Solana does not support traditional mining like Bitcoin (Proof-of-Work). Instead, it uses Proof-of-History (PoH) + Proof-of-Stake (PoS), meaning the only way to earn SOL rewards is through staking — either by running your own validator node or delegating tokens to trusted validators. As of January 12, 2026, average staking APY ranges from 6.5% to 9.8% (depending on validator performance and network conditions), making staking one of the most accessible ways to earn passive income on Solana.
This 2065 guide explains exactly how Solana “mining” works, the best ways to start earning rewards today, step-by-step instructions, top validators, risks, and how to stake securely on Tapbit.
Why Solana Uses Staking Instead of Mining
Solana’s design prioritizes speed (up to 65,000 TPS) and low fees (<$0.01 per transaction). Proof-of-Work mining would consume massive energy and slow the network. Proof-of-Stake + Proof-of-History achieves the same security with far greater efficiency:
- Validators stake SOL to participate in consensus
- They earn rewards for correctly processing transactions
- Delegators (you) earn proportional rewards by staking with validators
Result: Eco-friendly, fast, and rewarding for all holders — not just those with expensive hardware.
Current Solana Staking Stats (January 12, 2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Current SOL Price | $142.61 (approx.) |
| Average Staking APY | 6.5% – 9.8% |
| Total Staked SOL | ~65% of circulating supply |
| Inflation Rate | ~5.5% (decreasing over time) |
| Minimum Stake for Validators | No hard minimum, but ~10,000–50,000 SOL recommended for profitability |
Two Main Ways to Earn SOL Rewards in 2025
Option 1: Delegate & Stake (Easiest – Recommended for Most Users)
- Delegate your SOL to existing validators
- Earn rewards automatically (paid every epoch ~2 days)
- No hardware or technical skills needed
- Best for holdings from 1 SOL to tens of thousands
Option 2: Run Your Own Validator Node (Advanced)
- Stake large amounts + operate 24/7 hardware
- Earn higher rewards + commission on delegated stake
- Requires technical knowledge and ~$5K–$15K initial setup
Top Factors to Choose a Good Validator
| Factor | Good Range | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Uptime | 99.9%+ | Low uptime = missed rewards |
| Commission | 0–8% | Lower = more rewards for you |
| Stake Size | Not too small/large | Balanced = better decentralization |
| Vote Credits | High | Shows reliability |
Use tools like validators.app or stakeview.app to compare real-time stats.
Risks of Staking SOL in 2026
- Slashing risk (very low on Solana — only for malicious behavior)
- Lock-up period: 2–4 days unbonding delay
- Price volatility: SOL rewards in SOL, not USD
- Validator downtime/misbehavior reduces rewards
Tip: Spread stake across 3–5 top validators to minimize risk.
Pros & Cons of Staking SOL
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Passive income (6–10% APY) | Short unbonding period |
| Supports network security | Price risk (rewards in SOL) |
| No hardware needed | Validator performance matters |
| Compounding possible | Slashing (rare but possible) |
FAQs – Solana Staking & Rewards 2026
Can you mine Solana?
No — Solana uses PoS, not PoW mining. Staking is the way to earn rewards.
What’s the best APY on Solana?
6.5%–9.8% average; top validators can reach 10%+.
Is staking SOL safe?
Very low risk of slashing; main risk is SOL price volatility.
Where to stake SOL easily?
Tapbit offers simple staking with strong validator selection and low fees.
Conclusion
Solana staking is one of the most accessible ways to earn passive rewards in 2025 — with solid APY, low risk, and no hardware required. Whether you delegate a few SOL or run a validator, regular staking supports the network and grows your holdings over time.
Ready to dive into crypto? Sign up on Tapbit today and kick off your trading journey in seconds.
Disclaimer: Not financial advice. Staking involves risk. Crypto prices are volatile. Always DYOR. Data as of January 12, 2026.
