Best Platforms to Stake Ethereum (ETH) in 2026
We compared 6 platforms for ETH staking. Lido leads with 3.3% APR. Here's how they all stack up.
So wählst du eine Plattform zum Staken von Ethereum
Wenn du neu beim Staking von ETH bist, ist die Plattform genauso wichtig wie die Coin. Wir haben 6 Optionen verglichen; der Spitzenreiter, Lido, führt mit 3.3% APR. Aber die höchste Zahl ist nicht automatisch die richtige Wahl — als Einsteiger solltest du vier Dinge abwägen: die tatsächliche APR nach Gebühren, ob die Plattform verwahrend ist (sie hält deine Schlüssel) oder nicht-verwahrend (du selbst), wie lange deine ETH gesperrt sind und die Erfolgsbilanz der Plattform.
Verwahrend vs. nicht-verwahrend — was passt zu Einsteigern?
Verwahrende Plattformen (meist große Börsen) sind der einfachste Weg, mit dem Staking von ETH zu starten: anmelden, einzahlen und auf Staken klicken. Der Kompromiss ist, dass sie deine Schlüssel halten. Nicht-verwahrende Optionen geben dir volle Kontrolle, erwarten aber, dass du eine Wallet selbst verwaltest. Viele Einsteiger starten aus Bequemlichkeit verwahrend und wechseln später zu nicht-verwahrend, sobald sie sicherer werden. Nutze den Vergleich unten, um eine Ethereum-Plattform an dein Sicherheitsgefühl anzupassen, statt allein der höchsten APR nachzujagen.
ETH staking platform comparison
| Platform | APR | Fees | Custody | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1Lido | 3.3% | 10% of rewards | Non-cust. | 5/5 |
| #2Rocket Pool | 3.1% | 14% of rewards | Non-cust. | 5/5 |
| #3Coinbase | 2.9% | 25% of rewards | Custodial | 4/5 |
| #4Kraken | 3.2% | 15% of rewards | Custodial | 4/5 |
| #5Figment | 3.4% | 8% of rewards | Non-cust. | 4/5 |
| #6Ledger | 3.2% | 15% of rewards | Non-cust. | 4/5 |
ETH staking platforms ranked
Lido
- Largest liquid staking protocol by TVL
- Receive stETH and stay liquid while earning
- Battle-tested smart contracts since 2020
- Deep DeFi integrations for stETH
Best overall choice for ETH staking. Liquid, decentralized, and the most trusted protocol in the space.
Rocket Pool
- Fully decentralized — permissionless node operators
- rETH appreciates in value automatically
- No minimum to stake with rETH
- Strong community governance
The most decentralized liquid staking option. Ideal if you care about Ethereum's validator diversity.
Coinbase
- One-click staking for beginners
- FDIC-insured fiat balances
- Publicly traded and regulated (NASDAQ: COIN)
- cbETH liquid staking token available
Best for beginners who want a regulated, insured experience. Higher fees but maximum convenience.
Kraken
- Lower exchange fees than Coinbase
- Strong security track record since 2011
- Competitive APR for a centralized exchange
- Available in most countries
Solid exchange option with lower fees than Coinbase. Good middle ground between convenience and cost.
Figment
- Institutional-grade infrastructure
- 99.9%+ uptime across validators
- Low commission rate
- Supports native and liquid staking
Best for institutional investors and high-value stakers who want premium infrastructure.
Ledger
- Stake directly from hardware wallet
- Self-custody — you control your keys
- Integrated with Lido and Kiln
- Supports 10+ stakeable assets
Best for security-conscious stakers who want self-custody with hardware wallet protection.
How we rank ETH staking platforms
We compare advertised APR after fees. Platforms with lower commissions and MEV sharing rank higher for effective yield.
Non-custodial platforms score higher. We evaluate audit history, insurance coverage, track record, and whether you retain control of your keys.
Shorter lock-up periods and liquid staking options are preferred. We penalize long unbonding periods without liquid alternatives.
Lower and more transparent fee structures rank higher. Hidden fees or complex commission models are penalized.
Platform age, uptime history, and community trust factor into our rankings. Newer platforms need exceptional features to rank highly.
Ethereum staking — common questions
What is the best platform to stake Ethereum?
Lido is the best platform for most ETH stakers, offering 3.3% APR with full liquidity through stETH. For decentralization purists, Rocket Pool is the top choice. If you prefer a regulated exchange, Coinbase or Kraken are solid options.
Is it better to stake ETH on an exchange or through a protocol?
Protocols like Lido and Rocket Pool typically offer higher effective yields (lower fees) and let you stay liquid through staking tokens. Exchanges are simpler but charge higher commissions (15-25%). Choose based on your comfort with DeFi.
Do I need 32 ETH to stake?
No. Liquid staking protocols like Lido and Rocket Pool let you stake any amount. Exchanges also have no minimum. The 32 ETH requirement only applies to running your own validator node.
Can I lose money staking Ethereum?
Staking itself is low-risk for slashing with reputable validators. The main risk is ETH price volatility — your rewards are earned in ETH, which can lose value in fiat terms. Smart contract risk exists with liquid staking protocols, though major ones are heavily audited.