All Algortims & coins
Every cryptocurrency uses a specific hashing algorithm to validate transactions and mine new blocks. Bitcoin runs on SHA-256, Litecoin on Scrypt, Kaspa on KHeavyHash. Which ASIC miner you need therefore depends entirely on which coin you want to mine. Below you'll find an overview of all fourteen algorithms we support, grouped by type, with the associated coins and direct access to the right assortment.
Bitcoin & major coins
2 algorithmsThe classic, large coins with proven network value and liquidity.
The original proof-of-work algorithm, introduced with Bitcoin in 2009. The largest mining market with the most hashrate worldwide.
View SHA-256 miners →
Memory-hard algorithm. LTC and DOGE are merge-mined — one Scrypt miner produces both coins simultaneously.
View Scrypt miners →Next-gen & high ROI coins
5 algorithmsNewer blockchain projects where early miners often see above-average returns.
BlockDAG algorithm with ultra-fast block times (1 per second). Kaspa is one of the fastest-growing PoW projects since 2023.
View Kaspa miners →
Efficient hash algorithm used by Alephium's sharded PoW blockchain. A popular alternative to Kaspa.
View Alephium miners →
Multi-chain PoW based on Blake2s. Kadena combines 20 parallel chains for high throughput.
View Kadena miners →
Custom PoW for Nervos' Common Knowledge Base. Designed for optimal ASIC efficiency.
View CKB miners →
Zero-knowledge proof-of-work. Aleo mines privacy-preserving computations and is one of the newest ASIC coins.
View Aleo miners →Altcoins & privacy coins
4 algorithmsEstablished altcoins and privacy-focused projects with active mining communities.
DAG-based algorithm, originally from Ethereum. After the merge, ETC remains one of the few EtHash chains.
View EtHash miners →
Memory-oriented algorithm used by privacy coins like Zcash. Equihash ASICs dominate the network.
View Equihash miners →
Eleven chained hash functions in sequence. Designed for Dash; less popular but a stable coin.
View Dash miners →
CPU-friendly algorithm deliberately designed to prevent ASIC dominance. Monero remains the privacy king.
View XMR hardware →Specialty algorithms
3 algorithmsNiche algorithms with specific coins, often attractive for experienced miners looking for less competition.
ASIC-resistant design for a fairer playing field. Smaller community but loyal user base.
View VersaHash miners →
Variant of SHA-3. Radiant is a Bitcoin fork focused on smart contracts with PoW security.
View SHA3x miners →
Built specifically for mining Xphere (XP), a Layer-1 network that secures its chain with proof-of-work. A niche algorithm for miners looking beyond the mainstream coins.
View XPHash miners →What is a mining algorithm?
A mining algorithm is the mathematical puzzle a miner has to solve to add a new block to the blockchain. Each algorithm has its own characteristics: some are designed for maximum efficiency on specialised hardware (ASICs), others to discourage ASIC mining and create a fairer playing field for CPU and GPU miners. For profitable mining in 2026, ASICs are almost always the only viable option — their raw computing power is so much higher than GPUs that the energy use per hash is many times more favourable.
Important to understand: one ASIC miner can only run the algorithm it was designed for. An Antminer S21 mines only SHA-256 (Bitcoin), an IceRiver KS7 only KHeavyHash (Kaspa). So your choice of algorithm directly determines your hardware choice — and vice versa.
How do you choose the right mining algorithm?
Choosing a mining algorithm is, in practice, a choice of coin. If you decide to mine Kaspa, that immediately determines that you need a KHeavyHash ASIC (for example the IceRiver KS7 or Fluminer L1 Pro). Conversely, you can also start from the hardware side: which miners are available within your budget, and which coins can you mine with them?
Three factors that decide your choice
- Electricity costs. By far the most important factor for profitability. Mining is essentially an arbitrage of cheap electricity into crypto. If you're paying consumer rates of €0.30+ per kWh in the Netherlands, most ASICs are no longer profitable — unless you switch to hosting with industrial rates (from €0.06/kWh) or set up at a site with solar panels or alternative electricity contracts.
- Investment horizon. Newer coins (Kaspa, Alephium, Aleo) can offer high ROI for early miners but are also more volatile. Bitcoin mining is more stable but has longer payback times because the market is highly efficient. Consider: are you mining to sell quickly (shorter horizon, choose volatile altcoins) or as a long-term accumulation strategy (choose Bitcoin)?
- Noise, heat and space. An Antminer S21 produces ~75 dB and ~3600W of heat. You can't put that in a bedroom. Goldshell units (around 50-60 dB) and hosting are realistic alternatives for home miners.
Quick comparison
| Goal | Recommended algorithm | Typical miners |
|---|---|---|
| Stable long-term investment | SHA-256 (Bitcoin) | Antminer S21/S23, Whatsminer M60 |
| High ROI on a new coin | KHeavyHash (Kaspa) | IceRiver KS7, Fluminer L1 Pro |
| Altcoin exposure + merge-mining | Scrypt (LTC/DOGE) | Antminer L9, L11 |
| Newest ASIC coins | Blake3, zkSNARK | IceRiver AE-series, Goldshell AE-BOX |
| Home mining with limited noise | Blake3, Kadena | Goldshell AE-BOX, DG Max |
Need help choosing?
There's no universally best algorithm — it depends on your electricity rate, budget, location and investment strategy. Our specialists have been mining themselves for years and are happy to give independent advice. Schedule a call and together we'll work out an ROI calculation based on current difficulty and prices.
Frequently asked questions about mining algorithms
Can one miner run multiple algorithms?
No. ASIC miners are specifically designed for a single algorithm. A SHA-256 miner can only mine SHA-256 (Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash and a handful of small forks), a KHeavyHash miner only Kaspa. The only exceptions are algorithms that are historically related — for instance a Scrypt miner can mine Litecoin and Dogecoin simultaneously (merge-mining) because both coins use the same algorithm.
What is the most profitable algorithm in 2026?
Profitability changes constantly due to market prices, network difficulty and electricity costs. Over the longer term, SHA-256 (Bitcoin) and KHeavyHash (Kaspa) consistently sit at the top. For current profitability per algorithm we recommend tools like WhatToMine or ASIC MinerValue. We can prepare an ROI calculation for you on purchase — contact us for tailored advice.
What's the difference between ASIC-resistant and ASIC-friendly algorithms?
ASIC-resistant algorithms (like RandomX for Monero or formerly Ethash for Ethereum) are deliberately designed so that specialised hardware offers no major advantage over consumer hardware. Goal: a fairer, more decentralised network where anyone with a CPU or GPU can mine. ASIC-friendly algorithms (SHA-256, KHeavyHash, Blake3), on the other hand, benefit from specialised chips and therefore deliver much higher hashrates per watt.
Can I solo mine or do I need a pool?
For large networks like Bitcoin, solo mining is statistically unprofitable — you may wait months or years for a block. Nearly all miners work via mining pools, where you bundle your hashrate with thousands of others and receive your pro-rata share of found blocks. Smaller coins (Kaspa, Alephium) sometimes still allow solo mining, but pool mining is the norm there too.
How long does an ASIC miner last?
An ASIC's lifespan is 3 to 5 years under normal use, provided it's well maintained and in a suitable environment (temperature, dust, humidity). The physical hardware often lasts longer, but economically a miner becomes 'obsolete' as newer models with better efficiency are released. Old miners can still run profitably at sites with very cheap electricity.
What happens if a coin 'switches' algorithm?
It can be catastrophic for miners. The best-known example is Ethereum, which switched in 2022 from EtHash (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake. Billions of dollars in GPU mining farms became worthless on ETH — miners switched to Ethereum Classic or other EtHash coins. With ASICs the risk is greater because they cannot be reconfigured for a different algorithm. That's why it's important to choose coins with a clear PoW commitment (like Bitcoin, Kaspa, Litecoin).