Which Cryptocurrencies Allow Staking? (Complete 2025 Guide)

By / October 30, 2025

Which Cryptocurrencies Allow Staking? (Complete 2025 Guide)

Short answer: Any blockchain that uses proof-of-stake (PoS) or a PoS-variant (e.g., DPoS, NPoS) lets you lock tokens to help secure the network and earn rewards. Big names include Ethereum, Cardano, Solana, Polkadot, Cosmos (ATOM), Tezos, Avalanche, NEAR, Polygon (POL), BNB Chain (BNB), TRON (TRX), Aptos (APT), and Sui (SUI) — among many others. (ethereum.org)

In this guide, you’ll learn how staking works, which coins support it, the ways to stake (solo, delegated, liquid), and the risks to watch. I’ll also link to official docs for each network so you can verify details and get started safely.

What is Staking?

Staking means locking your crypto to help validate transactions and secure a PoS-based blockchain. In return, you may earn protocol rewards (and sometimes fee revenue). The exact process depends on the chain:

  • Solo validating (you run validator hardware and software).
  • Delegated staking (you assign your stake to a validator and share rewards).
  • Liquid staking (you stake through a protocol and receive a liquid receipt token you can use elsewhere).

Important: Each chain has its own deposit, unbonding, slashing, and reward rules — always check the official documentation before you stake (links below).

The Quick List: Popular Cryptos That Allow Staking

Below are widely used networks with native staking and a pointer to their official documentation/tutorials:

  • Ethereum (ETH) – Native PoS; solo or pooled staking; 32 ETH per validator for solo. (ethereum.org)
  • Cardano (ADA) – Delegation to stake pools; no lock on principal at the protocol level. (Cardano)
  • Solana (SOL) – Delegate to validators via stake accounts. (Solana)
  • Polkadot (DOT) – Nominated PoS (NPoS); nominate validators to share rewards. (Polkadot Wiki)
  • Cosmos Hub (ATOM) – PoS with validator/delegator model across the Cosmos ecosystem. (Cosmos Tutorials)
  • Tezos (XTZ) – Delegate (“bake”) or run a validator; delegation is simple for most users. (octez.tezos.com)
  • Avalanche (AVAX) – Validate or delegate; validators must stake a minimum amount of AVAX. (Avalanche Builder Hub)
  • NEAR Protocol (NEAR) – Stake to validator pools; validator set has a dynamic “seat price.” (NEAR Documentation)
  • Polygon PoS (POL, ex-MATIC) – Delegation to validators; network transitioning from MATIC to POL. (Polygon)
  • BNB Chain (BNB) – Delegate BNB to validators on BNB Smart Chain. (BNB Chain)
  • TRON (TRX) – Stake (“freeze”) TRX for resources and voting; elect Super Representatives (DPoS). (TRON Developer Hub)
  • Aptos (APT) – PoS with owner-operator-voter model; supports delegation pools; minimums apply for validators. (Aptos Documentation)
  • Sui (SUI) – Stake to validator pools; self-custodial stake objects; liquid staking supported via SIP-6. (Sui Documentation)

Tip: Many other PoS chains also offer staking (e.g., Algorand governance, Arbitrum/Optimism don’t have base-layer staking for end users in the same way; some L2s inherit security from Ethereum). Always confirm on the official docs before staking.

How Staking Works (By Model)

1) Solo Validating

You run a validator node, keep it online, and manage keys and uptime. This is common on Ethereum (32 ETH per validator) and Avalanche (minimum AVAX requirement). Highest potential control, but requires technical skill and carries slashing/uptime risk. (ethereum.org)

2) Delegated Staking

You keep tokens in your wallet but delegate stake to a validator. Popular on Cardano, Solana, Polkadot, Cosmos, Tezos, Polygon, BNB Chain, TRON, NEAR and more. You share in rewards while the validator does the heavy lifting. You can usually redelegate or undelegate with a waiting period. (Cardano)

3) Liquid Staking

Protocols issue a receipt token (e.g., stETH for ETH) that represents your staked position and can be used in DeFi. Liquid staking options exist on multiple chains (Ethereum, Cosmos ecosystem, Sui via SIP-6, etc.). Be aware of smart-contract risk in addition to protocol risk. (Sui Documentation)

Deep Dive: Major Staking Coins & What To Know

Ethereum (ETH)

  • Model: PoS with validators proposing/attesting to blocks.
  • Solo staking: Requires 32 ETH per validator; strong security but operational responsibility is on you.
  • Pooled/liquid: You can stake smaller amounts through pools or liquid staking protocols.
  • Risks: Slashing for misbehavior; withdrawal and exit queues; client/hardware management for solo.
    Docs: ethereum.org/staking is the canonical starting point. (ethereum.org)

Cardano (ADA)

  • Model: Delegation to stake pools; your ADA remains in your wallet; keys are never given to the pool.
  • Why users like it: Low barrier to entry and flexible — you can switch pools easily.
    Docs: Cardano’s official explanation of delegation and requirements. (Cardano Docs)

Solana (SOL)

  • Model: Delegate SOL via stake accounts to validators who process transactions.
  • Notes: Stake accounts are different from normal system accounts and support specialized operations (split/merge, redelegate).
    Docs: Solana staking overview and “Stake Accounts” reference. (Solana)

Polkadot (DOT)

  • Model: Nominated Proof-of-Stake (NPoS). You act as a nominator, backing validators and sharing rewards.
  • Extras: Concepts like eras, sessions, fast-unstake, and chilling (pausing).
    Docs: Polkadot Wiki’s staking and nominator guides. (Polkadot Wiki)

Cosmos Hub (ATOM)

  • Model: Validator/delegator PoS. ATOM is the staking token of the Cosmos Hub; delegation earns rewards and voting power.
  • Cosmos ecosystem: Many IBC chains (e.g., Osmosis) have similar mechanics with their own tokens.
    Docs: Cosmos tutorials on getting ATOM and staking. (Cosmos Tutorials)

Tezos (XTZ)

  • Model: “Baking” and delegation. You can delegate to a baker or operate your own.
  • Notes: Tezos periodically upgrades on-chain; delegation is designed to be straightforward for holders.
    Docs: Octez/Tezos docs on participating and bakers. (octez.tezos.com)

Avalanche (AVAX)

  • Model: Validate the Primary Network and subnets or delegate to validators.
  • Requirement: Validators must stake a minimum AVAX amount on mainnet (see docs for current threshold).
    Docs: Avalanche’s validator and validate-vs-delegate pages. (Avax.network — Homepage)

NEAR Protocol (NEAR)

  • Model: Stake to validator pools. The seat price to enter the active set adjusts dynamically; many users delegate to existing pools.
    Docs: NEAR validator roles, economics, and how delegation works. (NEAR Documentation)

Polygon PoS (POL, ex-MATIC)

  • Model: Delegation to validators; Polygon is transitioning from MATIC to POL as the staking/gas token for the PoS chain.
  • Implementation detail: Delegation uses validator share tokens under the hood (contract-level).
    Docs: Polygon “delegate tokens” guide and validator-shares reference. (Polygon)

BNB Chain (BNB)

  • Model: Delegate BNB to BNB Smart Chain validators; claim/undelegate through the staking UI or compatible wallets.
    Docs: BNB Chain staking docs and user guide. (BNB Chain)

TRON (TRX)

  • Model: DPoS; stake (“freeze”) TRX for resources and voting rights (TRON Power) to elect Super Representatives who produce blocks.
    Docs: TRON developer docs on staking and SR voting. (TRON Developer Hub)

Aptos (APT)

  • Model: PoS with an owner-operator-voter separation; staking pools and delegation pools exist. Validators must meet minimum staking requirements.
    Docs: Aptos staking overview and staking-pool operations (incl. minimums). (Aptos Documentation)

Sui (SUI)

  • Model: Users stake to validator staking pools; the transaction wraps SUI into a self-custodial stake object. SIP-6 enables liquid staking participation.
    Docs: Sui “Staking and Unstaking” (tokenomics) reference. (Sui Documentation)

Coins That Do Not Offer Native Staking

Blockchains using proof-of-work (e.g., Bitcoin) or different security models typically don’t have native staking. Some centralized platforms may pay “earn” yields on such assets, but that’s not the same as protocol staking and adds counterparty risk. Always verify whether yield comes from on-chain staking or an off-chain arrangement.

Ways to Stake (and Where)

  1. From Your Wallet
    Many chains let you delegate directly in official or popular wallets (e.g., Ledger Live, Phantom for Solana, Keplr for Cosmos, Yoroi/Nami for Cardano, Compass for BNB). Always confirm wallet support on the chain’s docs.
  2. Liquid Staking Protocols
    Stake through a protocol (you receive a receipt token). Pro: liquidity. Con: extra smart-contract/peg risks. For example, Ethereum’s liquid staking is common; Sui explicitly supports liquid staking via SIP-6. (Sui Documentation)
  3. Centralized Exchanges (CEX)
    Convenient, but you take on custody/counterparty risk and sometimes lower yields/fees. Prefer self-custody where possible.

How to Choose a Coin to Stake: A Simple Checklist

  • Understand the model: PoS, DPoS, NPoS, or hybrid? (Impacts validator set size, slashing, governance.)
  • Docs & transparency: Is there a clear, maintained official guide? (Links above.)
  • Unbonding period: How long are funds locked when unstaking? (Varies by chain.)
  • Slashing & penalties: Are there slashing risks for you as a delegator? (Usually yes if your validator misbehaves on some chains; see docs.)
  • Validator quality: Uptime, commission, community reputation, decentralization contribution.
  • Ecosystem demand: Does the chain have healthy on-chain activity and fee revenue that can supplement inflationary rewards?
  • Liquid staking needs: If you want liquidity, check whether a reputable LST is available on that chain (and weigh extra risks).

Generic Step-By-Step: Delegated Staking (Most Chains)

  1. Pick your chain and read the official docs (linked above).
  2. Choose a wallet that supports that chain’s staking.
  3. Buy/transfer the token to your self-custody wallet.
  4. Select a validator (look at commission, track record, decentralization impact).
  5. Delegate the amount you want to stake (mind minimums and fees).
  6. Track rewards and consider compounding by restaking (if supported).
  7. Understand unbonding: plan for the time delay when you decide to unstake.

Risks You Must Consider

  • Slashing: On many chains, if your validator behaves incorrectly/goes offline, a portion of staked funds can be slashed (delegators may share losses).
  • Smart-contract risk: For liquid staking, contracts can be exploited or de-peg.
  • Custodial risk: With exchange staking, you rely on the platform’s solvency and policies.
  • Protocol changes: Chains evolve (e.g., token migrations, parameter changes). Always check the most recent official docs — for instance, Polygon PoS is transitioning from MATIC to POL, which affects how staking works and which token you’ll need. (Polygon)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) Which staking coin is “best”?
There’s no universal best. Consider decentralization, reward sustainability (not just APR), lockups, slashing rules, and your conviction in the ecosystem.

2) Is staking the same as yield farming?
No. Staking secures a PoS network. Yield farming usually means providing liquidity or lending/borrowing in DeFi protocols.

3) Can I lose money staking?
Yes. Price volatility is the biggest factor. There’s also slashing and smart-contract risk (if using liquid staking).

4) Are staking rewards guaranteed?
No. Rewards vary based on validator performance, protocol parameters, and total network stake.

5) Do I keep custody when I delegate?
On most chains, yes — your tokens remain in your wallet, and you sign a delegation transaction (not a transfer). Confirm specifics in your chain’s docs (e.g., Cardano, Solana, Cosmos, Tezos). (Cardano)

Getting Started: Official Documentation Hubs

If you’re ready to stake, start from the official resources:

Final Thoughts

If your goal is steady, protocol-native rewards while supporting network security, staking is one of the most compelling utilities in crypto. The safest path is to:

  1. Choose a chain you understand and believe in,
  2. Start with official docs,
  3. Prefer self-custody delegation (or solo validate if you’re advanced), and
  4. Size positions with slashing, lockups, and smart-contract risks in mind.

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