In the lead-up to 2026, the conversation about Bitcoin for miners is primarily an economic question. There are real costs, there is a market, there are long-term expectations, and it is based on these factors that the outlook on future prices is formed. Against the backdrop of an unstable global economy and the growing interest of large investors in the crypto market, miners view Bitcoin as pragmatically as possible.
Regarding what industry participants expect from BTC in 2026, the BeInCrypto editorial team spoke with ECOS Mining founder Ilya Goldberg. We explain what, in our interlocutor's opinion, miners are preparing for.
The cost of mining forms the lower boundary of the price
According to ECOS Mining, the average cost of mining one coin is currently around $70,000–$85,000. A level of about $80,000 can be considered the threshold below which mining ceases to make economic sense.
When the price drops significantly below this mark, miners begin to operate at a loss, some companies shut down equipment, hash rate decreases, coin supply diminishes, and the market eventually returns the price above the breakeven level. This forms a natural protection against deep and prolonged downturns. This logic has manifested itself repeatedly in Bitcoin's history and remains relevant today.
On the other hand, the market is increasingly influenced by large financial institutions. In recent years, companies like BlackRock and Morgan Stanley, as well as some sovereign funds, have begun to actively integrate Bitcoin into their investment strategies.
The reason is simple: in the context of inflation, the weakening of traditional currencies, and geopolitical tensions, large capital requires a reliable tool for value preservation. Bitcoin, with its limited supply and independence from central banks, is gradually becoming such a tool and is solidifying as an important element of portfolio diversification.
Forecast for 2026
The forecast from ECOS Mining is based on the combination of mining economics and growing institutional demand. According to the company, in 2026, Bitcoin will likely be in the range of $120,000–$180,000.
This expectation is based on several key factors:
the continued acceptance of Bitcoin by large investors;
the gradual clarification of regulations in leading jurisdictions;
the development of the futures and derivatives market;
global economic risks supporting interest in alternative assets.
The upper boundary of the forecast reflects a more optimistic scenario, where institutional demand strengthens and global uncertainty drives additional interest in capital protection.
For investors, this perspective means that interest in Bitcoin remains justified in the medium term. Even more cautious scenarios suggest significant growth potential relative to current levels. ECOS Mining notes that a combination of holding Bitcoin and participating in mining allows for income generation from multiple sources, and such strategies have repeatedly shown effectiveness in past cycles.
Conclusions
The year 2026 has the potential to become an important milestone in Bitcoin's maturation as a full-fledged financial instrument. The lower price boundary is supported by mining economics, while growth potential is enhanced by interest from large investors and the overall global situation. Those who approach the market thoughtfully and build well-considered strategies have the best chances to extract maximum benefit from the next stage of industry development.
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