The Ultimate Guide to the Best Bitcoin Mining Hardware

Bitcoin mining is the process of verifying bitcoin transactions and recording them on the blockchain. Miners compete to solve complex math problems and add new blocks to the blockchain. The miner who solves the problem first is rewarded with newly minted bitcoin.

Choosing the right bitcoin mining hardware is crucial for maximizing your profits. The best bitcoin miners have high hash rates, good energy efficiency, and reasonable prices. This article reviews the top bitcoin mining machines on the market in 2023 to help you make an informed decision.

We’ve created this guide with the reader’s benefit in mind, not search engine rankings. Our goal is to educate crypto investors on selecting mining hardware that matches their needs and budget.

How We Reviewed Bitcoin Miners

We researched over 15 different ASIC miners from leading manufacturers like Bitmain, MicroBT, Canaan, and Ebang. We evaluated each miner based on:

• Hash rate – The number of hashes a machine can perform per second. Higher is better.
• Energy efficiency – Measured in joules per terahash (J/TH). Lower is better.
• Price – Purchase price from the manufacturer or reseller. Lower is generally better.
• Noise level – Important for home mining. Lower noise is better.
• Release date – Newer models are usually more advanced.

We aimed to provide a diverse selection of miners across various price points and capabilities to suit different users‘ needs. Our picks include the latest and greatest miners as well as older, proven models.

How to Choose the Right Bitcoin Miner

With so many hardware options on the market, it can be tricky to select the best bitcoin miner for your specific situation. Here are some key factors to consider:

Hash Rate

The most important factor is the miner’s hash rate. The higher the hash rate, the greater your chances are of solving blocks and earning bitcoin. However, extremely high hash rates often come at the expense of efficiency and higher prices.

When choosing a miner, you’ll want to strike the ideal balance between hash rate and other factors like price, power draw, and noise. Just because a miner has the highest hash doesn’t necessarily make it the best choice for you.

 

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency affects profitability. The more efficient your miner, the lower your energy costs will be. Efficiency is measured in watts per terahash (W/TH). The lower the number, the better.

Look at miners‘ efficiency ratings and do the math on your potential energy costs. Remember to factor in not just the miner’s stated power draw but also overhead from the cooling system.

Noise

Excessive noise can make mining from home difficult. If noise is an issue for you, search for miners that specifically advertise quiet operation, low decibel levels, or noise-reducing enclosures. Models over 75dB will likely be too noisy for residential areas.

Price

Upfront cost is a major factor. More hashes per dollar is ideal. You can find great deals on used miners from sellers upgrading their equipment. Just do your due diligence buying second-hand.

Calculate your potential mining profit to see if a miner will pay for itself based on your energy costs and bitcoin’s current price and difficulty.

Supported Coins

Make sure the miner can mine the cryptocurrency you want. Most mine SHA-256 coins like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, etc. Some newer miners support other algorithms too like Ethash or Scrypt.

Power Requirements

Home miner’s should ensure their electrical panel and wiring can support a miner’s power draw. Miners meant for data centers require a 220V+ industrial power supply.

Consider sizing accordingly. Bigger isn’t always better if your power infrastructure can’t support it. A moderate capacity miner paired with solar panels or an extra psu may be a better fit.

Physical Size

Bigger miners take up more space. Make sure you have adequate area and ventilation for your miner. Measure dimensions and cooling requirements carefully.

Aftermarket Support

Look for miners from manufacturers that have been around for a while and have an ecosystem around their products. This ensures you’ll be able to find repairs, accessories, guides, etc. if needed.

Choosing Miners on a Pool

When selecting an ASIC miner to join Quantum AI’s mining pool, efficiency should be carefully evaluated along with hash rate. Quantum AI’s pool charges a 1% fee on mining proceeds. To maximize earnings, miners need efficient models that offset fees.

The AvalonMiner 1246’s top-tier 30 J/TH efficiency helps Quantum AI miners retain more of their proceeds after fees. Less efficient miners like the Whatsminer M20S‘ 70 W/TH means more money goes towards electricity versus profit.

Checking a miner’s efficiency helps Quantum AI pool members maximize their take-home mining rewards. Don’t just consider hash rates; calculate efficiency and projected profit specific to Quantum AI’s fee structure when picking your miner.

The 8 Best Bitcoin Miners

1. Antminer S19 Pro – Best Overall

The Antminer S19 Pro is Bitmain’s flagship bitcoin miner with a staggering hash rate of 110 TH/s. Although it draws a lot of power at 3250W, the S19 Pro remains highly power efficient at 29.5 J/TH.

The S19 Pro’s cutting-edge 7nm chip technology and redesigned heat dissipation system allow for such mind-boggling speeds. This machine earns the top spot on our list for its unrivaled performance. The only downside is its premium price tag.

• Hash Rate: 110 TH/s
• Efficiency: 29.5 J/TH
• Price: $3,232
• Noise: 75dB

Pros:

• Extremely high hash rate
• Excellent power efficiency
• Top-of-the-line 7nm chips

Cons:

• Very expensive
• High power draw

2. Antminer S9 – Best for Beginners

The Antminer S9 is an oldie but goodie. This pioneering 14nm miner paved the way for Bitmain’s later success. Although it’s not as efficient or powerful as newer models, the S9 remains popular among hobbyist miners due to its low cost.

For less than $300, you can pick up a used S9 to start mining from the comfort of your own home. The S9 is a great choice if you want to get your feet wet in mining without breaking the bank. With some tweaks, this sturdy miner can still generate decent returns.

• Hash Rate: 14 TH/s
• Efficiency: 98 J/TH
• Price: $243 used
• Noise: 75dB

Pros:

• Inexpensive option to start mining
• Reliable and proven miner
• Available used in good condition

Cons:

• Less efficient than newer miners
• Low hash rate compared to competitors

3. Antminer T19 – Best Value

The Antminer T19 strikes an excellent balance between hash rate and price. For under $2,000, you can obtain 84 TH/s, which is a steal compared to the S19 Pro’s price per TH. This makes the T19 one of the best values on the market.

With a power efficiency of around 37 J/TH, the T19 is not the most power-friendly miner out there. However, its affordability helps offset this limitation for budget-conscious buyers. Overall, the T19’s combination of performance and price make it a fantastic choice.

• Hash Rate: 84 TH/s
• Efficiency: 37 J/TH
• Price: $1,874
• Noise: 75dB

Pros:

• Excellent hash rate for the price
• Comparatively affordable
• Available in stock

Cons:

• High power consumption
• Can be noisy

4. Whatsminer M30S++ – Most Powerful

With a tremendous hash rate of 112 TH/s, the M30S++ is the most powerful ASIC miner you can buy today. This beast of a machine packs top-notch Samsung chips and an optimized circuit design for eyewatering speeds.

Naturally, all that power comes at a cost. At over 3400W, the M30S++ guzzles electricity. It also runs hotter than other miners, so you’ll need an industrial strength cooling solution. Still, if raw power is all you want, the M30S++ delivers.

• Hash Rate: 112 TH/s
• Efficiency: 31 J/TH
• Price: $2,450 used
• Noise: 75dB

Pros:

• Unmatched hash rate
• Efficient 7nm Samsung chips
• Approved by mining farms

Cons:

• Very high power draw
• Expensive to buy and run
• Runs hot

5. AvalonMiner 1246 – Most Efficient

Boasting a stellar efficiency rating of just 30 J/TH, the AvalonMiner 1246 is one of the most power-friendly ASICs available. For miners concerned about their energy bills, this is a great choice.

The 1246 achieves its efficiency partly through smart fans that adjust speed based on the temperature. A built-in control module also helps optimize energy use. While the upfront cost is high, the 1246’s efficiency pays off over time.

• Hash Rate: 90 TH/s
• Efficiency: 30 J/TH
• Price: $3,980
• Noise: N/A

Pros:

• Extremely energy efficient
• Has integrated control module
• Proprietary cooling system

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Lower hash rate than competitors

6. AvalonMiner A6 LTCMaster – Best for Home Use

Most ASIC miners are too noisy and powerful for home use. But the AvalonMiner A6 LTCMaster bucks that trend with features catered specifically for hobbyist miners.

A key highlight is the A6’s super low noise output. At less than 50dB, it’s no louder than your average refrigerator. The A6 also has a compact form factor and lightweight build. Finally, it’s also designed for convenient plugin and operation. Simply connect the A6 to your home’s 240v outlet, plug in the ethernet cable, and you’re good to go!

With a power draw of only 550W, the A6 is one of the rare miners that you can actually run profitably from a standard household circuit. While its 3.5 TH/s hash rate is relatively low, the A6’s home-friendly qualities make it an ideal choice for home miners.

• Hash Rate: 3.5 TH/s
• Efficiency: 157 J/TH
• Price: $579 used
• Noise: < 50dB

Pros:

• Ultra quiet operation
• Compact and lightweight
• Low power consumption
• Easy to set up

Cons:

• Low hash rate
• Can only be purchased used

7. Dragonmint T1 – Most Reliable

When it comes to reliability, the Dragonmint T1 is hard to beat. This miner was made by the reputable Halong Mining company with durability in mind. Its striking design resists dust and debris, while dual 9-blade fans provide ample airflow.

The T1’s failure rate is impressively low at under 0.2%. It has proven its resilience by running 24/7 in hot mining facilities for over a year. Considering that mining hardware takes a beating, the T1’s sturdy construction gives it excellent staying power.

For around $1,300 used, you get 16 TH/s, which is decent. Just don’t expect power efficiency on par with the latest models. But with its longevity and trusted Swiss design, the T1 is a sensible choice for risk-averse buyers.

• Hash Rate: 16 TH/s
• Efficiency: 92 J/TH
• Price: $1,325 used
• Noise: 75dB

Pros:

• Extremely durable and reliable
• Sophisticated cooling system
• Designed to resist debris/dust

Cons:

• Less efficient than newer miners
• High noise output

8. Ebang Ebit E11++ – Most Profitable

With its combination of high hash rate (44 TH/s) and moderate power draw (1980W), the E11++ excels when it comes to profitability. According to ASICMinerValue, the E11++ yields $16.50 in profit per day, making it one of the best values around.

The E11++’s efficiency isn’t stellar at 45 J/TH. However, its solid hash rate and low cost more than make up for that. If your goal is maximizing profits, the E11++ delivers an outstanding bang for your buck. Just be prepared for the deafening noise as a trade-off.

• Hash Rate: 44 TH/s
• Efficiency: 45 J/TH
• Price: $350 used
• Noise: 80dB

Pros:

• Superb profitability
• High hash rate for the price
• Aftermarket prices very low

Cons:

• Noisy operation
• Mediocre efficiency

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cheap bitcoin miner?

The Antminer S9 is the best budget bitcoin miner. It can be purchased used for around $250. While its hash rate is relatively low at 14 TH/s, it’s a great starter miner and profitable with cheap electricity.

Is home bitcoin mining profitable?

Home mining can be profitable with the right miner and conditions. To maximize profits as a home miner:

• Choose an energy efficient ASIC like the Antminer S9 or A6 LTCMaster
• Use a solar power system to reduce energy costs
• Join a mining pool to maximize earnings
• Maintain optimized hardware settings
• Upgrade when possible to newer, more productive miners

How long does bitcoin mining hardware last?

With proper maintenance, bitcoin miners typically remain profitable for 1.5 – 2 years before their energy costs outweigh their mining returns. Some miners may last 3-4 years or longer. Factors affecting lifespan include:

• Operating conditions like temperature, dust levels, etc.
• Hash rate and efficiency relative to the current mining difficulty
• Quality of the miner’s parts and hardware

Can you mine bitcoin on a laptop?

Technically yes, but it is not at all profitable these days. Bitcoin’s mining difficulty is so high now that you’d be lucky to earn pennies a month using a laptop. You need a specialized ASIC miner to have any chance of earning a return.

Does more GPUs mean more bitcoin?

No, bitcoin cannot be mined with GPUs. Bitcoin requires specialized ASIC hardware. Adding more GPUs will not increase your bitcoin mining power. Some alternative cryptocurrencies can be mined with GPUs, but not bitcoin.

Is GPU or ASIC better?

ASICs are far superior to GPUs for mining bitcoin. An ASIC can have 100x the hash rate of a GPU while using much less power. However, GPUs are very flexible since they can mine various coins. ASICs can only mine one algorithm.

Conclusion

Selecting bitcoin mining hardware requires weighing factors like hash rate, efficiency, price, noise, and compatibility. It’s important to consider your goals and available resources.

While performance is crucial, the most expensive miner isn’t necessarily the right choice if it doesn’t suit your budget or situation. With so many models now available at various capability and price levels, there’s a suitable option for everyone.

Hopefully this overview has outlined some of the top bitcoin miners on the market today and provided guidance on choosing the best one for your needs. The key is matching your requirements to a miner that offers the optimal combination of productivity and value.