In cryptocurrency trading, futures trading and margin trading are two distinct methods that traders use to potentially increase their profits. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

Futures Trading
1. Definition: Futures trading involves buying and selling futures contracts, which are agreements to buy or sell an asset at a future date for a predetermined price.
2. Contracts: Traders don't own the underlying asset. Instead, they trade contracts based on the asset's future price.
3. Leverage: Futures trading often involves high leverage, meaning traders can control large positions with a relatively small amount of capital.
4. Settlement: Contracts can be settled in cash or by delivering the actual asset, depending on the contract terms.
5. Expiration: Futures contracts have expiration dates, after which they must be settled.

Margin Trading
1. Definition: Margin trading involves borrowing funds from a broker or exchange to trade larger positions than the trader's initial capital allows.
2. Ownership: Traders actually buy or sell the underlying asset but use borrowed money to increase their potential gains (or losses).
3. Leverage: Margin trading also uses leverage, but the level of leverage can vary significantly between platforms.
4. Interest: Borrowed funds incur interest, adding to the cost of trading.
5. Risk: If the trade goes against the trader, they may receive a margin call, requiring them to add more funds to maintain their position or face liquidation.

Key Differences
- Asset Control: Futures trading involves contracts, whereas margin trading involves the actual buying and selling of assets with borrowed funds.
- Leverage and Risk: Both methods use leverage, but the structures and risk management differ.
- Settlement: Futures contracts have a set expiration date, while margin trades can remain open as long as margin requirements are met.
- Interest: Margin trading incurs interest on borrowed funds, whereas futures trading typically does not.

Both methods come with significant risks, particularly due to the use of leverage, and are generally recommended for experienced traders.