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 basic in concept, the market for them is a scattered field of genres, prices, and designs. We’ve been testing computer mice at PCMag since the earliest clickers hit the market. 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 is Logitech’s MX Master 4, and for gaming, Razer’s DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed. 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
April 3, 2026: With this update, we added the Logitech MX Ergo S as our new pick for Best Trackball Mouse, replacing the Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball. The rest of our picks have been vetted for availability and currency. Since our last update, we have tested and evaluated four mice for possible inclusion in this roundup and our other mouse roundups.
- New gesture button and Action Ring boost user performance
- Haptic feedback is a great new addition
- Feels excellent in your hands
- Ultra customizable
- Quiet operation
- Not for left-handed users
- Stilll no place to store the USB dongle
How do you improve on perfection? Logitech found a way, one-upping its 5-star MX Master 3S mouse with the MX Master 4. The newest clicker in the Master family introduces handy additions, including haptic feedback, a redesigned gesture button, and an Action Ring digital overlay that streamlines workflows with app-specific shortcuts. However, the MX Master 4 doesn’t stray too far from what made the 3S so great. It’s still incredibly comfortable, silent, and packed with productivity features. Complete with smart design revisions, the MX Master 4 is an improvement on an already near-perfect mouse. Yes, it’s pricier than most mice, but it’s well worth the investment.
Users looking to improve their productivity workflows: The Logitech MX Master 4 is the best mouse for office work, complex CAD workflows, and everyday tasks. This is thanks to the mouse’s new features—including its redesigned gesture button, the new Action Ring digital overlay, and haptic feedback—which can be tweaked to serve app-specific functions.
Users looking for a comfortable mouse: The MX Master 4 is a productivity mouse that feels excellent in your hands. It’s not an ergonomic mouse on paper, but its perfectly sculpted body is extremely comfortable.
Number of Buttons
7
Interface
2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, USB Wired
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Logitech Darkfield
Sensor Maximum Resolution
8000 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
5.2 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
1 year
Learn More
Logitech MX Master 4 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—popping 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. Even putting AI aside, though, the Logitech mouse is a capable daily driver on its own—compact, lightweight, and aesthetically pleasing.
Users who are curious about trying AI: The Logitech Signature AI Edition M750 Wireless Mouse is an excellent entry-level option for those interested in incorporating AI into their workflows. The new AI button is synced to Logitech’s prompt-building software by default, and can be tweaked to serve other, specific uses.
Users looking for a reasonably priced mouse: If you want a budget-friendly clicker to use on the go, the Logitech Signature AI Edition M750 Wireless Mouse packs a lot of functionality into a $50 package.
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
- Comfortable ergonomic design with extended thumb support
- Gaming-grade 30,000dpi sensor with glass surface compatibility
- Dual-mode scroll wheel (tactile and free-spin) for tailored navigation
- AI Prompt Master enables ChatGPT and Copilot shortcuts
- USB-C charging; long rated battery life
- No version for left-handed users
Many of us move among multiple cursor-controlled screens a day, from work laptops to tablets to gaming PCs, and we 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 has been our go-to choice for years, and it has recently been upgraded with a worthy replacement. Thanks to its well-designed hardware and AI-powered software, the Pro Click V2 adds both refinement and capability to modern workflows, while its high-speed sensor makes it an excellent choice for casual and competitive play. It’s a great choice for just about every situation.
Users looking for a mouse for both work and play: The Razer Pro Click V2 is a worthy companion for those seeking a versatile mouse that handles spreadsheets and gaming with ease. It features a high DPI and a sensitive sensor that can detect even the slightest movements, which is crucial in action games.
Users who leverage AI in their day-to-day tasks: The Razer Pro Click V2 utilizes Razer’s AI Prompt Master, which enables users to assign AI shortcuts to the mouse, such as launching Copilot or ChatGPT, summarizing selected text, and generating code snippets, among other productivity-enhancing shortcuts.
Number of Buttons
9
Interface
USB Wired, Bluetooth, RF Wireless
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Focus Pro 30k Optical
Sensor Maximum Resolution
30000 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
3.8 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
2 years
Learn More
Razer Pro Click V2 Review
- More affordable than its V3 Pro predecessor
- Comfortable ergonomic design
- Lightweight
- Highest polling rate requires an accessory sold separately
- Available in only one color
- High, but not the highest, DPI maximum
The Razer DeathAdder Hyperspeed V3 is our top choice for a gaming mouse. While this latest V3 version doesn’t alter much about this venerable mouse’s design, gamers will appreciate the spec improvements, with the most notable one being an increased polling rate. The mouse features intelligently designed ergonomics, a lightweight body, and—perhaps the most important—an under-$100 price. This makes for an exceptional buy for both mainstream and hard-core gamers.
Users looking for an affordable gaming mouse: The Razer DeathAdder Hyperspeed V3 is a capable, all-around excellent mouse for gamers seeking features, customization, and—most important—value. While most Razer mice can make a significant dent in your wallet, the DeathAdder Hyperspeed V3 provides best-in-class options for an entry-level price.
Gamers who prefer lightweight mice: At 1.9 ounces, the DeathAdder Hyperspeed V3 is light as air, making it ideal for fast-paced first-person shooters and other action games.
Number of Buttons
5
Interface
2.4GHz Wireless, USB Wired
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Focus X 26K Optical Sensor
Sensor Maximum Resolution
26000 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
1.9 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
2 years
Learn More
Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed 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 one of the best budget gaming mice you can buy.
Users looking for a budget-friendly mouse: The Haste 2 is perfect for gamers on a budget. Priced at $50, the Haste 2 doesn’t skimp on features, housing a good sensor with a maximum DPI of 16K and offering serviceable hand support.
Gamers who want a lightweight mouse: The lighter the mouse, the faster your movements, which in turn can affect how quickly and accurately you react to the action on screen.
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 accomplices you can buy. It features a maximum tracking resolution of 42,000dpi, 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.
Gamers who care about performance: For gamers who take their positions on the leaderboard very seriously, the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini packs a punch, featuring that excellent 42,000dpi sensor and 8,000Hz polling rate.
Gamers looking for a portable mouse: A mouse is typically pretty portable to begin with, but the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Mini is one of the most compact gaming models we’ve tested. At just 1.72 ounces, this featherweight easily fits into tote bags, book bags, and the pockets of gamers who want to keep their clickers close.
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
- Ergonomic, tiltable design
- Quiet main click buttons
- Impressive new software functions
- Easy to clean
- Slight learning curve for users new to trackballs
Trackballs are an acquired taste—often, acquired by sheer painful necessity. But the Logitech MX Ergo S makes the transition from a conventional mouse that much smoother. With its comfortable tilt design and quiet switches, the MX Ergo S balances comfort and control better than competing models, making it comfortable for both trackball veterans and newcomers.
Part of that comfort comes from the mouse’s tilted design. The entire mouse is securely held on your desk by a hefty aluminum “foot” with a rubber base, allowing you to adjust whether your thumb lies parallel to or partly perpendicular to the table you’re on. But what sets this mouse apart is the trackball’s configuration software, Logi Options Plus, and the Actions Ring, which transforms the ergonomic mouse into a productivity powerhouse.
Users who want to give trackball mice a try: Whether you’re looking for preventative care or relief for your aching hands and wrists, the Logitech MX Ergo S is right for you. The tilted, adjustable mouse helps reduce the learning curve associated with trackball mice.
Users who want a productivity mouse: Logitech’s Logi Options Plus is a fantastic boon to your workflow. With the Actions Ring, the mouse becomes a real productivity powerhouse, especially for CAD users.
Number of Buttons
8
Interface
USB Wired, 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Logitech Advanced Optical Tracking
Sensor Maximum Resolution
2048 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
9.1 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
1 year
Learn More
Logitech MX Ergo S Review
- Comfortable, compact design
- Accurate 18,000dpi sensor
- Three wireless modes, including Bluetooth
- Long battery life
- 10 programmable buttons with full Synapse support
- Smooth tilt scroll wheel
- Onboard profile storage
- AI Prompt button is prone to accidental presses
- Larger than most mobile mice
- Minimal RGB lighting
Razer is known for bold gaming mice, and it’s quickly becoming a top name for travel mice. The Basilisk Mobile condenses the iconic Basilisk shape without too many sacrifices. This compact clicker boasts tri-mode wireless connectivity, a tilt-enabled scroll wheel, a high-resolution sensor, and more than 100 hours of battery life. It works well for daily computing and can hold its own for a quick gaming session between tasks. Although it’s not the most compact option available, the Basilisk Mobile packs in features that other mobile mice can’t beat.
Users looking for a portable mouse: If you’re on the move and seeking a portable mouse with exceptional wireless options, the Razer Basilisk Mobile is our top recommendation. It features Bluetooth wireless connectivity, as well as support for 2.4GHz. And it uses Razer HyperSpeed, Razer’s low-latency wireless protocol, to deliver excellent responsiveness in any situation.
Apple users: The Razer Basilisk Mobile is fully compatible with Mac—making it an excellent accessory for Apple fans on the go.
Number of Buttons
10
Interface
USB Wired, 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Razer Focus X 18K Optical Sensor
Sensor Maximum Resolution
18000 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
2.68 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
2 years
Learn More
Razer Basilisk Mobile 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 controller 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.
Users with specific accessibility needs: The Microsoft Adaptive Mouse is a one-of-a-kind model that can be molded specifically for you and your needs. With a myriad of attachments available, you’ll surely be able to find a setup that’s most advantageous to you.
Those interested in modular mice: Whether you’re differently abled or hunting for modular devices to maximize your productivity, the Microsoft Adaptive Mouse offers plenty of options for building a clicker that’s uniquely your own.
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
- Comfortable vertical shape reduces wrist strain
- High-precision 30K optical sensor
- Smooth multi-device switching
- Excellent battery life (up to six months)
- Premium build quality and materials
- No version for left-handed users
Plenty of ergonomic mice are designed for office workers, but very few are made with gaming in mind. The Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical offers a design shaped in partnership with ergonomics experts at Humanscale and a high-performance sensor borrowed from Razer’s gaming lineup. The stress relief is palpable, and the vertical build offers a smooth, deliberate experience with build quality and attention to detail that are easy to appreciate over long stretches of gaming or work. If the health of your extremities is important to you (and it should be!), the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical is worth the time and effort to settle into.
Gamers interested in ergonomic relief: If you’re a gamer seeking an ergonomic alternative to a standard gaming mouse, look no further than the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical. The vertical mouse is easy on your wrists, but doesn’t stray too far from the design of a conventional pointer, so gamers don’t have to deal with a steep learning curve.
Gamers seeking long mouse battery life: According to Razer, the Pro Click V2 Vertical offers up to six months of use on a single charge. We couldn’t run it all the way down in our tests.
Number of Buttons
8
Interface
USB Wired, Bluetooth, RF Wireless
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Focus Pro 30k Optical
Sensor Maximum Resolution
30000 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
5.2 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
2 years
Learn More
Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical Review
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The Best Computer Mice for 2026
Compare Specs
Buying Guide: The Best Computer Mice for 2026
What to Look for in a Gaming Mouse?
Gaming mice take 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 genres. 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. The better gaming mice tend to feature vendor-supplied software for setting up these custom features and shortcuts, which are sometimes defined 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, allowing you to adjust the total weight of the controller one way or the other. Some models take this even further, allowing you to adjust the center of balance or the height and pitch of the palm rest. For non-gamers, these features are overkill; for dedicated players, they provide a competitive edge.
Finding the ideal gaming mouse for you comes down to knowing your preferred gaming style, determining whether you will take advantage of a pointer’s more complex functions (it’s easy to overspend on a gaming mouse), and then tweaking your choice to suit your specific tastes. Drive by our gaming mouse roundup for much more detail on the nuances of these controllers.
How to Buy the Right Ergonomic Mouse
Ergonomics-first designs use 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 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 controller, or comfort is simply a concern, pay attention to the size of your mouse. Be sure it’s neither too big nor 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 offers little resistance to flicking and clicking. As a general rule, a heavier mouse requires more effort to move, and although the difference may not seem significant, 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 controllers have a thumb rest, providing a spot from which the finger can rise 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 typically plug-and-play devices, requiring no additional software installation (except for higher-end gaming and productivity mice), so plugging in the cable is all the setup you’ll need to complete. 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. These models 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: Joseph Maldonado)
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. Note, however, that in some isolated cases (such as with Logitech’s Unifying-branded gear), a single USB dongle can 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, so 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 affords approximately 30 feet of wireless range, but a Bluetooth mouse may not offer the same battery life as 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 the 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 photodetector, tracking movement by repeatedly imaging the surface below the mouse and 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.) Due to the imaging sensor used, optical mice are slightly less prone to problems caused by lifting the controller during use or when mousing on an uneven surface.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
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, which tend to work better with opaque mouse-pad surfaces designed for mousing; LEDs can be more forgiving. However, this is not an absolute, and frankly, if you’re concerned at all about mouse precision, a basic mouse pad will solve all your issues.
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. However, over time, diverse needs and new technologies have paved the way for distinct classes of mice across various categories, including gaming, productivity, and specialized ergonomic mice. So which one is right for you? Our picks above, along with our handy spec chart, will help you identify 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.)
