Cryptocurrency mining remains a compelling way to earn digital assets by contributing computing power to secure blockchain networks. In 2024, despite increased competition and evolving technology, mining continues to offer opportunities for individuals and small-scale operators—especially when the right coins and strategies are chosen. With energy costs, hardware accessibility, and market volatility shaping the landscape, selecting the most profitable and sustainable cryptos to mine is more important than ever.
This guide explores the 10 best cryptos to mine in 2024, breaks down essential factors for choosing the right coin, and answers key questions about mining profitability and sustainability.
What Is Crypto Mining?
Crypto mining is the process of validating transactions and adding them to a blockchain ledger using computational power. Miners compete to solve complex cryptographic puzzles, and the first to succeed earns newly minted cryptocurrency as a reward. This mechanism, known as Proof of Work (PoW), ensures network security, prevents double-spending, and maintains decentralization.
While Bitcoin popularized this model, many other cryptocurrencies also rely on PoW. However, mining demands significant investment in hardware (like ASICs or GPUs), electricity, and technical know-how. As more miners join a network, difficulty increases—making efficiency and strategic coin selection crucial.
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The 10 Best Cryptos to Mine in 2024
1. Bitcoin (BTC)
As the original cryptocurrency, Bitcoin remains the most valuable and widely mined digital asset. Mining BTC requires specialized ASIC hardware such as Bitmain’s Antminer series and software like CGMiner or BFGMiner.
Despite its dominance, Bitcoin mining has become highly competitive. The 2024 halving reduced block rewards from 6.25 to 3.125 BTC, increasing pressure on profitability. Success now depends heavily on low electricity costs and access to efficient mining rigs.
Bitcoin’s long-term value proposition and market stability make it a top choice—but only for those with substantial capital and infrastructure.
2. Litecoin (LTC)
Often called “digital silver” to Bitcoin’s “gold,” Litecoin offers faster block generation (every 2.5 minutes) and uses the Scrypt algorithm, which was initially designed to be more accessible to GPU miners.
While ASICs like the Antminer L3+ now dominate LTC mining, the network still maintains moderate difficulty compared to Bitcoin. This makes it a viable option for mid-level miners seeking consistent returns with lower entry barriers.
3. Dogecoin (DOGE)
Born as a meme, Dogecoin has evolved into a legitimate PoW cryptocurrency with strong community support. It also uses the Scrypt algorithm and operates on a merged-mining model with Litecoin—meaning miners can simultaneously mine both coins without extra effort.
Dogecoin is GPU-friendly and ideal for hobbyists or home miners using NVIDIA GeForce or AMD Radeon cards with tools like EasyMiner or CGMiner.
Its cultural relevance and low barrier to entry keep DOGE among the most approachable cryptos to mine in 2024.
4. Ethereum Classic (ETC)
After Ethereum transitioned to Proof of Stake in 2022, Ethereum Classic emerged as the continuing PoW chain, preserving the original Ethereum vision of decentralization and immutability.
Mining ETC requires a GPU rig with AMD or NVIDIA graphics cards and software such as PhoenixMiner or GMiner. With stable network activity and consistent block rewards, ETC remains one of the most reliable options for GPU miners.
👉 See how GPU-powered mining can generate passive income in real time.
5. Filecoin (FIL)
Filecoin introduces a unique twist: it rewards miners not just for computation, but for providing decentralized storage space. Its consensus mechanism, Proof of Spacetime, verifies that miners are actually storing data over time.
Mining FIL requires high-capacity SSDs or HDDs and dedicated hardware known as Filecoin miners, along with the Lotus software suite. While setup is complex and resource-intensive, successful participation can yield strong long-term returns—especially as demand for decentralized storage grows.
6. Zcash (ZEC)
Privacy-focused Zcash enables fully shielded transactions using zero-knowledge proofs (zk-SNARKs). It offers both transparent and private transaction options, appealing to users who value financial confidentiality.
ZEC mining is ASIC-dominated, with models like the Antminer Z9 delivering optimal performance. Software such as EWBF’s Cuda Miner helps maximize hash rates on compatible GPUs.
Though regulatory scrutiny around privacy coins exists, ZEC remains one of the most technically advanced and secure PoW cryptocurrencies available for mining.
7. Ravencoin (RVN)
Designed specifically for asset creation and transfer on-chain, Ravencoin uses the KawPow algorithm—an ASIC-resistant variant of ProgPoW that favors GPUs.
This resistance promotes decentralization and allows individual miners with consumer-grade hardware to compete fairly. Tools like T-Rex Miner or KawPow Miner are commonly used.
With active development and growing use cases in tokenized assets, RVN offers a balanced mix of accessibility and long-term potential.
8. Monero (XMR)
Monero stands out for its commitment to privacy and decentralization. It uses the RandomX algorithm, which is CPU-friendly and deliberately ASIC-resistant—making it one of the few cryptos truly accessible to home miners.
You can mine XMR on a regular laptop or desktop using software like XMRig. While individual earnings may be modest, the low entry cost and strong privacy features make Monero an excellent choice for beginners or those prioritizing anonymity.
9. Kaspa (KAS)
A newcomer in 2024, Kaspa leverages a blockDAG architecture (directed acyclic graph) instead of a traditional linear blockchain. This allows for ultra-fast block times (one per second) while maintaining security and scalability.
Kaspa uses the kHeavyHash algorithm, which is optimized for GPUs and promotes energy efficiency. Its design lowers technical barriers and encourages broader participation—making it an exciting option for forward-thinking miners.
10. Dash (DASH)
Originally a Bitcoin fork, Dash improves upon BTC’s model with faster transactions and optional privacy features via PrivateSend.
Dash supports both GPU and ASIC mining, with profitability increasing when using specialized equipment. Its InstantSend feature adds utility, making it more than just a speculative asset.
Though less dominant than in previous years, Dash still maintains a loyal user base and steady network activity—ideal for miners seeking established projects with real-world usage.
How to Choose the Best Cryptocurrency to Mine in 2024
Selecting the right crypto involves more than just chasing high prices—it requires evaluating several key factors:
Profitability
Calculate expected returns based on current block rewards, coin price, electricity cost, and mining difficulty. Use online calculators to estimate monthly income before investing in hardware.
Hardware Accessibility
Some coins require rare or expensive ASICs; others are GPU- or CPU-friendly. Consider what equipment you already own or can afford.
Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
Mining consumes significant power. Opt for coins with lower energy demands or consider renewable energy sources to reduce costs and environmental impact.
Network Security & Privacy Features
Coins like Monero and Zcash offer enhanced privacy, while others prioritize transparency. Choose based on your values and risk tolerance.
Market Trends & Growth Potential
Stay updated on adoption trends, developer activity, and macroeconomic factors influencing crypto prices.
Is Crypto Mining Still Profitable in 2024?
Yes—but profitability depends on multiple variables:
- Electricity costs: The single biggest expense.
- Mining difficulty: Increases over time, reducing individual rewards.
- Hardware efficiency: Older rigs may no longer break even.
- Market volatility: Sudden price drops can erase profits quickly.
Joining a mining pool can help stabilize earnings by combining resources with other miners. Alternatively, some explore cloud mining services—though these come with higher risks of scams.
👉 Learn how smart mining strategies can boost your ROI in volatile markets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is crypto mining profitable in 2024?
A: Yes, but only with careful planning. Profitability hinges on low electricity rates, efficient hardware, and choosing coins with favorable reward-to-difficulty ratios.
Q: Can we still mine Ethereum?
A: No. Ethereum completed its transition to Proof of Stake in 2022. However, you can stake ETH or mine Ethereum Classic (ETC), which continues using Proof of Work.
Q: Which crypto mining offers the highest returns?
A: Returns fluctuate daily. In 2024, ASIC-resistant coins like Monero or Kaspa often provide better relative returns for small-scale miners due to lower entry costs.
Q: What is the best cryptocurrency to mine with a GPU?
A: Ravencoin (RVN), Ethereum Classic (ETC), and Kaspa (KAS) are among the top GPU-mineable cryptos thanks to their ASIC resistance and strong community support.
Q: Do I need special software to mine cryptocurrencies?
A: Yes. Depending on the coin, you’ll need mining software such as CGMiner, PhoenixMiner, T-Rex Miner, or XMRig to connect your hardware to the network.
Q: Is home mining still viable?
A: For certain coins like Monero or Ravencoin, yes. These are designed to be mined efficiently on consumer hardware without requiring industrial-scale setups.
By aligning your goals with the right coin, tools, and strategy, crypto mining in 2024 can remain a rewarding pursuit—both financially and technologically.