The Best Mouse - Fall 2023 Reviews

The best computer mouse we've tested is the Logitech MX Master 3S, the newest version in Logitech's MX Master lineup. This mouse has all the standout features of previous models in the series, including an ergonomic right-handed shape, a gesture button on the thumb rest, and two dedicated scroll wheels. The side-mounted scroll wheel handles horizontal scrolling, while the scroll wheel on top automatically switches between a precise notched scrolling mode and a much faster free-scrolling mode. You connect the Logitech wirelessly via Bluetooth or its USB receiver, and it supports multi-device pairing with up to three devices simultaneously.

The new features this model brings to the table include quieter click buttons and an improved sensor that allows you to set higher sensitivity levels. It's helpful for 4k displays with much higher pixel densities that require higher sensitivity levels to produce cursor movements at a comfortable speed. It uses Logitech's newest BOLT USB Receiver rather than the older Unifying Receiver. This new receiver is backward compatible with some but not all Logitech devices, so you may still need to plug in both receivers if you're also using an older Logitech keyboard.

Recent entries in Logitech's MX Master series are similar to each other, so if you don't need all the features of the newest version and are looking for options at an upper mid-range price point, we recommend the Logitech MX Master 2S. Logitech has discontinued this model in North American markets, but it's still reliably in stock from some online retailers. That said, pricing can vary, and it's at its best value when it's around the $60 mark. Also, note that some retailers may list both 2017 and 2022 models of this mouse, but there aren't any differences between them, even if they may be priced differently.

Overall, the MX Master 2S has some minor visual differences from the newer Logitech MX Master 3S, and its side buttons and side-mounted scroll wheel are in a different spot and don't stick out as far. It also has louder click buttons and uses an older micro-USB cable for charging rather than the USB-C cable with newer models. Otherwise, the same features that have made this lineup so popular are here. It has an ergonomic, right-handed shape, dual scroll wheels, and multi-device pairing with up to three devices simultaneously. Like other versions, its thumb rest also features a button to enable gesture controls, and its main scroll wheel toggles between a precise, notched mode and a much faster free-scrolling mode.

If you're looking for a mid-range option that offers high-end gaming performance balanced with functionality for everyday use and light work, we recommend the Razer Basilisk V3. It doesn't have a secondary scroll wheel or wireless capabilities like the MX Master series mice above, but it's much better suited for gaming. It has a rock-solid build quality and a comfortable right-handed shape for nearly all hand sizes and grip types. This mouse also has more programmable buttons than other options on this list.

Using the companion software, you can reprogram these buttons, precisely adjust your sensitivity levels, and customize the three RGB lighting zones to add some color to your setup. Performance-wise, it has remarkable sensor performance and low click latency, so gaming in any genre feels extremely responsive. The scroll wheel has both left and right tilt inputs and allows you to toggle between a notched scrolling mode and a much faster scrolling mode, which helps you navigate quickly through websites or documents.

If you're looking for a wireless option, the Razer Basilisk V3 X HyperSpeed is a similar mouse in the same lineup that you can connect with its USB receiver or via Bluetooth. However, it's a bit more expensive than the Basilisk V3 and has fewer programmable buttons or a scroll wheel with a free-scrolling mode.

At a budget price point, we recommend the Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED. On paper, it's a gaming mouse like the Razer Basilisk V3 above, but it's also an outstanding wireless option for everyday browsing and light workloads. It doesn't offer the same gaming performance or have as many buttons as the Basilisk, and it doesn't share the same higher-end work features as the MX Master series at the top of this article.

Still, it delivers unmatched wireless price to performance. It has a subdued look that fits easily into professional or home office environments and a somewhat egg-like, comfortable shape for nearly all hand sizes. It's also easy to slip into laptop bags or pockets for use on the go. It uses Logitech's USB Unifying Receiver to connect wirelessly and has an advertised battery life of over 250 hours using a single AA battery. You can also customize plenty of settings using software compatible with Windows and macOS.

If you'd prefer a more work-focused budget model, check out the Logitech M720 Triathlon. It's significantly less expensive than more premium Logitech work mice on this list. Although it doesn't look or feel as premium, it quietly has several features typically reserved for higher-end options, including multi-device pairing with up to three devices, an ergonomic right-handed shape with an integrated gesture button, and a scroll wheel with a free-scrolling mode.

For an even more affordable option, we recommend the Logitech M240. This mouse is about as straightforward as it gets when it comes to wireless mice for everyday browsing or light office work. This mouse connects via Bluetooth, is available in several different color options, and has a compact shape that makes it easy to carry around or throw into a bag or laptop case. Its slightly curved symmetrical shape also makes it a good option whether right- or left-handed, and its right- and left-click buttons are virtually silent—although the sound of the scroll wheel and the scroll wheel click are a bit louder.

Unfortunately, unlike more expensive models on this list, it doesn't offer anything in the way of extra features. It doesn't even have side buttons, and the only button you can reprogram is the scroll wheel button. That said, if you're looking for a basic wireless mouse with solid build quality and no-fuss functionality at a price point that's hard to beat, this is the mouse for you.

If you're looking for the best gaming option, we recommend the Razer Viper V2 Pro. It has the same low profile and symmetrical shape as previous Viper models but is much lighter, making it easier to make quick, precise movements. It also has the most advanced sensor currently on the market. Razer has removed some features found on previous mice in the series to make this version as lightweight as possible. Most notably, this version lacks RGB lighting and only has side buttons on the left side, while this lineup was previously known for having a pair of side buttons on either side.

The Razer Viper Ultimate is an excellent alternative if you're interested in some of these legacy features and don't mind a somewhat heavier mouse. It's also more affordable than ever before. Or, if you have larger hands and prefer an exclusively right-handed design, we suggest looking at the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, which shares the same internals as the Viper V2 Pro and is only marginally heavier.

For more recommendations, check out our picks for the best gaming mouse.

For a portable option or the best travel mouse for laptops, we recommend the Razer Pro Click Mini, a compact version of the Razer Pro Click. This mouse has a symmetrical shape, which is great whether you're right or left-handed. It feels very well-built, features multi-device pairing with up to four devices, and has nearly silent buttons. Its scroll wheel has left and right tilt inputs and you can toggle the scroll wheel between a precise notched scrolling mode or a free-scrolling mode, a feature the original lacks. Uniquely, you can power this mouse with one or two AA batteries, though using one will give you less than Razer's advertised maximum battery life of 700 hours.

While marketed more as an everyday use and productivity-focused mouse, it's also surprisingly capable of delivering impressive gaming performance, so it's worth considering if you're also a frequent laptop gamer. If you're a MacBook user, note that while this mouse is fully compatible with macOS, the customization software isn't. We recommend the Logitech Pebble M350 for a cheaper, more straightforward travel option. It doesn't have anywhere near the same level of performance and has only basic productivity features, but it's very slim and portable and is significantly less expensive.