Christy Lynn
Staking lets you earn rewards on proof-of-stake coins you already own, such as Ethereum, Solana and Cardano. The platform you choose affects your rewards, your fees and how much control you keep. We compared the leading exchanges and liquid staking protocols for US and international users.
Quick answer: The best crypto staking platforms in 2026 are Coinbase (easiest for US beginners), Kraken (most stakeable coins and low commissions), Gemini and Crypto.com (simple app-based staking), Robinhood (ETH and SOL staking in a brokerage app), and Lido or Rocket Pool for liquid staking you control. Typical rewards are a few percent a year, for example roughly 2% to 4% for ETH, and theyโre never guaranteed.
Kraken: more coins to stake, lower commissions
- 20+ stakeable assets
- US staking in most states
- Security record since 2011
Not available in every state. Affiliate link.
Staking rates change constantly and availability varies by state. Rewards arenโt guaranteed, and the coinโs price can fall more than you earn.
Best staking platforms at a glance
| Platform | Best for | Highlights | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase Best for beginners | First-time stakers | Stake ETH, SOL, ADA, DOT and more in a few taps | Open account |
| Kraken Best value | Selection and low commissions | 20+ stakeable assets, flexible and bonded options | Visit Kraken |
| Gemini | Security-minded investors | Staking on major coins with strong regulation | Visit Gemini |
| Crypto.com | All-in-one app | Staking and rewards alongside card and trading | Visit Crypto.com |
| Robinhood | Stock investors | ETH and SOL staking in the Robinhood app | Visit Robinhood |
| Lido / Rocket Pool | Liquid ETH staking | Stake from your own wallet and receive stETH or rETH | Learn more |
| Binance Outside the US only | International users | One of the largest staking menus. Not available to US residents | Visit Binance |
What is crypto staking?
Staking means locking up proof-of-stake coins such as ETH, SOL or ADA to help secure the network. In return you earn rewards paid in the same coin. Exchanges make staking one-click easy but keep a commission, while self-custody and liquid staking give you more control. Learn the basics in what is staking and is staking crypto safe.
The best crypto staking platforms
1. Coinbase: best for beginners
Coinbase lets you stake ETH, SOL, ADA, DOT and other coins in a few taps, with rewards shown right in the app. Commissions are higher than some rivals, and staking isnโt available in every state. Coinbase One members get boosted rewards.
2. Kraken: best selection and value
Kraken offers more than 20 stakeable assets with flexible and bonded options. After pausing US staking in 2023, it relaunched for US customers in 2025 in most states. Read our Kraken review or see Kraken vs Gemini.
3. Gemini: best for security-minded investors
Gemini Staking supports major coins like ETH and SOL with a clean interface and strong regulatory standing. Geminiโs old Earn lending program ended after the 2022 Genesis collapse; staking is a separate product.
4. Crypto.com: best all-in-one app
Crypto.com offers staking and rewards on many coins alongside its card and trading app. Rates and eligibility vary by region and CRO holdings. Read our Crypto.com review.
5. Robinhood: best for stock investors
Robinhood customers in the US can stake ETH and SOL directly in the app, which is handy if you already invest there, though the coin selection is limited. See how to buy crypto on Robinhood.
6. Lido: best liquid staking for ETH
Lido lets you stake any amount of ETH from your own wallet and receive stETH, a token you can hold, trade or use in DeFi while it earns rewards. You take on smart-contract risk, and stETH can trade slightly below ETH in stressed markets. Compare every option in our guide to the best Ethereum staking.
7. Rocket Pool: best decentralized option
Rocket Pool is a more decentralized liquid staking protocol. You receive rETH, which rises in value relative to ETH as rewards accrue. Itโs a good choice if you value spreading stake across many independent node operators.
8. Binance: best for readers outside the US
Binance offers one of the largest staking menus for international users. US residents canโt use Binance.com.
Visit Binance (outside the US)
How to start staking in 4 steps
- Choose a platform that supports staking in your state, such as Coinbase or Kraken.
- Buy a proof-of-stake coin such as ETH, SOL or ADA, or transfer coins you already own.
- Opt in to staking and review the commission, lock-up or unbonding period and estimated rewards.
- Track your rewards and keep records, because staking rewards are taxable income in the US.
Staking from your own wallet
Many wallets let you stake without giving up custody, for example staking SOL in Phantom or delegating through a hardware walletโs app such as Ledger Wallet. This avoids exchange risk but means managing your own keys. See the best hardware wallets and best Solana wallets.
Pros and cons of staking
Pros
- Earn rewards on coins you already plan to hold
- Helps secure proof-of-stake networks
- Easy to start on major exchanges
Cons
- The coinโs price can fall far more than the rewards you earn
- Some staking has lock-up or unbonding periods
- Platform, smart-contract and slashing risks
- Rewards are taxable as income in the US
How staking rewards are calculated
Rewards depend on the networkโs issuance and transaction fees, the total amount staked and the platformโs commission. Exchanges usually show an estimated annual rate (APY) that changes over time. For example, if you stake 1 ETH at an estimated 3% APY, you might earn about 0.03 ETH over a year, minus the platformโs commission, and the dollar value depends on ETHโs price. Learn more in what is APY in crypto.
Staking vs crypto lending
Staking rewards come from the blockchain itself for helping secure the network. Lending programs paid โinterestโ by lending your coins to borrowers, which is why several lenders collapsed in 2022 when borrowers defaulted. Stick to genuine staking on regulated platforms or protocols you understand.
Lessons from 2022
In 2022, lenders like Celsius and BlockFi, which advertised high โyield,โ went bankrupt and froze customer funds. Real staking rewards come from the blockchain itself and are usually modest. Be skeptical of any platform promising high, guaranteed returns. See what is APY in crypto and yield farming vs staking.
The bottom line
Coinbase is the easiest place to start staking, while Kraken offers more coins and lower commissions. If you want to keep custody of your ETH, liquid staking through Lido or Rocket Pool is a good option. Whatever you choose, stake only coins you plan to hold anyway.
Start staking on Coinbase
- Hundreds of coins and staking
- Publicly traded, US-regulated
- New-user bonus paid in Bitcoin
Bonus amount and terms are set by Coinbase and change often. Affiliate link. Read our Coinbase review
Frequently asked questions
What is the best crypto staking platform?
Coinbase is the easiest for beginners, Kraken offers the best selection and value, and Lido is the best liquid staking option for ETH.
How much can I earn from staking?
Typically a few percent a year, for example roughly 2% to 4% for ETH. Rates change and are never guaranteed.
Is staking safe?
Staking on reputable platforms is relatively safe, but you face price risk, lock-ups and platform risk. See is staking crypto safe.
Can I unstake at any time?
It depends. Some platforms offer flexible staking, while others have unbonding periods of days or weeks.
Is staking available in every US state?
No. Availability varies by platform and state, so check before you buy coins to stake.
Are staking rewards taxable?
Yes. In the US, staking rewards are ordinary income when you receive them. See our crypto tax guide.
