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Staking has become one of the most popular ways for crypto holders to earn passive income without actively trading. Instead of waiting on price movements, staking allows investors to lock up their tokens to help secure a network and receive rewards in return — similar to earning interest on a savings account.
In 2026, staking is a core passive income strategy as more blockchains move to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) or hybrid consensus systems. But not all staking opportunities are equal: rewards (APY), lock-up terms, network security and liquidity all matter when choosing what to stake.
Below is a list of some of the best cryptocurrencies to stake for passive rewards this year:
- Ethereum (ETH)
- Cardano (ADA)
- Solana (SOL)
- Binance Coin (BNB)
- Tezos (XTZ)
- Cosmos (ATOM)
- Polkadot (DOT)
1. Ethereum (ETH)
Ethereum is the largest smart contract blockchain that fully transitioned to PoS in the historic “Merge.”
• Why It’s Good to Stake: With one of the deepest staking ecosystems in crypto, ETH offers solid, steady rewards from network validation. Because so much ETH is staked already, the network is highly secure and decentralized.
• How It Works: To become a validator you’d normally need to stake at least 32 ETH, but liquid staking services allow smaller holders to participate and still earn rewards.
• Passive Rewards: Typical annual yields vary depending on total staked amount and network conditions.
• Best For: Long-term holders who prefer security and stability in earning yield.
2. Cardano (ADA)
Cardano is a delegated PoS blockchain known for its research-driven development and sustainability.
• Why Stake It: ADA staking does not require lock-ups — meaning you often can withdraw or reallocate your ADA while still earning.
• Rewards: ADA’s APY has historically been competitive and accessible to holders of all sizes.
• Passive Income Perks: Cardano’s ecosystem continues to grow with decentralized apps and DeFi, making staking a steady yield strategy.
• Best For: Investors who want flexible staking with lower barriers.
3. Solana (SOL)
Solana is a high-speed blockchain that combines PoS with its own optimization layer, helping it handle high throughput.
• Why Stake SOL: SOL staking rewards are typically higher than some older blockchains as the network aims to attract validators.
• Network Demand: Solana remains a hub for DeFi and gaming apps, where staking helps secure transactions and earn yield.
• Liquidity: SOL’s staking can often be delegated with flexible options depending on where you stake.
• Best For: Crypto holders who want performance and growth potential with staking income.
4. Binance Coin (BNB)
BNB runs a Proof-of-Staked-Authority (PoSA) model within the Binance ecosystem.
• Why It’s on the List: BNB isn’t directly stakable on its own blockchain in a traditional sense, but many exchanges and services offer stake-like yield programs.
• Extra Utility: As the native token of one of the largest crypto ecosystems, staking or earning yield on BNB can also come with perks like lower fees or platform boosts.
• Best For: Users already active in the Binance ecosystem and rewards programs.
5. Tezos (XTZ)
Tezos introduced “baking” long before many PoS chains and is still a favorite among stakers.
• What Makes It Stand Out: Instead of validators or delegators, Tezos participants are called “bakers” — but the principle is the same: stake to secure and earn.
• Rewards: APYs for XTZ staking are historically strong with moderate lock-up terms.
• Governance: Tezos has active governance, so staking also gives holders voting influence on upgrades.
• Best For: Those who want community influence plus rewards.
6. Cosmos (ATOM)
Cosmos is designed as an “Internet of Blockchains,” connecting many sovereign chains.
• Why Stake ATOM: Cosmos staking rewards are typically above average due to its cross-chain demand.
• Use Case: Because ATOM helps secure not just one chain but many interconnected networks, staking supports robust real-world utility.
• Best For: Investors who favor ecosystem-wide participation and growth potential.
7. Polkadot (DOT)
Polkadot enables many “parachains” to interoperate under a shared security model.
• Rewards: DOT staking yields can be attractive but depend on network nomination strategies.
• Network Advantage: As more parachains launch, demand for DOT staking participation may grow.
• Best For: Holders who want staking amplified by ecosystem expansion.
Conclusion
Selecting what crypto to stake depends on your risk tolerance, investment size, and liquidity needs. Established networks like Ethereum and Cardano offer strong, reliable returns, while blockchains like Solana, Cosmos and Polkadot may deliver higher yields tied to their growing ecosystems.
For those more cautious, tokens with platform-backed staking (like BNB or exchange-listings) let you earn rewards with added utility. Always consider APY, lock-ups, validator fees, and how long you’re willing to hold when choosing your staking strategy.
