How do you stake Ethereum?

To stake Ethereum, you lock up ether to help secure the network and earn rewards. You choose a route: run your own validator, pay an operator, join a pool, or stake through an exchange. The routes differ in how much ETH they need and who holds the keys. The mechanics behind rewards and penalties are covered in what is Ethereum staking.

How much ETH do you need to stake?

It depends on the route, according to ethereum.org:

• Solo staking: at least 32 ETH per validator. Since the Pectra upgrade, one validator can hold up to 2,048 ETH if it uses compounding withdrawal credentials.
• Staking as a service: also 32 ETH, but an operator runs the node.
• Pooled or liquid staking: any amount, with some pools accepting as little as 0.01 ETH.
• Exchanges: any amount. Coinbase says ETH staking can start from about $1, as of October 2026.

What is solo staking vs pooled staking?

Solo staking means running a validator on your own dedicated computer. Ethereum.org says you run two pieces of software, an execution client and a consensus client, generate keys and deposit through the official Staking Launchpad. It cites a baseline of a 4 TB NVMe drive and 64 GB of memory, and suggests rehearsing on the Hoodi test network first. You keep both the signing and withdrawal keys, and you bear the penalties if the machine goes offline or is misconfigured.

In staking as a service, you keep the withdrawal keys but hand the signing keys to an operator. In pooled staking, many users combine deposits through smart contracts, and the pool usually gives back a receipt token, the model explained in what is liquid staking. Ethereum.org notes that pools add counterparty and smart contract risk.

How do you stake Ethereum on Coinbase or Kraken?

Exchange staking is the most hands-off route. Coinbase describes it as buying ETH, agreeing to the staking terms and then earning rewards, with availability limited to places where staking is allowed. Kraken's guide follows the same pattern: verify your account, deposit or buy ETH, open the Earn section, choose an amount and confirm. Kraken says a commission is taken from rewards and that geographic restrictions apply.

The exchange holds the ETH, which ethereum.org rates as the option with the highest trust assumptions. Kraken's help page says bonded ETH is released only after a lockup period, which how long does unstaking take explains.

How do you stake Ethereum on Ledger?

A hardware wallet does not stake by itself. Ledger's app connects you to partner providers, and each stake is confirmed on the device so the keys stay on it. As of October 2026 it lists Kiln for native staking and Lido for liquid staking, both from any amount, and Figment for dedicated validators above 32 ETH. Ledger says Lido keeps 10% of staking rewards, and that the Kiln and Lido routes carry smart contract risk.

Staking rewards can be taxable in some countries. Rules differ by country and change often. Check the tax authority or a qualified professional for your own situation.