Top 6 staking platforms in January 2026

Staking platforms have become one of the more common ways people earn returns in crypto. Instead of actively trading, users can lock in their assets and earn rewards over time for helping keep a network running. What was once a process reserved for technically savvy users with access to specialised equipment is now far more accessible to the wider crypto space, largely thanks to platforms that handle the heavy lifting in the background.

This concept has led to a wide range of staking platforms, each built with a slightly different user in mind. Some prioritise simplicity and custody, while others focus on liquidity, on-chain control, or higher flexibility through DeFi. Together, these platforms have changed how long-term crypto participation works, giving holders more options than simply buying and waiting for asset value to appreciate. Here is a look at the top 6 staking platforms in January 2026.

1. Aqru 

Aqru is built for users who want a straightforward way to earn on their crypto without dealing with complex staking setups. The platform keeps things simple, with a clean interface and minimal technical language, making it easy to use through its mobile app. This makes it easier for newer users to get started, especially those who aren’t interested in managing wallets, validators, or on-chain interactions themselves.

However, what makes Aqru an exceptional platform is how users can fund their accounts. Alongside crypto deposits, the platform also supports fiat currencies such as EUR and GBP, allowing users to move directly from traditional money into staking products. Yields depend on the asset being used, rather than a fixed rate across the board. That said, crypto withdrawals can come with higher fees compared to fiat withdrawals, something users may want to factor in when planning how to enter and exit the platform.

2. Stakely

Stakely takes a more hands-on, non-custodial approach to staking, aimed at users who want to stay in control of their assets while earning rewards. Rather than holding funds on the platform, it works as a validator across more than 30 blockchains, covering both established networks like Ethereum and Cosmos, as well as smaller ecosystems. Users connect their wallets and stake directly on the platform, keeping the entire process transparent. 

What sets the platform apart is its staking insurance fund, a protocol that is designed to help protect stakers in the event of technical glitches or slashing, adding an extra layer of reassurance for users staking across multiple chains. The platform supports over 30 assets, including ETH, ATOM, OSMO, APT, and KSM, with returns that can reach up to 34% APY depending on the network. It’s also known for relatively low validator fees, frequent reward payouts, and flexible options that include both bonded and unbonded staking periods.

3. Rocket Pool 

Launched in 2017, Rocket Pool is a decentralised Ethereum staking protocol built for users who want to stake ETH without giving up custody or flexibility. It’s one of the longer-running projects in this space, with more than 635,000 ETH currently staked and a network supported by over 4,000 independent node operators.

Rocket Pool offers two main ways to participate. Users can stake ETH through its liquid staking pool and receive rETH in return, which continues to earn rewards and can be used across other DeFi platforms. On the other hand, more advanced users can also run nodes with lower capital requirements than traditional Ethereum validators. Yields typically sit around 3.27% APY, depending on network conditions. The protocol has been audited by firms such as Sigma Prime, ConsenSys Diligence, and Trail of Bits, and has maintained a strong security track record since its launch.

4. Lido

Lido has been around long enough to feel familiar to anyone who’s spent time staking ETH. It launched in 2020 with the simple idea of letting people earn staking rewards without locking in their own funds. That approach caught on quickly, and today Lido is the largest liquid staking protocol, with more than $28 billion in total value locked.

When users stake through Lido, they receive stETH, which represents their staked ETH and continues to earn rewards automatically. While ETH stays staked on the network, stETH can move freely across other platforms for other activities, such as lending or trading, without interrupting the ability to earn rewards. Depending on network conditions and staking setups, yields can reach up to around 8% APY. Combined with its non-custodial structure and long track record, Lido remains a common choice for users who want to stake ETH without locking themselves in.

5. Aave

Aave is better known as a lending and borrowing protocol, but it also plays a role for users looking to earn on large crypto holdings through on-chain staking and yield strategies. Built as a fully decentralised platform, it supports assets such as ETH, MATIC, and WBTC, and is generally used by more experienced users who are comfortable operating directly from a wallet rather than through a custodial service. 

Returns typically range between 3% and 15%, depending on the asset and broader market conditions. There are no direct staking fees charged by Aave itself, though users still pay standard network gas fees when depositing, withdrawing, or moving funds. What makes Aave appealing at scale is the flexibility it offers, as assets can be lent, borrowed against, or swapped within the same ecosystem. However, this type of flexibility doesn’t come without its risks. Positions can be liquidated if market conditions shift drastically, making Aave the type of platform that appeals to users who actively monitor their positions rather than letting them ride out.

6. Nexo

Nexo takes a more all-in-one approach, combining trading, lending, and earning features within a single platform. This makes it the perfect platform for users who prefer a custodial setup, as it offers multiple ways to earn passive income, including staking and interest-bearing accounts. Ethereum holders can use its ETH Smart Staking feature, which allows them to stake ETH and receive NETH in return, a liquid token that represents their staked position.

Staking rewards are paid out daily in NETH, removing the need to wait through network withdrawal periods. That token can also be used as collateral to borrow cash or stablecoins through Nexo’s credit line, adding some flexibility beyond basic staking. In addition to ETH, Nexo Earn supports more than 20 assets, including XRP, SOL, BNB, ADA, DOT, and the NEXO token itself, with yields ranging from approximately 5% to 15% APY, depending on the asset and loyalty tier.

Final thoughts

Staking has become a fairly straightforward way for crypto holders to earn on assets they already own, with platforms offering different levels of control and involvement. That said, no two platforms work the same way. Before putting money in, it’s worth spending time understanding how a platform operates, what the risks are, and how easy it is to move funds in and out.

Disclaimer. Readers are encouraged to do their own research. Ambcrypto is not liable for any outcomes related to the use of information, products, or services mentioned. This content may include affiliate or partner links.