Canaan Avalon A1566HA vs MicroBT Whatsminer M3
Side-by-side specs, profitability, and home mining comparison.
Specifications Comparison
| Canaan Avalon A1566HA | Specification | MicroBT Whatsminer M3 |
|---|---|---|
| 460.0 TH/s | Hashrate | 12.0 TH/s |
| 8,188 W | Power Consumption | 2,000 W |
| 17.8 J/TH | Efficiency | 166.7 J/TH |
| 80 dB | Noise Level | — |
| 20.0 kg | Weight | 8,100.0 kg |
| 27,938 BTU/hr | BTU Output | 6,824 BTU/hr |
| 23/100 | Home Mining Score | 28/100 |
| — | Release Year | — |
| SHA-256 | Algorithm | SHA-256 |
| Canaan | Manufacturer | MicroBT |
Profitability Comparison
Canaan Avalon A1566HA
MicroBT Whatsminer M3
Based on BTC price of $79,027 and current network difficulty as of May 15, 2026. Actual results vary.
Verdict
Based on our multi-factor analysis, the Canaan Avalon A1566HA wins on 3 of 5 factors (efficiency, hashrate, noise level). The standout gap is 3733% more hashrate (460.0 vs 12.0 TH/s) in the Canaan Avalon A1566HA's favour. The MicroBT Whatsminer M3 holds the edge in power consumption and home mining score. Cross-check the spec deltas and ROI table above against your own electricity rate before deciding.
Spec Deltas
Here is every spec where the Canaan Avalon A1566HA and MicroBT Whatsminer M3 actually differ, with the gap quantified:
- Canaan Avalon A1566HA 3733% more hashrate (460.0 vs 12.0 TH/s)
- MicroBT Whatsminer M3 76% better power draw (8,188 vs 2,000 W)
- Canaan Avalon A1566HA 89% better efficiency (17.8 vs 166.7 J/TH)
- Canaan Avalon A1566HA 100% better weight (20.0 vs 8,100.0 kg)
- Canaan Avalon A1566HA 309% more heat output (27,938 vs 6,824 BTU/hr)
- MicroBT Whatsminer M3 22% more home mining score (23.0 vs 28.0)
Cost & ROI Over Time
Hardware cost is only half the story — here is how each miner's upfront price plays out against cumulative profit at a $0.10/kWh rate.
| Canaan Avalon A1566HA | Metric | MicroBT Whatsminer M3 |
|---|---|---|
| $5,074 | Upfront cost (MSRP) | — |
| -$2.92 | Daily net profit | -$4.36 |
| -$6,141 | Net after 1 year | -$1,593 |
| -$7,207 | Net after 2 years | -$3,185 |
| -$8,274 | Net after 3 years | -$4,778 |
| Does not pay back at current rates (negative daily profit) | Payback period | — |
Projections assume continuous operation, a flat $0.10/kWh rate, and no hardware degradation, pool fees, or BTC price change. Real-world ROI varies.
Best For...
Best for Profitability
TieBoth miners produce similar daily profit.
Best for Home Mining
MicroBT Whatsminer M3Score: 28/100. 0 dB noise level.
Best for Efficiency
Canaan Avalon A1566HA17.8 J/TH — lower electricity cost per terahash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canaan Avalon A1566HA or MicroBT Whatsminer M3 more profitable?
At the current BTC price and a $0.10/kWh electricity rate, the Canaan Avalon A1566HA is more profitable at $-2.92/day compared to $-4.36/day for the MicroBT Whatsminer M3. Profitability depends heavily on your electricity rate — use the selector above to calculate with your actual costs.
Which is quieter, the Canaan Avalon A1566HA or MicroBT Whatsminer M3?
The Canaan Avalon A1566HA is quieter at 80 dB compared to the MicroBT Whatsminer M3 at 0 dB. For home mining, lower noise levels make a significant difference in livability.
For mining at home, should I pick the Canaan Avalon A1566HA or the MicroBT Whatsminer M3?
The MicroBT Whatsminer M3 scores 28/100 on our Home Mining Score (vs 23/100 for the Canaan Avalon A1566HA). This composite score factors in noise, power requirements, heat output, size, and setup ease — all critical for residential mining.
How far apart are the Canaan Avalon A1566HA and MicroBT Whatsminer M3 on J/TH?
The Canaan Avalon A1566HA runs at 17.8 J/TH while the MicroBT Whatsminer M3 runs at 166.7 J/TH — a difference of 148.9 J/TH. Lower efficiency means less electricity per terahash of mining power, directly reducing operating costs. In relative terms that is 89% better efficiency (17.8 vs 166.7 J/TH).