9 Best Helium Miners to Earn HNT: Which is Worth Buying

In this post, we’ll select nine top best Helium Miners to earn HNT, including Bobcat miner 300, SenseCAP Miner and more. We’ll also explain how does Helium mining work and the risk of Helium mining.

The cryptocurrency Helium (HNT) is based on the Helium blockchain, which offers a blockchain-based radio frequency network for facilitating the connection and communication of Internet of Things (IoT) devices with one another.

As seen in the well-known Internet of Things hubs like Google and Amazon, Helium aims to address the issue of inadequate privacy. By utilizing blockchain technology, it accomplishes this.

IoT devices can communicate with one another over a cheap internet thanks to the distributed wireless open-source network helium. Helium LongFi technology and routers are used instead of working like a Wi-Fi network. Compared to Wi-Fi routers, this technology offers 200 times more coverage.

A city can only have Internet connectivity if a small number of mining devices can generate enough radio frequencies. Mining equipment earns HNT while providing coverage.

Related reading: How to Mine Helium – Comprehensive Guide

What is the Helium Network?

In order to create open, decentralized wireless networks, the Helium blockchain network was developed. A peer-to-peer system like the WiFi standard is the Helium Network.

The Helium Network is different from a conventional WiFi network in a number of ways, including its open-source status, complete device-to-cloud encryption, dependability and scalability, and dedication to open collaboration. The network’s development and growth are also rewarded for Helium miners.

Radio wave network activity validation is necessary for helium mining. POC stands for proof of coverage. The annual electricity costs for Helium Hotspots are less than $10 CAD and they only use 5 watts of power.

What is a Helium Miner?

Helium miners can also be called “Helium hotspots.” Anyone can contribute to and take advantage of a wireless network of Internet of Things (loT) devices thanks to this diminutive router-like device. With connectivity over hundreds of kilometers, helium miners can send data for half the price of traditional cellular networks.

As peer-to-peer systems, helium miners can communicate over both short and long distances. It would be best to take this into account before choosing where to set up your miner. The number of other Helium miners in your neighborhood has a direct impact on your ability to profit from it, as we’ll explain below.

List of Top Helium Miners

Popular and best Helium Mining Devices/Hardware/Machines list:

1. SenseCAP Miner
2. Browan MerryIoT
3. Bobcat Miner 300
4. Milesignt LoRaWAN
5. Nebra ROCK Pi
6. RADACAT COTX-X3
7. MNTD Miner
8. Dusun Indoor Hotspot Miner
9. Mimiq FinestraMiner

Detailed reviews:

#1) SenseCAP M1 Indoor Hotspot Miner

It is a LoRaWAN indoor gateway that is ready-to-use and high-performing. The SenseCAP M1 connects to The People’s Network in just a few simple steps and minutes and enables you to build LoRa applications for a low cost. Miles of wireless network coverage and a high data transfer rate are provided by the SenseCAP M1 for LoRa/LoRaWAN devices. It allows you to benefit from the advantages of the Helium community while also supporting the infrastructure of The People’s Network.

How to mine HNT with SenseCAP M1 Indoor Hotspot Miner:

Step #1: Get the SenseCAP app now. Establish a Helium wallet.

Step #2: Activate the device by pressing the back button for 6–10 seconds to turn it on, then tap or click Set up Hotspot and select SenseCap Miner from the list.

Connect to the miner by connecting to it after clicking Scan for my Hotspot on the Bluetooth page. Then, connect using Wi-Fi. Create a Hotspot location and pay the location fee. You must pay the fee in Data Connects. Now that the machine is mining for you, you can relax.

Features:

• Dashboard for monitoring all the technical data, including block height, temperature, health, and sync status.
• Support for WiFi, Bluetooth, 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of RAM, and EU868 and US915 frequency support.
• Raspberry comes with a heat sink and a cooling fan.
• 64GB eMMc storage.
• 2.6 dBi antenna gain.

Pros:

• Hotspot management is possible via the app on mobile devices.
• Quick and easy setup.
• Three RAM options.

Cons:

• Pricey
• 2 frequencies are supported.

Read more: Bobcat Miner 300 vs Sensecap M1: A Comprehensive Comparison – Buy Bobcat Miner 300

#2) Browan MerryIOT Hotspot Miner

The MerryIoT Hotspot Miner by Browan has 32 GB of eMMC fast flash storage and 4 GB of RAM, which complies with the most recent hardware requirements for mining HNT. While Browan Merryiot already has an internal antenna, adding an external one can extend the range. It is also distinctive due to its eMMC storage, which denotes ultra-fast beacon discovery.

How to mine HNT with Browan MerryIOT Hotspot Miner:

Step #1: Connect the antenna and cables for the device. Power it on.

Step #2: The SSID and password are located on the back of the device, and they are used to establish a WiFi connection between the device and the gateway. Locate the SSID MerryIoT****** and enter the necessary information to connect. The assigned IP range from the AP will be fetched.

In a web browser, type the IP address 192.168.4.1. Choose between WiFi and Ethernet for your connection. If using Ethernet, set up the IP and DNS in accordance with the setup manual. To connect to WiFi, just look for the SSID listed above and enter the password from the device’s back.

Also available is manual connection. Enter the password for the third-party gateway server (the gateway) you have chosen to connect to.

Connect to a hotspot in step #3. In order to locate nearby access points, the gateway will scan the area. Select the network you want to join, type your password, and click Join.

Features:

• 140X110X20mm; weight 160g.
• 4GB RAM.
• frequency support for US915 and EU868.
• Built-in antenna, Bluetooth 5.2, WiFi 2.4 GHz, and a 2 dBi antenna gain.
• Built-in antenna.
• Cortex-A55 quad-core Rockchip RK3566.
• eMMC 32 GB/64GB

Pros:

• Accepted cryptocurrency payments USDC or ERC-20.
• incorporates a crypto chip.
• External USB-A 2.0 connector set aside for future use.

Cons:

• Preorders that are not returnable.

Read more: Bobcat Miner 300 vs. Browan MerryIOT Hotspot Miner: A Comparative Analysis

#3) Bobcat Miner 300

A popular high-end miner for the HNT (Helium) coin is the Bobcat Miner 300. In 2021, it was the most popular and widely used miner. The Helium project connects individual hotspots with a LoRaWAN antenna to create a mesh network for external devices. The setup is finished using the Helium app on your iOS or Android smartphone. This miner, which uses the US 915 MHz frequency, is only designed for use in North America.

Additionally, this is the 2GB RAM version of the more recent Bobcat Miner 300. The box contains the Bobcat Miner 300 2GB 915MHz, 4dbi antenna with base, power adapter, and mounting screws.

How to mine HNT using Bobcat Miner 300:

Step #1: Install the antenna and hanger. Place it on a desktop or hang it. Join the Internet to your computer. Your phone’s GPS and Bluetooth should be turned on. Download and install the Helium app from the iOS App Store, Google Play, or another app.

Step #2: Configure the gadget. On the login page of the app, open it and choose Hotspots. You can read the configuration guide or omit it when selecting a miner.

Give the miner power. Light red will first appear, followed by yellow. Turn on Bluetooth by placing the pin into the buttonhole and maintaining pressure on the button.

When the indicator turns blue as it should, select Scan my Hotspot on the mobile app. Tap on the miner once you’ve located it, and then set up the network. If you want to use Ethernet, enter your WiFi password. When connecting, the light will change from blue to green.

Features:

• CPU: quad-core Cortex A35; RAM: 2GB.
• Support for EU868, US915, AU915, KR920, and AS923 frequencies.
• 4 dBi antenna gain, Bluetooth 5.1, and WiFi support.
• OTA upgrades.
• 64GB eMMC 5.1 Flash memory.

Pros:

• Using the Bobber app, manage and control Hotspots.
• 30% global market share for the network of bobbers that gives hotspots more ways to make money.
• 5G cellular support in addition to LoRaWAN coverage for my HNT.
• LongFi compatibility.
• Mine by transmitting, witnessing, and beaconing LoRaWan data.
• incredibly low power usage of only 5W.

Cons:

• Pricey mining device.

#4) Milesight LoRaWAN

The helium variant of their UG65 LoRaWAN gateway is the Milesight UG65 Helium hotspot Miner. It is IP65-enclosed, semi-industrial production-grade, and capable of operating in environments with humidity levels as high as 95% and temperatures between -40 and +70 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to mine HNT with Milesight LoRaWAN:

Step #1: The gadget should be mounted on a wall or pole. Before connecting the antenna and cables, insert the SIM card.

Step #2: Utilize the IP listed below from the computer’s Internet protocol configuration to connect your computer to the internet. By using the password and username below, you can also connect wirelessly by looking for the AP with the name Gateway_******. The MAC address’s final six characters are indicated by the *s.

Using the manual’s default setup IP, you can also access the web gateway. IP 192.168.23.150 (type this on the web browser), the username is admin, and the password is password.

Step #3: Join the network to the gateway. You can accomplish this using WiFi, cellular technology, or WAN. Go to Network>Interface>WLAN>Client mode, for instance, when using a WiFi connection. Scan for WiFi access points, choose one that’s open, and click Join Network.

The gateway can also be linked to other networks’ servers. Using MQTT, HTTP, or HTTPS, you can connect the device as a network server and send data to the Milesight IoT cloud or other platforms. To do this, refer to the manual.

Features:

• Measures – 180x110x65.16mm; weight_
• 1.5 GHz quad-core, 64-bit ARM Cortex-A53 processor.
• 2 RU864, IN865, EU868, US915, AU915, KR920, AS923, AS923-2; GB RAM; 32 GB eMMC Storage; 2.4 GHz WiFi; and 2/5 dBi antenna gain.

Pros:

• High HNT returns are produced by a high antenna gain.
• lightweight and portable
• LAN and WiFi connection options are available during setup.
• various frequency options and choices.
• rapid setup and mining start.

Cons:

• Pricey

#5) Nebra Rock Pi

There are two versions of this helium miner: a paid version and a free version. For instance, the advanced tier has an option for remote management of the miner. A smartphone can be used to configure the device, and an app on that device can be used to manage Hotspots. Being low-power, it only consumes 15 W.

How to mine HNT with Nebra Rock Pi:

Step #1: Find a suitable location for the device to provide the best coverage, connect the antenna and cables, and connect to power using the proper adapter. Led is orange.

Step #2: Install the default Helium app, open it, and select +, Add a Hotspot to configure the device. Accept the company’s request for diagnostic access before turning on the Hotspot (do not turn it on without the antenna connected as this could harm it).

To pair both devices, turn on Bluetooth on the mobile device and press the BT button on the Hotspot device once. Choose the hotspot from the app (its six last digits match the mac address on the sticker for the device). Enter username and password. By selecting Use Ethernet, Ethernet can also be used. details about the antenna’s height and power.

Assert the device’s location by granting location permission. Verify where the hotspot is located. Check the hotspot’s precise location. Place the device as shown on the map by clicking Continue. The initial $10 HNT or Data Connect payment has been made.

Features:

• 94x70x53mm; weight 353g.
• 1.8 GHz, 1.4 GHz, Quadcore A53. Cortex A72 CPU with two cores. Rock Pi processor.
• 2GB RAM
• 3 dBi Antenna gain, Bluetooth 5, 32 GB eMMC Storage, WiFi.
• Support for RU864, IN865, EU868, US915, AU915, KR920, and AS923 frequencies.
• options both inside and outside.

Pros:

• offers a wide variety of frequency options suitable for various countries.
• large technical support staff.
• among the quickest processing units.
• Miner management is possible with Nebra dashboard.
• 1 tree is planted per every order.
• optimum beaconing with high-quality saw filters.
• $1 was donated to Dew was sold for each miner.
• Secure components.
• $40 onboarding fee and first $10 location assert covered.

Cons:

• $10 location assert after the first covered one. Every time you move the hotspot to a new location, you must pay for this.
• Amount paid for the advance plan.

Read more: Bobcat Miner 300 VS Nebra Rock Pi: Which One to Pick

#6) Radacat Cotx-X3

A hotspot indoor mining device is called a Radacat. It features an LCD and a high-gain antenna that is optional. The latter makes it very simple to see various working statuses. The Raspberry Pi 4B serves as the main processor and runs Ubuntu 20.04 OS or later.

Unlike most Helium mining devices currently on the market, it has a high-gain antenna that guarantees high network coverage. Even enterprise-level large-scale farm HTN mining applications can make use of this mining tool.

According to the company, this device currently earns 0.15 NT on average per day through the network. There is a 14-day return and refund period for the product.

How to mine HNT with Radacat:

Step #1: Purchase the item and connect it to your current network.

Step #2: Position the antenna as high as you can, for example. near a window where there is no obstruction.

Features:

• 1.5 GHz, quad-core Cortex A72 processor.
• 8 GHz, WiFi 2.4/5 GHz, 5.0 Bluetooth, and 3.5/8 dBi antenna gain.
• 32 GB Micro SD card.
• Ethernet support.
• USB 2.0 included.

Pros:

• 99.9% guaranteed uptime.
• 80% of the devices have high network coverage.
• can be put to use in an enterprise mining environment.
• Up to $9,000/year in potential earnings over the next five years.

Cons:

• Pricey.

#7) MNTD Miner

On RAK Hotspot, the device is based. It comes in two variations: the Limited Edition Goldspot and the Blackspot miner, a standard edition in a dark color. The latter has 4GB of RAM, while the former has 8GB. VIP support is available with Goldspot.

You must secure the account when you set it up by writing down the 12-word passphrase and keeping the piece of paper in a secure place.

How to mine HNT with MNTD:

Step #1: Connect the USB-C power cable and antenna to the miner before setting it up.

Step #2: Install the Helium Wallet app. Open the app, click the + icon in the top right corner, select the miner brand, find it by scrolling to the Rack Hotspot on the app, swipe to the last card, and acknowledge that you have read the manual. Select “I’m powered up” after confirming that you understand.’

The Rak Hotspot should be discovered by the phone’s Bluetooth when you enable it and select Scan for my Hotspot. The gadget will appear as a Helium Hotspot. Click on it and wait.

Step #3: Ethernet or WiFi should be used to set up the miner’s Internet connection.

Activate the hotspot location in step #4. With HNT tokens, the $10 cost is waived for a new device. Optionally, use the 2.8 dBi antenna of your choice. Verify the antenna and location on the confirmation page.

If you notice a mistake, re-add the miner.

Do port forwarding on your WiFi router and set aside a static IP for the miner, then click Go to Wallet. If not, after you set it up, the status will change to Relayed, which might have an impact on mining profits.

Features:

• Raspberry Pi 4.
• 4/8 GB RAM.
• frequency support for RU864, IN865, EU868, US915, AU915, KR920, AS923, US915, and CN470.
• Support for WiFi at 2.4 and 5 GHz, Bluetooth 5.0.
• 5.8 dBi antenna capability.
• In-built heat sink.
• 32 GB SD card storage.
• a manual for installation.

Pros:

• Possibility of upgrading to a 5.8 dBi antenna for increased revenue.
• Two RAM options.

Cons:

• Pricey.
• Complicated setup.

Read more: Bobcat Miner 300 VS MNTD Miner: Which is Better

#8) Dusun Indoor Hotspot Miner

High-quality antennae on the Dusun miner can be set up outside for improved performance. The device provides coverage that can reach up to 26.78 dBi, resulting in a wider LoRaWan. An app may also be used to control it.

It has LongFi technology, which enables roaming and supports micro-payments so that users can pay for network usage without having to set up gateways or network servers. Any LoRaWan device is now able to relay data on the Helium network thanks to the technology’s combination with the LoRaWan protocol.

How to mine HNT with the Dusun Indoor Hotspot Miner:

Step #1: Holding down the reset button on the gateway will return it to its factory default settings. When the green light starts to blink, press.

Read more: How to Reset Bobcat Miner 300: Step-by-step Guide

Step #2: The device should be set up and placed on a window or another location without any metal objects in the way. To avoid overheating, keep it out of direct sunlight. Install a gateway antenna and turn it on. If you can avoid it, switch to Ethernet. Scan the QR code on the manual to download the Dusun, Helium, and iOS apps, and then install them.

Step #3: Get the Dusun hotspot going. Increase the distance between the device and the receiver, turn on Bluetooth, and make sure the device is connected to a different circuit outlet from the receiver if the red light is still on after the Ethernet and power connections.

When working on the device, make sure to maintain a distance of 20 cm to adhere to recommendations for radiation exposure. Do not submerge.

Step #4: Use the WAN port on the router to connect the gateway. The Hotspots you should select and connect to will be discovered automatically if you connect the PC to the same network and log in using the username and password on the back of the device in a browser on the PC.

Features:

• Data Credits are used by devices to pay for access.
• uses iOS and Android apps for diagnostics, adding Hotspots, upgrading Hotspots, and changing the installation location and antenna.
• 27x18x6m size; 0.7g.
• frequency support for US915, EU868, US915, AU915, RU864, KR920, IN864, and TH923.
• Rockchip 3328 processor, Linux operating system, quad-core Cortex A53 processor.
• 32 GB eMMC storage card.
• Support for WiFi and Bluetooth. LoRaWan support.
• Antenna gain of as much as 26.78 dBi.

Pros:

• up to 26.78 dBi of additional LoRaWan coverage.
• can control Hotspots using the Helium mobile application.
• An excellent antenna for increased wireless coverage.

Cons:

• It shouldn’t be used outside because it can be damaged by water and overheats in the sun.

#9) Mimiq FinestraMiner

With the included non-adhesive mount, the device can be elevated for better network coverage. Dashboard management is supported by the apps FinestraMiner or Helium. Using a reusable adhesive base, it can be mounted on a window or a flat surface. It is also simpler to set up because of this.

You can control a fleet of FinestraMiners from any location at any time using the web-based Cloud Dashboard interface. The dashboard will assist you in identifying areas that call for maintenance or other performance improvement, such as, temperature readings for the CPU, online/offline status, RAM usage, etc.

How to mine HNT with Mimiq:

Step #1: Install the Helium app that you can download from the Google and Apple app stores. To keep the paper secure, register and write down the 12 passphrases.

Step #2: Set the device up and attach the cables and antenna. Connect the miner to the Internet and turn the device off. Put it there or hang it on the window.

From the app, tap + button, add your gateway, and follow the in-app instructions. Bluetooth must be turned on in order to enable Location permissions in the app (App info>Permissions>Location).

Features:

• 4.3×4.3×1.6 inches, weight 300 g (10.5 oz).
• The high-performance radio’s non-metallic RF transparent enclosure reduces signal losses caused by metallic enclosure shielding.
• Processor: Raspberry Pi 4, RAM: 4 GB.
• Frequency support for EU868.
• Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wifi support, Ethernet support.
• 2.8 (EU) or 2.6 (US and Canada) dBi antenna gain.
• 64GB eMMc storage.

Pros:

• gateway with a heartwarming design and high security.
• can be set up using the Helium mobile application.
• Helium App support makes for an easy and quick setup.

Cons:

• Device has a limited warranty.
• For indoor use only because it is not water-resistant.

How Does Helium Mining Work?

By configuring a device resembling a WiFi router, you power Helium Network (also known as The People’s Network) and receive rewards.

Your device creates Proof-of-Coverage (PoC) challenges for other routers in the background, increases network reach (data transfer), completes PoC tasks sent by others, and monitors PoC activity of accessible hotspots.

Overall there are five mining-related ways to earn Helium tokens (HNT):

• Be a PoC Challenger (up to 2.11%)
• Join PoC challenge (up to 11.78%)
• Witness the challenge (up to 47.11%)
• Network Data Transfer (up to 35%)
• Consensus Group Member (6%)

Based on the activity you engage in, the percentage represents the portion in which you can earn HNT mining rewards.

You could carry out one or more of these tasks depending on your surroundings (and the hotspot device).

If chosen to join the Consensus Group, which verifies the transactions (data transfers), one is also eligible to receive mining rewards. Up to 6% of all mining rewards are taken by this group.

Helium, Inc. and the network investors each receive 33 percent of the remaining mining rewards.

As with other mining, it should be noted that helium mining does not ensure consistent profits.

Halving events are another instance of how helium mining is similar to conventional mining techniques. Such events are observed by the Helium blockchain every two years. In a similar vein, this is done to raise the native token’s value.

Risks of Helium Mining

There is no assurance of mining rewards. When you’re the only miner in a certain area, things get really tricky.

You cannot participate in PoC activities or serve as a witness in that case. As a result, only data transfer earns you rewards.

The only other way to frequently earn HNT is by being the Challenger.

These entities construct PoC challenges for other hotspots named Beaconers or Challengees. Subsequently, the Beaconer takes up the PoC challenge and completes it in the presence of a neighboring Witness.

You should be aware that every reward-generating activity is entirely automatic and arbitrary. The moment your device is turned on, you don’t even need to lift a finger.

Let’s check some relevant hardware now that you have enough knowledge of it.

Conclusion

This lesson examined the definition of helium, the process of mining helium, and the top helium miners that we believe are the best for your purchase. Profitability, popularity, pricing, features, and utility were just a few of the many criteria we used to rank these mining machines.

The majority of people would prefer to purchase official hardware from Helium, and SenseCAP miners may be at the top of the list. However, Bobcat is one of the main devices used for mining Helium today, accounting for 32% of all Helium miners worldwide.

With a network coverage per device of 26.78 dBi, the Dusun Indoor HNT Miner is unquestionably the best HNT mining device available. In the current market, Radacat HNT offers an optional antenna gain of 8 dBi, which is also a top performer. Milesignt follows with a 5 dBi optional antenna gain.

The 32% market share of Bobcat Miner 300, however, also offers extensive node coverage, ensuring that you do not miss as many HNT mining opportunities as a Challenger, Transmitter, and Witness. More HNT is mined than with most devices thanks to the Bobcat Miner 300’s 4 dBi antenna gain.

Low-voltage miners such as those used to extract helium typically use 5W of power. Any HNT miner will work well with 2 GB RAM, but Radacat, MNTD, and SenseCap Miner are the clear winners because they also offer an 8 GB RAM option.

Frequently Asked Questions