MicroBT Whatsminer M21S vs Whatsminer M50S++
Side-by-side specs, profitability, and home mining comparison.
Specifications Comparison
| MicroBT Whatsminer M21S | Specification | Whatsminer M50S++ |
|---|---|---|
| 56.0 TH/s | Hashrate | 160.0 TH/s |
| 3,360 W | Power Consumption | 3,520 W |
| 60.0 J/TH | Efficiency | 22.0 J/TH |
| — | Noise Level | 75 dB |
| 12,500.0 kg | Weight | 13.5 kg |
| 11,464 BTU/hr | BTU Output | 12,010 BTU/hr |
| 22/100 | Home Mining Score | 30/100 |
| — | Release Year | — |
| SHA-256 | Algorithm | SHA-256 |
| MicroBT | Manufacturer | MicroBT |
Profitability Comparison
MicroBT Whatsminer M21S
Whatsminer M50S++
Based on BTC price of $76,908 and current network difficulty as of May 18, 2026. Actual results vary.
Verdict
Based on our multi-factor analysis, the Whatsminer M50S++ wins on 4 of 6 factors (efficiency, hashrate, home mining score, noise level). Where it pulls away hardest is 186% more hashrate (56.0 vs 160.0 TH/s). The MicroBT Whatsminer M21S claws back ground on power consumption and price-performance. Cross-check the spec deltas and operating-cost table above against your own electricity rate before deciding.
Spec Deltas
The MicroBT Whatsminer M21S and Whatsminer M50S++ diverge on the metrics below — each gap expressed as a real percentage, not a vague "better":
- Whatsminer M50S++ 186% more hashrate (56.0 vs 160.0 TH/s)
- MicroBT Whatsminer M21S 5% better power draw (3,360 vs 3,520 W)
- Whatsminer M50S++ 63% better efficiency (60.0 vs 22.0 J/TH)
- Whatsminer M50S++ 100% better weight (12,500.0 vs 13.5 kg)
- Whatsminer M50S++ 5% more heat output (11,464 vs 12,010 BTU/hr)
- Whatsminer M50S++ 36% more home mining score (22.0 vs 30.0)
Cost & ROI Over Time
Sticker price versus what the miner actually earns back: the table below projects cumulative net profit at a $0.10/kWh electricity rate.
| MicroBT Whatsminer M21S | Metric | Whatsminer M50S++ |
|---|---|---|
| $650 | Upfront cost (MSRP) | $4,000 |
| -$6.08 | Daily net profit | -$2.79 |
| -$2,870 | Net after 1 year | -$5,017 |
| -$5,090 | Net after 2 years | -$6,033 |
| -$7,310 | Net after 3 years | -$7,050 |
| 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
Whatsminer M50S++Score: 30/100. 75 dB noise level.
Best for Efficiency
Whatsminer M50S++22.0 J/TH — lower electricity cost per terahash.
Frequently Asked Questions
MicroBT Whatsminer M21S vs Whatsminer M50S++: which one earns more per day?
At the current BTC price and a $0.10/kWh electricity rate, the Whatsminer M50S++ is more profitable at $-2.79/day compared to $-6.08/day for the MicroBT Whatsminer M21S. Profitability depends heavily on your electricity rate — use the selector above to calculate with your actual costs.
MicroBT Whatsminer M21S vs Whatsminer M50S++: which runs at a lower noise level?
The Whatsminer M50S++ is quieter at 75 dB compared to the MicroBT Whatsminer M21S at 0 dB. For home mining, lower noise levels make a significant difference in livability.
MicroBT Whatsminer M21S vs Whatsminer M50S++: which fits a residential setup better?
The Whatsminer M50S++ scores 30/100 on our Home Mining Score (vs 22/100 for the MicroBT Whatsminer M21S). This composite score factors in noise, power requirements, heat output, size, and setup ease — all critical for residential mining.
How far apart are the MicroBT Whatsminer M21S and Whatsminer M50S++ on J/TH?
The MicroBT Whatsminer M21S runs at 60.0 J/TH while the Whatsminer M50S++ runs at 22.0 J/TH — a difference of 38.0 J/TH. Lower efficiency means less electricity per terahash of mining power, directly reducing operating costs. In relative terms that is 63% better efficiency (60.0 vs 22.0 J/TH).