What Is the Primary Difference between Hashrate Rental and Traditional Mining Pools?

A traditional mining pool aggregates the hashrate of its members to achieve a more consistent block reward, sharing profits based on contribution. Hashrate rental markets, however, allow a user to pay a fee to direct the pooled hashrate toward a specific coin and a specific mining address for a set period.

The renter gains full control over the hashrate's target, which is distinct from the cooperative, profit-sharing nature of a mining pool. Rental is a service contract, while a pool is a cooperative effort.