Estimated APY: Variable (restaking yields) | Minimum Stake: Any amount (through liquid restaking) | Lock Period: 7 days unstaking
EigenLayer pioneered the concept of 'restaking' — allowing already-staked ETH (via liquid staking tokens like stETH and rETH) to simultaneously secure additional protocols called Actively Validated Services (AVSs). This creates a marketplace for Ethereum's security, enabling stakers to earn additional yield by opting into securing bridges, oracles, data availability layers, and other infrastructure.
The protocol holds over $10 billion in total value locked and has spawned an entire ecosystem of liquid restaking tokens (LRTs) through protocols like EtherFi (eETH), Renzo (ezETH), and Kelp (rsETH). These LRT protocols simplify the restaking process — users deposit ETH and receive a liquid token representing their restaked position, which can then be used in DeFi.
Restaking introduces additional risk layers beyond standard staking. Each AVS you opt into adds potential slashing conditions — if an AVS detects misbehavior from your operator, restaked assets can be slashed. This layered risk profile means restaking is most appropriate for users comfortable with DeFi risk and who actively monitor their positions.
Deposit stETH, rETH, or other LSTs into EigenLayer to secure additional services (AVSs) and earn extra yield on top of base ETH staking rewards.
Minimum: Any amount
Stake through EtherFi (eETH) or Renzo (ezETH) for liquid restaked tokens that earn both staking and restaking rewards.
Minimum: Any amount
EigenLayer staking rewards combine base ETH staking yield (3-5%) with additional AVS rewards for securing extra protocols. AVS reward economics are still developing — early rewards have included token distributions from AVS projects. The total yield depends on which AVSs you opt into and how they compensate validators. Liquid restaking through EtherFi or Renzo adds convenience but introduces another layer of smart contract risk on top of the restaking risk.
EigenLayer offers potentially the highest yield on ETH by stacking restaking rewards on top of base staking yield. However, this comes with meaningfully higher risk than standard ETH staking — additional slashing conditions, multiple protocol dependencies, and nascent economic models. Best for sophisticated DeFi users seeking maximum capital efficiency.
EigenLayer introduced the concept of 'restaking' — allowing already-staked ETH (via LSTs) to secure additional protocols called Actively Validated Services (AVSs). This creates a marketplace for Ethereum's security, letting stakers earn additional yield by opting into securing bridges, oracles, data availability layers, and more. The protocol holds $10B+ in TVL and has spawned an ecosystem of liquid restaking tokens.
Yes — restaking adds slashing risk from each AVS you opt into, on top of the base staking and smart contract risks. You could lose a portion of your restaked ETH if an AVS you're securing detects operator misbehavior. The risk is multiplicative with each additional AVS.
Liquid restaking tokens (eETH, ezETH) are simpler and provide DeFi composability, but add another smart contract dependency. Direct restaking through EigenLayer gives you more control over AVS selection and risk management. The choice depends on your risk tolerance and DeFi activity level.