What is LST (liquidity staking token)? What is the difference between stETH and ETH?

LSTs like stETH allow users to stake ETH and earn rewards while maintaining liquidity for use in DeFi, unlike regular ETH which is locked when staked.

Apr 14, 2025 at 12:28 pm

LST (Liquidity Staking Token) is a type of token that represents staked assets in a blockchain network, allowing users to earn staking rewards while maintaining liquidity. These tokens are typically created through a process known as liquidity staking, where users stake their cryptocurrencies with a validator or a staking pool, and in return, they receive LSTs. These tokens can be traded on decentralized exchanges, used in DeFi applications, or held as a way to earn staking rewards without locking up the original assets.

One of the most popular examples of an LST is stETH, which is issued by Lido, a decentralized staking protocol on the Ethereum network. stETH represents staked Ethereum (ETH) and allows users to participate in Ethereum's staking mechanism while maintaining the ability to use their staked assets in other DeFi applications. This brings us to the question: what is the difference between stETH and ETH?

stETH and ETH are fundamentally different in their function and utility. ETH is the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum network, used for transactions, smart contract execution, and as a store of value. On the other hand, stETH is a derivative of ETH that represents staked ETH in the Lido protocol. When you stake your ETH with Lido, you receive stETH in return, which can be used in various DeFi protocols while still earning staking rewards.

The key difference between stETH and ETH lies in their liquidity and utility within the DeFi ecosystem. stETH provides liquidity to staked assets, allowing users to use their staked ETH in DeFi applications without having to unstake their original ETH. This is particularly useful because the Ethereum network requires a 32 ETH minimum to stake directly, and the staked ETH is locked until the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade is fully implemented. With stETH, users can still earn staking rewards and participate in DeFi, which is not possible with regular ETH once it is staked.

What is Liquidity Staking?

Liquidity staking is a process that allows users to stake their cryptocurrencies and receive tokens that represent their staked assets. These tokens, known as liquidity staking tokens (LSTs), can be traded, used in DeFi applications, or held to earn staking rewards. The primary advantage of liquidity staking is that it allows users to maintain access to their staked assets while still participating in the staking process.

Liquidity staking is facilitated by protocols like Lido, which manage the staking process on behalf of users. When a user stakes their ETH with Lido, the protocol pools the ETH and stakes it with Ethereum validators. In return, the user receives stETH, which can be used in various DeFi applications. This process ensures that users can earn staking rewards while still having the flexibility to use their assets in other ways.

How Does stETH Work?

stETH is a token that represents staked ETH within the Lido protocol. When you stake your ETH with Lido, you receive stETH at a 1:1 ratio. This means that for every ETH you stake, you receive one stETH. The stETH token accrues staking rewards over time, which are reflected in the token's value. As the staked ETH earns rewards, the value of stETH increases, allowing users to benefit from staking without having to lock up their assets.

stETH can be used in various DeFi applications, such as lending, borrowing, and liquidity provision. For example, you can deposit stETH into a DeFi lending platform and earn interest on your staked assets. This flexibility makes stETH a powerful tool for users who want to participate in Ethereum's staking mechanism while still maintaining access to their assets.

Benefits of Using stETH

Using stETH offers several benefits to users. First, it allows users to earn staking rewards without locking up their ETH for an extended period. This is particularly important given the long-term nature of Ethereum's staking process. Second, stETH provides liquidity to staked assets, enabling users to participate in DeFi applications. This can lead to additional yield opportunities, as users can use their stETH in lending, borrowing, or liquidity provision.

Another benefit of stETH is its ability to mitigate the risks associated with direct staking. Staking directly on the Ethereum network requires a significant amount of ETH (32 ETH) and technical knowledge. By using stETH, users can participate in staking with smaller amounts of ETH and without the need for technical expertise. This democratizes access to staking rewards and makes it more accessible to a broader audience.

Risks and Considerations of stETH

While stETH offers many benefits, there are also risks and considerations that users should be aware of. One of the main risks is the potential for the Lido protocol to experience technical issues or security breaches. If the protocol is compromised, it could impact the value of stETH and the ability of users to withdraw their staked ETH.

Another consideration is the potential for slippage when trading stETH. Because stETH is a derivative of ETH, its value can fluctuate based on market conditions and the performance of the Lido protocol. Users should be aware of these fluctuations and consider the potential impact on their investments.

Additionally, users should be mindful of the regulatory environment surrounding stETH and other LSTs. As these tokens gain popularity, they may attract the attention of regulators, which could impact their use and availability. Users should stay informed about any regulatory developments that could affect their use of stETH.

How to Stake ETH and Receive stETH

Staking ETH and receiving stETH is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:

• Connect your wallet: Start by connecting your Ethereum wallet to the Lido platform. Lido supports various wallets, including MetaMask, Ledger, and Trezor.
• Deposit ETH: Once your wallet is connected, you can deposit your ETH into the Lido protocol. You can deposit any amount of ETH, and you will receive stETH at a 1:1 ratio.
• Receive stETH: After depositing your ETH, you will receive stETH in your wallet. The stETH will begin accruing staking rewards immediately.
• Use stETH in DeFi: You can now use your stETH in various DeFi applications, such as lending, borrowing, or liquidity provision. This allows you to earn additional yield on your staked assets.

By following these steps, you can easily stake your ETH and receive stETH, allowing you to participate in Ethereum's staking mechanism while maintaining access to your assets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I convert stETH back to ETH?

A: Yes, you can convert stETH back to ETH through the Lido protocol. However, the process may take some time due to the Ethereum network's withdrawal queue. You can initiate a withdrawal request on the Lido platform, and once the request is processed, your stETH will be converted back to ETH.

Q: Is stETH subject to the same risks as ETH?

A: stETH is a derivative of ETH and is subject to some of the same risks, such as market fluctuations and potential network issues. However, stETH also carries additional risks related to the Lido protocol, such as technical issues or security breaches. Users should be aware of these risks when using stETH.

Q: Can I use stETH on any DeFi platform?

A: stETH is widely supported on many DeFi platforms, but not all platforms may accept it. Before using stETH in a DeFi application, you should check the platform's documentation to ensure that it supports stETH. Some popular platforms that support stETH include Aave, Curve, and Yearn Finance.

Q: How does the value of stETH change over time?

A: The value of stETH increases over time as it accrues staking rewards. The rate of increase depends on the performance of the Ethereum network and the staking rewards earned by the Lido protocol. Users can track the value of their stETH on the Lido platform or through various DeFi analytics tools.