In This Article
- AVAX Staking: Summary
- How Does AVAX Staking Work?
- How to Stake AVAX: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Benefits and Risks of Staking AVAX
- AVAX Staking vs. Competitor Staking: A Comparative Analysis
- Mistakes to Avoid When Staking AVAX
- How to Unstake AVAX: A Detailed Guide
- What Users Think About Staking AVAX?
- Future of AVAX Staking: Long-Term Trends to Watch
- Conclusion: Avalanche Staking
AVAX staking isn’t just about earning rewards—it’s about playing a role in securing and decentralizing the Avalanche network. By locking up AVAX coins, stakers contribute to the network’s security while earning passive income. But unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, where all nodes validate every transaction, Avalanche takes a different approach. Its unique three-chain structure—the X-Chain, C-Chain, and P-Chain—divides tasks to improve efficiency and scalability.
Staking on Avalanche comes with options. You can be a validator, running a node and actively securing the network, or a delegator, lending your AVAX to a validator in exchange for a cut of the rewards. And now, with liquid staking, AVAX holders get even more flexibility, making it easier to put staked coins to work elsewhere.
In March 2024, Avalanche made a big move by migrating its wallet to Core Stake, an upgrade designed to streamline staking with better features and usability. The result? More investors jumped in, and AVAX’s price climbed, making staking even more attractive. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about AVAX staking—how it works, the different staking options, recent developments, and how to get started.
AVAX Staking: Summary
Avalanche review tells us that the blockchain has seen a major transition in its overall performance. With Core Stake and the Avalanche 9000 upgrade, experts say, AVAX may see further price growth with a rise in AVAX staking. Avalanche 9000 is the biggest upgrade since the network’s launch, which could drive greater adoption and network activity. Avalanche price prediction also indicates that AVAX price will jump to $22.33 in 2025. In this guide, we cover why AVAX staking looks promising, the different ways to stake (validator, delegator, and liquid staking), how it compares to other cryptos, and the best platforms to stake AVAX.
Key Takeaways
- AVAX staking helps secure the network while offering passive rewards.
- Users can stake as validators by running a node or as delegators by lending AVAX to validators.
- Liquid staking allows AVAX holders to earn rewards while keeping tokens usable.
- Core Stake upgrade improves staking features and makes the process more user-friendly.
- Avalanche 9000 enhances network efficiency and lowers the cost of launching Layer 1 blockchains.
- Avalanche does not use slashing, ensuring that stakers do not lose funds due to validator misbehavior.
What is AVAX Staking?
AVAX staking isn’t just about stacking tokens—it’s about stacking influence in the Avalanche network. AVAX staking allows users to lock up their coins to support the Avalanche network and earn rewards in return. Unlike traditional crypto mining or proof-of-stake (PoS) system, Avalanche relies on the network’s unique PoS consensus mechanism. It blends elements of classical and Nakamoto consensus, allowing it to achieve sub-second finality while remaining highly resistant to Sybil, DDoS, and collusion attacks.
Want to call the shots? Become a validator, run a node, and stake 2,000 AVAX to secure the network. Prefer a sit-back-and-earn approach? As a delegator, you can lend just 25 AVAX to a validator and collect a cut of their rewards. Think of it as VIP bottle service—you fund the table (validator), and they keep the party going. The staking duration on Avalanche ranges from two weeks to a year. But remember, whatever you choose, you would be required to have AVAX in your wallet. If you don’t have one yet, check out our guide on how to buy Avalanche.
While both validators and delegators earn rewards, validators take on a more active role. They influence the network’s consensus based on their stake size. Avalanche doesn’t believe in slashing, meaning your staked AVAX won’t get chopped up like a bad investment if a validator messes up.
However, validators need to stay awake—literally. If they go offline for too long, both they and their delegators miss out on rewards. They are eligible for rewards if an AVAX validator is online and responsive 80% of the time. So choose your validator like you’d choose a reliable friend for a road trip—someone who won’t fall asleep at the wheel.
What is AVAX Liquid Staking?
Liquid staking enables AVAX holders to earn rewards without the need to lock their coins completely. Basically, it lets you have your cake and eat it too—stake your AVAX without locking it away in crypto jail. Unlike traditional staking, which makes staked tokens illiquid, liquid staking enables token holders to keep their assets usable while still earning rewards.
Liquid staking comes with many benefits. First, liquid tokens can be used to provide liquidity on Decentralized Exchanges or as collateral in DeFi protocols. Secondly, liquid stakers can increase their returns since, in addition to staking rewards, they’ll be able to earn yields from DeFi protocols. Finally, liquid tokens come with lower entry barriers, which make them accessible to a wider range of participants.
How Does AVAX Staking Work?
Example: If a delegator earns 10 AVAX, the validator takes 0.2 AVAX, leaving 9.8 AVAX.
Where to Stake AVAX: Top Platforms For Staking Avalanche
Staking AVAX can be done through different platforms, each offering unique features and benefits. Whether you prefer using the official staking platform, a centralized exchange (CEX), or a crypto wallet, choosing the right option depends on security, ease of use, and potential rewards. Below is a breakdown of the top five platforms where you can stake AVAX in 2025.
Stake AVAX on Official Platform
Staking on Avalanche’s official platform is quite easy and direct. The official Avalanche platform offers a straightforward way to earn rewards while supporting the network.
1. Core Stake
Core Stake is the official staking platform for AVAX, replacing the old Avalanche Wallet. It lets users stake, manage funds, and track rewards easily while offering new staking features. Available as a browser extension, mobile app, and web wallet, Core Stake makes AVAX staking secure and user-friendly.
Key Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Simple and easy-to-use interface for staking and managing funds
- Secure and self-custodial, meaning users have full control of their tokens
- Existing delegations and validations remain active after migration
- Ledger integration for safer staking
- Advanced tools to monitor and track staking rewards
Cons
- No support for keystore files yet
- Core mobile only allows delegation, not validation
- Users need to manually check validator uptime to ensure they qualify for rewards
- Some users with a long staking history may not see all past transactions yet
Stake AVAX on CEXs
For users who want to avoid the complexities of managing a wallet or a node, many centralized exchanges (CEXs) offer a hassle-free way to earn rewards.
2. Coinbase
Coinbase wallet offers a hassle-free staking experience with rewards on even $1 worth of staked AVAX. Coinbase staking lacks delegated staking but users can unstake anytime with a 2-week staking period.
Key Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Beginner-friendly platform with a simple staking setup
- No additional lock-up periods beyond the 2-week staking cycle
- Passive income with automatic reward distributions
- Secure and regulated platform that manages staking on behalf of users
- Users can stake multiple cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana
Cons
- Delegated staking is not available; only dedicated validators are supported
- Requires setup through the Coinbase Developer Platform before staking
- First payout takes 16-20 days, longer than some other staking platforms
3. CEX.io
CEX.io exchange uses a hybrid cold and hot wallet system to ensure fund security, and users can trade, buy, or exchange crypto while still earning staking rewards. The exchange offers a hassle-free staking experience where users earn rewards simply by holding AVAX in their account. There’s no need for technical knowledge or manual staking setup.
Key Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No staking setup required—just hold AVAX in your account
- Daily, monthly, and yearly reward projections for easy tracking
- Stake while still being able to trade or withdraw
- Cold wallet storage for better security
- Auto-reinvestment with staking rewards added to the balance for compounding earnings
Cons
- Rewards are distributed only once per month
- Staking rewards may fluctuate based on the amount held and network conditions
- Lower APR (5%) compared to some other platforms offering flexible staking
Stake AVAX on Wallets
Staking AVAX through wallets is one of the most convenient ways to earn rewards. Imagine buying, holding, and being able to stake the coin – all on just one platform without having to move to any other app. That’s such a bliss.
4. Ledger
Ledger wallet provides a secure and self-custodial way to stake AVAX while keeping your private keys offline. By pairing your Ledger hardware wallet with the Core Wallet, you can delegate AVAX to a validator, earn staking rewards, and maintain full ownership of your assets.
Key Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Highly secure staking method with private keys stored offline
- Users maintain full ownership of their AVAX without relying on exchanges
- Allows staking while keeping AVAX in cold storage for extra protection
- Freedom to choose validators and optimize rewards
Cons
- Requires pairing with Core for staking setup
- Minimum 14-day lock-up period
5. Best Wallet
Best Wallet is the most popular non-custodial wallet for beginners as well as advanced traders. It’s available for download on iOS and Android and features an intuitive interface suitable for all types of traders. Users can easily stake their tokens on the wallet without having to worry about the complexities. Besides staking, traders can earn potential returns through different methods. For example, they can invest in best crypto presale projects by simply going to the “Upcoming Tokens” section on the app. If you want to know more about the wallet, check out our separate Best Wallet Review for 2025.
Key Features
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No KYC required. Users’ personal information remains private
- Manage multiple blockchain assets all in one app
- Offers robust security to safeguard users assets
- Allows investors to participate in upcoming crypto projects
- Investors can buy and sell cryptos from directly within the app
Cons
- Hardware wallet integration is not currently supported
- Browser extension functionality missing
How to Stake AVAX: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to stake Avalanche, step by step:
Step 1: Set up a wallet that supports AVAX, like Ledger or Core Wallet.
Step 2: Buy AVAX coins and transfer them to your wallet.
Step 3: Go to the Core Stake dashboard and tap the Connect Wallet button.
Step 4: Choose your role – become a validator or delegator. Validators will have to stake a minimum of 2,000 AVAX on the mainnet and are recommended to use a computer with an 8-core CPU, 16 GB RAM, and 1 TB SSD. Delegators will have to delegate a minimum of 25 AVAX.
Step 5: Choose the staking duration (minimum 2 weeks, maximum 1 year)
Step 6: Monitor your node/delegation – validators must be online and responsive 80% of the time to earn rewards.
Step 7: Once the staking period ends, the AVAX staking rewards will be automatically returned to your address.
Pro-tip: Core Web was under a developer freeze a couple of days back, so check if the website construction has concluded before jumping into staking on the official platform.
Well, staking AVAX is a great way to earn rewards, but it’s always smart to check out other options too. Look at our list of the 15 Best Crypto Staking Coins to Invest in 2025 to see what else is worth considering.
How Much Can You Earn by Staking AVAX?
Validators can earn rewards by locking up at least 2,000 AVAX tokens on the mainnet, running a node on the Avalanche blockchain, and staying online and responsive 80% of the time. Delegators can earn rewards by delegating at least 25 AVAX coins on the mainnet and choosing a validator to represent them. They’ll also have to pay a minimum delegation fee of 2%.
At the time of writing, the Avalanche staking rewards come with an APY of up to +7.60%. However, this figure is not fixed. The staking rewards will be based on factors such as the maximum token supply, the total amount of staked tokens, staking duration, and effective consumption rate.
You can also use the AVAX staking calculator to determine your daily and monthly returns. For example, if you stake 100 AVAX coins, you’ll earn 0.02 AVAX per day and 0.58 AVAX per month.
Tips and Strategies for Maximizing AVAX Staking Rewards
Maximizing AVAX staking rewards goes beyond just locking up coins—it requires strategy. Choose high-uptime validators to ensure steady earnings and compare validator fees to avoid high commissions cutting into your profits. Diversify your staking approach by combining traditional and liquid staking for better flexibility. Reinvest your staking rewards periodically to benefit from compounding gains. Keep an eye on network conditions, validator performance, and upcoming protocol upgrades, as these can affect staking returns. By following these strategies, you can make the most out of your AVAX staking experience while helping secure the Avalanche network.
Benefits and Risks of Staking AVAX
AVAX staking comes with its pros and cons. While there are many benefits of staking AVAX instead of just HODLing it in your wallet, there are some risks too that investors should be aware of.
Benefits of staking AVAX:
- Possibility to earn passive income by running a node or delegating your stakes.
- The staking mechanism on AVAX will enable you to earn passive income by locking up your coins for a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 1 year.
- The staking rewards come in the form of AVAX coins that can be claimed once the staking period ends.
- Stakers will also be able to vote on changes within Avalanche’s ecosystem and participate in its future development.
- Avalanche doesn’t use slashing mechanisms, which means that staked tokens won’t be reduced or penalized if validators misbehave or go offline.
- Stakers will earn an APY of around 7.60%, although this figure will vary depending on the platform. For example, staking on Ledger comes with an APY of about 8%. Stakers will also be able to earn additional yields through liquid staking.
Risks of Staking AVAX:
- Liquid staking on Avalanche involves using smart contracts that are vulnerable to errors and hacking. This is why choosing platforms that regularly audit their smart contracts is vital.
- Validators must be online and responsive 80% of the time. Otherwise, they won’t be able to earn rewards.
- Staking involves locking up tokens for a certain period during which investors won’t be able to sell or trade their coins. If the value of the AVAX drops during these lock-up periods, stakers may face potential losses.
AVAX Staking vs. Competitor Staking: A Comparative Analysis
Here’s how Avalanche’s staking process compares to other popular cryptos:
| Metrics | AVAX Staking | SOL Staking | ETH Staking | ADA Staking |
| APY | 7.60% | 7.38% | 2.51% | 2.26% |
| Lock-up Periods | 2 weeks to 1 year | 2-4 days (unbonding period) | Depends on the activation queue | No-lock up periods |
| Minimum Staking Requirement | 25 AVAX (delegators) and 2,000 AVAX (validators) | 0.1 SOL | 32 ETH | No minimum staking requirements |
| Ease of Staking | Easy | Easy | Medium | Easy |
Mistakes to Avoid When Staking AVAX
How to Unstake AVAX: A Detailed Guide
Unstaking AVAX depends on where and how you staked it. If you staked directly on Avalanche, your tokens will be automatically unstaked once your chosen period ends—no extra steps needed. Unlike ETH, which has a fixed protocol-level unstaking period, AVAX allows you to choose your own lock-up duration. On Coinbase, the staking period is always 2 weeks, and once you unstake, there’s a 9-day waiting period before you get access to your coins, but you continue earning rewards during this time.
Liquid staking platforms like Ankr let you unstake anytime, but there’s usually an unbonding period before you receive your funds. To make the most of staking, plan your lock-up duration, pick reliable validators, and check unstaking rules on your platform to avoid unexpected delays.
What Users Think About Staking AVAX?
Several Reddit users say staking AVAX can be worthwhile for long-term holders with ~7% APR. However, they say it that locking funds reduces liquidity. Many prefer short-term staking (1-3 months) or liquid staking for flexibility. Some caution that fees might outweigh rewards for smaller amounts, so a common strategy is to stake part of their holdings while keeping some AVAX liquid. Users suggest balancing risk by staking only a portion rather than going all in. Interestingly, AVAX stakers have varied opinions. Consider this – One user predicted that liquid staking will add billions to the Avalanche network. Steven Gates, founder of GoGoPool, believes liquid staking is set to transform more than just DeFi, making it accessible to a broader range of users.
“It’s [Liquid Staking] going to be to be the main business model of how to blend people from crypto curious to just crypto native…I think that’s happening on Avalanche,” – Steven Gates, founder of GoGoPool
Future of AVAX Staking: Long-Term Trends to Watch
On December 16, 2024, Avalanche launched its largest network upgrade, Avalanche 9000, which allows developers to create their own L1 blockchains for lower implementation costs. If you want to know about the functioning of L1 chains, check out Stanford’s article on how blockchain works.
Anyway, Avalanche’s transition to Core Stake will improve the staking process by introducing advanced staking features and tools that will help users manage their portfolios and staking operations more efficiently. Avalanche is also planning to introduce Elastic Subnet Staking to enable permissionless validation.
The Avalanche 9000 upgrade will enable developers to create L1 blockchains by reducing deployment costs by 99.9%. We predict AVAX will be worth $104.84 by 2030.The Avalanche 9000 upgrade will also increase validator rewards by 15%, encouraging AVAX holders to stake their tokens. These features will improve the staking experience and strengthen the security of the Avalanche blockchain.
Conclusion: Avalanche Staking
Staking AVAX isn’t just about earning passive income—it’s about securing the Avalanche network and shaping its future. Whether you go all in as a validator, delegate your AVAX to trusted validators, or keep things flexible with liquid staking, the rewards can be significant, with APYs reaching 7.60% or more. And with staking durations ranging from just two weeks to a year, there’s something for both short-term players and long-term believers.
Staking AVAX is like setting up a crypto savings account, but with way better interest rates. Whether you want to be the boss as a validator, sit back and chill as a delegator, or keep your funds flexible with liquid staking, there’s an option that fits your strategy. And with big upgrades like Avalanche 9000 and Core Stake, now might be the best time to jump in and start earning.
But remember, investing or staking is not always profitable. As U.S. DISB suggests, before you invest in cryptocurrencies, you should know the risks.
See Also:
- Best Crypto Staking Platforms for 2025 with Highest Staking APY
- How to Stake Pyth Tokens in 2025: A Beginner’s Guide
- Cardano Staking: How to Earn Rewards By Staking ADA
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you stake AVAX?
What is the minimum amount required for staking on Avalanche?
What is the best way to stake AVAX?
Is there a lock-up period for staking AVAX?
Does AVAX staking have slashing risks?
What is the APY for staking AVAX?
Can you stake AVAX on a hardware wallet?
What happens if a validator goes offline?
References
- Avalanche Network. Avalanche, https://www.avax.network.
- “Staking Rewards: Avalanche (AVAX)”. Staking Rewards, https://www.stakingrewards.com/asset/avalanche.
- “Avalanche9000 Upgrade Overview”. CMCC, https://www.cmcc.vc/insights/the-avalanche9000-upgrade.
- “Ledger AVAX Staking”. Ledger, https://www.ledger.com/coin/staking/avalanche-2.
- “Ankr AVAX Liquid Staking”. Ankr, https://www.ankr.com/staking-crypto/avalanche-avax.
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In This Article
- AVAX Staking: Summary
- How Does AVAX Staking Work?
- How to Stake AVAX: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Benefits and Risks of Staking AVAX
- AVAX Staking vs. Competitor Staking: A Comparative Analysis
- Mistakes to Avoid When Staking AVAX
- How to Unstake AVAX: A Detailed Guide
- What Users Think About Staking AVAX?
- Future of AVAX Staking: Long-Term Trends to Watch
- Conclusion: Avalanche Staking
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