5 best staking platforms for 2026 compared
Dec 18, 2025・6 min read
Bitcoin (BTC)’s underlying model secures transaction data via a proof-of-work system, which has participating nodes solve advanced algorithms using intense computational horsepower. While this system is resilient, some early crypto adopters advocated for a less energy-intensive way to create secure peer-to-peer experiences.
Proof of stake (PoS) emerged in the 2010s as an alternative way to secure blockchains, promising less energy consumption and greater accessibility to global validators. Since PoS’s introduction, it’s become a dominant mechanism in blockchain development and a popular activity for crypto investors.
But just because staking is widely used doesn’t mean every crypto staking platform is safe. If you want to participate in a PoS’s validation process, you’ll need to know what to look for in the best staking platforms.
What’s crypto staking, and how does it work?
Crypto staking is the central activity on PoS blockchains, and is used to secure networks and make sure node operators follow the protocol’s rules. When participants “stake” their crypto, they send the blockchain’s native digital asset on-chain either directly or through a service provider.
The PoS system uses built-in instructions to choose one of those stakers at regular intervals, and each staker posts the next batch of transactions to the payment ledger. For this service, stakers receive crypto rewards, which are often quoted as annual percentage yields.
Although staking involves incentives for good behavior, these algorithms don’t bet on goodwill. PoS blockchains usually impose slashing penalties when they detect nodes that disobey the rules or try to manipulate the network, and those nodes could lose some or all of their staked cryptocurrency.
Types of staking platforms
Users can engage with staking protocols in various ways, and the platform you choose influences your responsibilities and risk profile. Here are the most common options.
Native PoS blockchain staking
The purest form of staking is to send cryptocurrency directly to the PoS blockchain’s consensus layer, through a compatible self-custodial crypto wallet. To become a network validator on a PoS chain, you’ll typically need to meet a high minimum staking requirement, then adhere to strict rules and technical requirements for continuously running your node.
However, many blockchains allow users to delegate their crypto to a validator and receive partial rewards without assuming the same responsibilities.
Since there are no intermediaries involved in native staking, the rewards and rules come directly from the protocol’s economic and governance proposals. Although this removes counterparty risk, there’s still potential for slashing penalties and security issues like code vulnerabilities and hacks.
Centralized exchanges (CEXs)
CEXs provide convenient interfaces for buying and selling digital assets, and a few now offer custodial staking portals. On those CEXs, anyone with an account can deposit a supported PoS cryptocurrency into this staking service to earn a percentage on their crypto, and avoid the complexities of running validator nodes or delegations.
Although staking through CEXs is beginner-friendly, it involves entrusting a platform like Coinbase with your crypto and personal know-your-customer (KYC) information. On the other hand, you're not usually subject to slashing penalties, and you may get access to customer service or insurance.
Decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols
DeFi offers services found in traditional financial institutions, but without intermediaries. These applications run on blockchains with automated smart contract commands, and some provide staking as a primary offering or a way to increase liquidity or enhance security.
This category also includes liquid staking protocols, which are decentralized applications (dApps) that stake crypto through smart contracts and issue tokenized representations of initial deposits. These tokens mimic the deposited crypto’s price, but they’re separate cryptocurrencies you can use in other DeFi applications before redeeming crypto staking rewards.
Custodial and institutional platforms
Institutional staking platforms are similar to CEXs, but they tend to target enterprise-grade clients or high net worth individuals. Entities that use an institutional partner usually delegate their crypto and receive yield in their accounts. Institutional staking providers often offer transparent legal protections, insurance policies, and white-glove service.
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5 best staking platforms for 2026
Some staking platforms offer greater convenience and protections at the expense of self-custody, while others provide zero counterparty risk but no insurance. Here’s what five top options have to offer.
1. Phantom
Originally released as a browser extension in the Solana ecosystem, Phantom is now a multi-chain self-custodial crypto wallet on desktop and mobile. This wallet connects to Solana’s blockchain and offers liquid staking with the Phantom Staked Solana (PSOL) token.
While you can’t stake other cryptocurrencies as easily, Phantom integrates with DeFi dApps on multiple blockchains, such as Ethereum, Polygon, and Sui. This platform has a user-friendly UI/UX and no counterparty interference, but as a software wallet (aka a hot wallet) it comes with a higher risk of hacks.
2. Lido
Introduced in 2020, Lido consistently ranks among the top DeFi liquid staking protocols, especially when it comes to total deposits. This platform offers a robust but clean UI/UX and a synthetic token called Lido Staked ETH (stETH). When you deposit ETH using a supported self-custodial wallet, you receive an equivalent amount of stETH you can use in other DeFi activities before collecting your staking rewards.
Although liquid staking carries inherent risks, such as smart contract vulnerabilities and pricing inefficiencies, Lido remains a dominant protocol for traders interested in this DeFi sector.
3. Coinbase
Coinbase has been around since 2012, and it has a reputation as one of the world’s most transparent and active CEXs. Currently, this American-based platform offers staking for over a dozen cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and Near Protocol (NEAR).
Since Coinbase is a CEX, you must be comfortable with counterparty risk and sharing KYC details. In turn, you get an intuitive UI/UX, slashing coverage, and access to customer service.
4. Kraken
CEX Kraken isn’t as big as Coinbase, but it's been around longer and has a reputation for strong security. Kraken now supports over a dozen PoS cryptocurrencies, including ETH, SOL, and Cardano (ADA), through its intuitive staking portal.
Kraken offers a few more unusual features, such as bonded staking, ETH restaking, and BTC staking. All of this carries counterparty risk, but you can take advantage of 24/7 customer service and an “Auto Earn” function for idle assets.
5. Figment
With $17 billion worth of digital assets under management, Figment is a leader in the institutional crypto staking category. Figment supports many staking protocols, including ETH and SOL.
Even though this platform caters to high-volume clients, it still offers non-custodial staking where each user retains access to their private keys. Although you still have to trust Figment’s security standards, holding your private keys gives you greater control over your assets.
How to choose a staking platform
Each staking model has trade-offs that impact your control over your digital assets, as well as potential penalties and risks.
CEXs offer a more user-friendly experience that includes customer support, but they require personal information and don’t reveal private keys. In contrast, staking directly on a blockchain gives you intermediary-free access to your staked tokens, but you’ll face a steeper learning curve and no insurance or customer care safeguards.
Many beginners favor the simple UI/UX and insurance protections often found on CEXs like Coinbase and Kraken. But privacy-focused investors who want more control gravitate to direct staking models with self-custodial wallets, such as Phantom.
Liquid staking protocols like Lido offer more opportunities for DeFi users who don’t mind taking on extra risk. And institutional clients tend to favor white-glove staking services, such as Figment, with high degrees of compliance and security.
New to staking crypto? Stay tax compliant with CoinTracker
Although PoS opens new possibilities on the blockchain, don’t forget that staking rewards aren’t tax-free. The IRS needs a report of all your crypto staking transactions throughout the year, along with other details on your digital investments.
Worried about reporting your crypto taxes? CoinTracker makes it simple. Join over three million users who trust us for hassle-free tax reporting. Start for free today.
Disclaimer: This post is informational only and is not intended as tax advice. For tax advice, please consult a tax professional.
FAQ
What’s the best staking platform for Ethereum?
If you want decentralization and maximum control over your ETH, you can stake directly on the blockchain or through a self-custodial wallet like MetaMask. However, many beginners prefer staking ETH through a CEX like Coinbase, because it's a simpler option that requires less crypto experience.
Is staking crypto safe?
Staking crypto isn’t risk-free, but the level of safety depends on the blockchain or platform you use. Non-custodial staking methods offer direct control over digital assets, but they may involve slashing penalties and smart contract vulnerabilities. Custodial staking methods provide customer service and omit slashing penalties, but they involve counterparty risks.
Can I lose money when staking?
It’s possible to lose money when staking crypto due to slashing penalties, exchange insolvency, or hacks. So be sure to research any staking platform carefully to assess its costs and risks.
What’s the difference between DeFi staking versus exchange staking?
DeFi staking refers to non-custodial staking protocols built into blockchain-based dApps. Exchange staking is a custodial service where a CEX stakes crypto on your behalf and offers partial rewards.