Mining Programs: How to Choose the Best Software

5 years ago
Mining software
Mining software

A mining program is software designed to configure the equipment used to mine cryptocurrencies. Most mining software supports several hashing algorithms. It is recommended to download mining programs exclusively from the official website of the developer. 

In this article, we will talk in detail about programs for mining various cryptocurrencies, how to configure them correctly and what is worth considering. 

What are Mining Programs

Cryptocurrency mining software
Cryptocurrency mining software

A mining program is a specialized software designed for cryptocurrency mining. The principle of mining software is as follows: the program configures the equipment to perform a specific computing task and connects the device to the desired network.

The user provides the system with its computing power, and it gives him in return a reward in the form of a digital currency. For the speed of solving existing problems, the user is required to have good computing power and high-quality software (computational algorithms with high accuracy). 

Installing and configuring a mining program, as a rule, does not cause any problems. There is always an English manual to make it easier for the user to understand. 

The most important task of mining programs is to perform calculations. Having opened new blocks, mining is gradually starting to gain complexity, due to which there is a need for more powerful iron and high-tech cryptocurrency mining software. That is why developers from time to time upgrade their software by introducing additional functionality into it. 

It usually includes:

  • Increasing the speed of a video card for mining;
  • Setting the used capacity;
  • Adjust heating equipment to avoid overheating.
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The most important function of all mining programs is the most efficient use of the computing power of the equipment. Only by carefully selecting a program can you make iron work efficiently. 

How to Choose Software for Mining

Choosing software for cryptocurrency mining
Choosing software for cryptocurrency mining

How to choose software for mining:

  1. Step 1. Decide which cryptocurrency you will mine and purchase the appropriate equipment.
  2. Step 2. Choose a suitable program for mining.
  3. Step 3. Download software from the official website of the developer.
  4. Step 4. Configure the program.
  5. Step 5. Enjoy mining! 

Step 5. Enjoy mining! Below you will find a detailed description of each step, as well as important nuances and tips that you should consider when choosing software for mining. 

First you need to decide on that cryptoccurency you are going to mine. The most popular option is Bitcoin. A huge number of programs allow you to mine "digital gold". But for other coins there are programs.

Each cryptocurrency is based on a specific encryption algorithm, for example, bitcoin uses SHA-256, Litecoin — Scrypt, etc. 

Explore the production capacity of your equipment. If the power of the video card is 60 MH / s, then choose a program designed only for this power.

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When choosing a program of lower power, the user runs the risk of losing part of the profit, and when choosing a program with a higher power, the equipment can easily fail or overheat, that is, bring additional troubles, which will also cost a pretty penny. 

Find out if the selected cryptocurrency mining program has additional functionality. It should greatly simplify the work. We are talking about information about the most profitable coin, integration with news resources, advanced statistics on production, work in the background, monitoring the status of equipment. 

For beginners, the presence of a graphical interface will be a good help, which will help a faster understanding of the principles of the program. 

The Best Mining Programs

Cryptocurrency mining software
Cryptocurrency mining software

The best mining programs in 2020:

  1. NiceHash;
  2. Awesome Miner;
  3. EthMiner;
  4. EasyMiner;
  5. MultiMiner;
  6. CGMiner;
  7. MinerGate;
  8. DiabloMiner;
  9. GUIminer;
  10. RPC Miner.

Below we will consider in detail each mining program, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as for the extraction of which cryptocurrencies it can be used. 

Programs for Ether Mining

Mining ether on video cards
Mining ether on video cards

The main types of equipment for mining ether are video cards and ASICs. Before proceeding with the extraction of the second cryptocurrency, we advise you to familiarize yourself with the nuances of this process in detail. 

Claymore's Dual Miner

The main algorithms are Keccak, Blake2b, LBRY, Blake256, Ethash, Equihash. 

Mining software Claymore's Dual Miner
Mining software Claymore's Dual Miner

Claymore is an open source cryptocurrency mining software. Work with graphics cards AMD and Nvidia is provided. Many miners believe that this software is suitable for efficient Ethereum mining. 

A distinctive feature of Claymore is the dual-mining mode. The user can simultaneously extract two currencies without loss in productivity. One of them should be Ethereum.

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This mining program is not intended for beginners. It is suitable only for experienced miners due to the presence of a large number of subtle settings. 

This allows you to optimize the program for yourself, which significantly increases its effectiveness.

Benefits:

The ability to simultaneously mine two cryptocurrencies.
There is the possibility of optimization, which increases the production rate by 3-5%.
Extended production information.
Ability to make fine tuning.

Disadvantages:

High commission (2.5%).

Download Claymore

Awesome Miner

The main algorithms are SHA256, Ethash and other popular protocols (over 50).

Mining program interface Awesome Miner
Mining program interface Awesome Miner

Awesome is a program sharpened for mining various types of cryptocurrencies.

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Designed for professionals. The cost of this software ranges from $ 30 to $ 800 (depending on the purchased version).

The user can remotely configure and manage his farm, thanks to a specially created mobile application. The program monitors the price of coins and offers to choose the most profitable current offer.

It provides both a convenient graphical interface and simple switching between algorithms from a smartphone. There is even a news aggregator from popular resources. 

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Professional miners argue that at the moment there is simply no way to find a better program. There is a free version for beginners, however, only two coins can be mined in it.

Benefits:

Quality interface.
Extraction of a huge number of cryptocurrencies.
A mobile application that allows you to manage the farm remotely.
Monitoring the latest news and coin rates.

Disadvantages:

The program is paid.

Download Awesome

EthMiner

The main algorithms are Ethash.

Mining program EthMiner
Mining program EthMiner

EthMiner — a program for mining ether and its forks. It allows you to mine the ether using a special Ethash algorithm, which makes it possible to mine it with maximum profitability. There is no graphical interface, because of which it is possible to make settings and manage the program exclusively through the command line. 

Benefits:

Profitable Ethereum mining.
Almond heating equipment.

Disadvantages:

You cannot mine cryptocurrencies on other algorithms.
Inconvenient management.

Download EthMiner

Litecoin Mining Software 

Mining Litecoin
Mining Litecoin

The cryptocurrency Litecoin works on the Scrypt algorithm, so Litecoin mining programs must definitely support this algorithm. Before you start mining LTC, be sure to find out in detail about the features of Litecoin mining:

EasyMiner

The main algorithms are SHA256, Scrypt, Blake2b, Lyra2RE.

EasyMiner Mining Program
EasyMiner Mining Program

EasyMiner is the simplest cryptocurrency mining program with a clear interface. It allows you to mine both Litecoin and other popular altcoins (Siacoin, DeepCloud AI, Quark, Vertcoin and others). The program fully justifies its name, as the interface is so simple that a huge number of users believe that it is even simpler than NiceHash. 

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The program is able to work on the basis of such console programs as Ccminer, Cgminer, Cudaminer, Minerd. It is supported on GPU, CPU and ASICs.

This software can function in solo mode (select a pool as desired) and money making. 

Benefits:

Suitable for all computing type devices.
Extraction is configured in a couple of clicks.
Extensive production statistics are available
The ability to constantly monitor the balance.

Disadvantages:

The program is supported only on Windows OSю
Some antiviruses consider this program as malicious.

Download program EasyMiner

MultiMiner

The main algorithms are SHA256, Keccak, Scrypt, X11-15, Quark.

MultiMiner Program
MultiMiner Program

This program allows you to mine Litecoin and a number of other altcoins. MultiMiner is an improved version of BFGMiner. In comparison with its predecessor, there is a graphical shell. 

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The program is well adapted for beginners, there are step-by-step instructions that indicate what and how to do.

This software tracks information about profitable coins, and then shares it with the user. There is an automining function. There is synchronization with well-known news resources

Benefits:

Walkthrough for Beginners.
High-quality technical support in exchange for voluntary donations (go to improve the program).

Disadvantages:

Anti-virus can perceive software as malicious.

Download program MultiMiner

The Program for Mining on Nvidia and AMD

Video Cards for Mining
Video Cards for Mining

Now almost all mining programs, especially those designed for mining altcoins, support mining on Nvidia and AMD video cards. The programs for mining on Nvidia and AMD described below are very easy to configure and make the extraction of ether and other altcoins effective.

But first, we advise you to learn more about how to choose the right graphics card for mining and what you should pay attention to.

PiMP

The main algorithms are Groestl, HEFTY1, JHA, Keccak, NIST5, Quark, Qubit, Scrypt, Scrypt-N, Scrypt-Jane, Skein, X11, X13, X15 and others.

Configure PiMP
Configure PiMP

A little atypical representative of our TOP, which is perfect for mining on Nvidia and AMD.

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This is not about a specific program, but about an entire operating system designed only for mining.

Miners with experience often use PiMP, because it is extremely convenient and multi-functional. There are many cryptocurrencies for mining, regular automatic updates, and a nice graphical shell. 

It is desirable to install this OS on a portable SSD (size — from 16 GB). This mining software is paid, costs $ 30. For this money, the user receives license keys, instructions for deploying additional programs and help tags and IRC technical support. 

Benefits:

The user receives not just a program, but an OS that is ready for effective work.
A wide selection of coins for mining.
User friendly interface.
Good functionality.
Regular updates.

Minuses:

OS is paid.
Created mainly for experienced miners.

Download program PiMP

Ufasoft Miner

The main algorithms are Scrypt, SHA256.

Setting up Ufasoft Miner
Setting up Ufasoft Miner

Ufasoft Miner is the simplest client that uses the processing power of Nvidia and AMD video cards and processors.

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Setting up is quite simple (the ability to change the temperature, the number of cores, the mining algorithm

The main purpose of the program is the extraction of Bitcoin, Litecoin and other coins.

Benefits:

Setting production power.
An interesting selection of coins.
Quick setup of mining pool.

Disadvantages:

Weak results on high power equipment.
Management is through team building.

Download program Ufasoft Miner

Nheqminer

Nheqminer for mining Zcash
Nheqminer for mining Zcash

Nheqminer is a program designed for mining Zcash cryptocurrency on Nvidia and AMD video cards, but the latest versions of the program provide for working with any equipment. Any OS is suitable here. Management is done through the console.

Benefits:

Compatible with all OS.
Efficient Zcash mining.
Using any type of device.

Disadvantages:

Management via the command line

Download  Nheqminer

The Program for Mining on the Processor

CPU mining
CPU mining

Despite the fact that the last few years, mining on the processor does not bring any profit, many use it to familiarize themselves with the cryptocurrency mining process. Basically, mining programs on the processor can also work with other equipment.

Before choosing a program for mining on a processor, we advise you to learn more about mining cryptocurrencies on a CPU in general.

NiceHash Miner

Main algorithms — SHA256, Scrypt, Cryptonight, Quark, X13, Keccak.

NiceHash Miner Interface
NiceHash Miner Interface

NiceHash is a free application with a simple and intuitive interface, which is why it is an excellent program for mining on the processor for beginners. Users are given a wide selection of cryptocurrencies for mining.

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This software provides the function of automatic selection of the most financially profitable coin at a given time. 

Due to its simplicity, this mining program is popular with both beginners and experienced miners. One of the features of NiceHash is that payments are made only in BTC, therefore all coins mined by the user are automatically converted to “digital gold” when withdrawing. 

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Benefits:

High level of security.
Qualified technical support, ready to quickly and intelligibly explain to the user all issues.
You can withdraw all funds available in the account at any time.
Automatic selection of the most profitable coins for mining.
For sellers, a privacy mode is provided.
Low commission fees.

Disadvantages:

Low payout percentage for referrals (5%).
Withdrawal only in BTC, the rate may be unprofitable.

Download NiceHash

CGMiner

The main algorithms are SHA256, Cryptonight, Neoscrypt. 

CGMiner Interface
CGMiner Interface

CGMiner is one of the oldest mining programs. It continues to function successfully until now. Its first version was released in 2011. This cryptocurrency mining software is still popular with a huge number of users. At the beginning of its existence, CGMiner was sharpened only for the Bitcoin algorithm (SHA256), however, over time, other popular protocols were connected.

A significant drawback of this mining program is the lack of a graphical version. 

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This makes the program difficult for beginners, although there is always the opportunity to download the additional program CGWatcher. It will make the interface graphical.

In general, CGMiner works exclusively through the command line.

Benefits:

Compatible with all OS.
Detailed user manual.
Ability to install a third-party graphical interface.
Extraction in the background.

Disadvantages:

Inconvenient (especially for beginners) management through the console.
The likelihood of heavy equipment heating.

Download program CGMiner

MinerGate

The main algorithms are Scrypt, SHA256, Cryptonight, CryptoNight-Lite.

Mining software interface MinerGate
Mining software interface MinerGate

MinerGate is one of the best free mining apps. The mining pool of the same name was the developer. The program allows you to mine both popular coins (BTC) and not the most common digital assets (AEON and XDN). This program for mining on the processor has a clear English interface. It is able to automatically select the version of the program specifically for the user, based on what equipment he has. 

Here there is a function of automatic selection of the most profitable coin. The simultaneous extraction of two coins is also provided. The program is suitable for both novice users and professionals. 

Benefits:

Simultaneous mining of several cryptocurrencies.
User friendly interface.
The pool of the same name for mining.
Possibility to choose the best coin.

Disadvantages:

The need to quickly pass the verification procedure.

Download program MinerGate

The Best Bitcoin Mining Software in 2020

Bitcoin Mining Software

Bitcoin mining software
Bitcoin mining software

Before you download and configure the program for mining bitcoins, you need to carefully study what is the process of mining this cryptocurrency and what pitfalls the miner may face.

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Read the full article: detailed guide on Bitcoin mining

DiabloMiner

Bitcoin mining program DiabloMiner
Bitcoin mining program DiabloMiner

DiabloMiner is a program designed exclusively for mining bitcoins. It is supported on all OSs. There is no graphical shell, average speed, standard functionality. 

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Suitable for professionals due to difficulties in settings.

The high-power GPU shows impressive results. 

Benefits:

Compatible with all OS.
With powerful equipment — good performance.
Totally free.

Disadvantages:

Difficult to configure

Download mining software DiabloMiner 

GUIminer

Setting GUIminer
Setting GUIminer

GUIminer allows you to mine Bitcoin. The program is written in Python, has an intuitive interface and performs automatic initial system configuration. Digital Gold can be mined on any device. The option of solo mining is available.

Downloading additional GUIMiner-scrypt software, you can mine Litecoin, Monero and other coins.

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The program itself is well suited for beginners because of its ease of use.

Benefits:

Setting mining power.
Bitcoin mining from various pools.
Extended statistics on production and balance.

Disadvantages:

It is supported exclusively on Windows (however, there are also successful examples of running a program on Linux).

Download software GUIminer

RPC Miner

RPC Miner Interface
RPC Miner Interface

This mining program allows you to mine bitcoin on Windows or Linux. The user can set the address of the pool. Here you can configure the work and set the production capacity. 

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Management is done through the console, so the software is more suitable for advanced miners. 

Benefits:

The perfect combination of temperature and performance.
Available for various OS.
By typing "Help", you can get instructions.

Disadvantages:

Management via the command line.

Download RPC Miner 

We reviewed the best cryptocurrency and bitcoin mining programs. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, so we will not recommend something specific. You should choose based on the equipment you have and the types of coins you can mine. 

Nanopool: Setting a Mining Pool

Cloud Mining: Where to Start and How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Scam

Mining Calculator: How to Calculate Profitability

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