SHA-256 vs Altcoin Algorithms: What’s More Profitable in September 2025?

In mid-September 2025, SHA-256 remains the heavyweight in crypto mining. Bitcoin’s ascent past $110,000 and high liquidity make BTC mining per SHA‐256 highly appealing — especially for large operations with access to cheap power and modern ASICs. Efficiency of the newest ASIC rigs continues to improve (lower joules per terahash), which helps offset rising mining difficulty and electricity expenses. SHA-256 also includes other coins like Bitcoin Cash or DigiByte, but none quite match Bitcoin in ecosystem strength or return potential unless electricity is prohibitively expensive or difficulty becomes untenably high for smaller operations.

That said, other algorithms are making a strong case under certain conditions. GPU-friendly or ASIC-resistant coins (such as those using RandomX, Ethash, KawPow etc.) might yield better returns for smaller miners, hobbyists, or in regions where electricity is costly, or power reliability is an issue. Some altcoins have lower entry barriers (lower hardware cost, lower initial investment), and when difficulty or competition in SHA-256 is surging, these altcoins can outperform in ROI (at least short to medium term) due to lower competition and less industrialized mining.  

So, is SHA-256 “better” right now? For large scale operations with good infrastructure, yes — SHA-256 is generally more stable, more predictable, and can yield the highest dollar returns. But for smaller miners or those without access to ultra-cheap energy, non-SHA-256 coins may make more sense: lower risk, lower up front cost, though usually lower ceiling. Key variables to watch are: electricity cost, hardware efficiency, algorithm difficulty trend, and coin price volatility. If any of those shift (say, electricity becomes much more expensive or some altcoins gain major adoption), the balance could sway.