Bitcoin mining pools Foundry, Antpool, and Viabtc

Collectively command over 65% of the network's global hashrate, amplifying their dominance through scale, competitive fee models

The computational resources of individual miners are aggregated by collaborative mining pools to improve the likelihood of discovering blocks and distribute rewards based on the hashpower contributed.

According to mempool.space data, as of March 20, 2025, Bitcoin's total network hash rate is 809.65 EH/s. Foundry USA (246 EH/s), Antpool (173 EH/s), and Viabtc (111 EH/s) are the top three pools, together accounting for roughly 65.5% of global hashpower.

Their sprawling infrastructure attracts miners who value stability and optimal returns, setting in motion a vicious cycle where dominant pools expand while smaller competitors face increasing pressure.

Foundry USA

Currently ranked no. 1, Foundry USA controls nearly 30% of Bitcoin's total hashrate. The pool's appeal is said to lie in its stringent security protocols—such as KYC/AML adherence, address whitelisting, and SOC 2 certifications—and its zero-fee Full Pay Per Share (FPPS) payout structure, which ensures consistent revenue streams for institutional participants. Its "Donate" initiative further distinguishes it, allowing miners to contribute a portion of their earnings to Bitcoin development, aiming to foster goodwill within the ecosystem.

Foundry's U.S.-based operations offer regulatory predictability, a key draw for miners who are mindful of geopolitical volatility. Presumably, the publicly listed miners Bitfarms, Hut 8, and Cipher Mining mine with Foundry's dedicated pool. Out of the last 998 blocks, Foundry discovered 310.

Antpool

Ranked no. 2 with 173 EH/s, Antpool leverages its affiliation with Bitmain Technologies (established in 2013) to provide reliability and trust. The pool uses a Pay Per Last N Shares (PPLNS) model with no fees, optimizing miner profitability. Its merged mining functionality enables simultaneous participation in multiple blockchains, broadening income potential without added costs.

Antpool's geographically dispersed node network—spanning the U.S., Germany, and China—minimizes downtime, while low payout thresholds and a strong reputation cement its popularity. It has been said that Bitfufu and Bitdeer dedicate hashrate toward Antpool's collective computational power. Over the last 998 Bitcoin blocks, Antpool's hashrate has managed to obtain 209 blocks.

Viabtc

Ranked no. 3 with 111 EH/s, Viabtc prioritizes earnings through its proprietary PPS+ payout system, designed to boost miner returns. The platform enhances appeal through integrated financial tools, such as crypto-backed loans and hedging strategies, alongside real-time Telegram notifications for hashrate shifts. Viabtc's adaptable payout options make it a compelling choice for miners. The pool provides PPS+, PPLNS, and SOLO payment methods, catering to different mining preferences.

Notably, PPS+ is Viabtc's exclusive system, designed to maximize profitability—an advantage highlighted by an Ultramining Review. Supporting merged mining for litecoin (LTC) and bitcoin cash (BCH), Viabtc is said to offer several diversification opportunities. Miners flock to this specific pool for its intuitive interface, mobile app, and global user base. Out of 998 blocks mined, Viabtc's pool managed to capture 136 of them.

Why Miners Choose Larger Pools

Miners are increasingly opting for large pools like Foundry, Antpool, and Viabtc due to their stability and consistent reward distribution. These entities minimize operational risks through advanced infrastructure, dedicated support, and cost-efficient fee structures—advantages that smaller pools find difficult to replicate.

The resulting centralization is a subject of ongoing contention, particularly in light of Bitcoin's foundational ethos of decentralization. Centralized hashpower could theoretically expose the network to coordinated vulnerabilities, a scenario that has been the subject of heated debates, especially during times of hash rate instability.

However, despite these discussions, the degree of centralization appears to be largely driven by economic pragmatism, suggesting that it might continue or even increase unless there are shifts in miner priorities or groundbreaking technological advancements.

As of March 2025, the trio's 65% hashrate share continues a trend that began earlier in the year, displaying a rolling seven-day average above 60% for several months. This signifies that their computational resources outpace the remaining competitive pools significantly.

While miners benefit from the stability and efficiency of these large-scale operations, this consolidation challenges Bitcoin's decentralized ideals. For instance, in the future, specific entities and transfers could be blocked if this union continues without interruption.

The economic rationality driving miners toward these platforms is evident, but it also raises concerns about the potential consequences for Bitcoin's sociopolitical landscape. This ongoing tension between operational practicality and philosophical principles remains