Solana (SOL) is not just for trading meme coins. It is one of the most efficient Proof-of-Stake (PoS) networks in the world, allowing you to earn “passive income” on your holdings while you sleep.
If you are holding your SOL on an exchange like Binance or Coinbase, you are doing it wrong. Not only are you exposing yourself to security risks (“Not your keys, not your coins”), but you are also likely earning lower yields than you could on-chain.
At CryptoScopeLab, we tested the best staking methods for late 2025. In this guide, we will show you how to generate 7-8% APY safely using the Phantom Wallet and Liquid Staking protocols.
Method 1: Native Staking via Phantom Wallet (The Safest Way)
This is the “standard” way to stake. You delegate your SOL directly to a validator node.
Why Choose This?
- Risk Level: Low.
- APY: ~6-7%.
- Control: You maintain full custody of your funds.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Download Phantom: Install the Phantom Wallet extension (browser) or mobile app.
- Deposit SOL: Transfer your SOL from the exchange to your Phantom address.
- Click “Solana”: Tap on the Solana token in your list.
- Select “Start Earning”: You will see a list of validators.
- Choose a Validator: Lab Tip: Do not pick the top 10 validators (to help decentralization) and avoid those with 100% commission fees. Look for 0% commission and high uptime.
- Delegate: Enter the amount and confirm.
- Note: Your SOL will be “activating” until the next Epoch (usually 2-3 days).
Method 2: Liquid Staking (The “Pro” Way with MEV Rewards)
In 2025, smart money doesn’t just stake; they use Liquid Staking. Protocols like Jito (JitoSOL) or Marinade (mSOL) allow you to stake your SOL and receive a “receipt token” in return.
Why Choose This?
- Risk Level: Medium (Smart contract risk).
- APY: ~7-9% (Staking Rewards + MEV Rewards).
- Liquidity: You are not locked. You can trade your JitoSOL or use it as collateral in DeFi while still earning staking rewards.
The “Jito” Strategy (Lab Recommended):
Jito is currently the favorite in the ecosystem because it captures MEV (Maximum Extractable Value) rewards—essentially “tips” paid by traders—and distributes them to stakers.
- Go to the Jito Network website (ensure you are on the official link).
- Connect your Phantom Wallet.
- Enter the amount of SOL you want to stake.
- Click “Stake”. You will receive JitoSOL in your wallet.
- Bonus: You can now go to a lending protocol like Kamino or MarginFi and lend your JitoSOL to earn extra yield on top of your staking rewards.
Native vs. Liquid Staking: Comparison
| Feature | Native Staking (Phantom) | Liquid Staking (Jito/Marinade) |
| APY (Yield) | ~6-7% | ~7-9% (Includes MEV) |
| Lock-up Period | ~2 Days (Epoch) | None (Instant Swap) |
| Security | Protocol Level (High) | Smart Contract Level (Medium) |
| Complexity | Beginner | Intermediate |
| DeFi Usage | Cannot use locked funds | Can use tokens in DeFi |
CryptoScopeLab Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
- For Beginners: Stick to Native Staking inside the Phantom app. It is stress-free, secure, and generates solid returns without the risk of a smart contract hack.
- For DeFi Users: Use JitoSOL. The ability to exit instantly (by swapping on Jupiter) and the extra MEV rewards make it the superior financial product for 2025.
⚠️ Important Security Warning
Staking is safe, but your wallet is only as secure as your private key.
For the ultimate setup, we recommend connecting a Hardware Wallet to your Phantom interface. This way, you can stake with a few clicks, but hackers cannot steal your funds even if your computer is compromised.
Disclaimer: APY rates change based on network activity. This guide is for educational purposes only. Always do your own research.
