Key Takeaways
- Liquid staking platforms allow users to stake their cryptocurrency (such as Ethereum) while maintaining liquidity.
- Instead of locking up assets for a set period, users receive derivative tokens representing their staked funds, which can be traded or used in other DeFi applications.
- While liquid staking can provide higher yields and flexibility, it also introduces risks like smart contract vulnerabilities, platform-specific risks, and dependency on validators or platform governance.
In the cryptocurrency space, crypto staking enables users to earn a passive income while contributing to the blockchain network’s operation and security.
Liquid staking platforms, on the other hand, have enhanced this experience by allowing users to keep their staked assets easily accessible!
What Is Liquid Staking?
In traditional staking, you lock up your cryptocurrency (like Ethereum or Solana) in a staking protocol to help validate transactions and secure the network. In return, you earn staking rewards. However, once your crypto is staked, you cannot access it easily until the staking period ends or you “unstake” it.
Liquid staking, on the other hand, enhances the staking experience by providing stakers with tokens that represent their staked assets, allowing them to use these tokens in various DeFi applications without locking up their funds.
Below, we explore the leading liquid staking platforms of 2025, with a closer look at their unique features.
Lido
Lido liquid staking has broadened its offerings beyond Ethereum to include staking on Solana and Polygon. Its stETH token is one of the most liquid staking derivatives and can be utilized across various DeFi protocols.
As of the most recent data, the staking reward rate for Lido Staked Ether (stETH) is approximately 2.79% APR (Annual Percentage Rate). However, this rate is dynamic and fluctuates based on Ethereum network conditions, such as the total amount of ETH staked, validator performance, and network rewards. Historically, rates have been cited around 3.21% to 3.39% APR, but these can change daily.
Also Read: UTB Exclusive: An Interview With Dmitry Gusakov, The Tech Lead Of Lido Community Staking
Rocket Pool
Rocket Pool is a decentralized Ethereum staking protocol that allows users to stake ETH and earn rewards while maintaining liquidity through its liquid staking token, rETH.
Staking rewards in Rocket Pool vary depending on your role—whether you are a regular staker depositing ETH or a node operator running a validator—and are influenced by network performance, staking demand, and other factors.
As of recent data, the annualized reward rate for rETH holders is approximately 2.75% to 3.2%.
Binance Liquid Staking
Binance offers liquid staking for select cryptocurrencies, such as Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL), through its Binance Earn platform.
The rewards vary depending on the asset you are staking, the network’s performance, and the competition for staking (validator rewards, etc.). On Binance, rewards are typically competitive compared to traditional staking methods. For Ethereum, rewards may fluctuate between 4-7% per year, depending on network conditions.
Ankr
Ankr is a decentralized Web3 infrastructure and staking platform founded in 2017 with a mission to simplify participation in blockchain ecosystems. Initially launched as a distributed cloud computing network leveraging idle computing resources (similar to a decentralized AWS), Ankr has since focused heavily on blockchain infrastructure and staking solutions.
Ankr’s staking rewards are around 8% on major networks, but users must manage synthetic tokens actively for optimal returns. The platform continues to release new tools to make managing staked assets easier and improve user experience.
StakeWise
StakeWise is a liquid staking platform for Ethereum that allows users to stake ETH and earn rewards while maintaining liquidity through liquid staking tokens.
Its staking rewards are around 3% and focus on security and transparency. The platform has been working on reducing the gas fees associated with staking, making it more cost-effective for users.
Final Thoughts
Each crypto staking platform has pros and cons regarding user convenience, community, and security. So, if you are new to staking or want to grow your crypto investments, the platforms mentioned can be used as your resource to increase your assets with minimal effort and maximum returns.
