Stader: The Multi-Chain Liquid Staking Protocol, Reviewed
Stader reviewed: multi-chain liquid staking with ETHx and other staked assets that stay usable in DeFi. How it works, the risks, and who it's for.
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Staking normally locks your ETH, which means giving up the ability to use it. Stader's liquid staking fixes that: stake ETH for ETHx (or other assets on supported chains) and receive a liquid staking token that keeps earning rewards while staying usable across DeFi. It is multi-chain, with a decentralized-validator emphasis. Here is how it works and the risks to weigh.
What is Stader?
Stader is a multi-chain liquid staking protocol. You stake an asset, most notably ETH for its ETHx token, and receive a liquid staking token that earns staking rewards while staying usable across DeFi. ETHx is its flagship Ethereum product, designed with an emphasis on a decentralized validator set, and Stader has offered staking across several chains.
Liquid staking is the core idea: instead of locking your ETH with a validator, you hold a tradeable receipt (ETHx) that represents your stake and its rewards, so your capital stays productive elsewhere.
How Stader works
- Stake an asset (for example ETH) and receive the liquid staking token (ETHx).
- Rewards accrue to the token as the underlying stake earns.
- Use the token in DeFi, as collateral, in LPs, or elsewhere, while it keeps earning.
- Redeem or sell to exit your position.
Why users choose Stader
- Liquid and composable. Staked assets stay usable across DeFi.
- Decentralized validators. ETHx emphasizes a distributed validator set.
- Multi-chain reach. Staking offered across several chains.
- Non-custodial. You hold the liquid token in your own wallet.
When to reach for something else: for the deepest ETH liquid-staking liquidity, Lido; for restaking rewards on top, an LRT like Kelp or Puffer. Stader is a solid multi-chain liquid staking option.
Risks
Liquid staking carries validator and slashing risk on the underlying stake, smart-contract risk, and depeg risk if the liquid token trades below its underlying value, amplified if you use it as leverage collateral. Rewards vary with network conditions. Stader is non-custodial and audited, but none of that removes these risks. Verify the official URL and start with a small stake.
How to get started
- Open the app and connect a self-custody wallet.
- Stake an asset (for example ETH) to receive the liquid token.
- Decide whether to use it in DeFi or simply hold, weighing depeg risk under leverage.
- Start small and understand slashing and depeg risk before scaling.
Final verdict
Stader is a capable multi-chain liquid staking protocol. ETHx and its other staked tokens earn rewards while staying composable across DeFi, with a decentralized-validator emphasis. The risks are the category's: slashing, smart-contract, and depeg exposure, especially under leverage. If you want liquid, usable staked assets across chains, Stader is worth considering. Verify the URL and start small.
Related guides
For more, see our best liquid staking tokens guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is Stader?
Stader is a multi-chain liquid staking protocol. You stake an asset (such as ETH for its ETHx token) and receive a liquid staking token that earns staking rewards while staying usable across DeFi. It has offered staking across several chains, with ETHx as its flagship Ethereum product.
What is ETHx?
ETHx is Stader's Ethereum liquid staking token. Stake ETH and receive ETHx, which accrues staking rewards and can be used as collateral, in LPs, or elsewhere in DeFi. Its design emphasizes a decentralized validator set. You can redeem or sell ETHx to exit.
Is Stader safe?
Stader is non-custodial and audited. Liquid staking risks apply: validator/slashing risk on the underlying stake, smart-contract risk, and depeg risk if the liquid token trades below its underlying. Verify the official URL and start small.
Can I use ETHx in DeFi?
Yes. ETHx is liquid, so you can lend it, use it as collateral, or provide liquidity while the underlying stake keeps earning rewards. That composability is the appeal, and it amplifies risk if the token depegs while used as leverage.