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How Does Lido Work?
From the users end, Lido is simple and intuitive. The process to stake ETH, SOL, MATIC or any other token with Lido can be broken down into 3 simple steps:
- Visit Lido.fi, select the token you want to stake and complete the transaction.
- Receive liquid stTokens and receive rewards in real-time.
- Use your stTokens in DeFi protocols like Convex Finance to earn extra rewards.
On the back-end, it is a little more complicated. Lido works by using smart contracts to deposit and securely store tokens in a staking pool. The pool is then distributed to users in the form of tokenized assets called stTokens. These stTokens can be used as collateral in DeFi protocols such as AAVE, Curve Finance, Convex Finance and more, allowing users to earn additional yields from their staked assets without having to take them out of the Lido pool.
What kind of stTokens are available with Lido?
Lido currently supports stTokens and staking for the following networks:
- Ethereum (ETH) – stETH
- Polygon (MATIC) – stMATIC
- Polkadot (DOT) – stDOT
- Kusama (KSM) – stKSM
- Solana (SOL) – stSOL
Can stTokens on Lido lose their peg?
Yes, stTokens can lose their peg if too many users are trying to redeem their stETH for example at one time. The demand to sell the asset can result in the stETH price dropping lower than ETH, however there is a mechanism within the protocol that incentivizes market actors to arbitrage this temporary depeg for a profit.
Is Lido Staking Safe?
Yes. Lido uses smart contracts to securely store tokens in a staking pool and distribute them to users in the form of tokenized assets. Smart contract audits are conducted regularly and all transactions are cryptographically secured. Additionally, deposits and withdrawals are handled through safe state channels which protect user funds from malicious attacks. Ultimately, this means that you can trust Lido to securely store and stake your tokens.
Where is the Best Place to Earn Yield on stETH?
Convex Finance is currently the best place to earn yield on stETH as it offers highly competitive interest rates for staking rewards. Convex Finance is a DeFi protocol built on the Ethereum that offers boosted rewards to Curve Finance stakers and it allows users to stake stETH in order to earn up to 8.3% APR rewards.
stETH vs rETH vs frxETH vs cbETH - Which is Best?
Lido's stETH is the most popular staking derivative for Ethereum alongside Rocket Pool ETH (rETH), Frax ETH (frxETH) and Coinbase ETH (cbETH). Each staking derivative has its advantages and disadvantages and the best one for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Generally speaking, stETH and frxETH are the best staking derivatives for users who want to earn high yields, while rETH is better suited for those looking for maximum security. In our view, stETH has the best balance of high yields, security and decentralization.
On the other hand, if you're happy using a centralized staking provider, Coinbase ETH (cbETH) is also a great option. Coinbase ETH offers staking rewards up to 5% APR and is easy to use, but because it's a centralized provider, you don't have full control over your assets.
Final Thoughts
Lido is a secure, convenient and cost-effective way to stake tokens on the Ethereum network. By leveraging the power of smart contracts and decentralized finance protocols, Lido allows users to earn high yields on their staked assets without compromising security or custody.
Whether you're looking for a secure way to stake ETH, SOL, MATIC or any other token, Lido can be an excellent choice to safely earn staking yields.
