Jito vs Sanctum: MEV Yield vs Shared LST Liquidity
Jito and Sanctum take distinct approaches to staking SOL on the Solana blockchain. Jito operates a liquid staking pool alongside a custom validator client. Depositors receive JitoSOL, a single receipt token that pools standard inflation rewards with MEV tips captured by the Jito Block Engine. The protocol manages roughly $1.09B in total value locked and charges a 4% protocol fee, with standard unstaking requiring one epoch (about two to three days).
Sanctum is a shared liquidity layer across more than 1,300 custom validator tokens, including jupSOL and bbSOL, while issuing its own yield-bearing basket token, INF. Instead of waiting for epoch boundaries, depositors can swap between assets instantly through the Sanctum Router and Infinity pool. Sanctum applies a 0.1% protocol fee and holds security audits from six independent security firms, including Quantstamp, Halborn, and OtterSec.
Quick verdict
The core difference between these Solana protocols lies in token architecture and liquidity access. Jito provides a unified receipt token designed to capture MEV rewards directly from transaction priority tips, backing it with dedicated restaking infrastructure. Sanctum is a routing hub and liquidity engine that provides instant unbonding across hundreds of partner-branded validator tokens.
Choose Jito if you want maximum yield integration from Solana transaction tips and plan to use JitoSOL across Solana lending pools and restaking networks without needing exposure to custom validator tokens.
Choose Sanctum if you want the ability to exit staking positions instantly without waiting several days for epoch unbonding, hold white-label LSTs like jupSOL, or prefer a lower 0.1% protocol fee across a diversified liquidity reserve.
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | ||
| Our score | 4.2/5 | 4.5/5 |
| User rating | No reviews yet | No reviews yet |
| Yield | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Security | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Liquidity | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Decentralization | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Specs | ||
| KYC required | No | Not disclosed |
| Type | Liquid staking | Liquid staking |
| Stakeable assets | SOL | SOL |
| Receipt token | JitoSOL | INF and validator LSTs |
| Protocol fee | 4% | 0.1% |
| Withdrawal time | 1 epoch (~2-3 days) | Not disclosed |
| Chains | Solana | Solana |
| Node operators | Jito-Solana validator network via StakeNet | Permissionless validator set with custom white-label pools |
| Audited | Yes | Yes |
| Restaking | Yes | Not disclosed |
| Typical reward rate | Not disclosed | 5.65%-5.69% |
| Company | ||
| Founded | 2021 | — |
| Headquarters | — | — |
| 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 holders seeking diversified yield, Validators launching branded LSTs, DeFi traders swapping liquid tokens |
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
Which protocol has lower fees, Jito or Sanctum?
Sanctum carries a lower baseline protocol fee at 0.1%, compared to Jito's 4% protocol fee. Sanctum also charges a 10 basis point deposit fee and a 1 basis point withdrawal fee when routing trades through its stake pool system.
How do unstaking times differ between Jito and Sanctum?
Jito withdrawals take one Solana epoch, which lasts roughly two to three days. Sanctum allows stakers to unbond immediately by trading receipt tokens directly through its Infinity liquidity pool and Router.
Do Jito or Sanctum require identity verification?
Jito does not require identity verification to stake, operating through non-custodial Solana smart contracts without KYC checks.
What receipt tokens do Jito and Sanctum issue?
Jito issues JitoSOL, an appreciating token that pools staking yield with MEV searcher tips. Sanctum issues the INF multi-LST liquidity token and supports over 1,300 custom partner tokens such as bbSOL and jupSOL.