Bitcoin: Hashrate and difficulty reach new highs

7.2 Tech

Oct 22, 2026

Bitcoin's hashrate hit 1 ZH/s and mining difficulty set records, favoring large, efficient operators. Institutional backing boosts network security as mining consolidates.

Bitcoin network's hashrate has rebounded impressively, nearing the all-time highs of late 2025 and reaching 1,000 EH/s (1 ZH/s) by October 2026. This surge has driven mining difficulty to a record 140.58 T, following a 5.92% increase on October 16. The rise in computational power highlights miners operating at full capacity. The mining industry is now dominated by large companies with significant capital and access to cheap electricity. Profitability is increasingly concentrated among operators with efficient equipment and low energy costs. Competition for mining rewards is fiercer than ever. Institutional capital backing public mining companies is seen as a positive sign for Bitcoin's security and its status as a store of value, even though both hashrate and BTC price have yet to surpass 2025 highs.