The Bitcoin network mining difficulty fell slightly to 146.4 trillion, with an estimated increase to 148.20 T on Jan 22, 2026. Average block times are 9.88 minutes, slightly below the 10-minute target.

Mining difficulty reached new highs in 2025, with challenges for miners due to increased competition and macroeconomic factors. Profit margins eroded, hash price fell below breakeven levels in November.

Miners faced tough decisions as hash price dropped below $35, tariffs strained operations, and a crypto market downturn saw BTC prices fall by over 30%. Despite a rally, prices remain below the all-time high of $125,000.

Read more at Cointelegraph: Bitcoin Network Mining Difficulty Falls in Jan 2026