The Best Crypto Staking Platforms in 2025

This guide is part of the “Guide to Staking Crypto” series.

Back in 2020, staking felt like an obscure corner of crypto, there were only a handful of proof-of-stake networks and a few technical guides circulating around online. Fast-forward to today, and you can see staking has become one of the most mainstream ways to earn passive income with crypto. 

This exponential growth of options comes with its own problem – too many choices. Every crypto exchange, staking protocol, and even hardware wallet is now a staking platform all of a sudden offering its own version of “easy rewards.” These are usually advertised as APY numbers and can vary wildly, also staking terms differ, and risk is never fully understood. To a new investor, it can feel overwhelming. To a seasoned one, it can feel like a minefield of fees, lock-up periods, and technical mumbo-jumbo.

The goal of this article is to cut through the nonsense. We will evaluate and compare platforms across key criteria such as security, staking APY, user experience, and liquidity. Along the way, we’ll also highlight what real users are saying, because community sentiment often reveals issues that glossy marketing pages don’t. The purpose here is simple, to help you make an informed decision about where to receive your staking rewards.

What to Look for in a Staking Platform

Staking is the process of locking up your cryptocurrency on a proof-of-stake network to help secure the blockchain and, in return, earn rewards.

Before diving into the rankings of the best platforms for staking, it helps to know how to evaluate them. Staking is not just about picking the highest yield number, it’s about balancing the returns with the risks. Here are the main factors that matter:

Security and reputation

The first thing you should always check is whether the platform is custodial or non-custodial. A custodial service, such as a large crypto exchange, holds your keys and manages the validator process on your behalf. This is easy, but comes with counterparty risk, what that means is if the platform goes down, your assets may be frozen. A non-custodial setup, like using a protocol or a hardware wallet to delegate to a validator, keeps you in control but usually requires more technical know-how.

Other important factors to find is whether the platform has been audited, if there are insurance funds to cover hacks or slashing penalties, and how long it has operated without any major issues. Trust is earned over years, not weeks, that’s what you should be looking for, years of operational excellence. The staking world is full of platforms that vanished after promising the world.

Staking rewards

When you see a flashy number like “15% APY,” remember that APY is Annual Percentage Yield, and it changes. It changes depending on network conditions, validator performance, and the platform’s own fees. 

A more stable proof-of-stake chain like Ethereum may show lower interest rates (3-5%), but with lower risk, while smaller altcoins sometimes dangle double-digit yields that can collapse quickly. A competitive rate in 2025 is not necessarily the highest APY, but one that has the best tokenomics and lucrative yield.

Ease of use

For many people, the deciding factor is simply how user-friendly the interface is. Some platforms like Coinbase offer a polished one-click experience, while manually staking through a protocol requires connecting a wallet, approving contracts, and sometimes navigating off-chain. A user-friendly interface can make the difference between confidently staking coins and accidentally sending funds into a black hole.

Supported cryptocurrencies

A good staking platform isn’t just about big reward numbers, it’s about which coins you can actually stake. Some platforms only cover a few major coins, while others let you choose from dozens. Having lots of options is nice, but what really matters is quality. A platform with many risky, unknown tokens isn’t as valuable as one that supports reliable networks like Ethereum, Solana, or Cardano. The best platforms give you both variety and strong support for the most trusted assets, which makes them useful in the long run.

Fees and commissions

Staking rewards are not just about what you earn, but also what you keep. Most platforms take a commission, typically ranging from 5% to 15% of rewards. Some exchanges also charge hidden withdrawal or management fees. Transparency here is key, if a platform can’t clearly explain how it makes money, be wary.

Lock-up periods and liquidity

The final major factor to keep in mind is liquidity. Some platforms offer flexible staking where you can unstake at any time, but usually at lower rewards. Others enforce lock-up terms where your funds are tied up for 30, 60, or even 120 days. The rise of liquid staking has blurred this line by issuing tradable tokens like stETH or mSOL that represent your locked funds. But liquidity only helps if those tokens hold their peg, otherwise you’re losing value when trying to exit.

The 10 Best Crypto Staking Platforms of 2025

1. Lido Finance

Lido is the household name in liquid staking. When Ethereum moved fully to proof-of-stake in 2022, Lido quickly became the choice protocol for small holders who wanted in on staking without running their own validator. Today in 2025, it remains the largest staking pool, controlling a significant share of all ETH staked.

It’s number one on the list because of one thing – liquidity. As you stake ETH, you immediately receive stETH (Lido Staked Ether), a token that represents your deposit plus accumulated rewards. This token can then be traded, lent, or used across other DeFi services. In other words, your capital never sits idle.

Key features

• Liquid staking token: stETH is widely used across DeFi protocols.
• Non-custodial design: users get to keep control of assets, though validator selection is handled by the DAO.
• Audited and open source: strong track record, regular security checks.
• Huge liquidity: because stETH is so widely used, selling or swapping it usually carries minimal slippage.

Supported coins

• Primarily Ethereum staking.
• Has extensions into other chains (Polygon, Solana), but ETH is the flagship product.

2. Rocket Pool

Rocket Pool was built with decentralization in mind. Where Lido relies on a handful of trusted validator operators, Rocket Pool opens the door for anyone with as little as 16 ETH (instead of 32) to run a validator node. The rest of the stake is pooled from smaller users who deposit ETH and receive rETH (Rocket Pool ETH) in return.

This design makes Rocket Pool especially attractive to users who want their staking aligned with Ethereum’s ethos of decentralization. The trade-off is that yields are often a little lower, because the protocol prioritizes spreading stake among more validators instead of squeezing every last percentage point.

Key features

• rETH token: liquid staking token that accrues rewards.
• Validator-friendly: users with 16 ETH can set up a node and earn both staking rewards and commission from the pool.
• Decentralization focus: broad validator distribution lowers systemic risk.
• Transparent fees: staking commission is predictable, without hidden charges.

Supported coins

• Ethereum only.

3. Staking and Earning on Binance

A centralized cryptocurrency exchange (like Binance) is where many investors first experience staking. It’s fast and easy. There are two primary staking options available on Binance Earn: locked staking, where you commit coins for 30, 60, or 120 days in exchange for a higher APY, and flexible staking, where you can unstake quickly with lower rewards.

Convenience is where Binanace really stands out. In order to initiate staking, the process is very intuitive with lots of tooltips on what to do next. The drawback is that Binance is custodial, which means it manages the keys and performs validation checks for you. That means, they technically own your tokens, and the fees you pay to the platform are usually higher than what you would pay on a protocol.

Key features of Binance

• Wide selection of staking coins: Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and dozens of others.
• Flexible staking: unstake quickly at the cost of lower interest rates.
• Locked staking: higher APY for committing funds to fixed lock-up terms.
• User-friendly interface: this option integrates seamlessly with Binance trading and wallets.

Supported coins

• Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, Polygon, Cosmos. 
• Other proof-of-stake assets

4. Kraken

Kraken was established in the United States and has established a reputation as one of the most transparent and safe exchanges in the market, which is reflected in its staking service. Kraken does not aggressively promote lock-up periods like Binance does. But it still does offer bonded and flexible staking options.

For U.S. users, Kraken has often been the preferred alternative to Coinbase because of its lower fees and clearer communication around staking terms. Kraken regularly gets praised for its reliability, even though its yields may not always be the most competitive.

Key features

• Flexible staking: immediate rewards with the option to unstake depending on the asset.
• Bonded staking: for certain coins, funds must remain staked until the unbonding period ends.
• Transparency: clear commission structure and performance reporting.
• Regulatory focus: Kraken has a stronger compliance record than many other competitors.

Supported coins

• Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, Polkadot, Cosmos, and other proof-of-stake assets

5. Coinbase Staking

Coinbase is usually the default staking platform for many beginners. It’s very well marketed and the biggest advantage is simplicity. You buy a token, press “stake,” and the rewards start appearing in your account. Coinbase takes care of the validator side and even the technical headaches like slashing risk management.

However, the trade-off is cost. Coinbase charges some of the highest commissions in the industry, with users reporting effective cuts of up to 25% on staking rewards. That makes its APY consistently lower than the alternatives.

Key features

• Beginner-friendly experience: staking is integrated into wallet and trading flows.
• Insurance and custody: strong security infrastructure, custodial model.
• Off-chain staking: Coinbase makes staking simple by paying rewards directly to your account, without requiring you to interact with on-chain delegation or manage validator details yourself.
• Educational focus: Coinbase Learn and guides help teach new stakers.

Supported coins

• Ethereum staking
• Tezos, Solana, and other popular staking coins. The choice may seem limited compared to Binance, but covers the top proof-of-stake networks.

6. Marinade Finance (Solana)

With a focus on liquid staking, Marinade is Solana’s flagship staking protocol. When users deposit SOL, they receive mSOL (Marinade Staked SOL), a token that represents their stake plus the rewards. To increase decentralization and reduce risk, Marinade then distributes that stake among dozens of validators.

Marinade was crucial in assisting users in maintaining staking revenue without having to run validators directly during Solana’s network outages in 2022 and 2023. It is still currently the most widely used Solana-native staking platform.

Key features

• Liquid staking: mSOL can be used in Solana’s DeFi ecosystem.
• Validator optimization: Marinade auto-delegates to a diversified validator set.
• Non-custodial: you interact with the platform via Solana wallets like Phantom.
• Community-driven governance: MNDE token allows participation in protocol decisions.

Supported coins

• Solana staking exclusively.

7. EigenLayer

EigenLayer represents the cutting edge of staking innovation. Instead of simply staking ETH and earning base rewards, EigenLayer lets you “restake” your ETH or liquid staking tokens (like stETH or rETH) to secure additional services. In exchange, you earn extra yield.

This model has drawn massive attention because it effectively doubles the use of your capital. But it’s not without risk: more layers mean more smart contract vulnerabilities and a greater chance of slashing penalties if services misbehave. Even though it’s not for beginners, online discussions often describe EigenLayer as “very attractive for advanced users chasing higher yields.”

Key features

• Restaking mechanism: reuse ETH or staking derivatives to earn additional rewards.
• Yield stacking: potentially increase effective APY by securing multiple services.
• Rapid growth: many protocols are building on top of EigenLayer, expanding its ecosystem.
• Advanced focus: requires careful monitoring and risk management.

Supported coins

• Ethereum staking (via ETH, stETH, rETH).
• Future expansions may include other proof-of-stake assets.

8. CoinDepo

Founded back in 2018, CoinDepo has drawn notice for promising yields that are higher than most of those offered by the majority of exchanges. While it brands itself as both a staking platform and a crypto interest product, it’s more centralized than DeFi protocols and relies on third-party custody partners.

For investors looking for higher numbers, this could be what you’re looking for. But the catch is always the same – custody risk. High yields often come with hidden risks, such as unclear lending practices or the chance that the platform itself could go bankrupt. CoinDepo sits somewhere between a big centralized exchange (with strong cash flow and deep reserves) and a risky high-yield lender.

Key features

• Institutional custody: works with partners like Fireblocks to handle asset security.
• High advertised APY: some coins show double-digit yields, higher than traditional exchanges. Raises some questions.
• Simple interface: similar to other custodial programs, they hold your money, but it’s easy for beginners.
• Centralized management: It means that instead of you getting staking rewards directly from the blockchain, the exchange collects it for you and updates your account balance inside its own system.

Supported coins

• Ethereum, Bitcoin (via off-chain staking-like products)
• A variety of staking coins across top proof-of-stake chains

9. StakeWise and Frax (Ethereum-focused)

StakeWise and Frax are examples of the new generation of Ethereum staking protocols. They try to balance between decentralization, transparency, and liquidity. 

StakeWise is a liquid staking protocol for Ethereum that lets you stake ETH and receive tradable tokens that earn rewards while staying liquid. It splits staked ETH into two tokens – sETH2 (principal) and rETH2 (rewards), giving you the ability to manage and trade them separately. 

Frax is best known for creating one of the first algorithmic stablecoins, but in recent years it has grown into an entire DeFi ecosystem. Part of that expansion is its staking pool for Ethereum, which lets users stake ETH and receive a liquid token in return. That token can then be used in other ways in DeFi giving you incredible freedom to re-stake and maximise returns. 

These platforms are often chosen by users who find Lido too centralized and Rocket Pool too conservative. These are middle-ground options that appeal to Ethereum users who want to squeeze more out of staking without completely sacrificing control.

Key features

• StakeWise uses a two-token system: one token tracks your staked ETH (the principal) and the other tracks the rewards you earn, making it easier to separate and manage both.
• Frax combines its stablecoin ecosystem with a staking pool, giving users extra ways to earn and use their assets in DeFi.
• Lower fees: often more competitive than Coinbase or Binance.
• Decentralized governance: community involvement in validator and treasury decisions.

Supported coins

• Primarily Ethereum staking.

10. Strategies for yield staking and restaking

As a final recommendation, this is not going to be a single platform, but rather a group of strategies that you can to get ahead by combining staking pools, liquid staking tokens, and different protocols. The goal here is to stack multiple sources of yield on top of each other, turning simple staking rewards into more complex income streams. 

For example, someone might stake ETH via Lido, receive stETH, use that stETH as collateral on Aave, borrow assets and then deposit those borrowed assets into another staking pool.

This “stacking” of yields can create effective returns far above base APY, but it also multiplies risks. Each smart contract added to the chain introduces another possible failure point. Most investors I know are split on this approach, some celebrate the boldness, while others think it’s a house of cards.

Key features

• Stacked yields: combine staking with lending, providing liquidity, or restaking.
• DeFi compatibility means tokens like stETH, rETH, or mSOL can be used across many different protocols for lending, trading, and yield strategies.
• Advanced strategies require monitoring, gas fee management, and risk hedging.
• High variability: your APY can swing depending on markets and liquidity.

Supported coins

• Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and any chain with liquid staking tokens.

Comparing the top staking platforms

Here is a brief comparison table for your convenience:

Platform	Type (CEX / DeFi / Wallet)	Average APY Range*	Key feature	Best for
Lido Finance	DeFi Stacking/ Liquid staking	3–5% on ETH	stETH liquidity, DAO governance	Users who want liquidity and DeFi integrations
Rocket Pool	DeFi / Liquid + validator pool	2–4% on ETH	Decentralized validator set, rETH	ETH stakers who value decentralization
Binance Earn	Centralized exchange	5–15% (locked), 2–6% (flexible)	Wide range of coins, flexible vs locked terms	Beginners and traders already on Binance
Kraken	Centralized exchange	3–7% depending on coin	Transparency, strong compliance	Users who value trust and safety
Coinbase	Centralized exchange	2–5% after fees	Simple one-click staking	Beginners who prioritize ease of use
Marinade Finance	DeFi / Solana	5–8% on SOL	mSOL token, validator distribution	Solana holders who want liquid staking
EigenLayer	DeFi staking/ restaking	Variable, higher with restaking	Yield stacking on ETH	Advanced users chasing higher returns
CoinDepo	Custodial earn platform	Advertised double-digit rates	High yields, institutional custody	Yield hunters willing to accept custodian risk
StakeWise / Frax	DeFi / Ethereum protocols	3–6% on ETH	Transparent fee models, dual tokens	ETH stakers avoiding Lido centralization

Fig. 1 – Comparison table of the best staking platforms on the market

Keep in mind, the APY ranges above are approximations and depend on several factors like network conditions, validator performance, lock-up periods, and fees.

Choose your staking path wisely

Staking is no longer a niche side activity. It’s a central piece of crypto investing, but also one filled with lots of trade-offs. The days of simply locking coins and waiting are over, now you must weigh your options:

• Custodial vs non-custodial
• Liquid staking vs lock-up periods
• Base APY vs complex yield-stacking strategies.

Ultimately, what you make in staking rewards is more than just passive income. Some of the choices are about how much control you’re willing to give up, and how much risk you’re comfortable with taking. 

The best staking platform for you will be the one that you’re most comfortable with, not just the one with the biggest profit. And remember, the right choice today might not be the same for tomorrow, so always keep reviewing your options as platforms evolve and new opportunities emerge.