Mellow Protocol: Modular Restaking Vaults, Reviewed
Mellow reviewed: the modular restaking layer where curators run vaults with different risk profiles on EigenLayer and Symbiotic. How it works and who it's for.
Table of contents
Most liquid restaking bundles one strategy into one token, and you take it as-is. Mellow flips that. It is a modular restaking layer where curators build vaults with different assets, risk levels, and reward profiles on top of EigenLayer and Symbiotic, so you pick the exact profile you want and receive a liquid vault token. More choice, more control, and more to evaluate per vault. Here is how it works and what to weigh before depositing.
What is Mellow Protocol?
Mellow is a modular restaking layer. Rather than issue a single liquid restaking token, it lets curators build vaults with distinct assets, risk parameters, and reward profiles on top of restaking networks like EigenLayer and Symbiotic. You choose a vault whose strategy suits you and receive a liquid vault token you can use across DeFi. It functions as restaking infrastructure that others build products on.
The design turns restaking from a one-size-fits-all product into a marketplace of strategies. That is powerful for choice, and it shifts more of the evaluation onto you: each vault is a distinct risk decision.
How Mellow works
- Browse vaults. Each is run by a curator with a specific asset set, restaking targets, and risk parameters.
- Choose one that fits your risk tolerance and desired exposure, and read its parameters carefully.
- Deposit and receive a liquid vault token representing your restaked position.
- Use or hold the vault token, and redeem or sell when you want exposure back.
Why users choose Mellow
- Choice of risk profile. Pick a specific strategy instead of one bundled LRT.
- Modular infrastructure. Built on multiple restaking networks (EigenLayer, Symbiotic), not tied to one.
- Liquid vault tokens. Keep composability across DeFi while restaked.
- Curator-driven. Specialists design vaults for different goals.
When to reach for something else: if you want the simplest single decision, a well-known LRT bundles it for you; if you want no restaking risk at all, plain liquid staking. Mellow is for those who want to choose.
Risks
Restaking risk applies and varies by vault: slashing from the networks and AVSs a vault secures, smart-contract risk in Mellow plus the underlying restaking layer, curator risk since you rely on the curator's choices, and depeg risk on vault tokens, amplified under leverage. Because each vault is different, there is no single risk answer, you must read each vault's parameters and evaluate its curator. Verify the official URL and start with a small deposit in a vault you understand.
How to get started
- Open the app and connect a self-custody wallet.
- Compare vaults and read each one's assets, restaking targets, and risk parameters.
- Deposit into a vault whose profile and curator you are comfortable with.
- Start small and evaluate each vault on its own before scaling.
Final verdict
Mellow makes restaking modular. Curated vaults with distinct risk and reward profiles on EigenLayer and Symbiotic give you real choice and liquid vault tokens, rather than one bundled LRT. The flip side is that you must evaluate each vault and curator, since risk varies and there is no single answer. If you want to choose your restaking exposure deliberately and will read the parameters, Mellow is a powerful tool. Verify the URL, judge each vault on its merits, and start small.
For more, see our best Ethereum restaking protocols guide.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Mellow Protocol?
Mellow is a modular restaking layer. Instead of one liquid restaking token, it lets curators build vaults with different asset, risk, and reward profiles on top of restaking networks like EigenLayer and Symbiotic. You choose a vault whose strategy and risk you are comfortable with, and receive a liquid vault token.
How is Mellow different from a single LRT?
A single liquid restaking token (like rsETH or pufETH) bundles one strategy. Mellow is modular: many curators run distinct vaults, so you pick the specific risk and reward profile you want rather than accepting one predefined mix. That flexibility adds choice and the need to evaluate each vault.
Is Mellow safe?
Mellow is non-custodial, but restaking risk still applies and varies by vault: slashing from the networks and AVSs a vault secures, smart-contract risk in Mellow plus the underlying restaking layer, curator risk, and depeg risk on vault tokens. Read each vault's parameters. Verify the URL and start small.
What is a Mellow curator?
A curator designs and manages a Mellow vault, choosing which assets it takes, which networks or AVSs it restakes to, and its risk parameters. You are trusting the curator's choices as well as the protocol, so evaluate the curator and the vault strategy before depositing.