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Should you rent hashrate from a cloud mining provider, or buy your own ASIC? This guide breaks down the real costs, risks, and returns of both options for UK miners.
Cloud Mining
✅ Pros
No electricity bills, no noise, no hardware management
❌ Cons
90% are scams, low profitability, no asset ownership
Our Verdict: AVOID cloud mining. The vast majority of cloud mining services are ponzi schemes or unprofitable. You have no control over the hardware and no residual value.
Hardware Mining
✅ Pros
Own your equipment, higher potential profit, can resell hardware
❌ Cons
High upfront cost (£3k–5k), UK electricity is expensive, noise and heat
Cost Comparison: £5,000 Investment
| Factor | Cloud Mining | Hardware Mining |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | £5,000 contract | £5,000 Antminer S21 |
| 12-month revenue | £4,200 (typical) | £8,500 |
| 12-month costs | Included | £2,400 electricity |
| Residual value | £0 | £2,000 (resale) |
| Net result | -£800 LOSS | +£1,100 PROFIT |
Winner: Hardware mining — if you can handle the noise and electricity costs. Consider our home mining setup guide to get started.
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Sento earns a referral if you click through our links — this never affects our recommendations. Prices and details correct at time of publication. Updated February 2026.