- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Best Wireless
- Best Ultra-Light
- Best MMO
- Best Budget
- All Reviews
- Discussions
- Store-bought mice; no cherry-picked units
- Easily comparable results
- No ads; unbiased reviews
- Supported directly by you via insider access and when you purchase through our affiliate links
Gaming mice have greatly evolved in the past few years, and we're at a point where wireless mice have the same or even lower latency than some wired gaming mice. Some people might still prefer a wired connection's reliability, but the difference will be negligible for most. When looking for the best gaming mouse, you need to look at the shape and how comfortable the grip is. The best gaming mouse will also have a high polling rate for smooth cursor movement for your quick flicks. It's important to remember that mice aren't one size fits all, and you'll want to choose the best gaming mouse for your needs, whether you want a simple design for FPS games or a mouse with many side buttons for playing MMOs.
We've tested over 105 mice, most of which are gaming mice, and below are our top picks for the best mouse for gaming. Check out our recommendations for the best wireless gaming mice, or if you're looking for a mouse that's not entirely dedicated to gaming, see our picks for the best mice and the best wireless mice.
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Best Wireless Gaming Mouse: Razer Viper Ultimate
Connectivity WirelessTypeStandardThe best gaming mouse with a wireless connection that we’ve tested is the Razer Viper Ultimate. This mouse has a very comfortable ambidextrous design, with two side buttons on each side, and is particularly well-suited for a claw or a fingertip grip. Its body is entirely made out of plastic, which feels durable and keeps it very lightweight, even without a honeycomb pattern.
Its click latency is amazing, whether you use it wired or wirelessly, and even most competitive gamers shouldn't notice any delay while playing. It also has a wide CPI range that you can adjust by steps of 50 and a high maximum polling rate for smooth cursor movements. All the buttons are programmable within Razer's Synapse 3 software, and you can even set a Hypershift button to enable a second layer of commands when needed.
Unfortunately, it doesn't support Bluetooth, so you have to use the included USB receiver every time you want to connect it wirelessly. Also, the customization software is only available on Windows, so if you’re using the mouse on macOS, all of its buttons are set to their default settings and can’t be changed. Nevertheless, this is an excellent choice if you're looking for a wireless gaming mouse and is among the best mice we've tested.
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More Affordable Alternative: Logitech G703 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse with HERO Sensor
Connectivity WirelessTypeStandardIf you prefer a cheaper mouse, check out the Logitech G703 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse with HERO Sensor instead. Even though it's heavier and doesn't feel quite as comfortable as the Razer Viper Ultimate, the Logitech is available at a lower price and is also fully compatible with both Windows and macOS. This mouse feels very solid and durable, with satisfying clicky buttons and grippy sides. Unlike the Razer, it only has side buttons on the left side, and its back is fairly high, so people with smaller hands may have a harder time reaching all the buttons. That said, the Logitech's click latency is amazingly low, and its sensor has a very wide, impressively consistent CPI range, whether you're moving the cursor slowly or quickly.
All in all, if you don't mind spending a bit more to get a mouse that's lighter and more comfortable, go with the Razer. However, if you're looking for a cheaper alternative that’s fully compatible with macOS, get the Logitech.
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Best Ultra-Light Gaming Mouse: Glorious Model O
Connectivity WiredTypeStandardThe best ultra-light gaming mouse that we've tested is the Glorious Model O. This mouse is entirely made out of plastic and has a honeycomb design that makes it very lightweight. It feels well-built and durable, with no gaps or squeaking pars, and has an ambidextrous design that's very comfortable overall. Its larger body is particularly well-suited for medium or large hands using any grip type.
It comes with a fantastic cable that's lightweight and flexible and remarkable feet that glide very well. It has a total of six buttons, including two on the left side, which should be adequate for most FPS gamers. Its sensor has a wide CPI range, low lift-off distance, and great click latency. Also, the companion software offers a lot of customization options, and the mouse has onboard memory to save your favorite settings.
Unfortunately, the companion software is only available on Windows, so you can't reprogram the two side buttons if you're using the mouse on macOS. It also has a rather large body, but people with smaller hands can check out the Glorious Model O- instead, a smaller version that performs almost identically. All in all, this is an excellent choice for ultra-light gaming and is one of the best FPS gaming mice we've tested.
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Wireless Alternative: Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT
Connectivity WirelessTypeStandardIf you prefer an ultra-light gaming mouse that connects wirelessly, check out the Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT. It's quite a bit more expensive than the Glorious Model O, but it can be used wired or wirelessly, and it's even more lightweight despite having a built-in battery and a solid plastic body. This mouse performs amazingly well for gaming and is also versatile enough for other types of usage. It feels very comfortable to use and has a nearly universal design that's suitable for most hand sizes and grip types. Performance-wise, its sensor has a very wide CPI range, almost no CPI variation, and an excellent click latency. Unfortunately, it doesn't connect via Bluetooth, so the only way to use it wirelessly is with its USB receiver.
If you want a wired mouse with a much lower price tag, get the Glorious, but if you prefer a wireless option that's even more lightweight, then the Logitech is an excellent alternative.
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Best MMO Mouse: Corsair Scimitar Pro RGB
Connectivity WiredTypeStandardThe best MMO gaming mouse that we've tested is the Corsair Scimitar Pro RGB. This wired option feels remarkably well-built and comfortable, and it's well-suited for most hand sizes and grip types. It's specifically designed for MMOs, with a 12-button side panel that can be slid forward or backward so you can comfortably reach all the buttons.
Its sensor has a wide CPI range that you can adjust by increments of one, which is very precise. It also has a low lift-off distance and a great click latency, ensuring it's nice and responsive while gaming. There are a total of 17 buttons which, along with several other settings, can be customized within the outstanding companion software whether you game on Windows or macOS.
Unfortunately, the cable retains kinks from the packaging and is quite stiff, so it may create drag on your desk while playing. Also, while you can adjust the CPI very precisely, its variation is quite high, so the set CPI won't be consistent when you switch between moving your mouse quickly or slowly. That said, this is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a dedicated MMO mouse, and it’s also one of the best MMO mice we’ve tested.
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Wireless, More Versatile Alternative: Razer Naga Pro
Connectivity WirelessTypeStandardIf you're looking for a more versatile option that connects wirelessly, check out the Razer Naga Pro instead. Its CPI variation and minimum lift-off distance are quite a bit higher than the Corsair Scimitar Pro RGB, but you can use it wired or wirelessly, and its modular design lets you change the side panel to better suit your needs. The Razer comes with three swappable side panels, allowing you to choose between two, six, or 12 programmable side buttons. This is great if you play multiple types of games or if you also plan to use it for work. It has a rather large body that feels very comfortable overall, though people with smaller hands may have a hard time reaching all the side buttons, regardless of grip type. As mentioned before, its CPI variation is very high, meaning it's inconsistent between slow or quick cursor movements. That said, it has an extremely low click latency, whether you're using it wired or wirelessly.
Overall, if you prefer a wired mouse that's more consistent, go with the Corsair, but if you want a wireless option that's better suited for a wider range of games and uses, go with the Razer.
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Best Budget Gaming Mouse: SteelSeries Rival 3
Connectivity WiredTypeStandardThe best gaming mouse in the budget category that we’ve tested is the SteelSeries Rival 3. This wired model is fairly lightweight and has an impressive build quality for the price. It feels solid, with minimal rattle and no loose-feeling parts, and is also very comfortable with a low profile that’s well-suited for a claw or a fingertip grip.
The sensor has a very consistent CPI and a high polling rate that results in smooth cursor movements. The click latency is also very low, so even competitive gamers shouldn’t notice any delay. It has a total of eight programmable inputs, including the scroll wheel, and the SteelSeries Engine 3 software allows you to easily customize every aspect of the mouse, either on Windows or on macOS.
Unfortunately, the rubber cable tends to retain kinks from packaging, which can be annoying. Also, the two side buttons feel quite stiff and are a bit difficult to press, as they start flush with the body and then raise slightly in the middle. That said, this is a great option for gaming and offers good value for its price, making it the best budget gaming mouse we’ve tested.
Notable Mentions
- Razer Basilisk Ultimate: The Razer Basilisk Ultimate is a great ergonomic alternative that performs almost identically to the Razer Viper Ultimate, but it's bigger and heavier. See our review
- Razer Viper Mini: The Razer Viper Mini is an excellent wired gaming mouse that's lightweight and surprisingly affordable. A good alternative to the SteelSeries Rival 3 if you don't mind spending a tiny bit more. However, its small design may not be suitable for larger hands. See our review
- ASUS ROG Spatha: The ASUS ROG Spatha is a great gaming mouse for people with very large hands, but most people will find it too big and heavy. See our review
- Razer DeathAdder V2: The Razer DeathAdder V2 is a great alternative to the Viper Ultimate if you want a wired mouse, but the Ultimate is lighter and has a better cable. See our review
- Cooler Master MM720: The Cooler Master MM720 is a remarkable ultra-light gaming mouse but isn't as well-built as the Glorious Model O. See our review
- Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED: The Logitech G502 LIGHTSPEED Wireless is one of the most beloved wireless mice, but the Razer Viper Ultimate is lighter and has lower click latency. However, the G502 has a much better CPI variation and more programmable buttons. See our review
- Finalmouse Ultralight 2 - Cape Town: The Finalmouse Ultralight 2 - Cape Town is the lightest mouse we've ever tested but is very expensive as it's generally only found through resellers. A great alternative to the Glorious Model O if you can find it at a reasonable price. See our review
- Logitech G403 HERO: If you want better performance, the Logitech G403 HERO is a great alternative to the SteelSeries Rival 3, but it’s generally more expensive. See our review
- ROCCAT Burst Pro: The ROCCAT Burst Pro is an excellent alternative to the Glorious Model O that has a solid plastic back piece but still weighs about the same. However, its CPI is much more inconsistent between slow and quick cursor movements. See our review
- HyperX Pulsefire Haste: The HyperX Pulsefire Haste is an excellent alternative to the Glorious Model O for ultra-light gaming. Both perform similarly, but the Glorious has slightly less CPI variation. See our review
- Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless: The Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless is a great alternative to the Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED if you prefer something wider with a tall back and thumb rest. However, its CPI is only adjustable by steps of 200, and its lift-off distance is quite a bit higher than the G305. See our review
- Razer Viper 8KHz: The Razer Viper 8KHz is an amazing option for gaming if you prefer a wired mouse. However, its cable is a little less flexible and retains more kinks than the Razer Viper Ultimate, which also offers more connectivity options. See our review
- Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED: The Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED is a good alternative to the SteelSeries Rival 3 if you prefer a wireless budget mouse. However, it's quite a bit heavier and doesn't feel as solid and comfortable as the SteelSeries Rival 3. See our review
Recent Updates
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Apr 07, 2021: Added the Razer Naga Pro as 'Wireless, More Versatile Alternative' to the 'Best MMO Mouse'. Added the Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT as 'Wireless Alternative' to the 'Best Ultra-Light Gaming Mouse'. Moved the Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED to Notable Mentions. Removed the Razer Mamba Elite, the Logitech G203 Prodigy, and the G-Wolves Hati from Notable Mentions.
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Mar 08, 2021: Added the HyperX Pulsefire Haste and the Razer Viper 8KHz to Notable Mentions.
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Feb 12, 2021: Even though we originally recommended the Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless over the Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED due to its higher FPS Gaming score, we've now made the G305 our pick for 'Wireless Alternative' due to its more adjustable CPI and much lower lift-off distance. The HARPOON RGB Wireless has been moved to Notable Mentions. We also added the ROCCAT Burst Pro and the Logitech G PRO X SUPERLIGHT to Notable Mentions.
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Jan 14, 2021: Minor updates to the text and verification for accuracy. No changes in product picks.
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Dec 16, 2020: Added the Logitech G403 HERO to Notable Mentions.
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Nov 20, 2020: Replaced Razer Naga Trinity with Razer Naga Pro, replaced Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED with Corsair HARPOON RGB Wireless.
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Sep 22, 2020: Moved Logitech G305 LIGHTSPEED to 'Cheap Wireless Alternative' and added Logitech G703 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Mouse with HERO Sensor as 'More Affordable Alternative'.
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Jul 21, 2020: Replaced the Finalmouse Ultralight 2 - Cape Town for consistency and due to pricing changes. Changed 'More Ergonomic Alternative' to 'Best Ultra-light Gaming Mouse'.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best wired gaming mice and the best wireless gaming mice for most people. We factor in the price (a cheaper mouse wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no mice that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of our gaming mice reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no mouse is perfect for every use, most mice are great enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.
