Solana has become one of the most actively staked cryptocurrencies in 2025. With high staking yields, growing institutional support, and a strong technical foundation, more investors than ever are looking to earn rewards by staking SOL.
But what does it mean to stake Solana? How much of it is already staked? And where are the best places to do it?
This guide answers all of those questions and more.
What Is Solana Staking?
Staking SOL means locking your Solana tokens to support the network and earn rewards. When you stake, your tokens are delegated to a validator – a machine that helps process transactions and keep the blockchain running smoothly.
In return, you receive staking rewards. These rewards are paid in SOL and vary based on how much is being staked across the entire network, the performance of your validator, and a few technical factors.
Unlike mining, staking doesn’t require expensive hardware. You simply choose a platform, delegate your SOL, and start earning.
How Much Solana Is Staked in 2025?
As of today, around 346 million SOL is staked. That’s about 64.7% of the total circulating supply.
This makes Solana one of the most actively staked blockchains in the world.
The total value of staked SOL is estimated at $44 billion, based on the current price. In fact, at one point earlier this year, Solana’s staking market cap briefly surpassed Ethereum’s, making it the #1 Proof-of-Stake blockchain by staking volume.
This high level of participation shows the confidence investors have in Solana’s future.
Why Are More People Staking SOL Now?
There are a few big reasons why staking SOL is booming in 2025.
1. SOL ETFs Are Coming
One of the biggest drivers of staking growth is the expected launch of Solana ETFs in the U.S. and other regions. A number of major firms – like VanEck, Bitwise, and Grayscale – have already filed applications.
And in July 2025, REX Shares officially launched the first Solana staking ETF, offering exposure not just to the SOL price, but also to staking rewards.
This is huge. It means traditional investors can now earn passive income from SOL without ever owning crypto directly. As a result, demand for staked SOL is rising fast.
2. Regulatory Clarity
The U.S. SEC recently ruled that staking rewards do not violate securities laws. This decision removed a lot of fear and uncertainty in the market. Platforms are now more confident offering staking services, and users feel safer delegating their coins.
This clarity is one reason why so many new staking ETFs are expected to get approved before the end of the year.
3. Higher Yields Than Ethereum
Solana’s staking rewards are simply more attractive than Ethereum’s right now. While Ethereum staking offers an average of 3–3.5%, Solana staking yields are often between 6–8%, depending on the platform.
For many investors, the math is simple: stake SOL and earn more.
How to Stake Solana
Staking SOL is easier than ever in 2025. You don’t need to run a validator yourself. Instead, you can delegate your tokens using a trusted platform or wallet.
Here’s a simple step-by-step process:
Choose a platform or wallet (we’ll list the best options below).
Buy or transfer SOL to that platform.
Select a validator or staking product (depending on the platform).
Stake your SOL and start earning rewards.
Some platforms even offer liquid staking, which means you can use your staked SOL in DeFi or trading while still earning rewards. More on that below.
Read also:
How To Stake ETH With Lido? Is Lido Good For Staking?
Best Place To Stake Stablecoins [USDC, USDT]
Best Liquid Staking Platforms
Where to Stake Solana: Best Platforms in 2025
Let’s now look at the five best platforms to stake Solana in 2025. We’ll cover the rewards, fees, security, and special features of each one.
Platform APY (Annual Yield) Fees / Commission Binance ~7–8% 0–8% commission (varies by validator) Coinbase ~5.0% ~30–35% commission on rewards Kraken Up to 10% ~15% commission Marinade Finance ~7.5% ~9–10% performance fee Jito Network ~7.2% 4% annual fee, 0.1% withdrawal fee
1. Binance
APY: ~7–8%
Fees: 0–8% commission (varies by validator)
Lock-up: None with BNSOL
Why Binance?Binance is the world’s largest crypto exchange and offers a simple way to stake Solana. You can use their liquid staking token (BNSOL) to stay flexible – allowing you to unstake or trade at any time. Binance also selects reliable validators and has a clean, user-friendly interface.
Ideal for users who want high yields without technical headaches.
Visit Binance Today 2. Coinbase
APY: ~5.0%
Fees: ~30–35% commission on rewards
Lock-up: None
Why Coinbase?While Coinbase charges higher fees, it’s one of the safest and easiest platforms for staking SOL. It’s fully regulated, has insured custody, and supports hardware wallets. Everything is done in a few clicks.
Best for users who want convenience and peace of mind.
Visit Coinbase Today 3. Kraken
APY: Up to 10% (if you choose “bonded” staking)
Fees: ~15% commission
Lock-up: Optional (flexible or 30+ day bonded)
Why Kraken?Kraken offers more flexible options: you can choose between bonded (higher yield) or flexible (lower yield) staking. The platform is trusted, has excellent uptime, and is great for serious crypto investors.
Good for users who want a bit more control over their staking strategy.
Visit Kraken Today 4. Marinade Finance
APY: ~7.5%
Fees: ~9–10% performance fee
Lock-up: None (you receive mSOL)
Why Marinade?Marinade is the leading liquid staking protocol on Solana. You stake your SOL and get mSOL, a token that represents your staked SOL and can be used in DeFi apps. Marinade automatically delegates to top validators and compounds your rewards.
Best for DeFi users and advanced investors who want yield + flexibility.
5. Jito Network
APY: ~7.2%
Fees: 4% management fee, 0.1% withdrawal fee
Lock-up: 1–2 epochs (about 2–4 days)
Why Jito?Jito combines staking with MEV optimization. This means you earn extra yield from transaction order strategies, on top of your staking rewards. You receive JitoSOL, a liquid staking token.
Ideal for users who want the highest real returns and are familiar with advanced crypto tools.
What Is Liquid Staking?
Liquid staking means you can stake your SOL and still use it in DeFi, trade it, or provide liquidity elsewhere. You get a “receipt” token (like mSOL or JitoSOL) that represents your staked SOL.
This gives you:
Full staking rewards
Access to DeFi tools
The ability to exit without long lock-up times
Platforms like Marinade and Jito have made liquid staking very popular in the Solana ecosystem.
Risks of Staking Solana
While staking is generally safe, it’s not risk-free. Here are a few things to watch out for:
Slashing: If your validator behaves badly or goes offline, you could lose a small portion of your rewards (rare on Solana).
Smart contract bugs: For DeFi-based staking, there’s always the risk of a bug in the protocol.
Platform risk: Centralized platforms (like Binance or Coinbase) can limit withdrawals in emergencies.
Volatility: SOL’s price can still go down, even if you’re earning rewards.
Make sure to research each platform, use secure wallets, and avoid unknown validators.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Staking SOL in 2025?
Absolutely. With over 64% of all SOL staked, high yields compared to other blockchains, and major ETFs coming soon, staking SOL is one of the smartest moves crypto investors can make right now.
If you want simplicity and security, Coinbase and Binance are great options. If you’re a DeFi user or looking for maximum flexibility, Marinade and Jito offer powerful tools and higher returns.
No matter which option you choose, staking lets you earn passive income while supporting the Solana network.
And with staking ETFs entering the mainstream in 2025, it’s likely that staking SOL will only become more popular and more profitable from here on out.
The post How and Where to Stake Solana (Full Guide) appeared first on CaptainAltcoin.
