mETH vs stETH: Mantle vs Lido Liquid Staking 2026
Mantle's mETH represents a unique approach to liquid staking. An L2 network creating its own LST. This comparison examines how mETH stacks up against Lido's dominant stETH.
Protocol Context
stETH is the market-leading liquid staking token with universal acceptance and deep liquidity across all of DeFi. mETH is Mantle Network's native liquid staking token, designed to integrate deeply with the Mantle L2 ecosystem. Holding mETH on Mantle provides additional yield opportunities and ecosystem benefits.Strategic Positioning
stETH Position
- Market leader across all chains
- Deep integration everywhere
- Chain-agnostic utility
- Universal standard
mETH Position
- Native to Mantle ecosystem
- L2-specific optimizations
- Ecosystem incentives on Mantle
- Growing cross-chain presence
Yield Comparison
stETH Yields
- Base APY: 3.5-4.2%
- Fee: 10%
- Model: Rebasing
- Bonus: None
mETH Yields
- Base APY: 3.5-4.5%
- Fee: 10%
- Model: Value-accruing
- Bonus: Enhanced yields on Mantle, ecosystem incentives
mETH can offer higher total yields when used within the Mantle ecosystem.
Ecosystem Integration
stETH on Mantle
- Available via bridging
- Standard integration
- Liquidity may be thinner than mainnet
mETH on Mantle
- Native integration
- Deeper liquidity
- Ecosystem incentives
- Preferred collateral in Mantle DeFi
Use Cases
Choose stETH When:
- You need maximum liquidity
- You operate across multiple chains
- Track record and stability matter
- You're not focused on Mantle
Choose mETH When:
- You're active on Mantle Network
- Ecosystem incentives are valuable
- You want L2-optimized staking
- You believe in Mantle's growth
Conclusion
stETH remains the universal choice for liquid staking across DeFi. mETH makes sense specifically for Mantle ecosystem participants who can leverage its native integration and incentives.For general use, stETH. For Mantle-focused strategies, mETH provides unique advantages.
Monitor yields across LSTs with Fensory.