Liquid staking has emerged as a game-changer in decentralized finance (DeFi), enabling users to earn passive income while maintaining liquidity. With numerous platforms offering these services, selecting the right one can be challenging. Below, we explore ten leading liquid staking platforms, each with unique features to suit different needs.
What Is Liquid Staking?
Liquid staking involves depositing assets into a smart contract to receive liquidity tokens representing your staked position. These tokens can be traded, used as collateral, or reinvested across DeFi protocols—unlocking flexibility without unbonding the original assets.
This innovation drives market growth by enhancing capital efficiency and fostering DeFi interoperability. However, platform integrity varies, so choosing reputable providers is crucial.
1. Lido Finance
Supported Assets: ETH, MATIC, SOL
Reward Tokens: stETH, stMATIC, stSOL
Key Features:
- No minimum stake requirement
- Daily reward distributions
- 10% staking fee
Lido’s open-source protocol and enterprise-grade security (including 256-bit SSL encryption) make it a top choice for Ethereum and multi-chain staking.
2. Coinbase Prime
Supported Assets: ETH (via Liquid Collective)
Reward Tokens: LsETH
Key Features:
- Institutional-grade security with KYC/AML compliance
- Nexus Mutual slash protection
- 15% staking fee
Ideal for enterprises, Coinbase Prime partners with Figment and Staked to ensure high validator reliability.
3. Rocket Pool
Supported Assets: ETH
Reward Tokens: RPL
Key Features:
- Decentralized community governance (DAO)
- Customizable staking pools
- 15–20% staking fee
Rocket Pool’s transparent, community-driven model appeals to users prioritizing decentralization.
4. Frax Ether (Frax Finance)
Supported Assets: ETH
Reward Tokens: frETH, sfrxETH
Key Features:
- Combines staking with DeFi yield strategies
- Frax Ferry bridge for cross-chain transfers
- Community-led DAO
Frax ETH suits advanced users seeking yield optimization via its AMM and lending protocols.
5. Jito Network (Solana)
Supported Assets: SOL
Reward Tokens: JitSOL
Key Features:
- Integrates MEV (Maximal Extractable Value) rewards
- No lock-up periods
- Low fees (~6%)
Jito enhances Solana staking by monetizing MEV opportunities.
6. Binance Liquid Staking
Supported Assets: ETH
Reward Tokens: WBETH
Key Features:
- Backed by pSTAKE protocol
- High liquidity and institutional security
- Competitive APYs
Binance’s established infrastructure simplifies liquid staking for beginners.
7. Marinade Finance (Solana)
Supported Assets: SOL
Reward Tokens: mSOL
Key Features:
- No lock-up periods
- 6% staking fee
- mSOL restaking for compounded yields
Marinade’s flexibility and community governance make it a Solana favorite.
8. ANKR
Supported Assets: ETH, AVAX, BSC, DOT, and more
Key Features:
- Multi-chain staking
- No minimum stake
- Fees range 2–10%
ANKR’s broad asset support caters to diversified portfolios.
9. Stader Labs
Supported Assets: ETH, SOL, MATIC
Key Features:
- Multi-chain compatibility
- Audited by CertiK and Halborn
- Integrated DeFi protocols
Stader balances security with high-yield opportunities.
10. StakeWise
Supported Assets: ETH
Key Features:
- No technical setup required
- Tiered fees (reduced for 10+ ETH stakes)
- Bank-grade cloud infrastructure
StakeWise simplifies ETH staking with transparent fee structures.
FAQs
Q1: Is liquid staking safer than traditional staking?
A1: Yes—liquid staking mitigates slashing risks (e.g., via insurance like Nexus Mutual) while providing liquidity.
Q2: Which platform has the lowest fees?
A2: Marinade Finance (~6%) and ANKR (2–10%, depending on the asset) are among the most cost-effective.
Q3: Can I use liquidity tokens in DeFi?
A3: Absolutely! Tokens like stETH or JitSOL are compatible with lending, AMMs, and more.
Q4: Are rewards compounded automatically?
A4: Some platforms (e.g., Marinade Finance) offer auto-compounding, while others require manual reinvestment.
Final Thoughts
Liquid staking bridges the gap between passive income and DeFi participation. Whether you prioritize low fees (Marinade), decentralization (Rocket Pool), or institutional security (Coinbase Prime), this guide highlights platforms to match your goals.
👉 Compare top staking platforms
By selecting trusted providers, you optimize returns while minimizing risks in this rapidly evolving sector.