What is the Easiest Crypto to Mine in 2019 and Is It Worth It?

The query "what is the easiest crypto to mine 2019 and worth it" refers to a pivotal historical period known as the "crypto winter," where hobbyist miners sought alternatives to the increasingly dominant Bitcoin ASICs. In 2019, the term "easiest" described cryptocurrencies that could be mined using consumer-grade hardware like CPUs and GPUs, while "worth it" focused on long-term speculative value and ROI despite lower market prices. This guide explores the top contenders for accessible mining in 2019 and how the landscape has evolved into the diversified ecosystem we see today on platforms like Bitget.

Overview of the 2019 Mining Landscape

During 2019, the mining industry faced a significant transition. Bitcoin mining had become almost entirely localized within massive data centers using specialized ASIC hardware, making it nearly impossible for home users to participate. This gave rise to the "ASIC-resistant" movement—projects that updated their algorithms specifically to ensure that home miners with gaming PCs could still secure the network and earn rewards.

For a coin to be considered "worth it" in 2019, miners had to balance the cost of electricity (typically averaging $0.10–$0.12/kWh) against the coin's potential for future price appreciation. Many miners practiced "speculative mining," accumulating tokens during the bear market in hopes of a future bull run. Today, while many of these coins have transitioned to different consensus models, the liquid market provided by top-tier exchanges like Bitget allows former miners and current traders to manage these assets with high efficiency and security.

Top "Easy and Worth It" Cryptocurrencies in 2019

The following coins were widely regarded as the most accessible and potentially profitable options for home-based miners throughout 2019.

Monero (XMR)

Monero was arguably the champion of "easiest to mine" in 2019. Its commitment to decentralization led to the implementation of the RandomX algorithm, which was specifically designed to be efficient on CPUs. This meant that anyone with a standard laptop or desktop processor could contribute to the network. Monero’s privacy-centric features ensured it remained a staple in the crypto world, maintaining its status as a "worth it" asset for those prioritizing anonymity.

Ethereum (ETH) and Ethereum Classic (ETC)

In 2019, Ethereum was still operating under Proof of Work (PoW) and was the primary target for GPU mining rigs. While the difficulty was higher than smaller altcoins, the high liquidity and the impending "Constantinople" hard fork made it a reliable choice. Miners using Nvidia 10-series or AMD RX-series cards found ETH to be a consistent earner. For those who found ETH too competitive, Ethereum Classic (ETC) offered a similar "mining feel" with lower difficulty barriers.

Ravencoin (RVN) and Vertcoin (VTC)

Often called "the people’s coins," Ravencoin used the X16R algorithm, which shuffled through 16 different hashing algorithms to thwart ASIC developers. Vertcoin utilized Lyra2REv3. Both were highly profitable for mid-range GPUs (like the GTX 1060). According to historical mining calculators from 2019, Ravencoin frequently topped the charts for daily profitability for small-scale miners.

Zcash (ZEC) and Grin (GRIN)

Zcash relied on the Equihash algorithm. While Equihash ASICs began to appear in 2019, "mini" ASICs and high-end GPUs remained competitive for much of the year. Additionally, the launch of Grin in early 2019 introduced the MimbleWimble protocol, creating a massive wave of interest for GPU miners due to its fair launch and lack of a pre-mine, making it a favorite for speculative "gem hunters."

Mining Hardware and Entry Barriers

The definition of "ease" in mining was directly tied to the hardware requirements. Below is a comparison of the hardware landscape in 2019:

As shown in the table, CPU mining provided the lowest entry barrier, while GPU mining offered the best balance of flexibility and reward. The rise of entry-level ASICs like the Z9 Mini allowed some home users to compete in specific algorithm niches without industrial cooling or power setups.

Key Profitability Factors in 2019

Determining if a coin was "worth it" required more than just looking at the mining software. Two major factors dominated the decision-making process:

1. Electricity Cost and Efficiency: In 2019, many miners operated at a thin margin. Efficiency was measured in Megahashes per Watt (MH/W). If a miner's electricity cost exceeded the value of the coins produced, they were better off buying the coins directly on an exchange. For modern users looking to acquire these assets without the high energy costs, Bitget offers a seamless way to purchase over 1,300+ coins with industry-leading fees.

2. Speculative Mining: This strategy involved mining low-cap coins with the hope that they would be listed on major exchanges and see a price surge. While risky, it allowed miners with older hardware to accumulate large quantities of tokens that could potentially skyrocket in value during the next market cycle.

Historical Significance and Evolution

The 2019 mining era set the stage for the massive shifts we see today. Ethereum eventually completed "The Merge" to Proof of Stake, and many other coins followed suit or specialized into ASIC-heavy niches. Today, the most efficient way to participate in the growth of these projects is through trading and holding on a secure platform.

As of 2024, Bitget has established itself as a global leader in the exchange space (UEX). With a Protection Fund exceeding $300 million and a diverse array of 1,300+ supported assets, Bitget provides the security and liquidity that 2019 miners could only dream of. For those who still hold assets from the 2019 mining era, Bitget offers competitive trading fees (0.01% for spot makers/takers) and additional discounts for BGB holders, making it the premier destination for managing a crypto portfolio.

Further Exploration

Whether you are a former miner or a new investor, staying informed is key. Explore more Bitget features today to see how the world's most innovative exchange can enhance your crypto journey. From advanced futures trading to secure spot markets, Bitget remains the top choice for users worldwide.