This guide walks you through staking Solana (SOL) in 2026: what you need, three main options (in-app, liquid staking, cold wallet), and common questions. For a yield calculator and partner links, see our Staking Hub.
TL;DR — 3 ways to stake SOL in 2026
| Method | APY (approx) | Liquidity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangem in-app | ~5.87% | ~3-day unbond | Easiest + secure |
| Liquid (Marinade/Jito) | ~6.5%+ | Instant (mSOL/jitoSOL) | DeFi flexibility |
| Cold wallet + validator | ~6–7% | ~3-day unbond | Max security |
Need SOL first? Buy on Kraken. Don't have a wallet? See Best Solana Wallet 2026.
Start staking SOL in minutes:
Buy SOL on Kraken — $125 Bonus → Stake from a Tangem Cold Wallet — 10% Off →Why stake SOL?
Staking SOL secures the Solana network and earns you rewards (APY). With the 2026 Firedancer upgrade, the chain targets ~100–150ms finality and higher throughput; staking remains one of the simplest ways to earn yield on SOL you plan to hold. Rewards vary by method: in-app staking (e.g. Tangem ~5.87% APY), liquid staking (Marinade, Jito) often around ~6.5% or more with MEV, and direct validator delegation in a similar range.
What you need before staking
- SOL — You need SOL to stake. If you don’t have any, buy on an exchange and withdraw to your wallet. We recommend Kraken (bonus available via our link).
- A wallet — Mobile (e.g. Tangem app), browser extension, or hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor, OneKey). For a comparison of the best Solana hardware wallets in 2026, see our Hardware Audit.
Option 1 — Stake in-app with Tangem (~5.87% APY)
Tangem lets you stake SOL directly in the app with no separate validator choice. Unbonding is typically around 3 days; rewards are automatic.
- Download the Tangem app and set up your wallet (or use Tangem cards for cold storage).
- Fund the wallet with SOL (e.g. transfer from Kraken).
- In the app, open the staking / Yield section and delegate your SOL.
Full walkthrough: Tangem Solana Staking 2026 — step-by-step →
Option 2 — Liquid staking (Marinade mSOL, Jito)
Liquid staking gives you a derivative token (e.g. mSOL, JitoSOL) so you can stake and still use the value in DeFi.
- Marinade — Go to Marinade Finance, connect your wallet, and stake SOL to receive mSOL.
- Jito — Visit Jito for MEV-boosted liquid staking (JitoSOL).
Easiest way to start? Stake SOL one-click on an exchange, or in-app from a cold wallet — both take a couple of minutes:
Stake SOL on Kraken (+ $125 sign-up bonus) →
Stake in-app with a Tangem cold wallet (10% off) →
Full comparison and CTAs: Staking Hub → Liquid Staking. Deep dive: Marinade vs Jito vs Sanctum 2026 →.
Option 3 — Cold wallet + validator (Ledger / Trezor)
For maximum security, use a hardware wallet (Ledger, Trezor, OneKey) and delegate to a validator from a wallet app (e.g. Phantom, Solflare) connected to the device. Choose a validator with good uptime and commission; you can switch validators later.
Ledger (2026) → · Trezor Suite (2026) → · Compare hardware wallets →
Card vs USB: Tangem vs Ledger for Solana 2026 →
Solana staking APY comparison (2026)
Rates are approximate and network-dependent. Tangem in-app: ~5.87%. Marinade: ~6.5% base. Jito: variable. Direct validator: often ~6–7%. Use our Staking Hub for a yield calculator and the full “Current Solana Staking APY (2026)” table.
FAQ
How long does unbonding take?
Typically 2–3 epochs on Solana (a few days). Exact duration depends on the provider.
Is staking risky (slashing)?
Solana does not slash delegators; only validators can be penalized for misbehavior. Your stake is at risk if a validator goes offline or misbehaves, so choose reputable validators or use liquid staking protocols that diversify.
Taxes?
Staking rewards are often taxable as income in many jurisdictions. We don’t give tax advice; consult a professional.
Ready to stake? Use our calculator and partner links.
Open Staking Hub →Some links (Kraken, Tangem, Marinade, Jito) are affiliate or partner links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We do not manage your funds; staking is with the respective providers.