The contemporary computer mouse is useful for far more than dragging a pointer across a screen. Its versatility is akin to that of a keyboard, thanks to the wide range of productivity-improving features included in most modern mice—from customizable buttons to extensive, easy-to-use software utilities. While the Apple Magic Mouse includes some of these features, its quirks (including a unique-but-tired design and awkward charging) has iMac and Mac Pro users wondering: do you stick with the tried and true Magic Mouse that came included with your computer, or do you switch to what is arguably the best mouse on the market: the five-star Logitech MX Master 3S?
And if you’re looking to buy a mouse to go with an iMac, an iPad, a MacBook, a Mac mini, or a Mac Studio, you’re probably also wondering whether you should stick with the Magic Mouse or venture outside the Apple ecosystem. To help you pick the best mouse to maximize your productivity, we’ll take a close look at both mice and compare them across a few key factors.
Design and Build Quality
The Apple Magic Mouse is one of the sleekest input devices you can buy. Its glossy, featureless shell evokes a futuristic feeling, a bit like magic, if you will. The aesthetic has more or less defined the mouse for the better part of a decade. While there have been minor changes over the years, like moving away from disposable batteries or—most recently—the switch to a USB-C port from the old Lightning connector, the mouse has looked largely the same since the Magic Mouse 2 was introduced in 2015. You even still charge its battery the same awkward way, by flipping it upside-down to access the USB-C port.
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)
It’s a fairly small mouse, too. In my hands, it’s a little too small, and the slight bump at the center barely offers my hand any support. The distinctive body is well-suited for both right- and left-handed users, but the hyper-glossy exterior is prone to smudging (though it can be easily wiped away with a microfiber cloth). If you’re buying the Magic Mouse by itself, you can choose from two colors (black and white), though additional options are available with the purchase of an iMac, including green, orange, pink, purple, and yellow.
While the Logitech MX Master 3S’s curvaceous shape is strictly for right-handers, the larger size offers more real estate for larger hands. While it’s not expressly intended to be an ergonomic mouse, the MX Master 3S does offer supreme comfort. A slight wing on the mouse’s left flank holds your thumb perfectly, while the soft ridges and smooth, rubber-like exterior feel good in your hands. The Logitech MX Master 3S comes in three color schemes: black, pale gray, and graphite.
Both mice look good paired with any Mac. But while the Apple Magic Mouse is a gorgeous mouse, as far as comfort is concerned, there are few that can compete with the Logitech MX Master 3S.
Winner: Logitech MX Master 3S
Features and Customization
The Logitech MX Master 3S and Apple Magic Mouse each offer unique features that power users will enjoy. The Magic Mouse supports Apple’s Multi-Touch gestures. In addition to traditional right and left clicks, you can perform certain other gestures by dragging your fingers across the mouse. For example, you can drag your finger down the center of the mouse to scroll, or swipe two fingers across the mouse to switch between apps.
One thing to note: Apple says the latest Magic Mouse requires a Mac with macOS 15.1 or later, or an iPad with iPadOS 18.1 or later. You can use the mouse with Bluetooth-enabled Macs running earlier OS versions, but functionality will be limited.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
The Logitech MX Master 3S, on the other hand, comes with additional buttons and a horizontal scroll wheel. The physical MagSpeed Electromagnetic scroll wheel is fast, precise, and nearly silent. A small button sits just under the scroll wheel and cycles between sensor resolution presets up to 8,000 dots per inch (DPI). The Magic Mouse does not have an adjustable sensor resolution, and Apple does not list its maximum DPI.
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As far as software is concerned, the MX Master 3S supports Logi Options+, Logitech’s free, proprietary software that offers tons of additional functionality. Logitech Flow allows you to seamlessly work between two Windows or macOS computers, and even transfer text, images, and files between them. Logitech Smart Actions is a macro builder designed to automate repetitive tasks, and the Logi AI Prompt Builder allows users to build prompts and queries for ChatGPT. The Apple Magic Mouse can’t do any of that, and is obviously only compatible with Apple devices, though it does have a few basic customizable options accessed via the macOS System Preferences app.
Winner: Logitech MX Master 3S
Battery Life and Wireless Connectivity
Battery life is another important factor in choosing a wireless mouse. The Logitech MX Master 3S offers 70 days of power on a full charge and gets three hours of use from a one-minute quick charge. The MX Master 3S also saves up to three Bluetooth connections, which can be swapped with a press of a button located underneath the mouse. Or, you can use the Logi Bolt USB dongle, which promises a drop-off-free connection up to 33 feet away.
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(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)
The Apple Magic Mouse, on the other hand, offers “about a month or more” of power. It doesn’t have a USB dongle, with Bluetooth as its sole connection option. You also can’t charge it while you’re using it (you know, because it needs to be upside-down to charge), while the MX Master 3S has a USB-C port for charging right at the front of the mouse.
Winner: Logitech MX Master 3S
Price
Chances are, you want to get the most out of whatever money you’ve got leftover to spend on peripherals after buying a Mac, and if you’re buying an iMac, you’ll be tempted to not shell out any additional money at all, since your purchase already includes a mouse. In fact, neither the Apple nor the Logitech mouse is budget-friendly. The Logitech MX Master 3S originally retailed for $99 when we first reviewed it back in 2022. However, it has crept up in price since then, now retailing for $119. For that sum, you’ll get a USB-C charging cord (USB-A-to-C) and the Logitech Bolt USB receiver in addition to the mouse itself.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
The Apple Magic Mouse, on the other hand, retails for $79.99 and includes a USB-C (USB-C-to-C) charging cable—if you get the white mouse. For some reason, Apple charges an additional $20 for the black option. Apple products are typically expensive endeavors, but in this case, the Magic Mouse is actually the most economical option.
Winner: Apple Magic Mouse (USB-C)
