Ethereum’s transition to proof-of-stake has unlocked new opportunities for passive income through staking. However, traditional staking often requires locking up ETH for extended periods, limiting liquidity and flexibility. Enter liquid staking platforms—innovative solutions that allow users to stake their ETH while receiving a tokenized representation of their staked assets, which can be used across the DeFi ecosystem.
These platforms are transforming how users interact with Ethereum by combining the benefits of staking rewards with the freedom of liquidity. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced DeFi participant, exploring the top liquid staking options can help you maximize returns without sacrificing access to your capital.
Below is a curated list of 12 leading liquid staking platforms on Ethereum, each offering unique features, security models, and integration with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols.
What Is Liquid Staking?
Before diving into the list, let’s clarify what liquid staking means. When you stake ETH directly on Ethereum, your funds are locked and cannot be moved until withdrawals are enabled. Liquid staking solves this by issuing a derivative token (like stETH or rETH) that represents your staked ETH and accrued rewards. This token can be traded, lent, or used in yield farming strategies across DeFi.
👉 Discover how liquid staking can boost your DeFi returns today.
This innovation enhances capital efficiency and opens up layered earning opportunities—making it one of the most impactful developments in the Ethereum ecosystem.
Top 12 Liquid Staking Platforms on Ethereum
1. Rocket Pool
Rocket Pool is a decentralized liquid staking protocol designed to make node operation accessible to everyone. Users can either run a node with just 16 ETH or stake any amount of ETH without technical setup. The platform issues rETH, a liquid token pegged to staked ETH plus rewards.
With strong decentralization incentives and a robust validator network, Rocket Pool stands out for users prioritizing censorship resistance and distributed control.
2. Lido
Lido is the largest liquid staking provider on Ethereum, powering over 30% of all staked ETH. It offers stETH, a widely accepted token across DeFi platforms such as Aave and Curve. Lido simplifies staking by removing minimum requirements and technical barriers.
Its governance is community-driven via the Lido DAO, though concerns about centralization due to reliance on a small set of node operators remain a topic of discussion.
3. Stake DAO
Stake DAO focuses on optimizing yield across multiple liquid staking tokens. While not a direct staking platform itself, it aggregates yields from protocols like Lido and Rocket Pool, offering vaults that automatically reinvest rewards.
It’s ideal for advanced users looking to compound returns from multiple sources in a single interface.
4. StakeWise
StakeWise provides a user-friendly interface for both solo and pooled staking. It supports oETH, an ERC-4626-compliant yield-bearing token that accrues staking rewards over time. The platform emphasizes transparency and non-custodial security.
StakeWise also offers on-chain governance and allows users to participate in protocol decisions.
5. Tenderize
Tenderize enables projects to create their own liquid staking derivatives. Rather than being a consumer-facing staking app, it acts as an infrastructure layer for other protocols to build upon.
Developers can integrate Tenderize to tokenize any staked asset, making it a powerful tool for composability in DeFi.
6. Keep Network
Keep Network combines data privacy solutions with liquid staking capabilities. Though its primary innovation lies in secure off-chain storage using "keeps," it has explored liquid staking applications through its tBTC protocol, which bridges Bitcoin into Ethereum DeFi.
While less focused on ETH staking today, its underlying tech supports future liquid staking expansions.
7. RockX
RockX is a professional node operator serving institutional and retail clients. It supports liquid staking through partnerships with various protocols, providing reliable infrastructure for staking services.
Though not issuing its own token, RockX enables scalability and uptime for platforms relying on consistent validator performance.
8. Ankr Liquid Staking
Ankr offers aETH, a liquid token received when users stake ETH via the Ankr network. The platform leverages distributed node infrastructure to enhance decentralization and offers additional services like cross-chain bridging and parachain support.
Ankr targets both individual stakers and enterprises seeking turnkey staking solutions.
9. EarnPark
EarnPark blends CeFi and DeFi strategies to deliver high yields—up to 30% APY—through automated compounding and risk-managed portfolios. While custodial in nature, it provides bank-level security and easy access for users seeking hands-off investment.
It's best suited for those comfortable with centralized custody in exchange for convenience and enhanced returns.
10. Degen Wallet
Degen Wallet integrates liquid staking directly into a self-custody wallet experience. Promoting the ethos of “Your Bank, Your Crypto, Your Freedom,” it allows seamless participation in staking without leaving the app.
This tight integration improves user experience and lowers entry barriers for newcomers.
11. Hord
Hord simplifies ETH staking with a clean interface and instant liquidity. It issues hETH, a token redeemable for ETH plus rewards after unstaking. Designed for simplicity and security, Hord appeals to retail users who want hassle-free exposure to staking yields.
👉 Start earning yield on your ETH with seamless liquid staking integration.
12. Goldsand
Goldsand is notable as the first Halal-compliant Ethereum staking protocol, catering to Muslim investors who require Sharia-compliant financial products. It ensures profits are derived ethically and avoids interest-based mechanisms deemed impermissible under Islamic law.
This niche positioning fills an important gap in the global crypto market.
Why Use Liquid Staking?
Liquid staking platforms offer several compelling advantages:
- Maintain Liquidity: Stake your ETH and still use your capital in DeFi.
- Earn Passive Income: Receive regular rewards while contributing to network security.
- Diversify Risk: Spread exposure across multiple protocols or strategies.
- Composability: Use liquid staking tokens as collateral for loans or leverage.
As Ethereum continues to evolve, these platforms will play a crucial role in shaping the future of decentralized finance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are liquid staking platforms safe?
A: Most leading platforms undergo regular audits and use multi-signature wallets or decentralized governance. However, risks include smart contract vulnerabilities and potential centralization of node operators. Always research before depositing funds.
Q: Can I unstake my ETH anytime?
A: Yes—since the Ethereum Shanghai upgrade, withdrawals are fully enabled. You can redeem your liquid staking tokens (e.g., stETH, rETH) for ETH, though some platforms may have processing delays.
Q: How do I choose the best liquid staking platform?
A: Consider factors like decentralization, fee structure, token liquidity, DeFi integrations, and reputation. For beginners, Lido or Rocket Pool are solid starting points.
Q: Do I still get voting rights if I stake via a liquid staking platform?
A: No—staking via these platforms typically means forfeiting protocol-level governance rights unless the platform itself participates in governance (e.g., Lido DAO).
Q: Are there tax implications when using liquid staking?
A: Yes—staking rewards are often treated as taxable income upon receipt, depending on your jurisdiction. Consult a tax professional familiar with crypto regulations.
Final Thoughts
Liquid staking has become a cornerstone of Ethereum’s economic model, enabling greater participation, capital efficiency, and innovation across DeFi. From established players like Lido and Rocket Pool to emerging innovators like Goldsand and Tenderize, the landscape offers diverse options tailored to different needs—from security and decentralization to compliance and ease of use.
As adoption grows, integrating with trusted platforms that align with your values and goals will be key to maximizing long-term value.
👉 Explore top liquid staking opportunities and grow your crypto portfolio securely.