Ethereum staking lets you earn passive income by helping secure the network. Here's every option available in 2026 and how to choose.
Current ETH staking yield
As of March 2026, ETH staking yields approximately 3.2-4.5% APY depending on the method. Use our Staking Calculator to model your expected returns.
Option 1: Solo staking (32 ETH minimum)
Solo staking means running your own Ethereum validator node. You need exactly 32 ETH (~$100,000+ at current prices) and a computer that runs 24/7.
Pros: Maximum rewards, full decentralization, no counterparty risk
Cons: 32 ETH minimum, technical setup, slashing risk if your node misbehaves
Best for: Technical users with 32+ ETH who want to support decentralization.
Option 2: Pooled staking (any amount)
Pooled staking lets you stake any amount of ETH by combining with other stakers. Popular options:
- Rocket Pool (rETH) — decentralized, no minimum, ~3.2% APY
- Lido (stETH) — largest pool, ~3.5% APY, but centralization concerns
- Coinbase (cbETH) — easiest if you're already on Coinbase
Pros: No minimum, easy setup, liquid staking tokens can be used in DeFi
Cons: Smart contract risk, pool takes a fee (10-25%), less decentralized
Option 3: Exchange staking (easiest)
Most major exchanges offer ETH staking with one click:
- Coinbase — ~3.0% APY, easy unstaking
- Kraken — ~3.2% APY, US restrictions apply
- Binance — ~3.5% APY (BETH token)
Pros: One-click setup, no technical knowledge needed
Cons: You don't control your keys, lower yields (exchange takes larger cut)
Find the best exchange for staking with our Exchange Recommender.
Comparison table
| Method | Min ETH | APY | Difficulty | Custodial? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solo staking | 32 ETH | 3.5-4.5% | Hard | No |
| Rocket Pool | 0.01 ETH | ~3.2% | Medium | No |
| Lido | Any | ~3.5% | Easy | No (liquid) |
| Coinbase | Any | ~3.0% | Easy | Yes |
| Kraken | Any | ~3.2% | Easy | Yes |
Tax implications of staking
Staking rewards are typically taxed as income when received. This means you'll owe income tax on the USD value of each reward at the time you receive it — even if you don't sell.
When you eventually sell your staked ETH or staking rewards, you'll also owe capital gains tax on any price appreciation.
Use our Tax Impact Preview to understand the full tax picture before you start staking.
Step-by-step: Stake ETH on Coinbase
- Sign up for a Coinbase account and complete verification
- Deposit ETH or buy ETH on Coinbase
- Go to "Earn" → "Ethereum Staking"
- Choose the amount to stake
- Confirm — you'll receive cbETH representing your staked position
Related tools
- Staking Calculator — estimate your staking rewards
- Yield Finder — compare yields across platforms
- Exchange Recommender — find the best staking platform
- Tax Impact Preview — understand staking tax implications
- DCA Calculator — model regular ETH purchases + staking
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