In the fast-moving world of crypto, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for liquid staking. Whether you’re looking to stake ETH with liquidity, earn multiple yields, or explore the best DeFi apps for liquid staking, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Want to know, “Where can I stake crypto and still use my funds?” — This article has your answer.
What Is Liquid Staking and How Does It Work?
Liquid staking is an advanced staking method that lets you earn staking rewards without locking up your assets. When you stake tokens through a liquid staking platform, you receive Liquid Staking Tokens (LSTs) like stETH, rETH, or mSOL. These tokens represent your staked assets and can be used in DeFi — traded, lent, or used as collateral.
| Popular Question: “How does liquid staking work?” — It’s simple. You stake, receive an LST, and use that token across DeFi protocols. |
Compared to traditional staking, where assets are locked and unbonding can take weeks, liquid staking vs traditional staking shows a clear advantage in flexibility and composability.
Benefits of Liquid Staking in 2025
1. Staking Crypto Without Lock-Up
The core benefit of liquid staking is freedom. Your capital keeps earning while remaining usable.
2. Yield Optimization Across Protocols
Use your LST in farming, lending, or restaking protocols like EigenLayer to earn stacked rewards. It’s a prime strategy for 2025.
| “Which platform has the highest liquid staking rewards?” — It often depends on network and strategy. See comparison below. |
3. Diversification Across Chains
With multi-chain staking rising, you can now stake not only ETH but also Solana, DOT, and even L2 assets with liquid options.
4. Better Security Standards
Platforms now integrate MPC wallets, audit trails, and advanced slashing protection — essential as risks increase.
| “Can I unstake anytime with liquid staking?” — Yes, by swapping your LST on a DEX for instant access. |
Liquid Staking Platforms Comparison 2025
Here’s a breakdown of the top crypto liquid staking protocols today based on liquidity, token utility, security, and supported assets.
1. EtherFi
Best liquid staking for Ethereum 2.0 with restaking integration.
- LST: eETH
- Strength: Native integration with EigenLayer
- Bonus: Use Bybit to trade ETH with leverage and enjoy up to a $30,050 bonus with this link
2. Lido Finance
Still the largest for Ethereum but facing competition.
- LST: stETH
- Strength: DeFi compatibility, huge liquidity
- Use Case: Great for long-term ETH staking and borrowing against stETH
3. Mantle LSP
Top DeFi tools for liquid staking tokens on L2.
- LST: mETH
- Strength: Built for Layer 2 with low fees
- Emerging Use: Restaking and yield stacking via Mantle’s DeFi suite
4. Jito (Solana)
Best place to stake Solana in 2025.
- LST: JitoSOL
- Strength: MEV optimization, high yield
- Bonus Tip: Trade JitoSOL on Jupiter for instant unstaking
5. Stader Labs
Multi-chain staking solution for ETH, MATIC, BNB, and more.
- LSTs: ETHx, MaticX, BNBx
- Strength: Broad chain support, strong validator network
| “Best places to stake Solana or DOT in 2025?” — Jito (SOL) and Stader (DOT) are excellent options. |
Risks and Benefits of Liquid Staking
Benefits:
🟢 Liquidity and Flexibility: Stake your assets and still use them in DeFi.
🟢 Composability: Use LSTs across multiple protocols for added yield.
🟢 Instant Access: No unbonding period—just swap your LST to get your base token back.
🟢 Reward Stacking: Combine staking rewards with DeFi yields or restaking rewards.
Risks:
🔴 Smart contract bugs
🔴 Slashing penalties (if validators misbehave)
🔴 Depegging risk (LST not matching base token)
Always DYOR and choose audited, transparent platforms.
Want to minimize risk? Platforms like BloFin offer analytics tools to track staking risk metrics.
Liquid Staking Yield Comparison 2025
| Platform | Token | Approx. Yield | DeFi Use | Restaking? |
| EtherFi | eETH | ~3.5-5% | Yes | Yes |
| Lido | stETH | ~3.8% | Yes | Limited |
| Mantle | mETH | ~4.2% | Yes | Yes |
| Jito | JitoSOL | ~6.5% | Yes | No |
| Stader | ETHx/MaticX | Varies | Yes | Partial |
Final Thoughts: Best Liquid Staking Platforms 2025
Liquid staking in 2025 is no longer just an add-on; it’s the future of PoS rewards. With platforms like EtherFi, Lido, and Jito leading the charge, you have numerous ways to earn, use, and multiply your crypto.
Stay flexible, stay informed — and leverage platforms that fit your yield, risk, and liquidity goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is liquid staking better than regular staking?
For most users, yes. It offers rewards plus flexibility. You keep earning while using your funds.
2. Where can I stake crypto and still use my funds?
Use liquid staking platforms like EtherFi, Lido, and Mantle.
3. What’s the best way to do liquid staking for ETH in 2025?
EtherFi with EigenLayer restaking or Lido for DeFi access.
4. Top crypto liquid staking protocols to watch?
EtherFi, Lido, Mantle, Jito, and Stader.
5. What are the best DeFi apps for liquid staking?
Aave (for borrowing), Balancer, Curve, and EigenLayer for restaking.
6. How liquid staking works in 2025?
You stake, get an LST, and use it across DeFi without waiting periods.
