The short answer: yes, Ethereum mining is definitively over. Despite persistent online searches, outdated guides, and misleading content, Ethereum mining ended in 2022 with The Merge—a landmark upgrade that transitioned the network from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS). As of 2025, there is no legitimate way to mine ETH on the main Ethereum blockchain.
Yet, confusion remains. Many still wonder if they can revive old GPU rigs or tap into forgotten profits. This article clarifies the truth, explores why mining died, and reveals what’s replaced it—including how you can still earn ETH today.
The End of Ethereum Mining: The Merge Explained
On September 15, 2022, Ethereum completed The Merge, a long-planned network upgrade that permanently ended mining on its blockchain. This wasn’t a temporary change—it was a fundamental shift in how Ethereum operates.
Before The Merge, Ethereum used Proof-of-Work, where miners competed to solve complex math puzzles using powerful GPUs. They earned newly minted ETH as rewards for validating blocks. After The Merge, Ethereum switched to Proof-of-Stake, where users stake ETH to become validators and secure the network.
Why Did Ethereum Kill Mining?
Three major reasons drove the change:
- Energy Efficiency: PoW mining consumed massive electricity—equivalent to a mid-sized country. Post-Merge, Ethereum’s energy use dropped by 99.95%, making it environmentally sustainable.
- Scalability: PoW limited transaction speed and caused high gas fees during congestion. PoS laid the groundwork for future upgrades like sharding and improved Layer-2 solutions.
- Security & Decentralization: PoS reduces reliance on hardware arms races and makes attacks exponentially more expensive.
The final blow to mining was the difficulty bomb, a built-in mechanism that made mining exponentially harder after The Merge. This ensured no miners could profitably continue on the main chain.
What Ethereum Mining Was Like (Before 2022)
From 2016 to early 2022, Ethereum was a favorite among home miners. Unlike Bitcoin, which favors specialized ASICs, Ethereum’s Ethash algorithm was designed to be GPU-friendly. Gamers and hobbyists could turn their graphics cards into mining rigs—often chaining multiple GPUs in basements or garages.
Miners earned:
- 2 ETH per block (plus transaction fees)
- Blocks every 12–15 seconds
- Higher profits during bull markets due to rising ETH prices
Most joined mining pools to increase payout consistency. With relatively low entry barriers and strong community support, Ethereum mining became one of the most accessible ways to earn crypto.
But once The Merge went live, GPU rigs lost all utility on the Ethereum mainnet. No more block rewards. No more mining income.
How to Earn ETH in 2025: Staking Replaces Mining
While mining is dead, earning ETH is very much alive—just through staking instead.
In PoS, users lock up ETH to help validate transactions and maintain network security. In return, they earn staking rewards, typically between 3% and 6% APY, depending on network conditions.
There are two main ways to stake:
1. Solo Staking
- Requires 32 ETH minimum
- You run your own validator node
- Full control, higher decentralization
- Needs technical setup and constant uptime
2. Liquid Staking
- Stake any amount (even 0.01 ETH)
- Use platforms like Lido or Rocket Pool
- Receive a liquid token (e.g., stETH) that represents your stake
- Can use staked tokens in DeFi for additional yield
Centralized exchanges like Coinbase and Binance also offer staking services with simplified interfaces—but may come with custody risks.
👉 Learn how staking turns passive holdings into active income—without a single GPU.
Staking is cheaper, greener, and more accessible than mining ever was. You avoid electricity bills, hardware wear, and noise—while still contributing to network security.
Staking vs. Mining: Risk Comparison
| Aspect | Mining (PoW) | Staking (PoS) |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Required | GPUs or ASICs | None |
| Energy Cost | High | Minimal |
| Primary Risk | Equipment failure, obsolescence | Slashing, price volatility |
| Reward Stability | Variable, competition-driven | Predictable APY (with fluctuations) |
Staking risks include:
- Slashing: Validators lose part of their stake for downtime or malicious behavior.
- APY fluctuations: Rewards change based on total staked supply.
- Lockup periods: Some platforms impose delays when withdrawing staked ETH.
Mining had its own dangers: hardware breakdowns, rising electricity costs, and rapid obsolescence—especially after The Merge flooded smaller PoW chains with ex-Ethereum miners.
What Can Miners Do Now?
Former Ethereum miners had several options after 2022:
🔄 Mine Alternative PoW Coins
- Ethereum Classic (ETC): Still uses Ethash; compatible with old rigs. But oversaturated—profitability dropped sharply.
- Ravencoin (RVN), Ergo (ERG): GPU-mineable alternatives with niche communities.
- Bitcoin (BTC), Dogecoin (DOGE): Only viable with ASICs and ultra-cheap power.
🧠 Repurpose Hardware
High-end GPUs are now in demand for:
- AI training
- Machine learning
- Video rendering
- Cloud computing
Many miners sold rigs or repurposed them for freelance compute work or gaming.
💡 Exit Crypto Mining Altogether
With slim margins and high competition, some exited the space entirely—especially those without access to sub-5¢ electricity.
Ethereum’s Growth After Mining
Contrary to fears that ditching mining would weaken Ethereum, the network has grown stronger:
- Dencun (2024) and Pectra (early 2025) upgrades improved Layer-2 scalability and wallet recovery.
- Over $55 billion in TVL across DeFi protocols like Aave, Uniswap, and MakerDAO.
- NFT market leadership continues despite cooling trends.
- Spot Ethereum ETFs launched in 2024, attracting institutional capital.
- Developer activity remains unmatched in the blockchain space.
Over 35.4 million ETH is now staked—an all-time high—even as prices hover around $2,400. This reflects strong long-term confidence in Ethereum’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I mine Ethereum Classic instead?
Yes. Ethereum Classic (ETC) still uses Proof-of-Work and supports GPU mining. It’s compatible with old Ethereum rigs. However, profitability has declined due to increased competition after The Merge.
Is staking better than mining?
For most users, yes. Staking requires no hardware, minimal energy use, and less technical upkeep. Returns are stable (3–6% APY), while mining involves high costs and volatility.
What happened to my mining rig?
After The Merge, GPU rigs became obsolete for Ethereum. Many miners switched to ETC, RVN, or Ergo. Others resold hardware or repurposed GPUs for AI, rendering, or gaming workloads.
Is mining ETH on forks like ETHW worth it?
Not really. Forks like EthereumPoW (ETHW) failed to gain lasting traction. Liquidity is low, developer support is minimal, and most major exchanges no longer list them.
Do I need 32 ETH to stake?
Only for solo staking. Most users stake through liquid protocols (e.g., Lido) or exchanges with as little as 0.01 ETH. Just be aware of potential regulatory risks with centralized platforms.
Is Ethereum still profitable in 2025?
Yes—but through staking and DeFi, not mining. You can earn yield via staking, lending, or liquidity provision. Direct ETH mining on the mainnet is impossible.
Final Verdict
Ethereum mining is permanently dead on the main network. The Merge wasn’t a pause—it was a revolution. Validators have replaced miners, and staking has replaced block rewards.
There’s no realistic chance of mining returning unless Ethereum undergoes another hard fork—which is highly unlikely given PoS’s success in improving security, efficiency, and sustainability.
For those holding old rigs: consider alternative PoW coins or repurpose your hardware. For those wanting to earn ETH: staking is your best path forward.
Ethereum has evolved. The question isn’t whether mining is dead—it’s whether you’re ready to move forward with it.
👉 See how you can start earning crypto rewards today—without ever turning on a mining rig.