While mining profitability on low-powered hardware like the Raspberry Pi remains limited, several cryptocurrencies allow hobbyists to participate.
These digital assets run on unique algorithms friendly to CPU/GPU mining setups rather than ASIC dominance.
Let’s explore the leading options to try your hand at mining from a humble Pi.
Best Cryptocurrency to Mine with Raspberry Pi
1. Monero (XMR)
One of the most renowned CPU-friendly cryptocurrencies, Monero prioritizes privacy and decentralization at its core.
Using the CryptoNight Proof-of-Work protocol created to resist ASIC centralization, Monero’s hash rate scales based on available CPU resources. This allows casual hobbyist miners using even a Raspberry Pi to contribute hashes to the blockchain.
2. Bytecoin (BCN)
Launched in 2012, Bytecoin pioneered the usage of CryptoNight technology and remains an early mover on CPU-mining networks. Its protocol shares similarities with Monero focusing on ASIC-resistance. However, Bytecoin operates with some isolated peculiarities from Bitcoin’s codebase.
3. TurtleCoin (TRTL)
Built by the Radix developer community in 2017, TurtleCoin uses CryptoNight algorithms optimized for x86 CPUs while maintaining ASIC resistance. Low power consumption makes it suitable for modest mining rigs like a Pi. Unique features include private send and the ability to mine on mobile devices in the future.
4. Haven (XHV)
Positioning itself as “Monero’s hedge“, Haven aims for a CPU-friendly, ASIC-resistant privacy coin utilizing CryptoNote protocol standards.
Haven Mining runs a modified RandomX algorithm to increase resistance to FPGA miners attempting to optimize mining performance by circumventing CPU dominance.
5. Aeon (AEON)
Among the earliest CryptoNight implementations after Bytecoin, Aeon follows Bytecoin’s principles through its privacy-centric PoW system. ASIC-resistant mining encourages miners to use CPUs or GPUs rather than purpose-built mining rigs.
6. Bittube (TUBE)
Building incentives into content creation and consumption, BitTube operates an ASIC-resistant PoW blockchain for rewarding uploaders, curators, and viewers.
Its custom CNSM algorithm favors CPU/GPU miners contributing to a decentralized media ecosystem.
8. Masari (MSR)
Masari runs the same CryptoNight code as Monero while emphasizing being the first “scalable” privacy coin. Its ASIC resistance aims to allow CPU mining across global distribution with plans for code updates adjusting PoW algorithms over time.
Mining Speeds and Returns
Using a Raspberry Pi 4 around 0.1-0.4 H/s hash rates could mine approximately:
- XMR: 0.0002-0.001 per day ($0.01-$0.05)
- BCN: 0.14-0.65 per day ($0.01-$0.05)
- TRTL: 0.3-1.5 per day ($0.01-$0.05)
- XHV: 0.015-0.045 per day ($0.025-$0.08)
- AEON: 0.01-0.05 per day ($0.01-$0.05)
- TUBE: 0.4-1.8 per day ($0.01-$0.05)
- MSR: 0.02-0.08 per day ($0.01-$0.05)
Daily profit estimates range under $0.10 factoring in electrical costs for most of these options using the Pi 4. Mining provides opportunities for passive coin accumulation or participation in decentralized networks.
Conclusion
Raspberry Pi Bitcoin or Ethereum mining is essentially useless given network demands. However the portable board excels at participating across multiple CPU-mineable cryptocurrencies focused on ASIC-resistance and decentralization. While profits remain minimal, miners curious about proof-of-work concepts while accumulating coins find satisfaction in hobbyist mining.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a Raspberry Pi 4 for mining?
Using a Raspberry Pi for mining is not a profitable endeavor. Due to their low processing capability, Raspberry Pi devices are not meant for the high computational demands of the majority of Bitcoin mining operations.
- Is mining with Raspberry Pi profitable?
Even though specialist mining rigs are more powerful than Raspberry Pis, the Raspberry Pi can still make a little money by mining several cryptocurrencies. Before selecting a choice, it is crucial to investigate and contrast the prospective profitability of various cryptocurrencies.
- Which cryptocurrency is the simplest to mine in 2024?
Because Litecoin has a lower mining difficulty than Bitcoin, miners may find it appealing. You may mine Litecoin with ASIC miners such as Antminer L3+ and with mining software such as CGMiner and EasyMiner.
Celine Brooks is a renowned journalist and author specializing in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. She holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Harvard University and is very passionate about Crypto. Celine regularly hosts webinars and workshops, sharing her insights and forecasts about the evolving digital currency landscape. She is also an active contributor to several leading financial and tech publications, where she breaks down complex crypto trends into understandable insights for everyday investors.