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About Rocketpool
Rocket Pool is the leading decentralized Ethereum staking protocol, offering both liquid staking (rETH) and permissionless node operation. Founded by David Rugendyke in 2016, Rocket Pool was one of the first liquid staking solutions and remains the most decentralized alternative to centralized staking providers.
The protocol works on two sides: regular users can stake any amount of ETH and receive rETH, a liquid staking token that appreciates in value as staking rewards accumulate. Node operators can run validators with just 8 ETH (vs 32 ETH solo staking) by bonding RPL tokens and being matched with depositor ETH.
Rocket Pool's key differentiator is true decentralization—anyone can run a node without permission, and the protocol doesn't rely on a centralized operator set. The Oracle DAO provides price feeds and manages protocol operations. With thousands of independent node operators worldwide, Rocket Pool offers the most censorship-resistant staking option for Ethereum.
Key Features
rETH Liquid Staking
Stake any amount of ETH and receive rETH that accrues staking rewards automatically
8 ETH Minipools
Run a validator with just 8 ETH by being matched with protocol depositors
Permissionless Nodes
Anyone can become a node operator without approval—truly decentralized
RPL Collateral
Node operators bond RPL as insurance, earning RPL rewards on their stake
Smoothing Pool
Opt-in pool that socializes MEV and priority fees among participating nodes
Oracle DAO
Decentralized oracle network for rETH pricing and protocol operations
Use Cases
Liquid ETH Staking
Stake ETH without lockups—use rETH in DeFi while earning staking rewards
Home Node Operation
Run Ethereum validators at home with reduced capital requirements
DeFi Collateral
Use rETH as collateral in Aave, Maker, and other lending protocols
Decentralized Staking
Support Ethereum decentralization by choosing a truly permissionless protocol
RPL Staking
Bond RPL as a node operator to earn enhanced staking yields
Project Info
Frequently Asked Questions
Rocket Pool is a decentralized staking protocol. When you deposit ETH, you receive rETH—a token representing your staked ETH plus accrued rewards. rETH's value increases over time relative to ETH as staking rewards accumulate. You can swap rETH back to ETH anytime via the protocol or DEXs. The ETH is staked by thousands of independent node operators.
The key difference is decentralization. Rocket Pool allows anyone to run a node permissionlessly with 8 ETH, while Lido uses a curated set of professional operators. Rocket Pool has thousands of independent node operators globally, making it more censorship-resistant. Lido is larger by TVL but more centralized in validator operation.
RPL is Rocket Pool's governance and utility token. Node operators must bond RPL worth at least 10% of their borrowed ETH as insurance against slashing. In return, they earn RPL inflation rewards on top of ETH staking rewards. RPL also grants voting rights in protocol governance.
Yes! Rocket Pool is designed for home stakers. You need 8 ETH minimum, RPL for collateral, a computer meeting hardware requirements, and a stable internet connection. The Smartnode software simplifies setup. Many node operators run on consumer hardware at home, contributing to Ethereum's geographic decentralization.
Risks include: smart contract vulnerabilities, slashing events (mitigated by RPL insurance), rETH price deviating from fair value on DEXs, oracle risks in the Oracle DAO, and general staking risks like client bugs. Rocket Pool has been extensively audited and has a bug bounty program.