Tuesday, May 25, 2021
It's easy to buy a $10 mouse for your PC and call it a day, but you'd be doing an injustice that could hamper your experience. Spending on your mouse is a great way to make sure you get the most out of Windows 10, which is why we've rounded up all of the absolute best mouse options available on the market.
The best mice at a glance
- Logitech MX Master 3 — Best overall: Has everything you need in a PC mouse.
- Logitech MX Vertical — Best vertical: For those who struggle with carpal tunnel.
- Razer Viper 8K — Best gaming: Comes rocking one of the best gaming mouse sensors.
- Razer Naga X — Best for MMO gaming: This mouse is for you if you want to activate 50 skills at once.
- Jelly Comb MS059 — Best budget: Cheap, cheerful, and good enough for everyday use.
- Microsoft Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse — Best value: Amazing value, performance, and Bluetooth.
- SteelSeries Rival 310 — Best for big hands: If you need a mouse that's designed for larger palms.
- Logitech Pebble M350 — Best portable: The best companion to take with you on trips.
Best mouse in 2021
- 1. Logitech MX Master 3 (From $100)
- 2. Logitech MX Vertical (From $95)
- 3. Razer Viper 8K (From $80)
- 4. Razer Naga X (From $80)
- 5. Jelly Comb MS059 (From $10)
- 6. Microsoft Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse (From $50)
- 7. SteelSeries Rival 310 (From $48)
- 8. Logitech Pebble M350 (From $26)
Which is the best mouse?
Choosing the right mouse for you and your PC largely comes down to personal preference. Like the keyboard, only you alone can determine which is best for your needs. Our recommendation list simply rounds up the best mouse hardware available on the market right now, allowing you to choose from a shortlist of the very best pointers across different categories.
It's important to pick the right mouse for the job. If you're more into gaming than work, something like the Razer Viper 8K is going to appeal more with its internal memory storage for profiles, ability to remap buttons, and the absolutely amazing sensor. Then you have productivity mice like the exceptionally good Logitech MX Master 3 and its vast array of features.
Spending a little more than $10 on your mouse will result in your enjoying a pointer that will not only look and feel better but also help with your posture. Whether you're searching for something to game with or to take with you on your next business trip, take a look at our recommendations here for our top mice picks.
Logitech MX Master 3
Best mouse overall for everyone
Bottom line: With up to 70 hours' worth of battery life between charges, the MX Master 3 from Logitech will easily last a few days of intense work. It's a solid ergonomically designed mouse with an emphasis on productivity.
| Category | Logitech MX Master 3 |
|---|---|
| Sensor | TrackAnywhere Sensor |
| Features | Wireless, Bluetooth, 70-hour battery life |
| DPI | 4000 |
| Buttons | 7 |
| Weight | 0.31 lbs 140 g |
| Dimensions | 4.92 x 3.31 x 2.01 inches 125 x 84 x 51 mm |
Pros:
- Ergonomically friendly
- Excellent wireless performance
- Can connect multiple Logitech devices to dongle
- Pair with up to three devices at once
Cons:
- Bulky
- Wireless only
- Not for gaming
Logitech makes some amazing PC accessories, and the MX Master 3 is the mouse to buy right now. We loved the Logitech MX Master 2S, and you can see why with our full review, and the company managed to improve on that pointer to create something truly wonderful for productivity.
Firstly, this mouse is wireless, and you can use Bluetooth or wireless with the included dongle. Should you go the latter route with the dedicated USB receiver, you'll be able to connect up to six Logitech devices to that single dongle, making it a great option if you have more than one Logitech PC accessory.
Logitech even allows you to pair up to three devices with the MX Master 3, making it possible to quickly switch between PCs. This creates some unique scenarios both at home and in the office. Performance with Logitech's TrackAnywhere sensor is brilliant and is right up there with more pricey PC pointers.
It's not all great, however. If you need more than 4000 DPI to engage in intense gaming sessions, or if you prefer a wired mouse, the Logitech MX Master 3 isn't for you. But for everyone else, this mouse is an excellent package.
Best overall
Logitech MX Master 3
Logitech threw everything you'd need from a productivity mouse at the MX Master 3. It's the mouse to get right now.
Logitech MX Vertical
Best vertical mouse
Bottom line: The Logitech MX Vertical is named as such for a reason. It's more like a tower than a PC mouse, which is actually great if you suffer from carpal tunnel.
| Category | Logitech MX Vertical |
|---|---|
| Sensor | TrackAnywhere Sensor |
| Features | Wireless, Bluetooth |
| DPI | 4000 |
| Buttons | 6 |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs 136 g |
| Dimensions | 4.72 x 3.11 x 3.09 inches 120 x 79 x 78 mm |
Pros:
- Ergonomically designed
- Great help for carpal tunnel
- Unique design
- Great battery life
Cons:
- Gets really dusty
- Pricey
- Bulky
- Not for gaming
The best vertical mouse is the Logitech MX Vertical because it matches excellent performance with style and comfort. If you're somebody who frequently suffers from carpal tunnel or repetitive strain, a vertical mouse could be the next best thing for productivity.
The DPI can be configured up to 4,000, which is more than enough for most uses, but if you're into gaming you may want to consider other pointers in our recommendation list. In terms of battery life, because the MX Vertical is also a wireless mouse, you can expect up to three weeks on a single charge, which is pretty impressive.
Lastly, to help with productivity, the forward and back buttons, DPI switch button, and the mouse wheel can all be reprogrammed using Logitech's Options software. This mouse is all about giving you the utmost support, and it truly succeeds.
Best vertical
Logitech MX Vertical
If you struggle with carpal tunnel, a vertical mouse with the Logitech MX Vertical could be the best choice, allowing you to get much more done.
Razer Viper 8K
Best gaming mouse
Bottom line: Razer took the already excellent Viper gaming mouse and made it even better with a newer sensor that allows for a polling rate of 8,000Hz.
| Category | Razer Viper 8K |
|---|---|
| Sensor | Razer Focus+ |
| Features | Wired, Chroma, storage |
| DPI | 20,000 |
| Buttons | 8 |
| Weight | 0.15 lbs 71 g |
| Dimensions | 4.99 x 2.27 x 1.49 inches 126 x 58 x 38 mm |
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Accurate and responsive optical sensor
- Ambidextrous
- DPI switch on base, no accidental clicks
- Drag-free cable
Cons:
- No detachable USB cable
Razer Viper is the best gaming mouse, period. We previously reviewed the base model, but the newer Viper 8K takes everything and turns it all up to 11 for maximum performance. It's a true ambidextrous gaming mouse with plenty of features for PC gamers like the impressive 8,000Hz polling rate.
First up is the wire-only connection. Wireless tech has come a long way, especially with mice, but it's still best to go wired for minimal latency. There's also Chroma RGB lighting, which is pretty neat if you're all about the light show and enjoy using Razer's Synapse software suite. The sensor is seriously good, too, allowing you to set up to 20,000 DPI for incredible sensitivity.
The maximum supported speed (or inch-per-second) is 650, which is very good for a gaming mouse. So too is the max acceleration at 50G. You can reprogram eight buttons in total and store up to five profiles on the mouse itself. Best of all, you'll be able to smash the two main buttons 70 million times before you can expect to see issues, making it one of the best mice for Fortnite play.
Best gaming
Razer Viper 8K
Razer's Viper 8K mouse is special since it polls at a rate of 8,000Hz, but it's also seriously good elsewhere.
Razer Naga X
Best for MMO gaming
Bottom line: Razer's Naga X is a new take on the company's MMO pointer that includes everything you'll need to enjoy your favorite online game, but not much else.
| Category | Razer Naga X |
|---|---|
| Sensor | Second-gen Razer Optical |
| Features | Wired, Chroma, storage |
| DPI | 18,000 |
| Buttons | 16 |
| Weight | 0.19 lbs 85 g |
| Dimensions | 4.69 x 2.93 x 1.69 inches 119 x 74 x 43 mm |
Pros:
- 16 programmable buttons
- Excellent Razer sensor
- Great software support
- Ideal for MMO gaming
Cons:
- Can save only one profile
- Side buttons feel the same
The Razer Naga series of gaming mice are designed with massive-multiplayer online games in mind. The reason for this is the array of buttons located on the side for the thumb. Having countless abilities or skills to use in-game can make it difficult for movement and other tasks using the keyboard, which is where mouse-based programmable buttons come into play.
At the heart of the Razer Naga X is the sensor, which is optical and very accurate. Razer mice (even the more affordable ones) usually tend to rock some of the best sensors, and this mouse is no exception. There's the ability to configure the DPI up to 18,000 and a total of 16 buttons that you can remap accordingly.
There is onboard profile storage too, though this is limited to saving a single configuration. The mouse is backed by Razer's excellent software package that can allow you to switch between games, however. The only drawback I have is there's little to differentiate the side buttons, making them feel almost identical and difficult to activate the correct skill at times.
Best for MMO gaming
Razer Naga X
If you can overlook the rather sub-optimal layout of side buttons that all seem to feel the same, the Razer Naga X is one of the best options for MMO gamers.
Jelly Comb MS059
Best budget
Bottom line: Jelly Comb makes some affordable PC accessories and the MS059 portable mouse is one of the company's best products. It's No. 1 on Amazon for good reasons as it's cheap and good enough for general use.
| Category | Jelly Comb MS059 |
|---|---|
| Sensor | — |
| Features | Wired, compact |
| DPI | 1600 |
| Buttons | 3 |
| Weight | 0.26 lbs 118 g |
| Dimensions | 4.15 x 2.24 x 0.89 inches 105 x 56.8 x 22.6 mm |
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Portable and wireless
- Very affordable
- Good battery life
Cons:
- No extra features
- No wireless
You may not be familiar with the brand Jelly Comb, but it's a popular option for many looking for affordable PC accessories. The MS059 is actually a personal favorite of ours because of what you get for the money. At just $10, this is one of the most affordable mice you can find, especially for a standard PC mouse.
It's bare basics. There's no Bluetooth, which isn't ideal if your PC has the wireless tech built-in, but the USB cable is good enough that you won't feel like it's snagging on the mousepad surface. Because of the wired connection, the mouse requires no drivers or software to work — it's simply plug and play.
However, you won't get many of the extra features you might find with other options, but it makes sense in this price range.
Best budget
Jelly Comb MS059
Jelly Comb's MS059 is a brilliant mouse, largely thanks to the price. It's incredibly affordable, making it a great first option for those on a tight budget.
Microsoft Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse
Best value
Bottom line: The Microsoft Ergonomic Mouse is essentially a more affordable Surface Precision Mouse that still features programmable buttons and the same comfortable design. This is an excellent mouse for the price and is incredibly versatile.
| Category | Microsoft Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse |
|---|---|
| Sensor | Pixart PAW3228 |
| Features | PC switch, Bluetooth, multi-PC support |
| DPI | 2400 |
| Buttons | 5 |
| Weight | 0.23 lbs 104 g |
| Dimensions | 4.63 x 3.03 x 1.06 inches 117 x 76 x 43 mm |
Pros:
- Solid performance
- Feels great to use
- Great value
- Bluetooth compatible
Cons:
- Less advanced than other options
- So-so battery life
Microsoft doesn't make flashy gaming mice with RGB lighting, nor does it make premium office mice with more features than you'd know what to do with. The company makes good, solid, reliable mice that don't cost a small fortune and the Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse is another fine example of this effort.
It's a $50 mouse, which isn't budget by any means and there are plenty of cheaper alternatives, but what you get for the money is brilliant. It's good-looking with a minimalist and ergonomic design, but has enough features for you to get all your work done for the day. There are a total of five buttons, including a metal scroll wheel.
If there were any complaints to make about this mouse, it would be the battery life. It's not awful — in fact it's pretty good — but compared to other Bluetooth mice out there, it's not amazing. It takes AAA batteries and will last for a year, according to Microsoft. The entire experience is a little less advanced too. If your budget can stretch a little, I'd recommend the Logitech MX Master 3.
Best value
Microsoft Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse
Microsoft makes some amazing mice for the office and the Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse is a fantastic addition to any productivity arsenal.
SteelSeries Rival 310
Best for big hands
Bottom line: There's plenty to love about the SteelSeries Rival 310, including the excellent TrueMove3 sensor, ergonomic design, and amazing gaming performance, designed with esports in mind.
| Category | SteelSeries Rival 310 |
|---|---|
| Sensor | TrueMove3 sensor |
| Features | Wired |
| DPI | 12,000 |
| Buttons | 6 |
| Weight | 0.19 lbs 88.3 g |
| Dimensions | 2.8 x 5 x 1.7 inches 70 x 128 x 42 mm |
Pros:
- Solid performance
- Comfortable to wield
- Designed with esports in mind
- Affordable
Cons:
- Non-extractable cable
- Inability to adjust weight
- Main buttons feel cheap
We reviewed the SteelSeries Rival 310 years ago but to this day it remains a compelling purchase for PC gamers, especially those searching for the best gaming mice for big hands. It's an affordable mouse with a high-end sensor, one you'd also find on the SteelSeries Rival 710.
The TrueMove3 sensor from SteelSeries provides true 1-to-1 tracking without employing any jitter reduction. It's possible to configure a dots-per-inch (DPI) setting of up to 12,000 without sacrificing on performance. Designed and engineered with the help of PixArt, the company has also managed to pack in 50G acceleration and speed of up to 350 inches per second.
Other handy sensor features include true tracking of up to 3,500 counts per inch (CPI). This is a highlight for gamers who use low DPI settings like 400 or 800. And if you have larger than normal-sized hands, it's ergonomically designed so you shouldn't feel any discomfort when playing for many hours.
Best for gig hands
SteelSeries Rival 310
Affordable, well designed, and perfect for larger hands, the SteelSeries Rival 310 punches well above its own weight.
Logitech Pebble M350
Best portable
Bottom line: Logitech's Pebble M350 is a brilliant portable mouse simply because it's super-compact, has great battery life, and is easy enough to use through Bluetooth or with the included dongle.
| Category | Logitech Pebble M350 |
|---|---|
| Sensor | — |
| Features | Bluetooth, silent clicks |
| DPI | 1000 |
| Buttons | 3 |
| Weight | 0.22 lbs 100 g |
| Dimensions | 1.04 x 2.32 x 4.21 inches 26.5 x 59 x 107 mm |
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Bluetooth and wireless with USB dongle
- Super portable
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Mediocre performance
Need a compact mouse? Look no further than the Logitech Pebble M350. It's small, light, and easy to carry around with you in your laptop bag (or even your pocket!). Logitech's receiver is also really good, allowing you to connect numerous Logitech accessories to the same PC, but you can use Bluetooth if preferred.
The battery life is rock solid, allowing a single AA battery to last up to 18 months, depending on use. It may take a little time to become accustomed to the shape of the Pebble M350, but it's one of the best portable mice out there, especially for professionals.
This mouse won't win any awards for performance or functionality, however. There are only three buttons so you won't be able to remap functions to this mouse, nor will it be suitable for some gaming thanks to the maximum DPI setting of just 1000. Still, for business use, it's more than adequate and ticks most of the right boxes.
Best portable
Logitech Pebble M350
If you find yourself frequently leaving home to go on business trips, the Logitech Pebble M350 is a mouse you can depend on.
How to pick the best PC mouse
We chose the Logitech MX Master 3 as our top recommended mouse for a few reasons. It's incredibly powerful with an accurate sensor, offers plenty of features with programmable buttons, comes with Bluetooth support or a wireless dongle, and can support up to five other Logitech devices. But how do we go about choosing the best mouse?
1. Choose the right mouse for your needs
Picking the right mouse for your needs is incredibly important since a mouse designed specifically for productivity isn't going to best a gaming mouse and vice versa. If you want to play some PC games, but have something that will also work for, well, work then you'll need a gaming mouse.
Productivity takes advantage of buttons that help with accessing functions quickly and a solid sensor for accurate mouse tracking. For creatives and other professionals, picking a mouse with all of these "serious" features is important to get everything done. The same goes for travelers, who will value battery life and Bluetooth connectivity over the best, most accurate sensor.
2. Think ergonomically
Ergonomically designed mice are better for heavy use, because the designers took into account posture and how to combat repetitive strain injury, both of which are a cause for concern to anyone who uses a PC for multiple hours each day. Mice with a smooth shape and rests for your fingers will be better than smaller portable pointers.
3. High DPI isn't everything
DPI stands for dots per inch and it represents how many dots the mouse can capture per inch. The higher the number, the more sensitive the mouse is and the faster your cursor will move on-screen. Usually, higher DPI settings are reserved for creatives and gamers who require highly sensitive mouse movement, but it doesn't necessarily mean the pointer is better because it has a higher DPI.
4. Wired vs. wireless
Wired, wireless, or Bluetooth? That's your call. Bluetooth is the best choice for those who need portable mice since it means you won't need to carry a dongle around with you, but wireless technologies can be a drain on the battery life of a mouse. When tethered to your desk, a wireless mouse can be quickly charged with a dock, making this a non-issue for gamers and workstations.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Rich Edmonds is a staff reviewer at Windows Central, which means he tests out more software and hardware than he cares to remember. Joining Mobile Nations in 2010, you can usually find him inside a PC case tinkering around when not at a screen fighting with Grammarly to use British words. Hit him up on Twitter: @RichEdmonds.
Richard Devine Richard Devine is an Editor at Windows Central. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently, you'll find him covering all manner of PC hardware and gaming.
Cale Hunt is a full-time writer for Windows Central, focusing mainly on PC hardware and VR. He is an avid PC gamer and multi-platform user. When he has some free time, you can usually find him practicing the guitar or reorganizing his ever-growing library. If you hear him say, "Sorry!" it's only because he's Canadian.
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