Best gaming mouse 2024

Quick menu

If there's one PC gaming peripheral we'd recommend prioritizing over any other, it'd be a quality gaming mouse. It's what you'll use the most to interact with software and games (ones that you're not better off using a controller for, at least), and having one that's reliable and enjoyable to use will make for a more compelling in-game experience.

These days, there's an ocean of mice on the market to consider when buying, including tons of inexpensive and simplistic options, premium feature-packed ones, and everything in between. As a result, it can be difficult to pin down which gaming mice are the best, even if you have a general idea of what you're looking for.

To help you choose a mouse for yourself or for a PC gamer in your life, we've put together a list of all of our favorite gaming mice below. This includes our pick for the best overall mouse on the market, our recommendations for both wired and wireless mice, top specialized options for things like ergonomics and MMO gameplay, and more.

Brendan Lowry
Brendan Lowry

Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he's been an avid fan since childhood. You'll find him doing reviews, editorials, and general coverage on everything Xbox and PC. Follow him on Twitter.

The quick list

We go into far more detail about each of our picks in the sections below, but if all you're looking for is a quick-and-dirty overview of Team Windows Central's favorite gaming mice, look no further than this one. If you'd like to learn more about why we've put these mice above the rest, use the below links to jump to their dedicated sections with pros, cons, and additional information.

The best gaming mice in 2024

Why you can trust Windows Central Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Below, you'll find thorough, in-depth writeups for each of the mice we spotlighted in the list above. Keep in mind that while they're similar in many ways, there are key differences that distinguish each of these mice and make them all worth considering.

The best overall gaming mouse

Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro displayed in all of its glory. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
Best overall

Specifications

Design: Ergonomic right-handed
Buttons: 6 (5 programmable)
Sensor: Focus Pro 30K Optical
Acceleration: ~750 inches per second (IPS), 70G
Profiles: 5
Connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless, USB-C
Battery Life: ~90 hours (1,000Hz), ~24 hours (4,000Hz)
Lighting: N/A
Weight: 63g

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight design
+
Accurate and responsive optical sensor
+
Comfortable ergonomics
+
Long-lasting battery life
+
Performance matches regular DeathAdder

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricey

There's so much to appreciate with the refreshed Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro. It's the third generation of what's often considered Razer's top line of mice, and is arguably the best gaming mouse that money can buy. 

First, let's talk about the design. This mouse is one of the more comfortable gaming mice on the market thanks to the exceptionally well-designed shape ergonomics. Even if you're planning an intense all-day gaming session, you can rest easy knowing you won't have to worry about discomfort.

Razer's phenomenal Focus Pro 30K Optical sensor is present, and is capable of reading movement up to 750 inches per second (IPS), allowing one to glide the DeathAdder V3 Pro smoothly with ease.

An optional 4,000Hz receiver is available, should you want a faster polling rate. The included 1,000Hz dongle is good enough for most gamers, but those with high refresh rate monitors may want to consider this upgrade. Weighing just 63g, the DeathAdder V3 Pro has been a joy for us to use for hours at end, whether for work or for play.

Note that there isn't any ARGB lighting present on this mouse, which results in a very understated look — something you can't always say about Razer's products. One advantage of this is that it allows Razer to get as much life as possible out of the integrated batteries, which last up to 90 hours on a full charge.

The best wireless gaming mouse

Razer Basilisk V3 Pro sat atop its throne. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino)
Best wireless

Specifications

Design: Ergonomic right-handed
Buttons: 11 programmable
Sensor: Focus Pro 30K Optical
Acceleration: ~750 inches per second (IPS), 70G
Profiles: 5
Connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth LE, USB-C
Battery Life: ~90 hours 2.4GHz, ~100 hours Bluetooth
Lighting: Razer Chroma RGB
Weight: 112g

Reasons to buy

+
Outstanding, comfortable design
+
Plenty of customizable buttons
+
Qi wireless charging is much better
+
Pro-level 30K sensor and 4,000Hz polling
+
Clean and minimalist

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Heavy

The Razer Basilisk V3 Pro is something truly special if you're in the market for a wireless gaming mouse. It's rocking similar internals to our top pick, the DeathAdder V3 Pro, including the same Razer Focus Pro 30K Optical sensor. This allows the mouse to track up to 750 inches per second (IPS) and can be configured to a seriously high DPS.

There are 11 programmable buttons present on the Basilisk V3 Pro, as well as ARGB lighting through Razer Chroma. 2.4Ghz wireless is supported and Bluetooth can be used if the dongle cannot be connected to a free USB port (a USB-C cable is included for charging and use). One stellar party trick is an optional Qi wireless charging dock, which works seamlessly. 

The extra buttons and Bluetooth compatibility is great, but the tradeoff is that the Basilisk V3 Pro is a little on the heavier side compared to the more lightweight DeathAdder V3. The RGB-focused design will also undoubtedly be a bit polarizing; some players fully embrace the unicorn vomit, while others detest it.

Ultimately, if you're comfortable with a weighty pointer for gaming and don't mind RGB lighting (keep in mind that you can turn it off), this is about as good as a wireless mouse can get.

The best wired gaming mouse

Keeping the cord? Go with the Razer DeathAdder V2. (Image credit: Windows Central)
Best wired

Specifications

Design: Ergonomic right-handed
Buttons: 8 programmable
Sensor: 20K Optical
Acceleration: ~650 inches per second (IPS), 50G
Profiles: 5
Connectivity: USB-A
Battery Life: N/A
Lighting: Razer Chroma RGB
Weight: 82g

Reasons to buy

+
Same fantastic DeathAdder design
+
Relatively lightweight
+
RGB is tasteful
+
Great 20,000 DPI sensor
+
Excellent drag-free cable

Reasons to avoid

-
Cable isn't detachable

Even though it's a few years old and has been succeeded by newer DeathAdder models, the Razer DeathAdder V2 is still our top pick for everyone looking for a wired mouse. With it, you're getting the same fantastic design that makes the newer V3 Pro such a great choice, along with elite performance and features.

Its Focus 20K optical sensor may not be as advanced as the 30K one you'll find on the DeathAdder or Basilisk V3 Pro, but it still performs wonderfully and is one of the most accurate and reliable sensors ever put in a mouse. Similarly, its 650 IPS acceleration is plenty for what the vast majority of gamers need.

One standout advantage of the DeathAdder V2 compared to the wireless V3 Pro is that it comes with eight programmable buttons instead of five, which gives you some extra flexibility when it comes to assigning mouse inputs to keybinds or macros. You will, of course, be tethered since this is a wired mouse, but the DeathAdder V2's relatively lightweight 82g and drag-free cable ensures you'll have a very smooth user experience.

Note that there's customizable RGB lighting on the scroll wheel and the Razer logo on the face of the mouse. If you ask us, it strikes a nice and tasteful middle ground between the DeathAdder V3 Pro's lack of RGB and the Basilisk V3 Pro's abundance of it.

The best ergonomic gaming mouse

Logitech's G502 X is the most ergonomic its popular G502 lineup has ever been. (Image credit: Logitech)
Best ergonomic

Specifications

Design: Ergonomic right-handed
Buttons: 11 programmable
Sensor: Hero 25K
Acceleration: ~750 inches per second (IPS), 70G
Profiles: 5
Connectivity: Wired
Battery Life: N/A
Lighting: N/A
Weight: 89g

Reasons to buy

+
Lighter than previous models
+
Accurate 25K optical sensor
+
Small cable
+
Low-profile ergonomic shape
+
Adjustable DPI switch button

Reasons to avoid

-
Cable isn't braided
-
Weight not adjustable

The Logitech G502 Lightspeed has been one of our favorite gaming mice since it launched in 2019 due to its high performance and exceptional ergonomics, so we were ecstatic to see the manufacturer put out a follow-up, the Logitech G502 X, late last year.

This new G502 keeps the same fantastic Hero 25K optical sensor that the Lightspeed had, as well as all 11 of its programmable buttons and the overall shape of the original's chassis. However, by giving the X a more low-profile design and making the DPI switch button near the thumb rest adjustable, Logitech has made an excellent design even more comfortable to use. The mouse also weighs in at 89g, which is considerably lighter than the Lightspeed's base 114g.

One downside of the G502 X is that there aren't any extra tuning weights you can use to add some mass if you'd prefer something a little heavier, though this really isn't that big of a deal. What's a bit more disappointing, though, is the lack of a braided cable. Damage isn't likely as long as you're careful, of course, but even so, this really isn't a corner that Logitech should be cutting.

Even with these drawbacks taken into account, though, the G502 X is a premium ergonomic gaming mouse we're more than happy to recommend. The wired version without any RGB is quite affordable and our favorite of the three that are available, though you could opt for the Logitech G502 X Wireless to cut the cord or the Logitech G502 X Plus to get rid of the cable and tack on some snazzy lighting.

The best MMO gaming mouse

The Razer Naga Pro offers up to 20 customizable buttons thanks to its interchangeable side plates. (Image credit: Daniel Thorp-Lancaster / Windows Central)

Razer Naga Pro

Best MMO

Specifications

Design: Ergonomic right-handed
Buttons: 19+1 programmable
Sensor: Focus+ 20K Optical
Acceleration: ~650 inches per second (IPS), 50G
Profiles: 5
Connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C
Battery Life: ~100 hours 2.4Hz, ~150 hours Bluetooth
Lighting: Razer Chroma RGB
Weight: 117g

Reasons to buy

+
Very responsive wireless
+
Modular side plates
+
Satisfying switches
+
Solid build quality
+
Fantastic battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
Fairly expensive
-
Not the lightest mouse out there

If you're playing an MMO like World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV, you're going to want something with tons of programmable buttons so that you can manage your hotbars efficiently. And after putting it through its paces, we've determined that there's nothing as good as the Razer Naga Pro for the job. It's a versatile mouse that has interchangeable side covers, with each one giving you access to two, six, or 12 buttons, respectively. Eight additional buttons are found elsewhere on the mouse, too, giving you up to 20 in total.

This allows you to use setups more conducive to RPGs or shooters, then quickly switch to an MMO button layout without swapping your mouse. Five profiles are available for storing various settings as well, making the Naga Pro one mouse to rule them all. 

As always, Razer's Focus 20K Optical sensor is great, and allows the pointer to track up to 650 inches per second (IPS). It's also wireless, taking advantage of Razer's compact receivers. And with a battery life of up to 150 hours, you'll be able to enjoy long days of grinding and raiding before needing to plug in.

The best budget gaming mouse

The Logitech G305 Lightspeed comes in a variety of different colors. (Image credit: Logitech)

Logitech G305 Lightspeed

Best budget

Specifications

Design: Ergonomic ambidextrous
Buttons: 6 programmable
Sensor: Hero 12K Sensor
Acceleration: ~400 inches per second (IPS), 40G
Profiles: 1
Connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless
Battery Life: ~250 hours
Lighting: N/A
Weight: 99g

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable ergonomics
+
Exceptionally good battery life
+
Variety of colors
+
12K sensor and 1,000Hz polling
+
Clean and minimalist

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy
-
A little small

One would imagine the best budget gaming mouse would be from some unknown brand that has a reputation for poor quality hardware. But that's not the case here, as we're highlighting the Logitech G305 Lightspeed as the best budget mouse for gaming. It's not the best gaming mouse around, but it's a really good one, and you'll save a lot of money by choosing it (it's also ambidextrous, making it a good choice for lefties).

There's a wide variety of colors available, and the mouse itself is built well for something so affordable. It doesn't at all feel like the $30-50 mouse it is, and Logitech even includes its Lightspeed receiver (hence the mouse's name) that unlocks the ability to register actions at 1,000Hz for better performance. Also, the 12K sensor can register movement up to 400 inches per second (IPS).

Six programmable buttons can be configured using Logitech's G HUB software and the 250-hour battery life will keep you gaming for ages (though you'll need a single AA battery).

The only downsides here are that the the mouse is a bit heavy and on the small side, but when you're getting something this good for such a low cost, it's hard to complain much.

How to choose the best gaming mouse for you

Even with a narrowed list like the one we've put together above, it can be tough to figure out which mouse is the best for you and your needs. We recommend thinking carefully about the features and functions that matter to you the most, then seeing which of these mice both offer what you're looking for and fit into your budget.

For example, if you're simply looking for a top-notch lightweight mouse with a premium optical sensor and you're not worried about how much it'll cost you, the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro is what you'll be best off with. However, if you need something a little more affordable but still want elite performance, check out the DeathAdder V2.

How we test gaming mice

We're lifelong PC gamers here at Team Windows Central, and over the years, we've extensively tried out countless gaming mice alongside other peripherals such as the best keyboards. This includes wired, wireless, and specialized options, as well as budget-friendly ones, expensive offerings, and everything between. 

We've put them through their paces in everything from the latest and greatest competitive shooters to fan-favorite RPG and MMO classics, and will continue to do so as manufacturers continue to improve and iterate on their designs. Should a new mouse dethrone one of the ones on this list, we'll be sure to update this article.

Brendan Lowry

Brendan Lowry is a Windows Central writer and Oakland University graduate with a burning passion for video games, of which he's been an avid fan since childhood. He's been writing for Team WC since the summer of 2017, and you'll find him doing news, editorials, reviews, and general coverage on everything gaming, Xbox, and Windows PC. His favorite game of all time is probably NieR: Automata, though Elden Ring, Fallout: New Vegas, and Team Fortress 2 are in the running, too. When he's not writing or gaming, there's a good chance he's either watching an interesting new movie or TV show or actually going outside for once. Follow him on X (Twitter).