Ethereum, launched six years ago, remains a cornerstone of GPU mining due to its profitability and widespread adoption. Despite the emergence of ASIC miners, Ethereum mining pools continue to thrive, collectively ranking third in computational power behind SHA-256 and Scrypt pools. Solo mining is now obsolete—choosing the right Ethereum mining pool is critical for maximizing ROI.
Key Considerations When Selecting an Ethereum Mining Pool
1. Pool Metrics to Evaluate
Before connecting your rig, assess these factors on platforms like MiningPoolStats:
- Hashrate (TH/s): Higher hashrate pools find blocks more frequently.
- Active Miners: Indicates pool reliability and community trust.
- Payout Scheme: PPS+, PPLNS, or hybrid models affect earnings consistency.
- Minimum Payout Threshold: Lower thresholds benefit small-scale miners.
- Orphaned Blocks: High rates may signal inefficiency.
2. Optimizing for Small-Scale Miners
- Avoid Overcrowded Pools: PPLNS schemes favor large farms; PPS+ is better for <200 Mh/s setups.
- Low Minimum Payouts: Aim for pools like Binance Pool (no minimum) or Nanopool (0.05 ETH).
- Transparent Fees: Standard pool fees are 1%, but some (e.g., Hiveon) charge 0%.
Best Ethereum Mining Pools in 2025
| Pool | Payout Scheme | Fee | Hashrate (TH/s) | Miners | Min. Payout (ETH) |
|---------------|--------------|------|----------------|---------|------------------|
| Binance Pool | PPS+ | 0.5% | 9.97 | 91,624 | None |
| Hiveon | PPS+ | 0% | 36.26 | 12,597 | 0.1 |
| Nanopool | PPLNS | 1% | 20.92 | 44,347 | 0.05 |
| Ethermine | PPLNS | 1% | 130.72 | 267,469 | 0.1 (0.005 via Polygon) |
| 2Miners | PPLNS | 1% | 22.16 | 39,268 | 0.05 |
| F2Pool | PPS+ | 2% | 49.95 | 135,204 | 0.1 |
Top Picks Explained
Binance Pool ETH
- Pros: No minimum payout, daily withdrawals, low 0.5% fee.
- Best For: Miners prioritizing liquidity.
Hiveon
- Pros: Zero fees, reliable payouts (0.1 ETH threshold).
- Note: Unmined balances ≥0.01 ETH paid monthly.
Ethermine
- Innovation: Polygon integration reduces gas fees (min. 0.005 ETH).
- Setup: Sync MetaMask for Polygon withdrawals.
👉 Compare real-time pool stats
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I mine Ethereum with a small GPU setup?
Yes! Pools like Nanopool or 2Miners cater to sub-200 Mh/s rigs with low payout thresholds.
❓ Why avoid PPLNS for small miners?
PPLNS rewards recent shares—low hashrate rigs may miss payouts during short intervals.
❓ How do pool fees impact profits?
A 1% fee is standard, but Hiveon’s 0% model can save small miners ~$10/month.
Profitability Tools and Tips
- Calculators: Use WhatToMine or built-in tools (e.g., Nanopool’s calculator).
- Hiveon’s Benchmark: Pre-calculated earnings for 100 Mh/s simplify projections.
Final Thoughts
While no pool is flawless, Binance Pool and Hiveon strike a balance between low fees and flexible payouts. Regularly monitor performance and switch pools if earnings dip.
👉 Explore advanced mining strategies
Ready to start? Choose a pool, optimize your rig, and join the decentralized gold rush!