Jito

Jito issues jitoSOL and, because its validator client runs on a large share of the Solana validator set, stakers earn a share of MEV rewards on top of standard staking rewards — a structural yield source specific to Jito relative to some other liquid staking options. Staking SOL through Jito gets you jitoSOL, a liquid token representing your staked position, while the underlying SOL is delegated across Jito’s validator set.

What it’s for

Holding jitoSOL lets you earn staking (plus MEV) rewards while keeping a liquid, transferable token usable elsewhere in DeFi — as collateral in lending markets or in liquidity pools — instead of locking SOL in native staking.

Fees

Jito takes a protocol fee on staking rewards, standard practice among liquid staking issuers; check the app for the current rate. MEV-related rewards are variable and depend on network activity, not a fixed percentage.

Pros and cons

• Pro: MEV rewards are a real, structural yield source on top of base staking rewards, specific to running the Jito-Solana validator client.
• Pro: deep DeFi integration — jitoSOL is widely accepted as collateral and a trading asset.
• Con: realized yield varies with network MEV activity, not just staking participation, so returns are less predictable than a fixed-rate product.
• Con: standard liquid-staking depeg and validator-selection risk applies, same as any LST.

Track record

Jito’s validator client is run by a large share of the Solana validator set, making it a foundational piece of Solana’s MEV and staking infrastructure rather than a niche product. Its liquid staking token has deep integration across Solana DeFi as a widely accepted collateral and trading asset.

Risk considerations

Standard liquid staking risks apply: validator selection and slashing risk (managed by the protocol on your behalf, but not eliminated), and depeg risk during periods of stress. See our complete guide to Solana liquid staking and the walkthrough of staking SOL via Jito specifically. MEV-related yield also means your realized return can vary with network activity, not just staking participation rates.