TL;DR
- The DeFi ecosystem offers a variety of platforms that allow users to maximize cryptocurrency yields in a secure and decentralized manner.
- Lido Finance leads liquid staking, especially on Ethereum. Pendle Finance tokenizes yield futures. EigenLayer specializes in Ethereum restaking.
- Babylon allows Bitcoin staking on PoS networks, and Ethena offers a synthetic dollar backed by several assets.
The DeFi ecosystem has grown significantly over the years. Today, we have a wide range of platforms and new solutions that allow us to maximize cryptocurrency performance in a secure and decentralized way. Several protocols present unique characteristics that allow them to stand out from the competition.
Thanks to their innovative toolkits, we can stake on these platforms to make the most of each cryptocurrency. Below, we present some of the best staking options for 2025.
Lido Finance
Lido Finance is the leading liquid staking platform, especially for the Ethereum (ETH) blockchain. Its model allows users to obtain liquid tokens, such as stETH. These liquid tokens can be used within other DeFi protocols without losing exposure to the performance generated.
Lido provides great flexibility to investors. Additionally, it is a platform focused on promoting decentralization by incorporating new validators into its network. By the end of 2024, Lido surpassed $18 billion in TVL, a figure that has allowed it to consolidate as the leader in the staking market.
Lido Finance Features:
- Liquid staking on Ethereum (ETH) and other chains such as Solana, Polygon, and Avalanche.
- Emission of liquid tokens.
- High security and constant third-party audits.
- More than $18 billion in TVL.
Pendle Finance
Pendle Finance stands out for its disruptive approach, as it tokenizes yield futures, separating the principal capital and the yield into two distinct tokens (PT and YT). This model allows for various advanced investment strategies.
Pendle has managed to expand to chains like Solana and Polygon, reaching a TVL of over $550 million. Its ability to optimize yields through tokenization of assets makes it an attractive option for those looking to diversify their investment strategies.
Pendle Finance Features:
- Tokenization of futures.
- Compatible with multiple DeFi protocols.
- Wide selection of assets.
- TVL over $550 million.
EigenLayer
EigenLayer has become strong in “restaking,” which allows Ethereum users to restake their assets to secure decentralized applications and other networks. This strategy generates yields while increasing the security and decentralization of the ETH ecosystem. Currently, more than 5.2 million ETH are restaked on its platform. Additionally, EigenLayer offers additional incentives for ETH stakers.
EigenLayer Features:
- Enables restaking of assets on Ethereum (ETH).
- Additional incentives for ETH stakers.
- Promotes security and decentralization of the Ethereum ecosystem.
- Over 5.2 million ETH restaked by the end of 2024.
Babylon
Babylon is an innovative protocol that allows Bitcoin (BTC) staking directly on Proof of Stake (PoS) chains. Its self-custody model eliminates the need to transfer BTC to third parties, which is crucial for reinforcing security and ensuring the user maintains control over their assets. Babylon offers scalable restaking, maximizing the yields generated by staking. With a TVL over $5.7 billion, it has gained recognition within the community for its unique approach to integrating BTC into the DeFi economy.
Babylon Features:
- Allows Bitcoin (BTC) staking directly on PoS networks.
- Self-custody model.
- Scalable BTC restaking.
- TVL over $5.7 billion.
Ethena
Ethena Finance is a DeFi protocol based on Ethereum that offers a synthetic dollar, USDe, backed by various cryptocurrencies. Unlike traditional stablecoins, USDe maintains its peg to the dollar using delta hedging strategies, providing stability without relying on traditional financial systems.
The platform operates in a decentralized and non-custodial manner, ensuring users retain full control over their assets. Its unique approach to stability and yield generation positions it as an attractive option for many users.
Ethena Features:
- ENA Token: A governance token that allows holders to influence protocol decisions.
- TVL over $5.9 billion.
- sUSDe: A derivative asset that accumulates passive income for users who stake their USDe.
Recommendations for Entering the DeFi World
These DeFi platforms are excellent options for those interested in maximizing their yields through staking. While they offer great opportunities, it is crucial to consider the risks of operating on any platform and with any cryptocurrency.
The vulnerability of smart contracts, the volatility of token prices, and penalties for poor validator performance are factors that should always be taken into account. To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to use multiple platforms, choose those with verified security audits, and use staking options that provide financial flexibility
