We compared the top crypto staking platforms for ETH and SOL rewards — from beginner-friendly exchanges to secure hardware solutions. Our picks: Coinbase, Binance, and Tangem.
Best for beginners — streamlined staking for ETH and SOL with a regulated, NASDAQ-listed platform. No lock-ups and a clean mobile interface make it the easiest way to start earning rewards.
Best for variety and competitive rates — the widest selection of stakable assets with some of the highest APYs for Solana, plus flexible and locked staking options.
Best for security — a credit-card-sized hardware wallet that enables non-custodial staking of ETH and SOL via integrated validators, keeping your private keys offline.
If you hold Ethereum or Solana, you're leaving money on the table by not staking. Staking lets you earn passive rewards — currently ranging from 2–7% APY depending on the asset and platform — by helping secure the network. But the how matters a great deal. Do you want the convenience of a centralized exchange (CEX) or the sovereignty of a non-custodial hardware wallet? We tested the leading options to find the things actually worth buying for both approaches.
| Pick | Best For | Custody | ETH APY (approx.) | SOL APY (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coinbase | Beginners & ease of use | Custodial | ~2.5–3.5% | ~4–5% |
| Binance | Variety & competitive rates | Custodial | ~3–4% | ~5–7% |
| Tangem | Security & self-custody | Non-custodial | Varies (via integrated validators) |
Coinbase is the most straightforward way to stake Ethereum and Solana, especially if you're new to crypto. The platform is publicly listed on the NASDAQ and regulated in the U.S., which adds a layer of trust that many smaller exchanges can't match.1 Its clean interface makes staking a few taps: buy or deposit ETH or SOL, hit the stake button, and rewards start accruing automatically.2
What we like: No lock-up periods for ETH — you can unstake at any time (though the Ethereum network's withdrawal queue can take days). Coinbase handles all the technical complexity, from validator selection to reward distribution. The mobile app is excellent, and you can track your staking rewards in real time.
Trade-offs: Coinbase charges a commission on staking rewards — typically 25–35% of what you earn. That's higher than some competitors. And because it's custodial, you don't hold the private keys; you're trusting Coinbase with your assets.
Bottom line: If simplicity is your priority and you're comfortable with a regulated custodian, Coinbase is the best entry point for staking ETH and SOL.
Binance offers the widest selection of stakable assets among major exchanges, including both Ethereum and Solana with some of the most competitive reward rates in the industry.2 For Solana staking in particular, Binance frequently offers APYs in the 5–7% range, which can significantly outpace what you'd get on Coinbase.
What we like: Flexible staking options — you can choose between locked staking (higher rates, fixed terms) and flexible staking (lower rates, withdraw anytime). Binance also supports a vast ecosystem of other proof-of-stake coins if you want to diversify beyond ETH and SOL. The platform's advanced trading tools are a bonus for more experienced users.
Trade-offs: Binance has faced regulatory scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S. (where Binance.US offers a more limited set of features). The interface can be overwhelming for absolute beginners. Like Coinbase, it's custodial — you're trusting the exchange.
Bottom line: For experienced users who want maximum APY and asset variety, Binance is hard to beat — just be aware of the regulatory landscape in your region.
Tangem takes a fundamentally different approach. It's a hardware wallet — a credit-card-sized device with a secure chip — that keeps your private keys offline and out of reach of hackers.2 Through Tangem's companion app, you can stake supported assets including Ethereum and Solana directly from the wallet, meaning you never surrender custody of your coins.
What we like: True self-custody — your seed phrase is stored on the card's chip and never touches the internet. The wallet is waterproof, tamper-proof, and incredibly portable. Staking is handled through integrated third-party validators, so you retain control while earning rewards. No KYC required.
Trade-offs: The staking interface is less polished than a major exchange. Setting up and understanding non-custodial staking has a steeper learning curve. APY varies depending on which validator you choose, and you'll need to do some research to pick a reliable one.
Bottom line: If you prioritize security and control above all else — and you're willing to trade a bit of convenience for true sovereignty — Tangem is the best way to stake ETH and SOL without trusting an exchange.
Start with your risk tolerance. If you're new to crypto and want the simplest possible experience, a custodial exchange like Coinbase is the right call. You trade a bit of yield for peace of mind and regulatory oversight.1
Consider your portfolio size. For smaller holdings, the convenience of an exchange usually outweighs the fee drag. For larger amounts — say, above $5,000 worth of ETH or SOL — the custodial risk and commission fees start to matter more, and a hardware wallet like Tangem becomes more attractive.
Don't ignore lock-ups. Some platforms require you to lock your SOL for a fixed period (e.g., 14–30 days) to earn the highest APY. Make sure you're comfortable with the liquidity trade-off before committing.
Check regulatory standing. Coinbase is fully regulated in the U.S. and listed on NASDAQ. Binance has faced regulatory challenges in several countries. Tangem, as a hardware wallet, operates outside the exchange regulatory framework entirely.1
We evaluated platforms based on five criteria: ease of use, APY potential, fees, custodial vs. non-custodial status, and regulatory standing. Our analysis draws on data from Bankrate and Good Money Guide, as well as hands-on testing of each platform's staking flow.1
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| Pick | Price | Custody | ETH APY | SOL APY | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Coinbase ▶ Pick | — | Custodial | ~2.5–3.5% | ~4–5% | Check price ↗ |
Binance also good | — | Custodial | ~3–4% | ~5–7% | Check price ↗ |
Tangem Wallet also good | — | Non-custodial | Varies by validator | Varies by validator | Check price ↗ |
Want a follow-up the article didn't answer? Ask the engine — it carries the article's context.
Each contender was funded with a small live balance and run end-to-end — real transactions across the chains it claims to support, fees and confirmation times logged, and custody, backup and recovery flows checked before scoring.
| Varies (via integrated validators) |
