Home
/
Investment strategies
/
Crypto trading tactics
/

Should you trade crypto manually or use automation?

Crypto Trading Strategies | Manual vs. Automation Debate Intensifies

By

Nikhil Kapoor

Aug 29, 2026, 06:40 AM

Edited By

Nicolas Duval

Updated

Aug 29, 2026, 06:57 PM

2 minutes to read

A person trading cryptocurrency manually on a laptop next to a graph showing rising and falling prices, with an automated trading setup visible in the background.

A lively debate is unfolding among people about trading methods in the crypto space, with fresh input challenging existing perspectives. As of August 2026, many are considering whether a blend of manual trading and automation leads to better outcomes.

New Insights on Trading Methods

While some individuals emphasize consistency in routine, others highlight the importance of strategic execution. One participant pointed out, "They have a portfolio with zero crypto, where I run one with 100% crypto and another ~75% crypto. They’re similar sizes, but mine are up nicely while theirs are down." This indicates how different allocations can affect performance.

Another contributor discussed the importance of structuring rules for automation: "If you can state entry, size, stop, and exit precisely enough for a script, you already have the strategy… automating mainly removes the part where you talk yourself out of it." This perspective suggests the necessity of a well-defined strategy before opting for automation.

Strategies to Consider

  1. Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA): Many advocate DCA as a prudent method, buying at regular intervals to spread risk.

  2. Defining Trading Rules: The ability to articulate clear rules is crucial. One user emphasized, "Log every fill with the level and the reason for a couple of months. That gives you your own numbers on where the money is actually coming from."

  3. Focus on the Automation of Basic Tasks: As one commentator from the forum noted, automating the "boring half" before the entries can streamline processes.

"Most people are not SWE or know how to trade," another commented, reflecting a shared concern among less experienced individuals.

Diverse Opinions Emerge

The overall sentiment ranges from confidence in methodical approaches to skepticism about automation's effectiveness. Participants are actively sharing strategies and expressing a need for diversification in their trading tactics.

Key Findings

  • βš–οΈ A combination of manual and automated trading seems to be favored by many.

  • πŸ’‘ The importance of defining a clear strategy before automating is highlighted.

  • πŸ“Š Automation alone won't overcome uncertainty unless clear rules are established.

As the crypto market evolves, experts predict that around 60% of individuals may adopt a hybrid trading approach, driven by technological advancements and increased access to tools. The community is set on a journey akin to the early days of algorithmic trading.

Epilogue

In summary, as both experienced and novice traders explore these methods, it remains crucial to identify strategies that resonate with personal trading styles while leveraging technological tools. Automation can complement manual trading but requires a solid foundation to be effective.