The past few years have been pretty exciting for bitcoin home mining. We’ve seen a flood of new gear hit the scene, from the Bitaxe to the Nerdaxe and plenty more.
Then came a bold move from industry giant Canaan. They jumped into the home mining space with the Avalon Nano 3, launching it on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo for just under 100 bucks. That price point brought a lot of people closer to the idea of mining from home.
Now, Canaan is back with the Avalon Nano 3S, the follow-up to the Nano 3. On the outside it looks the same, but inside it’s a different story. In this review, we take an in-depth look at what’s changed and how it performs.
| Description | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌐 Website | canaan.io |
| 🏙️ Location | Beijing, China |
| 📅 Year Released | 2025 |
| 💻 Hardware Model | Avalon Nano 3S |
| 🚀 Processing Power | 6TH/S |
| 🔨 Mining Algorythm | SHA-256 |
| 📡 Connectivity | Wi-Fi |
| 🔒 Security Features | Login with Username & Password |
| ⚙️ Compatibility | Compatible with Stratum V1 Pools and Solo Pools |
| 📈 Scalability | Stackable with more units |
| 💻 Power Consumption | ≈ 120-140W |
| 📏 Dimensions | 20.5 cm x 11.5 cm x 5.7 cm (8.07 in x 4.53 in x 2.24 in) |
| 🌐 Volume | 1312 cm³ (81 in³) |
| ⚖️ Weight | 0.7 kg (24.7 oz, PSU excl.) |
| 📱 Mobile App | Avalon Family on iOS and Android |
| 💬 Customer Support | Email to [email protected] |
| 🔄 Open Source | No (Proprietary Software) |
| 💳 Price | From $260-300 |
| 🌍 Shipping Availability | Yes, Amazon Prime with DTV Electronics |
| 📜 Warranty | One-year fan warranty from the manufacturer |
| 📖 User Reviews | N/A |
Canaan Avalon Nano 3S: What It Is?
The Canaan Avalon Nano 3S is a compact Bitcoin miner that combines simplicity with the ability to participate in the Bitcoin network. Unlike large, industrial-grade miners that require dedicated power supplies, high-end cooling, and a lot of space, the Nano 3S is designed to be small enough to sit quietly on a desk while plugged to the power with its 140W PSU (included in the box). Produced by Canaan, one of the pioneers in the ASIC mining industry, the device carries the Avalon branding that has been associated with mining hardware since Bitcoin’s early days.
The main idea behind the Avalon Nano 3S is accessibility. Bitcoin mining has become a highly specialized activity, often out of reach for casual users due to high costs and technical requirements. The Nano 3S lowers that barrier by offering a miner that needs no special skills to set up and operate. You simply plug it in, access its web-based configuration page, and connect it to a mining pool of your choice.
While it is not built to compete with high-performance rigs in terms of profitability, the Nano 3S offers educational and hobbyist value. It gives users a hands-on way to understand how mining works, how miners communicate with the Bitcoin network, and how shares are submitted to a pool. Its small footprint and minimal energy usage make it a fun, low-risk way to run a miner without high electricity bills or excessive noise.
How The Avalon Nano 3S Works
The Avalon Nano 3S operates by using a specialized ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) series of chips optimized for Bitcoin’s SHA-256 hashing algorithm. This means every bit of its design is focused on processing hashes as quickly and efficiently as possible. The device connects to the power via a USB-C cable. Because it only requires around 130-140 watts, it can be powered from any wall outlet of your home/office.
Once powered on, the miner is configured through a built-in control panel that is accessed from any standard web browser, or via the app "Avalon Family" that you can find on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. From there, you input the details of your Wi-Fi, your mining pool, including your worker name and password, the hashrate preset (low, medium or high). After saving the configuration, the Nano 3S begins hashing and sending results (shares) to the pool. The pool then rewards you according to its payout method, typically in proportion to your contributed hashrate.
Internally, the Nano 3S runs lightweight (but however: closed source) firmware that manages the hashing process and communication with the mining pool. This keeps the setup process straightforward, without needing separate mining software on your computer. It is important to note that, given its modest 6 TH/s hashrate, it will not produce significant earnings at current Bitcoin network difficulty levels. However, it can reliably run 24/7 with minimal supervision, providing a live, working demonstration of Bitcoin mining in action.
Canaan Avalon Nano 3S Features
The Avalon Nano 3S comes with a set of characteristics that set it apart from larger miners. First, its hashrate of 6 TH/s is modest but impressive for such a small device, making it one of the most powerful USB miners available. Second, its power consumption is only 140 W, which means it can run without driving up your electricity bill.
It uses USB-C as only connection, ensuring a stable and modern connection. Unlike industrial miners that require loud cooling fans, the Nano 3S is nearly silent (even at the high preset), making it comfortable to use in home or office environments. Its built-in web or app configuration page eliminates the need for additional mining software. Users simply log in, enter pool credentials, and start mining within minutes.
Inside the box, you typically get the Nano 3S unit itself and the PSU. Its compact form factor makes it easy to transport or store when not in use. While it will not compete with multi-kilowatt mining rigs, its main strength lies in its educational and hobbyist appeal. It allows users to get a real taste of Bitcoin mining without committing to expensive, high-power machines.
The Avalon Nano 3S strikes a balance between simplicity, performance for its size, and quiet operation, making it an interesting option for enthusiasts, experimenters, and anyone curious about the mining process.
Improvements Compared To The Previous Generation
Compared to the previous Avalon Nano 3, which I reviewed last year, the new Avalon Nano 3S brings several changes, most of them for the better.
- Price: This time it’s quite a bit more expensive. The 3S comes in at around $300, whereas the older model sold for about $100.
- Hashrate: Performance has jumped by roughly 50 percent over the last generation. That’s impressive, especially considering a Bitcoin halving occurred within the past two years.
- Noise: The 3S is noticeably quieter. That’s a welcome improvement, particularly since it still relies on three fans for cooling.
- Form factor: The shape and size remain mostly the same, but the new model adds a sharp-looking LCD display with more on-screen information. There are still no physical buttons.
- Dust filter: This is a big plus. The 3S includes a washable, removable dust filter that you can swap out while the miner is still running, so there’s no need to power it down.
- Connectivity: Instead of built-in Wi-Fi, the 3S uses an external USB Wi-Fi module (included in the box). You can also connect it via a USB-to-Ethernet adapter if you prefer a wired setup, though that adapter is sold separately.
- Temps: Heat output seems unchanged. Both models run hot, so it’s best to place the unit in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating.
Overall, the Avalon Nano 3S keeps the familiar form of its predecessor while delivering better performance, quieter operation, and a few thoughtful design tweaks.
Canaan Avalon Nano 3S Quick Review
| Category | Feature | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 🔐 Profitability and Performance (40/50) | ||
| 💰 Efficiency | 23 J/TH | 8/10 |
| 💵 Economic Efficiency | 50 $/TH | 7/10 |
| 📈 Interest Ratio | 1150 | 4/5 |
| 💹 Price Weighted Interest Ratio | 345.0 | 3/5 |
| 💡 Monthly Electric Bill | $12.5/month | 5/5 |
| ⛏️ Hashrate | 4 TH/s | 5/5 |
| ⚡ Power Consumption | 116 W | 5/5 |
| 💲 Price | $300 | 3/5 |
| 🚀 Features (42/50) | ||
| ✔️ Compatibility | SHA-256, works with most pools | 5/5 |
| 📶 Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Ethernet (with adapter) | 5/5 |
| 📏 Form Factor | Same size as a regular router, highly portable | 5/5 |
| 🔊 Noise | 33–36 dB | 5/5 |
| 🔄 Open Source | Closed source | 1/5 |
| ⛏️ Solo Mining | Supports solo mining pools | 5/5 |
| 🌡️ Heat | Front exhaust air reaches about 60 °C | 5/5 |
| 🤝 Support | Website & Telegram support | 5/5 |
| 📜 Warranty | 1-year fan warranty | 2/5 |
| ⏳ 3yr Possession Cost | $750 | 4/5 |
| 🧱 blockdyor Score (82/100) |
Canaan Avalon Nano 3S Unboxing
The Nano 3S comes double boxed in a beautiful package that reminds the Apple style packaging, similar to the previous generation.
Inside the package you will find:
- Canaan Avalon Nano 3S
- Wi-Fi adapter
- 140W Canaan power supply
- User manual
- Reset pin
How To Start Mining With The Canaan Avalon Nano 3S
To get started with the Canaan Avalon Nano 3S, the first step is downloading the “Avalon Family” app. This app allows you to connect the Nano 3S to your home network and configure the pool, hashing power, and other settings. Unlike the previous generation (Avalon Nano 3), I wasn’t able to set up the Nano 3S directly from a desktop.
The process now requires scanning a QR code and authenticating through the app. It’s a bit frustrating since you need a phone for this, while ideally, setting up a bitcoin miner should always be possible from a browser as well.
To power on the Avalon Nano 3S, simply connect it to the PSU using the USB Type-C cable, then plug the PSU into a power source. The device has no physical buttons, only a capacitive button that allows you to switch the dashboard or perform actions such as turning the device off.
Once everything is set up, the Nano 3S will take a few minutes to ramp up to the desired hashrate. After that, there’s nothing else to do but wait while it earns you sats.
Avalon Nano 3S Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Over 6 TH/s hashrate for ~130 W, excellent efficiency | ❌ Can get very hot during use |
| ✅ Much quieter than the previous generation | ❌ Reports of melted USB connectors |
| ✅ Better reception thanks to the external Wi-Fi device | ❌ Closed source |
| ✅ Compact and stackable design | ❌ 3x more expensive than prev. generation |
| ✅ Clear and useful display | |
| ✅ Backed by Canaan’s warranty |
Bottom Line
The Canaan Avalon Nano 3S is not a money-printing machine, but it isn’t meant to be. It’s a well-built, efficient, and surprisingly quiet home miner that makes Bitcoin mining accessible without the hassle of industrial setups.
For hobbyists, learners, or anyone curious about contributing to the network, it strikes a nice balance between performance, usability, and fun, even if the price tag is higher than its predecessor.
Canaan Avalon Nano 3S
The Nano 3S it's still closed source and isn’t as affordable as the previous generation, but it outperforms it in every category and runs much more quietly. This generation of Avalon Nano, with a blockdyor Score of 82 out of 100, it’s once again a best buy, and we strongly recommend purchasing from a reputable seller like DTV Electronics, which offers fast shipping through multiple Amazon stores with Prime delivery.