The world of cryptocurrency mining continues to evolve, and one of the industry’s leading players, Antpool, has taken a significant step forward by introducing a new payout model to better serve its global user base. On June 8, 2015, Antpool — operated by Bitmain — officially launched the PPS (Pay Per Share) mining mode with a competitive fee rate of 2.5%. This marks a strategic expansion in functionality for the mining pool, which previously operated exclusively under the PPLNS (Pay Per Last N Shares) model with zero fees.
This update allows miners to choose the payout method that best suits their operational preferences and risk tolerance. Whether prioritizing steady income or maximizing long-term gains, users now have the flexibility to switch between PPS and PPLNS modes seamlessly within their accounts.
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Understanding PPS vs. PPLNS: What Miners Need to Know
To fully appreciate the significance of this update, it’s essential to understand the core differences between PPS and PPLNS — two of the most widely used reward mechanisms in Bitcoin mining.
PPS (Pay Per Share)
Under the PPS model, miners are paid immediately for each valid share they submit, regardless of whether the pool finds a block. The payment is calculated based on the statistical probability of that share contributing to a successful block discovery. Because the pool operator assumes the variance risk, miners enjoy more predictable and stable daily returns.
- Pros: Steady income, low variance, ideal for small to mid-sized miners.
- Cons: Higher fees (in this case, 2.5%) due to assumed risk by the pool.
PPLNS (Pay Per Last N Shares)
Previously Antpool’s sole model, PPLNS rewards miners only when a block is found, distributing payouts based on the most recent valid shares submitted over a dynamic window. This model favors consistent uptime and long-term participation.
- Pros: Zero fees, higher potential earnings during lucky streaks (high "luck" values).
- Cons: Income fluctuates significantly; less suitable for those needing predictable cash flow.
With Antpool consistently reporting a luck value above 105% under PPLNS, many miners enjoyed high returns without any deductions. Now, the addition of PPS gives users a balanced choice: stability or upside potential.
Enhanced Features for Professional Miners
Beyond payout flexibility, Antpool offers several advanced features designed to improve user experience, especially for large-scale operations:
- VIP Program: High-hashrate users can apply for VIP status, gaining access to dedicated IP addresses for more stable and uninterrupted mining connections.
- Multi-Worker Support: Users can create multiple worker accounts under a single username, enabling granular monitoring across different rigs or locations.
- Block Signature Purchase: A unique feature allowing users to inscribe custom messages into the blockchain permanently via block metadata — ideal for digital commemorations or verifiable timestamps.
- Shared Account Access: Facilitates team collaboration by allowing multiple parties to view miner status and performance data without sharing login credentials.
These tools reflect Antpool’s commitment to building a comprehensive ecosystem tailored to both individual enthusiasts and institutional-grade mining farms.
A Unified Mining Ecosystem Backed by Bitmain
Antpool isn’t operating in isolation. It’s part of a broader infrastructure developed by Bitmain, one of the most influential companies in the crypto mining space. The platform is now integrated with two key Bitmain services:
- bitmaintech.com – Bitmain’s official ASIC miner sales portal.
- hashnest.com – A cloud mining and算力 trading platform.
This integration enables a unified account system, allowing users to manage everything from hardware purchases and算力 hosting to real-time pool performance — all under one login. Such vertical integration streamlines the entire mining lifecycle, reducing friction and enhancing user retention.
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Antpool’s Growth Trajectory and Market Position
Since its global launch in November 2014, Antpool has rapidly ascended the ranks of top Bitcoin mining pools. By combining technical excellence with reliable infrastructure and strong partnerships with physical mining farms, it achieved a network算力 exceeding 60 petahashes per second (PH/s) — a figure that continued to grow steadily at the time of this update.
Its early adoption of transparent reporting mechanisms helped build trust among users. Every miner can view real-time statistics, including算力 contribution, estimated earnings, and historical payouts — reinforcing Antpool’s reputation for fairness and accountability.
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These terms reflect common queries from miners researching pool options, payout models, and infrastructure reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between PPS and PPLNS in Bitcoin mining?
PPS offers fixed payments per valid share with lower income variance but higher fees (e.g., 2.5%). PPLNS pays only when blocks are found, based on recent shares, resulting in zero fees but fluctuating income depending on pool luck.
Can I switch between PPS and PPLNS on Antpool?
Yes. Antpool allows users to switch between PPS and PPLNS modes at any time according to their mining strategy and risk preference.
Is there a cost to use Antpool’s VIP service?
The article does not specify direct costs for VIP status. Typically, such programs are granted based on算力 contribution rather than monetary payment.
How does the block signature feature work?
Users can pay a fee to include custom text or data in a transaction's coinbase field when Antpool mines a block. This data becomes permanently embedded in the blockchain.
Why would a miner choose PPS over PPLNS?
Miners seeking stable, predictable income — especially those with limited算力 or tight cash flow needs — often prefer PPS despite the fee. It reduces exposure to variance and reward fluctuations.
Does Antpool still support zero-fee mining?
Yes. The original PPLNS mode remains available with no fees, maintaining Antpool’s appeal for long-term, high-uptime miners.
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Conclusion
Antpool’s introduction of the PPS payout model represents a maturation of its service offerings, catering to a wider spectrum of miners — from hobbyists seeking consistency to large-scale operators optimizing complex portfolios. Combined with robust features like VIP IPs, multi-worker management, and blockchain messaging, Antpool solidifies its position as a full-featured, user-centric mining platform.
As the Bitcoin network grows more competitive, having flexible, transparent, and integrated tools becomes increasingly vital. With strong backing from Bitmain and continuous innovation, Antpool remains a key player in shaping the future of decentralized mining.