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 | 138.0 TH/s |
| 3,360 W | Power Consumption | 3,276 W |
| 60.0 J/TH | Efficiency | 23.7 J/TH |
| — | Noise Level | 75 dB |
| 12,500.0 kg | Weight | 13.0 kg |
| 11,464 BTU/hr | BTU Output | 11,178 BTU/hr |
| 22/100 | Home Mining Score | 36/100 |
| — | Release Year | — |
| SHA-256 | Algorithm | SHA-256 |
| MicroBT | Manufacturer | MicroBT |
Profitability Comparison
MicroBT Whatsminer M21S
Whatsminer M50S+
Based on BTC price of $79,061 and current network difficulty as of May 15, 2026. Actual results vary.
Verdict
Based on our multi-factor analysis, the Whatsminer M50S+ wins on 5 of 6 factors (efficiency, hashrate, power consumption, home mining score, noise level). The standout gap is 60% better efficiency (60.0 vs 23.7 J/TH) in the Whatsminer M50S+'s favour. The MicroBT Whatsminer M21S holds the edge in price-performance. Cross-check the spec deltas and ROI table above against your own electricity rate before deciding.
Spec Deltas
Stripped to the numbers, this is how far apart the MicroBT Whatsminer M21S and Whatsminer M50S+ sit on each measurable spec:
- Whatsminer M50S+ 146% more hashrate (56.0 vs 138.0 TH/s)
- Whatsminer M50S+ 3% better power draw (3,360 vs 3,276 W)
- Whatsminer M50S+ 60% better efficiency (60.0 vs 23.7 J/TH)
- Whatsminer M50S+ 100% better weight (12,500.0 vs 13.0 kg)
- MicroBT Whatsminer M21S 3% more heat output (11,464 vs 11,178 BTU/hr)
- Whatsminer M50S+ 64% more home mining score (22.0 vs 36.0)
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.
| MicroBT Whatsminer M21S | Metric | Whatsminer M50S+ |
|---|---|---|
| $650 | Upfront cost (MSRP) | $3,500 |
| -$6.03 | Daily net profit | -$2.84 |
| -$2,850 | Net after 1 year | -$4,537 |
| -$5,049 | Net after 2 years | -$5,574 |
| -$7,249 | Net after 3 years | -$6,612 |
| 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: 36/100. 75 dB noise level.
Best for Efficiency
Whatsminer M50S+23.7 J/TH — lower electricity cost per terahash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which makes more money, the MicroBT Whatsminer M21S or the Whatsminer M50S+?
At the current BTC price and a $0.10/kWh electricity rate, the Whatsminer M50S+ is more profitable at $-2.84/day compared to $-6.03/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.
For mining at home, should I pick the MicroBT Whatsminer M21S or the Whatsminer M50S+?
The Whatsminer M50S+ scores 36/100 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.
MicroBT Whatsminer M21S vs Whatsminer M50S+: how much does the efficiency gap matter?
The MicroBT Whatsminer M21S runs at 60.0 J/TH while the Whatsminer M50S+ runs at 23.7 J/TH — a difference of 36.3 J/TH. Lower efficiency means less electricity per terahash of mining power, directly reducing operating costs. In relative terms that is 60% better efficiency (60.0 vs 23.7 J/TH).