Ethereum Mining Pools Guide: Best Options & How to Get Started

After Ethereum's big shift to Proof-of-Stake, many users are left wondering about the future of the ethereum mining pool landscape. If you've ever participated in an ethereum mining pool or are curious about mining alternatives after the Merge, this guide is for you. In this article, you'll learn what mining pools are, how they’ve evolved after the Merge, which options remain for miners, and what safer, more efficient paths like staking might be available today. We’ll explore how to select the best pool for coins like ETC and ETHW, compare the top mining pools, and outline easy steps for joining. Plus, we’ll talk pool security, cloud mining, and how OKX can help you transition smoothly—whether you’re a former miner or a curious newcomer.

What Is an Ethereum Mining Pool?

An ethereum mining pool is a group of miners who pool their computational resources to increase their chances of earning rewards from mining blocks. Before Ethereum's Merge in 2022, these pools played a huge role in the network, allowing even small miners a way to get consistent payouts. Now, with Proof-of-Stake (PoS) replacing Proof-of-Work (PoW) on Ethereum, traditional eth mining pool activity on Ethereum itself has ended, but pools continue for Ethereum Classic (ETC), EthereumPoW (ETHW), and other coins.

How Mining Pools Work

When you join a mining pool, your hardware contributes to a collective effort to solve cryptographic puzzles and discover new blocks. Instead of one miner claiming the full block reward, all participants share the payout based on the amount of work each contributed. Payouts are typically distributed in proportion to each miner’s share, which smooths out the "luck factor" of solo mining and makes earnings more predictable. Popular pools like Ethermine or F2Pool have supported this model for years.

ETH Mining After the Merge

The Ethereum Merge (2022) was a major milestone that replaced mining with staking. This means mining new ETH is no longer possible, and traditional ethereum mining pool operations serving ETH are now defunct. Instead, mining activity and pools moved to ETC and ETHW, while those seeking ETH rewards can now participate in staking. Platforms like OKX make staking Ethereum simple, providing an accessible alternative to traditional mining.

💡 Pro Tip: If you miss the regular payouts that mining pools provided, check out Ethereum staking explained for similar, lower-risk earning potential.

How to Choose the Best Mining Pool

With ETH PoW mining gone, your focus should shift to mining other coins like Ethereum Classic (ETC) or EthereumPoW (ETHW). But how do you select the best mining pool? Start by evaluating several factors: pool fees, payout schemes (such as PPLNS, PPS, or PPS+), server reliability, reputation, and technical support. Resources like miningpoolstats can help track live performance data and rankings.

Fee Structures & Payout Methods

• PPLNS (Pay Per Last N Shares): Rewards miners only if the pool finds a block, making payouts less predictable but potentially higher.
• PPS (Pay Per Share): Provides steady, smaller payments for each share submitted, regardless of block discovery.
• PPS+: Combines the stability of PPS for block rewards with PPLNS for transaction fees.
• Minimum Payouts: Each pool sets a threshold for withdrawals; lower minimums mean quicker access to funds.
• Withdrawal Fees: Can eat into profits, so always check the fine print.

Solo Mining vs Pool Mining

• Solo Mining: You mine alone and claim full block rewards but face high variance—many miners never find a block on their own.
• Pool Mining: Miners combine resources, reducing variance and achieving smaller, more regular payouts. For ETC and ETHW, pools like 2Miners and Hiveon provide both solo and shared options.

💡 Pro Tip: Use stats on sites like miningpoolstats to compare pools’ uptime, payout history, and hash rate distribution before committing your hash power.

OKX provides up-to-date research and rankings on leading pools and alternative earning options for those interested in the shifting mining marketplace.

Ethereum Mining Pool Comparison Table (2025)

Here is a comparison of the most active mining pools for post-merge mining (including alternatives to Ethereum):

Most major pools now focus on Ethereum Classic mining or have incorporated new PoW coins like ETHW. Pools like Ethermine and Hiveon have consistently delivered reliable payout structures and friendly interfaces. For advanced research and up-to-date pool status, consult miningpoolstats, or for OKX partners/support, visit OKX Learn staking guide.

Step-by-Step: How to Join a Mining Pool

1. Set Up Your Wallet:

   • Create a secure hardware or software wallet that supports your chosen coin (e.g., ETC, ETHW). Need help? See crypto wallet setup.

2. Choose and Register With a Mining Pool:

   • Compare pools using miningpoolstats for the best reputation, uptime, and fee structure. Register on the pool’s website.

3. Download Mining Software:

   • For ETC/ETHW mining, download popular apps like ethminer, PhoenixMiner, or GMiner. Follow each pool’s setup instructions for connection settings.

4. Configure and Start Mining:

   • Enter your wallet address into the software, connect to the pool server, configure pool and payout settings, then save and start mining. Monitor performance on the pool dashboard.

5. Withdraw Earnings:

   • Once your pool payout reaches the minimum, request a withdrawal to your wallet (or directly to an OKX account for convenient exchange or staking).

OKX integration allows you to receive mining payouts or staking rewards directly into an OKX wallet for easy trading or even compound staking. Always secure your seed phrases and enable two-factor authentication.

What to Mine After Ethereum? Alternatives & Cloud Mining

After Ethereum switched to PoS, miners have targeted other profitable coins, especially Ethereum Classic (ETC) and ETHW. Cloud mining platforms and staking have also gained popularity as alternatives to managing mining hardware.

Mining Ethereum Classic & ETHW

Ethereum Classic and ETHW are former Ethereum forks that remain on Proof-of-Work. This makes them top choices for ex-Ethereum miners, supported by mining pools like Hiveon, F2Pool, and 2Miners. Their algorithms and hardware requirements are similar to the old Ethereum mining process.

• Popular ETC Pools: Ethermine, Hiveon, 2Miners, and F2Pool
• Popular ETHW Pools: Hiveon, F2Pool, 2Miners

Cloud Mining & Staking Alternatives

Cloud mining lets you rent hash power or mining rigs remotely—no equipment required. Major services like Genesis Mining or NiceHash offer contracts for ETC and other coins. However, be cautious: cloud mining is often unprofitable due to high fees and risk of scams.

Staking, on the other hand, replaces PoW with a less resource-intensive process. Platforms like OKX let you earn a yield from holding coins like ETH, often with flexible terms and strong security standards. For ex-miners, staking is a practical, lower-risk way to keep earning crypto.

💡 Pro Tip: For simple, transparent ETH rewards, check out Ethereum staking explained on OKX.

Mining Pool Security & Risks Explained

Using any mining pool includes some risks. The biggest threats include:

• Centralization: If a few pools control most of the hash power, it could threaten the network.
• Scams: Some pools vanish with user funds or never pay out.
• Server Hacks: Pools can be targeted by cyberattacks, disrupting earnings or revealing user data.

To stay safe:

• Use reputable pools with a strong payout history.
• Diversify across multiple pools if possible.
• Check for transparency via pool dashboards and payout records.
• Always use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

OKX emphasizes top-tier security in all products and encourages self-custody with the OKX wallet for additional protection. Pools and platforms that show public, verifiable payout histories are far safer choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Ethereum mining pool?

An Ethereum mining pool is a group of miners who combine their computing power to mine blocks more efficiently and share the rewards proportionally.

How do Ethereum mining pools work?

Ethereum mining pools aggregate miners' hardware to collectively solve cryptographic puzzles, and distribute rewards based on each participant’s contribution.

Which mining pool is best for Ethereum or ETC?

The best mining pool depends on fees, reliability, payout methods, and support. Top ETC pools include Ethermine, Hiveon, and 2Miners; always compare stats first.

Can I solo mine Ethereum or ETC?

You can no longer solo mine ETH, but you can solo mine ETC or ETHW. Solo mining is riskier and less consistent compared to using a mining pool.

What should I mine after Ethereum switched to Proof-of-Stake?

Consider mining ETC or ETHW, or try staking or cloud mining for ETH. Each has unique trade-offs and potential rewards.

Conclusion

The shift to Ethereum Proof-of-Stake brought big changes, but mining pools continue to play a key role for coins like ETC and ETHW. Today's best opportunities include joining a reputable mining pool, considering cloud mining cautiously, or exploring staking as a low-maintenance, secure alternative. If you’re looking for safer, regular crypto yields, OKX offers easy wallet solutions, robust staking options, and strong security standards for peace of mind. To learn more about earning with crypto in 2025, visit OKX or open your account today. Start exploring your post-merge options and put your mining or staking journey on the best path forward.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks, including loss of funds. Always research thoroughly, use strong security practices, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.