Best Crypto Staking Platforms With Highest APY (2025)

Finding the best crypto staking platforms is becoming increasingly important as cryptocurrency staking continues to gain traction in 2025. This article examines the top staking platforms, detailing their staking features, supported coins, and key advantages and disadvantages. These insights will help you to select a platform that is aligned with your financial goals.

What Are The Best Platforms For Crypto Staking

Binance: High-Yield Options - 9/10 ⭐

Binance kicked off in 2017 and has become a popular option for staking through the Binance Earn feature. Binance Earn keeps it simple with two options: Locked Staking and DeFi Staking. Locked Staking lets you lock your funds for 15 to 120 days to earn higher rewards, while DeFi Staking offers even bigger payout by tapping into decentralized finance, though it comes with higher risk.

Your yearly reward (APY) depends on the coin and lock time. Binance calculates it daily based on what you stake and network rules, then pays you after a small fee. You can stake over 100 coins, like ETH, BNB, SOL, ADA, and smaller ones like AXS. They keep your funds safe—95% is stored offline in cold storage, and partners help secure staking. There are no deposit fees, and you can withdraw flexibly (after a short wait). 

Supported Coins

At this moment, you can stake the following coins on Binance: BTC, ETH, BNB, ADA, DOT, SOL, AVAX, MATIC, XTZ, ALGO, ATOM, VET, TRX, LINK, XLM, FIL, EGLD, ONE, NEAR, FTM.

This list represents a fraction of the cryptocurrencies supported by Binance Earn. The platform continually updates its offerings to include new and emerging tokens. For the most current and comprehensive list, please visit the official Binance Earn page.

Pros Of Binance Staking

• Offers relatively high APYs
• Wide variety of staking options, covering numerous coins
• Beginner-friendly staking, making it easy to get started
• Strong security measures, with 95% of funds stored offline

Cons Of Binance Staking

• Locked Staking ties up funds for weeks or months
• DeFi Staking offers high APYs, but with high risk
• Binance takes a small fee from rewards
• Unstaking takes days or weeks 

Kraken: Top-Tier Security and Compliance - 7.5/10 ⭐

Kraken was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in San Francisco, USA. The exchange offers staking via its On-Chain Staking feature, enabling users to secure blockchain networks by committing their cryptocurrency and earning rewards of up to 17% APY. Users lock their assets for designated periods—or opt for flexible terms—and receive weekly payouts calculated based on the staked amount, network dynamics, and the platform’s commission. Presently, Kraken supports staking for 18 cryptocurrencies, including ETH, ADA, SOL, DOT, and ATOM, with additional options such as BTC and TRX available internationally. 

Kraken prioritizes security, with 95% of assets stored offline in cold storage and routine audits ensuring integrity. Deposits incur no fees, and withdrawals, while flexible, are subject to unbonding periods that may span days or weeks.

Kraken’s staking process is designed for accessibility—users select a coin, initiate staking, and monitor rewards through a streamlined app or website interface. Kraken is a secure and reliable platform that has been running smoothly without major security issues since it started. 

While it doesn’t directly connect with wallets like MetaMask, it offers a user-friendly way to stake crypto. The platform charges a small commission on staking rewards (around 12% for ETH), but there’s no cost to start or stop staking. Whether you're new to crypto or an experienced investor, Kraken provides a safe and trusted way to earn rewards.

Supported Coins

Kraken currently supports staking for: BTC, ETH, ADA, DOT, SOL, ATOM, FLOW, KAVA, MINA, MATIC, XTZ, TRX, ALGO, KSM, SCRT, LINK, NEAR, FTM. This list represents a portion of available assets; Kraken periodically expands its offerings, and users are advised to consult the official staking page for updates.

Pros Of Kraken Staking 

• Offers competitive APYs, reaching up to 22% for assets like KAVA.
• Supports staking across 18+ cryptocurrencies, with broader global options.
• Provides an intuitive staking experience suitable for newcomers.
• Ensures robust security with 95% offline storage and an unblemished record.

Cons Of Kraken Staking

• Staked assets remain inaccessible until the unbonding period concludes.
• APYs, while strong, fall short of some DeFi platforms’ peak yields.
• Kraken deducts a commission from staking rewards.
• Unstaking requires waiting periods, potentially lasting days or weeks.

Nexo: Lending Flexibility - 7.5/10 ⭐

Founded in 2018, Nexo operates as a centralized financial platform incorporated in London, United Kingdom. The platforms offers lending, trading, and staking services. Renowned for its robust security and high-yield offerings, Nexo caters to users aiming to maximize returns on diverse cryptocurrency portfolios..

Nexo’s “Earn Interest” program provides interest-bearing accounts that allow users to earn interest(to 16% APY) on crypto holdings, with rewards paid daily for compounding benefits. The platform offers flexible staking with no lock-up period.

Supported Coins

Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Binance Coin (BNB), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Solana (SOL), Avalanche (AVAX), Polygon (MATIC), Cosmos (ATOM), Tron (TRX), NEXO, and over 50 others.

Pros Of Nexo Staking 

• Offers competitive APYs, up to 16% on some coins.
• Distributes rewards daily, enhancing compounding potential.
• Secures assets with $375 million in insurance coverage.
• Offers instant crypto-backed loans without selling staked holdings.
• Supports a wide range of over 30 cryptocurrencies.

Cons Of Nexo Staking

• Doesn’t serve the U.S. due to regulatory constraints since 2023.
• Adjusts interest rates variably based on market conditions.
• Requires asset custody, reducing user control.

Uphold: Beginner-Friendly - 6/10 ⭐

Uphold was established in 2015, and is celebrated for its accessibility and diverse asset offerings. It appeals to both novice and experienced investors seeking staking options with competitive yields. Uphold is a U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange and digital wallet known for supporting over 250 cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, fiat currencies, and precious metals, with a user base exceeding 10 million across more than 180 countries. In 2025, it remains a popular choice due to its intuitive mobile app, transparent fee structure, and ability to trade between any supported assets in one step, attracting users looking to earn passive income through staking.

Uphold provides a streamlined staking service with APYs ranging from 3% to 15%, disbursing rewards daily or weekly, depending on the staked asset. The platform imposes no minimum staking requirement, and users can stake directly through its intuitive interface, though a 28-day unbonding period applies in some cases.

Supported Coins

Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Polkadot (DOT), Cardano (ADA), Cosmos (ATOM), Tezos (XTZ).

Pros Of Uphold Staking 

• Simplifies staking with a beginner-friendly interface.
• Supports popular proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies.
• Pays rewards daily or weekly for steady income.
• Eliminates minimum staking thresholds.
• Maintains strong regulatory compliance in supported regions.

Cons Of Uphold Staking

• Enforces a 28-day unbonding period(in some cases), limiting liquidity.
• Yields lower APYs than some competitors.
• Offers a short list of coins for staking

Bybit: High Liquidity - 8/10 ⭐

Bybit is a Singapore-based exchange recognized for its advanced trading tools and high-yield staking options. It attracts users with its strong liquidity, fast transaction speeds, and flexible earning opportunities. Bybit serves over 50 million users globally and is known for its reliable platform, offering features like spot trading, derivatives, and margin trading with up to 100x leverage, appealing to both new and experienced traders. 

Its "Bybit Earn" program provides a range of staking options, making it easy for users to grow their crypto through secure and rewarding plans. The exchange also emphasizes security, using multi-signature wallets and cold storage to protect funds, despite a $1.5 billion hack in February 2025, after which it fully reimbursed users and maintained solvency through proof-of-reserves audits. With 24/7 customer support in multiple languages and an intuitive interface, Bybit stands out as a top choice for staking and trading in 2025.

Bybit’s staking platform offers flexible and locked plans, with APYs reaching up to 30% on structured products. Rewards are distributed daily, and users can engage in DeFi mining for additional returns.

Supported Coins

Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Avalanche (AVAX), Polygon (MATIC), Cosmos (ATOM), Tron (TRX), Tether (USDT), and over 40 others.

Pros Of Bybit Staking

• Delivers exceptional APYs, up to 30% on structured products.
• Ensures high liquidity with significant trading volume.
• Provides flexible staking with anytime withdrawals.
• Employs multi-signature wallets and cold storage for security.
• Supports a vast array of over 180 cryptocurrencies.

Cons Of Bybit Staking

• Introduces higher risks with structured products.
• Suffered a $1.4 billion hack in 2025, though losses were reimbursed.

OKX: Decentralized Staking Aggregator - 8/10 ⭐

OKX is a Seychelles-based cryptocurrency exchange that stands out as a hybrid platform, blending centralized and decentralized staking solutions to meet diverse user needs. Originally launched as OKEx by Star Xu, a Chinese entrepreneur and the CEO of OK Group, the exchange has grown into one of the world’s largest by trading volume, serving over 50 million users across more than 100 countries. 

It excels in Ethereum staking, particularly through its Ethereum 2.0 staking service, and targets users seeking high returns. OKX offers a wide range of services beyond staking, including spot trading, futures, perpetual swaps, and a Web3 wallet for DeFi and NFT access. Its focus on accessibility, strong security measures like cold storage for most assets, and partnerships with high-profile brands like Manchester City FC and McLaren Formula 1 enhance its reputation as a trusted platform for both beginners and advanced traders aiming to maximize their crypto earnings.

OKX’s Ethereum 2.0 staking service provides APYs from 4% to 7%, with a minimum stake of 0.1 ETH. Users receive BETH tokens, convertible to ETH, and earn daily rewards, bolstered by airdrop incentives for long-term holders.

Supported Coins

Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Polkadot (DOT), Cardano (ADA), Avalanche (AVAX), Cosmos (ATOM), Tezos (XTZ).

Pros Of OKX Staking

• Specializes in Ethereum 2.0 staking with high APYs.
• Eliminates gas fees and slashing risks.
• Publishes proof-of-reserves for transparency.
• Occassional rewards BETH holders with airdrops.
• Requires only 0.1 ETH to start staking.

Cons Of OKX Staking

• Restricts access in certain regions.
• Relies on centralized custody for some services.

Coinbase: Ease for New Stakers - 8/10 ⭐

Coinbase is a U.S.-based exchange renowned for its regulatory compliance and ease of use. Founded by Brian Armstrong and Fred Ehrsam in San Francisco, California, it has grown into one of the largest cryptocurrency platforms globally, serving over 100 million users across more than 100 countries by 2025. As a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ since 2021, Coinbase prioritizes compliance with U.S. financial regulations, such as those from the SEC and FinCEN, earning trust among investors. Its user-friendly design—featuring an intuitive app, a clean portfolio dashboard, and educational tools like Coinbase Learn—makes it a go-to choice for beginners. 

In 2025, it remains a top pick for those new to the staking market, offering a secure environment with 98% of assets stored offline in cold storage and two-factor authentication for added protection, appealing to users seeking simplicity and safety in earning passive income through staking.

Coinbase offers staking with APYs from 3% to 6%, integrated into its portfolio dashboard. It requires no minimum stake for ETH, automatically credits rewards, and supports a broad range of proof-of-stake assets.

Supported Coins

Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), Cosmos (ATOM), Tezos (XTZ), Algorand (ALGO), Polygon (MATIC) and others

Pros Of Coinbase Staking

• Operates in a secure, regulated environment.
• Simplifies staking with no minimums and automatic rewards.
• Provides educational resources for beginners.
• Ensures reliable reward distribution.

Cons Of Coinbase Staking

• Deducts a 25% commission on staking rewards.
• Enforces lock-up periods for some assets.
• Offers a small selection of coins
• Offers lower APYs than decentralized alternatives.

KuCoin: Altcoin Diversity - 8.5/10 ⭐

KuCoin is a Seychelles-based exchange celebrated for its altcoin diversity and staking rewards. Founded by a group of blockchain enthusiasts led by Michael Gan, it began operations in September 2017 and quickly established itself as a global player, earning the nickname "The People’s Exchange" for its community-driven approach. KuCoin now serves over 30 million registered users across 200+ countries by 2025, boasting a daily trading volume exceeding $2 billion. It offers a vast selection of over 800 cryptocurrencies, focusing heavily on lesser-known coins beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum—making it a favorite for traders seeking variety. 

It appeals to users seeking high yields across numerous cryptocurrencies through its robust "KuCoin Earn" program, supported by strong security features like multi-signature wallets, cold storage for 95% of assets, and regular audits, ensuring user funds remain safe while chasing attractive staking returns.

KuCoin’s “KuCoin Earn” offers flexible and fixed staking with APYs from 5% to over 20%. Rewards pay daily, and many assets feature no minimum stake, catering to a wide audience.

Supported Coins

Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), Solana (SOL), Polkadot (DOT), Avalanche (AVAX), Polygon (MATIC), Cosmos (ATOM), Tron (TRX), KuCoin Shares (KCS), and over 340 others.

Pros Of KuCoinStaking

• Achieves APYs exceeding 20% on select coins.
• Supports over 350 cryptocurrencies for staking.
• Distributes rewards daily with compounding options.
• Requires no minimum stake for many assets.
• Offers promotional staking events.

Cons Of KuCoin Staking

• Bans U.S. users due to regulatory restrictions.
• Imposes extended lock-ups for high-yield plans.
• Lacks comprehensive regulatory oversight.

Lido Finance: Liquid Staking - 8/10 ⭐

Lido Finance is a decentralized liquid staking platform focused on Ethereum and other proof-of-stake (PoS) networks. Launched by a team including Konstantin Lomashuk and Vasiliy Shapovalov, it emerged just before Ethereum’s transition to PoS with the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade in December 2020, aiming to solve staking’s liquidity problem by allowing users to stake without locking up funds permanently.

Lido uses smart contracts to manage staking across multiple blockchains, growing to support over $20 billion in staked assets by 2025..

Lido provides liquid staking, issuing tokens like stETH with APYs of 3%–5%. Rewards compound daily, and no minimum stake applies, allowing users to deploy staked assets in DeFi protocols.

Supported Coins

Ethereum (ETH), Polygon (MATIC).

Pros Of Lido Finance Staking

• Enables liquidity with staked tokens usable in DeFi.
• Integrates seamlessly with popular wallets.
• Eliminates minimum staking requirements.
• Compounds rewards daily automatically.
• Supports multichain staking.

Cons Of Lido Finance Staking

• Charges a 10% fee on staking rewards.
• Exposes users to smart contract risks.
• Delays withdrawals by 1–5 days.

Rocket Pool: Low-Entry Decentralized ETH Staking - 7/10 ⭐

Rocket Pool is a decentralized Ethereum staking protocol promoting community-driven security. Founded in Australia by David Rugendyke and Darren Langley, it emerged from a vision to make Ethereum staking more accessible and decentralized, addressing the high entry barrier of Ethereum 2.0’s original 32 ETH requirement—equivalent to over $56,000 at early 2025 prices. Rocket Pool is open-source and empowers anyone to participate in securing the Ethereum network, either as a staker or a node operator, using smart contracts audited by top firms like Sigma Prime and ConsenSys. 

Rocket Pool allows staking from 0.01 ETH, issuing rETH tokens with APYs of 3%–5%. Node operators earn extra rewards, and the platform enhances decentralization with its validator network.

Supported Coins 

Ethereum (ETH).

Pros of Rocket Pool Staking

• Offers ETH staking minimum of 0.01 ETH.
• Gives you  rETH that can be used for DeFi use while your asset is staked.
• Secures assets via a decentralized node network.
• Rewards both stakers and operators.

Cons of Rocket Pool Staking

• Supports only Ethereum.
• Incurs high Ethereum gas fees.

Everstake: Validator Expertise - 6.5/10 ⭐

Everstakeis a Ukraine-based staking provider specializing in validator services across multiple blockchains. Established in Kyiv by a team of blockchain enthusiasts led by CEO Andriy Khavryuchenko, it has grown into a trusted name in the crypto staking ecosystem, managing over $2 billion in staked assets by 2025. Everstake operates high-performance validator nodes for more than 20 proof-of-stake (PoS) networks, leveraging its technical expertise to ensure reliable reward distribution and network uptime. 

Everstake runs validator nodes, offering APYs from 5% to 15% with a minimum stake of 8 ETH. Users delegate assets via supported wallets, and rewards distribute periodically based on network schedules. Everstake also offers liquid staking with a minimum of 0.01 ETH to receive rETH in return.

Supported Coins

Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Cosmos (ATOM), Tezos (XTZ), Avalanche (AVAX), Polygon (MATIC), Tron (TRX), and over 15 others.

Pros of Everstake Staking

• Operates reliable validator nodes.
• Supports over 20 cryptocurrencies.
• Offers detailed staking analytics.
• Provides dedicated customer support.

Cons of Everstake Staking

• Relies on third-party wallets for staking.
• Yields variable APYs based on network conditions.

Lara Protocol: Multi-Chain Liquid Staking - 6/10 ⭐

Lara Protocol is a staking and delegation protocol built on the Taraxa ecosystem that enables liquid staking, delegation, and auto-compounding with features like st[TARA] tokens and DAO governance.

Lara Protocol offers flexible staking with APYs of 5%–15%, integrating with popular wallets. It emphasizes user custody and provides seamless withdrawal options for staked assets.

Supported Coins 

TARA

Pros of Lara Protocol Staking.

• Ensures non-custodial staking for user control.
• Features an intuitive staking interface.
• Allows flexible asset withdrawals.
• Supports growing multichain adoption.

Cons of Lara Protocol Staking

• Limits coin support to a few networks.

Aave: Fee-Free Staking - 7/10 ⭐

Aave is a Switzerland-based decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol known for its innovative lending and staking solutions. Launched by Stani Kulechov as ETHLend in Helsinki, Finland, it rebranded to Aave in 2018 and relocated its headquarters to Zug, Switzerland, a hub for blockchain innovation. By 2025, Aave has become a cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem, managing billions in total value locked (TVL) across its lending pools and staking modules, offering users a trustless platform built on Ethereum and other compatible blockchains like Polygon. 

Aave enables staking of AAVE tokens in its Safety Module, earning up to 6% APY. Assets staked in the Safety Module are subject to a 10-day cooldown period before withdrawal, ensuring protocol security. 

Supported Coins

AAVE

Pros of Aave Staking

• Offers APYs competitive within DeFi.
• Grants governance rights to AAVE stakers.
• Charges no platform staking fees.
• Integrates with broader DeFi ecosystems.

Cons of Aave Staking

• Risks impermanent loss from token volatility.
• Requires DeFi expertise for effective use.
• Limits staking to a few assets.

MEXC: Stablecoin Yields with Zero Fees - 7.5/10 ⭐

MEXC is a Singapore-based exchange known for its altcoin variety and staking services. Founded by a team of blockchain and financial experts, including John Chen, MEXC Global quickly rose to prominence in the crypto space, offering over 1,700 trading pairs and a daily trading volume exceeding $2 billion by 2025. Headquartered in Singapore, with additional offices in Hong Kong and Seychelles, it serves a global audience of more than 10 million registered users across 170+ countries. MEXC stands out for listing a vast array of altcoins alongside robust staking services through its “MEXC Savings” program.

MEXC Savings offers locked and flexible staking with APYs up to 8% on USDT and higher for altcoins. Rewards vary by lock-up period, catering to different risk profiles.

Supported Coins 

Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), Binance Coin (BNB), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Avalanche (AVAX), Polygon (MATIC), and over 90 others.

Pros of MEXC Staking

• Provides strong APYs, especially on stablecoins.
• Supports over 100 cryptocurrencies.
• Offers both flexible and locked staking.
• Features a user-friendly staking platform.
• Offers promotional yield boosts.

Cons of MEXC Staking

• Requires lock-ups for higher APYs.
• Faces regulatory uncertainty in some regions.

Keynode: Top APYs with Welcome Incentives - 9/10 ⭐

Keynode is a centralized staking platform popularly known for its high APYs and user incentives. It was founded by blockchain enthusiast Kevin Scott from a vision to simplify crypto staking for everyday investors, inspired by his own frustrations with complex platforms since entering the crypto space in 2017. By 2025, Keynode has quickly built a reputation as a user-friendly option, boasting a growing community of over 50,000 active stakers worldwide. It targets investors seeking simplicity and substantial returns, offering a sleek interface and a variety of staking plans tailored for both beginners and seasoned traders. 

Keynode emphasizes security with advanced measures like multi-layer encryption, real-time monitoring, and partnerships with regulated entities, ensuring user assets are protected while delivering some of the highest staking yields in the market. Its appeal lies in combining accessibility with lucrative rewards, making it an excellent choice for passive income seekers in 2025.

Keynode offers staking plans with APYs up to 17%, including a $100 welcome bonus on the ETH Lite Plan. Rewards pay daily, with a $100 minimum investment required to participate.

Supported Coins

Ethereum (ETH), Bitcoin (BTC), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT).

Pros of Keynode Staking

• Delivers top-tier APYs, up to 17%.
• Offers a $100 welcome bonus for new users.
• Secures assets with advanced encryption.
• Distributes rewards daily for visibility.
• Simplifies staking for all experience levels.

Cons of Keynode Staking

• Requires a $100 minimum investment.
• Relies on centralized custody.
• Limits support to fewer coins.

How To Choose the Best Crypto Staking Service for Yourself?

Picking the right crypto staking service means looking at what matters most to you. Staking lets you earn money by holding and locking up your cryptocurrencies to help blockchain networks run smoothly. With so many options—some run by companies, others by code—you need to think carefully. This guide explains the key things to check: how much you can earn, how long your money is locked, which coins you can use, how safe the platform is, whether it’s run by a company or not, the minimum amount needed, and how easy it is to use.

Earnings & Rewards

The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) shows how much you can earn from staking over a year. Some services offer higher rates, but they can come with more risk, so check if the high rates are sustainable. Also, rewards can be paid daily, weekly, or even with extra bonuses for long-term staking. Consider how often you want to be paid and whether the rates change often.

Lock-Up Period & Flexibility

The lock-up period is the amount of time your crypto is locked in staking. Some services let you withdraw anytime, while others lock your money for weeks or months in exchange for higher rewards. Some platforms offer special tokens to use while your crypto is locked, keeping things flexible. Think about how quickly you may need access to your money.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Each service supports different cryptocurrencies for staking. Make sure the service supports the coins you already own or want to stake. Some platforms offer a wide range of coins, while others focus on just one or two, often providing better rewards for those specific coins.

Security & Reputation

Security keeps your crypto safe, and reputation shows how trustworthy the service is. Look for services with good security features like insurance or special wallets to protect your assets. Check what others say about the platform and if it has had any past issues. A trustworthy service ensures your crypto stays secure.

Centralized vs. Decentralized Staking

Centralized staking means a company manages everything for you, which is easier but comes with some fees and less control over your crypto. Decentralized staking gives you more control, letting you keep your crypto in your wallet, but it can be more complicated to set up. Decide whether you prefer convenience or more control.

Minimum Staking Requirements

Different platforms have different minimum amounts needed to start staking. Some allow you to start with just a small amount, while others require more for higher rewards. Choose a service that fits your budget, but keep in mind that small amounts may not earn much after fees.

User Experience & Support

A good user experience makes staking easy and stress-free. Look for services that are simple to use, especially if you're new. Also, check if they offer good support if you need help. Platforms with clear guides and responsive customer support can save you time and frustration.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, selecting the best crypto staking platform in 2025 requires considering a variety of factors, including supported coins, APY, lock-up periods, and staking fees. The platforms highlighted in this article, such as Binance, Kraken, and Nexo, offer diverse options with competitive yields and flexibility, catering to both beginners and experienced investors. While some platforms like Bybit and KuCoin offer high rewards, others such as Lido Finance emphasize flexibility with liquid staking. Whether you're looking for higher APYs or a user-friendly experience, each platform has its unique advantages, making it essential to choose one that aligns with your investment strategy and risk tolerance.

Best PlaceTo Stake Crypto FAQs 

What is staking?

Staking is a way to earn money by holding and locking up your cryptocurrency to help a blockchain network operate. In return, you receive rewards, similar to earning interest in a bank. It’s used by blockchains that rely on a system called proof-of-stake (PoS) to process transactions and stay secure. By staking, you support the network and get paid for it.

What cryptos can I stake?

You can stake cryptocurrencies that use the proof-of-stake system. Common ones include Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Polkadot (DOT), Avalanche (AVAX), Polygon (MATIC), Cosmos (ATOM), and Tezos (XTZ). Some platforms also let you stake stablecoins like Tether (USDT) or native tokens like KuCoin Shares (KCS). The exact coins depend on the staking platform you choose. 

How does staking work?

Staking works by locking your crypto in a wallet or on a platform to help a blockchain run smoothly. The network uses your staked coins to verify transactions and keep itself secure. In exchange, it pays you rewards, usually in the same cryptocurrency you staked. You can stake directly on the blockchain using a wallet or through a service like an exchange (e.g., Coinbase) that handles it for you. Rewards come regularly—daily, weekly, or monthly—based on how much you stake and the platform’s rules. 

Is staking risky?

Yes, staking has risks. Your crypto could lose value if the market drops, and you might not be able to sell it quickly if it’s locked up. Platforms holding your coins could get hacked, like Bybit did in 2025, or face technical issues. Decentralized staking using smart contracts might have coding errors that lose your money. There’s also a small chance of penalties if the network you support has problems. While staking can be safe with trusted services, it’s not risk-free.

Are my staking rewards taxable income?

In many places, yes, staking rewards count as taxable income. Governments often treat them like interest or earnings, meaning you may owe taxes on their value when you receive them. Tax rules differ by country—some, like the U.S., tax rewards when you get them and again if you sell the coins later. Check with a tax expert in your area to know for sure, as laws can change.

What is the best crypto staking platform?

The best staking platform depends on your needs, so no single one fits everyone. In 2025, Keynode offers high rewards (up to 17%) and bonuses, making it great for big earners. Coinbase is easy and safe for beginners, while Lido Finance suits those wanting flexibility with decentralized staking. KuCoin supports many coins, and Nexo pays well with daily rewards. Compare what each offers—earnings, safety, and ease—to find the best for you.

What are the most important features of the best staking platforms?

The best staking platforms have key features to look for. High APY (Annual Percentage Yield) means more earnings, like Keynode’s 17%. Flexibility lets you access your money when needed, as Bybit offers. Supporting many coins, like KuCoin’s 350+, gives you options. Strong security, such as Nexo’s insurance, keeps your crypto safe. A good reputation, like Coinbase’s, builds trust. Low or no minimums make it easy to start, and a simple design with helpful support, like Uphold’s, improves your experience. Focus on these to pick a platform that works for you.