Staking · Review
ActiveStader Review 2026: Multi-Chain Liquid Staking
Stader is a non-custodial liquid staking platform that lets users stake tokens on several proof-of-stake networks and receive tradable liquid tokens. It has roughly $203 million in TVL and listed audits, but fees and reward rates are not published publicly.
By the DappsAtlas editorial team · Updated
DappsAtlas score
7.4/10
Good
Our verdict on Stader
7.4/10Stader suits users who want liquid staking on Ethereum, Hedera or other supported networks and are comfortable with smart-contract risk. Its main strengths are a non-custodial design, four named auditors and a broad DeFi integration claim. The main caveat is that fees and reward rates are not published publicly, and liquid tokens carry depeg and contract risks, so check the in-app terms and start with a small amount.
Score breakdown
How Stader scores
- Security
- 7.3/10
- Ease of use
- 7.5/10
- Fees
- n/a
- Features
- 7.5/10
Scores run from 0 to 10 and are based only on facts we could verify. Where information was missing we mark the score n/a rather than guess.
What is Stader?
Stader is a liquid staking platform from Stader Labs. Users stake tokens on proof-of-stake networks and receive liquid tokens that can be traded or used in DeFi while the stake keeps earning rewards. DefiLlama lists it under Liquid Staking and has tracked it since December 2021.
DefiLlama lists Ethereum, Hedera, Fantom, Terra2, BNB Chain and NEAR, with total value locked of about $203 million and a 7-day change of -1.6%. The project's token is SD. The homepage says liquid tokens can be used across more than 40 DeFi protocols.
Stader describes itself as a non-custodial, smart contract-driven staking platform and as staking middleware for retail users, exchanges and custodians. The site lists backers including Pantera Capital, Coinbase Ventures and Jump Crypto, and audits from Sigma Prime, Halborn, Peckshield and OtterSec.
How Stader works
You stake a supported token, such as ETH, through Stader's smart contracts. The protocol stakes funds with validators on the underlying proof-of-stake network, and rewards accrue to the stake.
In return you receive a liquid staking token that represents your stake and its rewards. The site says rewards auto-compound. Because the token is tradable, you can sell it or use it in DeFi without waiting for the underlying stake to unlock.
Stader also offers an SD Utility Pool, where holders of the SD token can delegate it to support Ethereum decentralisation and receive rewards. The site describes the platform as middleware serving retail users, exchanges and custodians.
7 features
Key features
01
Non-custodial staking
Stader describes itself as a non-custodial, smart contract-driven staking platform, so users stake from their own wallets rather than depositing with a custodian.
02
Liquid staking tokens
Users stake tokens and receive liquid staking tokens that can be traded or used elsewhere while the underlying stake keeps earning rewards.
03
Multi-chain support
DefiLlama lists Ethereum, Hedera, Fantom, Terra2, BNB Chain and NEAR, giving users options beyond a single network.
04
DeFi integrations
The homepage says liquid tokens can be used across more than 40 DeFi protocols, adding a way to earn on top of staking rewards.
05
SD Utility Pool
Users can delegate SD to a utility pool aimed at supporting Ethereum decentralisation, with rewards described as double digit on the homepage.
06
Published audits
The site lists audits from Sigma Prime, Halborn, Peckshield and OtterSec, and links to audit reports.
07
Infrastructure for institutions
Stader positions itself as staking middleware for exchanges and custodians as well as retail users.
Pros and cons
What we like
- Non-custodial design: users stake through smart contracts rather than handing funds to a custodian.
- Four named auditors are listed on the homepage, and DefiLlama lists two audits.
- Supports several networks, including Ethereum and Hedera.
- Liquid tokens avoid lock-ups and can be used across 40+ DeFi protocols, according to the site.
- Meaningful TVL of about $203 million and a listing history since 2021.
Watch out for
- Smart-contract risk remains despite the listed audits, and audits do not guarantee safety.
- Liquid staking tokens can trade away from the value of the underlying asset, especially in stressed markets.
- Fees and reward rates are not stated, so users must check them in the app.
- Public sources show a TVL change of -1.6% over 7 days, and the project is a smaller player in a competitive liquid staking market.
- Support is spread across several chains, and its homepage mentions only some of them (Ethereum and Hedera in the stake menu).
- Homepage claims such as 'best' and 'safest' are marketing statements, not independent findings.
Stader fees
Fees are not published publicly available for this review. Liquid staking protocols typically take a share of staking rewards as a protocol fee, and users also pay network gas fees, but the exact Stader rates should be confirmed in the staking app for each network.
The homepage notes that actual rewards vary with market conditions, staking duration and stake amount. Check the fee and reward details shown on the network page before staking.
Is Stader safe?
Stader is described as non-custodial, meaning users keep control of their wallets while smart contracts handle staking. The homepage lists audits by Sigma Prime, Halborn, Peckshield and OtterSec, and DefiLlama lists two audits. The project does not include audit findings, incident history or insurance details.
Liquid staking carries smart-contract risk, validator risk and the risk that the liquid token trades below the value of the underlying stake. Using liquid tokens in other DeFi protocols adds further contract risk. Review the audit reports and start small.
6 steps
How to get started with Stader
- 1
Open the official Stader site and choose a supported network, such as Ethereum or Hedera.
- 2
Connect a compatible wallet and check that the network and token are the ones you intend to stake.
- 3
Review the fees, reward rate and any unstaking or withdrawal terms shown in the app.
- 4
Stake your chosen amount and receive the liquid staking token in your wallet.
- 5
Hold the liquid token to keep earning rewards, or use it in a supported DeFi protocol if you accept the added risk.
- 6
Read the audit reports and start with a small amount if you are new to liquid staking.
Who Stader is for
Stader is for crypto holders who want staking rewards without locking up their tokens and who plan to hold or use liquid staking tokens in DeFi. It also targets exchanges and custodians that need staking infrastructure. It is less suited to anyone who wants a fully custodial, risk-free yield.
Stader FAQs
What is Stader?
Stader is a non-custodial, smart contract-driven staking platform. According to its site, it acts as staking middleware for proof-of-stake networks, serving retail users, exchanges and custodians.
Which networks does Stader support?
DefiLlama lists Ethereum, Hedera, Fantom, Terra2, BNB Chain and NEAR. The homepage stake menu highlights Ethereum and Hedera, so check the app for which networks are currently open for new staking.
What is liquid staking?
Liquid staking lets you stake a token and receive a tokenized version in return. You keep earning staking rewards while being able to trade the liquid token or use it in DeFi, instead of having funds locked.
Has Stader been audited?
The homepage lists audits from Sigma Prime, Halborn, Peckshield and OtterSec, and DefiLlama lists 2 audits. Audits reduce risk but do not remove it, so only stake what you can afford to lose.
What is the SD token used for?
Public sources mention SD as Stader's token and an SD Utility Pool where users can delegate SD to contribute to Ethereum decentralisation and receive rewards. Reward rates are not stated publicly and the site notes that rewards vary.
Can I use Stader's liquid tokens in DeFi?
The site says liquid tokens can be used across 40+ DeFi protocols and names integrations or partners such as Aave, Balancer, Beefy Finance and Quickswap. Availability depends on the network and token.
Compare
Stader alternatives
SSV Network is a distributed validator technology layer for Ethereum staking, used by exchanges, custodians, staking services and node operators.
Obol builds Distributed Validator technology that splits Ethereum validators across operator clusters, for stakers, operators and institutions.
ether.fi Stake is a non-custodial Ethereum liquid staking protocol with an app for earning, borrowing and spending, for ETH holders comfortable with DeFi risk.
Liquid Collective is a non-custodial Ethereum liquid staking protocol issuing LsETH, designed mainly for institutions and compliance-focused stakers.
Ankr is a Web3 infrastructure provider offering multichain RPC, rollup services and liquid staking for stakers, developers and enterprises.
mETH Protocol is a non-custodial ETH liquid staking protocol on Ethereum, governed by Mantle, for ETH holders who want yield and a liquid receipt token.
Same category
More Staking dApps
Jito Liquid Staking lets Solana users stake SOL for JitoSOL, a liquid token that accrues staking and MEV rewards.
Marinade is a Solana staking protocol offering native and liquid staking (mSOL) via an auction where validators bid for delegated SOL.
Kinetiq is a non-custodial liquid staking protocol on Hyperliquid that turns staked HYPE into the yield-bearing kHYPE token for DeFi users.
BlazeStake is a non-custodial Solana liquid staking protocol that issues bSOL, for SOL holders wanting staking yield and DeFi use.
Babylon is a Bitcoin collateral infrastructure project that lets holders stake native BTC or use it as collateral without wrapping or bridging.
Sanctum Validator LSTs are Solana liquid staking tokens from SanctumSPL stake pools, for SOL holders and teams launching custom LSTs.
Same chain
More on Ethereum
Lido is a liquid staking protocol where users stake ETH and receive stETH, a reward-earning token usable across DeFi, governed by LDO holders.
Aave V3 is a non-custodial DeFi lending protocol on 21 chains where users earn interest on deposits or borrow against collateral.
Uniswap V4 is the latest Uniswap DEX version with hooks and concentrated liquidity, running on 22 chains for self-custody token swaps and liquidity provision.
Uniswap V3 is a non-custodial decentralized exchange protocol for token swaps and concentrated liquidity provision across 40+ chains.
DeFi Saver is a non-custodial tool for managing and automating leveraged lending positions across major DeFi protocols on Ethereum and layer-2 networks.
OKX is a major centralized crypto exchange for spot and derivatives trading, earn products and a Web3 wallet, with its own OKB token.
Guides
Guides that mention Stader
Blockchain
How to Stake HBAR on Hedera: The Complete 2026 GuideHBAR staking on Hedera is non-custodial, has no lock-up and no slashing. This guide covers how it works, how to stake from a wallet or an exchange, how to pick a node, and how to unstake.
DeFi
What Is Crypto Staking? A Plain-English Guide for 2026Staking lets holders of proof-of-stake coins earn rewards by locking tokens to help secure a network. This guide covers how it works, where rewards come from, the main ways to stake and the risks to weigh first.
How we checked
Sources
Last updated . Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.