What is XBT (BTCB2)? Bitcoin Blake2b explained, and how it differs from BTC
XBT, also listed as BTCB2 or BIP110, is a Bitcoin chain that split from BTC in August 2026 and switched its mining algorithm to BLAKE2b. It keeps Bitcoin's rules for supply and block timing, but it is mined by completely different machines. Here is what that means in plain terms.
The short answer
XBT is a proof-of-work cryptocurrency that shares Bitcoin's full transaction history up to block 961,631. After that it became its own chain, and from block 961,640 it has been mined with BLAKE2b instead of Bitcoin's SHA-256d. Same 21 million coin cap, same 10-minute block target, same halving schedule. It has a different mining algorithm, different miners and its own price.
How XBT came about
BIP-110 was a proposal to limit arbitrary data storage on Bitcoin while leaving ordinary payments alone. According to the Bitcoin BIP110 network reference, mandatory enforcement of BIP-110 on 8 August 2026 caused a chain split at block height 961,632. Nodes enforcing the rule rejected a non-signalling block, and the two chains went their separate ways.
At first the new branch kept using SHA-256d. As SafeTrade's listing note explains, very little SHA-256 hashrate stayed, so blocks came very slowly. The network then hard-forked to BLAKE2b proof of work. The first BLAKE2b block was 961,640, mined on 30 August 2026. The reference software is Bitcoin Knots.
Why there are three names
A ticker has to be unique on each exchange, so the same coin shows up as XBT, BTCB2 or BIP110 depending on where you look. B2Pool's FAQ puts it simply: they all mean the same chain. Always check which symbol your exchange uses before you send anything.
Pools mostly write XBT. NonKYC lists the coin as BTCB2, and SafeTrade has used both BIP110 and XBT. They are the same chain. On hashrate marketplaces the algorithm is listed as Blake2B, sometimes still as Sia or SC.
Is "XBTC" the same coin?
No. Some multi-coin pools list a separate Blake2b coin called Bitcoinknotscash (XBTC), with its own chain and explorer. Check the ticker and network before you point hashrate or send coins.
XBT vs BTC at a glance
| XBT (Blake2b Bitcoin) | BTC (Bitcoin) | |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of work | BLAKE2b (from block 961,640) | SHA-256d |
| Shared history | Identical through block 961,631 | |
| Max supply | 21,000,000 | 21,000,000 |
| Block target | 10 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Halving | Every 210,000 blocks | Every 210,000 blocks |
| Main node software | Bitcoin Knots | Bitcoin Core (and others) |
| Mining hardware | Blake2b ASICs (the Sia generation) | SHA-256 ASICs (Antminer, Whatsminer, SealMiner…) |
| Address format | The same, which is why you must be careful where you send | |
What stayed the same
The money rules: a 21 million cap, the halving every 210,000 blocks and the 10-minute block target. The NeoxEX coin page lists the current block reward as 3.125 XBT, the same stage of the schedule Bitcoin is in. The UTXO model and address formats are also unchanged, so a Bitcoin wallet address looks just like an XBT one.
What changed
- The mining algorithm. BLAKE2b replaces SHA-256d, with a new 164-byte version-2 block header (source).
- The hardware. BLAKE2b is the function Siacoin used, so Sia-generation ASICs can mine XBT with stock firmware (B2Pool). SHA-256 Bitcoin miners can't produce valid XBT blocks.
- Data limits. A temporary limit on arbitrary data applies from activation until 1 September 2027 (NeoxEX).
- Coinbase maturity. DxPool notes that under current XBT rules, newly mined coins can only be spent after about 45 days (DxPool).
- Replay protection. An optional signature mode, SIGHASH_UNIFIED, gives chain-specific replay protection. The network reference warns not to move inherited coins without understanding replay behaviour on both chains.
The XBT network today
Figures from the mempool.kilombino.com XBT explorer on 18 October 2026:
| Block height | about 977,840 |
| Network hashrate | about 43 PH/s (43,000 TH/s) |
| Price | about $600 per XBT |
These numbers move all the time, so check the explorer for the latest. For scale: at about 43 PH/s, a 10 TH/s rental is roughly 0.02% of all XBT mining.
Is XBT the same as "XBT" on old exchanges?
No. Some older platforms used "XBT" as an alternative code for Bitcoin (BTC). In this guide, and on TideHash, XBT always means the Blake2b chain. If an exchange lists both "BTC" and "XBT", read the coin description before you send.
How people get XBT hashrate
There are two ways to take part in XBT mining:
- Run your own Blake2b ASICs and point them at a pool or your own gateway.
- Rent Blake2b hashrate for a set time and send it to your pool. You don't need hardware, power or cooling, and you can start with a small order.
If renting sounds right, read How to rent Blake2b (XBT) hashrate, then check the live order book on the TideHash homepage.
Ready to point Blake2b hashrate at your pool?Live order book, minimum order $10, no account needed.
Open the order formSafety tips for XBT newcomers
- Use a wallet that is clearly set up for the XBT chain, and keep it separate from your BTC wallet.
- Never use a BTC address from an exchange as your XBT payout address. It looks valid but belongs to the other chain.
- Check the ticker (XBT, BTCB2 or BIP110) on the exact exchange you use.
- Look up transactions on an XBT explorer such as mempool.kilombino.com, not a BTC explorer.
Sources
- Bitcoin BIP110 network reference: split height, BLAKE2b activation, header, replay protection
- SafeTrade listing note: background on the switch to BLAKE2b
- NeoxEX XBT page: block reward, supply, data limits
- B2Pool: tickers, hardware compatibility
- DxPool help center: address format, coinbase maturity
- mempool.kilombino.com: network hashrate, height, price (18 Oct 2026)
Ready to try it? Rent Blake2b hashrate from 1 TH/s, or check the Blake2b hashrate price today. Questions? Ask in our Discord.