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Mining Bitcoins can still be profitable. This process includes special equipment (e.g., GPU, ASIC, FPGA), which uses computing power and software applications for controlling mining devices. When speaking about Bitcoin mining, we need to figure out the software which is compatible with ASIC miners.
Changelly continues to provide educational materials about the crypto world and blockchain technology. In our review, we are going to talk about the most reliable Bitcoin mining programs of 2021. You will be able to independently mine cryptocurrency on a PC running Windows, macOS, and Linux. Here we go.
Best Overall: CGMiner
CGMiner is a GPU, FPGA, and ASIC miner, made in the form of a command line. It is an open-source product installed on several platforms, including macOS, Linux, and Windows. The miner has the broadest range of features and an active community, making it indispensable for every miner.
CGMiner has a command-line interface, providing full monitoring, fan speed control, and remote control capabilities. Written in the C programming language, CGMiner comes with a scalable network scheduler. Command-line can become a challenge for those who are not getting used to working with such interfaces. The software is not suitable for inexperienced users, so you need to obtain basic GitHub skills.
More advanced users will enjoy the open-source code and the automatic detection of new blocks using the built-in database. CGMiner provides users with debugging info, which automatically disables all the complex operations. Besides, the system warns about errors and hardware overheat.
Users can regulate the speed of mining performance. However, high speed reduces overall work efficiency and exhausts the hardware. The miner can also adjust the intensity automatically. Also, they can true up the fan speed and overclock a GPU.
Best for Customization: BFGMiner
BFGMiner is a console mining application that maximizes the potential of the equipment. In the BFGminer program, the configuration is executed by entering the program code into the control file in C language.
The software is compatible with a great variety of operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Debian, Ubuntu, Arch, Gentoo, OpenWrt. BFGMiner also serves as Bitcoin mining software for Raspberry Pi, which is a small single-board computer.
After entering variable values following the BFGminer pool settings, all you need to do is save the .bat file and start the mining process. The latest versions of BFGminer are designed to work primarily with ASIC/FPGA devices. Run the parameter opencl: auto to begin mining on video cards.
Best GUI Front-End for Multiple Tools: Easyminer
Easyminer serves as a GUI for the previously mentioned software. Easyminer developers tried to create the most beautiful graphical interface possible to unify various settings for cryptocurrency mining.
Bitcoin, Litecoin, and many other significant cryptocurrencies based on the SHA-256 and Scrypt algorithms are available for mining. Regular mining, cudamining, ccmining, cgmining, and mining using ASIC are available to choose from in the settings. This is a truly easy Bitcoin mining software.
In solo mode, users can select any pool and hash algorithm. Please note that there is also the integration of the NHIL (Network Hardware ID Layer) protocol, which provides an additional protection level for the pool and the wallet. EasyMiner works only on Windows.
For Centralized Mining Management: Awesome Miner
Awesome Miner is a solution for managing and monitoring mining operations on GPU rigs and ASICs (CPU mining is also available). Besides, it is possible to perform operations for both individual miners and groups. You can create templates for easier customization and even use the Awesome miner for free, but you can have no more than two miners. The list of available functions will also be limited.
Please note that Awesome Miner only runs on Windows (but it can still connect to mining software running on Linux). Its interface is not very user-friendly, and a new user may have some difficulty understanding how exactly everything works.
For Windows
MultiMiner is a mining software compatible with GPU, FPGA, and ASIC hardware. This software was developed as a graphical interface for BFGMiner. As a result, it has both the advanced features of the original and a user-friendly interface that is perfect for a beginner.
On the first launch, the application prompts you for pool information and gives several prompts explaining potentially unfamiliar terms. Next, MultiMiner will scan the mining devices and display the pool used and the average hash power. The client will show the estimated profit per day for your current mining machine.
To connect to multiple pools, you can use the Pools tab. The Strategies section gives you an easy way to choose how you want to use your computing resources: for example, you can mine the coin that is most profitable at the moment or choose coins with a low degree of difficulty.
For Linux (and Ubuntu)
Hive OS is a stable and secure mining platform based on Linux Ubuntu distribution. It’s easy to install, configure, and use, so you don’t need any technical knowledge to do it. The software has an extensive knowledge base and 24/7 support.
Hive OS makes it easy to manage farms of any size. Auto fen controls the temperature, while the commands can be executed automatically, according to your own schedule. Switching between pools, wallets, or coins takes about a second. The miner and the feature lists are regularly updated. The workers can be controlled remotely from anywhere in the world.
Hive OS allows Bitcoin mining both on GPU rigs and ASICs, has its own pool (and supports many other pools), and offers custom firmware for ASICs.
One more here! Cudo Miner is probably the best altcoins and bitcoin mining software for Ubuntu. It’s important to mention that Cudo Miner also provides BTC mining software for macOS and Windows so that users have a vast choice.
It is an easy bitcoin mining software as the setup process is quite plain. All you need is a solid PC and email address. On the tough mining path, Cudo Miner might be the best option for beginners.
For Mac OS
NiceHash is a multipurpose program that allows you to use processors and video cards as computing equipment. The service will enable you to mine cryptocurrencies using 30 different algorithms. Please note that all charges are automatically converted to BTC.
The program will require authorization immediately after installation. You should register on the NiceHash website before using the software.
For Android
Obviously, the smartphone won’t make you rich. However, global companies are working towards making mining on phones real. Last year, HTC introduced the new smartphone (they call it a crypto phone) – Exodus 1s. This is the first-ever phone created with Bitcoin full node support. It is located in the ledger, which is stored on a 400GB MicroSD card. The phone also has an integrated Zion Vault wallet, which is the first hardware storage built in the device. Exodus 1s has an integrated Web3 browser and Monero mining app.
According to The Verge article, one mobile phone can mine $0.0038 in Monero a day, which is not making this smartphone a money-making machine. This kind of mining will bring you a dollar a year. Since the price of Exodus 1s is about $210, you will need more than two centuries to cover the cost of the device.
Frankly speaking, the current mining complexity is very high. Since even GPU and FPGA hardware cannot deal with Bitcoin mining properly, it is impossible to mine this cryptocurrency on your phone. We don’t recommend you to trust the fake apps that ‘give such an opportunity.’
One of the most infamous apps of this kind is Loapi. Its initial purpose is to use the Android processor to mine cryptocurrency. However, at the same time, it also destroys the device. Beware of various phishing techniques that might affect your devices in a fraudulent way. The recommendation we always provide our readers with is: don’t forget to do your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Since cryptocurrency mining is a very complex topic (especially for beginners), we have collected questions regarding this activity and answered them below.
What is a mining pool?
A mining pool is a server that divides a large task into small ones and distributes them between the capacities of different devices connected to it. After this server mines a new block, it divides the reward among all participants in the process. The more small tasks one device solves (or simply sends solutions), the more its owner will receive.
Thus, the mining pool allows miners with low powers to contribute to the creation of new blocks and receive a reward for this action.
How does Bitcoin mining work?
Mining is an activity of creating new blocks in the blockchain to ensure the platform’s functioning. Speaking plain English, mining is the process of earning cryptocurrencies using the power of equipment of ASICs.
What Is Crypto mining software?
Processing data arrays is called mining, and the programs for organizing the computation process are miners.
Is Bitcoin mining profitable?
Yes, Bitcoin mining is still profitable if you choose the latest ASIC miner. Check the mining profitability in any mining calculator.
How much does Bitcoin mining software cost?
Usually, Bitcoin mining software costs nothing. However, if you use some monitoring software, you can have some limits for your mining hardware connection.
What is the best software for Bitcoin mining?
We’ve already chosen a couple of mining software right above. Choose the one that suits you the best.
How do you make money on mining Bitcoin?
Bitcoin miners receive Bitcoin as a network reward for sharing the computing power of the hardware and completing blocks.
How long does it take to mine one Bitcoin?
It takes 10 minutes to mine one Bitcoin. However, it’s impossible to do it in solo mode.
Can you mine Bitcoin for free?
Yes, if only someone will give you a profitable hardware device and pay your electricity bills.
Can I mine Bitcoin on my PC?
No, it is impossible.