Imagine earning passive income while you sleep—without trading, without complicated strategies, and without constantly monitoring the market. Sounds too good to be true? Welcome to staking, one of the easiest and most effective ways to earn money with cryptocurrencies. But how much money can you actually make with staking? And which cryptocurrencies offer the best returns?
What is Staking and How Does It Work?
Staking is a process that allows you to earn rewards by holding and locking up cryptocurrencies in a blockchain network. Unlike traditional investments, staking does not require active trading. Instead, it contributes to the security and efficiency of a blockchain network, and in return, you receive rewards.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how staking works:
1. Choose a cryptocurrency that supports staking (e.g., Ethereum, Cardano, Polkadot).
2. Lock your tokens in a staking wallet or platform.
3. Earn rewards based on the amount of crypto you staked and the network’s interest rates.
The process is similar to depositing money in a savings account—you lock up your funds and earn interest over time.
How Much Money Can You Earn with Staking?
One of the most common questions people ask is: How much money can you make with staking? The answer depends on several factors:
- The cryptocurrency you stake – Different blockchains offer different annual percentage yields (APY).
- The amount you stake – The more you stake, the higher your rewards.
- The staking duration – Some networks offer higher rewards for long-term staking.
- Market conditions – Crypto prices fluctuate, which can impact your staking profits.
Example Staking Earnings
Let’s take an example of staking Ethereum 2.0 (ETH) with an estimated APY of 5%:
- If you stake 1 ETH ($3,000), you earn 0.05 ETH ($150) per year.
- If you stake 10 ETH ($30,000), you earn 0.5 ETH ($1,500) per year.
- If you stake 100 ETH ($300,000), you earn 5 ETH ($15,000) per year.
Different cryptocurrencies offer different staking rewards, so it’s important to compare options before choosing where to stake your funds.
Which is the Best Cryptocurrency for Staking?
Not all cryptocurrencies support staking, and some offer much better returns than others. Here are some of the best cryptocurrencies for staking in 2025:
1. Ethereum (ETH 2.0)
- APY: 4-5%
- Why stake it? Ethereum is the second-largest cryptocurrency and has a strong future.
- Minimum stake: 32 ETH (or use staking pools for smaller amounts).
Staking with Ethereum securely and easily.
2. Cardano (ADA)
- APY: 4-6%
- Why stake it? One of the most energy-efficient staking networks.
- Minimum stake: No minimum.
3. Polkadot (DOT)
- APY: 10-12%
- Why stake it? Offers high rewards and is a growing ecosystem.
- Minimum stake: 10 DOT.
4. Solana (SOL)
- APY: 6-8%
- Why stake it? Fast and low-fee transactions with a strong community.
- Minimum stake: No minimum.
5. Avalanche (AVAX)
- APY: 8-10%
- Why stake it? One of the fastest-growing Layer 1 blockchains.
- Minimum stake: 25 AVAX.
Choosing the best cryptocurrency for staking depends on factors like APY, project stability, and your investment goals.
How to Earn Money by Staking Cryptocurrencies
Now that you know what staking is and how much you can earn, let’s go through a step-by-step guide on how to start staking crypto: Best liquidity pools of 2025.
Step 1: Choose a Staking Cryptocurrency
Decide which crypto you want to stake. Consider APY, risk level, and blockchain technology.
Step 2: Select a Staking Platform
There are different ways to stake crypto:
- Centralized exchanges: Binance, Coinbase, Kraken staking guide.
- Staking wallets: Trust Wallet, Exodus, Ledger.
- DeFi staking platforms: Aave, Lido, Rocket Pool.
Step 3: Transfer Your Crypto to the Platform
Move your cryptocurrency to your chosen staking platform or wallet.
Step 4: Start Staking
Follow the platform’s process to lock in your tokens. Some platforms offer flexible staking (withdraw anytime) and fixed staking (higher rewards for longer commitment).
Step 5: Earn and Reinvest
Collect your rewards and decide whether to reinvest them for compound growth.
What is the Best Wallet for Staking?
A secure staking wallet is essential to protect your crypto while earning rewards. Here are some of the best options:
1. Ledger Nano X (Best for Security)
- Pros: Offline storage, supports multiple staking assets.
- Cons: Requires initial setup.
2. Trust Wallet (Best for Mobile Users)
- Pros: User-friendly, supports multiple staking coins.
- Cons: Not as secure as hardware wallets.
3. Exodus Wallet (Best for Beginners)
- Pros: Easy to use, integrated staking.
- Cons: Not fully decentralized.
4. Atomic Wallet (Best for Multi-Asset Staking)
- Pros: Supports staking for many cryptos.
- Cons: Limited features compared to exchanges.
Choosing the best wallet for staking depends on security preferences, ease of use, and staking options.
So, how much money can you make with staking? It depends on the crypto you stake, the amount you invest, and market conditions. Some investors earn a few dollars a month, while others generate thousands annually.
If you’re looking for the best cryptocurrency for staking, consider Ethereum, Cardano, or Polkadot. And if you need a secure wallet for staking, options like Ledger, Trust Wallet, and Exodus offer excellent solutions.