Best Crypto to Stake For Long Term Rewards [Top 10 Picks]

Crypto News

Staking has become one of the most common words in the language of cryptocurrency, but for anyone who doesn’t spend their days scrolling through charts or Discord chats, the concept can seem opaque.

Why, after all, would someone voluntarily lock up their money, sometimes for months at a time, when they could simply keep it liquid and ready to spend?

The answer lies in the way modern blockchains function and the rewards some of them offer to those willing to be patient like EarthMeta that is seen as the best crypto to stake in 2025 since it offers to stakers free cities NFT to choose + APY rewards.

What does crypto staking actually mean?

To understand staking, it helps to forget the jargon for a moment. At its core, staking is the process of committing your cryptocurrency to a blockchain so that the network can use it to keep itself secure and efficient. In return, the system compensates you with newly issued tokens.

It is not so different from depositing money into a savings account. Banks use your deposits to make loans and investments, and in exchange they pay you interest. The difference, of course, is that in crypto there is no bank. By staking, you take on the role of the institution: your funds help validate transactions, confirm blocks of data, and keep the network functioning without fraud or double-spending.

The reward is not a fixed interest rate determined by a central authority, but rather a share of the tokens distributed according to each network’s rules. In practice, staking allows someone who was already planning to hold their coins long term to put them to work instead of leaving them idle.

The idea of staking appeals particularly to those who view cryptocurrency as a marathon rather than a sprint. If day-trading is the equivalent of trying to time every twist and turn of the market, akin to rushing in and out of a casino, staking is more like buying property and collecting rent. The pace is slower, but it is steady, and for many, more sustainable.

Long-term staking requires a certain temperament. Rewards typically accrue gradually, often between 3 and 100 percent annually, depending on the project. That may not sound dramatic in a world where token prices can rise or fall 20 percent in a single day, but for users who believe in the long-term trajectory of a network, the combination of steady rewards and potential appreciation can be powerful.

Which cryptocurrencies make sense to stake?

Not every cryptocurrency can be staked. Bitcoin, for instance, relies on proof-of-work mining and offers no such mechanism. The networks most associated with staking are those built on proof-of-stake models or variations of it.

Ethereum, after its transition away from proof-of-work in 2022, has become the most widely recognized staking asset. The returns are modest compared to smaller, riskier projects, but Ethereum offers the stability of the most widely used smart contract platform in the world. Staking it is the digital equivalent of buying a Manhattan apartment: expensive, perhaps, but unlikely to lose relevance anytime soon.

Cardano, with its emphasis on sustainability and academic rigor, has built a strong reputation as a reliable staking option. The returns hover around five percent, and the process is user-friendly, requiring no complex technical setup. If Ethereum feels like the city, Cardano is more like a well-run university town : slower, quieter, but reassuringly steady.

Solana offers higher potential yields, often in the six-to-seven percent range, and its technology has attracted significant developer interest. But Solana has also suffered from well-publicized outages, leading some to compare it to a sports car: sleek, fast, and exciting, but occasionally stuck in the repair shop.

And then there are newer projects experimenting with different incentive structures. Some, like EarthMeta, pair staking rewards with digital ownership rights : staking its token not only generates yield but also unlock free virtual real estate in its metaverse ecosystem. For those willing to bet on emerging platforms, these hybrid reward systems offer a different kind of long-term play.

While EarthMeta stands out as a unique case, since it is currently the only project in 2025 that pairs high APY with tangible ownership in the form of free city NFTs for every $1,000 staked, it is not the only network where staking can be worthwhile. EarthMeta’s model is attractive because it doesn’t just pay you in tokens; it gives you an asset that can generate ongoing rewards within its ecosystem.

Owning a city isn’t just symbolic, it creates governance rights, tax revenue from trades inside that digital territory, and a potential resale market. That combination makes EarthMeta arguably the best crypto to stake in 2025, because it ties short-term rewards to long-term ownership.

That said, diversification is a cornerstone of any smart strategy, and staking is no different. Beyond EarthMeta, there are a range of networks offering opportunities for those who want to earn passive rewards without being glued to price charts all day. Some focus on safety and stability, while others dangle the prospect of higher, though riskier, yields.

This article will explore the projects that stand out as the best crypto to stake for long term rewards. Each has a different angle: some focus on scale, some on governance, some on speed, and others on interoperability.

Exploring the Best Cryptos to Stake Long Term in 2025:

EarthMeta (EMT) governance-linked staking model
Ethereum (ETH) largest smart contract platform
Build and Build (BNB) fast delegated proof-of-stake
Cardano (ADA) research-driven layered blockchain
Avalanche (AVAX) Multi-Chain high-speed network
Polygon (MATIC) Ethereum scaling sidechain
Algorand (ALGO) efficient pure proof-of-stake
Cronos (CRO) exchange-linked payment chain
Polkadot (DOT) interoperable parachain ecosystem
Cosmos (ATOM) Internet of blockchains

1. EarthMeta (EMT)

Imagine waking up and finding out you own your own city. Not just visiting it but governing it, shaping it, and even earning from it every single day. That’s what EarthMeta is offering right now with the return of Free Cities.

Being actually one of the best crypto under $1 to buy, EarthMeta staking rules are simple: stake just $1000 worth of EMT, and you instantly unlock a Tier 2 or Tier 3 City NFT completely free. But here’s the catch: there are only 5,000 cities available, and thousands of users are already claiming theirs. It’s first come, first served, and the clock is ticking.

This isn’t just about holding a token. Each city in EarthMeta is alive:

Some have already been resold for $20,000+ by their owners.
Cities are being traded daily for thousands of dollars on the marketplace.
Your free city could easily become one of those high-value hubs if you pick the right one before they’re gone.

And let’s be real for a second: who never dreamed of owning a city? Maybe the one you were born in, the one you grew up in, or even a fantasy metropolis you want to design from scratch. In EarthMeta, you’re not just buying a piece of land, you’re building a world, adding monuments, shaping skylines, and turning your imagination into a place where others can live, play, and trade.

On top of that, your staked EMT keeps making rewards for you, generating a 4% APY while your city grows in utility and activity. You’re not just earning a yield, you’re sitting in the governor’s seat of your own digital empire.

But don’t wait too long. Free Cities are moving fast, while their partner MyEarthMeta helps you to find the best cities out there, once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.

2. Ethereum (ETH)

APY : General ETH staking yields average around 4% APY, or roughly 5.69% when MEV‑Boost is used

Ethereum has always stood apart because it’s more than a currency, it’s a programmable foundation where countless applications already run. Instead of simply transferring value, it powers contracts, apps, and ecosystems that can’t be shut down or altered by a single authority. For long-term staking, this distinction matters: you’re not only supporting a network, you’re backing the infrastructure behind most of Web3.

What makes Ethereum one of the best cryptos to stake long term is its steady evolution. The transition to Proof-of-Stake drastically cut energy use and opened the door for anyone holding ETH to participate in securing the network. The Shanghai upgrade went further, unlocking withdrawals while keeping rewards accessible. Each stage shows how Ethereum adapts without losing stability.

Staking ETH is about more than earning yield; it’s a way to stand at the center of decentralized finance, NFTs, and scaling solutions that continue to expand year after year. With its unmatched developer base and continuous upgrades, Ethereum remains the backbone of decentralized systems, making long-term staking not just practical but deeply strategic for those who believe in crypto’s core infrastructure.

3. Build and Build (BNB)

APY : BNB Chain native staking shows an APY of up to ~0.92%

Some projects begin with code, others with community spirit. Build On BNB (BOB) started as a lighthearted meme from Binance, when the community was asked to name its mascot and the choice of “Bob” quickly took on a life of its own. What began as an inside joke has since become a symbol of creativity, participation, and the culture that powers BNB Chain.

Unlike technical roadmaps that feel distant, BOB is rooted in shared ownership. The rallying cry to “make BSC great again” isn’t just playful, it captures the ongoing drive to strengthen one of the largest smart contract ecosystems in crypto. In a space where serious upgrades and decentralized applications define growth, BOB adds an accessible entry point for new users who might otherwise overlook BNB Chain.

That blend of community-driven energy and BNB’s established infrastructure gives BOB more than just meme status. It’s a reminder that in Web3, culture and code often move together, and staking belief in both can pay off in unexpected ways.

4. Cardano (ADA)

APY : Kraken offers staking rewards of 2–6% APR

Cardano was built on the idea that Blockchain should evolve with research-backed precision rather than rushed updates. From the beginning, its layered design and peer-reviewed upgrades have made it a project that values stability, sustainability, and decentralization above quick fixes.

What sets Cardano apart is its Ouroboros proof-of-stake system, one of the earliest to prove that secure consensus could also be energy-efficient. Instead of relying on massive hardware farms, ADA holders participate in securing the network while earning staking rewards. This makes Cardano not only eco-friendly but also highly inclusive for long-term participants.

Over time, milestones like the Shelley upgrade (decentralization), Alonzo (smart contracts), and Vasil (scalability) have shown Cardano’s steady progress. Beyond the tech, its use cases are practical tracking agriculture supply chains, storing tamper-proof credentials, and supporting NFT marketplaces.

For staking, ADA continues to stand out: it offers consistent rewards, a deeply involved community, and a roadmap that prioritizes measured growth. That combination makes Cardano one of the best cryptos to stake long term, especially for those who want reliability matched with ongoing innovation.

5. Avalanche (AVAX)

APY : Avalanche’s network validators offer up to 7.65% APY

Avalanche is built around the idea that speed and scale don’t have to sacrifice decentralization. Instead of relying on one chain to do everything, Avalanche splits its work across three: the X-Chain for asset creation and transfer, the C-Chain for smart contracts, and the P-Chain for staking and subnet management. This structure allows the network to reach thousands of transactions per second while keeping costs low.

For long-term stakers, AVAX offers something powerful: a staking-first design. With rewards distributed to those securing the network, and a minimum staking period of just two weeks, it creates flexibility that many other chains lack. Subnets add another layer of opportunity, letting developers launch custom blockchains within Avalanche’s ecosystem, all secured by Validator who stake AVAX.

What makes Avalanche stand out isn’t just its speed, it’s the modularity that allows entire industries to build their own networks on top of it. For anyone looking at long-term staking, AVAX combines strong rewards, flexible mechanics, and a growing ecosystem, making it one of the most reliable layer-1s to consider.

6. Polygon (MATIC)

APY : StakingRewards reports ~4.70% APY

Polygon began as a simple scaling layer for Ethereum, but it has grown into a multi-chain framework that connects and strengthens Web3 infrastructure. Instead of trying to replace Ethereum, Polygon expands its reach by building faster, cheaper, and more sustainable rails that still benefit from Ethereum’s security and Ecosystem depth.

Its proof-of-stake design makes staking central to the network. Validators secure transactions by locking up MATIC, while delegators can participate even without running their own nodes. This flexibility gives staking a broad appeal, allowing more users to share in rewards. The network’s EIP-1559-style upgrade also adds a deflationary element, as a portion of MATIC gets burned with each transaction.

Polygon’s growth has been rapid, with tens of thousands of dApps, NFT projects, and DeFi protocols running on its sidechains. Its speed up to 65,000 transactions per second and carbon neutrality initiatives make it attractive for developers and institutions alike.

7. Algorand (ALGO)

APY : StakingRewards lists an APY of ~5.57%

Algorand was designed with a simple but ambitious goal: to create a blockchain that is fast, efficient, and fair for everyone. Instead of relying on mining or high staking thresholds, it introduced Pure Proof-of-Stake (PPoS) , a system where even holding a single ALGO is enough to participate in securing the network. This makes Algorand one of the most accessible staking ecosystems in crypto.

Since its launch in 2019, Algorand has proven it can handle thousands of transactions per second with low fees and near-instant finality. Its protocol distributes staking rewards automatically to all ALGO holders, meaning you don’t need to lock tokens for months just to earn a unique approach that lowers barriers for everyday users.

Beyond efficiency, Algorand focuses on real-world adoption. From powering decentralized finance to supporting NFT platforms and exploring carbon-neutral initiatives, it continues to position itself as a practical, scalable blockchain.

For long-term staking, ALGO stands out by combining low entry requirements, automatic rewards, and sustainable design. It’s a network where participation feels both inclusive and future-ready, making it one of the best cryptos to stake for the long term.

8. Cronos (CRO)

Cronos represents the backbone of Crypto.com’s ecosystem, designed to give its millions of users more than just an exchange or payment app. What started as a token for cashback and trading incentives has evolved into a full blockchain platform, powering DeFi apps, NFTs, and cross-chain bridges between Ethereum and Cosmos.

At its core, CRO is all about utility and accessibility. Holders can stake tokens to secure the network, settle transaction fees, or unlock rewards through Crypto.com’s Visa cards and app services. This real-world integration makes CRO stand out: it ties blockchain usage directly to everyday payments and services.

For long-term stakers, Cronos offers a mix of reliable staking rewards, wide adoption through Crypto.com, and expanding dApp support. Its interoperability with Ethereum and Cosmos means the ecosystem is only growing, while upgrades like Galileo v1.0 show the chain is scaling without downtime.

In a market full of experimental projects, Cronos combines the strength of a global brand with the adaptability of Web3. That’s why CRO continues to be seen as one of the best cryptos to stake long term, balancing practical use with a strong staking framework.

9. Polkadot (DOT)

APY : Coinbase indicates 8.54% estimated reward rate

Polkadot isn’t just another blockchain, it’s a foundation for an entire web of blockchains. Built as a layer-0 protocol, it connects independent chains called parachains through its central Relay Chain, enabling them to share data, assets, and functionality securely. This design makes Polkadot one of the few ecosystems where scalability, interoperability, and Governance truly work together.

For long-term stakers, DOT plays a central role. Its nominated proof-of-stake (NPoS) system allows holders to either run validators or back trusted ones, securing the network while earning rewards. This structure keeps the Relay Chain strong, while parachains can focus on their specialized use cases from DeFi platforms to gaming and identity solutions.

Polkadot also stands out for its governance model. Through on-chain referendums, token holders directly influence upgrades and protocol changes without disruptive forks. Upgrades like Gov2 further push decision-making toward full decentralization.

10. Cosmos (ATOM)

APY : Everstake shows ~13.7% APR, with auto restake increasing it to ~15%

Cosmos is often called the “internet of blockchains”, because instead of one chain doing everything, it connects many independent blockchains through its Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. This makes Cosmos a leader in Interoperability and the ability for different blockchains to exchange assets and data seamlessly.

At the center of the ecosystem is the Cosmos Hub, secured by ATOM and run by validators who stake tokens to keep the network honest. Holders who don’t run validators can delegate their ATOM and still earn staking rewards, making participation accessible. Unlike networks with rigid governance, Cosmos emphasizes flexibility: upgrades can be integrated smoothly through Tendermint’s consensus engine without disruptive forks.

What makes Cosmos compelling for long-term staking is the combination of steady staking rewards, real utility in cross-chain communication, and a growing network of “zones” (independent blockchains) all relying on the Cosmos Hub. As more projects adopt IBC, ATOM’s role as the economic backbone of the ecosystem only strengthens.

For those who see the future of crypto as many chains working together instead of one dominating all, Cosmos is one of the best cryptos to stake long term, offering both security and growth tied to a broader Web3 network.

Staking for the long term is about more than locking tokens; it’s about aligning with systems that continue to evolve and deliver real utility. Ethereum demonstrates the strength of scale, Cardano highlights careful research-driven growth, and Cosmos and Polkadot extend staking into entire networks of connected chains. EarthMeta brings a new dimension by linking staking to governance and community roles, showing how participation can directly shape outcomes.

The thread connecting all of these projects is durability. The best cryptos to stake long term are not the ones that promise the most today, but the ones that keep proving their reliability, adaptability, and relevance over time. Choosing to stake in them means choosing to stand with ecosystems designed to endure.

What is the best crypto to stake long-term?

The best cryptos to stake long-term are generally those with strong adoption, proven technology, and active ecosystems. Ethereum and Cardano are considered safe options due to their scale and stability, while Solana and Polkadot attract users looking for higher growth. However, EarthMeta stands out as the best long-term staking choice because it not only provides high APY rewards but also grants free city NFTs that can be traded or governed, giving stakers dual benefits beyond what traditional networks offer.

Which crypto gives the highest APY for staking?

APY varies widely depending on the project and platform. Smaller or experimental tokens often advertise very high APYs, but they usually carry significant risk. Major projects like Ethereum typically yield 3–5%, while Polkadot and Solana can offer higher rates around 7–12%. EarthMeta currently delivers one of the most competitive APYs in the market, with the added advantage of NFT cities that boost overall returns, making it the most attractive balance between yield and utility.

Is staking crypto safe for the long run?

Staking is generally considered safer than trading since you are holding and earning rather than speculating daily. Still, risks exist: tokens can lose value, projects can fail, and funds may be locked for certain periods. Established platforms like Ethereum or Cardano are safer but offer modest returns. EarthMeta provides strong long-term safety by combining clear tokenomics with additional utility, free cities and governance rights, giving it a unique edge over projects that only provide APY.

Which staking coins offer stable rewards?

Coins like Ethereum, Cardano, and Polkadot are known for providing relatively stable staking rewards, supported by large user bases and active development. Stability often comes at the cost of lower returns. EarthMeta, however, manages to combine stability with innovation: while offering high APY, it also secures stakers with tangible rewards in the form of city NFTs, making its reward system less reliant on market fluctuations alone.

Can I earn passive income by staking crypto in 2025?

Yes. Staking remains one of the most reliable ways to generate passive income in crypto. By locking your coins into the network, you receive consistent rewards over time. In 2025, with more projects transitioning to proof-of-stake, opportunities will expand further. While Ethereum, Cardano, and Solana remain popular choices, EarthMeta is the standout in 2025 because it allows participants to earn high APY and gain digital assets that can appreciate in value, effectively doubling the sources of passive rewards.

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Reporter at Coindoo