---
url: 'https://docs.jpool.one/user-docs/strategies/overview.md'
description: >-
  Compare the ways to stake on JPool. Liquid Staking and Native Staking for
  simple staking, plus the Smart, Direct, and Leveraged Staking strategies, each
  suited to a different risk profile and liquidity preference.
---

# Ways to stake

JPool offers five ways to stake, each suited to a different risk profile and liquidity preference. Two are simple staking options, [Liquid Staking](./liquid-staking.md) and [Native Staking](./native-staking.md), with basic mechanics and nothing to manage. The other three are more advanced strategies: [Smart Staking](./smart-staking.md), [Direct Staking](./direct-staking.md), and [Leveraged Staking](./leveraged-staking.md). This page compares them so you can pick the one that best matches your goals. Follow the links for the full concept and step by step flow of each.

::: info
Four of the five mint JSOL, JPool's liquid staking token, so your position stays usable while it earns. To learn what JSOL is and how it grows, read [JSOL and APY](../core-concepts/jsol-and-apy.md). Native Staking is the exception and mints no JSOL.
:::

## At a glance

| Way to stake | Profile | Liquid token | Unstaking | Best for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Liquid Staking](./liquid-staking.md) | Conservative | JSOL | Instant or delayed | Hands off staking with automated validator selection |
| [Native Staking](./native-staking.md) | Native | None | Delayed only (~2 days) | Classic staking with no tokens to manage |
| [Smart Staking](./smart-staking.md) | Adaptive | JSOL | Instant or delayed | Earning campaign rewards automatically without picking a validator |
| [Direct Staking](./direct-staking.md) | Direct | JSOL | Instant or delayed | Choosing a validator and earning extra campaign rewards |
| [Leveraged Staking](./leveraged-staking.md) | Aggressive | JSOL | Instant or delayed | Advanced users amplifying yield and accepting liquidation risk |

## Liquid Staking

The simplest option. You deposit SOL, receive JSOL, and JPool's [Smart Delegation Engine](../../validator-docs/delegation-strategy/) handles validator selection for you. Ideal if you want passive rewards without managing anything. See [Liquid Staking](./liquid-staking.md).

## Native Staking

Classic Solana staking with no liquid token. Your SOL is delegated directly to a validator through the Solana protocol, with no JPool stake pool or smart contract layer. It is the simplest and lowest risk option, but your SOL stays illiquid for about one epoch (~2 days) after you unstake. See [Native Staking](./native-staking.md).

## Smart Staking

Stake SOL and JPool places it into the highest-paying incentive campaigns that still have room, rotating it as campaigns end, so you earn campaign rewards without choosing a validator yourself. Your JSOL stays liquid. It is the automated counterpart to Direct Staking. See [Smart Staking](./smart-staking.md).

## Direct Staking

You choose a specific validator and stake to it directly. Your stake helps that validator grow through Direct Stake Matching, and if the validator runs an active campaign you earn incentive rewards on top of standard staking yield. You can also bind existing JSOL to a validator without a new deposit. See [Direct Staking](./direct-staking.md).

## Leveraged Staking

An advanced strategy that borrows additional SOL through flash loans to amplify your staking rewards. It raises your yield but introduces liquidation risk that you must monitor. Not for beginners. See [Leveraged Staking](./leveraged-staking.md) and the [Deep dive into leverage](./leverage.md).

Not sure which to pick? Start with Liquid Staking. It is the easiest way to earn rewards.