Are you a crypto enthusiast looking for a Linux-based operating system to help you mine your target cryptocurrencies? In this article, we have listed and described the top ten Linux Mining OS that is perfect for mining any type of cryptocurrency.

• Hive OS — Overall Linux OS for Mining Cryptocurrency
• Ubuntu — Best Free Cryptocurrency Linux Mining OS
• Tails — Best Anonymous Cryptocurrency Linux Mining OS
• Minerstat Mining OS — Best for AMD and NVIDIA GPU Rigs
• SimpleMining — Best Cryptocurrency Linux Mining OS for Beginners

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Linux distribution has become a powerful operating system many users can beat their chest about its functionality and stability. And in the crypto world, the reverse is not the case. Cryptocurrency, be it Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polkadot, Binance coin and more have been hugely invested in and mining it has been profitable. However, to connect the dots, you have to know the appropriate hardware and software requirements. This often defines which OS will be suitable depending on the situation you are dealing with.

If you have a target to mine on multiple rigs, Linux OS is the best on that lane to enable you to manage them properly. But if you have just a few to mine, windows will be perfect. Mining crypto on windows is quite common among beginner miners and some experts, but the downside is that Windows can be very delicate, hence, it can easily crash. Linux is the opposite of that, it’s very stable, transparent, and convenient but with some price involved, it’s not for free.

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What Makes a Linux Distro Operating System Good for Mining Cryptocurrency

What makes Linux OS good for mining crypto get down on the fact that there are several types of specialized mining operating systems out there. Some are open source while others are private. The interesting part is that Linux base OS can be any of the two. Though, open source is good because it gives room for external scrutiny to help create more credibility. Other people can save you from any disadvantage. Don’t get me wrong, the private ones are excellent as well. They are flexible in that the OS can be put into a USB, HDD, and SSD.

And all you need to do is to plug the drive into your rig with a full internet connection, boot your rig and you will see your rig come up in your account and run it. The GPU is another thing to catch, if you want to run multiple GPU like AMD and NVIDIA simultaneously, Linux is best. No overload, systems don’t crash, and they are easier to control and manage precisely if your farm is large.

The connection goes to your web account where you modify all the rigs from there instead of going through that with every rig. Using Linux OS in mining cryptocurrency is intriguing and essential.

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Best Mining OS for Cryptocurrency Miners

Haven carried out extensive research coupled with personal usage; we will walk right in to further describe the top 10 Linux Distros OS for mining cryptocurrency. Keep in mind that the lists are analyzed and outlined based on some criteria such as scalability, performance, price, stability, ease of use, versatility and reliability, lightweight, security, and anonymity to mention a few. So, let’s get on it.

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Hive OS — Overall Linux OS for Mining Cryptocurrency

First in line is HiveOS. One of the fastest, most popular, and yet sophisticated Linux OS for mining cryptocurrency. Looking at its standard, the setup is simple. Installation is within minutes be it multiple rigs in bulk or not. In comparison with other mining OS, it is compatible with several GPUs built up. Whether it is Nvidia GeForce GTX 10xx, GTX 16xx, RTX 20xx, RTX 30xx, or AMD Radon RX series, Polries, Vega, and ASIC, all are fully supported, hence, they can jointly run on the same worker. Interestingly, vBIOS updates are also supported to integrate graphic functions.

The community stays up-to-date on notifications via a telegram and discord group. This is done to enable them to know and track the performance of the farms. Other fine features like multilingual support, remote reboot, and shutdown are accessible. In terms of pricing, all packages are pocket friendly. With 2$ – 3$, a monthly rig will be purchased. There is a free tier that enables you to have four rigs for free, anything above will have a price tag. What’s unique here is the mining pool which you can join if you want to use HiveOS without paying a dime. PPS+ is available to tell you what the pool is all about.

Pros & Cons of Hive OS

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Ubuntu — Best Free Cryptocurrency Linux Mining OS

Next on the list is Ubuntu. Introducing this Linux OS will be a sort of repetition to many as it is the most popular distribution when Linux is the center of discussion. There is absolutely no Linux user that will say they don’t know this distro. The distinctiveness of Ubuntu when it comes to mining cryptocurrency is that, unlike others that require paid premiums, it is completely free. And for someone who wants to get into mining, the cost can be a turn-off sometimes, hence, why Ubuntu is perfect to be on these lists.

It is called a standalone because even though it is a Linux-based OS, it does not need any third-party involvement to run it. It comes raw with nothing on it like Windows, no app, or mining OS on it. So, if you carry out your installation, you have to download the mining OS and install it on the rig. What you would come to like is that there is no need for any web application before you can modify your rigs, so it will be more stable.

It doesn’t need any updates or any other operation that will prompt back-and-forth installation like windows, as there’s no specific software for such activities. Since it is open-source and has excellent backing from its developer, setting up your rigs and getting your mining right will not be an issue.

Pros & Cons of Ubuntu

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Tails — Best Anonymous Cryptocurrency Linux Mining OS

Tails just like Ubuntu is entirely free at zero cost. Even at that, this does not stop the developers of this Linux distro to carry out a perfect job. Their recommendation and reviews speak loudly. Tails is secure and a portable operating system that stands as a guard against surveillance and censorship. And this is its biggest strength.

However, why is this OS for mining cryptocurrency? Tails has quite some interesting features not likened to most mining OS. It uses a Tor network to encrypt your privacy and visibility online, and help you do away with any form of censorship. For instance, if you are in a country where cryptocurrency has been banned or is experiencing restrictions, Tails can help you stay hidden and what you have mined on your wallet will not be detected. Your computer is safe anywhere irrespective of the version and type.

What is good about this mining Operating system is that it always comes up naked and clean because whatever you processed wipes off automatically as soon as you shut down your system. Be it the website you access, the password, or even the network used. You are completely safe, untraceable, and not trackable. You’re anonymous always.

Pros & Cons of Tails

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RaveOS — Best Alternative for Hive OS

RaveOS is one of the top Linux-based operating systems for mining cryptocurrency. Its features are way similar to that of HiveOS and some functionalities are the same. This has made miners perceive it as competitive because it is reliable and has become a force to reckon with. Installation is pretty easy and the developers have precisely designed custom firmware for their ASIC miners.

Just like HiveOS, RaveOS has a mobile app to go by, device management, and overclocking with built-in GPU error detection, auto-reboot, and mining booster. Thus, why it is the best alternative. They have a standby team that helps monitor updates of mines and the release of new coins, hashrate as well as group wallets. There are three different packages with less pricey costs and one free tier.

The first package is free since it involves one worker but if it increases to two, payment will pop up. It has support for hardware such as Nvidia, AMD, Autofan, and amongst others. Note that payment of plan is majorly preferred in cryptocurrency, if you pay through stripe, an additional cost will apply.

Pros & Cons of RaveOS

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Minerstat Mining OS — Best for AMD and NVIDIA GPU Rigs

Unlike others described in this article, Mining OS comes in several versions and you can decide which hardware is suitable for the precise crypto you want to mine. It is developed by Minerstat for enthusiast miners of any type of cryptocurrency. Known to be the best cryptocurrency Linux OS for AMD and NVIDIA GPU rigs, there are 56 Nvidia hardware, and 32 AMD to be matched with the versions.

Also, for ASIC miners, there are 241 ASIC machines to choose from, and mine the currency of your choice. Minerstat has a lot of take home that’s why many miners go for it. As such, there are different plans to start with ranging from free to paid tiers. Though the fermium is limited, whenever you decide to switch to a more unlimited plan, the packages are 1 month, 3 months, 6month and 1 year. Each of these comes with a discounted price excluding 1 month that will require you to pay full price.

The monthly tier plan is 1.52 euros per week/worker. Additionally, the fact that it has a tutorial platform to guide users in various operations is a plus. While preparing for configuration, USB, HDD, or SSD can be used.  Just like RaveOS, it has a mobile app to help streamline mining.

Pros & Cons of Minerstat Mining OS

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PiMP OS — Best Cryptocurrency Linux OS for Large Mining

Portable Instant Mining Platform (PiMP) is the portable version of Linux distribution development for mining Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. It is one of the best distributions so far as crypto mining is concerned. Being around for quite some time, 2012 to be exact, it has become a well-known and reliable mining OS. All you have to do is to download this OS and write it to an SSD and you are good to go on a mining rig. You can easily monitor and control your mining rig.

This OS has every software and tool you will be needing for your mining. Also, since it is the fastest and easiest way to mine any cryptocurrency, it has great support for almost all mining hardware. PiMP has good stability and reputation. And just like Tails, it is a Debian-based distribution, all thanks to the reliable Debian distro built as well. Looking by the installation size, it is termed the best Linux crypto OS for large mining. PiMP has no precise package plans; you have to pay for a license if you choose to use this OS for mining.

A license cost $35 per month; however, each key giving can only go for a rig. Therefore, buying a license on more than one rig will not be costly. Although, you can go for a bulk purchase if you intend to get 100 to 150 keys, as the price will be discounted by 5%.

Pros & Cons of PiMP OS

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SimpleMining — Best Cryptocurrency Linux Mining OS for Beginners

If you are looking for an extremely flexible OS, then you are in the right place. SimpleMining is easy to use plug and pay Linux mining OS platform for cryptocurrency GPU mining. The OS supports all the advance Nvidia and AMD GPUs. As a miner, you don’t need to worry about configuring this OS, all that is required is to just download the OS image and flash it into your HDD, SSD, or Pendrive, and boot it. The storage requirement is 7GB+.

After that, add up rigs to your account and manage all rigs from a cloud-based interface. It is easy to set up, hence, it is beginner friendly. It has the best WiFi. Note that, you can’t mix GPUs in one rig. This is because AMD has a different overlocking schema which is not compatible with NVIDIA.

Aside from that, some fine attributes come with this OS such as Rxboost, a tool that helps to boost mining speed by 1-5% on RX 400/500 series. Packages have a simple plan, there is a 30 days free trial service with one rig. Price ranges from $2 monthly for 1-49. The higher the rigs the lesser the price down to 5000+ rigs for just $0.5.

Pros & Cons of SimpleMining

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Miner OS — Best Most Stable and Fast Cryptocurrency Linux OS

Miner OS is a Linux base distribution platform meant solely for cryptocurrency. It is considered one of the best mining operating systems out there. Knowing it is very fast and stable, it monitors and manages mining rigs with the GPUs available. Installation is easy, thus, no hassle in setting up an interface to manage rigs. The OS has three installation methods. The express method, classical and migrating. Looking at the packages, three pricing plans are available. Foremost is the free package for beginners and small home miners with 1-3 workers with a 3-days trial.

The next package is professional. This package is for serious miner’s rigs i.e., those into serious crypto mining. Three workers for as low as $1 per rig. Thirdly is the business package for corporate miners with 300+ rigs. All plans have no restrictions on system functionality. There are discounts and the more workers you purchase the higher your discount. Unlike RaveOS preferred payment to be in cryptocurrency. You can purchase any plan using any method of payment.

Pros & Cons of Miner OS

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SMOS — Best with Advance Easy to Use UI

SMOS is the simplest mining OS base on Linux. It's beginner compatible. One of the primary challenges of using a Linux operating system to mine cryptocurrencies is the inability to find your way around the installation and configuration processes. Well, all thanks to this OS, because it doesn’t require that. Everything is so stretchy here if you pay attention and go carefully. No need for a driver, just follow the procedures on the website and you will be fine.

SMOS is one among others that have taken their time to modify and grow with the system. As the crypto world is advancing so are the developers of this OS following the trend. Mining in SMOS has been revolutionizing to have a control center. So, you can control your mining rigs or farms from one place following the dashboard.

That’s why it is said to be the best with advanced UI. It has support for the most known GPU cards, Nvidia GTX and AMD RX. Also, when it comes to pricing, it does not disappoint. The pricing is structured with users in mind. You have the privilege of mining for 6 months for free if you use only one rig. If you add a rig than that, just $1 is charged for the added rig, isn’t this fair enough? Aside from that, there is an auto-update for every new version release. No need to download the image every time. The software is always up-to-date with the latest updates, driver, and mining OS.

Pros & Cons of SMOS

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NiceHash OS — Best Cryptocurrency Linux OS for Unlimited Rigs

NiceHash OS is a suitable Linux operating system that is lightweight. It is very quick and easy to set up. Compared to PiMP OS, NiceHash OS is USB recommendable. It boots within 10 seconds from USB drives. Setting up is automatic, so updating is as well automatic. How it works is that the NiceHash OS Flash Tool will automatically download the latest version of the OS and guide you further via a bootable USB creation process.

Looking at the pricing in comparison with others that have been described, NiceHash OS has a 1-month, 6-month, and 1-year subscription plan. But fortunately, there are never prices on this plan, meaning that, it is free. Though the number of total rigs is limited, 300 to be exact but you have the privilege to add. That’s why it is the best OS for unlimited mining rigs. If you are starting up, using this OS to mine cryptocurrency will do you more good than harm. Even as an expert, doubling your earnings is what it is.

It’s completely worth it because you’ve got nothing to lose. So, give it a shot. However, if you are going for a Private Endpoint Solution, that will surely cost you some money, because it deals with mining optimization to the maximum level of performance and earnings. Aside from that, no cost is involved.

Pros & Cons of NiceHash OS

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FAQs

Q. Which Linux Distribution is Best for Mining Cryptocurrency?

When talking about the best distribution for crypto mining, some criteria are to be considered in setting them aside from others. As such, you need to look at the performance, stability, reliability, versatility, ease of use, security, and anonymity to mention a few. Nonetheless, in this article, we have put all this in place before listing out the ones we described here. So, the above is the ten best Linux-based mining OS at the time of this writing. Do take your time to choose anyone confidently as they are tested to work well.

Q. How Many GPUs Do I Need for Mining Cryptocurrency?

There is no specific number of GPUs to be used while mining. It is limitless. Hence, it depends on your target and budget. If you intend to run an infinity rig it depends on you. It starts from 1-rig, 2, and so on. Oftentimes, when miners ask, 6 GPUs are always recommended to start with because it's Linux and not Windows. Linux can take a larger number. It all gets down to how many cryptocurrencies you want to mine, be it Bitcoin, or Ethereum among others. Also, the rig or farm you decide to control and manage matters because prices are structured by a rig.

Q. Are All the Linux Cryptocurrency Mining OS Free?

No, all are not free. some are free and even open source like Ubuntu is completely free. But many are not, because mining OS is not solely run by a community. Some tech-savvy sat and exhaustively develop them. Therefore, they are not free. what they mostly offer is a free trial of 3 to 30 days with 1 to 4 workers to try with depending on the one you want to start with. And after the trial, you make your choice. What’s of benefit is that, if you stick with one rig, there is a 90% chance you will never be charged. But you can’t go that lane and just stick to a free plan if you are into a serious cryptocurrency mining business.

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Conclusion

Cryptocurrency has evolved slowly and now become a coin accepted almost worldwide. However, just like some traded it immediately as the market surged, others invest in it hugely to mine for some time to enable them to earn big if things don’t go south. The challenge most time is, some people are completely zero in this, and why some have been there for some time, knowing the hardware and software to use to mine this coin are not a catch for them. In this article, we have come up with the best or top 10 Linux mining operating systems that you can use to mine cryptocurrency. The list is cut across any type you want to mine.