If you're a Bitcoin miner looking for faster and cheaper payouts, Lightning Network-enabled mining pools are worth considering. Braiins Pool leads the way by offering instant, fee-free payouts through the Lightning Network, making it a standout choice for miners prioritizing efficiency. Other pools, including OCEAN, AntPool, F2Pool, Luxor, ViaBTC, and Binance Pool, still rely on slower, on-chain transactions with associated fees and delays.
Key Highlights:
- Braiins Pool: Daily Lightning payouts, no fees, no minimum threshold, compatible with standard Lightning wallets.
- OCEAN: Daily payouts via on-chain transactions, minimal routing fees.
- AntPool, F2Pool, Luxor, ViaBTC, Binance Pool: Use on-chain payouts only, with varying fees and confirmation delays.
For miners seeking faster access to earnings and lower costs, Braiins Pool's Lightning integration is a game-changer. However, wallets supporting Lightning transactions are required to use this feature.
Quick Comparison:
| Pool | Lightning Support | Payout Method | Fees | Payout Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braiins Pool | Yes | Lightning (instant) | None | Daily |
| OCEAN | No | On-chain | Minimal | Daily |
| AntPool | No | On-chain | 1.5%-2.5% | Scheduled |
| F2Pool | No | On-chain | Varies | Scheduled |
| Luxor | No | On-chain | Varies | Scheduled |
| ViaBTC | No | On-chain | Varies | Scheduled |
| Binance Pool | No | On-chain | 1%-3% | Varies |
Lightning payouts are ideal for miners who value speed and cost savings. For those sticking to on-chain methods, expect longer wait times and higher fees, especially during network congestion.
Lightning Network Bitcoin Pool Mining Payout Setup - No Fee Bitcoin Mining Withdrawal Setup Guide
1. Braiins Pool
Braiins Pool has been leading the charge in adopting Lightning Network payouts. In February 2024, it teamed up with Voltage to offer Lightning payouts, giving miners the ability to access their earnings instantly and without added costs - helping miners streamline their operations.
Here’s a closer look at the key features of Braiins Pool's Lightning payout system:
Lightning Payout Support
With Lightning payouts, Braiins Pool aims to solve common issues faced by smaller mining operations. As Kristian Csepcsar, Communications Director at Braiins, puts it:
"We recognized that there is a growing market of small miners who face difficulties while withdrawing their funds from the pools. They can have many use cases, from being used as home heating devices that can also generate small profits to a way to further decentralize mining."
Payout Frequency
Lightning payouts are processed every day. As of March 11, 2025, the pool had exceeded 1,000 daily Lightning payouts.
Minimum Payout Threshold and Transaction Fees
One standout feature is that Lightning payouts come with no fees and no minimum withdrawal limit. This means miners can withdraw even the smallest amounts instantly.
Required Wallet/Software
Thanks to the partnership with Voltage, miners can use any standard Lightning Network wallet to receive their payouts. There’s no need for proprietary software, which also enhances privacy by preventing address reuse.
Graham Krizek, Founder and CEO of Voltage, highlighted the significance of this collaboration:
"Very excited to be working with Braiins to enable Lightning payouts. This is going to be a game changer for pools and a huge UX improvement for their customers."
2. OCEAN
OCEAN brings Lightning Network technology to the table, making payouts faster and more efficient.
Lightning Payout Support
With Lightning Network integration, OCEAN allows miners to sidestep the delays and limitations of traditional on-chain transactions. This means miners - whether running small setups at home or managing large-scale operations - can access their funds much faster. This setup ensures reliable and consistent payouts.
Payout Frequency
OCEAN provides daily payouts, giving miners regular access to their earnings. This schedule is particularly helpful for those who depend on steady income or want to reinvest their profits quickly. Compared to less frequent payout systems, daily payouts improve cash flow and reduce financial uncertainty.
Transaction Fees
Lightning payouts through OCEAN come with minimal routing fees, even during times of network congestion. This low-cost structure makes frequent payouts more practical and affordable for miners, avoiding the higher costs typically associated with on-chain transactions.
Required Wallet/Software
To receive payouts, miners need a Lightning-compatible wallet. OCEAN supports a variety of options, including mobile, desktop, and web-based Lightning wallets, giving miners the flexibility to choose the solution that works best for their needs.
3. AntPool
AntPool is one of the established names in the mining pool space, sticking to traditional on-chain Bitcoin transactions for distributing rewards.
Lightning Payout Support
AntPool does not offer payouts via the Lightning Network. Instead, all rewards are handled through standard on-chain Bitcoin transactions, requiring the usual network confirmations.
Transaction Fees
AntPool applies a 2.5% fee for FPPS (Full Pay Per Share) and 1.5% for PPLNS (Pay Per Last N Shares). On top of this, miners must account for on-chain transaction fees, which vary depending on Bitcoin network traffic. The lack of Lightning Network support means miners are subject to these standard fees.
Required Wallet/Software
To receive payouts, miners need a standard Bitcoin wallet that supports on-chain transactions. This contrasts with mining pools that use Lightning payouts to reduce delays and transaction costs.
4. F2Pool
F2Pool handles Bitcoin rewards through traditional on-chain transactions.
Lightning Payout Support
F2Pool does not support payouts via the Lightning Network. Instead, all rewards are processed as standard on-chain transactions. This method means miners experience the usual confirmation delays and transaction fees associated with Bitcoin transfers.
Payout Details
Since F2Pool relies on on-chain transactions, payouts come with standard confirmation times and fees. Payments are made on a fixed schedule, so miners should check F2Pool's guidelines for specific details on timing, thresholds, and fees. To receive rewards, miners must use a Bitcoin wallet capable of handling on-chain transactions.
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5. Luxor
Luxor operates solely with traditional on-chain Bitcoin transactions. Miners receive their rewards through these standard on-chain payouts, which come with typical confirmation times and associated fees. This sets Luxor apart from other mining pools that utilize Lightning Network payouts to enhance speed and reduce costs.
Lightning Payout Support
Luxor does not offer Lightning Network payouts. By sticking to on-chain transactions, miners using Luxor miss out on the quicker settlements and reduced transaction fees that Lightning payouts provide.
Payout Details
To receive payouts, miners must rely on a Bitcoin wallet compatible with on-chain transactions. While this classic approach ensures reliability, it might not appeal to miners who prioritize instant access to funds or lower transaction fees.
6. ViaBTC
ViaBTC stands out as a prominent Bitcoin mining pool, boasting a mining capacity of 120 EH/s as of 2025. It operates with a straightforward, traditional approach by relying exclusively on on-chain Bitcoin transactions, steering clear of Lightning Network payouts.
Lightning Payout Support
Unlike some other mining pools, ViaBTC does not offer Lightning Network payouts. Instead, all rewards are distributed through on-chain transactions, which means miners need to account for typical confirmation times and associated transaction fees.
Payout Frequency
Rewards are processed through standard on-chain transactions. This means miners must wait for several block confirmations before their funds become accessible, following the usual Bitcoin network protocols.
Transaction Fees
Miners using ViaBTC are subject to the standard Bitcoin network fees. These fees can vary depending on network congestion, often increasing during times of high activity. Since Lightning Network payouts aren’t an option, the transaction costs remain tied to the traditional on-chain model.
Required Wallet/Software
To receive payouts from ViaBTC, miners need a Bitcoin wallet that supports on-chain transactions. This could be a hardware wallet, a desktop wallet, or even a mobile wallet. Since Lightning Network payouts aren’t supported, there’s no need for Lightning-compatible wallets in this setup.
7. Binance Pool
Binance Pool stands out as one of the largest Bitcoin mining pools, boasting a hashrate of 54 EH/s as of 2025. It plays a significant role in supporting the Bitcoin mining ecosystem.
Lightning Payout Support
At this time, it's unclear if Binance Pool supports Lightning Network payouts. The available documentation doesn't provide confirmation of this feature.
Payout Frequency
Mining rewards on Binance Pool are distributed through its existing payout system. The frequency and method of payouts depend on the pool's operational setup at any given time.
Transaction Fees
Like other major mining pools, Binance Pool charges fees to cover the costs of infrastructure and services. These fees typically range from 1% to 3% of mining rewards. The exact fee structure can vary depending on the chosen payout method and mining arrangement. Understanding these fees is crucial for miners when setting up their wallets and payout preferences.
Required Wallet/Software
The wallet requirements for receiving payouts from Binance Pool depend on the payout methods currently in use. Miners need to confirm the latest payout options to ensure they are using a compatible wallet.
Comparison of Mining Pool Features
When picking a mining pool for Lightning Network payouts, understanding how these pools operate is crucial. Among the available options, Braiins Pool takes the lead in adopting Lightning Network technology, while other pools stick to traditional on-chain transactions.
Pools like OCEAN, AntPool, F2Pool, Luxor, ViaBTC, and Binance Pool still rely on on-chain transactions. This means miners using these pools could experience longer wait times for confirmations and higher fees, especially during periods of heavy network congestion. This is where Lightning payouts provide a clear advantage, offering faster and more cost-efficient solutions.
Here’s a breakdown of key features across the major pools:
| Pool | Lightning Support | Payout Method | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braiins Pool | Yes | Instant Lightning payouts | Over 1,000 daily payouts, ~20% MoM growth |
| OCEAN | Not supported | Traditional on-chain | Not supported |
| AntPool | Not supported | Traditional on-chain | Not supported |
| F2Pool | Not supported | Traditional on-chain | Not supported |
| Luxor | Not supported | Traditional on-chain | Not supported |
| ViaBTC | Not supported | Traditional on-chain | Not supported |
| Binance Pool | Not supported | Traditional on-chain | Not supported |
Lightning payouts bypass the Bitcoin network's on-chain fees, enabling quicker transactions and reduced costs. However, miners opting for Lightning payouts need a wallet that supports Lightning transactions, while traditional Bitcoin wallets suffice for pools using on-chain methods.
For miners focused on fast settlements and lower costs, Braiins Pool’s Lightning integration is a game-changer. It highlights the benefits of this approach, offering miners a more efficient alternative. While other pools may eventually adopt Lightning technology, current data shows Braiins as the frontrunner in this space.
"This milestone demonstrates how Lightning enables real-world, high-volume transactions at an unprecedented scale." – Graham Krizek, CEO, Voltage
Conclusion
Integrating Lightning Network payouts brings clear advantages for Bitcoin miners. By offering faster and more cost-effective transactions compared to traditional on-chain methods, the Lightning Network is reshaping how miners handle payouts. For example, Braiins Pool's adoption of this technology has shown promising results, highlighting its potential to streamline operations and minimize transaction delays.
For miners sticking with conventional methods, Lightning-enabled payouts offer a way to cut costs, especially during periods of high network congestion. Those who need frequent payouts, lower fees, and near-instant transactions will benefit the most from this approach.
That said, miners will need to ensure they have Lightning-compatible wallets, which might mean updating their current setups. As the mining industry continues to evolve, adapting to these advancements can lead to better efficiency and profitability in the long run.
FAQs
What are the benefits of choosing a mining pool with Lightning Network payouts over traditional on-chain payouts?
Mining pools offering Lightning Network payouts bring some clear benefits compared to traditional on-chain payouts. These include quicker transactions, much lower fees, and enhanced privacy. With Lightning payouts, miners can access their earnings almost immediately, bypassing the delays and steep costs that often come with on-chain transactions - especially when the network is congested.
Another advantage is the ability to receive smaller, more frequent payments. This flexibility helps miners manage their earnings more effectively without being burdened by high transaction fees. Overall, it’s a smart, efficient option for miners aiming to optimize their returns while enjoying fast, secure payouts.
How does Braiins Pool's collaboration with Voltage improve Lightning Network payouts for miners?
Braiins Pool has teamed up with Voltage to simplify how miners receive their payouts. By leveraging the Lightning Network, this partnership enables quick and hassle-free transactions, bypassing the delays and hefty fees that often come with traditional on-chain Bitcoin payouts.
Thanks to this collaboration, miners can access their earnings almost instantly. It's a faster and more budget-friendly way to handle mining rewards, focusing on speed, ease, and lower costs to improve the overall process.
What wallets can miners use to receive Lightning Network payouts, and how do they set them up correctly?
Miners have the flexibility to use any Lightning-compatible wallet for receiving their payouts. To get started, they’ll need to generate a BOLT12 offer within their wallet and then input it into their mining dashboard. This setup ensures transactions flow smoothly through the Lightning Network.
Before proceeding, it’s crucial to confirm that the selected wallet supports BOLT12 offers and is properly configured. Thankfully, most modern Lightning wallets come with straightforward setup guides, making the process hassle-free for miners.