The Bitmain Antminer S21 series has redefined Bitcoin mining efficiency, setting new standards for hashrate, power consumption, and performance scalability. From home setups to industrial farms, there’s now an S21 variant optimized for every mining need.
In this guide, we’ll break down each model—S21, S21 Pro, S21 XP, and S21 XP Hydro—comparing their key specifications, use cases, pricing, and profitability potential.
Quick Overview of the Antminer S21 Lineup
| Model | Hashrate | Power | Efficiency | Cooling | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antminer S21 | 200 TH/s | 3500 W | 17.5 J/TH | Air-cooled | ~$3,900 |
| Antminer S21 Pro | 234 TH/s | 3510 W | 15 J/TH | Air-cooled | ~$4,300 |
| Antminer S21 XP | 270 TH/s | 3645 W | 13.5 J/TH | Air-cooled | ~$7,000 |
| Antminer S21 XP Hydro | 473 TH/s | 5676 W | 12 J/TH | Hydro-cooled | ~$11,000 |
Each version reflects Bitmain’s push to improve efficiency while offering models tailored to different operational scales and power conditions.
Antminer S21: The Budget-Friendly Workhorse
The base model S21 offers a reliable 200 TH/s at 17.5 J/TH, ideal for home miners or first-time operators. It runs on standard 220–240V power and uses dual-fan air cooling.
- Best For: Beginners, small-scale solo miners
- Pros: Affordable, easy to set up, moderate efficiency
- Cons: Slightly less profitable at higher electricity rates
ROI Breakdown:
Theoretical ROI (Ideal Conditions)
- Daily BTC mined: 0.00040
- Revenue (@ $65k/BTC): ₹2,160
- Electricity cost (@ ₹10/unit): ₹840/day
- Net profit/day: ₹1,320
- Breakeven: ~7.3 months
Real-World ROI (with 15% Buffer)
- Effective revenue: ₹1,836
- Net profit/day: ₹996
- Breakeven: ~9.7 months
Antminer S21 Pro: Balanced for Mid-Scale Operations
A step up in performance, the S21 Pro produces 234 TH/s at just 15 J/TH. It maintains an air-cooled design but offers significantly better efficiency than the base S21.
- Best For: Hobbyist farms, miners with decent electricity rates (₹5–₹8/unit)
- Pros: Great efficiency for the price, easy maintenance
- Cons: Still noisy (~75 dB), requires good ventilation
ROI Breakdown:
Theoretical ROI (Ideal Conditions)
- Daily BTC mined: 0.00046
- Revenue (@ $65k/BTC): ₹2,450
- Electricity cost (@ ₹10/unit): ₹842/day
- Net profit/day: ₹1,608
- Breakeven: ~7.2 months
Real-World ROI (with 15% Buffer)
- Effective revenue: ₹2,082.5
- Net profit/day: ₹1,240.5
- Breakeven: ~9.4 months
Recommended reading: Top Bitcoin Mining Machines in 2025
Antminer S21 XP: High-Performance Air-Cooled Beast
The XP variant cranks out 270 TH/s at 13.5 J/TH, making it one of the most efficient air-cooled ASICs ever. It uses a 4-fan configuration and is designed for advanced setups.
- Best For: Serious miners with optimized cooling & power setups
- Pros: Excellent performance/efficiency ratio
- Cons: Higher upfront cost (~₹5.8L), louder and bulkier
ROI Breakdown:
Theoretical ROI (Ideal Conditions)
- Daily BTC mined: 0.00053
- Revenue (@ $65k/BTC): ₹2,795
- Electricity cost (@ ₹10/unit): ₹875/day
- Net profit/day: ₹1,920
- Breakeven: ~10.1 months
Real-World ROI (with 15% Buffer)
- Effective revenue: ₹2,375.75
- Net profit/day: ₹1,500.75
- Breakeven: ~11.6 months
Paired with proper cooling and network reliability, this model can generate consistent returns even as mining difficulty rises.
Antminer S21 XP Hydro: The Industrial Giant
Designed for industrial-scale mining farms, the XP Hydro offers a massive 473 TH/s at just 12 J/TH. Instead of fans, it uses liquid cooling, resulting in much quieter operation and longer component lifespan.
- Best For: Farms with 3-phase power, hydro-cooled infrastructure
- Pros: Top-tier efficiency, low noise, overclocking headroom
- Cons: Requires pump + radiator setup, high capital investment
ROI Breakdown:
Theoretical ROI (Ideal Conditions)
- Daily BTC mined: 0.00096
- Revenue (@ $65k/BTC): ₹5,200
- Electricity cost (@ ₹10/unit): ₹1,362/day
- Net profit/day: ₹3,838
- Breakeven: ~7 months
Real-World ROI (with 15% Buffer)
- Effective revenue: ₹4,420
- Net profit/day: ₹3,058
- Breakeven: ~9.8 months
ROI Tip: At ₹5/unit power, it can break even in under 6 months if uptime remains 95%+
Which One Should You Buy?
| If You Want… | Go For |
|---|---|
| Lowest upfront cost | Antminer S21 |
| Balance of cost and efficiency | Antminer S21 Pro |
| Top-tier air-cooled performance | Antminer S21 XP |
| Maximum efficiency & scalability | S21 XP Hydro |
Your choice should depend on:
- Electricity cost per kWh
- Cooling infrastructure
- Budget and scale
- Local noise regulations
Where to Buy the S21 Series (Trusted Vendors)
Be cautious of scams in Telegram or peer-to-peer deals. Use escrow and verify warranty.
Legal & Tax Considerations
If you’re in India or the USA, ensure compliance with mining regulations and taxation policies. You can refer to:
Final Verdict
The Bitmain Antminer S21 series delivers flexible options for every miner—from home setups to enterprise-scale farms.
If you’re looking for pure power and long-term ROI, go with the XP Hydro. For balance and accessibility, the S21 Pro is a strong pick. Either way, match your choice to your infrastructure and long-term mining goals.
For mining rig setup tips, check our full guide: Profitable Bitcoin Mining Rig Setup
And for wallet safety & crypto use:
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always conduct your own research and consult a professional before investing in mining hardware.
