Validator

A validator is a participant in a proof-of-stake blockchain that locks up the network's coins as collateral and runs software to propose new blocks and vote on (attest to) the validity of blocks proposed by others. Validators earn rewards for doing their job and can lose part of their stake, known as slashing, for serious misbehaviour.

On Ethereum, a validator traditionally required 32 ETH; the Pectra upgrade in May 2025 raised the maximum effective balance per validator to 2,048 ETH while keeping 32 ETH as the minimum. Validators are chosen at random to propose blocks, weighted by stake. Other networks, such as Solana, Cardano and Cosmos chains, let token holders delegate coins to validators run by others.

Running a validator requires reliable hardware, a constant internet connection and technical skill, since downtime reduces rewards. Most people therefore stake through exchanges, staking pools or liquid staking protocols, which run validators on their behalf and take a commission.