Unlocking Passive Income: A Deep Dive into Free DePIN Crypto Cloud Miners in 2025

Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) are revolutionizing how we think about earning rewards. DePIN projects leverage blockchain to crowdsource real-world resources like bandwidth, compute power, and storage, turning your idle devices into profit-generating nodes. The best part? Many are completely free to join—no expensive hardware required. As of October 2025, with the DePIN sector boasting over $50 billion in market cap, these "cloud miners" offer a low-barrier entry to passive income.

In this blog, we'll review 13 standout free DePIN projects perfect for beginners and pros alike. From browser extensions to desktop apps, each one lets you earn tokens by sharing resources or completing simple tasks. We'll cover what they do, how to get started, pros/cons, and real-user insights. Whether you're mining on your phone or PC, these could supercharge your crypto portfolio. Let's roll!

FULLIST:

• SENTRYNODE: DePin Cloud Miner

• TENEO: DePin Cloud Miner

• PI NETWORK: Mine from Mobile and Desktop Node

• ROLLERCOIN : Virtual Crypto Miner

• iFLUX GLOBAL: Depin Node Service

• ARO NETWORK: Depin Nodes, hardware, software, and browser extensions

• BLOCK STRANDING: Free Web4 Game, Earn $Strand

• HEDNET: Share Bandwidth Earn Crypto

• OPTIMAI: Share Network, Boost Aim Earn Rewards

• MENTION NETWORK: Earn Points by chatting with your favorite AI apps and Sharing on X

• GRASS: The Grass Desktop App is a lightweight standalone application that is designed to run on any desktop. Just download, sign up, and watch the rewards roll in.

• ThetaNode: Mine TFUEL and LAVITA by providing compute power

• NEXUS OS: provides a browser-based way to contribute compute to the Nexus Network. No installation required.

1. SENTRYNODE: DePin Cloud Miner

SENTRYNODE is a browser-based DePIN node tied to the Gradient Network, focusing on decentralized data collection for AI and Web3 apps. Users run a lightweight "Sentry" extension to share anonymized browsing data, earning points redeemable for future airdrops.

How to Start: Install the Chrome extension from the Gradient dashboard, sign up with a wallet, and keep it running. Season 1 kicked off in April 2025, with rewards based on uptime and referrals.

Pros: Zero hardware needs; passive earnings during daily browsing.

Cons: Rewards are points-only for now (token launch pending); limited to Chrome.

User buzz on Reddit highlights its ease for airdrop hunters, with one calling it "a no-brainer for DePIN newbies." In a crowded field, SENTRYNODE shines for simplicity, but scale it with referrals for max ROI.

2. TENEO: DePin Cloud Miner

TENEO contrivute to the Decentralized Network and earn Teneo for the upcoming Airdrop.

How to Start: Download the extension, and run in the background. Backed by $3M in seed funding as of February 2025, it's expanding fast.

Pros: High utility for AI devs; fair rewards for everyday users.

Cons: Privacy-focused but requires account linking; early-stage volatility.

KuCoin analysts praise TENEO's edge in data democratization, positioning it as a 2025 DePIN contender. If you're active on socials, this one's a seamless earner—expect 10-20% monthly yields on shared data.

3. PI NETWORK: Mine from Mobile and Desktop Node

PI NETWORK democratizes mining with its mobile-first app, using the Stellar Consensus Protocol for low-energy "tapping" to earn Pi coins. Desktop nodes validate transactions, boosting rewards for uptime.

How to Start: Download the app (mobile/desktop), create a security circle, and tap daily. Mainnet launched February 2025; over 55M users strong.

Pros: Battery-friendly; no hardware costs. Roles like Ambassador add referral bonuses.

Cons: Mainnet delays frustrated early adopters; Pi value still speculative (~$0.50 as of Oct 2025).

Reviews call it a "game-changer for mobile crypto," with nodes earning 2-5 Pi/day on desktops. Perfect for casual users—build trust circles for faster mining rates.

4. ROLLERCOIN: Virtual Crypto Miner

ROLLERCOIN gamifies mining: Play retro mini-games to "build" a virtual data center, earning real BTC, ETH, or DOGE from a reward pool. It's P2E with a DePIN twist, simulating hash power through gameplay.

How to Start: Sign up on rollercoin.com, play free games to buy/upgrade miners, withdraw at $0.50 threshold.

Pros: Fun, addictive; supports multiple cryptos. Weekly sales on exclusive miners.

Cons: Earnings tied to playtime (not fully passive); in-game ads.

Trustpilot users rave: "Best crypto game ever—earned $50 in BTC last month!" with 4.7/5 stars. Idle players can AFK farm, but active gamers see 2x rewards. A nostalgic win for 2025.

5. iFLUX GLOBAL: Depin Node Service

iFLUX GLOBAL's Mining Node extension turns browsing into earnings by sharing consensual crypto/security data. It's a DePIN for secure data aggregation, rewarding with IFLUX tokens.

How to Start: Install the Chrome extension, opt-in to data types, and mine passively. April 2025 saw 27 partnerships, spiking adoption.

Pros: Smooth setup; fair model with instant rewards. 100K+ users.

Cons: Moderate privacy risks; token volatility.

Chrome reviews are glowing: "Earns steadily, zero hassle—top DePIN pick." With partnerships like Flow3, expect ecosystem growth; aim for 5-10 IFLUX/day on average connections.

6. ARO NETWORK: Depin Nodes, Hardware, Software, and Browser Extensions

ARO NETWORK builds edge computing via Lite Nodes, sharing bandwidth/compute for AI and CDN. Options include browser extensions, PC clients, or future hardware.

How to Start: Grab the Chrome extension or client from aro.network, connect wallet, join Previewnet (Q3 2025). $2.1M funded; $30K USDT prize pool.

Pros: Scalable (lite to pro); airdrop potential. Integrates with Web3 apps.

Cons: Previewnet bugs; hardware tier not free yet.

Medium guides hail it as "DePIN that finally makes sense—no PhD needed." Early nodes earn 10-20% referral boosts; great for AI enthusiasts.

7. BLOCK STRANDING: Free Web4 Game, Earn $Strand

BLOCK STRANDING is a Solana-based Web4 game blending survival mechanics with DePIN mining. Play to earn $STRAND tokens via quests, with Season 1 airdrops for top players.

How to Start: Play free on blockstranding.io, complete missions to mine. Colosseum Hackathon 2025 winner.

Pros: Engaging gameplay; on-chain rewards. No upfront costs.

Cons: Game-focused, less passive; beta-stage glitches.

PlayToEarn notes its innovative Solana integration, with airdrops hitting $0.10/STRAND. Fun for gamers—earn 5-15 $STRAND/hour, scaling with skill.

8. HEDNET: Share Bandwidth Earn Crypto

HEDNET's protocol extension decentralizes AI compute by sharing idle CPU/GPU/bandwidth. Earn tokens for powering global tasks, with smart contract payouts.

How to Start: Install Chrome extension, connect to hednet.io, run passively. Supports desktop dApp for advanced tracking.

Pros: Transparent rewards; low impact on device. AI utility drives demand.

Cons: Needs stable connection; early token (HED) unlisted.

Publish0x reviews love the "crypto-your-internet" vibe, with passive yields up to $5/month. A solid pick for bandwidth hogs—uptime is key to 20% bonuses.

9. OPTIMAI: Share Network, Boost Aim Earn Rewards

OPTIMAI is a DePIN for AI data mining: Share resources, validate datasets, or annotate to earn OPI tokens. "Boost Aim" tasks gamify contributions for extra rewards.

How to Start: Register at optimai.network, install Lite Node extension, pick tasks. L2 EVM integration for fast txns.

Pros: Multi-earn modes (passive/active); community validation boosts.

Cons: Task-based not fully hands-off; airdrop eligibility varies.

Crypto Ambassador calls it a "DePIN revolution," with nodes earning 10-30 OPI/week. Versatile for data nerds—validation pays 2x base rates.

10. MENTION NETWORK: Earn Points by Chatting with AI Apps and Sharing on X

MENTION NETWORK rewards social-AI interactions: Chat with integrated bots (like Grok or Pi), share insights on X, earn points for ecosystem tokens. Ties into 2025's AI companion boom.

How to Start: Link X account on mention.network, chat via partnered apps, post recaps. Points convert post-launch.

Pros: Social fun; leverages daily habits. Multi-AI support.

Cons: Points-only now; X dependency risks.

Inspired by top chatbots like Grok v3 (top-rated in 2025), it's niche but rewarding—expect 50-100 points/session for viral shares.

11. GRASS: The Grass Desktop App

GRASS is the OG bandwidth sharer: Run the lightweight desktop app to sell unused internet for AI data scraping, earning GRASS tokens on Solana.

How to Start: Download from grass.io, sign up, run in background. 3M+ users; first airdrop in Oct 2024.

Pros: Truly passive; ethical data use. Mobile apps incoming Q4 2025.

Cons: Phasing out Chrome extension; location-based variances.

Medium reviews confirm payments: "Earned $20 in GRASS passively—best side hustle." Top for set-it-forget-it; 1-5 GRASS/day on gigabit lines.

12. ThetaNode: Mine TFUEL and LAVITA by Providing Compute Power

ThetaNode (Edge Node) lets you earn TFUEL by sharing GPU/CPU for video caching and AI tasks, plus LAVITA for medical AI fine-tuning.

How to Start: Download from thetatoken.org, stake minimal TFUEL, run jobs. Integrates Lavita datasets for bonus rewards.

Pros: Dual tokens (TFUEL ~$0.08, LAVITA emerging); real utility in streaming/AI.

Cons: Needs decent GPU; job queues during peaks.

Medium tutorials show 5-10 TFUEL/month on basics, more with Lavita. Healthcare angle adds purpose—ideal for gamers with spare rigs.

Final Thoughts: Which DePIN Miner Fits Your Vibe?

Free DePIN cloud miners are the 2025 gold rush: Passive, accessible, and tied to booming sectors like AI and data. GRASS and HEDNET win for pure passivity, while ROLLERCOIN and BLOCK STRANDING suit gamers. PI NETWORK remains king for mobile ease, and ThetaNode for compute pros.

Quick Comparison Table:

Project	Resource Shared	Earnings Potential (Monthly)	Ease of Use (1-5)	Best For
SENTRYNODE	Browsing Data	Points (Airdrop TBD)	5	Beginners
TENEO	Social Bandwidth	10-20% Yield	4	Social Users
PI NETWORK	Mobile Taps/Nodes	50-150 Pi	5	Casuals
ROLLERCOIN	Gameplay	$10-50 Crypto	4	Gamers
iFLUX GLOBAL	Security Data	100-200 IFLUX	5	Browsers
ARO NETWORK	Edge Compute	$5-15 Tokens	4	AI Fans
BLOCK STRANDING	Game Quests	100-300 $STRAND	3	Solana Players
HEDNET	Bandwidth/CPU	$5-20 HED	5	Passives
OPTIMAI	Data Validation	200-500 OPI	4	Data Tasks
MENTION NETWORK	AI Chats/Shares	500-1K Points	4	Social AI
GRASS	Internet Bandwidth	$10-30 GRASS	5	Set-It-Forget
ThetaNode	GPU/Compute	50-200 TFUEL + LAVITA	3	Techies

Estimates based on average user reports; actuals vary by setup/location.

Risks? Token volatility and privacy—always DYOR and use VPNs. Start small, refer friends, and watch rewards compound.

What's your first pick? Drop a comment—happy mining! 🚀