5 of the Best Bitcoin Mining Hardware of 2021
Bitcoin (BTC) has exploded into the mainstream in the past 12 months, and crypto mining operations have scaled up rapidly in response to incredible all-time highs.
Still, hobby mining cryptocurrencies is a good use of resources, and everyday folks can line their pockets with Bitcoin if they dedicate some time and money to the process.
The big question for DIY crypto miners often comes back to hardware: What is the best type of hardware to purchase to maximize your returns earning Bitcoin, or whichever other crypto coin you wish to pursue?
That’s why we’re tackling the issue head-on in today’s article, listing the top five Bitcoin mining hardware for 2021. These are the assets you’ll want to consider adding to your current rig or simply the components you’ll need to get started.
We’ll also discuss the efficiency and profitability of your Bitcoin mining setup in relation to these hardware assets so that you can make the most economical choice based on factors like energy usage, GPUs, and hash rate. Let’s begin.
Antminer R4
We start our list with a mid-range Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) machine that will appeal to the average hobbyist with some extra income to spare on a premium device. Some describe it as the best ASIC miner to date.
The Antminer products from Bitmain have been at the forefront of ASIC technology for the past several years, establishing a solid reputation for customer satisfaction and earning the respect of the crypto mining community at large. That’s because their products are reliable, powerful, and perfectly suited for blockchain and other advanced cryptography applications.
Rather than trying to do too much with their machines, Antminer focuses purely on performance, stability, and power efficiency. No crazy colors, no fancy widgets – just massive hash rates and quiet sound levels that are perfect for everyday use.
In terms of specifications, the R4 pumps out hash rates of 8.6TH/s, with a height of just 100mm. You can stack and configure these machines in several creative ways to build the at-home mining rig of your dreams.
On top of that, the user interface is bare-bones but highly intuitive and user-friendly. You get full customization over output, fan speed, and other variables, all while viewing key metrics and tracking your performance to the letter.
With a power consumption of 845W, this is one of the more efficient machines on our list when it comes to power supply units. One point to remember: This Antminer is not cheap or easy to find – because of its high product quality, it’s in high demand at the price of $1,200. However, Bitmain is constantly introducing new hardware worth your attention, but don't expect price to go down -- the Antminer S19 Pro, which was just released in late 2020, is still selling for around $10,000 or more online. The Antminer T19 is a more affordable option.
DragonMint T1
If you’re looking for the Cadillac of Bitcoin mining hardware, you’ve found it in the DragonMint T1 from Halong Mining. This is the ASIC you buy when upfront costs just simply aren’t a concern, and you’re thinking about the long game in terms of raw horsepower and excellence.
Just how powerful is the DragonMint T1? Its hash rate of 16Th/s is enough to excite any experienced Bitcoin miner. You’d think that this thing would be an energy hog as a result, and you wouldn’t be wrong – its 1480W power draw is one of the biggest on our list.
However, the T1 is surprisingly energy efficient despite its size, outperforming the Antminer and certainly beating the gaming PCs that so many hobby miners still use in their setups.
While we have to recommend the T1 for its pure technological prowess, we need to mention a few downsides, to be fair. Our concerns with the T1 start with the noise factor – this is not a quiet machine when you consider the multiple fans required to keep it running cool.
The more significant issue here is the price, of course, which will raise some eyebrows at $2,729 – plus a power supply that costs an additional $115. Once shipping and taxes are applied, you’re looking at an investment of over $3,000!
We had to mention the T1 as a marvel of mining technology, but for the average crypto miner, the cost of this unit will be prohibitive and, therefore, not make the shortlist for most.
Avalon6
There had to be an entry-level option on our list today, so here it is. The Avalon6 ASIC unit from Canaan Creative is affordable, easy to set up, and super simple on every level.
If you’re someone with a few hundred dollars floating around and you want to dip your toes into the crypto mining pools, the Avalon6 is your pick.
We’re thrilled that there is such a cheap and action-ready ASIC unit available to the public, and there’s no doubt that the Avalon6 will sell in the years to come as crypto mining becomes an activity of greater public interest.
However, the list of downsides may outweigh the advantages of this machine when you really run the numbers, which has us hesitating to recommend this product in good faith.
For starters, the Avalon6 is a bit of a power drain. It draws 1050W from the wall, which wouldn’t be a problem if its hash rate was more impressive. It only produces about 3.5TH/s, which isn’t too great compared to our other entries on this list.
Plus, it’s more common to come across these units in bulk, meaning you’ll have to commit more cash upfront than you might expect. However, at under $700 per unit, it ends up being pretty reasonable overall.
You might not turn a profit with an Avalon6 (or a stack of them), but you can still earn Bitcoin nevertheless and contribute to the decentralization of finance on a global level – a more than worthy cause, in our opinion!
Whatsminer M31S
If the DragonMint T1 is the Cadillac of Bitcoin mining units, consider the Whatsminer to be the Lamborghini. This is truly an industrial-grade machine by every metric, with massive voltage required and monstrous output in return.
It’s not a typo – the M31S has a hash rate of 74TH/s, and it’s surprisingly efficient as well. This is quite a step up from the previous M30s, which is still one of the best miners on the market today. That’s why you’ll see Whatsminer units lining the walls of the world’s most profitable Bitcoin mining operations and why these units are so hard to come across for the average hobbyist.
If you do have your heart set on a Whatsminer machine, expect to pay north of $10,000 for a single unit and pay plenty of energy costs monthly as well.
However, if you’re truly dedicated to the cause of crypto mining and you’re willing to wait it out, there’s no denying that Whatsminer makes some of the most powerful and efficient ASIC units on the planet right now.
The Whatsminer is not a beginner machine by any stretch, but if you’re willing to take the plunge, this is the machine that by every metric deserves your consideration.
Energy-Efficient Mining – The Next Chapter
Of all the machines we’ve discussed today, one common thread remains a key issue: energy. Design, noise, even upfront cost – these are largely unimportant variables compared to the profitability of your Bitcoin mining operation, and energy costs are the main factor.
That’s why we’re eager to usher in a new era of energy-efficient crypto mining, using renewable energy sources like hydroelectric, wind and solar to power the next generation of miners for superior profitability and environmental integrity.
We encourage you to pick a suitable mining machine for your needs and consider where your energy is coming from and how much it costs.
Conclusion
Crypto mining is far from reaching its final form – it has only just begun! Choose the machine that suits your needs best, and get on board with the global fintech revolution today.
Sources:
Bitcoin Mining Hardware | BitDegree