Oxford Nanopore’s MinION is a compact, portable nanopore sequencing device, but it is not a complete sequencing laboratory on a USB stick. The current model featured by the manufacturer is the MinION Mk1D: it connects to a laptop over USB-C and can sequence DNA or RNA when paired with a flow cell, a prepared sample, the right chemistry, and software for collecting and analyzing the data.
What is a MinION?
MinION is Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ family of portable, real-time nanopore sequencers. The current product page features the MinION Mk1D, a small instrument that connects to a laptop or MacBook by high-speed USB-C. Its listed dimensions are 55 × 13 × 125 mm, and its mass is 130 g. Oxford Nanopore specifies Peltier-based temperature control for ambient operating conditions from 10–35°C. These are Mk1D specifications, not specifications for every MinION generation. Oxford Nanopore MinION Mk1D product information.
The USB connection does not itself read a finished DNA sequence. A flow cell in the device contains the nanopore sensor array; as prepared DNA or RNA passes through nanopores, the instrument collects electrical signal. Software and computing are then used to turn that signal into sequence data and usable results. Oxford Nanopore describes the workflow as real-time, so data can become available while a run is underway.
What can the MinION Mk1D sequence?
Oxford Nanopore says the Mk1D reads native DNA or RNA fragments, with a stated read-length range of 20 base pairs to more than 4 megabases. That is a manufacturer specification, not a promise that every sample or run will produce fragments across that entire range. Sample quality, library preparation, flow-cell condition, chemistry, analysis, and experimental design affect the result.
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The manufacturer lists uses including bacterial isolates and whole-genome sequencing, viral amplicons, metagenomic and 16S/ITS species identification, whole-exome sequencing, cDNA whole-transcriptome sequencing, and smaller direct-RNA transcriptomes. These are suggested applications; suitability depends on the scientific question and the workflow, not just the device.
What else do you need to use one?
The Mk1D is one component in a sequencing workflow. Plan for the following dependencies:
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- A compatible host computer: The device connects to a laptop or MacBook, and software runs the instrument and handles sequence data. Oxford Nanopore’s current documentation index links to a dedicated Mk1D device and IT specification; consult that current specification for computer requirements. The detailed host-computer guidance on the older Mk1B page should not be treated as Mk1D requirements.
- A sequencing flow cell: This is the consumable sensor array used for a run. The Mk1D product page and pack contents distinguish DNA and RNA flow cells.
- A prepared sample and library chemistry: Extracting the material and preparing it for sequencing requires a workflow and appropriate reagents; the device alone does not prepare samples.
- Software and downstream analysis: MinKNOW is used to operate the instrument and manage data acquisition. Sequence data also needs analysis appropriate to the experiment. Oxford Nanopore’s documentation and learning resources cover device setup, sample extraction, library preparation, and downstream analysis.
Oxford Nanopore’s Mk1B documentation describes MinKNOW features including run control, monitoring, basecalling, data streaming, sample tracking, and feedback on chemistry performance. Those details describe the Mk1B documentation; for current Mk1D setup and IT needs, use the Mk1D documentation rather than assuming every legacy detail applies unchanged.
MinION Mk1D and Mk1B are different generations
Older descriptions of MinION may refer to the Mk1B. Oxford Nanopore’s Mk1B technical specification lists a 105 × 23 × 33 mm, 100 g device, 5 W power use, and a single USB Type-B / USB 3.0 connection. Its documentation describes the device as interfacing the host computer with the nanopore sensor array, controlling temperature, and transferring data. Oxford Nanopore’s Mk1B IT page explicitly says, “This product has been discontinued.” That notice applies to the Mk1B; it does not say that the MinION family or the Mk1D has been discontinued. Oxford Nanopore Mk1B IT requirements.
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Do not use Mk1B dimensions, port details, power figures, or computer recommendations to describe the Mk1D. The current Mk1D product page specifies USB-C and its own physical dimensions; current Mk1D computer requirements should come from the manufacturer’s Mk1D device and IT specification.
How much does a MinION cost?
Prices below are Oxford Nanopore manufacturer list prices displayed on October 5, 2026. They are region-specific and may change; the prices do not establish taxes, shipping, distributor pricing, or the full cost of laboratory equipment and staff time.
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| Region and configuration | Displayed price | What the listing includes |
|---|---|---|
| United States: MinION Mk1D device | US$3,150 | Device-only price shown on the US product page; check the listing for its current contents. Oxford Nanopore US product page. |
| United States: Mk1D Pack | US$5,150 | Pack listing includes five DNA or five RNA flow cells, sequencing kits, and other items. Oxford Nanopore US product page. |
| United Kingdom: MinION Mk1D device | £2,550 | Device price displayed in the UK official store. Oxford Nanopore UK store. |
| United Kingdom: Mk1D Pack | £4,025 | Listed components include the device, control expansion kit, flow-cell wash kit, standard support, five DNA or RNA flow cells, and sequencing kits. Oxford Nanopore UK store. |
A device-only price and a pack price are not like-for-like comparisons. Before choosing, check the regional listing for the flow-cell count, DNA or RNA chemistry, included kits, and support, then account for the rest of the lab workflow you need.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is it really a complete sequencer on a USB stick?
It is a useful shorthand for the small, portable instrument, not a literal description of a self-contained sequencer. The Mk1D brings the nanopore-reading hardware into a compact device, but the computer, flow cell, sample preparation, reagents, and data-analysis workflow remain essential. Its defining advantage is portability and access to sequencing data during a run—not independence from the rest of the workflow.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
