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The Best Wireless Mice for 2026

Don't let cords trip up your work or play. Here's everything you need to know to buy the best wireless mouse, plus our top tested picks.

 & Zackery Cuevas Writer, Hardware

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

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Wireless mice are on an innovation roll. Better connection technologies have made stable, nearly lag-free connections the norm, almost indistinguishable from wired models. Likewise, better batteries and more efficient hardware have made charging an occasional task instead of a constant worry. At PCMag, we've been testing mice—wired and wireless—for as long as there have been PCs to attach them to. Our expert analysts and editors evaluate models based on design (including button placement), ruggedness, comfort, supporting software, and value, using all models for everyday work tasks and, if relevant, PC games. Our current best overall wireless mouse is the Logitech MX Master 4, a refined, feature-packed 5-star joy to use, but don't skip past our other top picks, chosen for different scenarios and budgets. They're followed here by detailed buying advice and a handy spec comparison, designed to help you trap the best wireless mouse for your needs.

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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

  • Logitech MX Master 4
    Credit: Joseph Maldonado
    Best Overall Wireless Productivity Mouse

    Logitech MX Master 4

    5.0 Exemplary

    Pros & Cons

      • 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

    Why We Picked It

    The Logitech MX Master 4 is the master for a reason. With an eye-catching, comfortable design and plenty of functionality, the MX Master 4 makes itself easy to love. Its large, curvaceous body offers plenty of room for bigger hands, while the silent buttons feel responsive and satisfying with every click. Logitech really had the Midas touch when it crafted the MX Master 4. It looks and feels luxurious, and the new features, such as haptic feedback and the Action Ring display, enhance productivity in thoughtful ways.

    Who It's For

    People who want an all-around top-notch mouse: If you're looking for a sublime, well-rounded mouse that offers comfort and enhances productivity, the MX Master 4 is our top overall pick.

    People with complex CAD workflows: The Master 4's improvements are felt most by those with complex computer-aided design workflows. The new Action Ring, gesture shortcuts, and intuitive haptic feedback make complex tasks easier.

    Specs & Configurations

    Hand Orientation Right-Handed
    Interface 2.4GHz Wireless
    Interface Bluetooth
    Interface USB Wired
    Number of Buttons 7
    Power Source Internal Battery
    Sensor Maker and Model Logitech Darkfield
    Sensor Maximum Resolution 8000
    Warranty (Parts and Labor) 1
    Weight 5.2
    Get It Now
  • Logitech Signature AI Edition M750 Wireless Mouse
    Best Budget Wireless Productivity Mouse

    Logitech Signature AI Edition M750 Wireless Mouse

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • 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

    Why We Picked It

    You don't have to drop hundreds to get a top-performing mouse. The Logitech Signature AI Edition M750 Wireless Mouse is a humble powerhouse, with long battery life, a lightweight design, and a button that triggers AI prompt-building software powered by ChatGPT. This tiny productivity daily driver is under $50, making it the most affordable wireless mouse on our list. One downside: this mouse is small, so if you prefer a larger clicker, it might not be the right fit.

    Who It's For

    People who are curious about AI: If you're interested in AI and also looking for an affordable general-use mouse, the Signature AI Edition M750 is an obvious entry-level option.

    Frequent travelers with small hands: The diminutive M750 might be a turn-off for some, but for others, its compact size makes it a go-anywhere travel mouse.

    Specs & Configurations

    Hand Orientation Right-Handed
    Interface 2.4GHz Wireless
    Interface Bluetooth
    Number of Buttons 6
    Power Source One AA Battery
    Sensor Maker and Model Unspecified Optical Sensor
    Sensor Maximum Resolution 4000
    Warranty (Parts and Labor) 2
    Weight 3.6
    Get It Now
  • Asus ROG Keris II Ace
    Best Overall Wireless Gaming Mouse

    Asus ROG Keris II Ace

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Super lightweight
      • Two colors available
      • High DPI ceiling
      • 8,000Hz polling rate maximum
      • Expensive
      • No version for lefties
      • 8,000Hz polling requires a wired connection

    Why We Picked It

    The Asus ROG Keris II Ace hides a pretty stacked set of specs under its shell. With an 8,000Hz polling rate via an included dongle and a maximum of 42,000 dots per inch (dpi) thanks to its AimPoint Pro optical sensor, the Keris II Ace is a remarkable gaming mouse. Lightweight and ergonomic, the mouse should satisfy hard-core gamers looking to maximize their playtime.

    Who It's For

    Competitive gamers: The ROG Keris II Ace is for pro gamers and esports aficionados who want the best mouse for the job.

    People who want a lightweight mouse: The ROG Keris II Ace is one of the lightest mice we've tested, weighing only 1.9 ounces.

    Specs & Configurations

    Hand Orientation Right-Handed
    Interface 2.4GHz Wireless
    Interface Bluetooth
    Interface USB Wired
    Number of Buttons 5
    Power Source Internal Battery
    Sensor Maker and Model ROG AimPoint Pro
    Sensor Maximum Resolution 42000
    Warranty (Parts and Labor) 1
    Weight 1.9
    Get It Now
  • 8BitDo Retro R8
    Best Budget Wireless Gaming Mouse

    8BitDo Retro R8

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Lightweight
      • Included charging dock
      • Up to 26,000dpi and 8,000Hz polling rate
      • Ergonomics aren’t great
      • Only available in two colors
      • Barebones software

    Why We Picked It

    A good gaming mouse is rarely budget-friendly, so when one is, it's worth a close look. The 8bitdo Retro looks like a novelty item, but its hardware is no joke. The NES-inspired look is a nostalgic blast from the past, but its 8,000Hz polling rate and charging dock make it a modern darling. With a 26,000dpi sensor and an ergonomic shape that fits well in your hands, the Retro R8 proves itself to be a versatile and well-rounded mouse. Although not as powerful or ergonomic as other gaming mice on this list, you'll be hard-pressed to find another as feature-packed for $50.

    Who It's For

    People looking for an affordable wireless gaming mouse: If you're looking to cut the cord and level up your gaming experience without spending a fortune, the 8bitdo Retro R8 wireless gaming mouse is built to impress.

    People who enjoy a retro aesthetic: This isn't an NES controller, but the 8bitdo Retro R8's callback to the 1980s is sure to impress old-school gamers.

    Specs & Configurations

    Hand Orientation Ambidextrous
    Interface Bluetooth
    Interface RF Wireless
    Interface USB Wired
    Number of Buttons 6
    Power Source Internal Battery
    Power Source Wired USB
    Sensor Maker and Model PixArt PAW3395
    Sensor Maximum Resolution 26000
    Warranty (Parts and Labor) 1
    Weight 2.7
    Get It Now
  • Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro
    Best Wireless Mouse for Esports

    Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Incredibly lightweight
      • Improved sensor with 45,000dpi resolution
      • Upgraded HyperPolling dongle
      • Plenty of new and useful game-improving functionality
      • New switches are noisy, with an unpleasing hollow sound

    Why We Picked It

    The Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro is our go-to mouse for esports, and it's easy to see why. With its ultra-high-resolution sensor and improved optical switches, the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro is an all-around improvement and a significant update in the DeathAdder line of gaming mice. Whether you're a casual gamer or a hard-core one, you'll appreciate the DeathAdder's excellent ergonomics, lightweight body, and wireless capabilities.

    Who It's For

    Esports gamers: The DeathAdder V4 Pro is an essential tool for serious competitive players. It offers ultra-high 45,000dpi tracking, an 8,000Hz polling rate, and Razer's updated dongle, which lets you tap into HyperSpeed Wireless Gen-2 technology.

    Casual gamers: Even occasional gamers who also need a productivity mouse will appreciate the DeathAdder, which includes Razer Exchange, a program in Razer Synapse that streamlines workflows with prebuilt macros for a range of tasks.

    Specs & Configurations

    Hand Orientation Right-Handed
    Interface 2.4GHz Wireless
    Interface USB Wired
    Number of Buttons 5
    Power Source Internal Battery
    Sensor Maker and Model Razer Focus Pro 45K Optical Sensor
    Sensor Maximum Resolution 45000
    Warranty (Parts and Labor) 2
    Weight 2
    Get It Now
  • Razer Basilisk Mobile
    Best Wireless Mobile Mouse

    Razer Basilisk Mobile

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • 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

    Why We Picked It

    Any wireless mouse can be a mobile mouse, but not all are specifically tailored for travel. The Razer Basilisk Mobile condenses the iconic Basilisk shape into a travel-friendly form while retaining core features: tri-mode connectivity, a tilt-enabled scroll wheel, and a high-resolution sensor. You can activate its AI prompt-building software, powered by ChatGPT, with a tap of the mouse's dedicated AI button. Razer might be best known for its gaming gear, but the Razer Basilisk Mobile is great for work and play. It's lightweight, so it won't weigh down your bag, but it is slightly bigger than other travel mice.

    Who It's For

    People on the move: The Razer Basilisk Mobile is an excellent travel mouse for anyone looking for a powerful clicker to update spreadsheets or game on the move.

    AI fans: With powerful AI integration, the Razer Basilisk Mobile becomes a handy productivity tool as well as a gaming device.

    Specs & Configurations

    Hand Orientation Right-Handed
    Interface 2.4GHz Wireless
    Interface Bluetooth
    Interface USB Wired
    Number of Buttons 10
    Power Source Internal Battery
    Sensor Maker and Model Razer Focus X 18K Optical Sensor
    Sensor Maximum Resolution 18000
    Warranty (Parts and Labor) 2
    Weight 2.68
    Get It Now
  • Microsoft Adaptive Mouse
    Best Wireless Mouse for Accessibility and Productivity

    Microsoft Adaptive Mouse

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • 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

    Why We Picked It

    The Microsoft Adaptive Mouse is one of the most innovative and accessible pieces of mousing tech we've come across. Designed with accessibility in mind, the Adaptive Mouse is a modular mouse that can be customized to your specific needs. At its core, the mouse is a simple puck, and it's up to you to install parts—either purchased from Microsoft or 3D-printed via Shapeways—to create your own custom input ecosystem.

    Who It's For

    People who want to maximize their productivity: Whether you're interested in modular devices or in increasing your productivity, the Adaptive Mouse is a one-of-a-kind mouse you can buy on its own or as part of an assembly tailored to your needs.

    Users who are differently-abled: Accessibility is a human right, and if you are differently-abled, you will find the modular Microsoft Adaptive Mouse transformative to the way you use a computer.

    Specs & Configurations

    Hand Orientation Ambidextrous
    Interface Bluetooth
    Interface USB Wired
    Number of Buttons 3
    Power Source Internal Battery
    Power Source Wired USB
    Sensor Maximum Resolution 6000
    Warranty (Parts and Labor) 1
    Weight 1.6
    Get It Now
  • Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball
    Best Ergonomic Wireless Mouse

    Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • 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

    Why We Picked It

    Trackballs are an acquired taste—often acquired by sheer painful necessity. But the Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball makes transitioning from a conventional mouse much smoother. The mouse's intuitive button placement should offset some of the difficulties of transitioning to a trackball. Features include a textured scroll wheel, ample wrist support, and a handy scroll ring. These make it a comfortable ride for both trackball veterans and newcomers alike. The reliance on disposable batteries instead of rechargeable ones might turn some folks away, but this is one trackball you won't want to roll away from.

    Who It's For

    People with sore wrists and hands: Whether you're looking for preventative care or relief for your aching hands and wrists, the Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball is a top-notch choice.

    Experienced trackball users: Utilizing your fingertips over your thumb might prove a steeper learning curve for some, but if you're already used to this type of mouse, the Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball is one of the best in its class.

    Specs & Configurations

    Hand Orientation Ambidextrous
    Interface Bluetooth
    Interface RF Wireless
    Number of Buttons 4
    Power Source Two AA Batteries
    Sensor Maker and Model Unspecified Optical Sensor
    Sensor Maximum Resolution 400
    Warranty (Parts and Labor) 3
    Weight 15.98
    Get It Now
The Best Wireless Mice for 2026

Compare Specs

Select Up To 3Select Up To 2
Our Pick
Rating
5.0 Exemplary
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.5 Outstanding
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.5 Outstanding
5.0 Exemplary
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
Best For
Best Overall Wireless Productivity Mouse
Best Budget Wireless Productivity Mouse
Best Overall Wireless Gaming Mouse
Best Budget Wireless Gaming Mouse
Best Wireless Mouse for Esports
Best Wireless Mobile Mouse
Best Wireless Mouse for Accessibility and Productivity
Best Ergonomic Wireless Mouse
Best Overall Wireless Productivity Mouse
Best Budget Wireless Productivity Mouse
Best Overall Wireless Gaming Mouse
Number of Buttons
765651034765
Interface
2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, USB WiredBluetooth, 2.4GHz WirelessBluetooth, USB Wired, 2.4GHz WirelessUSB Wired, Bluetooth, RF WirelessUSB Wired, 2.4GHz WirelessUSB Wired, 2.4GHz Wireless, BluetoothBluetooth, USB WiredBluetooth, RF Wireless2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, USB WiredBluetooth, 2.4GHz WirelessBluetooth, USB Wired, 2.4GHz Wireless
Hand Orientation
Right-HandedRight-HandedRight-HandedAmbidextrousRight-HandedRight-HandedAmbidextrousAmbidextrousRight-HandedRight-HandedRight-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Logitech DarkfieldUnspecified Optical SensorROG AimPoint ProPixArt PAW3395Razer Focus Pro 45K Optical SensorRazer Focus X 18K Optical SensorUnspecified Optical SensorLogitech DarkfieldUnspecified Optical SensorROG AimPoint Pro
Sensor Maximum Resolution
800040004200026000450001800060004008000400042000
Power Source
Internal BatteryOne AA BatteryInternal BatteryInternal Battery, Wired USBInternal BatteryInternal BatteryInternal Battery, Wired USBTwo AA BatteriesInternal BatteryOne AA BatteryInternal Battery
Weight
5.23.61.92.722.681.615.985.23.61.9
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
12112213121

Buying Guide: The Best Wireless Mice for 2026

Like wireless keyboards, most wireless mice offer one of two ways to connect to devices. The majority employ 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. And a few models support both types of connection in one mouse.


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: Joseph Maldonado)

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.


Wireless Mouse Charging: Qi and More

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: Joseph Maldonado)

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.


Wireless Mouse Software: 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: Corsair)

The standards and expectations for how much control these apps give you vary 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.

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: Joseph Maldonado)

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: Joseph Maldonado)

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.


What to Know When Buying a Wireless Mouse: Other Essentials

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, and 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.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

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, 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: Joseph Maldonado)

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: Joseph Maldonado)

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.


Ready to Buy the Right Wireless Mouse for You?

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.

About Our Expert

Zackery Cuevas

Zackery Cuevas

Writer, Hardware

My Experience

I’m a PCMag reviewer and ISF-certified TV calibrator focused on computer accessories, laptops, gaming monitors, and video games. I’ve been writing, playing, and complaining about games for as long as I remember, but it wasn’t until recently that I’ve been able to shout my opinions directly at a larger audience. My work has appeared on iMore, Windows Central, Android Central, and TWICE, and I have a diverse portfolio of editing work under my belt from my time spent at Scholastic and Oxford University Press. I also have a few book-author credits under my belt—I’ve contributed to the sci-fi anthology Under New Suns, and I’ve even written a Peppa Pig book.

The Technology I Use

My rig consists of an Intel Core i7-10700K processor, a GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card, and 16GB of DDR4 RAM. I also use an Alienware AW3225QF 4K QD-OLED monitor, a SteelSeries Apex Pro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, and a Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K mouse. For work, I use the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% keyboard and the Logitech MX Master 3S mouse. When I’m not on my main computer, you’ll find me cycling among my Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X.

In addition to my physical gear, I use Google Drive heavily to keep track of all my writing and Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. I’m an iPhone user, but aside from my Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds, I’ve largely avoided being sucked too deeply into Apple’s ecosystem (at least right now). I do my best to remain platform-agnostic.

That said, I’ve been a Nintendo fanboy since the N64, though my first console was the Sega Genesis. I love retro gaming and own a wide variety of classic consoles, including a Nintendo Entertainment System, a Super Nintendo, a GameCube, a Wii, multiple older PlayStations (1, 2, and 3), an Xbox 360, and a Sega Dreamcast.

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