Reviews You Can Rely On

The Best Mouse of 2025

We tested over 100 of the best computer mice—ranging from wired and wireless to ergonomic and gaming models—to help you find the perfect fit for your budget and needs
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Best Mouse Review
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Austin Palmer
By Austin Palmer ⋅ Senior Review Analyst  ⋅  Updated August 18, 2025
Contributions From: Adam Stout & Jonathan Sayers

Choosing the right mouse can improve your daily work tasks, gaming experience, or even casual web browsing, whether you value the reliability and simplicity of a wired connection or the freedom and portability of a wireless design.

With over 100 mice and counting tested at our lab, we've put new investments into testing these products to gauge their accuracy, response time, and customizable features. We have a panel of testers clicking away, testing them at work, at home, and on group gaming raids together. Computer mice vary in shape, size, and design, each tailored for different grip styles and purposes, and our mission is to help you navigate the options.

The Logitech MX Master 3S is the best productivity powerhouse for work with its elegant design, lightning-fast response, and two scroll wheels that will help you complete tasks quicker.

If you work long hours or suffer from wrist strain, the Logitech MX Vertical is an ergonomic mouse with a design that is more likely to help you reduce the wrist-twisting tension of conventional mice.

Gamers often demand higher performance standards from their gear. With its flawless sensor, ergonomic form factor, and high degree of programmability, the Razer Basilisk V3 35K is the best gaming mouse we've used.

A mouse is just one component of an office or gaming setup. If you seek a full upgrade, we've also sat and sunk into different office chairs and gaming chairs for months at a time, and typed away on various styles of keyboards to find the best.

Editor's Note: We revised our review on August 18, 2025, adding in our new favorite wireless and gaming mice.

Our Top Picks

Best Wireless Mouse for Productivity
Editors' Choice Award
Best Wireless Mouse for Productivity
Logitech MX Master 3S

$110 at Amazon

Best Ergonomic Mouse
Editors' Choice Award
Best Ergonomic Mouse
Logitech MX Vertical

$104 at Amazon

Best Gaming Mouse
Editors' Choice Award
Best Gaming Mouse
Razer Basilisk V3 35K

$74 at Amazon

Best Value Wireless Mouse
Best Buy Award
Best Value Wireless Mouse
TeckNet 2.4G Wireless Mouse

$11.99 at Amazon

Best Value Ergonomic Mouse
Best Buy Award
Best Value Ergonomic Mouse
TeckNet Rechargeable Ergonomic Vertical

$17.49 at Amazon

Best Budget Gaming Mouse
Best Buy Award
Best Budget Gaming Mouse
HyperX Pulsefire Haste

$50 at Amazon

Best Wireless Gaming Mouse
Editors' Choice Award
Best Wireless Gaming Mouse
Logitech G Pro

$110 at Amazon

Best Wired Mouse for Productivity
Editors' Choice Award
Best Wired Mouse for Productivity
Logitech M500s

$30 at Amazon

Best Value Wired Mouse
Best Buy Award
Best Value Wired Mouse
TeckNet USB Wired

$9.99 at Amazon

9 Best Mice


Best Wireless Mouse for Productivity


Logitech MX Master 3S


REASONS TO BUY
Remarkably comfortable
Easily switches between multiple devices
Dual scroll wheels
REASONS TO AVOID
Ergonomics are for right hands only
A bit pricey

Who it's best for: The Logitech MX Master 3S is an excellent productivity mouse designed to make your workflow more efficient. If you spend your day navigating spreadsheets, editing videos or graphics, or even just browsing web pages for research or fun, this mouse will improve the experience. It features dual scroll wheels: One for vertical scrolling and another for horizontal navigation. “I thought both scroll wheels were smooth, fast, and accurate,” mentioned one of our testers. The MX Master 3S also features forward and backward navigation buttons, selectable infinite scroll, and convenient USB-C charging. We think this is the superior option for anyone who values smooth control and efficiency.

Why we love it: Not only does the MX Master 3S give you precise control, but it also feels natural in the hand. Its ergonomic design provides exceptional comfort, allowing extended use without causing wrist or hand strain. Our lead tester noted, “There are these cozy grooves for my thumb to rest, providing a wider place for it to land that helps alleviate strain from needing to pinch.” We were also impressed with its ultra-responsive and precise sensor, which can even function on glass surfaces.

Should you buy it? This productivity-focused mouse is well worth the cost for the amount of time it can save you and the strain it can prevent in the long run. It is comfortable, convenient, and precise, making it a great option for almost anyone. However, it does have a blatantly asymmetrical design that makes it unsuitable for left-handed people. And, while comfortable, there are other specially designed ergonomic mice that go the extra mile in relieving repetitive strain injuries. Even so, the MX Master 3S strikes the best balance between comfort and function that we've seen yet.

Connection Type: Wireless | Shape: Right-Handed

Read more: Logitech MX Master 3S review

The shape of the Logitech MX Master 3S comfortably supports all hand sizes and always keeps the convenient horizontal scroll wheel within reach.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Best Ergonomic Mouse


Logitech MX Vertical


REASONS TO BUY
Easily switches between three paired devices
Rechargeable battery
Built-in Bluetooth and wireless dongle
REASONS TO AVOID
No onboard storage for dongle when not in use
Too large for some hands

Who it's best for: The Logitech MX Vertical is the top choice if you're looking for an ergonomic mouse that can reduce wrist pain or prevent repetitive strain injuries. As a vertical mouse, it supports a simple and comfortable “handshake” position that is more natural for your wrist and forearm. “I can feel my arm relax when I go to use this mouse,” noted one tester. This is the best mouse for most people who experience fatigue throughout the day and those who have physical limitations that make a typical mouse difficult or impossible to use.

Why we love it: The MX Vertical has a wide body that firmly supports the palm. “It kept my hand in a perfect position for clicking and scrolling. There was no risk of my hand sliding down and out of place, despite the mouse's vertical shape,” remarked our lead tester. The wrist naturally remains elevated above the mouse pad, further reducing the strain or discomfort that would normally be exerted on the joint. We also thoroughly appreciate the long-lasting rechargeable battery that keeps the mouse going for up to four months before needing to be plugged in.

Should you buy it? We think that the MX Vertical is the best vertical mouse out there, but you should consider whether it's right for your hand size. Our smaller-handed tester struggled to get a comfortable grip on this mouse's wide body, so a more compact mouse might be preferable if you have small hands. For those with severe conditions that demand even less arm or shoulder movement, an ergonomic trackball mouse could be a better solution. For the vast majority of cases, though, the MX Vertical is a worthwhile addition to your ergonomic workspace.

Connection Type: Wireless and Bluetooth | Shape: Right-handed

mouse - the logitech mx vertical is our top choice among the ergonomic...
The Logitech MX Vertical is our top choice among the ergonomic designs for its exceptional comfort, features, and precision.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Best Gaming Mouse


Razer Basilisk V3 35K


REASONS TO BUY
Customizable buttons and lighting
Ergonomic thumb rest
Advanced scroll wheel
REASONS TO AVOID
No left-handed version
On the heavy side of the spectrum

Who it's best for: The Razer Basilisk V3 35K is the go-to mouse for the discerning gamer. It blends extreme performance and advanced programmability in a sleek, aggressive design. It has a flawless sensor that never dips below a 1,000Hz polling rate, and it delivers perfectly consistent sensitivity readings. The cherry on top is its 11 fully customizable buttons that you can configure universally or on a per-game basis to ensure you always play your way. Combine that with robust lighting options in Razer's accompanying software, and you have a recipe for creating the perfect balance for your specific gaming needs.

Why we love it: This Razer mouse features an adjustable scroll wheel with a mechanical switch that toggles between fixed resistance and infinite scroll. One tester found this especially beneficial, noting, “With this adjustability feature, it was super easy to find my sweet spot for scrolling.” Even more impressive is its 4D scrolling feature — you can tilt the scroll wheel left or right for horizontal scrolling or you can assign extra gameplay functions to the scroll wheel tilt. It's also an extremely comfortable mouse overall, due mostly to its slight ergonomic slant and supportive thumb rest. It's a complete package with design philosophies that make it excellent, not just for gaming but also for browsing, working, or any other computer task.

Should you buy it? We can wholeheartedly recommend this mouse to any gamer, though it does lack weight adjustments that might make a notable difference for some power users. Its edgy design and stylish use of lighting definitely scream “gaming mouse,” which might discourage you from using it in a formal workplace setting. Otherwise, it is an exceptional mouse that excels in all gaming genres and is worth buying for all manner of other uses as well.

Connection Type: Wired | Shape: Right-Handed

Read more: Razer Basilisk V3 35K review

The Razer Basilisk V3 35K meets gaming demands with its optimal design, stylish appearance, and many easy-to-reach customizable buttons.

Best Value Wireless Mouse


TeckNet 2.4G Wireless Mouse


REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Quick connection
Easy scroll wheel
Very affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
Comes without batteries

Who it's best for: The TeckNet 2.4G Wireless Mouse is the perfect blend of value and premium quality. It's a feature-rich product with a sleek design and an affordable price point. Its performance in our exhaustive testing showed that it can compete with mice that cost nearly twice as much, and, according to our male tester with medium-sized hands, “It's large enough to feel good in your hand without feeling huge and cumbersome.” Folks with smaller hands will likely enjoy it, too.

Why we love it: We love how versatile this Tecknet mouse is. It connects effortlessly via Bluetooth and has a reliable sensor that allows for smooth tracking on various surfaces. “Also, I liked the compact size; it is an excellent travel companion if you work on the go,” one tester mentioned.

Should you buy it? This is a well-balanced, affordable mouse that is an excellent choice for everyday computing tasks. It may not be suitable for high-end gaming, but you can absolutely rely on it for work or casual recreation, and its accessible price point will keep you from ever feeling buyer's remorse. It is an asymmetrical mouse that favors right-handers, though, and those with larger hands may find that this mouse's size can lead to fatigue and discomfort during extended use. We recommend putting this mouse on your shopping list if you are looking for a medium-sized option that you can easily carry between different workstations and sync to multiple devices.

Connection Type: Bluetooth | Shape: Right-Handed

Read more: TeckNet 2.4G Wireless Mouse review

mouse - the tecknet 2.4g wireless is an easy, on-the-go mouse thanks to its...
The Tecknet 2.4G Wireless is an easy, on-the-go mouse thanks to its size and multi-surface functionality.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Best Value Ergonomic Mouse


TeckNet Rechargeable Ergonomic Vertical


REASONS TO BUY
Premium-feeling mouse texture
Rechargeable
Quiet clicks
REASONS TO AVOID
Narrow design
Clicky thumb buttons

Who it's best for: The TeckNet Rechargeable Ergonomic Vertical is the ideal choice for anyone who's still on the fence about investing in a vertical mouse. Not everyone has the same needs or preferences when it comes to ergonomics, so this mouse can be a great entry point for testing the waters. It has an ergonomic design that keeps your hand and wrist in a more natural, strain-free position, just like the more premium vertical mice on the market. Its affordability also makes it a great choice if you're simply interested in switching back and forth between a standard mouse and an ergonomic mouse to relieve a bit of workday fatigue.

Why we love it: We were very pleasantly surprised by the high-quality experience provided by this budget TeckNet mouse. It's capable of very accurate tracking performance, it has a nice soft-touch plastic reminiscent of more expensive mice, and it comes with a rechargeable battery (with other budget mice, expect to purchase your own replacements). It also has just the right shape and angle to feel ergonomic for many types of users. “I would recommend this for most hand sizes,” our lead tester commented.

Should you buy it? This is a quiet and adequately ergonomic mouse that is worth buying for use in any workplace, classroom, or home office. It can help stave off the onset of repetitive stress injuries and provide some relief from wrist-related strain, but keep in mind that it has an overly thin design compared to other vertical mice. A mouse with a wider design will do a better job of supporting your palm and providing hours of consistent comfort. At such an accessible price point, though, the TeckNet Rechargeable Ergonomic Vertical will provide more benefit per dollar than just about any other ergonomic mouse.

Connection Type: Wireless | Shape: Right-Handed

The TeckNet Rechargeable Ergonomic Vertical has a stylish design and impressive performance comparable to higher-end options.

Best Budget Gaming Mouse


HyperX Pulsefire Haste


REASONS TO BUY
Super lightweight
Stylish and breathable design
Reasonable price/performance ratio
REASONS TO AVOID
Slightly sub-par sensor
No extra profiles

Who it's best for: The HyperX Pulsefire Haste has a budget-friendly price tag that makes it perfect for a gamer who wants some of the advanced features of a gaming mouse, but doesn't feel the need to pay for all of them. It's also incredibly lightweight, making it an incredible choice for fast-paced shooting games that require split-second reactions. If that's your wheelhouse, this might even be one of the best mice for you overall, even compared to certain premium options that cost twice as much.

Why we love it: This is a mouse that looks and feels like the kind of futuristic tech gamers dream about. We noticed that it feels totally natural to hold, especially with a fingertip grip, and those with small or medium hands can make other grips work perfectly well too. The main design element that drew our eyes was the honeycomb-like hex shell. It looks extremely stylish, but it's also splendidly functional. It is a huge part of why such a competent gaming mouse is also so lightweight, and it also promotes air flow to prevent sweaty palms.

Should you buy it? Being a budget gaming mouse means that the Pulsefire Haste has to make some compromises. It targets a polling rate of 1,000Hz, like many other gaming mice, but it wasn't able to hit this mark; we never measured a rating above 974Hz. As our tester pointed out, “you're not going to notice the difference” of losing 30-ish Hertz, but this minuscule disadvantage could be the difference between life and death in a world-class eSports tournament. It's also worth noting that this mouse is somewhat front-heavy and so lightweight overall that it might not be suitable for precision tasks like detailed menu navigation — a heavier or better-balanced mouse may be preferable for some game genres. If you're going to be playing FPS or action games, though, this mouse is totally worth buying.

Connection Type: Wired | Shape: Right-Handed Symmetrical

Read more: HyperX Pulsefire Haste review

There aren't many high-end gaming mice you can get for $50 or less, but the HyperX Pulsefire Haste absolutely delivers on speed, style, and even some advanced features that gamers crave.

Best Wireless Gaming Mouse


Logitech G Pro


REASONS TO BUY
Wire only necessary for charging
Left-hand friendly
Impressive optical sensor
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Cannot connect via Bluetooth

Who it's best for: The Logitech G Pro is the ultimate mouse for gamers looking to free themselves from the constraints of pesky wires. You would be hard-pressed to sense the minute difference in performance between this mouse and the most cutting-edge wired gaming mice. The G Pro is perfectly symmetrical in design, making it a rare example of a high-end mouse that's suitable for both righties and lefties.

Why we love it: We love the reliability and precision that make the G Pro such a great choice for any type of gaming. Logitech's proprietary HERO 25k optical sensor pulls its weight here, resulting in flawless movement detection and capitalizing on adjustable sensitivity that reaches high CPI counts. We felt completely in control of every on-screen motion during our gaming sessions. Clicking is basically silent and feels effortless and quick, striking the sweet spot necessary for shooting in a game like Rainbow Six Siege. The customization is decent as well, with two fully programmable buttons on both the right and left sides.

Should you buy it? There's little reason not to purchase the Logitech G Pro if your priority is to find the best-performing wireless mouse. However, it definitely falls short on self-expression compared to other gaming mice. There is almost no RGB customization available for this mouse–the only part that lights up is the small Logitech G logo. It also lacks the dozen or so customizable buttons that many MMO or MOBA players are likely to seek for their personalized gameplay needs. However, if a no-frills approach to high-end wireless gaming sounds appealing to you, this is the mouse to buy.

Connection Type: Wireless | Shape: Symmetrical

The G Pro is being replaced by the Logitech G Pro 2 Lightspeed. While we have not had a chance to test the new model yet, we plan to include it in our next update. Some of the upgrades to the Lightspeed include Logitech's Hero 2 sensor with a higher polling rate of 8,000Hz, as well as a swap from a micro-USB port to a USB-C. The symmetrical form remains the same.

Read more: Logitech G Pro review

mouse - we spared no detail in testing each performance metric of the...
We spared no detail in testing each performance metric of the Logitech G Pro.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Best Wired Mouse for Productivity


Logitech M500s


REASONS TO BUY
Great tracking
Good value/performance
Precise
REASONS TO AVOID
Noisy when scrolling
Fewer buttons than others

Who it's best for: The Logitech M500s is a simple, elegant, and well-performing mouse that caters to the everyday needs of most users. Whether you are managing documents, surfing spreadsheets, or casually browsing, you will likely find that this mouse does exactly what you need it to. It leaves no room for complaints or frustrations with its high-precision sensor that offers up to 4,000 counts per inch (CPI). It also features a low-resistance 4D scroll wheel and selectable infinite scroll mode, greatly enhancing its usability as a versatile productivity tool.

Why we love it: We found ourselves most surprised by how well the M500s performs on various surface types. It demonstrated highly accurate tracking capabilities across nearly all surfaces we tested, making it a reliable choice no matter where you go. Relaxed scrolling sessions on the couch, impromptu work tasks at the dining room table, or even on-the-go productivity at a strange cafe booth; all are perfectly manageable with the M500s. It features seven programmable buttons, and you can even assign functions in the Logitech Options software based on the active application you are currently using.

Should you buy it? You get excellent performance and a high degree of versatility at a bargain price with the Logitech M500s. It certainly feels comfortable to hold, too, but its affordability comes with some design sacrifices. “The scroll wheel is pretty loud, which might bother some folks,” one tester commented. Gamers and power users might also overlook this mouse in favor of one with even more customization and programmability. Overall, though, it packs a punch in the productivity department that few mice can match at this price point.

Connection Type: Wired | Shape: Ambidextrous

mouse - the m500s has a sufficiently long cord that's light enough to never...
The M500s has a sufficiently long cord that's light enough to never restrict your movement.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Best Value Wired Mouse


TeckNet USB Wired


REASONS TO BUY
Decent ergonomics
Good precision
Compatible with many surfaces
REASONS TO AVOID
Cord is a bit stiff
Scroll wheel is noisy

Who it's best for: The TeckNet USB Wired is for the budget-conscious shopper. It's a cost-effective choice if you need to supply an entire classroom or office building, but it's also perfect for individuals who are just looking for something that will get the job done. Despite its sub-twenty-dollar price tag, it's no slouch in the performance department. You get exceptional tracking precision that surpasses expectations for a model in this price range.

Why we love it: This mouse goes above and beyond our expectations in almost every way. It has a fairly ergonomic design, dedicated forward and back browser buttons, and even a convenient counts per inch (CPI) switch for on-the-fly sensitivity adjustments. “I found this feature proves particularly beneficial for tasks requiring varying sensitivity levels,” noted one of our testers. We were impressed to find that we could rely on the TeckNet to adapt to diverse usage scenarios, making it a standout value proposition in the crowded market.

Should you buy it? The fact that this TeckNet mouse performs so well at such a low cost makes it a natural buy for any low-intensity use case, but it is worth reporting that we experienced some minor issues during our testing. For example, we noticed some sluggishness when we tried to use the mouse on unorthodox surfaces such as lined paper. The inexpensiveness of its construction also starts to become apparent when you start to notice its stiff cord, rattly scroll wheel, and loud clicks. If you aren't planning to use it for precision design work or video games, though, the TeckNet USB Wired will hardly steer you wrong.

Connection Type: Wired | Shape: Ambidextrous

mouse - we were impressed with the tracking performance this value sensor...
We were impressed with the tracking performance this value sensor demonstrated.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

How We Tested


We are passionate hardware fanatics, productivity fiends, and gaming enthusiasts, and we have purchased dozens of mice across multiple categories and put them all through practical evaluations. Our experts take precise measurements, test each component along with any accompanying software, use them extensively in real-world circumstances, and, in the case of gaming mice, field them in actual gameplay scenarios. We also use advanced tools such as electronically actuated linear sliders, dimensional measuring devices, and scales to gauge metrics like tracking precision, ergonomics, and overall unit weight. You can find more detailed info on our testing articles for wired mice, wireless mice, and gaming mice.

We scientifically test each category of mice using specialized tools and methodologies tailored to assess key attributes like sensor accuracy, programmability, and button responsiveness.
Credit: Austin Palmer

Why Trust GearLab


Our testing team includes tech experts who know their stuff when it comes to managing mind-boggling spreadsheets and winning a deathmatch in the latest online shooter, part of which includes understanding the tools that make those things possible.

Leading our mouse-testing effort is Austin Palmer, who brings over two decades of experience with mice in office settings. Diagnosed with repetitive strain injury (RSI) in 2009, Austin's extensive use of mice and his commitment to ergonomics make him a valuable expert in identifying the most comfortable and effective mice for long-term use, ensuring our recommendations help prevent discomfort and injury. He's also an avid PC gamer with a wealth of experience and a nuanced understanding of gaming peripheral performance and how it translates to the screen in competitive gaming. He evaluates mice for their ability to give him better productivity, ergonomics, or a much-needed competitive edge.

Every mouse we review undergoes rigorously developed scientific evaluations and consecutive subjective analyses by seasoned testers.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

How to Choose a Mouse


We've covered the best wired, wireless, gaming, and ergonomic mice. While there is a good deal of overlap between most varieties of mice, and many of these can pull off excellent ergonomics while working well enough for casual browsing, productivity, or gaming, you probably want to find the one best suited to your specific use case. We're here to help.

mouse - in the vast and varied world of computer mice, there's a click for...
In the vast and varied world of computer mice, there's a click for every clique!
Credit: Abriah Wofford

What is Your Primary Use Case for the Mouse?


Gamers will prefer mice with high precision and low latency, with lots of buttons to program, while someone looking for an upgrade for their office mouse might lean towards mice with advanced ergonomics and a horizontal scroll wheel for spreadsheets. People with repetitive stress injuries will want to look into the sub-genre of ergonomic mice that positions the hand in a more natural way than traditionally designed mice. Then, of course, there are wired and wireless mice to think about, which is a matter of preference for most but a performance requirement for some.

mouse - a lineup of mice ready for testing, each set to undergo rigorous...
A lineup of mice ready for testing, each set to undergo rigorous evaluations of their performance, ergonomics, and features.
Credit: Austin Palmer

Types of Mice


When it comes to choosing the right mouse, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Different styles cater to unique needs, preferences, and tasks. From the classic wired mouse that offers reliable performance to the ergonomic model designed to minimize strain, the options are vast.

Wired Mice


A wired mouse might be the right choice for you if your mouse never leaves your desk and you don't want to worry about recharging or replacing batteries. They also offer the most reliable connection to your computer; you are highly unlikely to experience any connection drop, which sometimes occurs with wireless mice. Wired mice also have the edge when it comes to latency. They provide the ultra-fast response time required by competitive gamers.

Wired Mouse Key Metric Scores
ProductComfortTracking/PrecisionScroll WheelProgramming
Razer Basilisk V3 35K9.19.99.89.5
Logitech G502 X8.59.89.09.5
Logitech M500s6.98.79.36.5
SteelSeries Rival 37.09.56.57.5
TeckNet USB Wired6.59.16.01.0
Dell MS32206.03.77.05.0
Logitech B1005.86.66.02.5
Logitech M1005.86.56.02.5
Amazon Basics 3-Button3.66.88.01.0
HP Wired Mouse 1006.47.74.01.0
Verbatim Wired4.47.66.01.0
Seenda Wired Mouse5.85.06.01.0

Wireless Mice


While there are some advantages to wired mice, many still prefer the convenience of a wireless mouse. They cut down on clutter and offer more portability. Depending on your case, wires can be more than just an eyesore — they might restrict your range of movement if you have limited desk space. You might even opt for a wireless mouse if you are a competitive gamer who wants to limit the amount of weight or drag you feel on your mouse during critical, high-intensity moments when every factor can make all the difference.

Wireless Mouse Key Metric Scores
ProductComfortTracking and PerformanceScroll WheelTracking and Performance
Logitech MX Master 3S8.69.97.29.9
Logitech Lift7.39.58.49.5
Logitech M720 Triathlon7.18.97.38.9
Logitech G305 Lightspeed6.39.95.79.9
Razer Pro Click Mini5.39.65.89.6
Amazon Basics Wireless Mouse4.36.97.46.9
HP X3000 G35.37.15.97.1
TeckNet 2.4G Wireless Mouse6.06.56.36.5
Apple Magic Mouse4.06.87.46.8
Logitech M1854.66.95.06.9

Mice for Enhanced Productivity


If you're on the hunt for a good mouse for your workday, you might want a mouse with a few additional buttons, but not an overwhelming amount like some gaming mice tend to have. We highly recommend looking for forward/back browser buttons and a secondary horizontal scroll wheel for use in spreadsheets. A mouse you are going to use day in and day out at the office should also be ergonomic enough to be comfortable, but it doesn't necessarily have to be a dedicated ergonomic mouse. You will want decent tracking and response, but those parameters aren't nearly as crucial for productivity and casual browsing as they are in gaming and some advanced design and creative fields.

mouse - a long, flexible, snag-free cord ensures seamless and uninterrupted...
A long, flexible, snag-free cord ensures seamless and uninterrupted performance for a wired mouse.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Ergonomic Mice


Most modern, well-designed mice are pretty ergonomic. However, there is a sub-genre of mice that are less traditionally shaped and more ergonomic to the human hand. Prolonged periods in front of a computer can lead to repetitive stress injuries (RSI) like carpal tunnel syndrome. An ergonomic mouse, designed for comfort and efficiency, can mitigate these risks. Unlike standard mice, ergonomic mice are designed from the ground up to reduce strain, encouraging a healthier posture during use. They come in various forms, including horizontal, vertical, trackball, and joystick, each offering unique benefits.

Ergonomic Mouse Key Metric Scores
ProductComfortTracking and PerformanceScroll WheelProgrammable Buttons
Razer Basilisk V3 35K7.39.989
Logitech MX Master 3S89.97.28.5
Logitech MX Ergo S7.69.47.58.5
Logitech MX Vertical8.59.86.48
Logitech Lift6.39.88.18
Logitech M575S6.19.56.57.5
Kensington Orbit Wireless Trackball4.89.475.5
Lenovo Go Vertical58.36.55.5
Evoluent VerticalMouse D5.35.967
ProtoArc EM11 NL7.58.26.81
TeckNet Rechargeable Ergonomic Vertical6.98.56.41
TeckNet Wireless Vertical Mouse68.571
Anker 2.4G Vertical6.96.76.71
J-Tech Digital V628 Vertical4.37.25.51

Traditional Horizontal Ergonomic Mice


Traditional horizontal ergonomic mice offer a familiar design with enhancements to reduce hand strain by promoting a more natural hand position. Features like a contoured shape and additional thumb rests provide a more comfortable grip and better support. These mice also typically include programmable buttons and high-precision sensors, making them suitable for both productivity tasks and casual gaming.

Vertical Ergonomic Mice


Vertical ergonomic mice promote a natural handshake position, which can significantly reduce wrist and forearm strain. By rotating the hand into a vertical orientation, you prevent the twisting motion associated with traditional mice. It reduces pressure on the carpal tunnel and supports a healthier posture as well.

Joystick Ergonomic Mice


Joystick ergonomic mice use a vertical grip that resembles holding a joystick. This design engages the stronger arm muscles rather than relying solely on the wrist, which can be particularly helpful for users with limited wrist mobility or those recovering from wrist injuries.

Trackball Ergonomic Mice


Trackball ergonomic mice eliminate the need for extensive wrist movement by allowing users to control the cursor with a stationary ball. This design is ideal for users who suffer from wrist pain or have limited desk space. Trackball mice offer precise control with minimal effort. And because they are stationary, they are also helpful if you need to operate the mouse on uneven surfaces or in confined areas.

From joysticks to trackballs, there are many different styles to choose from with ergonomic mice.

Gaming Mice


If you're a dedicated gamer, you might just pay more attention to your mouse specs than anyone else here. Gaming mice need to excel in performance and precision. They usually have better tracking and response times than all other mice and often even include aesthetic touches like programmable RGB lighting effects to enhance desktop ambiance. Most of all, they have more buttons than most other mice. Below are the results from our gaming mouse review.

Gaming Mouse Metric Scores
ProductComfortWeight and BalanceScroll WheelSensor Performance
Logitech G Pro X Superlight 28.59.07.29.9
Logitech G Pro8.58.07.29.9
Razer Basilisk V3 35K8.06.88.610.0
Razer Viper V3 Pro8.09.26.59.4
HyperX Pulsefire Haste7.58.47.49.4
Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed7.09.26.39.9
Glorious Gaming Model O 2 Wired6.08.46.79.8
SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 26.57.86.89.5
Corsair Scimitar RGB Elite8.55.96.110.0
Redragon M612 Predator RGB9.05.27.29.0
Logitech G502 X7.57.25.310.0
Logitech G3056.06.96.79.7
Logitech G203 Lightsync6.07.26.69.0
Logitech G502 Hero7.55.26.19.5
SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 26.55.25.29.6

Sensor


A high-quality sensor is crucial for tracking precision and performance, and can give you an edge in fast-paced gaming. Look for key specifications like DPI (sensitivity), IPS (movement speed tracking), and a high polling rate (Hz) for quick data transmission. Many of the best gaming mice come with optical or laser sensors from reputable brands like PixArt.

mouse - gearlab uses specialized machinery to test precise gaming mouse...
GearLab uses specialized machinery to test precise gaming mouse metrics such as DPI or IPS.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Weight


Generally, gamers favor lightweight mice as they are easier to handle and provide greater agility during gameplay. However, some people prefer the substantial feel of a heavier mouse, finding that it offers more control and stability. Ultimately, the ideal weight of a gaming mouse depends on individual preference and the specific demands of the games you play.

Many gaming mice come with exceptional LED lights for decking out your gaming quiver.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Customization


One of the key features to consider in a gaming mouse is the ability to customize button functions. Advanced programming features allow users to reassign button functions, create complex macros, and tailor the mouse's performance to their specific needs. This includes setting up profiles for different games, adjusting DPI settings for precision control, and programming buttons to execute multiple commands with a single click. In many mice, you can also customize lighting, personalizing your mouse with a spectrum of colors and dynamic effects or synchronizing with other peripherals and in-game events, creating a cohesive and immersive environment.

Gaming mice can combine eye-catching aesthetics with top-tier performance for a competitive gaming edge.

Conclusion


With numerous options available, whether for gaming, ergonomics, productivity, wired, or wireless use, finding the right mouse can greatly enhance your computing experience. We hope we've helped you decide which type of computer mouse best suits your needs and preferences in this expansive market.

Austin Palmer, Adam Stout, and Jonathan Sayers