How to choose the right blockchain to stake on: Expert tips
Staking lets you earn rewards while helping secure a Proof‑of‑Stake (PoS) blockchain. But not all networks offer the same returns, fees, or risk profile. In this guide, we’ve compiled essential factors and show how Moonlet helps you make informed choices.
What do I need to consider when choosing a staking network?
APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
APR, or Annual Percentage Rate, tells you how much you’ll earn over a year. It’s a clear, upfront way to measure returns. APR is often used to show expected rewards from staking, lending, or joining liquidity pools.1
It provides a useful baseline for comparing networks, though it excludes compounding and fees. Common APRs range from 3 % (Ethereum) to 10 % or more on emerging chains, depending on inflation settings.
Your net APR is what remains after validator fees are deducted.
Validator fees
Validators charge a commission (or fee) on staking rewards. This rate typically falls between 0.1 % and 3 %. For example, validators deduct a commission from inflationary rewards on Solana networks before distributing the remainder to delegators.2
When comparing networks, always look at both gross APR and net APR. A chain offering 8 % APR with a 1 % validator fee yields about 7 % net.
Validator uptime
Uptime measures how consistently a validator signs blocks or votes as expected. High uptime (ideally over 99 %) is essential. Downtime results in lost block rewards and, in some cases, penalties.
Staking ratio
The staking ratio is the percentage of a token’s circulating (or eligible) supply that is actively staked. A higher ratio often means token holders are strongly committed to securing the chain and earning rewards. It reflects trust in the network and its validators. A lower ratio, on the other hand, can indicate that holders prefer to keep tokens liquid instead of staking them.3
These four metrics are the basics you should use to compare blockchains. On the Moonlet dashboard, you can easily compare and choose your favorite network.
How to compare networks using Moonlet’s dashboard
Moonlet’s dashboard offers a unified view. Here’s how to use it:
- Side‑by‑side APR view: See gross versus net APR for each supported chain. Filter by validator fee or staking ratio.
- Performance metrics: Quickly check validator uptime and history of slashing incidents.
- Security indicators: View staking ratio, decentralization level, and unbonding duration.
- Alerts & monitoring: Receive notifications if a validator drops in performance or APR changes significantly.
Which network should I stake on?
Apart from the advanced view you get from the Moonlet staking dashboard, Moonlet is backed by a team of blockchain and staking experts. We’ve gathered some tips from our team on how to choose the blockchain to stake on:
Solana – High performance, fast rewards
Solana is known for ultra-low latency and low fees, offering competitive net APRs (~6–8%). With frequent rewards (every ~2 days) and short warm-up and cool-down times, it’s ideal for users seeking dynamic yield opportunities.
Moonlet Tip: On Solana, validator performance is critical. Our Firedancer-ready infrastructure ensures high uptime and resilience—validated by our 99.9%+ availability record. If you’re looking for speed and stable rewards, Solana via Moonlet is a strong choice.
Sui – Fast epochs, conservative yield
Sui offers fast finality and daily epochs, making it ideal for active users. While staking APRs are currently modest (~2.1%), Sui’s low validator commissions help preserve your net yield.
Moonlet Tip: Sui is a good fit for users who prefer network consistency over high returns. With our dedicated Sui validator, you benefit from high availability, proactive monitoring, and performance transparency via our staking dashboard.
Ethereum – Blue-chip security, stable returns
Ethereum offers long-term staking stability, with low APRs (~3–4%) but industry-leading decentralization and security. With longer unbonding periods and no slashing protection by default, choosing a reliable validator is crucial.
Moonlet Tip: Our Ethereum validator is optimized for institutional-grade staking, with secure key management, compliance-aligned operations, and strong performance over time. If you're holding ETH for the long haul, staking with Moonlet offers dependable passive income.
Zilliqa – Simplified staking, consistent rewards
Zilliqa provides a straightforward staking experience and steady returns (~6–8%). It's well-suited for users who want predictable income and a smooth staking flow—especially when paired with a Ledger device.
Moonlet Tip: Moonlet has been supporting Zilliqa since early mainnet days, and our validator is battle-tested. If you're part of the ZIL ecosystem or hold ZIL long-term, staking with Moonlet is a secure, easy-to-use option—especially via hardware wallets.
Sources:
1 https://trustwallet.com/blog/staking/apy-vs-apr-in-crypto-whats-the-difference
3 https://docs.stakingrewards.com/staking-data/metrics/staking-ratio
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