Proof of Stake (PoS) is a consensus algorithm used in blockchain networks to validate transactions and create new blocks. PoS differs from Proof of Work (PoW) in that it doesn't require nodes to solve complex mathematical puzzles. Instead, validators are chosen based on the amount of cryptocurrency they hold. This makes PoS more energy-efficient and cost-effective than PoW.
In recent years, PoS tokens have gained popularity due to their potential to give traders high returns through staking rewards. The cryptocurrency market is becoming increasingly competitive, and it's essential to identify the best PoS coins for trading through comprehensive research.
In this article, we'll walk you through 10 of the leading PoS tokens available to trade today.
10 top Proof of Stake tokens
1. Avalanche
The Avalanche protocol and its project token, AVAX, provide an open-source platform to support the launch of sophisticated decentralized applications (DApps), custom blockchains, and interoperable networks. The protocol was designed to help address key challenges encountered with blockchain technology, including scalability, security, and decentralization. As such, Avalanche, which launched in 2020, aims to offer an alternative to the Ethereum network.
The protocol separates itself from others with a novel hybrid consensus mechanism comprising the leading features of classical and Nakamoto consensus mechanisms. These features are designed to make the Avalanche protocol more scalable, secure, and energy efficient than others. Meanwhile, Avalanche supports the creation of subnetworks, which are groups of validators that secure a set of blockchains. Custom blockchains can be created within a subnetwork to meet the unique needs of specific use cases.
The AVAX token is the network's staking token. It's used to support security on the network and to validate transactions in line with the project's PoS mechanism. The token's current staking reward is 7.60%, and holders of AVAX can delegate their tokens to validators and gain a share of the rewards earned by the validator. If you're interested in getting involved with AVAX, read about our selection of the top Avalanche wallets.
2. Cardano
Cardano (ADA) is a PoS cryptocurrency that's gained significant attention in the crypto industry due to its innovative approach to scalability, security, and sustainability. Cardano was created to provide a platform for developing and deploying decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts.
Cardano makes this list due to its unique approach to research-driven development, focus on sustainability and scalability. The Cardano team follows a scientific approach to developing the protocol, which involves peer-reviewed research and rigorous testing. This approach is meant to make Cardano's protocol secure, scalable, and sustainable.
Cardano's PoS consensus algorithm allows validators to earn staking rewards by helping to secure the network and validate transactions. Validators are selected based on the amount of ADA they hold and can earn staking rewards of up to 5.5%. Cardano's Ouroboros protocol is also designed to be energy-efficient, allegedly making it a more sustainable alternative to PoW consensus algorithms.
Cardano has also made significant progress in interoperability, with its recent launch of the Hydra protocol. Hydra is designed to enable high-throughput transactions and communication across different blockchain networks, making it easier for DApps to communicate and exchange information with each other.
3. Solana
Solana (SOL) is a PoS cryptocurrency that's gained significant traction in the crypto industry due to its fast, low-cost, and scalable network. Solana was initially created to provide a way to develop and deploy DApps and smart contracts.
The network is designed to process up to 65,000 transactions per second (TPS), making it one of the fastest blockchain networks available today. This high TPS is achieved through Solana's innovative use of a Proof of History (PoH) consensus algorithm, which allows for parallel transaction processing and eliminates the need for sequential block confirmation.
Meanwhile, Solana's PoS consensus algorithm allows validators to earn staking rewards by helping to secure the network and validate transactions. Validators are selected based on the amount of SOL they hold and can earn staking rewards of up to 7.29% at the time of writing.
Solana has also made significant progress in the development of its ecosystem, with the launch of the Solana Foundation and several partnerships with leading blockchain projects. If you're interested in getting involved with SOL, read about our selection of the top Solana wallets.
4. Toncoin
Toncoin (TON) is the native token of The Open Network (TON), a decentralized Layer-1 blockchain platform that's comprised of multiple components. They include the TON blockchain, TON DNS, TON Storage, and TON Sites. Backed by the Telegram messaging application, TON was designed to support cross-chain interoperability and high-performance transaction processing. In fact, the project states that the TON network was built to process millions of transactions per second (TPS). To put that into context, according to Chainspect, Ethereum today has a maximum theoretical TPS of 119.
On the network, Toncoin supports the rapid execution of transactions with minimal fees. Its high performance comes from the token's use of a sharded version of the PoS mechanism combined with the TON Virtual Machine, which controls and alters network states. Put simply, TON can manage its masterchain, workchains, and separate shardchains to process transactions in parallel while avoiding congestion.
TON serves many purposes overall, including payment of gas fees and transfers, staking, interaction with TON DApps, and onchain governance.
5. Algorand
Algorand features on this list for its inventive approach to security, scalability, and decentralization. Algorand's pure PoS consensus algorithm aims to eliminate the need for a central authority or mining pools, and to make sure that the network is decentralized and secure. This makes Algorand a promising platform for the development of next-generation DApps and digital assets.
Algorand's focus on security and decentralization helped it secure partnerships with leading companies and organizations, which expands the use cases for Algorand's technology. Additionally, the network can process up to 1,000 TPS due to its use of a binary Byzantine Agreement (BA) consensus algorithm, which enables fast and efficient block confirmation.
Traders can earn staking rewards by participating in the validation process through staking their ALGO tokens. Validators are selected based on a fair and transparent lottery system. Participants are incentivized to behave honestly, as they risk losing their staked ALGO if they act maliciously.
6. Polkadot
Polkadot (DOT) is a PoS cryptocurrency that was created to provide a scalable, interoperable, and secure platform for DApps and services. The Polkadot network is designed to enable cross-blockchain communication and interoperability, making it easier for DApps to communicate and exchange information with each other.
Polkadot has attracted interest because of its use of a sharding mechanism, which allows for the parallel processing of transactions and data across multiple blockchains. This enables faster and more efficient transactions, making Polkadot a promising platform for high-throughput DApps and services.
Polkadot's PoS consensus algorithm allows validators to earn staking rewards by helping to secure the network and validate transactions. Validators are selected based on the amount of DOT they hold and can earn staking rewards of up to 12%.
7. Tezos
Tezos (XTZ) is a PoS cryptocurrency that was created to provide a platform for DApps and smart contracts. The Tezos network is designed to be self-amending, which means that stakeholders can vote on and approve upgrades to the protocol, making it more flexible and adaptable to changing needs and developments.
Tezos made it onto this list mainly because of its focus on governance and community-driven decision-making. XTZ token holders can participate in the governance of the network by voting on proposals and updates to the protocol. This can create a more democratic and transparent ecosystem for developing and governance DApps and services.
Tezos' PoS consensus algorithm allows validators to earn staking rewards by helping to secure the network and validate transactions. Validators are selected based on the amount of XTZ they hold and can earn staking rewards of up to 6%.
Tezos has gained significant adoption in the crypto industry due to its innovative governance approach and self-amending protocol. Its focus on community-driven decision-making and flexibility make it a promising platform for the development of DApps and smart contracts.
8. Polygon
Polygon (MATIC) is a PoS cryptocurrency that was created to provide a platform for building and connecting scalable Ethereum-compatible blockchain networks. Polygon aims to address some of the scalability and interoperability issues facing Ethereum by offering a high-performance infrastructure for developing and deploying DApps.
Polygon earns a spot on the best Proof of Stake tokens mainly because of its focus on interoperability. Polygon allows for the seamless transfer of assets and information between different blockchain networks, making it easier for DApps to communicate with each other and share resources.
Polygon's PoS consensus algorithm allows validators to earn staking rewards by helping to secure the network and validate transactions. Validators are selected based on the amount of MATIC they hold, and they can earn staking rewards of up to 17%.
Polygon has gained significant traction in the crypto industry due to its focus on interoperability and scalability. Its ability to connect different blockchain networks and provide a high-performance infrastructure for DApps makes it a promising platform for the development of next-generation blockchain applications. If you're interested in getting involved with Polygon, read about our selection of the top Polygon wallets and how to bridge to Polygon.
9. Binance (BNB)
Binance’s coin (BNB) is a PoS cryptocurrency that was created by the cryptocurrency exchange Binance. The Binance network is designed to provide a platform for trading and exchanging cryptocurrencies and other digital assets.
One of the unique features of Binance is its use as a utility token within the Binance ecosystem. BNB holders can use the coin to pay for trading fees on the Binance exchange and can also participate in Binance Launchpad, a platform for launching new cryptocurrency projects.
Binance's PoS consensus algorithm allows validators to earn staking rewards by helping to secure the network and validate transactions. Validators are selected based on the amount of BNB they hold, and they can earn staking rewards of up to 20%.
Binance's continued growth and expansion make it a unique addition to this list. Binance has expanded its services to include derivatives, margin, and futures trading, providing users with a wide range of opportunities.
10. Ethereum 2.0 (ETH)
Ethereum 2.0 (ETH) is one of today's most popular and promising cryptocurrencies and rightly deserves a spot on this list. It currently ranks as the second-most popular cryptocurrency provider in the world, behind only Bitcoin. ETH is also considered one of the best staking coins for traders looking to earn rewards.
To stake ETH, holders will need to start with a minimum of 32 ETH as the Ethereum 2.0 network requires a minimum of 32 ETH to participate as a validator and earn staking rewards. However, traders can also participate in staking pools or services offered by exchanges and other platforms that allow them to stake smaller amounts of ETH.
Ethereum previously used a PoW consensus algorithm, but it has recently transitioned to a PoS algorithm with the launch of Ethereum 2.0. This transition has been successful, with billions in ETH staked on the Ethereum 2.0 network.
The final word
Proof of stake (PoS) cryptocurrencies can potentially provide a rewarding opportunity for those interested in the evolution of DApps and services. PoS algorithms can offer sustainable and efficient alternatives to traditional Proof of Work (PoW) consensus algorithms, allowing traders to earn staking rewards by helping to secure the network and validate transactions.
Today's leading PoS tokens of Ethereum 2.0, Polkadot, Tezos, and others, offer unique features and functionalities that make them promising platforms for the development of next-generation DApps and services. However, completing thorough research and analysis before trading any cryptocurrency is important, as the market can be volatile and unpredictable. As always, traders should consider their risk tolerance and financial goals before making any decisions.
