Hipo vs StarGate: TON or VeChain staking? (2026)

Hipo and StarGate serve different ecosystems, so the first decision is whether you want to stake on TON or VeChain. Hipo takes GRAM and issues hGRAM, a liquid-staking token whose value against GRAM increases as validator rewards accrue. StarGate locks VET into an NFT-linked staking position, lets users delegate to a validator, and pays rewards in VTHO. Hipo's position is designed to be usable across TON DeFi; StarGate's NFT can be transferred or traded. Their TVLs are about $11.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively, but that figure does not establish which is safer or more suitable. In practice, your network, preferred asset and need for a transferable or composable position matter more than a direct feature-score comparison.

Hipo advertises a staking fee of 0% currently, meaning stakers receive all staking rewards. That rate could change, and it does not mean every transaction is free: TON network costs, hGRAM or HPO trading costs, and any unstaking costs are not published. StarGate has not published a fee schedule. Users should also account for normal VeChain transaction costs, which are paid in VTHO, and check whether its NFT marketplace has charges before trading a position. The platforms also differ in how they present rewards. Hipo's hGRAM accrues validator rewards against GRAM, while StarGate pays VTHO at the end of each delegation period. StarGate reward rates and requirements vary by node tier and validator. Check the current app details before staking rather than assuming rewards or costs will remain unchanged.

Hipo's site lists four audit reports across its v1 and v2 contracts, including a Quantstamp report for v2 dated April 2025. It also describes its code as open source. StarGate has two audits listed, but the auditors and findings are not published in the information described here. Hipo therefore gives users more audit detail to investigate, though audits cannot rule out bugs or other contract failures. Both platforms still expose users to smart-contract risk, and token prices can affect the value of what users receive: hGRAM or HPO for Hipo, and VET or VTHO for StarGate. StarGate says users retain custody and that staking logic is on-chain, but its short track record is a consideration. Read the available reports and understand the terms before committing assets; neither audits nor self-custody remove protocol risk.

Hipo may be simpler for someone who wants a small entry point: its site says staking can start at 1 GRAM, and unstaking is described as available any time. Its documentation, FAQ, stats and multilingual support also give users several ways to understand the process. Still, advertised reward figures reflect recent rounds and are not guaranteed. StarGate asks users to choose a node tier, each with its own stake requirement, rewards, maturity period and delegation power. Users can pick an active or queued validator, and rewards are claimed at the end of the delegation period. That structure offers more choices, but means you should understand the tier and timing rules before staking. Legacy VeChain node holders can migrate their nodes, and users can also choose to become validators.

Choose Hipo if you hold GRAM on TON and want a liquid position that can be used in TON DeFi. Its advertised 0% staking fee and low minimum stake may appeal, but remember that the rate is described as current, rewards vary, and HPO is a small, potentially illiquid token. Choose StarGate if you hold VET and want an NFT representing your staking position, validator delegation, or a route to migrate a legacy VeChain node. Be prepared to assess the tier terms and earn VTHO rather than VET. Neither is a cross-chain alternative to the other: use the platform that matches your assets and network, and check local rules and current terms before staking.