Jito vs Marinade: MEV Rewards or Native Delegation
Jito and Marinade are non-custodial staking protocols built on Solana. Both launched in 2021, require no identity verification, and issue appreciating receipt tokens that accrue staking rewards across the network.
The core distinction lies in custody options and reward architecture. Jito focuses on liquid staking through JitoSOL, charging a 4% protocol fee while routing priority transaction fees from searchers directly to stakers through its MEV block engine. It also provides multi-asset restaking for Node Consensus Networks. Marinade delivers liquid staking via mSOL alongside an automated native delegation mode. This native option directs SOL across hundreds of validators through a stake auction marketplace without depositing funds into a smart contract pool. Marinade also integrates lending through Marinade Borrow and supports institutional setups with BitGo, Copper, and Zodia Custody.
Quick verdict
The deciding factor comes down to whether you prioritize maximum yield through MEV and restaking or prefer native delegation without smart contract custody. Jito channels validator tips directly into JitoSOL and expands into restaking infrastructure, holding over $1.09B in total value locked. Marinade removes smart contract exposure through native stake accounts, lets users borrow against positions, and provides audited access across three independent security firms.
Choose Jito if you want to capture Solana MEV priority tips alongside base staking emissions, plan to use your stake in Node Consensus Network restaking, or want JitoSOL as collateral across decentralized finance.
Choose Marinade if you want to stake natively without transferring funds into a shared pool contract, need institutional custody integrations like BitGo or Copper, or want to borrow USDC or SOL against active stake accounts without unstaking.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | ||
| Our score | 4.2/5 | 4.3/5 |
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Yield | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Security | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Liquidity | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Decentralization | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Specs | ||
| KYC required | No | No |
| Type | Liquid staking | Liquid staking, Native staking |
| Stakeable assets | SOL | SOL |
| Receipt token | JitoSOL | mSOL |
| Protocol fee | 4% | Not disclosed |
| Withdrawal time | 1 epoch (~2-3 days) | Not disclosed |
| Chains | Solana | Solana |
| Node operators | Jito-Solana validator network via StakeNet | Automated delegation across hundreds of Solana validators via Stake Auction Marketplace |
| Audited | Yes | Yes |
| Restaking | Yes | No |
| Typical reward rate | Not disclosed | 5.04% - 7.6% |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2021 | 2021 |
| Headquarters | — | United States |
| Investors | Multicoin Capital, 6th Man Ventures, Framework Ventures, Robot Ventures +1 | Not disclosed |
| Strengths and weaknesses | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Best for | Solana holders seeking MEV yield, DeFi traders using yield-bearing collateral, Non-custodial SOL stakers | Solana DeFi liquidity providers, Users avoiding smart contract risk, Institutions using qualified custodians |
Highlighted cells show the stronger value in each row. Data comes from each provider's site and public sources; check details before you sign up.
FAQ
Does Jito or Marinade offer native staking?
Marinade offers native staking alongside liquid staking, whereas Jito supports only liquid staking. Marinade's native delegation allocates SOL to validators through standard stake accounts, eliminating pool contract risk.
How do Jito and Marinade handle staking rewards?
Both protocols issue liquid receipt tokens, JitoSOL and mSOL, which appreciate against SOL as staking rewards accumulate. Jito also directs MEV priority tips to stakers via its custom block engine, while Marinade uses a stake auction marketplace where validators bid extra yield to win delegations.
Which protocol has undergone more security audits?
Marinade has completed audits with Neodyme, Ackee Blockchain, and Kudelski Security. Jito has security audits completed by Neodyme and the Solana Program Library stake pool auditors.
Can you borrow against staked assets on Jito and Marinade?
Marinade provides a built-in feature called Marinade Borrow to borrow SOL or USDC against stake accounts or mSOL. Jito does not have an internal lending tool, though JitoSOL can be used as collateral in external Solana lending protocols.