Model indicative staking returns and custody trade-offs side by side. Editable reference inputs were reviewed July 19, 2026; they are not live provider quotes.
MODELED INPUTS · Edit each APY below using the rate currently shown by the provider. Defaults are dated editorial references, not a live feed and not guaranteed net of fees.
Reference APYs reviewed July 19, 2026. They are editable model inputs, not live rates. Verify provider fees, availability, and the current net rate before staking. USD equivalents render only while the Coinbase ETH/USD feed is live; ETH yield remains a modeled output from your inputs.
Disclaimer: Not financial advice. Staking involves significant risk including smart contract risk, slashing risk, and liquidity risk. Historical performance is not indicative of future results. APY rates are subject to network conditions and platform fees.
Selection Note
Compare custody, smart-contract, liquidity, and slashing risk before comparing yield. The highest displayed rate is not automatically the best option.
Comparing ETH staking options beyond the headline APY
Where staking yield comes from
Validators that propose and attest to blocks earn protocol rewards, priority fees and sometimes MEV. Annual yields have generally been in the low single digits and fall as more ETH is staked. Every provider then takes a cut: solo stakers keep everything but run their own hardware and 32 ETH, while liquid staking protocols and exchanges charge a commission in return for convenience.
The comparator lets you edit each provider's reference rate because published APYs change frequently. Fiat estimates use the live ETH/USD price and pause if that feed is unavailable.
Risks the APY does not show
A higher number is not automatically better. Compare these factors alongside yield:
Custody: on an exchange, the platform holds your ETH; if it fails you may be an unsecured creditor.
Smart-contract risk: liquid staking tokens such as stETH or rETH depend on audited but complex contracts.
Liquidity: unstaking can involve an exit queue, and liquid staking tokens can trade below ETH during stress.
Slashing: validators that misbehave or are misconfigured can lose part of their stake.
Tax: in many countries staking rewards are taxable income when received.
Choosing an approach
Solo staking maximises control and decentralisation but requires 32 ETH and technical upkeep. Rocket Pool and Lido offer liquid tokens with lower minimums. Exchange staking is simplest but adds counterparty risk. Our staking guide explains each option in plain English.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current ETH staking APY?
Protocol staking yields have typically been in the low single digits and vary over time. Providers publish their own net rates after fees; enter current figures in the comparator to see their effect.
Is staking ETH on an exchange safe?
It is convenient but you rely on the exchange's solvency and policies. If the exchange fails or freezes withdrawals your ETH may be inaccessible.
How much ETH do I need to stake?
Running your own validator requires 32 ETH. Liquid staking protocols and exchanges let you stake smaller amounts.
Can I lose ETH by staking?
Yes, through slashing, smart-contract failures, depegging of liquid staking tokens or a custodian failing. Understand each risk before staking.
Educational information only, not financial or tax advice. Results depend on the inputs and data sources described above; verify anything important with a primary source before acting.
