our Quickstart Guide for comprehensive mobile app recommendations and simulations.

Quick reference:

• iOS: Damus, Primal, Amethyst
• Android: Amethyst, Primal
• Cross-platform: Primal, Iris, Snort

Community Resources

Lists & Directories

Awesome Nostr

• GitHub repository with curated Nostr resources
• Comprehensive list of clients, relays, and tools

Nostr Directory

• Various community-maintained directories
• Check nostr.social or similar aggregators

Support

Nostr Subreddit

• r/nostr on Reddit
• Community discussions and help

Telegram/Discord Groups

• Various Nostr communities
• Search for “Nostr” on your preferred platform

Quick Reference Table