Four pools control 70% of Bitcoin hashrate in 2026

On June 23, 2026, network data showed four mining pools together held over 70% of Bitcoin’s total hashrate. Foundry Digital, AntPool, ViaBTC and F2Pool are the largest operators by share; a smaller pool, EMCD, has grown to a top-ten position.

Foundry Digital holds roughly 31% of the network’s compute and operates with strict KYC and negotiated fee terms. The pool’s service model centers on large, institutional operators and requires account-level compliance that can limit access for smaller miners.

AntPool, linked to ASIC maker Bitmain, controls about 18% of hashrate. It supports FPPS and PPLNS payout models and merged mining. AntPool’s systems and processes are oriented toward large data centers and standardized operations, with many routine issues routed through automated support channels.

ViaBTC accounts for about 13% of hashrate and offers PPS+, PPLNS and solo-in-pool options. The pool has a user base concentrated in CIS and Asian markets. In 2026, some users reported account restrictions and additional KYC checks tied to increased regulatory scrutiny.

F2Pool holds roughly 10% of the network and runs globally distributed servers. Operating since 2013, F2Pool remains a common choice for experienced miners seeking low latency and stable uptime, with support for multiple payout models.

EMCD has positioned itself toward non-institutional miners and reports just over 30 EH/s of hashrate and a top-ten ranking. The pool lists FPPS fees starting at 1.5%, lower than the roughly 4% charged by several larger pools, and states it provides direct client engagement and custom commercial terms.

The market environment in 2026 includes a recent halving, rising network difficulty and narrower profit margins. Those factors have increased the importance of scale, lower operating costs and compliant settlement for large miners. Large pools and vertically integrated operators offer compliance processes, capital relationships and settlement systems designed for high-volume customers.

Independent and mid-size miners have reported that fee levels, payout models and core technical metrics remain baseline selection criteria. Several miners and smaller operators say responsiveness, flexibility in commercial terms and access to human support now carry more weight when choosing a pool. Some operators are switching pools, consolidating their own operations, or joining larger firms to gain access to pools with institutional-grade processes.

Network data on June 23, 2026, show a concentration of hashrate among a small set of pools and a separate segment of smaller providers presenting lower fees and more hands-on support. The industry figures and operator practices described above reflect the market structure at that date.