When you stake SOL in Phantom, you choose a validator to delegate to. Validators process transactions and help secure the Solana network.
Choosing the right validator can affect both your staking rewards and the overall decentralization of the network. This guide explains how to evaluate validators and where to compare them.
How to compare validators
Validators vary by commission rate, performance, uptime, and decentralization contribution. You can use the following tools to compare validators and review their metrics:
- validators.app: View metrics such as APY, commission, vote performance, and skip rate. You can sort and filter validators based on different criteria.
- topvalidators.app: Ranks validators by performance, trust signals, and user activity.
Tip: Avoid staking only with the very largest validators. Spreading stake across the network helps support decentralization.
What to look for in a validator
When reviewing validator options, consider the following factors:
- Commission rate: Lower commission can increase rewards, but it is not the only factor to consider.
- Reliability: Look for strong uptime and consistent vote performance.
- Decentralization: Supporting smaller validators can reduce centralization risk across the network.
- Reputation: Some validators are community-run or actively contribute to the Solana ecosystem.