For more than a year, Bitcoin mining difficulty has remained below its historical record, despite some signs of recovery. This duration exceeds the previous interval observed after the 2011 crash. It reveals tensions in the mining industry: lower revenues, high costs, and new investment choices. However, this situation does not mean the network is performing worse. It mainly reflects a slowdown in the computing power committed.

In brief

  • Bitcoin mining difficulty has remained below its historical record for 374 days, a new record duration.
  • The previous interval dates back to 2011, with 364 days between two historical peaks.
  • After a recovery in October, difficulty reached 148.36 T, still 4.9% below its record.
  • The hashrate returned to 1 ZH/s, but mining revenues face cost pressures.
  • The next adjustment could trigger a new 3.7% drop, further delaying the return to the peak.

A period below record longer than in 2011 and 2021

Bitcoin mining difficulty has remained below its peak for 374 days. The record is dated October 29, 2025, with 155.97 trillion, at block 921,312. Since then, every adjustment has stayed below this level, according to Mempool.space data. Saifedean Ammous highlighted this duration.

This wait exceeds the intervals between two records. The previous followed the peak of August 1, 2011. The Bitcoin network waited until July 30, 2012, to surpass it, about 364 days later. This period accompanied the 2011 crash and a 95% drop in price.

The mining ban in China, in 2021, resulted in a shorter gap. After the peak of May 13, difficulty set a record on January 21, 2022. The gap reached about 253 days. The Bitcoin decline was less severe, but the period below record lasts longer.

How is Bitcoin mining difficulty evolving?

Difficulty measures the computation needed per block. The network adjusts this metric every 2,016 blocks, roughly every two weeks. This mechanism targets a block every ten minutes. It adapts to miners’ power fluctuations.

After its record of 155.97 T, the indicator fell to 124.93 T in June 2026. The 10.09% drop placed it 20% below its peak. The network hit its lowest level since July 2025. This reflected the slowdown in bitcoin mining.

The recovery reduced the gap. Difficulty increased by 5.92% on October 16, then 5.54% on October 29. It reached 148.36 T, 4.9% below the record. Weekly hashrate returned to 1 ZH/s after eight months below this threshold.

Bitcoin miners face increasing economic pressure

This recovery has not brought bitcoin difficulty back to a new peak. The next adjustment could change the trend. Mempool.space forecasts a drop of about 3.7% in nearly six days. This correction would delay the network from setting a record.

The pressure comes from the bitcoin price, lower than levels that supported mining investments the previous year. Its price was under $75,778 at writing. Miners face higher overhead costs. This combination reduces their margins.

Public companies have sold reserves to finance their shift to AI. Riot Platforms sold $750 million in bitcoins, compared to $250 million for Hut 8. Keel Infrastructure liquidated its $192 million portfolio. Terawulf and IREN increased their AI-related activities while revenues declined.

The next adjustment will be an indicator to watch

Energy competition adds constraints to operators. Data centers related to AI and mining facilities use similar resources. After their election victory, Democrats push restrictions targeting these centers. These measures could impact bitcoin miners.

A difficulty below its record does not prove weakening of the Bitcoin network. The hashrate has returned to 1 ZH/s, and blocks arrive on schedule. Mining power growth faces economic and energy limits. The protocol keeps its adjustments.

The next change, expected around November 13, will provide fresh insight. A drop would confirm miners’ struggles to regain their growth pace. Conversely, a sustained increase in the bitcoin price could improve their revenues and attract more computing power. Difficulty could approach the record, without guarantee.

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Journaliste et rédacteur web passionné par l’univers des cryptomonnaies et des technologies Web3. J’y traite les dernières tendances et actualités afin de proposer un contenu de haute qualité à un large public du secteur.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and should not be taken as investment advice. Do your own research before taking any investment decisions.