Antminer S21+ vs S23 — Which BTC Miner Fits Your Needs in 2026?

Table of Contents

• 1. Overview: S21+ vs S23
• 2. Product-by-Product Comparison
• 3. Choosing Based on Mining Needs
• 4. Energy Efficiency Matters
• 5. Decision Guide — Who Should Choose Which Miner?
• 6. Final Thoughts
• 7. References

Overview: S21+ vs S23

Bitcoin mining in 2026 requires careful consideration of efficiency, hashpower, and operational setup. Bitmain’s S21+ series and S23 series both provide reliable performance, but they target different mining needs. This article uses official product specifications and industry-standard metrics to provide an objective comparison.

Antminer S21+ Series

Antminer S21+ 216T (Air‑Cooled) — 216 TH/s at ~3564 W, suitable for standard air-cooled racks.

Antminer S21+ IMM 215T (Immersion‑Cooled) — 215 TH/s at ~3440 W, optimized for immersion setups.

Antminer S21+ XP HYD 860T (Hydro‑Cooled) — ultra-high hashrate hydro variant for industrial setups.

Antminer S23 Series

Antminer S23 318T (Air‑Cooled) — 318 TH/s, ideal for standard air-cooling setups.

Antminer S23 IMM 442T (Immersion‑Cooled) — 442 TH/s, optimized for high-density immersion farms.

Antminer S23 HYD (Hydro‑Cooled) — up to 580 TH/s, efficient choice for large industrial hydro farms.

Product-by-Product Comparison

Choosing Based on Mining Needs

Mining setups vary widely. Consider the following:

Small to Medium-Scale Miners: S21+ Air or IMM models offer reliable performance and simple deployment.

Medium to Large-Scale Operations: S23 Air or IMM models provide higher hashpower per unit and efficiency gains.

Industrial Hydro Farms: Both S21+ XP HYD and S23 HYD are viable, depending on capital, desired efficiency, and cooling infrastructure.

Energy Efficiency Matters

Electricity cost is critical for ROI. While S23 offers lower J/TH, S21+ remains a balanced choice, especially where electricity costs are low or for smaller-scale miners.

For a deeper understanding of how electricity expenses impact mining profitability, you can check this detailed guide on Bitcoin mining ROI and why electricity is your biggest expense.

Decision Guide — Who Should Choose Which Miner?

Final Thoughts

Both S21+ and S23 series provide strong mining performance. S21+ is ideal for miners prioritizing reliability, moderate investment, and flexible deployment. S23 series suits miners aiming for higher hashpower and efficiency, particularly in large-scale or high-density setups. For miners ready to start, S21+ units are currently available at Yesmining, allowing quicker deployment for smaller operations, while S23 models, reflecting their superior performance, are suited for larger setups that can fully leverage their capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your infrastructure, budget, and long-term mining goals.