At heart, a computer mouse is simple hardware—a sensor on the bottom, two buttons and a scroll wheel on top—that lets you interact with programs as though they were extensions of your hand. But while a mouse is simple in concept, the market for them is a scattered field of mouse genres, prices, and designs. We’ve been testing PC mice at PCMag since the first computer pointers. Our analysts have used and reviewed a broad range; they assess each model on design, features, usability, supporting software, and overall value. Our overall current favorite mouse for productivity use is Logitech’s MX Master 3S, and for gaming, Roccat’s Kone XP. But we’ve gathered the best mice we’ve tested across even more categories, including budget and ergonomic models. See them all below, followed by a discussion of how to buy the right mouse, backed by a handy spec comparison.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
June 4, 2025: With this update, we added the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini as our latest Best Esports Mouse, replacing the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K. Since our last update, we tested and evaluated three new mice for inclusion in this roundup and our other mouse roundups. We have a half-dozen mice in hand currently testing for our next update, from Corsair, Protoarc, Razer, SteelSeries, and 8bitdo.
- Remarkable comfort and battery life
- Perfectly precise electromagnetic scroll wheel
- Ultra-customizable for different apps
- Works with multiple devices and operating systems
- Lefties need not apply
- No place to store the USB dongle
- Fans of tactile clicks may prefer the older version
Brimming with functionality and sporting an eye-catching, handsome design, the Logitech MX Master 3S is easy to appreciate. Its large, curvaceous shape offers plenty of room for larger hands, while the silent buttons are responsive and satisfying. Every bit of the MX Master 3S looks and feels luxurious, and while it is pricier than most mice, it’s well worth the money spent.
If you’re looking for an excellent all-around mouse that brings you comfort and enhances your productivity, the Logitech MX Master 3S is our top overall pick.
Number of Buttons
8
Interface
RF Wireless, Bluetooth
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Logitech Darkfield
Sensor Maximum Resolution
8000 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
5 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
1 year
Learn More
Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse Review
- New AI Prompt Builder software works well
- Logi Options+ app is easy to navigate
- Compact and comfortable
- Fully compatible with Macs
- Not too expensive
- AI additions might be unnecessary for some users
- Mouse is too small for large hands
- AI Prompt Builder currently only supports ChatGPT
Artificial intelligence is the hottest personal tech feature. It now shows up in everything from GPUs and CPUs to gaming monitors and yes, even computer mice like the Logitech Signature AI Edition M750 Wireless Mouse. You can activate its AI prompt building software, powered by ChatGPT, with a tap of the mouse’s dedicated AI button. AI aside, the Logitech mouse is a capable daily driver on its own—compact, lightweight, and easy on the eyes.
The Logitech Signature AI Edition M750 Wireless Mouse is an excellent entry-level mouse for those curious about AI, or just looking for a budget-friendly clicker to use on the go.
Number of Buttons
6
Interface
Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wireless
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Unspecified Optical Sensor
Sensor Maximum Resolution
4000 dpi
Power Source
One AA Battery
Weight
3.6 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
2 years
Learn More
Logitech Signature AI Edition M750 Wireless Mouse Review
- Strong ergonomic shape
- Supports Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless
- Multi-device syncing
- Eight buttons, including wheel tilt inputs
- Built-in wireless dongle storage
- Very strong battery life
Let’s be honest: Many of us move among multiple cursor-controlled screens a day, from work laptops to tablets to gaming PCs, and we probably can’t afford or don’t want to buy a separate mouse for each device. Instead, why not consider one mouse for both work and play? The Razer Pro Click Wireless Mouse transcends the specific needs of gamers and productivity-focused office workers, blending their needs into one convenient mouse. With an eight-button layout, wireless connectivity, an ergonomic shape, and impressive battery life, the Razer Pro Click Wireless Mouse is a great choice for just about every situation.
Made for someone looking for a mouse to handle spreadsheets and battlefields, the Razer Pro Click Wireless Mouse is a worthy companion that does it all.
Number of Buttons
8
Interface
Bluetooth, USB Wired, RF Wireless
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Razer 5G Advanced Optical
Sensor Maximum Resolution
16000 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery, Wired USB
Weight
3.7 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
2 years
Learn More
Razer Pro Click Wireless Mouse Review
- Generous complement of 15 buttons
- Nvidia Reflex support
- Gorgeous RGB lighting
- Premium switches
- Good price for the features
- Not for left-handed users
- Slightly bulky shell
- Swarm app could use a bit of modernizing
Roccat has released plenty of good mice and keyboards over the years, but it really struck gold with the Kone XP. Thanks to intelligent ergonomics, Titan Optical switches, 15 buttons, and eye-catching RGB lighting, this mouse far exceeds our expectations. Couple that with a fair price that lands between the premium and budget zones, and the Kone XP makes for an exceptional buy for both mainstream and hard-core gamers.
The Roccat Kone XP is a capable, all-around excellent mouse for gamers looking for features, customization, and value.
Number of Buttons
15
Interface
USB Wired
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Roccat Owl-Eye 19k
Sensor Maximum Resolution
19000 dpi
Power Source
Wired USB
Weight
3.6 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
2 years
Learn More
Roccat Kone XP Review
- Reasonably priced for the feature set
- Lightweight
- Attractive design
- Fully customizable via software utility
- Not a good fit for large hands
- Limited RGB
- No onboard profile storage
Who said a budget mouse can’t be a top performer? The first HyperX Pulsefire Haste won our hearts with its lightweight build, powerful sensor, and reasonable price. The Haste 2 improves on nearly every one of the best qualities of its predecessor, and makes for an excellent sequel to what is already one of the best budget gaming mice you can buy.
The Haste 2 is a mouse that’s perfect for gamers on a budget.
Number of Buttons
6
Interface
USB Wired
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
HyperX 26K Sensor
Sensor Maximum Resolution
26000 dpi
Power Source
Wired USB
Weight
1.92 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
2 years
Learn More
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Review
- Lightweight
- More portable than the full-size ROG Harpe Ace
- Onboard dongle storage
- 8,000Hz polling rate requires a separate purchase
- No left-handed option
Not every gamer is playing at a professional level, but if you are (or want to pretend you are), the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini is one of the best mice you can buy. It boasts a maximum 42,000dpi resolution, as well as support for an 8,000Hz polling rate. It is smaller and lighter than the original Harpe Ace, as well. The ROG Harpe Ace Mini is tailored for a claw-style grip—where the tips of your fingers hold the mouse body—but palm-style players will find a comfortable experience as well. The Armoury Crate Gear utility also unlocks a wealth of features for those who want to customize their mouse to their liking.
For gamers who take their positions on the leaderboard very seriously, the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini is a necessary tool (and one of the smallest!). It’s our choice for the best gaming mouse for esports.
Number of Buttons
5
Interface
USB Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wireless
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
ROG AimPoint Pro
Sensor Maximum Resolution
42000 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
1.72 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
1 year
Learn More
Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini Review
- Innovative, comfortable design
- Fast, responsive sensor
- Unique ergonomics
- Can be reimbursed by some health insurance plans
- Expensive
- Software is Windows-only
- Takes some getting used to
Plenty of ergonomic mice are designed for office workers, but very few are made with gaming in mind. That’s where the QuadraClicks RBT comes in. With a unique bulge on top and a steep learning curve, the RBT may seem intimidating at first, but once you’ve settled in, the stress relief is palpable. The RBT is designed to prevent common hand-related injuries like repetitive strain injury (RSI), a too-common affliction for those who game on their computers for long stretches. If the health of your extremities is important to you (and it should be!), the QuadraClicks RBT is worth the time and effort you put into learning to use it.
If you’re a gamer looking for an ergonomic alternative to a standard-issue gaming mouse, look no further than the QuadraClicks RBT.
Number of Buttons
6
Interface
USB Wired
Hand Orientation
Ambidextrous
Sensor Maker and Model
Pixart PWM 3336
Sensor Maximum Resolution
10700 dpi
Power Source
Wired USB
Weight
3.7 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
1 year
Learn More
QuadraClicks RBT Review
- Sleek, comfortable design
- Powerful customization software
- Quiet clicks
- Improved sensor
- Long battery life
- May be small for larger hands
- Too few changes to warrant an upgrade
The Logitech MX Anywhere 3S doesn’t reinvent the (mouse) wheel, but it’s sure to impress those in the market for a travel-ready wireless clicker. With quiet operation and a sleek, compact design, the MX Anywhere 3S builds upon its predecessor in significant ways, improving the mouse’s sensor while tapping into the deeper productivity gains of the Logi Options+ software. If you’re a frequent traveler looking for a mouse that’ll work across both Windows and Mac computers, the Logitech MX Anywhere 3S is a worthy companion.
If you’re on the move and looking for a versatile mouse with exceptional wireless connectivity options and compatibility across different operating systems, look no further than the Logitech MX Anywhere 3S.
Number of Buttons
6
Interface
Bluetooth, USB Wired
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Logitech Darkfield
Sensor Maximum Resolution
8000 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
3.3 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
1 year
Learn More
Logitech MX Anywhere 3S Review
- Comfortable design, including game-changing scrolling ring
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless
- Detachable wrist rest
- Lots of customization available via config software
- Relies on disposable batteries (may be a pro to some)
- Noisy click panels
Trackballs are an acquired taste—often, acquired by sheer painful necessity. But the Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball makes the transition from a conventional mouse that much smoother. With its textured scroll wheel, handy scroll ring, and ample wrist support, the Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball is a comfortable ride for trackball veterans and newcomers alike. Part of that comfort comes from the mouse’s intuitive button placement, which should offset some of the difficulties that come with transitioning to a trackball. The battery situation is a potential ding on the Expert Mouse, which relies on disposable batteries instead of rechargeable ones, but it is still one of the best trackballs you can buy.
Whether you’re looking for preventative care or relief for your aching hands and wrists, the Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball is right for you.
Number of Buttons
4
Interface
Bluetooth, RF Wireless
Hand Orientation
Ambidextrous
Sensor Maker and Model
Unspecified Optical Sensor
Sensor Maximum Resolution
400 dpi
Power Source
Two AA Batteries
Weight
15.98 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
3 years
Learn More
Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball Review
- Inclusive design philosophy
- Highly compact
- Ambidextrous body design
- Can be augmented by many 3D-printed accessories
- Needs accessories to work as intended
- 3D printed accessories are pricey
- Microsoft Accessory Center is Windows-exclusive
Accessibility is a human right, and the unique Microsoft Adaptive Mouse is one of the most innovative and accessible pieces of tech to come across our desk. Designed with the differently abled in mind, the Adaptive Mouse is a modular mouse that can be tweaked to your specific needs. At its core, the mouse is a simple puck—it’s up to you to install parts, either purchased from Microsoft or 3D-printed via Shapeways, to create your own custom input ecosystem.
Whether you’re differently abled or interested in modular devices to maximize your productivity, the Microsoft Adaptive Mouse is a one-of-a-kind mouse you can get your hands on by itself or as part of an assembly that works specially for you and your needs.
Number of Buttons
3
Interface
Bluetooth, USB Wired
Hand Orientation
Ambidextrous
Sensor Maximum Resolution
6000 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery, Wired USB
Weight
1.6 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
1 year
Learn More
Microsoft Adaptive Mouse Review
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The Best Computer Mice for 2025
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Buying Guide: The Best Computer Mice for 2025
What to Look for in a Gaming Mouse?
Gaming mice amplify every element of the basic mouse concept to the extreme: more buttons, higher tracking resolutions, curvier curves. Some gaming mice are general gaming models, while others are designed for specific game genres. In the latter case, depending upon the style of the game that the mouse is intended for (first-person shooter, real-time strategy game, MMO), you may see a variety of specialized features.
What most gaming mice have in common, though, is a combination of high-performance parts—laser sensors, feather-light click buttons, gold-plated USB connectors—and customization features, such as programmable macro commands and on-the-fly resolution switching. Gaming mice also stand apart in that the better ones tend to feature vendor-supplied software for setting up these custom features and shortcuts, defined sometimes on a per-game basis via profiles. The software’s quality and functionality can vary wildly from vendor to vendor; that’s where our reviews come in. Certain utilities are easier to pick up than others.
(Credit: HyperX)
For maximum comfort, some gaming mice let you customize the body of the mouse itself. Removable weights are common, letting you tweak the total heft of the mouse one way or the other. Some models take this even further, letting you shift the center of balance, or adjust the height and pitch of the palm rest. For non-gamers, these features are overkill; for dedicated gamers, they provide a competitive edge.
Finding the ideal gaming mouse for you comes down to knowing your preferred style of game, determining whether or not you will take advantage of any of a mouse’s more complex functions (it’s easy to overspend on a gaming mouse), and then tweaking your choice to your specific tastes. Drive by our gaming mouse roundup for much more detail on the nuances of these mice.
How to Buy the Right Ergonomic Mouse
Ergonomics-first designs put all of the typical mouse functions into a form factor that places your hand in a neutral position. Designed to reduce the stresses that can lead to carpal tunnel and repetitive strain injury, ergonomic mice may look unusual and take some getting used to, but they do alleviate some very real problems. Some have a vertical design; others may have one-off sculpts.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
Whether you’re looking at a specialized ergonomic mouse, or comfort is simply a concern in a more ordinary one, pay attention to the size of your mouse. (Make sure that it’s not too big or too small for your hand.) Weight is also a consideration. Some people prefer a heavier mouse that anchors the hand, while others, especially players of MOBA games, want something light that furnishes little resistance to flicking and clicking. As a rule of thumb, a heavier mouse requires more effort to move, and even though the difference may not seem like much, over time it can add up.
It’s not just weight and size that are important. The sculpting of the mouse can also lead to unnecessary strain on (or conversely, extra support for) your hand and wrist. The most comfortable mice will fit the contour of your hand, rather than having a flat, shallow shape. Some mice have a thumb rest, providing a resting spot from which the finger can rise as needed to activate controls. (See our guide to the best ergonomic mice for more about the nuances of these very variable mice and a discussion of trackballs.)
Mouse Connectivity: Not Just USB
The simplest way to hook up a mouse to your PC is through a wired USB connection. Computer mice are usually plug-and-play devices, with no additional software to install (with the exception of higher-end gaming mice), meaning that plugging in the cable is all the setup you’ll need to deal with. Unlike wireless alternatives, a wired device will draw its power over USB, so there are no batteries to worry about. Wired connections are also preferable for serious gaming or esports use (no battery to conk out in the midst of a match), though some high-end wireless mice are indistinguishable, from a response-time perspective, from wired ones.
If you want more freedom and less cable clutter on your desk, however, it’s hard to beat a wireless mouse. Instead of a wired connection, wireless mice transmit data to your PC through one of two primary means: an RF connection to a USB receiver or via Bluetooth. (Some mice actually support both, but this is less common than supporting just one.) Both have their pros and cons, but if you want to reduce the number of cables on your desk and gain the flexibility to use your mouse unhindered—or even from across the room—wireless is the way to go.
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)
Most wireless mice connect to the host computer via the same 2.4GHz wireless frequency used by cordless phones and some Wi-Fi Internet bands. A dime-size USB dongle—small enough to plug in and forget about—provides the link to your PC. Know, however, that only in some isolated cases (such as with Logitech’s Unifying-branded gear) can a single USB dongle provide connectivity to more than one device. That means that unless the vendor specifically notes otherwise, you can’t use the same adapter for your wireless mouse and keyboard. You may need to devote two USB ports to separate mouse and keyboard USB dongles.
Bluetooth options, in contrast, don’t monopolize a USB port, and the stable, easy-to-manage connections are ideal for use with mobile devices, such as ultraportables, tablet PCs, and 2-in-1s. In regular use, a Bluetooth connection gives you roughly 30 feet of wireless range, but a Bluetooth mouse may not match the battery life offered by devices with an RF-based USB dongle. New innovations, such as motion sensors tied to power and connection management, can improve the battery life versus older Bluetooth devices, which maintained an always-on link that drained battery relatively quickly. But you’ll want to look at the vendors’ estimated battery life on a charge (as well as whether the mouse uses an internal battery you recharge, or disposables).
Recommended by Our Editors
Understanding Mouse Sensors and Sensitivity Specs
Most of today’s mice use one of two types of light-based motion sensors: optical/LED or laser. Unlike mechanical tracking options of yore, light-based sensors have fewer issues with dust and dirt, and the absence of moving parts means fewer failures.
Optical sensors pair a glowing LED beam—often red, blue, or infrared—with a small photo sensor, tracking movement by repeatedly imaging the surface below the mouse, translating any movement of the mouse into cursor movement. (The frequency of this imaging is called the “polling rate,” expressed as hertz, or hundreds of instances per second.) Because of the imaging sensor used, optical mice are a little less prone to problems caused by lifting the mouse when in use or by mousing on an uneven surface.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
Laser mice operate in a similar way, but they use an infrared laser diode instead of an LED. This allows, in some cases, for greater potential sensitivity (measured in dots per inch, or dpi) and polling rates. The one drawback is that they can be finicky about the surfaces on which they are used. Premium gaming mice generally use laser sensors, and they tend to work better with opaque mouse-pad surfaces meant for mousing; LEDs can be more forgiving. But this is not an absolute, and frankly, if you’re concerned at all about mousing precision, a basic mouse pad will solve all ails.
To offer the higher sensitivity of a laser sensor and the versatility of an optical mouse, a few isolated mice use both in tandem. Most better gaming mice also offer sensitivity adjustment, letting you shift from a precision setting for tight cursor-control circumstances (such as lining up a sniper’s shot) to a broader-sweep one for melee combat and run-and-gun situations, or panning across an RTS world. This may be via a dedicated-purpose button, or you may be able to program one of the mouse’s buttons or toggles to execute resolution/sensitivity changes on the fly.
Ready to Buy the Right Mouse for You?
The mainstream desktop mouse was designed for use with a desktop or laptop PC at a desk or table, but over time, diverse needs and new technology have paved the path for distinct classes of mice across the categories of gaming, productivity, and specialized ergonomic mice. So which one is right for you? Our picks above and our handy spec chart will help you suss out the best of the best. (And be sure to check out our gaming mouse and ergonomic mouse roundups for even more choices, if your needs fall into one of those two buckets.)
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