Mining Pools After Ethereum's Transition: What You Need to Know

When Ethereum completed its shift to Proof-of-Stake in 2022, it marked a turning point for the mining community. Miners who once relied on block rewards now face a fundamentally different landscape. But mining pools haven’t disappeared—they’ve evolved. If you’re wondering whether to join a mining pool, what alternatives exist, or how to get started, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about mining pools, how to select one, and what opportunities remain post-Merge.

Understanding Ethereum Mining Pools in the Post-Merge Era

A mining pool is essentially a collaborative network where miners combine their computational power to increase the probability of discovering and validating blocks. Historically, solo mining meant facing extremely long odds—most individual miners would never find a block. By pooling resources, participants achieve consistent payouts proportional to their contribution, smoothing out the randomness inherent in the process.

Before September 2022, mining pools were central to Ethereum’s network security and miner profitability. Today, with the Merge having replaced Proof-of-Work with Proof-of-Stake, traditional Ethereum mining has ceased entirely. However, joining a mining pool remains viable for cryptocurrencies that still use Proof-of-Work mechanisms, particularly Ethereum Classic (ETC) and EthereumPoW (ETHW).

How the Mining Pool Ecosystem Has Shifted

The Merge fundamentally altered mining dynamics. Ethereum itself no longer produces mining rewards, but the mining pool infrastructure hasn’t vanished—it has redirected toward alternative coins. Major pools previously supporting ETH mining, such as Ethermine and F2Pool, now concentrate on ETC and ETHW.

For miners seeking income similar to what pools once provided, two primary paths have emerged:

Path 1: Continue Mining PoW Coins – Join mining pools dedicated to ETC or ETHW, which maintain nearly identical hardware requirements and mining algorithms to the old Ethereum process.

Path 2: Transition to Staking – Instead of running mining hardware, deposit coins into staking protocols to earn yield with significantly lower operational costs and energy consumption.

Choosing the Right Mining Pool: Key Criteria

Selecting a mining pool requires evaluating multiple dimensions:

Fee Structures & Payout Mechanisms

Different pools employ distinct payment models, each with tradeoffs:

• PPLNS (Pay Per Last N Shares): Pools only distribute rewards when they successfully find a block. This creates variable earnings but potentially higher payouts per block when they occur. Popular among experienced miners comfortable with variance.

• PPS (Pay Per Share): Every submitted share generates immediate, predictable payment—typically smaller but steady. Ideal for miners valuing consistent cash flow over maximum returns.

• PPS+: Combines PPS stability for block rewards with PPLNS-style distribution for transaction fees, attempting to balance consistency and upside.

• Minimum Withdrawal Thresholds: Each pool sets a floor before releasing funds. Lower minimums mean faster access to earnings but may come with higher withdrawal fees.

Pool Reputation & Uptime

Established pools with transparent payout histories and minimal downtime justify choosing them over newer competitors offering marginally lower fees. Industry tracking sites compile real-time statistics on pool performance, allowing direct comparisons of hash rate distribution, block discovery rates, and historical payout records.

Server Reliability & Geographic Distribution

Pools with servers across multiple regions reduce latency and connection failures. Geographic diversity also indicates institutional-grade infrastructure rather than hobbyist operations.

Mining Pool Comparison for Post-Merge Opportunities

The following pools maintain active operations for Ethereum Classic and related coins:

Most active pools now emphasize either ETC mining or newer Proof-of-Work coins. Established operators like Ethermine and Hiveon continue delivering stable payout structures paired with user-friendly interfaces—critical factors for miners at any skill level.

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

Step 1: Set Up a Compatible Wallet

Create a secure wallet supporting your target coin (ETC or ETHW). Hardware wallets provide maximum security; software wallets offer convenience. Ensure you control your private keys and store your recovery seed phrase offline. Never share wallet details with pool operators beyond your public address.

Step 2: Select Your Pool & Register

Compare candidate pools using performance statistics and fee structures. Register on the pool’s official website—verify you’re using the correct domain to avoid phishing scams. Most pools require only an email address and username.

Step 3: Download Mining Software

Standard mining applications for ETC and ETHW include:

• ethminer – Open-source, widely supported
• PhoenixMiner – Known for stability and optimization
• GMiner – Supports multiple algorithms and GPUs

Each pool provides specific configuration instructions for connecting your chosen software to their servers.

Step 4: Configure Mining Parameters

Input your wallet address into the mining software’s configuration file. Specify the pool server address and port, set your worker name (optional), and configure any difficulty or algorithmic preferences. Start the software and monitor its performance through both the local dashboard and your pool account.

Step 5: Monitor & Withdraw Earnings

Check your pool dashboard regularly to track hash rate, shares submitted, and estimated earnings. Once accumulated rewards reach the pool’s minimum withdrawal threshold, initiate a withdrawal to your wallet. Most pools process withdrawals within 24-48 hours.

Beyond Traditional Pools: Alternative Earning Mechanisms

Solo Mining: Higher Risk, Higher Potential Reward

Solo mining means competing independently without pool support. While successful solo miners capture full block rewards, the probability of solving a block decreases dramatically compared to pool participation. For ETC and ETHW, solo mining remains technically possible but practically unrealistic for individual operations lacking enormous hash power. Only pursue solo mining if you control significant computational resources or accept minimal earnings probability.

Cloud Mining: Convenience vs. Hidden Costs

Cloud mining services claim to offer hash power rental without requiring hardware ownership. In practice, most cloud mining operations operate unprofitably due to high fees, long contract terms, and insufficient transparency. Many have proven to be scams. If considering cloud mining, demand verifiable historical payouts and independent third-party audits before committing funds.

Staking: The Resource-Efficient Alternative

For miners prioritizing simplicity and lower operational costs, staking represents the modern earning mechanism. Validators lock coins into network protocols and earn rewards for securing the blockchain. Energy consumption drops dramatically—no mining hardware required. Staking rewards vary by protocol and market conditions but often exceed traditional mining yields once electricity costs are factored out.

Critical Security Considerations for Mining Pool Users

Mining pool participation introduces specific vulnerabilities:

Centralization Risk

When a small number of pools control majority hash power, they theoretically could coordinate attacks on network consensus. This remains a known concern within the cryptocurrency community, though market forces and protocol incentives work against such scenarios.

Operational Risks

Pools can experience server compromises, disappear with user funds, or fail to deliver promised payouts. Scam pools specifically target less-experienced miners by offering unrealistically low fees before ceasing operations.

Data Breach Exposure

Pool operator databases contain wallet addresses and earning histories. A compromised pool could expose personally identifiable information linked to cryptocurrency holdings.

Mitigation Strategies

• Use Established Operators: Prioritize pools with multi-year track records and transparent payout histories
• Enable Account Security: Set strong, unique passwords and activate two-factor authentication
• Diversify Across Multiple Pools: Spreading hash power reduces dependence on any single operator
• Regularly Verify Payouts: Cross-check pool dashboards against actual blockchain transactions
• Self-Custody: Withdraw earnings regularly to your own secure wallet rather than accumulating in pool-held accounts

The Mining Landscape in 2025 and Beyond

The Merge permanently altered cryptocurrency mining economics. Proof-of-Work coins like ETC and ETHW now attract most GPU-focused miners formerly operating on Ethereum. These pools provide viable income opportunities for those maintaining mining infrastructure, though profitability depends heavily on electricity costs, hardware efficiency, and current token valuations.

For newcomers evaluating whether mining makes sense, perform detailed calculations: hardware investment, electricity consumption, mining pool fees, and current market prices. Many conclude that staking or direct token purchases offer superior risk-adjusted returns compared to mining operations.

Those committed to mining should prioritize joining established pools with proven track records, transparent fee structures, and reliable customer support. Meanwhile, ex-miners exploring alternatives should investigate staking options—which provide income generation with minimal operational overhead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a mining pool? A mining pool combines multiple miners’ computational resources to collectively solve cryptographic puzzles, with rewards distributed according to each participant’s proportional contribution.

Which mining pools support Ethereum post-Merge? Ethereum itself cannot be mined after the Merge. However, Ethereum Classic (ETC) and EthereumPoW (ETHW) maintain Proof-of-Work mining supported by pools like Ethermine, Hiveon, F2Pool, and 2Miners.

How do I join a mining pool? Create a compatible wallet, register with your chosen pool, download mining software, configure your connection details with your wallet address, and start mining. Monitor earnings through your pool dashboard.

What’s the difference between PPLNS and PPS payout schemes? PPLNS distributes rewards only when the pool finds a block—creating variable earnings. PPS pays immediately for each share submitted, offering predictable but typically lower individual returns.

Is cloud mining worth considering? Most cloud mining operations prove unprofitable due to high fees and operator margin requirements. Research thoroughly and demand proof of legitimacy before participating.

Should I mine solo or join a pool? Pool mining generates consistent income; solo mining faces extreme odds but theoretically higher per-block returns. For most miners, pools provide superior earning predictability.

What security precautions matter most? Use reputable pools with transparent histories, enable two-factor authentication, store passwords securely, verify payout blockchain transactions independently, and withdraw regularly to self-custodied wallets.

Conclusion

The transition to Ethereum Proof-of-Stake permanently reshaped the mining industry. While ETH mining has ended, viable opportunities remain through mining pools supporting ETC, ETHW, and other Proof-of-Work coins. Successfully joining a mining pool requires understanding fee structures, payout mechanisms, and reputation indicators—knowledge that directly impacts your earnings and security.

Whether you choose traditional pool mining, explore cloud alternatives, or transition toward staking entirely depends on your capital availability, technical expertise, and risk tolerance. Start by evaluating your hardware capabilities and local electricity costs, then research candidate pools thoroughly before committing your hash power. Monitor performance continuously and maintain strong security practices throughout your mining operations.

The path forward isn’t predetermined—evaluate your options carefully and select the earning mechanism best aligned with your circumstances.

This article provides educational information about mining pools and related cryptocurrency concepts. Mining involves technical and financial risks, including potential losses. Conduct thorough research, verify all information independently, and never invest capital you cannot afford to lose. Past performance does not guarantee future results.