STKESOL vs JitoSOL vs Marinade: Which Solana Liquid Staking Token Is Right for You?
As of early 2026, roughly 60 million SOL is held in liquid staking tokens (LSTs), representing about 14% of all staked SOL on the Solana network*. That’s a market that didn’t exist five years ago. Ethereum’s comparable figure sits closer to 30%, which gives you a sense of where the floor is. There are now […]
As of early 2026, roughly 60 million SOL is held in liquid staking tokens (LSTs), representing about 14% of all staked SOL on the Solana network*. That’s a market that didn’t exist five years ago. Ethereum’s comparable figure sits closer to 30%, which gives you a sense of where the floor is. There are now more than 200 LSTs to choose from, and the question isn’t really whether to liquid stake, it’s which token fits your situation.Â
Staking SOL is one of the most direct ways to participate in Solana’s proof-of-stake network. When you delegate SOL to a validator, you help secure consensus and earn a share of the network’s staking rewards. That’s healthy for the network and good for holders.
Liquid staking takes that a step further. Instead of staking to a single validator, an LST protocol distributes your SOL across dozens or hundreds of validators. That distribution is part of what makes the Solana network more resilient. It’s also what gives liquid staking its yield consistency: no single validator’s downtime kills your rewards for an epoch.
This guide compares STKESOL, JitoSOL, and mSOL (Marinade) across the things that actually matter for that choice. SOL Strategies operates STKESOL, so we aren’t a neutral party. We’ve tried to be accurate about what each product offers, including where competitors have real advantages.
*Source: stakefish “State of Solana in 2026“
What Makes One LST Different from Another
When SOL holders stake through a liquid staking protocol, they receive a receipt token instead of locking their SOL with a single validator. That token accrues rewards over time, can be traded, used as DeFi collateral, or deployed in other yield strategies, all while the underlying SOL keeps earning.
Not all LSTs are the same. Three things drive most of the difference.
- Which validators the stake pool delegates to. Every LST distributes SOL across a set of validators. How that set is chosen, how many validators are included, and how stake gets reallocated each epoch affect both yield and risk. Some protocols use algorithmic scoring. Some use governance votes. Some use a competitive auction.
- DeFi integrations. An LST you can’t use anywhere isn’t very liquid. The breadth of protocols that accept a given token as collateral, in liquidity pools, or for other strategies determines how much flexibility you actually have. This varies across tokens and changes as protocols add new integrations.
- Liquidity depth. The size of the liquidity pool behind a token determines how easy it is to exit quickly and at a predictable price. Thin liquidity might carry fine underlying economics but still cost you in slippage on the way out.
At a Glance: STKESOL vs JitoSOL vs Marinade
| STKESOL | JitoSOL | mSOL (Marinade) | |
| Operator | SOL Strategies Inc. (CSE: HODL / Nasdaq: STKE) | Jito Foundation | Marinade Finance DAO |
| Yield Source | Network staking rewards | Network staking + MEV | Network staking |
| Validator Selection | Wiz Score (Stakewiz.com)** | Jito StakeNet Steward | Stake Auction Marketplace |
| Listed On | Major DEXs, Sanctum | Major DEXs, Sanctum | Major DEXs, Sanctum |
| Protocol Fee | 5% of rewards | ~4-5% of rewards | Variable (performance-based) |
| Unstaking Period | ~2-3 days | ~2-3 days | Instant (fee) or ~2-3 days |
| Operator Accountability | Publicly traded, dual-listed, audited financials | Foundation-governed | DAO-governed |
| Compliance Credentials | SOC 1 & 2, Type 2, ISO 27001 | None disclosed | SOC 2 Type 2 |
All figures are point-in-time and change with network conditions. Past yield does not indicate future performance.
STKESOL
When SOL holders stake through STKESOL, they receive a receipt token representing a staked position that continues to earn accrued staking rewards. That token can be held, traded, used as collateral in DeFi applications, or deployed for additional yield opportunities, all while the underlying SOL continues earning staking rewards.
The algorithm behind the allocation
Most liquid staking protocols pick validators and move on. STKESOL does something different.
The pool uses the Wiz Score from Stakewiz.com**, SOL Strategies’ proprietary validator scoring methodology, which evaluates more than a dozen metrics covering performance, reliability, network health, and decentralization, calculated as a 30-day trailing mean rather than a point-in-time snapshot. That distinction matters. We believe no validator can game their way in with a short burst of good behavior. Quality has to be demonstrated consistently.
Each epoch, 2.5% of total stake rebalances toward top-ranked validators not yet at their target allocation. The system is self-improving by design. Because data center concentration is one of those inputs, stake naturally distributes across independent infrastructure providers without anyone having to manage it manually. The pool scales as assets under delegation grow.
Current stats as of April 2026
- 726,072 SOL staked
- Pool token value: 1.021 SOL (accruing yield)
- Listed on Sanctum
- 0.10% withdrawal fee
DeFi access
STKESOL is listed on Sanctum, which provides a universal LST liquidity layer across Solana. DeFi integrations are an active area of development. Check the current list of supported protocols at https://app.solstrategies.io/, as this updates as new protocols come online.
The operator context
SOL Strategies is a publicly traded company, dual-listed on the CSE (HODL) and Nasdaq (STKE). It holds SOC 1 & 2, Type 2 and ISO 27001 certifications, files audited financial statements with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators, and operates institutional staking services for clients including the VanEck Solana ETF. For stakers where operator accountability matters, that’s the relevant background.
STKESOL suits
Compliance-conscious stakers, regulated entities, and institutional participants who need audited operator credentials and a public company with securities-law obligations behind the infrastructure.
JitoSOL
JitoSOL is the largest liquid staking token on Solana by TVL. It was the first LST to introduce MEV capture as a yield source, and that’s still the core of its value proposition.
How validator allocation works
Jito uses its StakeNet Steward Program, an on-chain algorithmic system that evaluates validators across performance, MEV commission, and other metrics. The Jito-Solana validator client routes transaction ordering in a way that captures MEV and shares a portion back to JitoSOL holders, adding yield on top of base staking rewards.
Worth knowing: SOL Strategies’ own Orangefin validator is part of the Jito StakeNet delegation set. These protocols are more interconnected than a simple comparison table suggests.
DeFi access
JitoSOL has broad DeFi integration across Solana, accepted as collateral in Marginfi, Kamino, Drift, and others. Its liquidity pool is among the deepest in the ecosystem, which generally means lower slippage on exit.
A note on yield
JitoSOL’s MEV-enhanced yield has faced compression as the pool has grown. The same MEV revenue now gets distributed across a much larger staker base, which has gradually pulled effective APY closer to base network staking rates. The yield advantage over other LSTs is real but narrower than it was in earlier years.
JitoSOL suits
Yield-maximizing stakers who want MEV capture included, and DeFi-native users who need broad protocol compatibility and deep liquidity.
mSOL (Marinade Finance)
Marinade was Solana’s first liquid staking protocol, launched in 2021. mSOL carries the ecosystem integration depth that comes with being first to market.
How validator allocation works
Marinade uses a Stake Auction Marketplace where validators bid for stake, with performance, commission, and decentralization as inputs. Stake is distributed across 100+ validators with automated rebalancing each epoch.
Marinade also runs Marinade Native, a separate product that offers automated delegation without issuing a token at all, for holders who want yield without smart contract exposure. Per Messari’s Q4 2025 State of Marinade report, the protocol has been shifting its institutional focus toward Marinade Native, while mSOL remains an active and well-supported LST.
SOL Strategies’ Orangefin validator participates in Marinade’s delegation set, as it does with Jito’s. These protocols compete for stakers, but they all delegate to many of the same validators, including smaller, high-performing operators that wouldn’t attract significant stake on their own. Broad delegation across the ecosystem strengthens the network. That’s a feature of how liquid staking works.
DeFi access
mSOL has broad DeFi acceptance on Solana, including Kamino, Drift, and others. Marinade holds SOC 2 Type 2 certification, notable relative to most DAO-governed protocols.
mSOL suits
DeFi-native users who want broad protocol support, established liquidity, and wide collateral acceptance.
The Tax Structure (Jurisdiction-Dependent, Not Tax Advice)
One reason LSTs appeal to many stakers relates to how rewards accrue. With native staking, some validators distribute new SOL tokens to wallets each epoch. With an LST, you don’t receive new tokens. Instead, the exchange rate between your LST and SOL gradually increases as rewards accumulate in the pool.
That appreciation structure may, depending on jurisdiction and individual circumstances, result in long-term capital gains treatment rather than ordinary income on staking rewards. This is genuinely jurisdiction-dependent and varies by individual situation. Nothing here is tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional before making any decisions based on this.
The Compliance Question
For retail holders staking a few SOL, the compliance posture of the operator probably doesn’t factor into the decision. For institutions, regulated entities, and compliance-conscious participants, it’s a different calculation.
STKESOL is the only Solana LST backed by a publicly traded company with dual-exchange listing, annual audited financials, and SOC 1 & 2, Type 2 and ISO 27001 certifications. Marinade holds SOC 1 & 2 Type 2 as well. JitoSOL has not disclosed equivalent credentials.
Summary
STKESOL is built for stakers who want institutional-grade validator infrastructure, audited corporate accountability, and a certified public company behind the protocol. The yield is competitive and the infrastructure story is differentiated.
JitoSOL is the largest Solana LST by TVL and introduced MEV-enhanced yield to the ecosystem. It has the deepest DeFi liquidity and integration footprint on Solana. For yield-maximizing and DeFi-native users.
mSOL is Marinade’s liquid staking token with the broadest protocol integration history on Solana. Marinade is increasingly focused on its native staking product for institutional clients, but mSOL remains a well-supported option with competitive yield and wide DeFi acceptance.
The competitive framing only tells part of the story. Validators like Orangefin, which SOL Strategies operates, receive delegation from both Jito and Marinade. These protocols share infrastructure. The Solana staking ecosystem runs on more collaboration than a comparison table shows.
Frequently Asked STKESOL vs JitoSOL vs Marinade Questions
What is STKESOL? STKESOL is SOL Strategies’ liquid staking token. When SOL holders stake through STKESOL, they receive a receipt token representing a staked position that continues to earn accrued staking rewards. That token can be held, traded, used as collateral in DeFi applications, or deployed for additional yield opportunities, all while the underlying SOL continues earning staking rewards.
How does STKESOL allocate stake across validators? STKESOL uses the Wiz Score from Stakewiz.com**, SOL Strategies’ own validator scoring methodology, which evaluates more than a dozen metrics covering performance, reliability, network health, and decentralization. The score is calculated as a 30-day trailing mean rather than a point-in-time snapshot, meaning validator quality has to be demonstrated consistently, not gamed with a short burst of good behavior. Stake is distributed across a dynamic set of validators that scales with assets under delegation.
Can I use STKESOL in DeFi? Yes. STKESOL is listed on Sanctum, which provides universal LST liquidity access on Solana. Check https://app.solstrategies.io/ for the current list of supported DeFi protocols, as integrations are added on an ongoing basis.
Is STKESOL a derivative? No. STKESOL is a receipt token, not a derivative instrument. It represents a staked SOL position and appreciates in value as staking rewards accumulate in the pool.
What happens when I want to unstake? Unstaking follows Solana’s epoch schedule, typically two to three days. A 0.10% withdrawal fee applies.
What compliance certifications does SOL Strategies hold? SOL Strategies holds SOC 1 & 2, Type 2 and ISO 27001 certifications. The company is dual-listed on the CSE (HODL) and Nasdaq (STKE) and files audited financial statements with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.
What is Marinade Native and how is it different from mSOL? Marinade Native lets you delegate SOL directly to validators and earn rewards into your stake accounts without receiving an LST. This eliminates smart contract exposure but also means you don’t get a tradeable token. mSOL is Marinade’s liquid staking token and works like other LSTs.
Yield figures, TVL, and validator counts are point-in-time data and subject to change. Past yields do not indicate future performance. Nothing on this page constitutes investment advice, tax advice, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Liquid staking involves smart contract risk, validator performance risk, and other risks specific to each protocol. Consult qualified professionals before making staking or investment decisions.
**The Wiz Score and stakewiz.com are wholly owned and controlled by SOL Strategies Inc.. The proprietary methodology utilized to calculate the Wiz Score is transparent and publicly available for review at https://stakewiz.com/faq#faq-wizscore.
Disclaimer
- No Investment Advice or Offer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, futures, options, or other financial instruments. This information is not investment, legal, or tax advice and should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized advice. Any decisions based on this information are your sole responsibility.
- Opinions, Accuracy, and Liability: Views expressed are as of the date indicated, are subject to change without notice, and may not reflect the views of SOL Strategies. Certain statements may be based on SOL Strategies’ views, estimates, or opinions, which may not be accurate or ultimately realized. Information obtained from third-party sources has not been independently verified, and SOL Strategies does not assume responsibility for its accuracy. SOL Strategies nor any of its affiliates, shareholders, partners, members, directors, officers, management, employees, or representatives makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. SOL Strategies expressly disclaims any and all liability relating to or resulting from the use of this information.
- Company Disclosures & Conflicts: SOL Strategies and its affiliates may own investments or have other incentives in some of the digital assets, protocols, and securities discussed herein. SOL Strategies does not provide services as a money transmitter, custodian, bank, securities broker-dealer, investment adviser, or commodity trading adviser and is not registered as such with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or other regulatory agencies.
- Important Risk Warnings: Past performance is no guarantee of future results, and examples are for illustrative purposes only. All investments carry risk. Digital asset investments are high-risk and subject to, among other things, price volatility, regulatory changes, and cyber-attacks. Cryptocurrencies are not legal tender, not backed by any government, can become illiquid, and may result in the total loss of principal. On-chain transactions are irreversible. These investments are only for investors with a high-risk tolerance.
- Forward-Looking Statements: The information provided herein may contain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is based on certain factors and assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time such statements are made and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.
