Is Crypto Mining Still Worth It? Let’s Break It Down

Crypto mining used to be a digital gold rush, but in 2025, is it still worth plugging in your gear and hoping for returns—or are you just burning money and watts? 

Also read: Understanding the Basics of Bitcoin Solo Mining

Let’s talk real-world ROI, electricity costs, and where crypto mining actually makes sense right now.

It’s All About Electricity—Seriously

If you take one thing away from this article, let it be this: electricity cost is everything in mining.

Also read: Free Bitcoin Cloud Mining Sites Without Investment

The difference between profit and loss often comes down to a few cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). For example:

• In Russia, you can find industrial rates around $0.03/kWh. That’s practically heaven for miners.
• Iran, Ethiopia, and Sudan have heavily subsidized power, also under $0.05/kWh.
• Canada offers decent rates, especially in hydro-rich regions like Quebec and Alberta.
• On the other hand, Western Europe? Forget it. Germany and Denmark sit around $0.36–$0.38/kWh—an ROI nightmare.

So if your electricity isn’t dirt cheap, mining’s going to be an uphill battle.

What’s the Crypto Mining ROI in 2025?

Let’s run through the numbers with actual hardware, crypto, and electricity scenarios.

Also read: Bitcoin Mining Explained: Everything You Need To Know

Bitcoin Mining: Bitmain Antminer S21 XP+

• Hardware Cost: $15,000
• Revenue: ~$25/day
• Russia Power Cost: ~$3.96/day → Net: $21/day → ROI ≈ 2 years
• Canada Hydro: ~$7.92/day → Net: $17/day → ROI ≈ 2.4 years

Still profitable in low-cost regions. If Bitcoin stays around $100K, it holds up.

Also read: Litecoin Mining Machines: Top Picks for Profitability

Litecoin/Dogecoin: Antminer L9

• Hardware Cost: $8,000
• Revenue: ~$6/day
• Russia: ~$2.42/day electricity → Net: $3.6/day → ROI ≈ 2.2 years
• Canada: ~$4.84 → Net: $1.2/day → ROI ≈ 6 years

Worth it only in ultra-low power zones. Otherwise, you’re waiting forever for payback.

GPU Mining: 4×RTX 4090 Rig

• Hardware Cost: ~$7,000
• Revenue: ~$1.20/day (altcoins like Ergo/Kaspa)
• Russia: ~$0.81/day power → Net: $0.39/day → ROI ≈ 18 years
• Canada: ~$1.63/day → Net: negative

Basically a hobby now unless you have subsidized or stolen electricity (don’t).

Niche Altcoins: Goldshell AE-BOX II (Aleo)

• Hardware Cost: ~$800
• Revenue: ~$1/day
• Russia: ~$0.38/day → Net: $0.62/day → ROI ≈ 1.3 years
• Canada: ~$0.76/day → Net: $0.24/day → ROI ≈ 3 years

Not bad if you’re in the right location and don’t mind the risk of coin volatility.

Quick Crypto Mining ROI Comparison Table

So… Is Crypto Mining Still Worth It?

Here’s the no-fluff answer:

YES, crypto mining is still worth it—but only in the right conditions.

Also read: Beginner’s Guide to Mining Dogecoin Efficiently

If you:

• Live in a country or region with electricity under $0.05/kWh
• Can access efficient ASICs, especially for Bitcoin
• Understand the risks of hardware depreciation and coin price volatility

Then mining can still deliver solid returns—especially if BTC stays above $100K.

NO, it’s not worth it if:

• You’re using GPUs at home with standard rates ($0.10+/kWh)
• You don’t plan to reinvest in hardware regularly
• You’re in regions like Western Europe or most of the U.S.

Final Tips Before You Plug In

1. Use ROI calculators like CoinWarz, WhatToMine, and Oak Business Consultant before buying anything.
2. Always factor in power costs before chasing the next altcoin hype.
3. Look into hosted mining if your local rates are too high—some services operate in cheap-power zones.
4. Watch regulations: Some low-cost regions (like parts of Iran or Russia) may crack down on crypto mining.
5. Don’t forget resale value: Mining hardware doesn’t age gracefully.