At a glance
EigenLayer ↗ and Karak ↗ are two restaking protocols that let users redeploy staked assets to secure additional services. EigenLayer, launched in 2023 (rebranded to EigenCloud in 2025 as it expanded beyond restaking into verifiable cloud services), is the pioneer with $4.5B in TVL and supports ETH and liquid staking tokens (LSTs) exclusively on Ethereum. Karak, launched in 2024, has a smaller $0.01B TVL but accepts a broader asset set—ETH, LSTs, LRTs, Bitcoin derivatives, and stablecoins—and spans Ethereum, Arbitrum, Mantle, BNB, and its own K2 rollup.
Key differences
- Liquidity — EigenLayer’s $4.5B TVL dwarfs Karak’s $0.01B. That roughly 450× gap means EigenLayer offers deeper capital for securing AVSs and more liquidity for exit. Karak’s lower TVL means smaller slashing buffers and thinner markets for liquid restaking tokens.
- Chains — EigenLayer is Ethereum‑only. Karak operates on Ethereum, Arbitrum, Mantle, BNB, and the Karak K2 L2. If you operate across chains, Karak provides native restaking without bridging.
- Collateral diversity — EigenLayer only takes ETH & LSTs. Karak accepts BTC derivatives (wBTC, tBTC), stablecoins, and LRTs. Restaking non‑ETH assets is Karak’s defining advantage.
- Token — EigenLayer has the EIGEN token, which ties into governance and potential airdrops. Karak has no token, offering simpler exposure but no governance incentive.
- Maturity — EigenLayer launched in 2023 versus Karak’s 2024 debut. An extra year of battle‑testing and AVS partnerships gives EigenLayer a credibility edge.
Security and track record
Both protocols have commissioned top‑tier audits. EigenLayer employed Sigma Prime, Consensys Diligence, and Cantina. Karak used Sigma Prime, Cantina, and Spearbit. Neither has publicly reported any exploits or incidents. EigenLayer’s longer runtime and higher TVL make it more battle‑tested against economic security risks, but Karak’s audit spread is equally broad. On security alone, the difference is marginal; the larger risk comes from the novelty of restaking itself.
Fees and costs
Neither protocol’s current fee structures were included in our facts. Restaking protocols typically charge a percentage of AVS rewards or have no direct user fees. Check each protocol’s docs for up‑to‑date fee schedules.
Which should you choose
Pick EigenLayer ↗ if:
- You want the highest liquidity and widest AVS selection.
- You only restake ETH/LSTs and prefer the most established option.
- You value the EIGEN token and its governance role.
Pick Karak ↗ if:
- You need to restake Bitcoin, stablecoins, or LRTs.
- You operate on Layer‑2s (Arbitrum, Mantle, BNB) or want to restrike natively on K2.
- You prefer a multi‑chain, multi‑asset approach without token distractions.
Verdict
EigenLayer’s massive liquidity, first‑mover status, and deeper AVS network make it the restaking hegemon. Karak is a credible alternative for specific assets and chains, but for most restakers, EigenLayer remains the default. Choose Karak only if you explicitly need non‑ETH collateral or multi‑chain restating.