Top 9 Best Crypto Coins to Stake in 2024

By Sruthy

By Sruthy

Sruthy, with her 10+ years of experience, is a dynamic professional who seamlessly blends her creative soul with technical prowess. With a Technical Degree in Graphics Design and Communications and a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communication, she brings a unique combination of artistic flair…

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Updated March 9, 2024

A detailed study of Crypto Staking with the step-by-step process. Pick the best Crypto Coins to Stake to gain potential yield from your investment through these crypto stacking platforms:

There are hundreds of blockchains that run on the proof of stake or derivatives of the protocol, which allows users to participate in governance and running of the network as well as validation of transactions. By participating, they secure and keep the blockchain network decentralized and distributed.

Participants are rewarded for their stakes with staking rewards which are mostly specified per block in every blockchain. Transactions in a blockchain are usually bundled in a block. Staker confirms that these transactions so added to the block are valid and meet the blockchain’s requirements and thus are to be added to the existing chain of the blockchain.

What is Staking Crypto? How Does it Work

Top Cryptocurrencies to Stake

A staker thus wins the staking reward for the block they verify, sometimes plus (a share of) the transaction fees paid for transactions in that block. Verification happens block by block within a specified block time specific to the target blockchain.

Stakers are, in most cases, required to lock up or liquid-stake a given amount of the crypto native to the target blockchain to participate in staking. They can do so as validators by running a node on their machines/server, as delegators who assign their stake value to validator nodes, or by depositing their stake to a staking pool such as a crypto exchange.

This tutorial discusses the top Crypto Coins to Stake and the details on how to do it.

Market Trends:

  • Staking cryptocurrency is participating in the verification of transactions and governance exercises, as well as assisting in decentralizing and securing the target blockchain network.
  • There are 117+ staking protocols and cryptocurrencies. Staking cryptocurrencies pays stakers between 2% to 100%+ in APYs, the latter mostly applying for newly created blockchains and tokens. Although they are ranked by capitalization, we use other factors provided in the Expert-Advice section below to rank them in this tutorial.

Top crypto coins to stake ranked by their market capitalization:

top cryptos to stake

[image source]

Expert Advice:

  • The crypto coins to stake are decided based on several factors including payout/rewards/returns (in APR/APYs), payout frequency, minimal and maximum investment, risks, deposit and withdrawal methods on the staking platform, staking fees, etc.
  • Cryptocurrency exchanges and liquid staking platforms are the best for staking crypto due to the minimal risks involved – no need to invest in a machine on which to install the node or to keep maintaining a node, keep securing the wallet or keep worrying about slashing.
=>> Contact us to suggest a listing here.

List of the Best Crypto Coins to Stake

Here is the list of the best crypto to stake:

  1. Solana (SOL)
  2. Ethereum (ETH)
  3. USD Coin (USDC)
  4. Polkadot (DOT)
  5. Polygon (MATIC)
  6. Algorand (ALGO)
  7. Avalanche (AVAX)
  8. Tezos
  9. Cardano

Comparison Table of Top Crypto Staking

Cryptocurrency APYWhere to stakePrice
Solana (SOL)4% to 20%Coinbase, Binance, Huobi, FTX, Kraken, FTX, Exodus, Phantom, etc.$33.69
Ethereum (ETH)1% to 7% on Kraken. Rocket Pool, Lido. Kraken, Coinbase, BlockFi, Binance, etc. $1,322
USD Coin (USDC)up to 80%Binance, Crypto.com, Huobi Global, AAX, Coinloan, etc. $1
Polkadot (DOT)Between 9% and 15%Kraken, Celcius Network, KuCoin, Binance, Fearless Wallet, Ledger Live, Lido, and Bitfinex, among others. $6.29
Polygon (MATIC)Between 5% and 20%Binance, Crypto.com, KuCoin, and MetaMask. $0.777

Detailed reviews:

#1) Solana (SOL)

Best for low fees and instant dApp transactions.

Solana

Solana blockchain supports staking either on its native or third-party wallets that support staking. You can stake through a validator on the network, directly through a crypto exchange that provides the SOL staking pool, liquid staking with a provider who provides a liquid derivative token that can be traded, and by running your validator node.

With a crypto exchange, you simply open an account, buy or deposit SOL, then move the SOL into a staking wallet. The same case applies when staking through liquid staking. With a validator, a user delegator who wants to stake Sol will send the cryptocurrency to their wallet and then choose a Validator through whom to stake the coins.

Coinbase, Binance, Huobi, FTX, Kraken, FTX, Exodus, Phantom, etc support the staking of SOL. APY ranges from 4% to 20% on Binance.

A validator processes transactions and shares the rewards with the delegator. They also share the cost of running systems with the delegator. The more the stake, the more often the validator is chosen to write new transactions on the blockchain, and the more rewards they earn from it.

Slashing can reduce staked tokens if the validator performs invalid transactions or if their transactions are censored.

How to stake SOL cryptocurrency:

Step #1: Research SOL staking wallets which can include mobile, PC, web, cloud, and command line wallets, and the reward percentage offered. Create an account with the said wallet.

Step #2: Buy or deposit SOL. There are different ways of buying SOL, especially on crypto trading and exchange apps/websites. You can buy with a credit/debit card, bank account, etc. You can buy Bitcoin on some and exchange it for SOL on the exchange or app. Just to check if the app supports this. Alternatively, find the SOL wallet address and send the coins there.

Step #3: Proceed to stake. Each wallet, exchange, or app has its rules on how to stake cryptocurrencies. So be sure to move to the appropriate feature/button/menu.

If using a command line tool, alongside a CLI-generated keypair file wallet, a paper wallet, or a connected Ledger Nano, understand the commands to use to create an account, set stakes and withdraw authorities, and delegate stakes to a validator. Other commands to know are those used to deactivate stakes, withdraw stakes, and split stakes.

Step #4: Choose a validator and delegate your stake. You can check solanabeach.io for a list of validators and performance statistics for each, or use command lines to view block production statistics. Set delegation amount and proceed to delegate. Anyone can participate because no amount is set for delegating to a validator.

Rewards for validators are 5% APY plus an inflation rate that decreases year on year by 15% from 8%.

Price: $33.69


#2) Ethereum (ETH)

Best for dApps and smart contracts

Ethereum

Ethereum, which started as a proof of work algorithm, is now completely proof of stake. Users can stake Ethereum either by running a staking validator node or depositing ETH coins with a staking pool (equivalent to delegating to a validator node).

The staking pools will pool ETH from many users and thus operate as very large validator nodes. It is also possible to invest in a node on a node hosting service like Allnodes and Alchemy that allows you to choose a validator.

Validator nodes have to download a copy of the blockchain, store data locally on a computer always connected to the Internet on which the node is run, process transactions, and add new transactions to the existing chain of blocks.

But they are rewarded with more ETH per node compared to a person who stakes on staking pools that offer staking-as-a-service. Validator nodes also receive unburnt transaction fees for the block that you propose.

However, you can be penalized for going offline, have ETH slashed from your node due to malicious behavior, and sometimes get forced from the staking network for malicious behavior. ETH is also at stake.

Staking pools are now run by several cryptocurrency exchanges and are the easiest method of staking ETH because you won’t need to buy a machine and maintain it alongside the software and node. Plus you won’t be bound to hold at least 32 ETH to run a staking node because staking pools take any amount of investment. You get dashboards from where you can track staking performance.

Exchanges on which to stake ETH include Kraken, Coinbase, BlockFi, Binance, etc. They offer APY of between 1% to 7%.

How to stake Ethereum:

Step #1: Research which machine to use to run a solo staking node that is willing to act as a validator. You need a computer with 8GB RAM at the minimum unless working with a barebone OS; SSD, and at least an Intel i5-760 processor.

A Raspberry Pi 4 4GB is enough! You can also stake in VPS as long as it offers such capability. This would cost between $20 to $40 per month for a Ubuntu 18/20 with at least 600 GB SSD and 16 GB RAM.

Otherwise, research the best ETH staking pool or stake-as-a-service provider based on their minimum requirements, payout frequency, payout threshold, and other features like trading that allow you to buy and sell ETH on the app.

Step #2: Set up a wallet. Whether staking on a pool on an exchange or with a solo node, you need a wallet where the rewards will be sent.

Setting up the staking node requires Ethereum clients like Prysm, Nimbus, Lodestar, Lighthouse, and Teku. Head over to launchpad.ethereum.org ethereum.org/en/staking/solo and go to the Get started on the Staking Launchpad. Launchpad guides you through choosing the network and client, generating keys, and depositing ETH into the staking deposit smart contract.

If setting up a wallet on a cryptocurrency exchange, simply create and verify an account with the exchange. Look for the Staking feature from the menu.

Exchanges let you deposit ETH directly into the exchange or buy it with methods like credit/debit card and bank account. You can also deposit other cryptos and then use exchange features to trade the deposited crypto for ETH.

ETH is then transferred to the staking wallet. You can then start earning.

Price: $1,322


#3) USD Coin (USDC)

Best for stable value staking.

USDC

USD Coin is a stablecoin that is pegged on the dollar and hence the blockchain does not natively support staking. However, there are several cryptocurrency exchanges, apps, and platforms that support the staking of stablecoins.

In fact, you can stake USD Coin on over 25 crypto exchanges and platforms. These platforms allow the staking of USD Coin either in flexible or fixed investment terms.

Here is where you can invest in USD Coin by staking: Binance, Crypto.com, Huobi Global, AAX, Coinloan, YouHolder, Celsius, KuCoin, OKX, Aqru, and CakeDefi. The highest-paying platforms pay between 10% to 80% in APYs with AAX paying 80%.

How to stake a USD Coin (USDC):

Step #1: Research exchanges, websites, and apps that allow USD Coin staking. You currently can stake with over 25 applications and platforms.

Check online for what each platform offers in rewards percentage, payout frequency, staking minimum and maximum, deposit and withdrawal methods, and other requirements like staking and deposit fees. Check whether you need to lock up or can stake without locking up the USD Coin for some time where it cannot be withdrawn.

Step #2: Create and verify your account with the selected exchange, website, or application.

Step #3: Buy or deposit USD Coin: Some exchanges allow you to buy USD Coin directly with USD, Euro, and other currencies and through credit/debit cards, bank accounts, wire, Western Union, PayPal, and other methods.

Depending on the platform, you can either purchase directly or instantly without depositing, where crypto is sent to your USDC Coin and you pay in the method prescribed. Others require you to deposit the USD or other currency into the exchange and you can then use the trading platform to exchange the deposited currency with USDC Coin.

Some exchanges do not have a feature to allow you to buy USD coins with USD and other fiat money. These include some crypto-to-crypto centralized exchanges, most decentralized exchanges, and DeFi platforms that do not support fiat currencies and methods, but just crypto-to-crypto transactions.

For this, you need to find the USDC Coin address and send it from a different wallet into the USDC Coin staking platform. You can also deposit other cryptos like Bitcoin and exchange them for USD Coins on the same platform.

Step #4: Proceed to stake: After buying or depositing the USD Coin, you can then later access the staking menu from the exchange/app/platform and proceed to send the USD Coin to stake. Simply enter the amount and proceed to stake.

Price: $1


#4) Polkadot (DOT)

Best for cross-blockchain transfers instantly and at low fees.

DOT

Polkadot blockchain supports staking natively. It utilizes the nominated proof-of-stake protocol that allows network participants to stake their DOT and earn rewards as nominators and validators. Nominators nominate validators with whom to stake their coins. Validators are paid equally regardless of the amount of staked coins.

The reward can be compounded over time when staking with a validator. However, you can choose to have them deposited in a different wallet account. Those who aspire to be validators express their interest and these are made public, after which they are voted by nominees.

Nominees need to have at least 10 DOTs to express intention to nominate and each nominee can back up to 16 validators. Additional validators are approved during each nomination era and those with the highest number of DOT backing are activated.

Polkadot reward mechanism favors nominators who have put their stake in lower staked validators or those with a lesser staked amount. It is designed to discourage blockchain centralization.

DOT can also, however, be staked on most cryptocurrency exchanges, apps, and websites directly without going through the process of nominating or being a validator. Here, all you need is to deposit DOT into your wallet and activate the staking.

Steps to stake Polkadot:

Step #1: Research the different platforms that support Polkadot staking, their payout, payout frequencies, lockup period if any, fees, staking minimum and maximum, deposit and withdrawal methods, and other things.

Some of the best places to stake DOT are Kraken, Celcius Network, KuCoin, Binance, Fearless Wallet, Ledger Live, Lido, and Bitfinex, among others. These pay APYs of between 9% and 15% (Fearless Wallet). Binance pays more for coins locked in a specified period depending on the lockup period. Most of these allow you to stake as little as $1 in DOT value.

However, running a Polkadot node as a validator pays as much as 14% APY minus the validator commission.

Step #2: Create and verify an account with the chosen platform or exchange or set up a validator node to declare the intention to be a validator. With exchanges, this should be easy.

A node can be set up on Ubuntu Linux via relevant commands found on the website or with different tools like Syntropy and Blokcdaemon app or via node hosting platforms. You definitely need to invest money in a machine connected to the Internet and take care not to lose DOT via slashing or getting penalized and expelled from the network.

After setting up a node, you will need to campaign and wait for the election as a validator by nominees who commit funds to your node. You need about 10 DOT to nominate a validator and earn them as a nominator. You as the nominator will share rewards with the validator.

Step #3: Deposit or buy DOT: With an exchange like Bitfinex, you can buy DOT using USD or other fiat currencies. You can also deposit DOT directly into your wallet on the exchange. Simply find the wallet address on your account dashboard and send the cryptocurrency.

For decentralized exchanges that do not support fiat deposits or fiat-to-crypto trading, you must use the DOT deposit feature.

Step #4: Invest in staking: Simply locate the staking feature from the exchange or platform’s menu and proceed to apportion the amount to stake and commit the coins for a specified duration if need be. Some platforms do not require you to commit or lock up the staked amount for any period, meaning you can withdraw it at any time.

Price: $6.29


#5) Polygon (MATIC)

Best for Ethereum-based low-fee and instant transactions

pOLYGON

Polygon also employs an inbuilt staking protocol that allows blockchain network participants to earn staking rewards as delegators or validators. Anyone can set up a validator node or lease one from the community. They can also choose to stake tokens with a validator of their choice.

The blockchain has apportioned 12% of the total supply to staking rewards and lets participants set their commissions for accepting delegators. Validators currently earn around 6.58% in APR as staking rewards for verifying transactions, distributing, and securing the network. Delegators earn around 5%.

Setting up a node as a validator requires running machines that run a copy of the blockchain that syncs with the main network. Instructions on how to do this using Heimdall and Bor are on the website. You can use third-party tools to set up the node or commands on Linux. You must also stake the required Matic tokens into a staking contract.

To delegate, install the MetaMask wallet, choose Ethereum mainnet, login to the Polygon wallet dashboard, click Become a Delegator, scroll down and select a validator. You must have MATIC crypto in your wallet, which you can buy on a separate exchange or send from a different wallet.

Validator nodes pay for different APYs and include Stakin, Allnodes, StakeFish, and Newroad Network, among others.

Exchanges and apps where to stake Polygon easily: Other than running a validator node or delegating cryptocurrency to a validator to earn staking rewards, you can stake coins through Binance, Coinbase, and many other cryptocurrency exchanges.

These exchanges include Binance, Crypto.com, KuCoin, Lido Finance, and MetaMask. These pay APYs of between 5% and 20% on Binance or more.

How to stake Polygon (MATIC):

Step #1: Set up a Polygon node or use delegation as said above. Alternatively, research on crypto exchanges that support staking of MATIC, their payout APR/APYs, minimum and maximum staking amounts, lockup periods if any, payout frequencies, cost of staking, and risks. Check if it supports buying MATIC or exchanging it for other cryptos that you can easily buy on the same exchange using USD and other currencies.

Step #2: Deposit or buy MATIC: Most crypto exchanges that allow staking MATIC allow you to buy MATIC using fiat like USD via a bank account, credit/debit card, and other methods. Quite a number allow you to only purchase other mainstream cryptos like Bitcoin with fiat, and after that exchange Bitcoin or other bought crypto for MATIC on the same exchange.

You can still find the MATIC deposit wallet address on your account dashboard on these exchanges and send it directly from another external wallet. Most decentralized exchanges require you to do so as they do not support fiat-to-crypto trading.

Step #3: Invest in staking: Once you have MATIC, locate the exchange’s or app’s staking menu, apportion the amount to stake, decide on the lock-up period if necessary, and proceed to stake.

Price: $0.777


#6) Algorand (ALGO)

Best for highly scalable dApp and smart contract development.

Algorand - Crypto Coins to Stake

Algorand blockchain features an in-built pure proof-of-stake consensus mechanism that allows blockchain participants to run nodes on the blockchain. However, there are no staking rewards tied to running a node. The blockchain has no longer offered staking rewards since April 2022. It, however, offers Governance rewards of up to 10.02% from time to time.

A user should commit some Algo into the governance model in which any person can participate. The lockup period is three months, although it can be withdrawn at any time. People should also vote in the growth and development of the blockchain to earn these rewards.

Votes depend on the amount of Algo committed but there are no maximums or minimums. The rewards will be automatically sent to your wallet after three months.

Binance, KuCoin, Coinbase, Bitfinex, Exodus, Ledger Nano, and Trust Wallet are some of the best crypto exchanges where to stake ALGO without the hassle of running a validator node or delegating to a validator.

They pay APYs of between 5% and double-digits percentage (for instance 25% on Binance for a 90-day lockup period) depending on the lockup period. Each has its own staking fee amount.

How to stake Algorand (ALGO):

How to earn rewards with a Governance model:

Step #1: Create an Algo wallet with a wallet provider – either custodial or non-custodial. You need to research if they support zero-Algo transaction sending. Visit https://governance.algorand.foundation/ after creating your wallet. Some of the wallets that allow sending this transaction are Exodus, AlgoSigner Chrome extension, Pera wallet, Myalgo, and others.

Connect the wallet to the dashboard.

Step #2: Sign up for Community Governance with a wallet that can send a Zero-Algo transaction. This transaction was sent to a designated sign-up address with a provided note in the memo field.

Step #3: Click or tap Open to Vote voting measure to access the voting page of governors. Choose an option for each measure or click/tap the Vote with the foundation on all topics which automatically selects the founder-recommended option for each measure.

The other thing is to submit the vote by clicking the Submit vote button. You must sign the transaction with this address. Send zero-algo transactions as explained before.

How to stake on exchanges:

Step #1: Sign up and verify an account with a cryptocurrency exchange. You need to research payouts and other things before selecting a platform with which to stake Algorand crypto.

Step #2: Deposit or buy Algo on the exchange – As explained before, you can buy Algo with USD and other fiat or buy Bitcoin/other cryptos and exchange them for Algo on the same exchange.

Centralized or decentralized exchanges also allow direct deposits of Algo. Simply locate the deposit address from your account dashboard and send the crypto from an external wallet.

Step #3: Invest in staking. Locate the staking feature from the exchange’s menu, input the amount to stake, decide on the staking lockup period where necessary, and proceed to stake.

Price: $0.38


#7) Avalanche (AVAX)

Best for dApps and smart contracts

Avalanche - Crypto Coins to Stake

Avalanche proof of stake algorithm also lets anyone run a validator node or delegate coins to a validator. Both of these can earn staking rewards. They must lock up tokens to support network utility, governance, security, and decentralization.

Algorand crypto can also easily and quickly be staked via cryptocurrency exchanges and third-party validators that run separate websites. You simply sign up with the exchange/platform and send in your AVAX to the wallet.

A validator requires staking at least 2,000 AVAX tokens while the delegator must delegate at least 25 AVAX tokens. Funds for validation must be committed for at least 2 weeks minimum and 1-year maximum. The delegator should pay a fee of 2%.

The maximum weight per validator node should be less than 3 million AVAX and five times the amount staked by the owner of the node. Nodes must be online for 80% of the lockup period/time.

Steps to stake AVAX:

Step #1: Create and run a node to stake AVAX as a validator. You can also be a delegator. Alternatively, research third-party platforms or the best exchanges/apps/platforms with which you can stake AVAX. Sign up and verify the account with the relevant exchange/app/platform.

To create a validator node, you need a connected Ubuntu Linux machine (home-based, cloud virtual machine, or other) of certain specifications available at docs.avax.network/nodes/build/set-up-node-with-installer. You can then use installer scripts and do configurations available through the same page.

The other thing is to send AVAX once the node is set up – the required amount should be sent from an existing Avax wallet to the node wallet established using the scripts or other methods. You can also run the node with Microsoft Azure and other third parties.

Step #2: Buy or send Avax crypto: If staking with a cryptocurrency exchange, it is possible to purchase Avax on the same exchange using USD and other fiat currencies. You can also buy other cryptos and exchange them for Avax on the same platform.

Centralized and decentralized exchanges also allow you to send Avax directly to the custodian or non-custodian wallet. Simply identify the wallet address from the exchange’s account dashboard and send Avax from an external wallet. You then identify the staking feature from the wallet menu, enter the amount into the stake, and proceed to stake.

Price: $18.07


#8) Tezos (XTZ)

Best for low upgrade costs and seamless innovations due to self-amending protocol.

Tezos - Crypto Coins to Stake

Tezos blockchain allows users to run a network validation node by committing at least 6,000 Tez and earn staking rewards by validating transactions, distributing, and securing the network. Validating transactions and blocks on the blockchain is termed baking and rewards around 5-20% for self-bakers.

You first need to apply to become a baker. Setting up a baker node can be done with CLI on your PC or cloud server, or through a Kiln (Gui-based tool that can be run on macOS or Ubuntu, or Debian Linux machines).

Scripts to do so are provided on the https://wiki.tezosagora.org/use/baking/setting-up-a-secure-baker website. There is also an easier and quicker way of installing it with Docker. The other thing is to send the cryptocurrency to the node wallet.

You can also run a node through third-party websites like Blockdaemon.com and others. To delegate, you can use wallets like MetaMask and Exodus with their in-built delegation features. Simply research which one works best for you.

Besides, you can stake Tezos XTZ on many crypto exchanges including Kraken, Binance, Atomic Wallet, Ledger, Exodus, and Coinbase. These pay different APYs These pay APYs of 4% to 7% and above.

How to stake Tezos XTZ:

Step #1: Set up and run a node or use delegation as specified above. The alternative is to sign up and verify an account with a cryptocurrency exchange of your choice if it supports the staking of Tezos.

Step #2: Buy or send XTZ to the exchange: The next thing is depositing your XTZ crypto with the crypto exchange/web/app of your choice that supports XTZ staking. These exchanges may allow you to buy XTZ directly using USD or other fiat currencies or buy Bitcoin and other cryptos using fiat currency, then exchange them for XTZ on the same platform.

Step #3: Invest XTZ – Locate the staking feature from the menu on the exchange, set the amount to stake, decide on the lock-up period, and proceed to activate staking.

Price: $1.53


#9) Cardano (ADA)

Best for those looking for evidence-based and research-based blockchain development

ADA - Crypto Coins to Stake

Cardano blockchain also supports staking natively, allowing anyone to run their pool or delegate their tokens to an existing pool. The Ouroboros protocol favors stakers who have the most tokens staked in the pool. Participants can also earn ADA by using a wallet like Daedalus and Yoroi to delegate their tokens to a validator pool.

There are alternative crypto exchanges on which you can stake ADA including Binance, eToro, Kraken, Bitfinex, Crypto.com, CEX.io. KuCoin, Yoroi, and Daedalus wallet. Each of these offers its own reward APYs.

Binance, for instance, pays 24%+ APY but the common rates are between 3% to 10%. There are several other validator websites through which you can stake ADA.

Steps to stake Cardano ADA:

Step #1: Run a node, use delegation, or sign up with a cryptocurrency exchange or third-party delegation network. Quite a few cryptocurrency exchanges require verifying the account after creation.

Step #2: Deposit or buy ADA – Most centralized crypto exchanges and apps let you buy Bitcoin, ADA, and other exchanges with fiat like USD through bank accounts, credit/debit cards, and other methods. If you buy cryptos other than ADA, you can still exchange them for ADA on the same exchange.

Step #3: Proceed to invest – Identify the staking feature from your account dashboard on the cryptocurrency exchange. This allows you to select ADA as the crypto to stake. Enter the amount to stake, lockup period if necessary, and proceed to invest.

Price: $0.46


Methods of Staking Cryptocurrencies: How to Stake Crypto

#1) Running a validator node: This requires you to download and sync the blockchain of the crypto in question using software or via CLI commands. The machine must be connected to the Internet on a 24-hour basis.

There are other tasks involving maintaining the machine, securing the staked amount, and avoiding illegal or suspicious activity that may lead to slashing and penalty. A node validates transactions, secures the network, and decentralizes the blockchain. A node may be rewarded with block rewards and sometimes with transaction fees to the verified block.

#2) Delegation or nomination: Delegation is staking crypto directly on a blockchain but via a validator node. Most of the delegation can be achieved through cryptocurrency wallets that have those features. A blockchain participant simply installs the wallet and selects a node with which to stake. Delegators or nominators share block rewards with validators.

#3) Liquid staking: Liquid staking allows you to stake coins without locking them up for any period. Your cryptocurrencies are exchanged for liquid or yield-bearing/earning tokens that you can then freely trade or re-stake. Your staked crypto keeps earning even as you trade the liquid token.

Some of the top liquid staking platforms include Lido, Ankr, and Stakefi for staking Ethereum, Solana, and Terra, Acala for Polkadot, Karura for Kusama, Liquidstake, Marinade, Blockdaemon (Polygon, Cardano, Avalanche, Tezos, Algorand, and many others), PStake, Rocketpool, SharedStake, Stafi, and Stakewise.

These reduce staking risk such that you do not need to worry about slashing, running a node, buying a machine to install the node, or other maintenance activities. The minimum amount is way less than running a node in some cases.

#4) Depositing with a cryptocurrency exchange/app/website/platform: These services act as validators but are ideally staking pools that pool crypto from multiple users and stake them on their behalf to share validator rewards with them.

Here you basically open an account online with the exchange or app and deposit your stake. This does not require you to run a node or buy or maintain a machine. You can also stake as little as $1 in value and can either lock up for a given period or withdraw the staked amount at any time.

#5) Staking or running nodes via node cloud management or hosting services: Node management services allow you to create and run a blockchain staking node for a given blockchain.

Examples include Allnodes, Quicknodes, and Nownodes. All you need is to access these services online and use the tools they provide to install, run, and manage a node for a particular target blockchain.

Some of them provide shared nodes that pool crypto from different users for staking and then the rewards are shared among contributors. The alternative is dedicated nodes run by one person.

FAQs on Cryptos for Staking

1. Is staking well for crypto?

Yes, staking lets you deposit crypto into a blockchain wallet to earn staking rewards or returns regularly, based on the amount staked, and your participation in required activities like voting and transaction verification.
You can decide to lock the amount in for a period where it is not withdrawable, although most exchanges allow for flexible locking where you can withdraw the staked amount at any time. Liquid staking platforms still allow you to use the staked amount in the form of yield-bearing tokens that you can re-stake or trade.

2. What is staking in crypto?

This is the process of investing your crypto in a crypto wallet to participate in transaction verification on a target blockchain, blockchain network governance, and securing the blockchain network. Stakers earn rewards usually based on the amount staked and the period of staking.

3. What is the best staking crypto?

There are hundreds of blockchain cryptocurrencies that have in-built staking capability. The top ones include Ethereum, Polkadot, Solana, USDC Coin, Cardano, Tezos, Algorand, Avalanche, and Polygon, among others.
The top platforms for staking these cryptocurrencies are Coinbase, Gemini, Binance, KuCoin, Kraken, Ledger Wallet, Exodus Wallet, and Crypto.com.

4. Can you lose money when staking cryptocurrency?

It is very hard to lose crypto when staking with a credible, legal, and well-known service. However, there are scam projects that lure people with high APYs only to end up stealing from them.
This is because most of the staking projects do not offer guarantees for investment and are of them not necessarily licensed. It is important to research whether the service is a scam.

5. Are there downsides to staking crypto?

Yes, there are risks e.g. slashing where you lose some crypto if running a staking node when you participate in illegal/suspicious activities or transactions. You might even get disqualified from the network.
Running a staking node comes with other challenges and costs. You need to invest in a good machine where the node is installed, maintain the node, and ensure the crypto so staked is safe.
Otherwise, the risks of investing with exchanges are minimal. They include the potential for closure of a custodial staking service where you do not entirely control crypto private keys.

Conclusion

This tutorial dwelt on the top crypto coins to stake to increase your profit. Most can be staked by running a staking node with the blockchain on which they are native. The alternative is to use a liquid staking provider or a cryptocurrency exchange acting as a validator.

The easiest way of Crypto Coins to Stake is via cryptocurrency exchanges that support staking as they allow you to purchase crypto on the same exchange, avoid buying and running machines where nodes are installed (which come with additional cost implications and maintenance hassles), and it is quite easy to do.

Staking nodes also come with the need for extra care to avoid losing crypto via slashing.

Otherwise, the staking platforms on which to stake these cryptos are chosen is based on APY payout, payout frequency, minimum and maximum investment, deposit and withdrawal methods, staking fees, risks, and other factors.

Further Reading =>>  List of Top Crypto Staking Platforms

Research Process:

  • Crypto Coins to Stake initially shortlisted for review: 16
  • Total Staking Coins reviewed: 9
  • Total hours spent on this tutorial: 19 Hours
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