The 7 Best Cryptocurrencies to Stake in 2026 for Steady Passive Income

Jakarta, Pintu News – Staking has become one of the most popular ways for crypto owners to earn passive income without having to actively trade.

Instead of waiting for price movements, staking allows investors to lock in their tokens to help keep the network secure, and in return they will receive rewards – similar to earning interest on a savings account.

By 2026, staking becomes the main strategy for passive income as more and more blockchains move to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus systems or hybrid models.

However, not all staking opportunities are of equal value: the amount of yield (APY), duration of the asset lock, network security, and liquidity are important factors to consider when choosing an asset to stake.

Here is a list of some of the best cryptocurrencies for staking to earn passive income in 2026:

Ethereum

Ethereum (ETH) is the largest smart contract blockchain that has fully transitioned to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism in a historic event known as the “Merge”.

Read also: Ethereum Under Pressure: Vitalik Buterin Moves 5,493 ETH, Trend Research Releases 20 Thousand ETH

Ethereum is an attractive option for staking because it has a very broad and mature staking ecosystem, providing stable returns from network validation activity. The high amount of ETH already staked also makes the network highly secure and decentralized.

Technically, becoming a validator requires a minimum of 32 ETH, but the liquid staking service allows owners of small amounts of ETH to still participate and earn rewards. The annual returns earned vary depending on the total amount of ETH staked and the overall condition of the network.

Ethereum is perfect for long-term investors who prioritize security and stability in generating passive income.

Cardano

Cardano (ADA) is a blockchain with a delegated Proof-of-Stake (PoS) mechanism known for its research-based approach and focus on sustainability. One of the main advantages of ADA staking is that there is no lock-up period, so users can withdraw or move their ADA at any time without losing the opportunity to earn returns.

ADA’s annualized rate of return (APY) has historically been quite competitive and accessible to holders of any size. In addition, the Cardano ecosystem continues to grow with the arrival of various decentralized applications and DeFi projects, making it a solid strategy for long-term passive income.

Cardano is ideal for investors who want high flexibility and low entry barriers in staking activities.

Solana

Solana (SOL) is a high-speed blockchain that combines a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) mechanism with its own proprietary optimization layer, allowing the network to handle huge transaction volumes.

SOL staking offers generally higher returns than some older blockchains, as the network is still actively attracting validators to strengthen its ecosystem. Solana remains a hub for blockchain-based DeFi applications and games, where staking activity plays an important role in keeping transactions secure while providing passive income.

Read also: Solana Price Drops 35%: Selling Pressure Begins to Ease, Discount Hunters are in!

In addition, SOL staking can usually be done by delegation with various flexible options depending on the platform used. Solana is suitable for crypto holders who want high performance and growth potential, while still earning income from staking.

Binance Coin

Binance Coin (BNB) uses the Proof-of-Staked-Authority (PoSA) consensus model within the Binance ecosystem. Although BNB cannot be staked directly on its blockchain as in traditional staking mechanisms, many crypto platforms and services offer staking-like programs that still provide returns for BNB holders.

Aside from the earning potential, BNB also has various additional uses as it is a native token of one of the largest crypto ecosystems in the world. Through this yield or staking program, users can get additional benefits such as discounted transaction fees or increased access on the Binance platform.

BNB is ideal for users who are already active in the Binance ecosystem and are interested in the rewards programs it offers.

Tezos

Tezos (XTZ) introduced the concept of “baking” long before many other PoS blockchains emerged, and it is still a favorite choice among staking actors. In the Tezos ecosystem, the term “baker” is used instead of validator or delegator, although the basic principle remains the same – locking up assets to help secure the network and earn returns.

XTZ staking has historically offered competitive APYs with relatively moderate lock-in terms. In addition, Tezos has an active governance system, so stakers also have a say in decisions regarding network upgrades.

Tezos is perfect for those who not only want passive income, but also want to directly contribute to the development of the community and network.

Cosmos

Cosmos (ATOM) is designed as an “Internet of Blockchains” that aims to connect various independent blockchains in one integrated ecosystem. ATOM staking offers yields that are typically above average, thanks to the high cross-network demand supported by Cosmos.

Unlike most blockchains that focus on a single network, ATOM is instrumental in securing many interconnected networks, so its staking activities have broader real-world value.

Read also: Bitcoin Falls Sharply: Crypto Winter Threat or Just a Cyclical Change?

Cosmos is ideal for investors who prioritize participation in the larger ecosystem and the long-term growth potential of interconnected networks.

Polka dots

Polkadot (DOT) allows multiple “parachains” to interoperate in a single ecosystem with a shared security model. DOT staking offers attractive returns, although the size of the gains depends largely on nomination strategies within the network.

As more parachains are launched, the demand for participation in DOT staking is expected to increase, making it an increasingly potential opportunity.

Polkadot is perfect for asset holders who want to earn returns on staking while benefiting from the ever-growing expansion of the ecosystem.

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*Disclaimer

This content aims to enrich readers’ information. Pintu collects this information from various relevant sources and is not influenced by outside parties. Note that an asset’s past performance does not determine its projected future performance. Crypto trading activities are subject to high risk and volatility, always do your own research and use cold hard cash before investing. All activities of buying and selling Bitcoin and other crypto asset investments are the responsibility of the reader.

Reference:

• Coinpaper. Best Crypto to Stake in 2026 for Passive Staking Rewards. Accessed on February 6, 2026