Vertical mice, trackballs, unusual sculpts: You can find quite a few ergonomic approaches to mousing comfort. The common aim: minimizing the threat of repetitive strain injuries you may incur from using a mouse and keyboard for many hours each day. With so many shapes, sizes, and features out there, though, picking an ergonomic mouse can be tricky. That’s where our expertise comes in. PCMag has been testing and reviewing peripherals since the early days of the PC, and we assess PC mice based on design, features, connectivity, comfort, and (of course!) value. Our analysts have experience with a broad range of models. The five-star-rated Logitech MX Master 4 is our top ergonomic mouse pick for most people, but we stand behind our other selections here, too. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each one; we’ll also explain what to know to choose the best ergonomic mouse for you.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
November 26, 2025: With this update, we added the Logitech MX Master 4 as the Best Conventional Ergonomic Mouse, the Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball as our Best Fingertip-Operated Ergonomic Mouse, and the Contour Design RollerMouse Red as Best Ergonomic Mouse for Wrist Angle Adjustments. (We removed the Logitech MX Master 3S, the Kensington Orbit Wireless Trackball, and the Contour Design SliderMouse Pro Wireless.) The rest of our picks have been evaluated for currency and availability. Since our last update, we tested and evaluated nine 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
Easily one of the best mice on the market, the Logitech MX Master 4 is not a “classic” ergonomic mouse with some kind of radical sculpt, but it offers exceptional comfort. The large, curved shape leaves plenty of room for larger hands, while the silent buttons are responsive and satisfying to use. It’s a productivity king, although it may not be the best choice for those with specific ergonomic considerations that preclude the usual click-and-drag method—in those cases, a vertical or roller-ball mouse might be a better option. However, if you’re seeking a dependable and comfortable mouse for both work and play, the Logitech MX Master 4 is ideal.
Newbies to ergonomic mice: If you’re a first-time user looking for an excellent, highly comfortable all-around mouse that excels in both ergonomics and productivity, but employs conventional mouse hand and wrist positioning to make the learning curve shallower, you want the MX Master 4.
Users who want to maximize their productivity: The MX Master 4 is a productivity powerhouse, thanks in part to its redesigned gesture button, new Action ring shortcuts, and support for the Logi Options customization utility.
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
- 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
Trackball mice are ideal for protecting wrists and fingers during long computing sessions, but they don’t always come cheap. That’s where the Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball comes into play. With both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless options, a textured scroll wheel, and a detachable wrist rest, the Kensington Expert Mouse is an excellent trackball mouse suitable for both newcomers and experienced users. The click buttons can be noisy, and the wireless function still relies on disposable batteries, but for this level of comfort, we’re willing to compromise.
Trackball first-timers: Despite the “expert” in the name, if you’ve ever been interested in sticking your fingertips into the world of trackball mice, the Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball is a good place to start.
Users who want a mouse with a wrist rest: The Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball is a comfortable clicker in its own right, but the wrist rest sets it apart from other mice of its caliber. This is especially great for those with tired wrists and fingers who work long hours in front of their computers.
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
- Comfortable to use
- Excellent build quality
- Plenty of functionality
- 128-bit AES encryption
- Takes some getting used to
- No left-handed option
The Kensington Pro Fit Ergo TB550 Trackball combines the freedom of a trackball with the familiarity of your typical mouse, resulting in a daily driver that’s both easy on the eyes and easier on your hands. With a shape typical of conventional mice, the Kensington Pro Fit Ergo TB550 cuts the trackball learning curve in half, relying on the right thumb for navigation instead of the fingertips. (Sorry, left-handed users, you’ll have to look elsewhere.) Plus, the sturdy build will keep your hand steady and free of unwanted cursor movements.
Trackball newbies: Those interested in trackball mice but who don’t want to stray too far from the familiar form of their current computer mouse will enjoy the TB550.
Wrist-pain sufferers: The thumb-only operation of the trackball allows you to keep your wrist still and in one position while using this particular design.
Users who require multiple connectivity options: The TB550 features a USB-C port for wired use, in addition to supporting both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections. It even offers 128-bit AES encryption for the 2.4GHz connection.
Number of Buttons
5
Interface
Bluetooth, USB Wired, 2.4GHz Wireless
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Unspecified Optical Sensor
Sensor Maximum Resolution
1600 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
4.9 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
3 years
Learn More
Kensington Pro Fit Ergo TB550 Trackball 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
Ergonomic mice come in all shapes and sizes, but few are as excellent as the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical. Razer’s first vertical mouse nails the script, offering a stylish and comfortable ergonomic design with some impressive functionality built in. It also features a gaming-grade 30,000dpi sensor, making it a pin-precise gaming mouse as well. Razer doesn’t offer an option for left-handed users, but the Pro Click V2 Vertical prioritizes comfort above all, making it a capable vertical mouse for both work and play.
Gamers interested in vertical mice: If you’re looking for an ergonomic mouse but the learning curve of a trackball intimidates you, a vertical mouse like the Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical might be the ideal compromise.
Users who value long battery life: The Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical offers a rated six months of battery life on a single charge, making it an ideal travel companion.
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
- 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
The Microsoft Adaptive Mouse, designed with the differently abled in mind, is a modular mouse that can be tweaked and fine-tuned to your specific needs. At its core, it’s a simple puck—it’s up to the user to install adaptive accessories, either purchased from Microsoft or 3D-printed, if you have access to a 3D printer. Microsoft’s effort to create a versatile system for people who either cannot use a traditional mouse or simply want to create a custom input device is commendable. Accessibility is a human right, and the Microsoft Adaptive Mouse is one step toward accessible tech for all.
Users with specific accessibility needs: The Microsoft Adaptive Mouse is specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with various abilities. With a myriad of attachments available, you’re surely able to build a setup that helps you to better move your cursor.
Those interested in maximizing their productivity: Whether you’re seeking a productivity powerhouse or are just differently abled, the Microsoft Adaptive Mouse is a distinctive, modular mouse that can be made into a productivity hub.
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
- 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
You can find plenty of ergonomic mice for the office, but very few are designed with gaming in mind. The QuadraClicks RBT is a rare exception. With a unique shape and a steep learning curve, the RBT may seem intimidating initially, but once you’ve settled in, the stress relief is palpable. The RBT attempts to avoid strain by relying on the bottom of your fingers, rather than your fingertips, to click. It’s a pricey palm pleaser, but it’s worth the time and effort you put into it, especially if the safety and comfort of your hands are a priority for you.
Gamers seeking an ergonomic gaming mouse: For gamers looking for an ergonomic alternative to a standard mouse, the QuadraClicks RBT is a more-than-capable option, since it’s designed with gaming in mind.
Users who are health-conscious: Ergonomic mice are designed to ease pressure on the fingers and wrists of users, and the QuadraClicks RBT is specifically engineered to prevent common hand-related injuries, such as repetitive strain injury (RSI).
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
- Comfortable ergonomic shape
- Detachable hand rest
- Strong battery life
- Left-handed model available
- Vertical mice are hard to use accurately
- Low max DPI
Vertical mice are an acquired taste, so instead of committing to a full 90-degree tilt, why not try the Goldtouch Semi-Vertical Wireless Mouse? With a 66-degree tilt, the mouse sits comfortably between the vertical and standard mouse designs. It also comes with a unique accessory: a detachable plastic hand rest. The hand rest adds some girth to the already-large mouse. However, you can adjust the mouse’s weight by removing or adding up to four 5-gram weights. Plus, it’s available in both right-handed and left-handed versions. Overall, the Goldtouch is comfortable, flexible, and a good choice for users not ready to commit to a fully vertical mouse.
Left-handed users: If you’re looking for a left-handed option, the Goldtouch Semi-Vertical Wireless Mouse may be the perfect choice for you. Few mainstream mice are offered in lefty-friendly configurations.
Users who seeking to adjust their mouse’s weight and shape: The Goldtouch is unique in that it allows users to tweak the mouse’s weight by removing or adding weights, which are also included. The mouse also includes a detachable plastic hand rest for additional size adjustments.
Number of Buttons
6
Interface
RF Wireless
Hand Orientation
Left- and Right-Handed Models Available
Sensor Maker and Model
Pixart PAW3205
Sensor Maximum Resolution
1600 dpi
Power Source
Two AA Batteries
Weight
4.6 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
1 year
Learn More
Goldtouch Semi-Vertical Wireless Mouse Review
- Handsome, compact vertical design
- Available in version for lefties
- Rated 24-month battery life on one AA cell
- Can seamlessly swap connections among up to three devices
- Compatible with macOS
- Not comfortable for larger hands
- Shallow switches offer little feedback
The Logitech Lift is a vertical mouse with a lot going for it. Vibrant colors, a long-lasting battery, and silent buttons make it a versatile tool for working at home or in the office. Support for Logitech’s Flow technology, which allows you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously and seamlessly swap files between them, makes the Lift an ideal choice for ergonomic control of PCs and Macs alike. The only major downsides are its diminutive size and the lack of tactile feedback from the buttons. Overall, the Logitech Lift offers style and comfort at an affordable price.
People who want an eye-catching mouse: Need a vertical mouse that combines style and comfort? Look no further than the Logitech Lift, which is a sight to behold. With a 57-degree twist meant to optimize posture and reduce wrist action, the mouse features a swiveled body with two main clickers nestled on the outside of the device.
People who value long battery life: The Logitech Lift promises two years of battery life on one AA battery.
Number of Buttons
5
Interface
RF Wireless, Bluetooth
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Logitech Advanced Optical Tracking
Sensor Maximum Resolution
4000 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
0.27 pounds
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
1 year
Learn More
Logitech Lift Review
- Excellent ergonomic design and comfort
- Smooth roller bar with adjustable click force
- Solid aluminum construction
- Multiple programmable buttons
- High-performance wireless version
- High price
- Lacks Bluetooth support
- Not ideal for creative or precision-heavy workflows
- Software could use a refresh
The RollerMouse Red is a striking device, and the most avant-garde choice on our list. The unique mouse users a 7-inch roller bar that tracks horizontal movement and acts as a clickable button. You control vertical movement by rotating the bar like a scroll wheel. It’s an ambidextrous mouse designed to reduce strain on the shoulders and wrists. Its wide build and comfortable wrist rest make it one of the most comfortable mice we’ve ever seen. For heavy typists or office workers dealing with discomfort, it could be a game-changer, but it’s expensive.
Left-handed users: Mice specifically for left-handers are less common than you’d expect, but the RollerMouse Red is an easy mouse to adapt to, whether you’re left- or right-handed.
Wrist pain sufferers: While it won’t address every malady the same, the RollerMouse does let you keep your hands parallel to the desk, with no need to shift your hand position from the usual mousing position to the usual typing position.
Users who prioritize comfort above all else: The RollerMouse Red is large and expensive, but it’s also extremely comfortable. It’s a luxury mouse at the end of the day.
Number of Buttons
6
Interface
USB Wired, RF Wireless
Hand Orientation
Ambidextrous
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
29 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
2 years
Learn More
Contour Design RollerMouse Red Review
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The Best Ergonomic Mice for 2025
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Buying Guide: The Best Ergonomic Mice for 2025
Choosing a Vertical Mouse: How to Flip Your Grip
The design that comes to mind when most of us hear the words “ergonomic mouse” is vertical. The shape is basically a conventional mouse turned 90 degrees, or the base of a mouse with a second sideways one on top of it, letting you grip the device without twisting your wrist. Think of a handshake clasp instead of holding the mouse with your palm down.
Naturally, a vertical mouse’s click panels and face buttons are rotated or placed on the side, where they’re accessible with the same finger motions you’d make using a standard mouse. Turning the mouse to meet your hand, rather than turning your hand to grip the mouse, removes strain on your arm and lets you use a more natural wrist motion to move laterally.
The downside to a vertical mouse can be its degree of accuracy. The shape moves your hand higher up the body and further away from the mouse sensor, changing the correlation between how you move your hand and the path of the cursor. Even after a few days’ adjustment to a vertical mouse, it can take a bit more time to line up the pointer with a small icon. That may go away over time, but it’s a significant change for which you should be ready.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Nevertheless, a vertical mouse will be the best ergonomic option for most users. It mitigates the musculoskeletal issues caused by overuse of a standard mouse while retaining most of the experience of using one. For gamers and creative pros who may not be able to use one all the time, the answer may be having two mice—a vertical model for everyday use and a curved, palm-supporting conventional mouse for gaming or occasional precision work.
Trackballs: Minimizing Certain Movements
Perhaps the oldest alternatives to a traditional mouse, trackballs have had a devoted following for decades. Instead of you moving the mouse around to maneuver the cursor, a trackball detects the movement of a sphere mounted in a housing—remember when mice used to use rolling balls instead of optical sensors?—to mirror a standard mouse’s inputs.
You operate a trackball with very little arm movement and no real “grip,” instead simply resting your hand on the device. This can reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), musculoskeletal disorders caused by holding an unnatural position too long or repeating a motion over and over again. Typing on a keyboard and using a mouse have both been known to cause RSIs after years of daily computer use; these ailments tend to manifest initially as pain, weakness, or numbness in your fingers and wrists.
Trackballs are designed to reduce or eliminate movements that have been known to cause these injuries or aggravate them in people who already suffer from RSIs. There is no ironclad proof that they can actually prevent RSIs, but they’ve proven more comfortable for people who already experience pain when using a standard mouse.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
You’ll find two main types of trackballs: thumb-operated, and finger-operated. As with ergonomic keyboards, the two versions offer a sliding scale of familiarity (how easy it is for new users to convert) versus ergonomic benefit. Thumb-operated trackballs, like the ones on this list, are shaped like standard mice, which makes them more approachable. However, it’s been noted that prolonged use of a thumb trackball has the potential to affect specific muscles in your thumb over time. Finger-operated trackballs may require a longer adjustment period, but do not put any additional strain on your digits. [This comes down to individual physiology, too; the editor of this story has used a thumb-control Microsoft Trackball Optical daily for more than 15 years with no apparent ill effects.—Ed.]
Both styles are an acquired taste; you need to try a trackball to know whether or not it’ll work for you. People tend to figure out pretty quickly whether they prefer twirling a trackball to pushing and pulling a standard mouse. We recommend finding a shop where you might be able to try before buying, or at least make sure you can return an online purchase if it isn’t a good fit.
Recommended by Our Editors
Standard Mice: Are They Good for Your Hands?
If you don’t currently suffer from RSI symptoms, you may not want to deal with the tradeoffs of a specialized ergonomic mouse, such as an adjustment period or reduced fine accuracy. In this case, you can still do yourself a solid and buy a mouse with a comfortable, supportive shape. Conventional mice come in all shapes and sizes, and whether one feels good in your hand is perhaps the most important part of your buying decision.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
If possible, buy a mouse fitted to your dominant hand. Unfortunately, left-handed mice aren’t as common as those shaped for righties, but you should still be able to pick from a modest set of specialty options or, failing that, choose a well-shaped ambidextrous mouse.
Beyond that, ergo-positive traits vary from mouse to mouse. Certain features imply more support, such as a “thumb wing” or rest for your opposable digit, but having one doesn’t guarantee comfort. Some companies definitely skew toward different hand shapes; gaming mouse maker Corsair, for instance, offers many well-shaped mice, including some for users with large hands. Read our reviews for specific information about different shapes, as our experts discuss how each mouse fits your hand.
Ready to Buy the Right Ergonomic Mouse for You?
Now that we’ve described the different kinds of ergonomic mice, we trust you have an idea of which you want to try. This roundup offers a rundown of the best we’ve tested; if you want to know more about the universal rules for picking a great pointing device, check out our overall guide to the best computer mice. Looking for a top keyboard? We have an explainer for that, too. And don’t miss our guide to setting up a complete ergonomic home office.
