In the early days of crypto, masternode operators found a seemingly lucrative passive income opportunity. By investing in and locking up cryptocurrency to run specialized servers (nodes) within blockchain networks, they could earn rewards for validating transactions and enhancing network stability. Dash and PIVX were prominent examples. However, as the crypto landscape shifted, so did the dynamics of masternodes. Increased competition, evolving reward structures, and stricter regulations have raised questions: Are masternodes still profitable today? 2025 has witnessed a rise in alternative passive income strategies. This article explores the intricacies of masternode operations while analyzing their viability in the current market.