The best mouse of 2018: 10 top computer mice compared. No matter whether you’re a Mac or PC user, a trackpad or a touchscreen just isn’t as good. Compact and portable.
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The Rundown
Our Top PicksBest Overall: Logitech’s MX Master 2S
4.3
Widely regarded as the best mouse available, Logitech’s MX Master 2S is the class leader for overall performance. Compatible with Logitech’s Flow technology, the Master 2S connects with multiple devices seamlessly (and even includes a copy-paste function between different computers). Alongside Flow technology, the Logitech adds support for dual connectivity, allowing up to three Windows or Mac computers to connect via the unifying receiver or through Bluetooth technology, which eliminates the need for any additional hardware on a desktop.
The track virtually anywhere feature adds support for the Master 2S to work on any surface (even glass). The re-chargeable battery lasts up to 70 days on a single charge and the design was engineered not only with performance in mind, but also ergonomics for a comfort that’s sculpted to conform to the shape of a hand for a naturally comfortable position.
Best Anywhere Mouse: Logitech MX Anywhere 2S Wireless Mouse
3.5
Logitech’s Anywhere Mouse “works everywhere you do,” from office desks and kitchen islands to coffee shop tables and airplane tray tables. It can also navigate seamlessly between up to three computer screens, copying and pasting text and images from one screen to the next. It boasts a 4000 DPI laser sensor that gives you smooth tracking on almost any surface, including glass.
The mouse’s design is crafted for comfort and productivity, featuring hyper scrolling and customizable buttons via the Logitech Options Software. But what good is a wireless mouse without a reliable battery? The MX Anywhere 2S holds a charge for up to 70 days and can be topped up with a full day’s charge in just four minutes via microUSB.
Best Apple Mouse: Magic Mouse 2
3.2
Designed solely for Apple’s computer line, the Magic Mouse 2 is a typical Apple design that skips on buttons and scroll wheels and opts for a multi-touch surface instead. Swiping between Web pages or scrolling through documents requires nothing more than the brush of a finger with minimal desk resistance, thanks to an optimized foot design. The built-in battery lasts around 30 days before requiring a recharge through the included Lightning-to-USB cable (it'll fullly charge in nine hours). Apple’s inclusion of multi-touch gestures such as swiping, scrolling and zooming are all a refreshing way to use the mouse. Weighing just 7.2-ounces, Apple’s unique take on the mouse offers a love-it-or-hate-it approach but if you love it, its feature-set is hard to resist.
Best Comfort: Logitech M570
3.5
Logitech’s M570 wireless trackball mouse might not be the most eye-catching of the bunch, but its sculpted shape helps support and keep your hand in one place. The trackball bears all the workload weight with smooth, precise cursor control whether you’re working on your desk or any other room in the home or office. With battery life good for up to 18 months on one included AA battery, the 2.4GHz wireless connection works up to 30 feet away on both Windows and Mac operating systems. With a bevy of buttons and a unique design, there’s plenty of reason to think this mouse represents a new whole way of working online.
For more comfortable and optimal mice products that might help with wrist pain, check out our picks for the best ergonomic mice.
Best Gaming Mouse: Logitech G602
4.5
There’s no shortage of competition in the gaming wireless mouse space, so standing out from the pack requires an impressive set of features. Fortunately, Logitech’s G602 delivers with more than 250 hours of battery life and a shelf life rated at more than 20 million clicks. In fact, Logitech delivers a two-millisecond response rate alongside Delta Zero sensor technology. This gaming mouse offers both an ultra-durable build that can stand up to even the most intense gaming experience. Add in 11 programmable buttons and support for Windows and Mac operating systems and you’ll find a gaming-friendly mouse that won’t break the bank. Logitech claims a lag-free gaming-grade experience and the online reviews deliver with a 4.3 out of 5-star Amazon rating.
Need some more help finding what you're looking for? Read through our best gaming mice article.
Best Budget: VicTsing 2.4G
With technology that maximizes battery life for longer performance, the VicTsing 2.4G wireless mobile mouse is a great choice at a truly budget-friendly price. With five adjustable CPIs to help your ideal scroll speed, the 2.4GHz wireless technology has a 50-foot range before dropping signal. Aside from wireless performance, the VicTsing’s ergonomic shape and build were designed to be both sweat-resistant and skin-friendly for all-day comfort and support.
A rest position for your little finger adds extra support not often found on mice that are quadruple the price. Compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux, the VicTsing maximizes battery life with energy-saving features (shuts down after eight minutes of no use), which allows it to last up to 15 months on a single AA battery.
For more options on the low-end of the price spectrum, check out our picks for the best 5 low-cost wireless mice.
Best Design: Logitech M510 Wireless Mouse
Ergonomically, a well-designed mouse provides comfort and efficiency over long periods of use. That’s why we love the Logitech M510 so much. The mouse is contoured comfortably to support your hand and wrist and there are rubber grips on the side for your thumb and pinky. Unfortunately, the two buttons on the left side limit its users to righties only.
As for productivity, you can customize shortcut tasks for all of its buttons to make it easier to do tasks such as switch applications, open windows and tabs or jump to full screen. The laser tracks smoothly across every surface (barring mirrored ones like glass) and Logitech claims the battery lasts up to two years with daily use. If you’re a power user, you’ll be pleased to know that Logitech’s Unifying receiver plugs in via USB and connects to up to six devices, including keyboards, to free up previous ports.
Best Battery Life: Logitech Marathon Mouse M705
Logitech’s Marathon Mouse M705 is appropriately named with battery life (powered by one AA battery) that can last up to three years. The M705 is so power efficient that it can vastly outlast most wireless mouse options on the market by 2x the total battery life. Fortunately, battery life isn’t all the M705 does well. It has an ergonomic design with a sculpted shape that fits your hand naturally. Advanced tracking offers an ultra-responsive and accurate cursor control while working on various surfaces without skipping a beat. The three integrated thumb buttons offer quick and easy multitasking with quick swapping between applications. With an easy-to-swallow price tag and battery life that can last longer than your computer, there’s plenty of reason to give the M705 a look.
![]() Best Mobile Mouse: FD V8 Ultrathin Silent Travel Mouse
Measuring 1.3 inches thick and weighing just 3.52 ounces, the FD V8 travel mouse is remarkably sleek, making it an ideal travel companion for work trips. It also eliminates 90% of click noise, so you can work in public spaces without disturbing your neighbors.
The FD V8 mouse comes with a small receiver that plugs into your computer’s USB port. Its 2.4GHz wireless connection provides accurate cursor tracking (without a mouse pad), along with a hyper-fast rate of return speed (250Hz) at a max distance of 20 meters. Additionally, the device uses an energy-efficient battery, automatically powering down after 5 minutes of idling. It doesn’t need an on/off switch; the mouse wakes up with a quick click and is ready to go. On standby, the charge will last for about 36 months. The FD V8 mouse comes in five vibrant colors, each with a glossy finish to brighten up your workspace.
Check out our guide to the best travel mice you can buy today.
Best Silent Mouse: Pictek Wireless Gaming Mouse
Need peace and quiet in order to work? The Pictek Wireless Gaming Mouse is virtually silent, providing a distraction-free environment for you and your desk-mates. The manufacturer claims it's built to last for up to 5 million clicks, so it’ll feel like a brand-new mouse every time you use it. The Pictek uses 2.4GHz wireless technology to provide a stable connection, precise tracking, and hyper-fast data transmission speeds. For long gaming sessions or hard nights at the office, Pictek promises reliable performance, with no delays, dropouts, or interference, even from 33-foot distances. The device also features a 250Hz pulling rate and a 2,400 DPI optical sensor.
The Pictek wireless mouse is a plug-and-play device, so there’s no need for extra installation software. The receiver fits snugly into a slot underneath the mouse’s battery pack for easy storage. The mouse weighs only 2.9 ounces and measures 4.9 x 2.8 x 1.5 inches long, which fits easily into any backpack or travel bag.
Looking for more accessories? Check out our roundup of the best computer keyboards.
Tested byHow We Tested
We bought five top-rated wireless mice and our reviewers spent more than 600 hours testing them. We asked our testers to consider the most important features when using these wireless mice, from connectivity to comfort. We've outlined the key takeaways here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for in a Wireless Mouse
PC vs. Mac compatibility - It’s easier to find mice that work with Windows and Mac operating systems than it is to find keyboards that do both. Still, it’s important to make sure the wireless mouse you choose is compatible with your system. If you’re using a Windows-oriented mouse with a Mac, consider remapping its buttons to make it easier to use.
Bluetooth vs. USB - There are advantages to both Bluetooth and USB mice. Bluetooth mice are truly portable. They connect to a receiver in your computer, so there’s no dongle required. On the other hand, Bluetooth mice can sometimes have more performance and connection issues than their USB counterparts.
Portability - If you want a mouse that you can take on the road, it’s important to consider whether you want a full-size mouse or a smaller one. However, portable mice usually aren't ergonomic — they may cause more strain than the full-size versions that are designed to fit your hand.
Test Results: Logitech’s MX Master 2S (Best Overall)
4.3
What We Like
What We Don't Like
“This is the most comfortable, useful, and good-looking mouse I’ve ever used,” raved one of our testers. Our reviewers also loved its customization features, with one reporting that “the customizable buttons saved me seconds [at a time] which added up to saving me time overall.” On the other hand, one reviewer pointed out a design flaw: “One omission is the lack of a place to store the included Bluetooth receiver,' he said. 'It’s not required to connect to a computer, as long as the computer or device you’re using the mouse with has Bluetooth, but it’d still be nice to at least have the option to take it along when traveling.' One tester also thought it was a little pricey—but ultimately, still a great buy. “I think, at first, I’d be hesitant to buy it given its price point,” she said, “but it’s absolutely worth it.”
Test Results: Logitech MX Anywhere 2S Wireless Mouse (Best Anywhere Mouse)
3.5
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Our tester liked this mouse because it was portable and versatile: “It's incredibly compact, which makes it great for travel,” he said. “Also, having the ability to pair it with up to three devices is a welcome addition, and I appreciated the internal rechargeable battery.” On the other hand, he wished it came with a way to store its dedicated USB receiver: “This makes for an easy component to misplace on the go,” he said. He also wished it had “at least one or two more customizable buttons on it for additional productivity purposes.”
Test Results: Magic Mouse 2 (Best Apple Mouse)
3.2
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Our tester raved about this mouse’s “impressive” battery life and “beautiful” design that “looks right at home with any macOS computer.” He also said that its multi-touch surface “blends the best of a mouse and trackpad into a single device.” The downsides? “This mouse only works with macOS computers,” he said, “aside from various workarounds you can find on the web.” Plus, he pointed out that you can’t use it while it charges because the port is on the bottom of the device.
Test Results: Logitech M570 (Best Comfort)
3.5
What We Like
What We Don't Like
“This is easily the most comfortable mouse I've used to date,” reported our tester. He also liked that it was simple to take apart (for easy cleaning) and that it was stationary, “meaning there's no need for a mouse pad or additional space on your desk.” He did note, however, that it took some time to get used to it and that its large size made it less travel-friendly than other models. He also pointed out that it requires a dedicated USB receiver and doesn’t work over Bluetooth.
Test Results: Logitech G602 (Best Gaming Mouse)
4.5
Best Mouse For MacbookWhat We Like
Our tester thought that this product featured impressive ergonomics for a gaming mouse—plus plenty of customizable buttons that “add value to various gaming setups.” He also felt it had a few cool design touches: “I enjoyed that you could change how many batteries you use with it and choose what side to place a single battery on to change the balance of the mouse,” he said. In terms of negatives, he said he wished it was rechargeable and that its resolution was higher. Lastly, he said its lack of RGB lighting will “inevitably turn off some of the gaming crowd.”
Pointing the Way: How to Buy the Right Mouse
In its most basic form, 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 own hand. But while a mouse is simple in concept, the market for them is a scattered mess of types, prices, and designs. You need to know a little about the landscape when you go shopping for a new model.
Over time, distinct classes of mice have evolved, each made for different computing situations. The most common of these is the mainstream desktop mouse, designed for use with a desktop or laptop PC at a desk or table. Aside from the inevitable right and left mouse buttons, the usual features are a clickable scroll wheel and, in some cases, additional thumb buttons that let you navigate forward and back in your Web browser.
Travel mice (or 'mobile mice') offer many of these same features but come in a smaller size. They're designed to fit easily into the pocket of a backpack or laptop bag.
For this same reason, however, travel mice tend to be small for most hands—you can use them just fine for short stints, but they become uncomfortable over long periods due to the unnatural grip required. Generally speaking, travel mice are wireless and battery-powered, so you may want to bring along a spare set of AA or AAA batteries.
The Right Mouse for Gaming
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 title), you may see a variety of specialized features.
Best Cheap Bluetooth Mouse For Mac
What most gaming mice have in common, though, is a combination of high-performance parts—laser sensors, featherlight 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.
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.
What's the Best Ergonomic Mouse?Best Bluetooth Mouse For Mac Reddit
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.
Whether you're looking at a specialized ergonomic mouse or ergonomics are 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 mount.
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.
Not Just USB: Mouse Connectivity
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. 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.
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).
Sensors and Sensitivity
Most of today's mice use one of two types of light-based motion sensor: 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.
Microsoft Mouse For Mac
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 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. This may be via 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.
Keyboard For MacReady for Our Recommendations?
Below is a rundown of the current top-rated computer mice we've run across in our testing. (Click through to read the full reviews.) We've tested a wide array of models across the categories of gaming, productivity, and specialized ergonomic mice.
Best Mice Featured in This Roundup:Best Bluetooth Mouse For Mac And Pc
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