Market vs Limit: which order should a beginner choose

Trading crypto for the first time? The most basic mistake is not understanding orders. Let’s break down the difference.

Market Order: “Strike while the iron is hot”

A market order is buying/selling right now, at the current price. No waiting, no joking around.

When to use it:

• You want to buy in as quickly as possible
• Long-term position (time in the market matters more than entry price)
• The market is moving and you don’t want to miss out

Why it’s risky:

• Slippage — between clicking the button and execution, the price can change. In volatile times, this can be 5-10%
• You pay the taker fee (higher)
• Less control over the price

Example: BTC is quoted at $100. You want to buy with a market order. It executes at $101.5 due to slippage.

Limit Order: “I’ll buy, but at my price”

A limit order means you set the exact price. The order only executes when the price reaches your level.

When to use it:

• Volatile market — you want to avoid slippage
• Entry point strategy (support/resistance)
• You can wait

Issues:

• The order may never execute if the price doesn’t reach your level
• You miss the position while waiting
• Requires analysis (where to place the limit?)
• Maker fee (lower, but often profit is lower too)

Example: BTC = $100. You set a limit to buy at $80. If the price drops to $80 — the order triggers. If not, it sits in the order book.

Advanced Options

Post Only — the order adds liquidity (you’re a market maker, fee is lower)

Fill or Kill — execute fully now or cancel. No partial fills.

Immediate or Cancel — fill with available liquidity, cancel the rest.

How to choose?

Conclusion

Market order = speed, limit = control. Neither is better — it all depends on your position, strategy, and patience. Beginners usually find market orders easier, but once you get the hang of it, limits can bring more profit.

P.S.: Don’t trade your last money and always use a stop-loss. This is really important.