Independent · fact-checked June 2026
Compare liquid restaking tokens
An LRT keeps your restaked ETH liquid — earn staking + AVS rewards while the token still works in DeFi. This is an independent comparison of the liquid restaking tokens (the liquid layer above restaking) by TVL, model and risk.
8LRTs
8–12%Typical APY
5Guides
6Head-to-heads
⚠️LRTs are productive but fragile. On top of staking, they add depeg risk (a token can trade 5–10% below fair value in stress), slashing, smart-contract and bridge risk — the April 2026 Kelp exploit (~$290M) is the cautionary tale. Leverage looping amplifies all of it. TVL/yield are dated snapshots. Not financial advice.
| Protocol | Type | Token | TVL* | Best for |
|---|
| Eether.fi |
EigenLayer LRT |
eETH / weETH |
~$6B+ |
The safe default — liquidity & integrations |
| RRenzo |
Multichain LRT |
ezETH |
~$1B+ |
Restaked exposure across L2s |
| KKelp DAO |
Multi-LST LRT |
rsETH |
~$1B (post-exploit) |
Existing LST holders |
| MMellow |
Modular LRT |
Many (curated) |
~$292M |
Customizable / risk-isolated LRTs |
| PPuffer |
Anti-slashing LRT |
pufETH |
~$106M |
Slashing-conscious restakers |
| SSwell |
Dual-restake LRT |
rswETH |
~$200M |
Dual EigenLayer + Symbiotic exposure |
| BBedrock |
Universal LRT |
uniETH / uniBTC |
~$37M |
Multi-asset (ETH + BTC) restaking |
| EEigenpie |
Isolated LRT |
Isolated (mstETH…) |
~$9M |
Isolated per-asset restaking |
* Approximate total value locked — a dated market snapshot (DefiLlama + provider reports, 2026), shown for ranking. Figures shift.
How to choose
Want the safe default?
ether.fi — biggest, most liquid, deepest DeFi integration.
Using L2 DeFi?
Renzo — ezETH is deployed across the most L2s.
Already hold LSTs?
Kelp accepts stETH, ETHx and sfrxETH for rsETH.
Want tailored / isolated risk?
Mellow — modular vaults on Symbiotic.
Popular head-to-head comparisons
Guides
Frequently asked questions
What is a liquid restaking token (LRT)?
An LRT is a token you receive when you restake ETH (or an LST) through a protocol like ether.fi or Renzo. It represents your restaked position, earns staking + AVS rewards, and stays liquid — so you can trade it, lend it or use it across DeFi while it keeps earning. Examples: eETH, ezETH, rsETH, pufETH.
LST vs LRT — what’s the difference?
A liquid staking token (LST) like stETH represents staked ETH securing Ethereum, yielding ~3–4%. A liquid restaking token (LRT) takes that a step further: the same ETH is also restaked to secure additional services (AVSs), adding AVS rewards on top — typically 8–12% total — in exchange for extra slashing and complexity. LRTs sit one layer above LSTs and above the base restaking protocols on restaking.ink.
Where does the 8–12% LRT yield come from?
Three layers: base Ethereum staking (~3–4%), plus AVS rewards for the extra services your restaked ETH secures, plus often protocol/points incentives. Yields spike above 15% when AVS demand is high. Remember the extra yield comes with extra risk — it isn’t free.
Are LRTs risky?
Yes — more so than plain staking. On top of slashing and smart-contract risk, LRTs add depeg risk (the token can trade 5–10% below fair value in stress), liquidity risk, and bridge risk. The April 2026 Kelp exploit (a LayerZero adapter, ~$290M) showed how bridge/contract flaws plus large TVL can cascade. Looping LRTs with leverage amplifies both gains and liquidation risk.
See all FAQs →