Staking Guide

Run a validator and earn rewards by securing the Ethereum network.

Warning

Staking involves real financial risk. You can lose ETH through slashing if you run the same keys on multiple machines or behave maliciously.

🔒 Solo Staking

Run your own validator with 32 ETH.

Recommended

Solo Staking
🌊 Lido CSM

Community Staking Module for smaller stakers.

Lido Liquid Staking
🔗 Obol DVT

Distributed Validator Technology with Charon.

Advanced

Obol DVT Staking
🔗 SSV DVT

Secret Shared Validators for fault-tolerant staking.

Advanced

SSV DVT Setup Guide
🔄 Migrate Validator

Move your validator to a new machine safely.

Migrating a Validator

Staking Overview

Solo staking is the gold standard for Ethereum decentralization. By running your own validator, you:

  • 💰 Earn ~4-5% APY on your staked ETH

  • 🏛️ Contribute to network security and decentralization

  • 🔐 Maintain full control of your keys

  • 🚫 Avoid third-party custody risks

Requirements

Requirement

Details

ETH

32 ETH per validator

Hardware

16GB RAM ARM board + 2TB NVMe

Network

24/7 stable internet connection

Knowledge

Basic Linux and command line skills

Staking Workflow

┌─────────────┐    ┌─────────────┐    ┌─────────────┐    ┌─────────────┐
│  Generate   │ →  │  Deposit    │ →  │   Import    │ →  │   Start     │
│    Keys     │    │   32 ETH    │    │    Keys     │    │  Validator  │
└─────────────┘    └─────────────┘    └─────────────┘    └─────────────┘

  1. Generate Keys - Use ethstaker-deposit-cli

  2. Deposit 32 ETH - Via Ethereum Launchpad

  3. Import Keys - To your validator client

  4. Start Validator - Enable systemd service

Tip

Test first! Practice on the Hoodi testnet before staking real ETH.

Testnet guide →

Alternative Staking Options

Lido Community Staking Module (CSM)

Stake with less than 32 ETH by joining the Lido CSM:

  • Lower capital requirement (1.5 ETH bond)

  • Share in protocol rewards

  • Community-operated

Lido CSM guide →

Distributed Validator Technology (DVT)

Split your validator across multiple machines for:

  • Fault tolerance (survive hardware failures)

  • Increased uptime

  • Distributed trust

Two DVT providers are supported:

See also