Ethereum was once the backbone of GPU mining. For years, it dominated the mining ecosystem and shaped how miners entered crypto. That changed permanently in 2022. Today, many users still search whether Ethereum can be mined and the answer requires nuance. While Ethereum itself is no longer mineable, mining did not disappear. It simply moved elsewhere.
This guide explains what changed, what options exist today, and whether mining alternatives like Ethereum Classic (ETC) still make sense in 2026.
Is Ethereum Still Mineable After the Merge?
Ethereum is no longer mineable. In September 2022, Ethereum transitioned from Proof of Work (PoW) to Proof of Stake (PoS) through an upgrade known as The Merge. This change permanently removed mining from the Ethereum network. There are no miners, ASICs, or GPUs that can mine ETH today. Block validation is now handled by validators who stake ETH, not by computational power. Any claim that Ethereum can still be mined directly is incorrect.
Mining vs Staking – What Replaced Ethereum Mining?
After the move to Proof of Stake, Ethereum introduced staking as the only way to participate in network validation.
Instead of mining:
- Users lock ETH to become validators
- Rewards come from staking yields, not block mining
- Hardware is no longer required
This model favors capital holders rather than miners. For users who enjoyed mining infrastructure, power optimization, and hardware control, staking is not a direct replacement. As a result, many former ETH miners looked for alternatives that still support Proof of Work.
Can You Mine Ethereum Classic and Other Alternatives?
Yes. While Ethereum cannot be mined, Ethereum Classic (ETC) remains fully mineable.
Ethereum Classic continued with Proof of Work and uses the Etchash algorithm, making it compatible with GPUs and specialized ASIC miners. After The Merge, ETC absorbed a significant portion of the former Ethereum mining ecosystem.
Other PoW alternatives also exist, but Ethereum Classic remains the closest continuation of Ethereum-style mining.
Key points about Ethereum Classic mining:
- Uses Etchash (not Ethash)
- Lower network difficulty than historical ETH
- Supported by both GPUs and ASICs
- Actively mined in 2026
Mining Options After Ethereum: Ethereum Classic and Proof-of-Work Alternatives
Although Ethereum itself can no longer be mined, mining did not disappear after the transition to Proof of Stake. Instead, activity shifted toward networks that continued using Proof of Work. The most notable of these is Ethereum Classic (ETC), which preserved the original mining model and infrastructure.
Ethereum Classic remains fully mineable and uses the Etchash algorithm, making it compatible with both GPUs and specialized ASIC miners. Following The Merge, ETC absorbed a significant portion of the former Ethereum mining ecosystem, including hardware, pools, and experienced operators. As a result, it has become the closest continuation of Ethereum-style mining in practical terms.
While other Proof-of-Work alternatives exist, Ethereum Classic stands out due to its familiarity, exchange liquidity, and established tooling. In 2026, ETC continues to be actively mined and supported across major platforms.
For miners who prefer mining over staking, the most realistic options include:
- Mining Ethereum Classic (ETC) using Etchash-compatible GPUs or ASICs
- Repurposing former Ethereum mining hardware for other PoW networks
- Transitioning to alternative ASIC-based algorithms depending on cost and infrastructure
For operators seeking continuity, stable tooling, and a recognizable ecosystem, Ethereum Classic remains the most direct and practical alternative to Ethereum mining after the shift to Proof of Stake.
Recommended Bitmern Picks for Ethereum Classic Mining
If you’re considering getting involved in Ethereum Classic (ETC) mining, two excellent miner options to evaluate are the Jasminer X16-Q Pro and the Bombax EZ100-C. Both are designed for the Etchash algorithm used by ETC, delivering competitive hashrates and power efficiency for various mining setups.
Jasminer X16-Q Pro – Efficient and Balanced
The Jasminer X16-Q Pro is a strong choice for miners who want a balance of performance and energy efficiency. It is well-suited for both home and small-scale mining operations, offering reliable throughput with a manageable power profile.
Key Specifications:
- Hashrate: 2050 MH/s
- Power Consumption: 520W
- Algorithm: Etchash (Ethereum Classic)
- Overview: This miner delivers solid performance per watt, making it a great option for miners who want to run effective ETC mining without excessive electricity costs. Its compact design also fits well in smaller rigs or controlled environments.
↪️ Check Availability & Price for Jasminer X16-Q Pro
Bombax EZ100-C – High Throughput ETC Mining Rig
The Bombax EZ100-C is a powerful mining rig designed for those who prioritize raw hashrate while still maintaining energy efficiency. It is ideal for miners scaling up or looking to extract maximum performance from an Etchash setup.
Key Specifications:
- Hashrate: 3800 MH/s
- Power Consumption: 760W
- Algorithm: Etchash (Ethereum Classic)
- Overview: With significantly higher hashrate, the EZ100-C is tailored for more aggressive mining strategies. If your operation benefits from higher throughput and you have access to competitive electricity rates, this rig offers strong ETC mining capability.
↪️ Check Availability & Price for Bombax EZ100-C
If you have any questions about Ethereum Classic miners, need guidance on choosing the right ETC mining hardware, or would like to explore other types of miners, mining accessories, or essential tools, our team is here to help. Feel free to reach out and get expert support tailored to your needs.
👉 Contact us anytime on Bitmern Shop to find the right mining solutions for your setup.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you still mine Ethereum in 2026?
No. Ethereum is no longer mineable. Since 2022, the network uses Proof of Stake, and mining has been permanently removed.
Can you mine Ethereum after the Merge?
No. After The Merge, Ethereum block validation is done through staking, not mining. There are no miners for ETH anymore.
Can you mine Ethereum on your phone?
No. Mining Ethereum on a phone is not possible and was never practical. Mobile apps claiming this are misleading or scams.