10 Best Liquid Staking Protocols (2026)

Want to earn staking rewards without locking up your crypto? These 10 liquid staking and restaking protocols are leading the market in 2026.

What are the best liquid staking platforms?

Lido

Lido is still the biggest name in liquid staking by a long shot. The protocol lets users stake ETH and receive stETH in return, which can then be used across restaking apps and other protocols while continuing to earn staking rewards. Lido helped popularize the idea of liquid staking by removing the need for users to run validators or lock up large amounts of ETH.

Lido also supports other products like EarnETH & EarnUSD for additional rewards, but liquid staking remains its core focus.

Binance

Binance staked ETH, also known as WBETH, is Binance’s liquid staking product for Ethereum. Users stake ETH through Binance and receive WBETH, which represents their staked assets plus accrued rewards.

Binance also offers liquid staking products for Solana users, giving investors options for the two largest DeFi economies.

The biggest advantage of Binance liquid staking is accessibility. Users can stake directly through the Binance exchange without interacting with multiple wallets or DeFi protocols. While it is more centralized than alternatives like Lido, Binance liquid staking has grown rapidly, thanks to a huge user base and simplified onboarding.

EigenLayer

EigenLayer introduced the idea of restaking to Ethereum. Instead of only securing Ethereum itself, users can restake ETH or liquid staking tokens like stETH to help secure additional applications and services known as Actively Validated Services, or AVSs.

The protocol has exploded in popularity as it lets stakers potentially earn extra yield on top of standard Ethereum staking rewards.

Ether.Fi

Ether.Fi is one of the leading liquid restaking protocols built around Ethereum.

Users receive eETH when staking through the platform, which can then be used in DeFi or restaked through EigenLayer-compatible services. Ether.Fi gained traction during the rise of restaking and has become one of the largest protocols tied to EigenLayer.

Babylon Protocol

Babylon Protocol takes a different approach by bringing staking mechanics to Bitcoin. Instead of relying on wrapped BTC or bridge-based systems, Babylon essentially extends Bitcoin’s security model into proof-of-stake systems.

The project has gained attention and investment because it opens the door for DeFi to play a larger role in the Bitcoin market.

Jupiter

Jupiter is best known as Solana’s leading decentralized exchange aggregator, but it also offers liquid staking for Solana.

As a dominant protocol in the Solana market, this has naturally helped it become one of the leading liquid staking options for the SOL economy.

Kelp 

Kelp is a liquid restaking protocol built around EigenLayer. Users deposit liquid staking tokens such as stETH and receive rsETH in return, allowing them to participate in the restaking economy while maintaining liquidity.

The protocol gained traction during the rapid expansion of EigenLayer because it simplified access to restaking rewards and DeFi integrations. Kelp DAO is now one of the largest protocols, operating across 10 chains.

Rocket Pool

Rocket Pool is one of Ethereum’s longest-running decentralized staking protocols. Unlike more centralized alternatives, Rocket Pool is designed around distributed node operators, making it a popular choice for investors who prioritize decentralization.

Users receive rETH when staking through the platform, which is widely accepted across other protocols.

Jito

Jito has become one of the largest liquid staking protocols on Solana. Users stake SOL and receive JitoSOL in return, allowing them to earn staking rewards while remaining active in Solana DeFi.

The protocol also focuses heavily on MEV optimization, helping validators and stakers potentially generate additional yield.

StakeWise

StakeWise is an Ethereum liquid staking protocol focused on flexibility and transparency. Users stake ETH and receive liquid staking tokens that can still be deployed across DeFi protocols.

The platform has positioned itself as a more modular staking infrastructure provider, catering to both retail and institutional users.

How to choose the best liquid staking platform

The best liquid staking platform often depends on what users value most. Some prioritize liquidity and DeFi integrations, while others focus on decentralization, security, or additional yield opportunities.

Large platforms like Lido and Binance offer deep liquidity and widespread adoption, making it easier to use liquid staking tokens across DeFi. Protocols like Rocket Pool and StakeWise appeal more to users looking for decentralized validator infrastructure and reputable staking pools.

Users should also compare factors such as supported assets, validator design, smart contract audits, and whether the platform supports restaking opportunities.

Centralized vs. decentralized liquid staking

Centralized liquid staking platforms are usually operated by exchanges or companies that manage the staking infrastructure on behalf of users. Binance staked ETH is a good example because users interact directly through the Binance exchange.

Decentralized protocols like Lido, Rocket Pool, and StakeWise distribute validator operations across multiple node operators and rely on smart contracts rather than centralized custody.

Centralized platforms tend to offer simpler onboarding and smoother user experiences, while decentralized platforms are generally viewed as being more aligned with crypto’s core principles of transparency and censorship resistance.

What are the risks of liquid staking platforms?

Liquid staking platforms still carry several important risks despite their popularity.

Smart contract vulnerabilities remain one of the biggest concerns. If a protocol is exploited, users could lose funds or see liquid staking tokens lose value.

There is also validator risk. Poor validator performance can lead to slashing penalties, reducing staking rewards, or impacting deposits.

Market liquidity is another factor. Liquid staking tokens are designed to track the value of the underlying asset, but they can temporarily trade below peg during periods of volatility.

Restaking platforms introduce additional complexity because users are extending security exposure to multiple protocols or services at the same time.

Don’t forget the tax bill…

Staking, liquid staking, restaking… all taxable. You can learn more about the tax implications in our DeFi taxes guide, or sign up for Koinly free and let it calculate your tax liability for you.