Ethereum staking: How it works, risks, and what you need to know in 2025
When you stake Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency network that shifted from mining to energy-efficient validation. Also known as ETH staking, it lets you earn rewards by locking up your ETH to help secure the blockchain. Unlike mining, which needs powerful hardware, staking just needs 32 ETH and a reliable connection. It’s how Ethereum runs now — no more energy-hungry rigs, just people holding coins and helping verify transactions.
Behind every staker is a validator, a node that proposes and confirms new blocks on the Ethereum network. Not all validators are equal. Some have high uptime, clear communication, and self-bonded ETH — meaning they put their own money at risk too. Others might promise 8% APR but go offline for hours, slashing your rewards. You can stake directly as a validator or through a pool or exchange, but each path has trade-offs. Direct staking gives you full control but needs tech know-how. Pools are easier but charge fees and sometimes lock your funds longer.
Staking isn’t free money. Your ETH is locked until withdrawals are fully enabled — which they are now, but only after a delay. If you mess up — like running outdated software or getting hacked — you can lose part of your stake. That’s called slashing. And if the whole network goes down? You’re stuck. That’s why Proof-of-Stake, the consensus system Ethereum uses to replace mining isn’t just about earning. It’s about responsibility. The people who stake are the ones keeping the network honest. That’s why the best stakers don’t chase the highest yield. They look for reliability, transparency, and long-term security.
What you’ll find here aren’t just guides on how to start. You’ll see real cases — like how Bangladeshis bypassed bans to stake crypto, how Bolivia’s sudden legalization changed staking behavior, or how Thailand’s crackdown pushed users to risky platforms. These aren’t abstract theories. They’re people making real choices with real money. Some got rewarded. Others lost everything. The posts below show you what actually happens when you stake — not what a whitepaper promises.
- By Eva van den Bergh
- /
- 14 Nov 2025
Understanding Liquid Staking Derivatives: How They Unlock Yield Without Locking Up Your ETH
Liquid staking derivatives let you earn Ethereum staking rewards while keeping your ETH liquid. Learn how stETH and rETH work, their risks, top providers, and how to multiply your yields using DeFi.