You can stake Ethereum without 32 ETH by using a staking pool or liquid staking. These combine deposits from many people to run validators, so you can stake any amount and earn a share of the rewards. Running your own validator ("solo staking") still requires 32 ETH and a computer online 24/7, but most people don't need to do that. In Virtex Wallet you can stake ETH in a few taps and track rewards in the app.
This guide explains your options, what you can earn, and the risks to understand first. If staking is new to you, read what is crypto staking.
How Ethereum staking works
Since "The Merge" in 2022, Ethereum has run on proof of stake. Validators lock ETH as collateral, propose and attest to blocks, and earn rewards. If they act dishonestly they can be slashed, losing part of their stake. Since the Shanghai/Capella upgrade in 2023, staked ETH and rewards can be withdrawn.
Rewards come from:
- Consensus rewards: newly issued ETH paid by the protocol
- Execution rewards: priority fees and MEV from the blocks a validator proposes
Historically, ETH staking has paid in the low single digits per year. The rate falls as more ETH is staked overall.
Three ways to stake ETH
| Solo staking | Pooled staking | Liquid staking | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 32 ETH | Small amounts | Small amounts |
| Hardware | Your own node, always online | None | None |
| Who runs validators | You | Pool operators | Protocol's node operators |
| What you hold | Your validator | Pool balance | A token like stETH or rETH |
| Extra risk | Your own mistakes, slashing | Operator risk | Smart-contract and depeg risk |
| Best for | Technical users with 32+ ETH | Most holders | People who want to keep using staked ETH in DeFi |
Pooled staking
You deposit ETH and the pool runs validators on your behalf. Simple, and you don't need any technical knowledge. You're trusting the pool operator's setup.
Liquid staking
You deposit ETH into a protocol such as Lido or Rocket Pool and receive a liquid staking token (stETH, rETH). The token grows in value or balance as rewards build up, and you can swap it back to ETH at any time through a DEX. That makes your staked ETH usable, but the token relies on smart contracts and can briefly trade below the value of ETH during market stress.
Step-by-step: staking ETH in Virtex Wallet
- Open Virtex Wallet and select Ethereum (ETH).
- Make sure you have ETH, plus a little extra for gas fees.
- Tap Stake.
- Choose the staking option shown in the app and review the provider, estimated reward rate and withdrawal time.
- Enter the amount and confirm the transaction.
- Your staked position appears in the app. In non-custodial mode, you can also check it on Etherscan using your address.
In non-custodial mode, you sign the staking transaction with your own keys. In custodial mode, Virtex stakes on your behalf and handles the technical side. (Custodial mode isn't available in the EEA, the UK or the USA.) Not sure which fits you? Read custodial vs non-custodial staking.
How to unstake ETH
How fast you get ETH back depends on the method:
- Liquid staking: swap your stETH or rETH back to ETH on a DEX almost instantly (at the market rate), or request a withdrawal through the protocol and wait for the exit queue.
- Pooled or native validators: withdrawals go through Ethereum's exit queue. When few people are exiting, it's quick. When many people exit at once, it can take days or weeks.
Plan for the slow case. Don't stake ETH you may need on short notice.
Gas fees: when staking small amounts doesn't pay
Staking, claiming and unstaking on Ethereum mainnet all cost gas. If you're staking a very small amount, a few gas payments can eat a year's rewards. Rules of thumb:
- Stake in fewer, larger transactions rather than many small ones.
- Make transactions when the network is quiet.
- For tiny balances, compare staking on cheaper proof-of-stake networks such as Solana or BNB Chain.
Risks to understand
- Price risk: rewards are in ETH, so your dollar value moves with ETH's price.
- Slashing: validators that double-sign or misbehave lose part of their stake. Reputable operators rarely get slashed, but it happens.
- Smart-contract risk: liquid staking and pools rely on contracts that could have bugs.
- Depeg risk: liquid staking tokens can trade below ETH for a while.
- Exit queue delays: withdrawals can be slow when demand is high.
More detail in is crypto staking safe?
Common questions
Do I really need 32 ETH to stake? Only to run your own validator. Pools and liquid staking let you stake any amount.
Are ETH staking rewards automatic? Yes. Rewards accrue to your staked position automatically. With liquid staking tokens, the rewards show up as a rising balance or a rising exchange rate against ETH.
Can I stake ETH on Layer 2 networks? Native ETH staking happens on Ethereum mainnet. Some liquid staking tokens can be bridged to L2s, but that adds bridge risk.
Is staked ETH taxable? In many countries, rewards are taxed as income when received, and swapping in or out of liquid staking tokens may be a taxable event. Check local rules.
Put your ETH to work from your own wallet: download Virtex Wallet on Google Play. This article is general information, not financial advice.