So you want to mine Zcash. Smart move. Zcash is one of the few privacy-focused coins that has survived multiple bear markets, halvings, and regulatory storms. It is still standing, still profitable, and still mined by thousands of people worldwide.
But here is the real question: Which machine should you buy?
If you have done any research, you have seen two names pop up again and again: the Antminer Z15 and the Antminer Z15 Pro. One is older and cheaper. One is newer and faster. Which one puts more money in your pocket?
Below, I break down both machines in plain English—no hype, no marketing fluff. Just real numbers and honest advice.
What Is Equihash Mining? (Quick Explainer)
Before we compare miners, let us talk about the algorithm. Equihash is a memory-hard proof-of-work algorithm. That means it needs a lot of RAM to solve its puzzles, which is why regular computer GPUs used to mine it. But ASICs won that battle years ago.
Today, if you want to mine Zcash (ZEC), Horizen (ZEN), or Komodo (KMD) profitably, you need an ASIC built specifically for Equihash. General-purpose miners will not work.
That brings us to the two best options on the used and refurbished market right now.
Option 1: Antminer Z15 Second Hand (420k Sol/s)
The original Z15 came out in 2020. In mining years, that is ancient. But here is the thing: it still mines Zcash just fine. The reason is that Zcash’s network difficulty has not exploded the way Bitcoin’s has.
A used Z15 is the budget king of Equihash mining.
Specs That Matter:
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Hashrate | 420 KSol/s (420,000 solutions per second) |
| Power draw | 1510W (±10%) |
| Noise level | 70–72 dB (like a vacuum cleaner) |
| Weight | 5.4–9 kg |
| Release year | 2020 |
What Is It Good For?
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Low upfront cost – Around $700 refurbished
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Low electricity cost – 1510W is reasonable for the hashrate
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Small spaces – It is physically smaller than Bitcoin ASICs
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Learning the ropes – Great first miner for Equihash beginners
The Catch:
It is loud. 72dB means you will not sleep next to it. Put it in a garage, basement, or soundproofed shed. Also, it is older hardware, so spare fans and parts are becoming harder to find.
But for $850? Hard to argue with.
Option 2: Antminer Z15 Pro (840k Sol/s)
The Z15 Pro dropped in mid-2023. Bitmain took everything they learned from the original Z15 and doubled the performance. Literally.
Specs That Matter:
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Hashrate | 840 KSol/s (exactly double the Z15) |
| Power draw | 2780W |
| Noise level | 75 dB |
| Weight | 5.9 kg |
| Release year | 2023 |
What Is It Good For?
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High density mining – Double the hashrate in a similar size box
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Lower cost per Sol – You pay less per unit of hashrate
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Future-proofing – Newer hardware, more lifespan remaining
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Serious miners – If you run multiple machines, the Pro wins
Head-to-Head: Z15 vs Z15 Pro
Let me put these side by side so you can see the difference clearly:
| Metric | Z15 Second Hand | Z15 Pro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $700 | $2,400 | Z15 |
| Hashrate | 420 KSol/s | 840 KSol/s | Z15 Pro |
| Power use | 1510W | 2780W | Z15 |
| Efficiency (Sol/W) | 0.278 | 0.302 | Z15 Pro |
| Noise | 72 dB | 75 dB | Z15 (slightly) |
| Release date | 2020 | 2023 | Z15 Pro |
| Breakeven (at $0.10/kWh) | ~7–9 months | ~10–12 months | Z15 |
Which One Is Right for You?
This is where most “guides” get vague. I will be direct.
Buy the used Z15 ($850) if:
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You have a tight budget (under $1,000 to start)
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Your electricity is $0.08–0.12/kWh
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You want to test Equihash mining without a big risk
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You only have space for one or two miners
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You are okay with older hardware and can replace fans yourself
The used Z15 is the best entry-point Equihash miner on the market today for small miners. It just works.
Buy the Z15 Pro ($2,500) if:
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You have capital to invest ($5k+ for multiple units)
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Your electricity is under $0.10/kWh (efficiency matters more here)
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You are running a small farm (5+ miners) – space efficiency becomes real
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You want newer hardware that will last into 2028
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You plan to mine for 2+ years continuously
The Z15 Pro is one of the best Equihash ASIC miners for serious operators who care about hashrate per square foot.
Real Profitability Example (February 2026)
Let us use real numbers based on current Zcash prices and network difficulty:
Assumptions:
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ZEC price = $32
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Electricity = $0.10 per kWh
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Pool fee = 1%
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Uptime = 95%
| Miner | Daily Gross | Daily Power Cost | Daily Net | Days to Break Even |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z15 (used $700) | $3.10 | $3.62 | ~$2.50 | ~280 days |
| Z15 Pro ($2,400) | $6.20 | $6.67 | ~$5.00 | ~480 days |
Wait – the Z15 pays itself off faster? Yes. Even though it earns less per day, it costs so much less upfront that your risk is lower.
After 480 days (about 16 months), the Z15 Pro starts earning more total profit than the Z15. But if Zcash price drops or difficulty spikes before then, the Z15 buyer is safer.
Where to Buy Reliable Equihash Miners
Not all used miners are created equal. I have bought from places that send “tested” units with dead hashboards. Do not be that person.
Here is what I look for in a seller:
✅ 48-hour burn-in test – They run the miner before shipping
✅ Clean internals – No dust bunnies or burnt smells
✅ Factory reset firmware – No pool locks or passwords
✅ 30+ day warranty – Even a short warranty shows confidence
✅ Real photos – Not stock images from 2020
Both of the miners linked below come from a vendor that does all of the above.
Our Recommended Equihash Miners
Click each model to see current stock, pricing, and shipping estimates:
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Budget pick: Bitmain Antminer Z15 Second Hand 420k – $850, tested, ready to go
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Performance pick: Bitmain Antminer Z15 Pro – $2,500, double the hashrate, 2023 model
What Coins Can You Mine With These?
Equihash ASICs are not limited to Zcash. You can also mine:
| Coin | Algorithm | Profitability (relative to ZEC) |
|---|---|---|
| Zcash (ZEC) | Equihash (200,9) | 100% baseline |
| Horizen (ZEN) | Equihash (200,9) | ~85–95% |
| Komodo (KMD) | Equihash (200,9) | ~60–75% |
I recommend using a mining pool switch like MiningPoolHub or Zergpool. They automatically mine the most profitable Equihash coin at any given moment and pay you in ZEC or BTC.
The #1 Mistake New Zcash Miners Make
They buy a miner and plug it in inside their house.
Do not do this.
Even the “quiet” Z15 puts out 70+ decibels. That is louder than a dishwasher running. And it blows out 80–90°F air constantly. In summer, that will heat up a room fast.
Where to put your Equihash miner:
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Garage (with airflow)
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Basement (away from bedrooms)
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Shed (add a vent fan)
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Spare room (only if you like white noise)
Also, buy a WiFi smart plug ($15 on Amazon). If your miner freezes (happens once every few months), you can reboot it remotely without driving home.
Final Verdict: Which Equihash Miner Wins in 2026?
If you asked me “What is the best Equihash ASIC miners for a beginner?” – I would say buy the used Z15 ($850). The low entry price means you learn without losing sleep. If it breaks after 18 months, you still likely made a profit.
If you asked me “What is the best Equihash ASIC miners for a growing farm?” – I would say Z15 Pro ($2,500). The efficiency is better, the density is better, and it will stay relevant longer.
But here is my real advice: Start with one used Z15. Run it for 60 days. Track your actual earnings. If you like the results and want to scale, then buy Z15 Pros. Do not go all-in on expensive hardware before you know your real electricity cost and noise tolerance.
Mining is a marathon, not a sprint. Start slow. Mine steady. Stack ZEC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mine Bitcoin with an Equihash ASIC?
No. Bitcoin uses SHA-256. Equihash miners only work on Equihash coins (Zcash, Horizen, etc.).
How long will a used Z15 last?
If bought refurbished and run in a clean environment (under 40°C), expect 1.5–2.5 more years. After that, fans fail or boards degrade. Both are repairable.
Is Zcash mining still profitable in 2026?
Yes – at $0.10/kWh or less. Always check a profitability calculator before buying. Zcash price changes, difficulty changes. Recalculate every month.
Do I need a special power outlet?
The Z15 uses ~1510W (standard 15-amp circuit is fine). The Z15 Pro uses ~2780W – that needs a 20-amp dedicated circuit or two separate 15-amp circuits. Do not overload a standard wall outlet with a Pro.
What is the difference between Z15 and Z15 Pro?
The Pro has double the hashrate (840 vs 420 KSol/s) but also nearly double the power (2780W vs 1510W). It is newer, more efficient per Sol, and costs about 3x more.