Staking income comparison: Which mainstream PoS currency has a higher return?

Staking mainstream PoS cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Cardano, Solana, Tezos, and Polkadot can yield APYs from 3% to 14%, with Polkadot offering the highest returns.

May 25, 2025 at 11:56 pm

Staking has become an increasingly popular method for cryptocurrency holders to earn passive income. Proof of Stake (PoS) cryptocurrencies allow users to participate in network validation and earn rewards by holding and staking their coins. In this article, we will compare the staking income of several mainstream PoS cryptocurrencies to determine which offers the highest return.

Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum transitioned to a Proof of Stake model with the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade, making it one of the most prominent PoS cryptocurrencies. Staking ETH involves locking up your tokens to support the network's operations and security. The staking rewards on Ethereum depend on various factors, including the total amount of ETH staked and the validator's performance.

To stake ETH, users can either run their own validator node or use a staking service. Running a validator node requires a minimum of 32 ETH and technical knowledge to set up and maintain the node. Alternatively, staking services allow users to stake smaller amounts of ETH without the need for technical expertise.

The annual percentage yield (APY) for staking ETH can vary, typically ranging between 4% to 7%. Factors such as the total amount of ETH staked and network conditions can influence the actual APY.

Cardano (ADA)

Cardano is another major PoS cryptocurrency that offers staking rewards. Staking ADA involves delegating your tokens to a stake pool, which is responsible for validating transactions and maintaining the network. Cardano's staking system is designed to be more accessible, as it does not require users to lock up their tokens for a specific period.

To stake ADA, users can follow these steps:

• Download a Cardano wallet that supports staking, such as Daedalus or Yoroi.
• Transfer ADA to the wallet.
• Select a stake pool to delegate your ADA to. You can choose a pool based on factors like performance, fees, and mission.
• Delegate your ADA to the chosen stake pool.

The APY for staking ADA typically ranges between 3% to 5%. The actual rewards can vary based on the performance of the stake pool and the total amount of ADA staked in the network.

Solana (SOL)

Solana is known for its high-performance blockchain and also offers staking rewards through its PoS mechanism. Staking SOL involves running a validator node or delegating your tokens to a validator. Solana's staking system is designed to be efficient and scalable, allowing for high throughput and low transaction fees.

To stake SOL, users can follow these steps:

• Set up a Solana wallet that supports staking, such as Phantom or Solflare.
• Transfer SOL to the wallet.
• Choose a validator to delegate your SOL to. You can select a validator based on factors like performance, fees, and uptime.
• Delegate your SOL to the chosen validator.

The APY for staking SOL can be quite attractive, typically ranging between 6% to 8%. The actual rewards can vary based on the performance of the validator and the total amount of SOL staked in the network.

Tezos (XTZ)

Tezos is a self-amending blockchain that uses a PoS consensus mechanism called Liquid Proof of Stake (LPoS). Staking XTZ involves delegating your tokens to a baker, who is responsible for validating transactions and maintaining the network. Tezos' staking system is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing users to stake smaller amounts of XTZ without the need for technical expertise.

To stake XTZ, users can follow these steps:

• Set up a Tezos wallet that supports staking, such as Temple or Kukai.
• Transfer XTZ to the wallet.
• Choose a baker to delegate your XTZ to. You can select a baker based on factors like performance, fees, and reliability.
• Delegate your XTZ to the chosen baker.

The APY for staking XTZ typically ranges between 5% to 7%. The actual rewards can vary based on the performance of the baker and the total amount of XTZ staked in the network.

Polkadot (DOT)

Polkadot is a multi-chain network that uses a PoS consensus mechanism called Nominated Proof of Stake (NPoS). Staking DOT involves nominating validators to secure the network and earn rewards. Polkadot's staking system is designed to be decentralized and secure, allowing users to participate in the governance of the network.

To stake DOT, users can follow these steps:

• Set up a Polkadot wallet that supports staking, such as Polkadot.js or Fearless Wallet.
• Transfer DOT to the wallet.
• Choose validators to nominate. You can select validators based on factors like performance, fees, and reliability.
• Nominate your DOT to the chosen validators.

The APY for staking DOT typically ranges between 10% to 14%. The actual rewards can vary based on the performance of the validators and the total amount of DOT staked in the network.

Comparing Staking Returns

When comparing the staking returns of these mainstream PoS cryptocurrencies, it's important to consider several factors:

• Ethereum (ETH) offers an APY of 4% to 7%, making it a solid choice for those looking to stake a widely recognized cryptocurrency.
• Cardano (ADA) provides an APY of 3% to 5%, which is more accessible due to its lower entry barriers and no lock-up period.
• Solana (SOL) offers an attractive APY of 6% to 8%, making it a good option for those seeking higher returns and willing to navigate its technical requirements.
• Tezos (XTZ) provides an APY of 5% to 7%, with a flexible and user-friendly staking system that appeals to a wide range of users.
• Polkadot (DOT) stands out with an APY of 10% to 14%, making it the highest-yielding option among these mainstream PoS cryptocurrencies.

Each of these cryptocurrencies has its own unique features and staking requirements, so the best choice depends on individual preferences and investment goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can staking rewards change over time?

A: Yes, staking rewards can fluctuate based on various factors such as the total amount of cryptocurrency staked, network conditions, and the performance of validators or stake pools. It's important to monitor these factors to understand potential changes in your staking returns.

Q: Are there risks associated with staking?

A: Yes, staking involves certain risks, including the potential for slashing (losing a portion of your staked tokens) due to validator misbehavior or network issues. It's essential to choose reliable validators or stake pools and stay informed about the specific risks associated with each cryptocurrency.

Q: Can I unstake my tokens at any time?

A: The ability to unstake tokens varies by cryptocurrency. Some, like Cardano, allow for immediate unstaking, while others, like Ethereum, have a withdrawal delay. It's important to understand the unstaking process and any associated lock-up periods before committing to staking.

Q: How do I choose the best validator or stake pool?

A: When selecting a validator or stake pool, consider factors such as their historical performance, fees, uptime, and mission. Many platforms provide tools and metrics to help you make an informed decision based on your preferences and risk tolerance.