The Best Wired Mouse of 2025

Our Picks of Wired Mouse

Best Wired Mouse For Most People

Logitech M500s

Buttons: 7 | Sensor CPI: 4,000

The respectable performance and feature set, combined with the reasonable price, make the Logitech M500s our top recommendation to suit the needs of most users. The M500s has a high-precision sensor with up to 4000 counts per inch (CPI), which performed well across our in-depth tracking and precision tests. It also has an excellent low-resistance 4D scroll wheel featuring a selectable infinite scroll mode. When it comes to acceptable surface types, the M500s is one of the easiest mice to please, happily and accurately tracking its way across almost everything we dropped it on. If you're the type that prefers a mouse to a laptop's trackpad, this is a good option, especially if you don't like to stick to your desk all day. Our reviewer says, “For couch-scrolling sessions, this is the one I want by my side.” The M500s has seven programmable buttons and a comfortable full-sized shell design. The buttons are assigned from the robust and intuitive Logitech Options software, and one member of out testing team mentions, “I like being able to set button functions based on which application I am using.” However, for even more customizability, you'll want to check out the Logitech G502 X.

While there is a lot to like about the M500s, especially at its price point, we did note a loud scroll wheel, which some may find annoying. And, while seven programmable buttons are more than enough for most people, we've seen more programmability in some of the M500s's competition. If you know you'll want more programmability, the logical step up from this mouse is the excellent Logitech G502 X. Although its sale is at a heftier price, it may be worth the investment. Minor gripes aside, we appreciate the M500s for being more than proficient at almost everything the average user will likely throw at it on their daily grind.

Best Wired Mouse Runner Up

SteelSeries Rival 3

Buttons: 6 | Sensor CPI: 8,500

The SteelSeries Rival 3 wired mouse impressed us with its high precision & accuracy and its generous button programmability. The Rival 3's TrueMove Core Sensor performed exceptionally throughout our CPI precision and accuracy tests, which were scientifically conducted with a linear slide machine and CPI analyzer software. “I would say the tracking and precision prowess on this mouse is more than enough for basic office work and web browsing,” mentions our reviewer, and it may even be exact enough for some CAD work and 3D modeling programs. The Rival 3 also has five programmable buttons in addition to the scroll wheel, with included software allowing you to set up bindings to launch applications, configurations, OS shortcuts, record macros, and essentially anything else you want a mouse button to do. To add a little pizzazz, this product has you covered with three customizable lighting zones with different effects and presets configurable for each one, and our reviewer confessed, “I'm a big fan of the RGB lights.”

The downsides of the SteelSeries Rival 3 are few, but we did experience what was a somewhat disconcerting and presumably false positive malware detection alert from this mouse's software, and we've read reports of others receiving similar notifications when installing SteelSeries software products. Our second gripe is with this mouse's poor performance on uneven surfaces. While the Rival 3 performed in the above-average range of compatibility with the multitude of surfaces we tested it on, it had less consistency on uneven surfaces and gaps, with one of our testers saying, “I had more trouble with this model than any other mouse I used.” This mouse may frustrate you if you frequently work from makeshift desks and couches. If you want something that excels across even more terrain, check out the Razer Basilisk V3 35k.

Best Value Wired Mouse

TeckNet USB Wired

Buttons: 5 | Sensor CPI: 3600

For the money, the TeckNet USB Wired is tough to beat due to its impressive tracking precision in a sub-twenty-dollar peripheral and its compatibility with a wide variety of surface types. It tracked exceptionally well through our tracking and precision testing, impressing our reviewer, who says, “This mouse surprised me by beating out rival mice that cost a lot more.” We appreciated its ergonomic design with dedicated forward and back browser buttons and the CPI switch button on top to change sensitivity on the fly. That might be useful if you require higher sensitivity in some parts of your daily work routine than others. As we mentioned, the TeckNet worked reasonably well on nearly all the test surfaces we tried. The only surprise was that it was sluggish moving across lined paper, where many mice weren't.

Our complaints about the TeckNet USB Wired were relatively trivial: We found its cord stiff, which could sometimes spring back and cause false inputs. Its scroll wheel was also a tad rattly, and clicking down on it was louder than some models we tested. If you're searching the low end of the market, the Seenda Wired Mouse is worth a look, which is inexpensive and has whisper-quiet primary clicks. While we have lauded the TeckNet's precision, when put to the test on our linear slide rig, its tracking accuracy falls a tad short of the CPI claimed by the manufacturer. Still, for its meager price and solid capability, this mouse's ownership cost remains an outstanding value.

Best Buy on a Tight Budget

Logitech B100

Buttons: 3 | Sensor CPI: 1,000

The Logitech B100 is just about the most basic, prevalent computer mouse out there. A longtime favorite of government entities and multi-national corporations around the world, you've very likely encountered the B100 as the default mouse at many jobs. Famous for it's durability, simplicity, and ambidextrous design, it feels almost sacrilegious to seriously test and evaluate the design that essentially defines 'computer mouse'. But if you're looking for an option that you don't have to spend any time at all learning, and just want it to work out of the box, this is your champion.

So cheap you won't even register the hit to your latte budget, this mouse is the perfect backup beater to throw in your laptop bag or lend a friend without a second thought. There's not much in the way of customizability to be sure; there's the standard left and right-click buttons with just enough of a finger groove to feel comfortable and secure, though the scroll wheel does have a few programmable options that can be assigned to the 'click' action. Beyond that, it's a surprisingly decent performer in the rest of our metrics. The accuracy, as defined by a 1000 CPI (Counts Per Inch) is a bit above average especially for budget models. It does well while used on most surfaces, other than highly reflective ones like glass, with an average measured latency (i.e. the 'response time'). Buy this model for average performance that you can count on.

Best Premium Wired Mouse

Razer Basilisk V3 35K

Buttons: 11 (22 w/ hypershift) | Sensor CPI: 1,600

The Razer Basilisk V3 35k just as easily slots into our gaming mouse lineup, but with some wider reaching potential as well. Bottom line, this is the most highly performing wired computer mouse we've tested, and it has the price tag to match. CAD technicians, designers in all sorts of disciplines, and various engineers on the more technical side of things will benefit from the Basilisk just as much as gamers will. That said, the aesthetic is very much aimed at the gaming crowd with the same customizable RGB lighting accents and trim seen all over high-end gaming gear. The 2nd generation 'Razer Focus Pro 35K' optical sensor is the heart and soul of the Basilisk, and is advertised to have a mind-boggling 35,000 DPI sensitivity. Our in-house tests measure sensitivity via the more accurate CPI (counts per inch), and came in at 1,600, which is not top of our tested lineup. But make no mistake — through the rest of our tracking tests, nothing beats the precision and tracking quality of the Basilisk, earning an effectively perfect score. The quality of the sensor is further proven through our surface usage tests; this is the only tested model that consistently works well on all surfaces, even highly reflective ones.

We will note that this model is not ambidexterous and suited for right hands only. The customizability you have available here is prodigious, but its on the edge of overwhelming, and presets and assignments will require a download of the Synapse 4 program. The 4-way scroll wheel is especially useful; that alone will be worth the cost for many, given the efficiency upgrades you uncover here. If that's not enough, the under-body button enables the Hypershift modifier to unlock an entire second set of button assignments up top. At the end of the day, the cutting-edge hardware and software features make this an extremely versatile tool, which will certainly be overkill to some, but a godsend to others.

Read more: Razer Basilisk V3 35k review

How We Tested

We've been reviewing mice for a long time at GearLab. We've had our hands on dozens of them, spanning every sub-category, from wired to wireless to gaming to ergonomic mice. We pride ourselves on the thoughtfulness of the metrics we've created and the thoroughness of the testing we've developed to score them. When we set off in search of the best wired mice, we scoured the market for its most worthy offerings, then dug deep into the buttons, tracking, scrolling, and surface compatibility of the mice selected for our review. As always, we independently researched and purchased every piece of gear in this roundup, so you could rely on us as an expert and unbiased source to inform your next wired mouse purchase.

Each mouse in our review was thoroughly tested in these four metrics to determine its overall score:

• Comfort (40% of overall score weighting)

• Tracking and Precision (20% weighting)

• Scroll Wheel (15% weighting)

• Programmable Buttons (15% weighting)

• Surface Types (10% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

The review team for this segment was led by Austin Palmer. If you've been perusing our reviews, you'll have likely come across Austin's contributions. He's a Senior Review Analyst here at GearLab and a driving force behind our world-class, data-driven approach to consumer product testing and reviews. He's a details guy and is especially well qualified in this segment as an experienced PC gamer, with a nuanced understanding of mouse specifications and how they present on the mousepad and screen.

Joining Austin in the search for the best wired mice are Adam Stout and Kyle Hameister. Adam's background in English Rhetoric and Writing has equipped him with sharp attention to detail and the skill to effectively convey complex technical data straightforwardly on the page. Kyle has a formal degree in Industrial Design, which he has used in various ways, from designing products to testing and writing all about them. His technical background allows him to parse out the well-designed products, and it doesn't hurt that he works from a computer requiring a solid mouse to get things done. Together, this team has put in the hours to bring you this review on the best wired mice.

Analysis and Test Results

We developed the metrics in this wired mouse category to score mice based on the number of buttons and the quality of their programmability, the tracking precision and responsiveness, the scroll wheel actuation and noise level, and their tracking compatibility across common surface types. The results were as wide-ranging as expected from this diverse field, comprised of mice of all walks, from the bargain buy to the premium performer.

What's the Best Value?

Every mouse in this review is a value versus performance proposition. On one end of the spectrum, we have a few super-low-priced options in the Amazon Basics 3-Button and Verbatim Wired. These no-frills, super basic mice will be enough to get the job done for many people at less than the price of a sandwich. They're the embodiment of feature minimalism. Without any programmable buttons or aesthetic light schemes, these options are purely for pointing, clicking, and scrolling. On the other end is a mouse like the Razer Basilisk V3 35k that dominates competitive gaming and can be harnessed for advanced productivity. You could buy the Amazon Basics mouse ten times over for the price of a Basilisk, yet we still think it's reasonably priced for what it does in the gaming category.

The models scoring in the middle of our lineup is where we find the real value options though. Plenty of mice in the $10-15 range offer significantly better performance than the bargain basement models, such as the HP Wired Mouse 100 and our current Best Buy on a Budget winner TeckNet USB Wired. There's a bunch of great options out there, so we don't feel there's a need to compromise too much.

Comfort

Choosing a comfortable computer mouse is perhaps the most important thing to consider. You want this tool to be forgotten while using it — something that's agreeable enough that you don't have to think about it. In our opinion, that largely comes down to fit in your hand.

Comfort Survey

Product	Small Hand	Medium Hand	Large Hand	XL Hand
Razer Basilisk V3 35K	9	9	9	9.2
Logitech G502 X	8.5	8.5	8	9
SteelSeries Rival 3	6.5	6	8	7.5
Logitech M500s	6.5	6	8	7
TeckNet USB Wired	5	7	7	7
HP Wired Mouse 100	7	6	6.5	6
Dell MS3220	7	5	6.5	5.5
Logitech B100	5	5	7	6
Logitech M100	5	5	7	6
Seenda Wired Mouse	6	4	5	8
Verbatim Wired	4	3	5.5	5
Amazon Basics 3-Button	3	3	3	5.5

We tested each mouse in our lineup with small, medium, large, and XL-sized hands sourced from around our facility. As it turns out, not too many models out there work well for smaller hands, but the Dell MS3220 and HP Wired Mouse 100 were better than average. The TeckNet USB Wired felt good with our medium hand model, while we had more options for larger hands, such as the SteelSeries Rival 3 and Logitech M500s.

Perhaps surprisingly, the best feeling mice for extra-large hands tended to be models that also worked well for smaller hand sizes. And unsurprisingly, those models tended to be on the more pricey side. The Razer Basilisk V3 35K and Logitech G502 X are premium options that were a dream to pilot, not only for hand fit, but also in the clearly more thoughtful design and layout compared with cheaper models. These options had thumb rests, finger grooves, and soft finishes throughout that were so well done we found it strange that other manufacturers don't try to follow suit.

Tracking and Precision

To test a mouse's precision, we use a special machine that moves the mouse in a very controlled way and records the accuracy results. We are mainly testing CPI (Counts Per Inch), which tells you how far the cursor moves on-screen when you move the mouse one inch. A higher CPI means the cursor moves more with smaller movements. But speed isn't everything; accuracy matters too. To check accuracy, we tested SRAV (Speed-Related Accuracy Variation), which measures how consistent the sensor is when the mouse moves at different speeds. Lower SRAV means the mouse tracks your movement more reliably.

We conducted our tests on a standard cloth mouse pad to alleviate any variables. Indicators of poor tracking included a disparity between the mouse's movement and the cursor's movement on-screen, resulting in a sluggish or jerky cursor. Testing tracking also involved various drawing exercises in a paint program to gauge the mouse's ability to keep up with different shapes and movements, from spirals to straight lines and even the alphabet.

While many gaming mice offer high CPI settings, such as 20,000 or more, most users prefer settings between 400 and 3000 for regular use. Extremely high CPI settings don't guarantee accuracy and may not be suitable for everyday tasks. Unsurprisingly, the higher-end mice with the super sensors, like the Basilisk V3 35k and the G502 X, outperform the lower-tier mice.

Our baseline in these tests was the Amazon Basics 3-Button mouse, which performs well enough for most everyday tasks but has a slight lag if you're paying close attention. We could easily perceive the difference when comparing it back-to-back with the Basilisk V3 35k. But, again, for a lot of people, the basic mice are good enough in this regard to keep up with daily productivity. If you want or need something with a smoother screen response, look to the higher-scoring mice in this metric. If you're not interested in a mouse with a ton of buttons or a flashy design but still want precision tracking, check out the Logitech M500s. It has an advanced sensor with up to 4,000 counts per inch (CPI).

Scroll Wheel

When testing for the scroll wheel metric, we consider the resistance and noise level rolling and pressing down on the scroll wheel. Mice with 4D and infinite scroll capabilities are awarded more points in this metric. A 4D scroll wheel allows you to tilt the wheel left and right and can be useful as a lateral navigation control in browsers or spreadsheets. Infinite scroll refers to a mouse's ability to be toggled into a mode where the wheel spins freely with inertia, absent the notched steps felt in normal mode. Mice without those features can only score up to an eight in this metric, while they may still perform very well with regard to noise and resistance.

The bargain Amazon Basics 3-Button mouse is an example of a pretty sublime scroll wheel experience, held back from the highest marks for its lack of 4D or infinite scroll features. It is quiet, with low resistance in scrolling and down presses. Other standout scrollers were the Logitech M500S and the Razer Basilisk V3 35k, both of which featured 4D and infinite scroll capabilities. The M500s scores well despite being a bit loud when spinning because its low resistance and a dedicated toggle button for infinite scroll redeem it, making for a pleasant experience overall.

As ever, Razer Basilisk V3 35k impresses with its low resistance and an option to turn on “Scroll Wheel Acceleration” to increase scroll speed the faster you spin the wheel. It features an additional option that allows infinite mode to activate when scrolling past a certain speed threshold.

Programmable Buttons

The Programmable Buttons metric rates each mouse in the review for the number and usefulness of their buttons and the features and intuitiveness of the software used to assign them.

We ran the gamut here from mice like the Amazon Basics 3-Button mouse and the Logitech B100, which feature no programmable buttons or software, all the way to the territory of premium contenders like the Razer Basilisk V3 35k and the Logitech G502 X, both of which feature numerous buttons and the robust software to program them.

The latter two mice pack in just under a dozen physical buttons each, offering up to 24 assignable functions (with their shift features) and the ability to create macros and event triggers. The Basilisk V3 35k's Synapse software and the G502 X's G Hub are straightforward and rich with customization options.

The Logitech M500s, though not nearly as customizable as the Basilisk or G502 X, fills in the middle ground with seven programmable buttons configured from the extremely user-friendly Logitech Options software, which offers up custom button profiles per application.

While they aren't mandatory, additional programmable buttons can be amazing productivity boosters for those needing or wanting to trick out their mouse with advanced customization. As features like default forward/back browser buttons on mice have grown more ubiquitous, some users even find their absence frustrating and detrimental to their workflow.

Surface Types

As modern work environments grow more varied, so too do the surfaces where mice tread. In this metric, we test each mouse out on a variety of surface types found in homes, shops, and offices.

When it came to common surfaces like cloth mouse pads, desk-cluttering cardboard & paper, and slightly textured or uneven tabletops, most of the mice performed well. However, the Dell MS3220 and the SteelSeries Rival 3 had issues with gapped surfaces like table leaf gaps, and the TekNet USB Wired really struggled on lined paper. Surprisingly, the budget HP Wired Mouse 100 did quite well on all surfaces (except polished).

Things got dicier when we moved our testing to highly polished or translucent surfaces. This is where some lower and mid-scoring mice would jitter. The Logitech G502X and M500s could track their way across all polished surfaces and even got some compromised but passable footing on glass, which no other mice could muster. So, if you're worried about tracking on a polished or translucent surface, stick with either of those two Logitech mice or the Razer Basilisk V3 35k. If you have ambitions of scrolling from the comfiness of the couch, you'll want to skip the Dell MS3220, but everything else should accommodate.

Conclusion

With so many products competing for your dollar bills, we know it can be challenging to separate the wheat from the chaff. We are confident that, through careful selection and rigorous testing, we've brought you the best wired mouse advice available anywhere. We provided options for all budgets and made recommendations for average and advanced users alike, and we hope we've helped you on your quest for the best wired mouse to fit your needs and budget.

Remember to check out our gaming mouse and gaming mouse pad reviews if you want even more options on the cutting-edge of computer mice. If you're not sold on a wired mouse, be sure to peruse our wireless mouse review for a suitable tether-free option.