Antminer Z15 vs Z15 Pro: The Ultimate 2025 Equihash Mining Comparison

As the demand for privacy coins and Equihash mining grows in 2025, choosing the right mining hardware is crucial for profitability. In this article, we compare Bitmain’s Antminer Z15 and Antminer Z15 Pro, providing a detailed guide for both small-scale and professional miners looking to optimize Zcash (ZEC) and other Equihash-based cryptocurrency mining.

1. Supported Coins

Both Antminer Z15 and Z15 Pro are designed for the Equihash algorithm, making them compatible with multiple privacy coins:

• Zcash (ZEC) – The most popular and stable Equihash coin.

• Horizen (ZEN) – Known for its node ecosystem.

• Komodo (KMD) – Multi-chain architecture with strong security.

• Pirate Chain (ARRR) – Highly privacy-focused.

• Zclassic (ZCL) – A Zcash fork with no founder’s reward.

While these miners can handle multiple coins, ZEC remains the most profitable and widely traded choice in 2025.

2. Understanding Equihash

Equihash is a memory-intensive Proof-of-Work (PoW) algorithm based on the Generalized Birthday Problem. Key benefits for miners include:

• Lower heat output compared to SHA-256 miners.

• Stable returns even during market downturns.

• Long-term potential for privacy coin holdings.

• Suitable for home miners to industrial-scale operations.

• Efficient energy consumption for its performance.

Selecting a high-efficiency, stable Equihash ASIC miner is critical for consistent ZEC mining profits.

3. Antminer Z15 Overview (420 KSol/s)

Specifications:

• Hashrate: 420 KSol/s

• Power Consumption: 1510 W

• Efficiency: 3.6 J/KSol

• Noise Level: ~70 dB

• Cooling: Dual fans

• Network: Ethernet

Pros:

• Low power consumption for home mining.

• Stable hardware design ensures long-term operation.

• Affordable entry-level option for Equihash mining.

• Noise and cooling manageable for smaller environments.

Best for: Budget-conscious miners or small-scale home operations.

4. Antminer Z15 Pro Overview (840 KSol/s)

Specifications:

• Hashrate: 840 KSol/s – double the Z15’s hashrate

• Power Consumption: 2650 W

• Efficiency: 3.15 J/KSol

• Noise Level: ~75 dB

• Cooling: Enhanced dual fans

• Network: Ethernet

Why choose Z15 Pro:

• Twice the hashrate of Z15, maximizing ZEC output.

• Slightly better energy efficiency (J/KSol) for larger scale operations.

• Ideal for low electricity cost environments and professional mining farms.

• Faster ROI under the right conditions.

Best for: Professional miners and large-scale mining operations.

5. Z15 vs Z15 Pro: Quick Comparison

The Z15 Pro offers higher hashrate and efficiency but requires more power, advanced cooling, and higher initial investment.

6. Installation & Setup Guide

Both miners are straightforward to set up. Key steps include:

1. Unboxing & Inspection – Check power connection, fan operation, and overall hardware condition.

2. Connect Power & Network – 220V recommended for stability; connect via Ethernet.

3. Find Miner IP Address – Use your router interface or IP scanner.

4. Login to Miner Interface – Default credentials: root/root.

5. Configure Mining Pool – Examples:

   • F2Pool: zec.f2pool.com:3357

   • Luxor: equihash.luxor.tech

   • Poolin: zec.poolin.com

6. Save Settings & Start Mining – Miner begins operation within 1–2 minutes.

Tips: Ensure proper ventilation, stable power supply, and monitor miner performance regularly for consistent output.

7. 2025 Mining Profitability & ROI

Antminer Z15:

• Optimal for higher electricity cost environments.

• Stable operation for home miners.

• Moderate ROI over time.

Antminer Z15 Pro:

• Best for low electricity cost, large-scale operations.

• Hashrate nearly double Z15, maximizing profits.

• Faster ROI for professional miners.

Summary:
Choose Z15 for stable, smaller-scale mining. Choose Z15 Pro for high-performance, fast ROI in professional setups.

8. Maintenance Tips

• Ensure airflow and clean fans regularly.

• Use reliable PDUs and avoid cheap extensions.

• Monitor hashrate with tools like Minerstat or HiveOS.

• Replace thermal paste every 6–12 months for optimal heat dissipation.

These practices extend miner lifespan and maximize consistent ZEC production.

9. Who Should Choose Which Miner?

Z15:

• Home mining setups

• Higher electricity cost environments

• Lower noise and heat priority

Z15 Pro:

• Large-scale mining farms

• Low electricity cost and professional cooling setup

• Fast ROI and high hashrate requirements

10. Conclusion

In 2025, both Antminer Z15 and Z15 Pro remain top choices for Equihash mining. Your selection depends on:

• Electricity cost and availability

• Mining environment (home vs farm)

• Desired ROI and budget

Proper pool configuration, stable power, and regular maintenance are essential for maximizing profitability, regardless of which model you choose.

Start mining ZEC efficiently in 2025 by selecting the right Antminer for your setup!

References

• Antminer Z15 vs Z15 PRO: The Ultimate 2025 Equihash Mining Comparison