When mining Litecoin (LTC) and Dogecoin (DOGE) several key factors determine overall profitability. Both coins are scrypt-based, but Dogecoin uses AuxPoW merged mining, allowing miners to automatically receive DOGE coins while mining LTC. In 2026, this dual-reward system could continue to be a major profitability driver for ASIC operators worldwide. 

This article shows an updated overview of what LTC/DOGE mining profitability could look like in 2026. It highlights critical factors, such as difficulty trends, hardware efficiency, and global electricity costs, which can significantly influence profitability. 

The State Of LTC/DOGE Mining Going Into 2026

As the market quickly heads into 2026, LTC and DOGE have stayed on miners' radar, ranking among the most profitable digital assets to mine. While mining these coins can offer significant profits when performed strategically, rising network competition and difficulty could tighten margins. 

Both Litecoin and Dogecoin have demonstrated sustained increases in hashrate and difficulty from 2023 to 2025, and recent data suggests this uptrend could continue into 2026. 

• Litecoin's hashrate recently peaked around 3.29 PH/s, with network difficulty climbing to roughly $109.6 million at block height 3,003,605.
• Dogecoin, which is merged-mined with LTC, maintains hashrate levels near 2.51 PH/s, with difficulty fluctuating between 32 and 37 million. 

Much of this increased hashrate and difficulty is tied mainly to the rising dominance of new high-powered scrypt ASICs, such as the Bitmain Antiminer L7, which displaces older hardware. If more miners deploy powerful mining units, network difficulty is likely to continue surging through 2026. This increases competitive pressure and reduces the amount of LTC and DOGE miners earn per terahash.  

This means that mining profitability could reduce depending on two critical factors: 

• ASIC efficiency (J/TH or Watts per GH).
• Electricity costs, which vary by region. 

Electricity Costs: The Deciding Profitability Factor In 2026

Power cost is the single most influential factor in LTC/DOGE mining profitability, and this is expected to remain true going into 2026. Global energy prices are known to be volatile, with miners paying rates anywhere from $0.03/kWh in low-cost industrial regions to over $0.15/kWh in standard commercial areas. 

As network difficulty rises, the profitability threshold shifts even higher, meaning miners with expensive electricity may struggle to maintain positive margins unless they upgrade hardware or relocate.

Network Difficulty Outlook For 2026 

Mining competition for both Litecoin and Dogecoin has also grown steadily over the years. Rising network difficulty typically reduces the number of coins mined per terahash, putting additional pressure on operational efficiency. 

As a result: 

• High-powered ASIC hardware will become a necessity for maintaining long-term profitability.
• Electricity optimization could play a critical role in competitive positioning.
• Mining pools with strong and consistent hashrate distribution, like ViaBTC, will offer improved stability and more predictable earnings. 

Antiminer L7 And Realistic Revenue Baselines For LTC/DOGE Mining

The Bitmain Antminer L7 remains one of the most widely used mining machines in the LTC/DOGE ecosystem, with common performance variations ranging from 9.05 - 9.50 GH/s at approximately 3420 - 3425 Watts. Due to its efficiency, it continues to set the benchmark for what LTC/DOGE profitability could look like in 2026. 

Based on leading profitability calculators, an L7 at roughly 9.5 GH/s generates around $6.80 - $7.00 per day in combined LTC and DOGE revenue before electricity costs.

Why Miners Are Choosing ViaBTC For LTC/DOGE Mining Ahead Of 2026

The price of Litecoin and Dogecoin is projected to rise in 2026, making mining even more lucrative. To take advantage of this boom, miners need a pool that delivers efficiency and then potential for long-term profitability. ViaBTC remains the preferred choice for thousands of miners worldwide. 

It offers clear benefits, including:

• Merged mining optimization for maximum LTC and DOGE output.
• Relatively stable hashrate and low latency.
• Smart mining features
• Low fees and transparent reward settlements.   

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only. This article does not constitute an endorsement of any of the products and services discussed or investment, financial, or trading advice. Qualified professionals should be consulted prior to making financial decisions.