CGMiner
Crypto mining software
Blockchain software
Cryptocurrency software
- Features
- Ease of use
- Ease of management
- Quality of support
- Affordability
- Market presence
Take the quiz to check if CGMiner and its alternatives fit your requirements.
Completely free
Free Trial unavailable
Free version
Small
Medium
Large
-
What is CGMiner
CGMiner is an open-source command-line cryptocurrency mining application primarily used to control and monitor ASIC and some FPGA mining hardware. It connects to mining pools using the Stratum protocol and provides real-time statistics, device management, and remote monitoring capabilities. The product is typically used by technical miners and operators who prefer scriptable, lightweight tooling over GUI-based mining managers.
Mature CLI mining engine
CGMiner is a long-running, widely used mining program with a focus on stability and low overhead. It runs from the command line, which suits headless rigs and server-style deployments. Its design fits operators who want direct control rather than bundled marketplaces or GUI dashboards.
Pool and Stratum support
CGMiner supports common pool connectivity via Stratum and can be configured for failover pools. This enables basic resilience when a pool endpoint is unavailable. Configuration is file/argument driven, which makes it straightforward to replicate settings across multiple miners.
Hardware monitoring and control
CGMiner exposes device-level telemetry such as hash rate, temperature, fan speed, and error rates (depending on hardware support). It includes controls for tuning and managing supported devices, which helps with operational troubleshooting. The API/remote access features can be used to integrate with external monitoring or scripts.
Limited modern hardware scope
CGMiner’s practical usefulness depends on whether it supports the specific ASIC/FPGA hardware and drivers in use. Over time, many vendors ship proprietary miners or forks tailored to their devices, which can reduce compatibility with upstream CGMiner. Users may need to rely on device-specific builds or alternative tooling for newer hardware.
No built-in profitability switching
CGMiner focuses on mining execution and device control rather than automated coin/algorithm switching based on profitability. Users who want integrated profitability optimization, payout routing, or marketplace-style hashpower selling typically need additional software or services. This can increase operational complexity for small operators.
Steep learning curve
CGMiner is primarily CLI-based and expects familiarity with pool configuration, device parameters, and logs. It does not provide a modern graphical interface for setup, monitoring, or fleet management. This makes it less accessible for beginners compared with GUI-first mining applications.
Plan & Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key features & notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open-source (GPLv3) | Free ($0) | Distributed under GPLv3; source code and downloads available on the official project pages (GitHub and author site); no paid tiers or subscriptions; donations accepted by the author. |
Seller details
CGMiner (open-source project; originally developed by Con Kolivas)
Unsure
Open Source
https://github.com/ckolivas/cgminer
