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How to Mine Bitcoin (BTC) Without Expensive Hardware in 2025

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Andrew Kamsky
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Key Takeaways

  • Overview of affordable methods to mine Bitcoin without costly hardware.
  • Differences between solo and pooled mining, and their risks and rewards.
  • Insights on USB miners, cloud mining, and mining pools as alternatives.
  • Analysis of profitability and feasibility in 2025.

Bitcoin mining involves solving complex mathematical problems to validate transactions on the Bitcoin network. 

Traditional mining requires high-end ASIC machines, which consume significant electricity and can cost thousands of dollars. However, alternatives like USB miners, cloud mining, and mining pools make mining accessible without expensive setups.

How Much Does It Cost to Mine Bitcoin (BTC) in 2025?

In 2025, Bitcoin’s network difficulty has risen due to increased miner participation and hashrate competition. The cost to operate an ASIC miner can range from $2,500 to $10,000 annually, depending on electricity costs. 

Solo mining will not benefit from sufficient hashrate and is generally impractical for most individuals. However, low-cost alternatives such as USB miners and cloud mining platforms offer options for enthusiasts looking to participate in mining and in some cases win the reward with minimal effort.

What is the relationship between Hashrate and Bitcoin price?

Bitcoin’s hashrate and price are correlated, as a higher price incentivizes miners to invest in more powerful equipment, boosting the network’s hashrate.

The hashrate reflects the computational power securing the Bitcoin network, acting as a measure of its security and decentralization. Historically, spikes in Bitcoin’s price tend to follow increases in hashrate, signaling strong network activity and miner confidence.

What are Low-Cost Bitcoin Mining Alternatives

USB Mining with Compact Devices

USB miners, like the GeckoScience CompactF or Mars Lander V2, offer an affordable way to participate in Bitcoin mining. These devices are small, energy-efficient, and easy to set up. By connecting to a Raspberry Pi or a powered USB hub, users can achieve hashrates ranging from 250 GH/s to 1.8 TH/s.

How to Setup a Low-Cost Bitcoin USB-Miner:

  1. Purchase a USB miner from trusted shops like BitcoinMerch.com or CryptominerBros.com.
  2. Use a Raspberry Pi to connect the miner to the Bitcoin network.
  3. Input your Bitcoin wallet address for rewards.
  4. Check your odds using calculators like SoloChance.com.

Pros of a Bitcoin USB-Miner

  • Affordable entry point (devices start at $50-$100 per USB miner).
  • Extremely low power consumption (5-15 watts per device).
  • A chance to mine blocks independently and keep the entire 6.25 BTC reward.

Cons of a Bitcoin USB-Miner

  •  Extremely low odds of finding a block (1 in 195 million daily with 1.8 TH/s).
  • Essentially a lottery-like approach with high reliance on luck.

Cloud Mining

Cloud mining allows users to rent mining power from data centers without owning physical equipment. Platforms like Hiveon and D-Central.Tech provide access to mining farms with transparent fee structures.

How to Setup a Low-Cost Cloud Mining:

  1. Select a reliable cloud mining provider.
  2. Purchase a contract based on hash rate and duration.
  3. Monitor earnings in real-time through the platform.

Pros of Cloud Mining

  • Eliminates the need for hardware ownership or maintenance.
  • Reduces energy costs and setup complexity.
  • Fixed contracts help budget mining expenses.

Cons of Cloud Mining

  • Potential risks of scams; only use trusted providers.
  • Profitability depends on Bitcoin’s price and network difficulty.
  • Fees can reduce overall earnings.

Joining Mining Pools

Mining pools, such as those available on Solo.CKPool.org or HiveOn, allow users to combine their hashrates with others, increasing the likelihood of earning rewards.

Bitaxe: A Compact Option for Solo Mining

The Bitaxe costs $260, it is a compact, efficient, and affordable mining device tailored for solo miners seeking low-cost entry into the cryptocurrency mining space. 

Bitaxe Solo Miner
Bitaxe Solo Miner

Designed with simplicity and cost-effectiveness in mind, the Bitaxe offers a lightweight and energy-efficient solution, making it a fun option for hobbyists or those looking to mine without investing in larger, industrial-grade hardware.

Bitaxe Performance and Chances of Winning?

In July 2024, a solo miner using a Bitaxe device with a hash rate of approximately 3 terahashes per second (TH/s) successfully mined Bitcoin block 853,742 , earning a reward of about 3.192 BTC. 

Given the modest hash rate of 3 TH/s, it’s unlikely that the miner was operating multiple Bitaxe devices, as that would result in a significantly higher combined hash rate. Therefore, it appears that this achievement was accomplished with a single Bitaxe device. 

Whoever owns a Bitaxe, is in theory, in the running to win a coinbase reward every ten minutes for the one time cost of $260 and the electrical cost of a lightbulb. 

  • The Bitaxe current odds are about 1 in 370 million daily, with a cumulative chance of winning a block of 0.25% by 2050.
  • Future Odds (2050): However, if 40% of the world mines with Bitaxe by 2050, the chances would drop to near 1 in trillions per block due to increased competition.

Bitaxe and other Proof-of-Work Coins

The Bitaxe provides modest hashrates, suitable for solo mining less competitive cryptocurrencies like Litecoin, Dogecoin, or other altcoins. Its energy-efficient design ensures minimal power consumption.

  • Ease of Use: The Bitaxe is simple to set up, requiring minimal technical expertise, and is compatible with most mining software.
  • Cost: One of the most affordable mining devices, the Bitaxe is ideal for beginners or those looking to experiment without significant upfront investment.

For solo miners, the Bitaxe can be a stepping stone into the world of cryptocurrency mining without the financial risks associated with larger setups. Bitaxe solo miners are included in a lottery to win the full reward every ten minutes.

Bitaxe Winner in 2024
Bitaxe Winner in 2024

Other Low-Cost Mining Products for Solo Mining

Three products offering solo miners options include:

FutureBit Apollo BTC

  • Performance: A compact Bitcoin mining solution offering a hash rate of up to 3 TH/s.
  • Ease of Use: Plug-and-play design, ideal for home use or small-scale solo mining.
  • Energy Efficiency: Consumes approximately 200W, making it power-friendly for small miners.
  • Cost: Around $600–$700, offering a low-cost entry point for Bitcoin mining.

Gekkoscience NEWPAC USB Miner

  • Performance: USB-powered miner offering up to 100 GH/s for Bitcoin mining.
  • Ease of Use: Extremely portable and easy to use with USB connectivity.
  • Energy Efficiency: Very low power consumption (~5W), making it highly economical.
  • Cost: Priced around $50–$100, great for hobbyists or experimental miners.

Antminer S9

  • Performance: Offers a hashrate of up to 13.5 TH/s, suitable for mining Bitcoin and other SHA-256 cryptocurrencies.
  • Ease of Use: Requires basic setup but includes reliable performance for solo mining.
  • Energy Efficiency: Consumes around 1350W, which is moderate compared to newer models.
  • Cost: Around $300–$400, providing solid performance at a reasonable price.

Is Pool Mining better than Solo Mining: Which Is Right for You?

Solo Mining

Solo mining offers the opportunity to keep the full block reward (6.25 BTC) but requires immense hash rate and luck. For example, a USB miner at 250 GH/s has a 1 in 2.38 billion chance of solving a block every 10 minutes. This is akin to winning the lottery but offers new chances every 10 minutes.

Ideal For:

  • Enthusiasts seeking a hobby or lottery-like experience.
  • Individuals using USB miners as educational tools.

Pooled Mining 

Pooled mining provides more consistent earnings by sharing rewards among participants. Platforms like Solo.CKPool.org or HiveOn manage the pooled hash rate, ensuring frequent payouts for contributors.

Ideal For:

  • Users with limited hash rate who want steady earnings.
  • Those prioritizing long-term profitability over high-risk strategies.

How Long Does It Take to Mine 1 Bitcoin in 2025?

The time to mine 1 Bitcoin depends on your hashrate and mining method:

  • USB miner: At 250 GH/s, it could theoretically take over 5,000 years to find a single block.
  • Cloud mining: Mining duration depends on contract terms and total network hashrate.
  • Pooled mining: Earnings are distributed based on hash rate contribution, so mining 1 BTC might take months to years.

Conclusion

In 2025, mining Bitcoin without expensive hardware is accessible through USB miners, cloud mining, and mining pools.

While USB miners provide a fun and educational experience, cloud mining and pooled mining offer more consistent and profitable options. Carefully research and select trusted providers to minimize risks and maximize returns.

FAQs

Can I mine Bitcoin without expensive hardware?

Yes, options like USB miners, cloud mining, and pooled mining make it possible.

What are the risks of cloud mining?

Scams, unclear profitability, and high fees can impact your earnings.

How much does cloud mining cost compared to hardware mining?

Cloud mining requires upfront contracts but eliminates hardware and electricity costs, often making it cheaper.

Can I mine Bitcoin profitably without hardware in 2025?

Profitability depends on Bitcoin’s price, network difficulty, and the method chosen.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, financial advice. We do not make any warranties regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of this information. All investments involve risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. We recommend consulting a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
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Andrew Kamsky

Andrew Kamsky is a writer and chart analyst, holding a degree in Economics and an ACCA certification. Andrew’s professional background spans roles at a Big Four accountancy firm, a fintech bank, and a chart analyst position at a listed bank focusing on foreign currency hedging. Beyond his financial career, Andrew is passionate about music, glass neon lights and travel.
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