Hipo or StarGate: Which Staking Option Fits You in 2026?

Hipo advertises a 0% staking fee and a 16.86% yearly reward rate based on its last two rounds. Treat that rate as variable, not as a promise of what you will earn. Hipo does not publish a complete fee schedule for every action, and you will need TON to pay network transaction fees. Check the app before staking, using hGRAM elsewhere or exiting.

StarGate does not publish a complete fee schedule or a fixed reward rate. Your VTHO rewards depend on the node tier and delegation terms, and VeChainThor transactions use VTHO for network gas. Keep enough VTHO for transactions. For either service, the token amount earned is not the same as a guaranteed cash return: the market value of GRAM, hGRAM, VET and VTHO can change.

Neither is risk-free. Hipo lists audits for its v1 and v2 contracts, with reports associated with Quantstamp, ProgramCrafter, TonTech and Daniil Sedov. Check that any report covers the contract version you plan to use. StarGate lists two audits, but does not publish auditor names, dates, scope or findings. In both cases, audits can help identify issues but cannot guarantee that contracts are bug-free or funds are recoverable.

Hipo also relies on its contracts and validation process. Its hGRAM can be used in TON DeFi, but doing so adds the other protocol's risks and may expose you to liquidity problems. StarGate's on-chain position involves contract rules, a tier maturity period and validator delegation. Self-custody does not remove those risks. Neither publishes a licence or a clear KYC policy, so do not assume either has a particular regulatory status or identity-check requirement.

Hipo's path is comparatively direct: connect a TON-compatible wallet holding GRAM and some TON for network fees, choose an amount, and receive hGRAM. The receipt token represents your staked position, with rewards accruing through its exchange rate against GRAM. Before you start, check the current rate and the app's exit conditions; Hipo does not publish a guaranteed processing time or withdrawal limit.

StarGate requires more decisions. Connect VeWorld, select a node tier with its own VET requirement and maturity period, stake to mint the associated NFT, then choose a validator and delegate. Rewards accrue in VTHO and are claimable at the end of each delegation period. This may suit you if you are comfortable managing an NFT and reviewing validator options. If you want a simpler stake or need quick access to funds, neither tokenized position should be treated as an instant, guaranteed exit.

Choose Hipo if you hold GRAM on TON and want a receipt token that may be usable in other DeFi applications while your stake earns rewards. Its advertised 0% staking fee and hGRAM format are the main draws, but the reward figure is variable and hGRAM's exchange rate is not a guaranteed sale price. Check liquidity and exit conditions before committing funds.

Choose StarGate if you hold VET and want VTHO rewards tied to an on-chain node-tier NFT. The NFT is designed to be transferable, but that does not promise a buyer, a particular resale price or immediate access to your VET. Tier requirements, maturity periods and delegation choices matter. Neither platform is a fit if you require guaranteed yields, fully documented fees or a fixed exit time. Compare the exact terms in the wallet transaction before approving it.