Quick Comparison: Limit Order vs Market Order
| Feature | Limit Order | Market Order |
|---|---|---|
| Execution | At specified price or better | Immediately |
| Speed | May not fill | Instant |
| Control | High | Low |
| Slippage | None | Possible |
What is Limit Order?
A limit order lets you set the exact price you want. "Buy BTC at $90,000" means you only buy if the price hits $90,000 or lower. If it never gets there, your order doesn't fill.
Limit orders give you control and avoid slippage. Professional traders use limits almost exclusively — you never pay more than you intended. The downside is potentially missing the trade if price moves away.
What is Market Order?
Market orders execute immediately at the best available price. Click "Buy" and you own it within seconds. Simple, fast, guaranteed execution.
The risk is slippage — in fast-moving markets or low liquidity, you might pay more than expected. A $100K market buy in a thin market could move the price against you significantly. For small trades in liquid markets, it's fine.
Key Differences
- Price Control: Limit = you set it, Market = whatever's available
- Execution: Limit may not fill, Market always fills
- Slippage: Limit = zero, Market = possible
- Speed: Market is instant, Limit waits for price
- Use Case: Limit for precision, Market for speed
- Pro Tip: Use limit orders, especially for larger trades
Which Should You Choose?
Use Limit Orders if: You have a target price, don't need instant execution, or are trading significant size. This is the professional approach.
Use Market Orders if: You need to enter/exit immediately, the market is highly liquid, and slippage doesn't matter for your trade size.
Track Both with Strykr
Stop juggling multiple apps. Strykr gives you unified access to crypto and stocks with AI-powered insights. Whether you choose Limit Order, Market Order, or both — monitor everything from one intelligent dashboard.