Canaan AvalonMiner 821 vs Bitaxe Hex
Side-by-side specs, profitability, and home mining comparison.
Specifications Comparison
| Canaan AvalonMiner 821 | Specification | Bitaxe Hex |
|---|---|---|
| 11.5 TH/s | Hashrate | 3.0 TH/s |
| 1,200 W | Power Consumption | 90 W |
| 104.4 J/TH | Efficiency | 30.0 J/TH |
| — | Noise Level | 45 dB |
| 4,700.0 kg | Weight | 0.5 kg |
| 4,094 BTU/hr | BTU Output | 307 BTU/hr |
| 31/100 | Home Mining Score | 64/100 |
| — | Release Year | — |
| SHA-256 | Algorithm | SHA-256 |
| Canaan | Manufacturer | D-Central |
Profitability Comparison
Canaan AvalonMiner 821
Bitaxe Hex
Based on BTC price of $77,866 and current network difficulty as of May 16, 2026. Actual results vary.
Verdict
Our scoring model gives the nod to the Bitaxe Hex, which leads on 4 of 6 weighted factors (efficiency, power consumption, home mining score, noise level). Its biggest concrete edge: 93% better power draw (1,200.0 vs 90.0 W). The Canaan AvalonMiner 821 claws back ground on hashrate and price-performance. Cross-check the spec deltas and ROI table above against your own electricity rate before deciding.
Spec Deltas
The Canaan AvalonMiner 821 and Bitaxe Hex diverge on the metrics below — each gap expressed as a real percentage, not a vague "better":
- Canaan AvalonMiner 821 283% more hashrate (11.5 vs 3.0 TH/s)
- Bitaxe Hex 93% better power draw (1,200.0 vs 90.0 W)
- Bitaxe Hex 71% better efficiency (104.4 vs 30.0 J/TH)
- Bitaxe Hex 100% better weight (4,700.0 vs 0.5 kg)
- Canaan AvalonMiner 821 1233% more heat output (4,094 vs 307 BTU/hr)
- Bitaxe Hex 106% more home mining score (31.0 vs 64.0)
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 AvalonMiner 821 | Metric | Bitaxe Hex |
|---|---|---|
| $699 | Upfront cost (MSRP) | $399 |
| -$2.47 | Daily net profit | -$0.11 |
| -$1,600 | Net after 1 year | -$439 |
| -$2,501 | Net after 2 years | -$478 |
| -$3,401 | Net after 3 years | -$518 |
| Does not pay back at current rates (negative daily profit) | Payback period | Does not pay back at current rates (negative daily profit) |
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
Bitaxe HexScore: 64/100. 45 dB noise level.
Best for Efficiency
Bitaxe Hex30.0 J/TH — lower electricity cost per terahash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which makes more money, the Canaan AvalonMiner 821 or the Bitaxe Hex?
At the current BTC price and a $0.10/kWh electricity rate, the Bitaxe Hex is more profitable at $-0.11/day compared to $-2.47/day for the Canaan AvalonMiner 821. Profitability depends heavily on your electricity rate — use the selector above to calculate with your actual costs.
Which is quieter, the Canaan AvalonMiner 821 or Bitaxe Hex?
The Bitaxe Hex is quieter at 45 dB compared to the Canaan AvalonMiner 821 at 0 dB. For home mining, lower noise levels make a significant difference in livability.
Canaan AvalonMiner 821 vs Bitaxe Hex: which fits a residential setup better?
The Bitaxe Hex scores 64/100 on our Home Mining Score (vs 31/100 for the Canaan AvalonMiner 821). This composite score factors in noise, power requirements, heat output, size, and setup ease — all critical for residential mining.
What is the efficiency difference between Canaan AvalonMiner 821 and Bitaxe Hex?
The Canaan AvalonMiner 821 runs at 104.4 J/TH while the Bitaxe Hex runs at 30.0 J/TH — a difference of 74.4 J/TH. Lower efficiency means less electricity per terahash of mining power, directly reducing operating costs. In relative terms that is 71% better efficiency (104.4 vs 30.0 J/TH).
