Masternodes are bonded validator systems which allow their associated individuals to play a more hands on role in their respective blockchain networks.
Masternodes have an appeal due to their potential for augmenting areas where proof-of-work consensus mechanisms might be inadequate. Most masternode projects utilize proof-of-stake for conducting consensus, but they may also use hybrid consensus such as a combination of proof-of-stake and proof-of work.
Masternodes provide value because they are able to help improve a blockchain network’s scalability. They also conduct various activities including storing the blockchain, participating in consensus, and providing other value added services such as governance and other decentralized services.
While becoming a masternode may be compelling for those interested in contributing toward a blockchain network and derive passive income, it does typically require a varying initial investment and a requirement for ongoing work.
Blockchain networks will typically require masternodes to hold and lock up a certain percentage of their respective tokens into the network’s designated wallet. This initial buy-in of the respective blockchain tokens depend on the current price of the coin and the numbers of coins required.
As such, an initial investment may cost from $14,000 to $1 million depending on the current state of the market. Rewards will also vary across different blockchain networks and the number of masternodes in place as well.
While new projects may provide high return-on-investment (ROI), you’ll want to keep in mind that you may be taking on a much riskier investment by getting into an agreement with a newer network.
Let’s dive into a few of the most compelling masternodes present in the crypto ecosystem today.
The Top Masternodes Projects You Need to Know
DASH
Dash requires individuals to stake 1000 DASH coins to be a masternode. That would translate to a cost of $65,000 at the time of this writing.
Dash masternodes are able to receive a return on investment of at least 7% on an annual basis.
Masternodes on DASH have to stay live for 24 hours each day as they serve as the crucial second tier of the DASH network. They are also in charge of verification, financial privacy, decentralized governance and budgeting.
PIVX
This privacy focused blockchain network requires masternodes to stake 10,000 PIVX, have a proper dedicated IP address, and continuous server uptime. PIVX provides them with an annual return of 12%.
At the current market rate, becoming a PIVX masternode may cost you an initial investment of $6,400.
PIVX masternodes participate in governance, block validation, budgeting, and the facilitation of instant financial privacy.
GIN
The Gin platform provides individuals with a quick and easy to way to set up and manage their masternodes over a wide variety of blockchains.
Interested Gin participants should expect to stake 1000 GIN at a current price of $0.63 per GINcoin. The expected ROI is around 75%.
Zcoin
Zcoin is a privacy focused blockchain is based upon the Zerocoin protocol, which is a privacy improvement on Bitcoin code.
It requires individuals to stake 1000 XZC and provides an annual ROI of 20.8%.
Zcoin continues to make updates to its system and has strong regular volumes, showing significant interest for the coin.
SmartCash
SmartCash is a community focused coin that is built on the code of the aforementioned Zcoin (which in itself was built upon Zerocoin protocol). SmartCash allocates rewards to many contributors of the community.
SmartCash masternodes must stake 10,000 SMART tokens to participate in the ecosystem as a masternode.
In return for their rewards, they have to perform a few services such as validating instant transactions on the network.
Due Diligence is Necessary
These masternodes networks qualify largely as some of the top projects involving this mechanism. But remember that the cryptocurrency market is a new industry, it is quite volatile and it still in the process of evolving. Always do your due diligence and invest wisely.
Top 5 Masternodes Projects
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