Which ASIC miner should you buy in 2025?

What Are ASICs and How Do They Work?

Cryptocurrency mining is the process of generating digital assets by solving complex computational problems on a blockchain network. Miners require substantial computing power to operate efficiently. An ASIC miner is specialized hardware built specifically for professional cryptocurrency mining. The term ASIC stands for "Application-Specific Integrated Circuit," referring to a chip designed for a dedicated function.

Unlike general-purpose CPUs or GPUs, ASIC devices are designed to perform a single task—calculating hashes using a specific algorithm. This focus enables maximum performance and energy efficiency when mining a particular cryptocurrency.

Specialized mining devices known as ASICs deliver the highest computational power. These machines contain numerous dedicated chips operating in parallel, resulting in a high hashrate—computational power measured in hashes per second.

However, ASIC miners have unique requirements. They generate significant heat and noise, typically reaching 75–80 decibels, similar to a vacuum cleaner or loud music. Because of this, they are not suited for residential spaces and require dedicated rooms with proper ventilation and soundproofing.

An ASIC miner’s core function is to systematically generate values to find a valid block hash. When a miner identifies the correct hash, it receives a cryptocurrency reward. The efficiency of this process depends on the device’s hashrate and power consumption—the two most important criteria when choosing mining equipment.

Top ASIC Miners for Different Cryptocurrencies

ASIC Miners for Bitcoin (SHA-256 Algorithm)

Bitcoin remains the most popular cryptocurrency for mining with the SHA-256 algorithm. After the April 2024 halving—which reduced block rewards by 50%—energy efficiency requirements for mining hardware increased significantly. The latest top-tier models deliver energy consumption below 20 joules per terahash.

Bitmain Antminer S21 Pro is one of the most powerful SHA-256 miners available today. Released in March 2024, it offers a hashrate of approximately 234 TH/s with power consumption around 3510 W, achieving energy efficiency of roughly 15 J/TH. This marks a substantial improvement over previous generations—for example, the Antminer S19 XP delivered 140 TH/s at 3010 W, while the base S21 provides about 200 TH/s.

The S21 Pro features a standard case with air cooling and two high-performance fans. Noise levels reach about 75 decibels. The device measures roughly 400×195×290 mm and weighs 18–20 kg. The manufacturer rates its energy efficiency at 15.0 J/TH, making it one of the industry’s most efficient ASICs.

Its primary advantages are outstanding performance and energy efficiency, making it ideal for large mining farms with access to low-cost electricity. Drawbacks include a high purchase price and demanding power quality requirements—a stable 220–277 V supply is needed. The device costs between $4,000 and $5,000, and is available through Bitmain’s official site or authorized resellers.

Bitmain Antminer T21 is a more affordable model from the same generation, launched in early 2024. It delivers a hashrate of about 190 TH/s at around 3610 W, translating to an energy efficiency of roughly 19 J/TH. The T21 is positioned as a budget option, targeting miners seeking the best price-to-performance ratio without sacrificing strong technical specs.

The T21’s dimensions and design closely match the S21, with a weight around 16 kg. It uses air cooling and produces about 75 decibels of noise. Importantly, it requires three-phase power at 380–415 V—a crucial infrastructure consideration. Priced at $2,500–$3,000, the T21 is appealing for miners with mid-sized budgets.

MicroBT WhatsMiner M60S is the flagship ASIC from Bitmain’s main competitor. Introduced in February 2024, the M60S delivers a hashrate near 186 TH/s at 3440–3600 W, with 18–19 J/TH efficiency. In certain operating modes, it can reach 192–194 TH/s at up to 3600 W.

MicroBT’s products are known for reliability and build quality. The M60S is compact at 430×155×226 mm and weighs about 13.5 kg—smaller than comparable Bitmain models. Air cooling keeps noise at roughly 75 decibels. While slightly less energy efficient than Bitmain’s top miners, the M60S compensates with durability and quality. Pricing ranges from $3,000 to $4,000.

Canaan AvalonMiner A1466 is Canaan’s top model, released in 2023. Designed for Bitcoin mining, it provides a hashrate near 150 TH/s at about 3230 W, yielding energy efficiency around 21.5 J/TH.

The device measures approximately 271×192×292 mm and weighs about 13 kg. Air cooling generates up to 80 decibels of noise, higher than rivals. Advantages include stable operation, a solid price-to-performance ratio, and compatibility with previous Avalon infrastructure. Its relative drawbacks are lower energy efficiency and increased noise. Pricing is $2,000–$2,500.

Popular older models still widely used include the Antminer S19 XP (2022, 140 TH/s, 3010 W, about 21.5 J/TH) and S19j Pro (2021, about 100 TH/s, 2950 W). These proven miners are now much more affordable—a used S19 XP can be found for roughly $2,000.

The current Bitcoin ASIC market trend is clear: the most profitable devices are latest-generation models with maximum energy efficiency. High hashrate helps manage the rising network difficulty while optimizing electricity use, which is vital for mining profitability.

ASIC Miners for Scrypt Algorithm Cryptocurrencies

The Scrypt algorithm powers mining for Litecoin, Dogecoin, and several other coins. Modern Scrypt ASICs offer excellent performance and energy efficiency.

Bitmain Antminer L9 is the undisputed Scrypt mining leader. Released in 2024, it set new benchmarks for the segment. The L9 delivers a hashrate of 17 GH/s (17,000 MH/s) at about 3450 W, with energy efficiency around 0.20 J/MH—almost double that of the previous L7.

The device uses Bitmain’s standard form factor and weighs about 14 kg. Cooling is provided by two intake and two exhaust fans for maximum heat dissipation. Noise levels reach 75–80 decibels. A major advantage is simultaneous mining support for Litecoin and Dogecoin, boosting profit potential.

The main drawbacks are its high price—$7,000 to $10,000—and significant infrastructure requirements. The L9 needs a powerful PSU and robust room cooling. Despite the cost, it remains the most efficient choice for serious Scrypt mining operations.

Bitmain Antminer L7 led the segment prior to the L9. Released at the end of 2021, it offers roughly 9.5 GH/s at about 3425 W, for energy efficiency near 0.36 J/MH.

The L7 uses Bitmain’s standard case with air cooling and noise of 75–80 decibels. Its strengths are reliability, broad adoption, and a much lower current price. Since launch, the L7 has dropped from around $10,000 in 2022 to $3,000–$4,000 new and about $2,000 used. This makes the L7 attractive for farms with limited budgets, despite being roughly half as powerful and less efficient than the L9.

Goldshell LT6 is a Scrypt miner from Goldshell, released in January 2022. It was intended as an L7 competitor but is clearly outperformed. The LT6 delivers about 3.35 GH/s at around 3200 W—about one-third the hashrate with similar power draw.

The device is compact, air-cooled, and produces around 80 decibels of noise. Its energy efficiency is about 0.95 J/MH, significantly worse than rivals. The main advantage is a more affordable price—$1,000–$1,500. However, its low performance and weak efficiency make the LT6 less competitive than Bitmain models.

Entry-level miners may consider compact devices such as Goldshell Mini-DOGE and Mini-DOGE Pro. These desktop ASICs provide 185–205 MH/s on Scrypt at just 200–230 W. Their chief advantage is low noise—35–45 decibels—allowing home use. Priced at $300–$600, these mini miners offer an affordable way to get started without a major upfront investment.

ASIC Miners for Kaspa

Kaspa is a relatively new cryptocurrency using the kHeavyHash algorithm. The Kaspa ASIC market is just emerging, but several high-performance models are available.

Bitmain Antminer KS5 Pro is a flagship Kaspa ASIC from the industry leader. Announced in March 2024, it supports kHeavyHash hashing at 21 TH/s (terahashes per second for Kaspa) while consuming about 3150 W.

The device measures 430×195×290 mm and weighs around 16 kg. Its cooling system uses four fans for optimal heat dissipation. Noise levels hover near 75 decibels. At about 150 J/TH, it is the most energy-efficient Kaspa ASIC currently available.

The KS5 Pro’s main advantage is the highest performance among all Kaspa ASIC miners, maximizing earning potential. Its energy efficiency keeps it profitable even with relatively high electricity rates. Drawbacks are a steep price—$15,000 to $20,000—and limited application, as it is designed solely for Kaspa mining.

IceRiver KS3 is an ASIC from IceRiver, the first company to release dedicated Kaspa hardware in 2023. The KS3, available since mid-2023, delivers about 8 TH/s at around 3200 W.

The device weighs roughly 14 kg, uses air cooling, and produces about 75 decibels of noise. Its energy efficiency is around 400 J/TH—significantly behind newer models. The KS3’s main advantage was being the first mass-market Kaspa ASIC, giving early adopters a competitive edge.

However, the KS3 is now outdated in terms of efficiency and service support. Its initial price was around $50,000, but it is now much cheaper on the secondary market.

Miners for Ethereum Classic

Following Ethereum’s transition to Proof-of-Stake, miners shifted to Ethereum Classic, which still uses the Ethash (ETChash) algorithm. Several ASIC models are efficient for this coin.

Jasminer X16-Q is one of the most efficient Ethash ASICs available. Released in 2023 by Sunlune, it is a quiet, server-class miner optimized for energy efficiency. It delivers about 1.84 GH/s (1845 MH/s) at just 630 W. The energy efficiency of about 0.34 J/MH is exceptional for this class.

The X16-Q features a server form factor and compact chassis. Its standout feature is passive cooling paired with high-quality soundproofing, resulting in only 40 decibels of noise. This makes it suitable for homes or offices.

Key advantages are ultra-quiet operation, high energy efficiency, and suitability for use in occupied environments. Drawbacks include a high price—$5,000 to $6,000—and the fact that Ethash algorithms are less profitable than SHA-256 and Scrypt under current market conditions.

Bitmain Antminer E9 Pro is Bitmain’s ASIC for Ethash and ETChash algorithms. The E9 Pro improves on earlier versions with up to 3.68 GH/s at about 2200 W, resulting in about 0.60 J/MH energy efficiency.

It uses Bitmain’s standard ASIC chassis with air cooling and produces about 75 decibels of noise. Advantages include high performance, Bitmain’s reliable brand, and ETChash optimization. Downsides are a noisy operation and lower energy efficiency than the Jasminer X16-Q. The E9 Pro costs about $1,500, making it a more accessible choice.

Innosilicon A11 Pro ETH is an ASIC from Innosilicon, launched in 2021. Depending on the version, it provides 1.5–2.0 GH/s at 1500–2300 W, or roughly 0.75–1.2 J/MH.

The device uses a standard ASIC case with air cooling and about 75 decibels of noise. Strengths include a decent hashrate and availability on the secondary market. However, it is older hardware with a higher risk of wear. Used units cost $800–$1,000, which may suit budget-conscious miners willing to manage potential technical issues.

ASIC Miners for Other Algorithms

Beyond major cryptocurrencies, there are specialized ASICs for other popular algorithms and coins.

For Dash (X11 algorithm), the most powerful option is the Bitmain Antminer D7, released in 2021. It offers around 1.286 TH/s on X11 at roughly 3148 W. The D7 remains the main X11 miner, delivering a strong balance of performance and energy efficiency.

For Zcash (Equihash algorithm), well-known models include the Antminer Z15 and the older Innosilicon A9++. The Z15 delivers about 420 kSol/s (420,000 Sol/s) at roughly 1510 W, or about 3.6 J/KSol. This makes the Z15 the most efficient choice for mining Zcash and other Equihash coins.

For Handshake and Siacoin, the Goldshell HS6 is a versatile solution, released in 2022. The HS6 supports two modes: in Handshake mode, it provides about 4.3 TH/s at 3250 W; in Siacoin mode, about 10.6 TH/s at 2350 W. The ability to switch algorithms makes the HS6 highly flexible. The price is $2,000–$3,000.

Mining Profitability Calculation

Before buying an ASIC miner, it’s crucial to calculate your potential return on investment (ROI). This helps you determine if mining is profitable for your situation.

ASIC Miner ROI Calculation Steps:

Step 1: Calculate electricity costs. Monthly power costs are calculated as: (power in watts × 24 hours × 30 days) / 1000 × cost per kWh. For example, a 3000 W miner at $0.06 per kWh: (3000 × 24 × 30) / 1000 × 0.06 = $129.60 per month.

Step 2: Calculate revenue. Estimate potential revenue using tools like NiceHash Calculator or ASICMinerValue. Enter your device’s hashrate and power draw, and the tool will provide estimated revenue based on current network difficulty and coin price.

Step 3: Calculate ROI. Payback period formula: device price / (monthly revenue − monthly electricity cost). For example, if a miner costs $4,000, earns $300 per month, and electricity is $130/month: ROI = 4000 / (300 − 130) = 23.5 months.

Step 4: Account for increased difficulty. Mining difficulty rises as network power grows. Add 10–15% to your calculated ROI to account for this. In the example above, adjusted ROI is about 26–27 months.

Step 5: Consider residual value. When comparing miners, factor in potential resale value. Popular models from leading brands usually retain value better and are more liquid on the secondary market.

Keep in mind, all calculations are estimates—coin prices, network difficulty, and other factors are constantly changing. Use conservative projections and don’t count on fast payback.

Practical Tips for Choosing an ASIC Miner

Choosing the right ASIC miner requires detailed analysis of many factors. Before making a purchase, carefully assess your resources and situation.

Analyze electricity rates. Start by confirming your local electricity price. This is the main factor affecting mining profitability. Rates above $0.10 per kWh make mining on most devices unprofitable or barely profitable. The ideal range is $0.04–$0.07 per kWh.

Select a cryptocurrency to mine. Decide which coin you want to mine. Base your decision on the current profitability of different coins, their future prospects, and your willingness to handle volatility. Bitcoin is the most stable option, but other coins may offer higher returns with greater risk.

Choose equipment. Once you’ve chosen a coin, select the best hardware for it. Consider not only current profitability, but also energy efficiency, reliability, availability of support, and spare parts. It’s best to choose models from trusted brands.

Set up infrastructure. Properly prepare your mining location. ASIC miners require:

• Reliable power supply with adequate capacity
• Efficient ventilation and cooling
• Soundproofing (if placed near living areas)
• Protection from dust and moisture
• Monitoring and management systems

Understand setup and maintenance procedures. Before buying, familiarize yourself with the setup, configuration, and maintenance of your chosen hardware. Most modern ASIC miners have a web interface but require basic networking and mining pool configuration skills.

Consider hosting services. If you can’t set up your own infrastructure, hosting companies offer space and support for ASIC miners. These services typically charge $0.06–$0.10 per kWh, including electricity, cooling, and maintenance.

How to Buy Mining Hardware

There are several main options for buying ASIC miners, each with distinct pros and cons.

Buy direct from the manufacturer. The most reliable method is buying directly from the manufacturer’s website. Benefits include guaranteed authenticity, an official warranty, and access to technical support. Drawbacks: long wait times (often months), prepayment required, and usually only the latest models are available.

Buy from resellers. Another option is purchasing through authorized distributors and resellers. They buy hardware in bulk and sell to end users. Advantages: faster delivery, no long wait, and sometimes access to models unavailable from the manufacturer. Disadvantages: prices are usually 10–30% higher, and there’s a risk of counterfeits from unverified sellers.

Buy used. The third option is buying ASIC miners on the secondary market. This is appealing for those looking to start mining with minimal investment or who want older-model hardware.

Buying Used ASIC Miners: Key Considerations

Buying used mining equipment requires special care and diligence.

Where to buy. Used ASIC miners are available on various marketplaces, dedicated mining hardware platforms, forums, and communities. Always use reputable platforms with reviews and buyer protection.

Advantages of buying used:

• Significantly lower prices (usually 40–70% less than new)
• Immediate availability—no production wait
• Access to proven, time-tested models
• Ability to buy discontinued models

Risks and precautions:

• Little or no warranty
• Potential wear (especially fans and chips)
• Risk of buying faulty equipment
• No usage history

Tips for buying used miners:

• Request photos and videos showing the equipment in operation
• Check serial numbers for authenticity
• Test the device before purchasing if possible
• Research the seller’s reputation
• Prefer deals that allow returns
• Include possible repair costs in your ROI calculation

Buying used hardware can be profitable for miners not targeting top models or looking to diversify with different devices. Manufacturers rarely sell outdated models, so the secondary market is the only way to get proven, older-generation ASICs at accessible prices.

FAQ

Which ASIC miner models are most worth buying in 2025?

In 2025, Bitmain, MicroBT, and new entrants like Hashivo are recommended. These models offer high efficiency, low energy consumption, and stable operation. Your choice depends on your budget and electricity rates.

What are the most important performance criteria when buying an ASIC miner?

When selecting an ASIC miner, focus on algorithm compatibility, hashrate, and power consumption. The key metric is the power-to-hashrate ratio (G/W). Also, compare price per terahash and choose trusted brands with strong support.

How do mining profits and energy costs compare across ASIC miners?

Profitability and energy costs vary by ASIC model. Older miners (like the Antminer T17) spend more than 50% of revenue on electricity. Newer models are more efficient, use less energy, and deliver higher returns.

Where can I buy a genuine ASIC miner?

Buy ASIC miners directly from manufacturers such as Bitmain. They offer cash orders with delivery in 5 days. Avoid middlemen to guarantee authenticity.

What is the typical service life of an ASIC miner?

ASIC miners generally run for 2–5 years. Longevity depends on technology upgrades, regular maintenance, and usage intensity. Most devices remain efficient during that time frame.

Is mining still profitable in 2025? What is the typical ASIC miner payback period?

Yes, mining remains profitable in 2025 with modern ASIC miners. The payback period typically ranges from 18 to 24 months, depending on electricity costs and the price of bitcoin.