ETHx vs stETH: Stader vs Lido Liquid Staking 2026
Stader's ETHx and Lido's stETH offer different approaches to liquid staking. While Lido dominates on Ethereum, Stader has built a multi-chain presence. This comparison helps you understand the trade-offs.
Protocol Positioning
stETH is the dominant Ethereum liquid staking token with 70%+ market share. Its focus is primarily on Ethereum, with deep integrations across the ecosystem. ETHx is part of Stader's multi-chain liquid staking platform, supporting Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Chain, and other networks. This broader focus means less concentration on Ethereum-specific optimizations.Yield Comparison
stETH Yields
- APY: 3.5-4.2%
- Fee: 10%
- Model: Rebasing
- Consistency: Very stable
ETHx Yields
- APY: 3.4-4.0%
- Fee: 10%
- Model: Value-accruing
- Bonus: SD token rewards sometimes available
Yields are comparable, with stETH having a slight edge from scale efficiencies.
Validator Approach
Lido Validators
- 30+ curated professional operators
- Ethereum-focused expertise
- Distributed across jurisdictions
- Working on DVT integration
Stader Validators
- Permissionless validator entry
- Multi-chain operator base
- SD token staking requirement
- Growing operator set
DeFi Integration
stETH Ecosystem
- Universal acceptance
- Deepest liquidity
- Maximum composability
- Standard for LSTs
ETHx Ecosystem
- Growing integrations
- Pendle support
- Expanding partnerships
- Smaller liquidity
Multi-Chain vs Focus
Stader's Multi-Chain Advantage
- Experience across multiple ecosystems
- Diversified protocol risk
- Broader market opportunity
- Cross-chain learning
Lido's Ethereum Focus
- Maximum Ethereum optimization
- Deeper integrations
- Concentrated expertise
- Network effects
Conclusion
stETH wins for pure Ethereum liquid staking with unmatched liquidity and integrations. ETHx offers a solid alternative with Stader's multi-chain expertise, but can't match stETH's Ethereum dominance.For Ethereum staking, stETH remains the default choice. ETHx provides an alternative for users who value Stader's broader approach.
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