Wireless mice have come a long way in the past few years. New and improved versions of the technologies that mouse makers use to connect devices over the air have made a stable, nearly lag-free connection the norm for high-quality wireless gear. Likewise, better batteries and more efficient hardware have made charging a once-in-a-while concern, rather than a frequent one. Though the bar for making a usable wireless mouse is higher than a wireless keyboard, where it’s easier to tolerate a little input lag, plenty of companies out there now make products that feel indistinguishable from their cable-bound counterparts.
Below, we’ve run down our top tested picks in a whole host of categories of wireless mouse, from everyday work mice to gaming units to ergonomic specialty models. These are followed by a detailed buying guide that will tell you everything you need to know about how to buy your next wireless-clicking companion.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse
Best Overall Wireless Productivity Mouse
Bottom Line:
Silent buttons and an 8,000dpi sensor bring Logitech’s flagship MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse just one or two clicks from perfection.
PROS
- Remarkable comfort and battery life
- Perfectly precise electromagnetic scroll wheel
- Ultra-customizable for different apps
- Works with multiple devices and operating systems
CONS
- Lefties need not apply
- No place to store the USB dongle
- Fans of tactile clicks may prefer the older version
Microsoft Bluetooth Ergonomic Wireless Mouse
Best Budget Wireless Productivity Mouse
Bottom Line:
With strong battery life, multi-device pairing, and an attractive design, the Microsoft Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse sets a strong baseline for productivity mice.
PROS
- Comfortable grip
- Metal scroll wheel
- Multi-device pairing
- Good battery life
- Reasonably priced
CONS
- No DPI presets
- Requires disposable AAA batteries
Read Our Microsoft Bluetooth Ergonomic Wireless Mouse Review
Microsoft Adaptive Mouse
Best Wireless Mouse for Accessibility and Productivity
Bottom Line:
For those who may need it, the Microsoft Adaptive Mouse is a highly noteworthy achievement in accessibility and productivity for computer mice, particularly when paired with Microsoft’s Adaptive Hub and its accessories.
PROS
- Inclusive design philosophy
- Highly compact
- Ambidextrous body design
- Can be augmented by many 3D-printed accessories
CONS
- Needs accessories to work as intended
- 3D printed accessories are pricey
- Microsoft Accessory Center is Windows-exclusive
Razer Pro Click Mini
Best Overall Wireless Mobile Mouse
Bottom Line:
It’s not cheap, but Razer’s Pro Click Mini is a stellar compact wireless mouse that complements a laptop perfectly for on-the-go use.
PROS
- Supports both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity
- Works with up to four devices
- Two scrolling modes and seven programmable buttons (including wheel tilt)
- Long battery life
- In-body dongle storage
CONS
- Relies on AA batteries
- Synapse 3 software requires registration and hawks spending programs
- Windows only, not macOS
Logitech MX Anywhere 3 Wireless Mouse
A Solid Alternative to the Razer Pro Click Mini
Bottom Line:
Logitech’s professional travel mouse takes features and specs from the company’s best mouse, the MX Master 3, and wraps them in a compact body.
PROS
- Electromagnetic scroll wheel
- Horizontal scroll feature
- Small and light
- Useful Logitech Flow feature
- Great battery life
CONS
- Small shape compromises comfort
- No dongle storage
Microsoft Surface Mobile Mouse
Best Budget Wireless Mobile Mouse
Bottom Line:
The Microsoft Surface Mobile Mouse is a well-engineered peripheral with long battery life, a stylish design, and cutting-edge wireless connectivity.
PROS
- Comfortable, space-saving design
- Sturdy build quality
- Multiple color options
- Easy setup
- Supports Windows Swift Pair
- Long rated battery life
- Affordable
CONS
- Occasional connection lag
- Limited palm support
Razer Basilisk Ultimate Wireless Gaming Mouse
Best Overall Wireless Gaming Mouse
Bottom Line:
The Razer Basilisk Ultimate is a killer, all-purpose wireless gaming mouse for serious PC gamers driven to pull out all the stops.
PROS
- Great hand fit and feel, with solid thumb support.
- Nifty charging dock.
- Wheel-tilt inputs.
- Strong new sensor.
- Wireless operation without noticeable input lag.
CONS
- Pricey.
- DPI paddle could be a little short for your hand.
Read Our Razer Basilisk Ultimate Wireless Gaming Mouse Review
HyperX Pulsefire Haste Wireless Gaming Mouse
Best Budget Wireless Gaming Mouse
Bottom Line:
With a unique honeycomb design and a lightweight chassis, the wireless HyperX Pulsefire Haste gaming mouse shares most of the strengths of its top-rated wired cousin.
PROS
- Compact, stylish design
- Satisfying switches
- IP55 rated
- Includes replacement grip tape and PTFE feet
CONS
- Only one settings profile available
- No Bluetooth connection
- Hardly any RGB lighting
Read Our HyperX Pulsefire Haste Wireless Gaming Mouse Review
Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE Wireless Gaming Mouse
Best Gaming Mouse With Wireless Charging
Bottom Line:
With an upgraded sensor and remodeled side buttons, Corsair’s Dark Core RGB Pro SE updates a great mouse to keep it in the front rank.
PROS
- Remodeled side macro buttons
- Very good price
- Qi wireless charging
- Highly customizable lighting
- Built-in dongle storage
CONS
- Textured grip is a bit slippery
- Fewer buttons than the first Dark Core
- No really big changes
Read Our Corsair Dark Core RGB Pro SE Wireless Gaming Mouse Review
Razer Viper V2 Pro
Best Wireless Gaming Mouse for Esports
Bottom Line:
Tons of small changes morph the Razer Viper V2 Pro gaming mouse into a perfect match for esports players looking for the lightest and fastest controller.
PROS
- Clean, minimalist design
- Excellent sensor
- Durable optical switches
- Lightweight
CONS
- Expensive
- No RGB lighting
- Fewer buttons
Logitech MX Vertical Ergonomic Mouse
Best Ergonomic Wireless Mouse
Bottom Line:
Logitech’s wireless MX Vertical Ergonomic Mouse is incredibly comfortable, but that comfort could come at the price of reduced productivity for some users.
PROS
- Vertical shape is comfortable for your arm, wrist, and hand muscles.
- Strong build quality.
- Great battery life.
- Can sync and quick-swap among three wireless devices.
CONS
- New shape takes some getting used to.
- Vertical grip is less accurate.
- No dongle storage.
Buying Guide: The Best Wireless Mice for 2023
How to Buy a Wireless Mouse
Like wireless keyboards, most wireless mice offer one of two ways to connect to devices. The majority make use of a 2.4GHz radio-based connection, which syncs with a USB dongle you plug into your PC or Mac. Some mice, particularly models made for office or mobile use, connect via Bluetooth, which doesn’t require any additional hardware assuming the client computer supports Bluetooth connectivity. A few models support both types of connection in one mouse.
(Credit: Matthew Buzzi)
Which Wireless Connection Is Best in a Wireless Mouse?
While both connections work well most of the time, the 2.4GHz kind tends to be a little more stable. Bluetooth signals can be spotty, especially in public spaces with many Bluetooth devices in operation, which can introduce additional input lag. Luckily, the 2.4GHz connection has become the de facto standard in modern mice: Even cheap gear tends to prefer it.
(Credit: Eric Grevstad)
That said, Bluetooth has its advantages. If you want to connect to a device without an open USB port for a 2.4GHz dongle, such as a phone or tablet, you’ll need Bluetooth. Also, in some newer wireless mice, Bluetooth winds up draining less power than 2.4GHz, leading to longer battery life. In the end, choosing 2.4GHz versus Bluetooth comes down to the computer to which you’ll connect your mouse. But having the option for both is best, especially for productivity-focused models.
In addition to its wireless-connection options, a good wireless mouse will also work as a wired mouse using the charging cable. This way, if you forget to charge your mouse or leave it on overnight too many times in a row (and we’ve all done it), a dead battery won’t prevent you from using your mouse and, potentially, your PC while it juices back up.
What’s the Mouse Power Source?
The power source is the second major consideration specific to picking a wireless mouse. What kind of battery a mouse uses, how long it lasts, and even how it’s charged can all vary, especially in high-end gaming gear.
Most wireless mice feature built-in lithium-ion batteries, which can be recharged using a micro-USB or, less commonly, a USB Type-C cable. (USB-C is easier to plug in and can supply more power.)
For some wireless mice, particularly low-end and midrange devices, manufacturers may opt to rely on disposable AA or AAA batteries, instead. Disposable batteries can go for very long stretches (often months, sometimes even years) without needing to be replaced. While that’s great, we still prefer batteries you can recharge. Because the power cable can plug into the mouse to create a wired connection, you never really have to worry about running out of power.
(Credit: Tom Brant)
With a battery-powered mouse, you will need replacement cells to continue using it. If you don’t have any on hand, you’re stuck until you scrounge some from the junk drawer or a TV remote, or go out to the store. It may only happen twice a year, but it’s a work-stopper every time.
Qi and More: We’re Even Charging Wirelessly Now
Some high-end gaming mice with built-in batteries also support wireless charging. It’s a nice value-add, since, at the end of the day, putting your mouse on a pad feels like less of a hassle than plugging in. But wireless charging works slowly. Also, aside from Logitech’s proprietary Powerplay charging system, wireless charging requires you to stop using your mouse, so it’s only useful when used overnight or during breaks.
(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)
There are a few different kinds of wireless charging, which vary by brand, so it’s important to identify how the feature works. Many manufacturers, including Corsair and HyperX, have adopted the Qi wireless charging standard, so the mice can be charged on the same charging pads used for phones and other devices. (All of them, of course, would be happy to sell you a charging pad or mousepad with a built-in charging spot.) At least one company, Logitech, still relies on a proprietary charging technology, which adds unique benefits but makes the feature an expensive add-on, which isn’t ideal.
Some older models (and a few new ones) offer cradle-based contactless charging, where you holster your mouse to charge it, but don’t need to plug it in. Depending on the model, this may be more of a hassle than moving your mouse to the live spot on a charging pad, but it’s often painless so long as you have room on your desk for the cradle.
Mouse Control: Apps, Profiles, and More
Most good mouse makers, whether their wares are wired or wireless, offer some kind of configuration software that allows you to customize how their products work. At their most basic, configuration apps allow you to remap your mouse’s buttons so they do different things when you click or press. Many, but not all, allow you to save multiple configurations in case you use your mouse in different ways regularly. Some apps also allow you to tie those configurations to specific programs, so the mouse software can switch to your preferred configuration when you use them.
As with wireless keyboards, wireless mice should have specific, additional controls related to power and connectivity. If a mouse has backlighting (and most gaming mice do, these days) there should be a way to turn it off, as it drains a nontrivial amount of power. You should also get the option for setting up a warning for when the battery gets low. Some advanced apps, like Corsair’s iCUE, can show a battery-level indicator right on the desktop toolbar.
(Credit: Microsoft)
The standards and expectations for how much control these apps give you varies quite a bit depending on whether you’re buying a productivity-minded model or a gaming mouse. Gaming mice, because they’re inherently designed to offer high-performance tracking, offer much more customization than even elite productivity mice. For example, any good gaming mouse will let you adjust how far your cursor moves across the screen when you move your mouse, which is measured in dpi (dots per inch). Good gaming mice give you the ability to adjust this down to the dot and designate a number of preset tracking rates, which you can switch among on the fly using a button or toggle on the mouse. Some non-gaming mice also allow you to adjust “cursor speed,” but not to the same granular degree.
(Credit: Corsair)
Gaming mice should also offer robust controls for customizing the color and display pattern of their RGB backlighting through their apps. (Not every mouse with backlighting can show the whole RGB spectrum; some can just show a small subset of preset colors.) Where backlit productivity keyboards should give you a way to control brightness, an RGB mouse will give you the ability to change each of the places where it lights up to any of the 16.8 million colors in the RGB spectrum.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
Settings like this may appear in an abridged form, or not at all, in a work-minded mouse. That’s good news for users who want a mouse that “just works.” Gaming mice, especially higher-end ones, are made to be tinkered with, and the apps rarely explain what their settings do. If you’d prefer to have them, though, there’s nothing wrong with buying a good gaming mouse for the office. Aside from a few productivity-focused features specific to Logitech’s top mice, most gaming mice do everything a productivity mouse does and more.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
If you’re buying a wireless mouse, especially a wireless gaming mouse, make sure to check whether or not your primary computer’s operating system is compatible with its configuration software. Though the balance is improving, many configuration apps are Windows-only. Most mice, wired or wireless, will work with any device they can connect to for basic functions, but you shouldn’t pay a premium for a mouse unless you can access its full range of features, and you almost always need the software to do that. That said, many of the recommendations on this list are Mac-compatible, including the mice made by Logitech, Corsair, and Steelseries.
Other Wireless-Mouse Considerations
Connectivity, battery life, and software are all important features to consider when looking specifically for a wireless mouse, but they’re ultimately irrelevant if the mouse you’re looking at doesn’t nail the important design features we look for in any mouse.
THE RIGHT SCULPT. First and foremost, a mouse should have a comfortable shape that supports your hand. Ideally the chassis of a mouse is designed to guide your hand into a specific position that makes it easy for your fingers to reach all of its inputs: click panels, buttons, the scroll wheel. That position should come naturally, and you should not need to use the muscles in your hand to position your hand in the right way.
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(Credit: Mike Epstein)
If you’re right-handed, you should buy a right-handed mouse, as the side-specific shapes do tend to offer more ergonomic support. Unfortunately, the options for left-handed people are few and far between. There are a few left-hand-specific mice, but most of your options will be ambidextrous mice, which accommodate left- and right-handed users by adding redundant side buttons and removing dominant-hand-specific ergonomic support.
THE BUTTON LOADOUT. Now let’s talk about the fun part: buttons! The standard mouse design that most people know has five or six buttons: Left click, right click, a clickable scroll wheel, and two “back” and “forward” buttons on the thumb side. (The sixth button, when it’s there, is almost always a small button directly beneath the scroll wheel.)
For office mice, you’re unlikely to get too many more options than this. Some powerful productivity mice go up to seven buttons, but that’s about it. This is in keeping with the idea that the vast majority of productivity features should work effortlessly. In some high-end mice, like the Logitech MX Master 3, you will find additional customizations and shortcuts that make a seven-button mouse feel like it offers far more options, but more often than not, the difference between good and bad mouse buttons comes down to their placement, not their numbers.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
With gaming mice, things get more complicated. The number of buttons often corresponds to the type of mouse you’re buying: Esports mice are designed to minimize weight, so most keep it to six. First-person shooter (FPS) mice often add extra dpi-switcher controls, so they tend to hit eight to 10. Specialized MMO mice have a ton of buttons to replicate the function keys on a keyboard, so they often have 15 or more. To be clear, more isn’t always better: Adding buttons adds weight and, if poorly designed, creates uncomfortable movements that are slow to reach and can hurt your hand with overuse. That said, companies are still finding new ways to add inputs without compromising comfort, so it is possible to find mice that defy these categories.
SENSOR SELECTION. Last, we should at least talk a little bit about a mouse’s sensor, the internal component that matters most. Most modern mice have at least a decent optical sensor, which uses a small beam of infrared light (on older models it may be a visible red or blue light) to track its position relative to the surface where you keep the mouse (your desktop or mousepad).
Most mainstream wireless mice have a good enough sensor to meet the average person’s needs. Any good mouse should hit at least 5,000dpi and deliver some ability to customize and/or store multiple sensitivity levels for when you need more precision versus more movement. Almost every office mouse will hit that standard, though not all of them will give you the customization you want.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)
Again, things get a little more complicated with gaming mice. Even cheap gaming mice get well over the 5,000dpi threshold. The most powerful sensors we’ve seen can track movement at up to 18,000dpi. Unless you’re playing on a movie-theater screen, that kind of range is not necessary. At the extremes, if you use multiple 4K monitors or connect your PC to a TV, you may want to make sure the level is 8,000dpi to 10,000dpi, just to be safe. But even that’s a stretch.
So, What’s the Best Wireless Mouse to Buy?
Got all that? You’re ready to pick out the best wireless mouse for you. If you want to learn more about mice overall and see more of our top picks, our guides to the best overall computer mice and the best gaming mice have explainers from their own angles. Check them out, too, for broader or narrower ranges of top models. But our recommendations below, the same models as up top but laid out in a handy spec table, are a great jumping-off point.
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