As the crypto industry evolves, the best proof-of-stake coins are leading the charge in creating more sustainable and scalable blockchains. They’re gaining significant adoption because proof-of-stake systems offer lower energy costs and increased transaction speed.
Currently, the proof-of-stake market is valued at over $2.8T, showing a clear demand for these innovative networks. In this article, we’ll present a comprehensive list of proof-of-stake coins that impact the space.
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Best Proof-of-Stake crypto in 2025
As we open 2025, let’s explore some of the top PoS coins to watch, considering their potential for growth and exciting features.
- Solaxy (SOLX): Unlocking the future of multi-chain DeFi with unmatched staking rewards and scalability.
- Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER): Unlocks Bitcoin’s full potential by adding a new Layer 2 platform.
- Best Wallet (Best Wallet Token): Powers the Best Wallet ecosystem and offers high staking rewards.
- Harry Hippo (HIPO): Trending new meme coin with high staking APY.
- Scroll (SCR): Leverages proof of stake and zkEVM rollups to address Ethereum’s scalability challenges.
- Metis (METIS): Ethereum Layer-2 scaling solution focused on speed, cost efficiency, and scalability.
- Algorand (ALGO): Pure Proof-of-Stake, offering lightning-fast transactions.
- Polygon (POL): Enhances Ethereum’s ecosystem with cutting-edge Layer 2 solutions.
Reviewing the best PoS tokens in 2025
Solaxy (SOLX): Unlocking the future of multi-chain DeFi with unmatched staking rewards and scalability
Solaxy ($SOLX) is the newest addition to the best PoS coins with its groundbreaking approach as the ‘original’ Solana Layer 2 protocol. The project has already raised an impressive $2.2 million, with the price currently sitting at just $0.001568 per token.
Early adopters are in for a major win, with staking rewards of up to 253% APY, creating a lucrative opportunity for presale participants to earn substantial returns. The unique staking model attracts investors and adjusts as more tokens are staked.
With 4.5 billion tokens already staked during the presale phase, Solaxy has proven its appeal to investors eager to secure low entry prices and high staking rewards. As more tokens are staked and the project gains momentum, the potential for significant price increases makes now the perfect time to get involved.
Solaxy is not just a token—it’s a vision for the future of multi-chain DeFi, and early investors could see extraordinary rewards as the network scales and its ecosystem expands.
Bitcoin Hyper (HYPER): Unlocking Bitcoin’s full potential with a Layer 2 platform
Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is next on our list of top PoS cryptos. It aims to overcome Bitcoin’s challenges (like slow transactions and expensive fees) using a special L2 off-chain processing design. Unlike other Bitcoin-based Layer 2s, Bitcoin Hyper will use Solana’s powerful Virtual Machine (SVM) to enable transactions to finalize nearly instantly – at a fraction of traditional Bitcoin network costs.
Users will require $HYPER for transactions, staking, and active governance participation within Bitcoin Hyper’s Layer 2 network. With 15% of the token supply set aside for community rewards, early buyers can earn passive income via the platform’s staking mechanism.
Bitcoin Hyper’s architecture opens up an entirely new scope of possibilities for Bitcoin users. It’ll enable the deployment of decentralized applications, complex DeFi operations, and even meme coins within a custom-designed ecosystem.
Buyers can secure $HYPER tokens for just $0.0115 each during this project’s current presale stage, and immediately earn dynamic high-APY returns to create a new passive income stream for the next bull run.
Best Wallet (BEST WALLET TOKEN): Feature-rich PoS wallet with governance rights
Best Wallet Token ($BEST) integrates a robust proof of stake (PoS) mechanism, enabling holders to earn high APY rewards through its staking aggregator. This aggregator optimizes staking opportunities across multiple blockchains, ensuring maximum returns.
In addition, $BEST holders enjoy reduced transaction fees and governance rights, empowering them to influence the platform’s future. With exclusive early access to the best crypto presales and projects, $BEST delivers tangible value to its community.
Best Wallet is a feature-rich, non-custodial crypto wallet supporting over 50 major chains, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT. With its seamless interface, users can buy, swap, and hold thousands of cryptocurrencies within the app.
The upcoming Best Card will extend its utility by enabling real-world purchases, offering cashback and reduced fees for $BEST holders. Additionally, the Best DEX aggregates liquidity from over 50 decentralized exchanges, ensuring cost-efficient swaps and cross-chain compatibility.
Harry Hippo (HIPO): Trending new meme coin with high staking APY
Next on our list is Harry Hippo ($HIPO), a brand-new crypto project inspired by the “Hacienda Napolis hippos.” It’s tapping into the explosive meme coin market with its AI-powered character, Harry Hipo.
Early buyers can stake $HIPO tokens for a massive 601% APY, making it one of the highest-yielding options among recent meme coin launches.
Harry Hippo will launch a P2E game called “Harry Hungry Hipo.” Here, players battle to become the alpha hippo and earn $HIPO rewards. The team also plans to integrate NFTs and AI-driven features to improve the gaming experience and attract a broader crypto audience.
The Harry Hungry Hipo game will launch an AI that tailors the user’s in-game experience and potentially allows for more sophisticated competition and strategy.
Scroll (SCR): Efficient Ethereum scaling with zkRollup Proof of Stake
Scroll (SCR) leverages the proof of stake mechanism through Binance Launchpool, enabling users to stake BNB and FDUSD to earn SCR tokens. This initiative highlights the growing integration of proof of stake coins in enhancing blockchain ecosystems.
As a zkEVM rollup for Ethereum, Scroll merges zkRollup technology with staking rewards, cutting transaction costs while letting users earn through staking positioning it among the best staking coins for those seeking both innovation and profitability.
Scroll’s bytecode-compatible zkEVM rollup enhances Ethereum’s capabilities by lowering transaction fees and boosting throughput. Its Mainnet launch signifies a major step toward real-world application support, empowering developers to deploy cost-effective Ethereum-based solutions.
With robust security measures, including a bug bounty program and zero-knowledge proofs, Scroll ensures privacy, reliability, and open-source collaboration. This innovative proof-of-stake blockchain embodies scalability and community-driven growth within the Ethereum ecosystem.
Metis (METIS): Secure proof of stake crypto tackling Ethereum’s challenges
Metis employs a proof of stake (PoS) algorithm to secure its Layer-2 infrastructure, allowing users to stake METIS tokens and participate as decentralized sequencers.
This unique model ensures economic security and offers staking rewards while reducing token supply. Recent initiatives, like OKX committing 20,000 METIS tokens, highlight its focus on strengthening the proof of stake blockchain model.
Metis distinguishes itself with a hybrid roll-up system, blending Optimistic Rollups and Zero-Knowledge proofs for secure and developer-friendly scalability. Its off-chain data storage approach further reduces costs compared to Ethereum Layer-1.
The developer-centric project offers modular tools to build and customize dApps effortlessly. Additionally, its DAC framework simplifies migration to Web 3.0, empowering entrepreneurs. With advancements in transaction speed, security, and reduced costs, Metis is among the top PoS coins advancing Ethereum’s ecosystem.
Algorand (ALGO): Effortless staking and sustainability on Algorand blockchain
Algorand stands out in the list of proof-of-stake coins due to its efficient and inclusive Pure Proof-of-Stake (PPoS) consensus mechanism. It offers stakers a 4.37% annualized reward rate with instant payouts—10 ALGO per block plus 50% of transaction fees—making rewards accessible without delays.
Unlike other PoS cryptos, Algorand removes traditional staking pain points such as token lockups and slashing penalties, ensuring flexibility and user confidence. These features, combined with its low entry requirement of just one ALGO token, make Algorand a leader among top PoS coins.
Launched in 2019, Algorand is a high-performance blockchain designed for real-world applications. It achieves scalability, security, and speed, processing transactions in just 2.8 seconds with negligible fees. The blockchain supports diverse use cases, from decentralized apps (dApps) to tokenized money markets.
Algorand’s growing ecosystem features prominent partnerships, including World Chess, India’s digital identity program for women, and NFT projects with the Australia Zoo. Its energy-efficient and environmentally friendly design further distinguishes it from competitors like Ethereum. With a $3 billion market cap and a ranking among the 50 most valuable cryptocurrencies, Algorand remains a dominant force in the proof of stake blockchain space.
Polygon (MATIC): Proof-of-Stake blockchain driving tokenized financial innovation
Polygon (MATIC)’s popularity as an ERC-20 token stems largely from its ability to improve Ethereum’s scalability and functionality. With a market cap of $750 million and an annual reward rate of 4.91%, Polygon offers an appealing staking option for investors. The project uses the Plasma framework to allow for scalable smart contract execution within the Ethereum ecosystem.
By enabling rollups and sidechains, Polygon ensures that Ethereum remains scalable while maintaining low fees and fast transaction speeds—up to 65,000 transactions per second. Polygon’s PoS mechanism secures these transactions and ensures the network remains decentralized and resilient.
Polygon is quickly becoming a prominent PoS solution due to its focus on making Ethereum a multi-chain ecosystem. With Polygon’s framework, developers can build decentralized applications (dApps) using a wide range of protocols, from Ethereum-compatible rollups to standalone chains.
This versatility is key in the growing decentralized finance (DeFi) space. Polygon is already home to over 50 dApps and supports various use cases, including finance, gaming, and NFTs. Polygon’s ability to scale Ethereum while maintaining security makes it a standout PoS platform. The project integrates zkEVM technology, further boosting Ethereum’s scalability, attracting enterprises, and enhancing Polygon’s role as a Layer 2 solution.
What does Proof of Stake (PoS) mean?
Proof of Stake (PoS) is a consensus mechanism blockchains use to validate transactions and secure the network. Unlike Proof of Work (PoW), which relies on miners solving complex puzzles to earn rewards, PoS focuses on coin ownership.
In PoS, validators are chosen based on the amount of cryptocurrency they hold (their stake) to verify transactions and add new blocks to the blockchain. Holding a larger stake increases the probability of being selected as a validator, and successful validation earns rewards in the form of a new cryptocurrency.
Pros and cons of Proof-of-Stake
Pros
- Lower barrier to entry for participation.
- Faster transaction speeds and scalability.
- Reduced risk of centralization in mining power.
- Increased network security through staking.
- Incentivizes long-term holding.
- Reduced environmental impact.
- Lower operational costs.
- Flexibility in governance.
- Higher rewards for early adopters.
- Easier integration with decentralized finance (DeFi).
Cons
- Proof of Stake lacks natural coin creation.
- Validators require prohibitively high coin holdings.
- PoS advantages rich holders over the community.
- PoS networks may be more centralized.
- Security risks from fewer validators.
- Staking rewards can be volatile.
- Energy consumption is still an issue.
- Validator node requirements can be technical and complex.
How does Proof of Stake work?
Proof of Stake (PoS) is a consensus mechanism numerous cryptocurrencies use to validate transactions more efficiently than Proof of Work (PoW).
With PoS, owners of cryptocurrency can stake their coins to become validators. Staking involves locking up coins to participate in the process of verifying and confirming transactions on the blockchain.
When a block of transactions is ready for processing, the PoS protocol selects a validator node to review and verify the transactions. If the validator confirms the transactions are correct, they add the block to the blockchain and receive rewards in the form of cryptocurrency.
However, if the validator proposes an incorrect block, they face penalties, losing some of their staked coins. This system ensures validators act honestly and ensures the integrity of the blockchain.
In PoS, the likelihood of being selected as a validator is proportional to the amount of cryptocurrency a user has staked. Larger stakes increase the chances of being chosen. However, staking smaller amounts results in a very low probability of selection.
To improve these odds, many participants join staking pools, where coins are pooled together to enhance the chances of being selected as a validator. Pool owners typically charge a small fee, and rewards are distributed proportionally among the participants.
This explanation focuses on the most widely used Proof-of-Stake mechanism; however, it omits discussion of emerging alternatives, but does not encompass other industry developments. Below, you’ll find a comparison of the rest.
A comparison of PoS consensus mechanisms
| Feature | Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) | Pure Proof of Stake (PPoS) | Leased Proof of Stake (LPoS) | Proof of Validation (PoV) | Liquid Proof of Stake (LPoS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consensus Mechanism | Delegates are elected to validate blocks | Validators are selected randomly based on their stake | Users lease their coins to validators | Hybrid consensus combining PoS and PoW | Coins are usable while staked |
| Centralization | High | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Scalability | High | Medium | High | High | High |
| Security | Medium | High | Medium | High | High |
| Energy Consumption | Low | Very low | Low | Medium | Low |
| Reward Distribution | Rewards shared between delegates and voters | Rewards distributed to validators based on their stake | Rewards shared between validators and lessors | Network security contributions and stake determine validator rewards | Stakers receive rewards regardless of participation. |
| User Participation | Limited to voting for delegates | Requires staking a significant amount of coins | Allows users with smaller amounts of coins to participate | Requires significant coin stake and network security involvement | Increases liquidity and flexibility for stakers |
| Networks | Solana, Tron | Cardano, Tezos, Polygon | NEM, Ark | Algorand | Cosmos |
Is Ethereum proof of stake still profitable?
Ethereum’s transition to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism has significantly altered the way users can participate in the network. While it has enhanced security and energy efficiency, it has also introduced new dynamics for earning rewards.
In the PoS model, users stake their ETH to validate transactions and secure the network. In return, they receive rewards in the form of additional ETH. This process, often referred to as “staking,” has become a popular way for individuals and organizations to contribute to the Ethereum ecosystem and earn passive income.
Profitability of Ethereum Staking
The profitability of Ethereum staking is influenced by several factors:
- Staking costs: While there are no direct fees associated with staking ETH, there are indirect costs to consider. These include the initial investment required to purchase ETH, gas fees for setting up a validator node, and potential operational costs.
- ETH price: The price of ETH fluctuates significantly. A rising ETH price can increase the overall value of staking rewards, even if the APR remains low. Conversely, a declining ETH price can reduce the profitability of staking.
- Reward rate: The annual percentage rate (APR) for staking ETH has historically been relatively low compared to other blockchain networks. This is due to factors such as network congestion and competition among validators.
Challenges and considerations
While Ethereum staking offers a unique opportunity to participate in the network’s security and earn rewards, it also presents certain challenges:
- High ETH requirements: To run a validator node independently, users must stake a significant amount of ETH. This high barrier to entry limits the participation of larger entities and wealthy individuals.
- Low APR/APY: As mentioned earlier, the APR/APY for Ethereum 2.0 staking has been relatively low compared to other blockchain networks (around 3.92%, according to Staking Rewards). This can make it less attractive for yield-seeking investors.
- Other tokens offer higher yields: Many other blockchain networks, such as Solana, Cardano, and Polkadot, offer higher staking rewards and lower barriers to entry. This can divert users away from Ethereum staking.
Liquid staking solutions
To address the high ETH requirement and improve accessibility, liquid staking solutions have emerged. These platforms allow users to stake their ETH and receive liquid tokens that can be used for various purposes, such as trading or lending.
While these solutions can reduce the initial investment required, they often come with their own fees and potential risks.
That said, Ethereum staking remains a valid method to support network security while earning passive rewards. However, due to its relatively low APR/APY and steep ETH entry point, it has become less appealing compared to staking some of the best Web3 coins. As the Ethereum ecosystem matures, this dynamic could shift making it important for investors to stay informed.
How PoS chains have improved in 2025
Scalability
In 2024, PoS chains made significant strides in scalability. Ethereum, for instance, successfully transitioned to a PoS consensus mechanism, significantly reducing energy consumption and paving the way for further scalability improvements. Sharding, a technique that divides the network into smaller, more manageable shards, has been widely adopted.
Polygon, a layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum, has effectively utilized sharding to increase transaction throughput and reduce congestion.
Layer-2 solutions, such as rollups and sidechains, have also gained traction. Optimism and Arbitrum are prominent examples of layer-2 solutions that have offloaded transaction processing to secondary networks, further boosting scalability. This combination of techniques has resulted in faster transaction confirmation times and a more efficient network overall.
Security
Security remains a paramount concern for PoS chains. Advancements in consensus mechanisms, such as improved slashing conditions and validator selection processes, have enhanced network security and resilience.
Cosmos and Polkadot are notable examples of PoS chains implementing robust security measures, including advanced cryptography and decentralized governance.
Rigorous security audits have become standard practice. Certik is a leading blockchain security firm that has conducted extensive audits of various PoS chains, identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities. These measures, coupled with ongoing research and development, have strengthened the security posture of PoS chains.
User experience
PoS chains have prioritized user experience by simplifying the staking process.
Binance Smart Chain and Cardano have introduced user-friendly staking interfaces, making it easier for individuals to participate in network security and earn rewards.
Additionally, faster transaction confirmation times, achieved through optimized consensus mechanisms and network improvements, have enhanced the overall user experience.
Interoperability
Interoperability has emerged as a key focus area for PoS chains. Cosmos and Polkadot have developed advanced cross-chain communication protocols, enabling seamless transfer of assets and data between different blockchains.
Bridge technologies, such as Wormhole and LayerZero, have facilitated secure and efficient communication, expanding the potential for interoperability and collaboration.
Additionally, projects like London Bridge, which recently secured significant funding, are working on developing innovative solutions to enhance interoperability between different blockchain ecosystems.
Sustainability
PoS chains have embraced sustainability by exploring and implementing more energy-efficient consensus mechanisms. Tezos is a prominent example of a PoS chain that utilizes a unique proof-of-stake algorithm, reducing energy consumption and promoting environmental sustainability. Green initiatives, such as utilizing renewable energy sources and supporting carbon offset projects, have reduced the environmental impact of these networks.
User privacy
Privacy-preserving technologies, including zero-knowledge proofs and homomorphic encryption, have been integrated into PoS chains to protect user data and transactions.
Zcash and Monero are notable examples of privacy-focused PoS chains that employ advanced cryptographic techniques to ensure user anonymity.
Regulatory compliance
PoS chains have actively engaged with regulators to develop clear and comprehensive regulatory frameworks.
Algorand and Solana has proactively complied with regulatory requirements and built strong relationships with regulatory authorities.
Innovative compliance solutions have been implemented to ensure adherence to regulatory standards and maintain transparency.
Is Bitcoin Proof of Stake?
No, Bitcoin is not a proof-of-stake (PoS) cryptocurrency. It utilizes a different consensus mechanism called proof-of-work (PoW), which relies on miners solving complex mathematical puzzles to validate transactions and secure the network.
This process requires significant computational power and results in high energy consumption, which has been a subject of growing environmental concern.
While Bitcoin remains the most valuable cryptocurrency by market capitalization, its PoW consensus mechanism has sparked discussions and explorations of alternative approaches.
Several projects, including Core Network (CORE) and LENX Finance (XD), aim to bring decentralized finance (DeFi) functionalities to the Bitcoin ecosystem.
These projects often utilize wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC) tokens on other blockchains with PoS or other consensus mechanisms, allowing users to participate in DeFi activities without directly leaving the Bitcoin network.
It is important to note that implementing a major shift in Bitcoin’s consensus mechanism, like transitioning to PoS, is a complex and controversial undertaking. The Bitcoin community is known for its decentralized nature and adherence to the original whitepaper.
Any significant change would require a broad consensus among miners, developers, and users, which can be challenging to achieve. Currently, there are no concrete plans to switch Bitcoin to a PoS system.
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References
Argentinian Airline Issues Every Ticket as an NFT | CoinDesk
Robert Irwin announces Australia Zoo’s first ever collectible NFT series | 7NEWS
Proof of Work vs. Proof of Stake: Comparing blockchain consensus | Business Insider
BlackRock expands its tokenized money market fund to Polygon and other blockchains | CNBC
