If you already own mining hardware (GPUs), you cannot use it for Ethereum, but you can target alternative Proof-of-Work (PoW) networks. Ethereum Mining in 2025?
: This has replaced mining as the way new ETH is created. Participants lock up their ETH to support network validation in exchange for rewards.
: Predictable annual yield (roughly 3.2%–4.8% APY in 2026); no hardware or electricity costs.
In 2026, the comparison between "mining" and "buying" Ethereum is a legacy discussion because . Following the 2022 transition to Proof-of-Stake (PoS), the network replaced hardware-intensive mining with staking .
: No passive yield; purely dependent on price appreciation.