The Real Story Behind What Crypto Can I Mine: Expert Review 2026

By Marcus Sterling · 2026-01-13 · 8 min read min read

Ready to see mining in action? Watch our 12-minute walkthrough showing exactly how to set up your first mining operation and what to expect in the first month.

Here's the Truth About Mining in 2026

Let me be straight with you: if you're wondering what crypto can I mine right now, you're asking the right question at a time when things have genuinely changed. Back in 2021, everyone and their cousin was mining Bitcoin in their garage. Today? That ship has mostly sailed, but there are still legitimate opportunities if you know where to look. The mining landscape has fundamentally shifted with the rise of Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and proof-of-stake networks replacing proof-of-work systems. Most retail miners have either upgraded their rigs or moved on to other ventures. But here's the exciting part—there's still profit to be made if you're strategic about it.

The real story is that crypto mining has become more specialized and less accessible to casual hobbyists, but more rewarding for those willing to invest properly. What you can mine depends on several factors: your budget for hardware, your electricity costs, and your technical knowledge. Some coins require expensive ASIC hardware, while others remain GPU-mineable. Proof-of-stake coins like modern Ethereum variants don't require mining at all—they use staking instead. The industry has also consolidated around specific coins that justify the investment: Bitcoin, Litecoin, and a handful of others dominate the ASIC mining space, while GPU mining has carved out its own niche with select altcoins.

• ASIC-Only Coins Require Major Investment: Bitcoin and Litecoin mining demand specialized ASIC hardware costing thousands of dollars. These systems are engineered specifically for one coin's algorithm, making them efficient but expensive and inflexible.
• GPU Mining Still Works for Select Altcoins: Coins like Kaspa, Alephium, and certain others remain GPU-mineable using your graphics card. This approach requires less capital investment but generates smaller returns than ASIC mining.
• Electricity Costs Are Your Silent Killer: Mining profitability hinges entirely on your local energy rates. A miner profitable at $0.08/kWh becomes a money-loser at $0.15/kWh. Always calculate your specific costs before buying hardware.

What Crypto Can I Mine: Complete Breakdown Table

Here's where it gets practical. I've compiled the most mineable cryptocurrencies in 2026 with realistic expectations. This table shows what hardware you need, approximate monthly earnings (based on current rates), and whether it's actually worth your time and money. Remember, these calculations assume consistent network conditions and stable coin prices—neither of which is guaranteed. The returns fluctuate daily based on difficulty adjustments and market prices. But this gives you a solid foundation to understand what crypto can I mine and what makes sense for your situation.

Step-by-Step: Getting Started With Mining

Alright, so you've decided to explore what crypto can I mine and you're ready to actually start. Before you drop serious cash on equipment, walk through this process carefully. Most mining mistakes happen because people skip steps and jump straight to buying hardware. Take your time, do the math, and only proceed if the numbers genuinely work for your situation.

Step 1: Calculate Your Actual Profitability

Use mining calculators like CoinWarz or MiningPoolHub. Enter your exact electricity cost per kilowatt-hour, hardware hash rate, and current network difficulty. Be honest about your numbers—this determines whether mining makes financial sense. Factor in hardware depreciation over 12 months and maintenance costs. Most casual miners are shocked to discover they'd barely break even.

Step 2: Choose Your Mining Pool

Solo mining Bitcoin is nearly impossible for retail miners due to astronomical difficulty. Join a mining pool like Foundry USA, Antpool, or F2Pool to combine hash power with others and earn regular, smaller payouts. Compare pool fees (typically 0-3%), payment methods, and minimum withdrawal amounts. Different pools have different characteristics—research which aligns with your needs.

Step 3: Set Up Your Mining Hardware and Wallet

Install mining software compatible with your hardware and chosen pool. Configure your cryptocurrency wallet address to receive payments. Start with a test run before running 24/7 to ensure stability and temperature management. Monitor power consumption and heat output closely. Most miners get hardware between 50-70°C under load. Anything hotter risks failure and reduced lifespan.

FAQ

Conclusion

So what crypto can I mine in 2026? The answer isn't what it was five years ago—but that doesn't mean there's no opportunity. Bitcoin and Litecoin remain accessible to those with serious capital investment and cheap electricity. GPU miners have found niches with coins like Kaspa. The key is doing your homework: calculate your actual costs, research your chosen coin, join a reputable pool, and be realistic about returns. Mining isn't get-rich-quick anymore. It's a legitimate but modest income stream for those with the right conditions. If your electricity is cheap and you're willing to manage the operation properly, mining can still make sense in 2026.