Crypto mining has evolved dramatically since Bitcoin’s inception in 2009. Mining crypto for money has transformed from a hobbyist pursuit into a sophisticated global industry.
However, as we navigate 2025, many wonder: Is crypto mining still profitable? Additionally, Ethereum’s shift to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) in September 2022 reshaped the mining landscape, leaving miners scrambling for alternatives.
In this article, CryptoGuide GH explores the profitability of crypto mining today in 2025. We assess the ripple effects of Ethereum’s PoS transition, the revenue potential of Ethereum Proof-of-Work (ETHPOW) coin mining, and whether you should dive into mining in 2025 and beyond.
The state of crypto mining profitability in 2025
Crypto mining, particularly for Proof-of-Work (PoW) blockchains like Bitcoin and Ethereum Classic, remains a complex endeavour.
Profitability hinges on several dynamic factors: electricity costs, hardware efficiency, cryptocurrency prices, and network difficulty.
In 2025, miners face tightened profit margins due to rising energy prices and increased competition. For instance, Bitcoin mining, while still lucrative for large-scale operations with access to cheap electricity, demands significant upfront investment in specialised application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) hardware. The cost of this equipment is high, typically ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 per unit.
Moreover, market volatility adds another layer of uncertainty. Cryptocurrency prices can swing dramatically. This directly impacts mining rewards.
However, miners are adapting by leveraging renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, to cut costs. Over 50% of mining operations now use renewables, reflecting a growing trend toward sustainability.
Some miners also boost revenue by renting out data centres capacity to AI companies. This generates additional income streams.
Consequently, while mining can still be profitable, success requires strategic planning, efficient hardware, and access to low-cost energy.
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Ethereum’s proof-of-stake shift: A game-changer for crypto mining
Ethereum’s transition to PoS in September 2022, known as the Ethereum Merge, eliminated traditional mining on its network. This reduced energy consumption by 99.95%.
This shift was a double-edged sword. On one hand, it made Ethereum faster and more eco-friendly, which aligned with global sustainability goals. On the other hand, it rendered graphic processing unit (GPU) mining for Ethereum obsolete. This forced miners to pivot to other PoW coins or abandon mining altogether. Large-scale operations shifted to coins like Litecoin (LTC) or Dogecoin (DOGE). Other miners explored staking ETH for passive income.
The impact was profound. Miners who relied heavily on Ethereum faced significant revenue drops. This was because GPU mining was once a cornerstone of profitability.
For example, before the Merge, Ethereum mining could yield substantial daily profits with high-end GPUs. Post-merge, miners had to redirect their hashing power to altcoins like Ethereum Classic (ETC) or Ravencoin (RVN), which often offer lower rewards and higher price volatility.
As a result, many small-scale miners exited the industry. Larger operations invested in ASICs or relocated to regions with cheaper electricity, such as Kazakhstan.
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Revenue from Ethereum Proof-of-Work (ETHPOW) Coin Mining
ETHPOW emerged as a hard fork of Ethereum, preserving the PoW consensus after the Merge. It aims to maintain the original Ethereum mining ecosystem, appealing to miners who invested heavily in GPU rigs. However, ETHPOW’s profitability is modest compared to pre-Merge Ethereum. Using a high-performance GPU like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti, miners can expect daily profits of around $0.50–$1.50. This depends on electricity costs ($0.10–$0.30 per kWh) and ETHPOW’s market price.
For instance, with an electricity cost of $0.10 per kWh, a Bitmain Antminer E11 mining ETHPOW generates approximately $1.19 daily. This comes with a break-even period of over 2,000 days due to the $5,600 hardware cost.
ETHPOW’s lower market liquidity and price volatility make it less attractive than Bitcoin or even Ethereum Classic, which offers a block reward of 2.56 ETC.
Therefore, while ETHPOW mining is viable, it’s less lucrative and better suited for miners with low-cost setups or those diversifying their portfolios.
Should You Become a Crypto Miner in 2025 and Beyond?
Choosing to begin mining in 2025 demands thorough evaluation.
First and foremost, assess your access to affordable electricity. Regions with rates below $0.10 per kWh, like parts of Central Asia or the Nordic countries, offer a competitive edge.
Secondly, evaluate hardware costs. ASICs are ideal for Bitcoin or Litecoin. That said, GPUs remain versatile for altcoins like ETC, Monero (XMR), or Ravencoin (RVN), which are ASIC-resistant.
Additionally, consider joining a mining pool to ensure steady payouts, despite 1–3% fees. With crypto mining pools, you can share rewards and losses.
Moreover, tools like WhatToMine or NiceHash can help calculate potential returns based on your setup. However, risks abound: regulatory changes, such as carbon taxes in the U.S. or mining bans in some countries, could erode profits.
Furthermore, market volatility and increasing network difficulty demand constant adaptation.
Alternatively, staking on PoS networks like Ethereum offers a less resource-intensive option. Staking requires only 32 ETH (approximately $90,000 in 2025) to become a validator, with annual returns around 5%. Unlike mining, staking avoids high electricity and hardware costs, making it more accessible for casual investors.
Conclusion: Navigating the crypto mining landscape
In 2025, crypto mining can still be profitable with smart strategies. Ethereum’s shift to proof-of-stake disrupted traditional mining. This led miners to explore altcoins like ETHPOW, which provides moderate returns.
Success hinges on low-cost energy, efficient hardware, and market awareness. For newcomers, the high entry barriers and risks may outweigh rewards, making staking or diversified investments more appealing.
Ultimately, whether you mine or stake, staying informed and adaptable is key to thriving in the dynamic crypto world.
