Crypto Basics

How to Mine Monero and Is It Profitable?

Learn about Monero mining and uncover profitability secrets. A comprehensive guide for aspiring miners to learn and earn more in the crypto space.
S. Vishwa
8 Minutes
MIN

Cryptocurrency mining has become an increasingly popular way to earn passive income and contribute to the decentralized networks that power these digital assets. Monero (XMR), in particular, has gained significant attention due to its focus on privacy and decentralization. 

If you're considering Monero mining in 2024, this comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need to determine its profitability and start your mining journey.

Understanding Monero (XMR)

Monero is a privacy-focused cryptocurrency that was launched in 2014. It is designed to give users anonymity by ensuring that transactions cannot be traced or tracked. 

Unlike Bitcoin, where transaction details are visible to everyone on the network, Monero transactions are completely private. This makes it a popular choice for individuals who value financial privacy.

Monero is also considered the largest privacy coin in the industry. It has experienced significant growth, reaching an all-time high of around $517.62 during the 2021 bull market. 

Despite facing regulatory challenges and delistings on major crypto exchanges, Monero continues to maintain a strong presence in the cryptocurrency market.

The Basics of Monero Mining

Monero mining is the process of validating transactions on the Monero network and adding them to the blockchain. Miners use their computational power to solve complex mathematical puzzles, and in return, they are rewarded with newly minted Monero coins. 

This process is known as proof-of-work (PoW) mining, which is essential for maintaining the security and integrity of the Monero network. Unlike Bitcoin, which relies on the SHA-256 algorithm for mining, Monero uses a unique algorithm called RandomX. 

This algorithm is designed to be ASIC-resistant, meaning that specialized mining hardware cannot be used to gain an unfair advantage. As a result, Monero mining can be done using consumer-grade hardware, such as CPUs and GPUs.

Solo Mining vs. Pool Mining

When it comes to Monero mining, miners have the option to mine solo or join a mining pool. Solo mining involves independently validating transactions and attempting to mine a block independently. 

While solo mining can potentially yield higher rewards, it requires substantial computational power and may take a long time to find a block, making it less suitable for beginners.

On the other hand, pool mining involves joining a group of miners who combine their computational resources to increase their chances of mining a block. 

When a block is successfully mined, the rewards are distributed among the pool members based on their contributed computational power. Pool mining provides more consistent and frequent payouts, making it a popular choice for most miners.

Factors Affecting Monero Mining's Profitability

Before diving into Monero mining, it's essential to consider several factors that can affect its profitability. These factors include:

Hashrate: The hashrate refers to the computational power dedicated to mining Monero. A higher hashrate increases the chances of successfully mining a block and earning rewards.

Power Consumption: Mining requires a significant amount of electricity, and the cost of electricity can impact your profitability. Minimizing power consumption through efficient hardware and cost-effective electricity sources is crucial.

Mining Difficulty: The mining difficulty adjusts dynamically to maintain a consistent block generation time. Higher mining difficulty means more computational power is required to mine a block, which can impact profitability.

Hardware Costs: The initial investment in mining hardware can significantly impact profitability. It is important to consider the cost of CPUs or GPUs and their efficiency in terms of hashrate and power consumption.

Pool Fees: If you choose to mine in a pool, you'll need to consider the fees charged by the pool operator. These fees typically range from 0% to 2% of the mining rewards.

Considering these factors and performing thorough calculations using Monero mining profitability calculators can help you estimate your potential earnings and determine if mining Monero is financially viable for you.

Monero Mining Hardware

Monero mining can be done using both CPUs and GPUs, although CPUs are generally more efficient for mining this cryptocurrency. 

Monero's ASIC resistance ensures a level playing field for all miners, unlike Bitcoin, which is now dominated by specialized ASIC mining hardware.

When selecting hardware for Monero mining, it's essential to consider factors such as hashrate, power consumption, and cost-effectiveness. 

CPUs with multiple cores and high clock speeds are favored for Monero mining. Popular CPU models for mining include AMD Ryzen and Intel Core processors.

AMD Radeon graphics cards are generally preferred for GPU mining due to their high computational power and cost efficiency. However, it's crucial to research the specific models and compare their hashrates and power consumption to make an informed decision.

Mining Software for Monero

To begin mining Monero, you'll need suitable mining software that is compatible with your chosen hardware. The Monero Project provides two official options for mining: the Monero GUI Wallet and the Monero CLI (Command Line Interface).

The Monero GUI Wallet is a user-friendly graphical interface that allows you to mine Monero using your CPU. It is suitable for beginners who prefer a more straightforward setup and intuitive mining experience.

The Monero CLI, on the other hand, is a command-line interface that provides more flexibility and control over the mining process. It is recommended for advanced users who are comfortable with command-line interactions and want to mine using CPUs or GPUs.

If you choose to mine in a pool or with GPU hardware, you'll need dedicated mining software compatible with your setup. Popular mining software options for Monero include XMRig and CSminer. You must download these software packages from trusted sources to avoid any security risks.

Choosing a Monero Mining Pool

When mining Monero in a pool, choosing a reputable and reliable mining pool that suits your preferences is important. A mining pool is a group of miners who combine their computational power to increase their chances of mining a block.

Consider factors such as the pool's hashrate, fee structure, payout frequency, and reputation when selecting a mining pool. 

Some popular Monero mining pools include Minergate, 2Miners, and SupportXMR. Researching and comparing different pool options can help you find the one that aligns with your mining goals.

Also Read - Cloud Mining Simplified

Monero Mining Profitability in 2024

Determining the profitability of Monero mining in 2024 requires careful consideration of various factors, including the ones mentioned earlier. 

While Monero mining can be financially rewarding, it's important to remember that cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile, and profitability can fluctuate.

To assess the profitability of Monero mining, consider your hardware costs, electricity expenses, mining difficulty, and the current price of Monero. Additionally, monitor market trends and monitor any regulatory developments that may impact Monero's value and demand.

While profitability is a significant consideration, supporting the Monero network and contributing to its decentralization is crucial. Many miners view their mining operations as a long-term investment in the future of Monero and the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Also Read - Best and Profitable Crypto to Mine

Securing and Storing Monero

Once you have successfully mined Monero or acquired it through other means, securing and storing your XMR coins is crucial. As a privacy-focused cryptocurrency, Monero offers several wallet options that prioritize the confidentiality of your funds.

The Monero GUI Wallet and Monero CLI Wallet, provided by the Monero Project, are recommended for storing Monero securely. These wallets allow you to generate a private key and address, which are essential for accessing and managing your XMR coins.

Additionally, there are other reputable third-party wallet options available, such as the Trezor Model T hardware wallet and the Guarda Wallet. These wallets provide enhanced security features and support for multiple cryptocurrencies, including Monero.

Remember to follow best practices for securing your wallets, such as enabling two-factor authentication, keeping your private keys offline, and regularly updating your wallet software to protect against potential vulnerabilities.

The Future of Monero Mining

As with any cryptocurrency, the future of Monero mining is subject to various factors, including technological advancements, regulatory developments, and market trends. 

While it's challenging to predict the exact trajectory of Monero mining, several factors suggest a positive outlook. Monero's commitment to privacy and decentralization continues to resonate with users who value financial autonomy and security. 

As the demand for private and untraceable transactions grows, the utility and value of Monero may increase, potentially benefiting miners.

However, it's important to stay informed about regulatory developments and any potential challenges that may arise due to increased scrutiny of privacy-focused cryptocurrencies. 

Adapting to changing market conditions and remaining vigilant about profitability and mining strategies will be crucial for successful Monero mining in the future.

Conclusion

Monero mining offers an opportunity to earn passive income while supporting the privacy-focused ethos of the cryptocurrency. 

You can embark on a rewarding mining journey by understanding the basics of Monero mining, considering profitability factors, selecting suitable hardware and software, and securing your XMR coins.

Conduct thorough research, assess profitability regularly, and stay informed about market trends and regulatory developments. 

With careful planning and a commitment to the principles of Monero, you can contribute to the decentralized network and potentially reap the rewards of Monero mining in 2024 and beyond.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other advice, and you should not treat any of the website's content as such.

Token Metrics does not recommend buying, selling, or holding any cryptocurrency. Conduct your due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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Meme Coins in 2025: Why They’re Still Outperforming the Crypto Market

Token Metrics Team
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Introduction:
Even in a sluggish crypto market, meme coins continue to outperform many other asset classes. In 2025, these highly speculative assets are not only surviving—some are thriving. This blog examines the current state of the meme coin market, what’s driving the activity, and how on-chain data and crypto analytics can help decode the chaos.

Meme Coins: Still Relevant in 2025?

Despite a broadly bearish macro environment, meme coins remain among the few bright spots in the crypto market. In the latest Token Metrics research webinar, several meme tokens showed outsized returns, including:

  • Gorbagana – up over 50% in a day
  • Useless Coin – jumped 40% in 24 hours
  • Startup Coin – nearly 9x returns over the past month

These tokens operate at low market caps and often launch with little or no formal whitepaper or utility. However, the power of narrative, social engagement, and rapid speculation continues to drive short-term gains.

Why Meme Coins Are Performing in a Bear Market

1. Low Liquidity, High Volatility:
Small-cap meme tokens can easily generate parabolic moves with modest capital inflows.

2. Community-Led Narratives:
Tokens like Useless Coin and Startup thrive on viral momentum from crypto-native communities, particularly on X (Twitter) and Telegram.

3. Whale Activity as a Signal:
Token Metrics analysts observed that whales have been accumulating select meme coins. This isn’t an endorsement—but it’s a data point. Monitoring on-chain whale behavior offers clues about where smart money is moving.

The Gobagana Case Study

Gobagana was cited as a high-risk Solana fork with minimal public information, yet it rapidly gained traction. On-chain analysis revealed:

  • Whale wallets accumulating in the early phase
  • Early VC insiders (e.g., those connected to Big Brain VC) engaging with the token
  • Rapid social engagement despite a small follower base

The takeaway? Even opaque meme coins can trigger major rallies—particularly if accumulation patterns align with social volume.

Risk Management and Red Flags

The meme coin market is not without risk. The Token Metrics team emphasized several cautions:

  • Illiquidity: Many meme tokens have low volume and limited exchange listings.
  • Exit scams or soft rugs: Teams can abandon the project after price pumps.
  • Price discovery volatility: Tokens may have no clear valuation baseline and can retrace sharply.

As such, these assets are often best approached with a high-risk tolerance and clear entry/exit rules.

How to Track Meme Coins Like a Quant

Using crypto analytics platforms like Token Metrics can help make sense of meme coin volatility. Tools that help include:

  • Real-time sentiment analysis
  • Whale wallet tracking
  • Price-to-volume anomaly detection
  • Bullish/bearish signal tracking

In 2025, data is more important than hype. While memes may dominate the narrative, only data reveals when the momentum shifts.

Meme Coins vs. Infrastructure Projects

Interestingly, while meme coins have been surging, many infrastructure or protocol tokens remain flat. This divergence suggests that retail attention is still focused on short-term speculation.

That said, once Bitcoin breaks key resistance levels, we could see capital rotate into AI, DeFi, and infrastructure themes. Meme coins may be the “canary in the coal mine” indicating renewed retail appetite.

Final Thoughts

Meme coins remain the wild west of crypto—but they aren’t going away. In fact, they’re becoming more sophisticated, with deeper liquidity pools, faster launches, and increased integration with social media bots and automated token creators.

As always, meme coin trading demands discipline, skepticism, and a robust toolkit. Watch the whales, follow the data, and never trade what you don’t understand.

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How to Find Hidden Crypto Gems with 100x Potential (Step-by-Step Guide) | Token Metrics Moonshots

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In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, discovering hidden gems—often called moonshots—can lead to life-changing returns. But the real challenge lies in separating hype from actual potential. In this guide, we’ll break down what crypto moonshots are, how they work, and how you can use Token Metrics to reliably find tokens with 100x upside.

What Are Moonshot Tokens?

The term moonshot comes from the idea of a crypto token “going to the moon,” or rapidly increasing in price. These are usually low-cap tokens with a compelling narrative, innovative technology, or early-stage market presence that give them high upside potential.

Key Characteristics of Moonshot Tokens:

  • Market Cap Below $50M – Smaller market caps have more room to grow.
  • High Risk / High Reward – Volatility is expected, but the upside can be enormous.
  • Early Entry – Timing matters. Getting in early before mainstream awareness is key.
  • Backed by Fundamentals – Even moonshots need solid technology, use cases, or backing.

How Do Crypto Moonshots Work?

Moonshots rely on the combination of innovation, market timing, and community adoption. They often start unnoticed, then experience exponential growth once crypto traders and influencers catch on.

The Lifecycle of a Typical Moonshot:

  1. Discovery Phase – A few savvy investors or analysts spot the token.
  2. Accumulation Phase – Early adopters buy in quietly, keeping prices low.
  3. Breakout Phase – News spreads, and trading volume spikes.
  4. Parabolic Run – FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) kicks in, driving price up rapidly.
  5. Profit-Taking or Collapse – Smart traders exit with gains; latecomers may be left holding the bag.

To avoid the trap of hype-driven tokens, it's essential to use data and analytics, not emotions. That’s where Token Metrics becomes your secret weapon.

How to Use Token Metrics to Find Monshots?

Token Metrics is an AI-powered crypto analytics platform that helps you discover high-potential tokens with real-time data, grades, and backtested indicators. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using Token Metrics to uncover 100x opportunities:

Step 1: Go to the Ratings Page

Start from the main dashboard of the Token Metrics app.

  • Navigate to the “Ratings” tab.
  • This page ranks thousands of tokens using AI-based Trader Grade and Investor Grade, factoring in technical indicators, on-chain metrics, sentiment, and more.

Pro Tip: Look for tokens with rising Trader Grades and strong historical performance.

Step 2: Click on the “Moonshots” Tab

Once you’re in the Ratings section:

  • Click the “Moonshots” tab at the top of the page.
  • This will filter the list down to tokens the AI model flags as having moonshot potential—i.e., tokens likely to perform exceptionally well in the short term.

These are automatically generated by Token Metrics AI models using over 80+ data points, including:

  • Price momentum
  • On-chain activity
  • Sentiment analysis
  • Volume spikes
  • Market structure

Step 3: Review Key Moonshot Metrics

Each Moonshot token is presented with a rich dataset to help you make informed decisions:

  • Trader Grade (with % change in past 24h or 7d)
  • 24H Trading Volume – Gauge market interest
  • Market Cap – Lower caps typically offer more upside
  • Date of Entry – See when the token was first flagged
  • Live ROI Since Moonshot – Know exactly how past picks performed

Bonus Feature: Toggle to “Past Moonshots” to review previous winners and assess the track record of the platform.

Step 4: Choose a Token to Explore

Click on any token in the Moonshots list to open its Token Details Page.

Here, you can:

  • Analyze real-time charts
  • Review fundamentals, like project utility, tokenomics, roadmap, and team
  • See top holders and whale activity
  • Examine price volatility and volume patterns

This is where research and intuition meet. Use the available data to decide if this token fits your risk tolerance and investment thesis.

Step 5: Buy in Seconds

Token Metrics makes the process seamless:

  • Just click the “Buy” button on the Moonshots page.
  • This opens a swap widget powered by integrated DEX aggregators.
  • Choose your wallet, approve the transaction, and you're done—no need to leave the platform.

This integration eliminates the hassle of going to third-party platforms to execute trades, saving time and reducing risk.

Why Use Token Metrics for Finding Moonshots?

Token Metrics isn’t just about flashy picks—it’s about using data science and AI to gain an edge.

Key Benefits:

  • AI-Driven Insights – No emotional bias; just pure data analysis.
  • Transparency – View past moonshot performance, live ROI, and update dates.
  • Speed to Trade – Instant buy options right from the dashboard.
  • Performance Tracking – Evaluate your results based on entry/exit signals.

Real Examples: Token Metrics in Action

  • Euler Finance was flagged as a Moonshot before its 30% rally—validated by a bullish AI signal.
  • Morpho gained traction after appearing in the Moonshots list, later becoming a top TVL gainer.
  • Hyperliquid made the list before capturing major perp trading market share.

By combining early AI alerts with your own due diligence, you can position yourself ahead of the crowd.

Final Thoughts

Finding the next 100x crypto gem doesn’t have to be a guessing game. While the crypto space remains volatile, tools like Token Metrics help stack the odds in your favor. From real-time ratings to instant buy options and performance metrics, you have everything you need to make smart, data-driven bets on the future of crypto.

So if you're serious about turning small investments into big wins, start using Token Metrics to uncover moonshots before they go mainstream.

Try Token Metrics today and unlock the power of AI-driven crypto investing.

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Token Metrics Team
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Introduction:
The DeFi landscape is evolving rapidly, and 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. With innovations like permissionless lending, the ecosystem is transitioning into what many are calling DeFi 3.0. This blog explores what’s driving the shift, the platforms leading the charge, and what investors and developers need to know about this new wave.

What Is DeFi 3.0?

Decentralized finance (DeFi) has experienced two major innovation cycles:

  • DeFi 1.0 was defined by protocols like Uniswap, which revolutionized decentralized trading through automated market makers (AMMs).
  • DeFi 2.0 introduced concepts like protocol-owned liquidity, led by projects like OlympusDAO.

Now in DeFi 3.0, the focus has shifted to permissionless lending, advanced tokenomics, and integrated liquidity solutions.

The Core Drivers of DeFi 3.0

  1. Decentralization of Lending Access:
    Traditional DeFi lending platforms like AAVE require users to hold governance tokens or pass internal gatekeeping to create new markets. DeFi 3.0 protocols remove those barriers, allowing anyone to participate more freely.

  2. Integrated Liquidity and Lending:
    New platforms are enabling liquidity provision and borrowing from the same pool—merging the utility of DEXs with money markets.

  3. Improved Capital Efficiency:
    DeFi 3.0 focuses on optimizing the use of locked capital. Through smart contract automation, platforms allow users to earn on idle funds, reduce slippage, and optimize collateral.

Leading Platforms in the DeFi 3.0 Movement

1. Euler Finance
Euler has grown to over $1B in total value locked (TVL) and is rolling out a key innovation: EulerSwap. This module lets protocols provide liquidity for both swaps and borrowing in a single pool.
Key features:

  • Dual-purpose liquidity (swap + lending)
  • “Just-in-time” borrowing mechanisms
  • Smart contract automation for optimized usage

2. Morpho
Morpho is another high-growth player. With support from Coinbase and over $4B in TVL, it's becoming a serious challenger to AAVE. Its permissionless lending architecture and novel liquidity provisioning model stand out.

3. Hyperliquid
While not a lender per se, Hyperliquid’s approach to perpetuals (perps) trading is noteworthy. It has captured 11% of Binance’s perp market share, signaling DeFi’s growing ability to challenge centralized platforms.

Why Permissionless Lending Matters

The benefits of removing centralized control over lending markets include:

  • Faster innovation and product launches
  • Greater financial inclusion for emerging projects
  • Risk-based pricing by the market, not centralized governance
  • Enhanced decentralization and resilience

However, challenges remain. The risk of undercollateralized positions and protocol exploits still exist. That’s why security—such as smart contract audits and on-chain firewalls—is critical.

The Role of Token Metrics in Tracking DeFi 3.0

During the webinar, the Token Metrics team highlighted how their platform tracks the performance of DeFi 3.0 projects using metrics like:

  • TVL growth rate
  • Trader grade and investor grade
  • Bullish or bearish signals based on 80+ data points

For example, Euler’s bullish signal flipped just before a 30% price rise, demonstrating the value of data-driven insight in volatile markets.

What's Next for DeFi?

As the cycle evolves, we expect:

  • A proliferation of permissionless lending protocols across L1s and L2s
  • Better capital efficiency tools
  • Greater interoperability across EVM chains and Solana
  • On-chain integrations with tokenized real-world assets

Final Thoughts

DeFi 3.0 is not just hype—it represents a fundamental shift in how decentralized finance operates. Permissionless lending, composable liquidity, and institutional-grade risk controls are turning DeFi into a more mature, scalable ecosystem.

As always, perform your own due diligence and keep an eye on platform fundamentals, smart contract risk, and ecosystem adoption.

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