Choosing the best place to stake Cardano (ADA) can be a pivotal decision for both new and experienced crypto investors. With a growing number of platforms offering staking services, it’s essential to understand which options provide the optimal balance of security, rewards, ease of use, and control. Whether you're staking your first ADA or managing a larger portfolio, this guide will help you navigate the top platforms in 2025 and make an informed choice.
We’ve evaluated the leading staking solutions based on key criteria such as annual percentage yield (APY), security measures, user experience, flexibility, and support for self-custody. From centralized exchanges to native wallets, each platform serves different needs—so let’s dive into the best places to stake Cardano this year.
Kraken – Best for Reliability
When it comes to trusted and dependable staking platforms, Kraken consistently ranks at the top. Known for its robust security infrastructure and transparent fee structure, Kraken is ideal for users who value reliability above all else.
You can earn an estimated 2–5% APY when staking ADA on Kraken. One of its standout features is flexible staking—there are no lock-up periods, meaning you can unstake your ADA at any time. This liquidity advantage gives you greater control over your assets without sacrificing rewards.
Kraken charges a commission on staking rewards, which decreases as your stake increases:
- 20% commission for stakes between 0 and 70,000 ADA
- Drops to 10% for stakes from 2 million to 10 million ADA
The platform supports fiat on-ramps, offers 24/7 customer support, and provides advanced trading tools—making it a well-rounded choice for both beginners and seasoned traders.
👉 Discover a secure and flexible way to grow your crypto holdings today.
Coinbase – Best for Beginners
If you're new to cryptocurrency and wondering where to stake Cardano, Coinbase is one of the most beginner-friendly options available. Its clean interface, strong security protocols, and seamless integration make starting your staking journey straightforward.
Coinbase offers an estimated 1.81% APY for ADA staking. While this may not be the highest return, the trade-off is simplicity and peace of mind. There’s no need for external wallets or technical know-how—you stake directly within your account, and rewards are automatically credited.
A 35% commission is applied to staking rewards, though eligible Coinbase One members enjoy a reduced rate of 26.3%.
With features like biometric authentication, cold storage protection, and insurance coverage, Coinbase prioritizes asset safety—making it a solid entry point for those just getting started in the world of crypto staking.
Uphold – Best for Asset Variety
For investors looking to diversify beyond Cardano, Uphold stands out with support for over 300 cryptocurrencies and multiple asset classes including stocks and precious metals. This makes it a powerful all-in-one platform for modern digital finance.
Staking ADA on Uphold yields approximately 1.8% APY, with fees ranging from 3% to 34%, depending on the asset and network conditions. Despite slightly lower returns, Uphold excels in accessibility and convenience.
Its “Anything-to-Anything” trading engine allows direct conversion between assets without intermediate steps, streamlining the user experience. You can stake ADA instantly without transferring funds to a separate wallet.
While Uphold lacks live customer support, its intuitive design and broad asset selection make it a compelling option for users who want variety alongside staking capabilities.
HTX – Best for Global Reach
Formerly known as Huobi, HTX has built a strong presence across international markets, offering competitive fees and multilingual support. It's particularly appealing to global users seeking a platform with wide accessibility.
HTX currently offers around 3% APY for Cardano staking—a solid mid-range return. The platform emphasizes security with multi-layer encryption and cold wallet storage, ensuring your funds remain protected even during high-traffic periods.
HTX provides 24/7 customer service and supports various trading methods, including spot, margin, and futures trading. However, it focuses solely on crypto assets and isn’t regulated in many jurisdictions, so due diligence is advised.
For users outside major financial hubs, HTX delivers reliable access to staking with minimal barriers to entry.
Ledger Live – Best for Storage Security
If security is your top priority, Ledger Live combined with a Ledger hardware wallet offers one of the safest ways to stake Cardano. This setup ensures your private keys never leave your device—giving you full control over your funds.
While Ledger itself doesn’t operate staking nodes, it partners with trusted third-party validators to facilitate delegation. You manage everything through the user-friendly Ledger Live app, where you can monitor balances, track rewards, and switch pools effortlessly.
By keeping your ADA offline in cold storage while still earning staking rewards, you get the best of both worlds: maximum security and passive income.
This method is perfect for long-term holders who prioritize asset protection without compromising on yield potential.
👉 Secure your crypto future with a trusted platform that values safety and simplicity.
Daedalus Wallet – Best for Cardano Native Wallet
Developed by Input Output Global (IOG), the team behind Cardano, Daedalus is a full-node desktop wallet that provides complete transparency and autonomy. It downloads the entire Cardano blockchain locally, ensuring you interact directly with the network.
This makes Daedalus one of the most secure software wallets for staking ADA. You retain full control over your private keys and can explore hundreds of staking pools to find one aligned with your values—whether that’s decentralization, performance, or community focus.
The downside? High system requirements and longer sync times make it less suitable for casual users or those with limited storage space.
However, if you’re committed to supporting Cardano’s decentralized ecosystem and want a native-grade experience, Daedalus is unmatched in functionality and trustworthiness.
Exodus – Best for Multi-Currency Management
For users managing multiple cryptocurrencies, Exodus offers an elegant solution with built-in exchange features and support for over 100 coins—including ADA.
Staking ADA through Exodus is simple: just select “Stake” in the wallet interface and delegate your tokens. The process is guided and visualized clearly, making it accessible even to newcomers.
Though convenient, Exodus is a software wallet stored on your device, which inherently carries more risk than hardware solutions. Additionally, some users report relatively high fees.
Still, its sleek design, responsive customer support, and integrated exchange tools make Exodus a strong contender for multi-asset investors who want an intuitive way to earn rewards across different blockchains.
Yoroi Wallet – Best for Simplicity
Lightweight, fast, and easy to use, Yoroi Wallet is perfect for users who want a no-frills way to stake Cardano. Developed by EMURGO—one of Cardano’s founding companies—Yoroi is available as a browser extension and mobile app.
Unlike Daedalus, Yoroi doesn’t require downloading the full blockchain. Instead, it connects to remote nodes (primarily operated by EMURGO), enabling quick synchronization and instant access.
The interface walks you step-by-step through the delegation process. You maintain control of your private keys while enjoying a streamlined experience ideal for beginners or everyday users.
While it has fewer advanced features and relies on centralized servers, Yoroi remains one of the most accessible self-custody wallets for hassle-free ADA staking.
How to Choose the Best Place to Stake Cardano
With so many options available, how do you pick the right platform? Consider these core factors:
Staking Rewards (APY)
Compare estimated annual yields across platforms. While differences may seem small (e.g., 1.8% vs 3%), they compound significantly over time.
Flexibility
Look for platforms that allow unstaking anytime without penalties. Liquid staking options offer more freedom but should be evaluated carefully for network impact.
Security Features
Prioritize platforms with two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage, encryption, and proven track records against breaches.
User Experience
A clean, intuitive interface reduces errors and improves confidence—especially important for beginners.
Control Over Private Keys
Self-custody wallets like Daedalus and Ledger give you full ownership. Exchanges offer convenience but hold custody of your keys.
Pool Variety & Delegation Options
More pool choices mean better alignment with your preferences—low saturation pools often provide more consistent rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is staking Cardano safe?
A: Yes, when done through reputable platforms or self-custody wallets. Always enable 2FA and avoid sharing private keys.
Q: Can I lose money staking ADA?
A: Staking itself doesn’t risk principal loss under normal conditions. However, market volatility affects ADA’s value. Network penalties are rare but possible in proof-of-stake systems.
Q: Do I need a minimum amount of ADA to stake?
A: No—Cardano allows staking any amount. However, very small stakes generate negligible rewards after fees.
Q: How often are staking rewards distributed?
A: Rewards are typically paid every epoch (5 days on Cardano) once delegation is active.
Q: Can I use my staked ADA for transactions?
A: Yes—Cardano supports liquid staking. Your funds remain spendable even while delegated.
Q: Does staking help the Cardano network?
A: Absolutely. By delegating ADA, you contribute to network decentralization and security through decentralized validation.
Final Thoughts
The best place to stake Cardano depends on your individual goals: whether that’s maximizing returns, ensuring maximum security, or enjoying effortless usability. Centralized exchanges like Kraken and Coinbase offer simplicity and strong support, while self-custody solutions like Ledger Live and Daedalus provide unparalleled control.
Regardless of your choice, staking ADA not only generates passive income but also strengthens the Cardano blockchain by promoting decentralization and resilience.
👉 Start growing your crypto assets securely and efficiently with a leading global platform.
As you move forward in 2025, remember to evaluate each option based on transparency, fees, security practices, and alignment with your long-term investment strategy. With the right approach, staking Cardano can be both rewarding and empowering.