Best Gaming Mouse in 2023: Best Wireless or Wired Gaming Mouse

The best gaming mouse for every gamer, budget, grip size, and game type.

Feb 10, 2023 - 16:40 Updated: Feb 10, 2023 - 16:38

Best gaming mouse in 2023

The Best gaming mouse is a fantastic way to improve your gaming setup. Nothing beats the comfort and speed of the Best gaming mouse that feels like an extension of your own arm, whether you're upgrading to a more responsive optical sensor or ditching wires and going completely cable-free to Mary Kondo on your desktop.

When it comes to gamepad vs. keyboard and mouse, the dynamic duo almost always wins. The speed and accuracy are unparalleled, particularly in first-person shooters where reflexes and accuracy on the draw are critical.

A mouse is a great investment, but there is a wide range of quality, features, and design. The best mouse for MOBA players will not be the same as the best lightweight mouse for CSGO players, for example. There's a mouse for everyone, whether you want it wired or wireless, light or heavy, or with a dozen programmable buttons. All you have to do is know where to look.

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The Roccat Burst Pro is the best budget gaming mouse. This mouse has a 16,000 DPI sensor, powerful AIMOP RGB lighting, and Roccat's Titan Optical button switches, making it an excellent all-around package. It's also very inexpensive, making it a no-brainer purchase for those on a tight budget.

The LogitechG502 Lightspeed is the best premium gaming mouse. This wireless mouse is a wireless behemoth, with incredible accuracy and responsiveness, 2-zone RGB lighting, a mechanical button tensioning system, and full support for Powerplay continuous charging mouse mats. Its looks may not appeal to every gamer, but if they do and you can afford it, you really can't go wrong.

We tested dozens of gaming mice and compiled a list of those we believe are worthwhile of your time. We played hours and hours of games with them to accomplish this (someone has to do it), and these are the best gaming mice that resulted from that process. The good news is that you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on the best gaming mouse; we've found some great budget options for as little as $50.

Of course, if you're looking for a new gaming mouse, you might as well get the best gaming keyboard to go with it.

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Best gaming mouse deals right now

1. Razer DeathAdder V2

The best gaming mouse for the majority of PC gamers

SPECIFICATIONS

DPI: 20,000

Sensor: Optical

Interface: USB

Buttons: 6

Ergonomic: Right-handed

Weight: 82 g (2.9 oz)

Battery life: N/A

REASONS TO BUY

One of the best sensors available

The ideal shape for palm or claw grips

Supports a variety of hand sizes

REASONS TO AVOID

Buttons on the flimsy side

The Razer DeathAdder has a fantastic overall shape for all grips and hand sizes, and I've spent hundreds of hours with it playing games, using Photoshop, and browsing the Internet. Razer never messes with the DeathAdder's shape, despite years of iterations. There isn't any reason to.

The DeathAdder V2 employs a 20,000 DPI Razer Focus+ optical sensor, and while big numbers don't always imply quality, they do in this case. Razer's latest technology provides flawless tracking even when you move the mouse as quickly as humanly possible.

The DeathAdder V2 is an excellent mouse for the vast majority of games and gamers. Its design is straightforward, with two well-placed, generously sized thumb buttons. It also has an excellent optical mouse sensor that works on both hard and soft pads, as well as the ideal body shape for a claw or hybrid claw/palm grip.

If you want to get rid of the tail, the DeathAdder V2 Pro takes the same shape and sensor and turns it into a fantastic wireless gaming mouse.

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2. Logitech G203 Lightsync

The best cheap gaming mouse

SPECIFICATIONS

DPI: 8,000

Sensor: Optical

Interface: USB

Buttons: 5

Ergonomic: Right-handed

Weight: 85 g (3.0 oz)

Battery life: N/A

REASONS TO BUY

An affordable bargain

Great shape for those who like smaller mice

Three-zone RGB lighting

REASONS TO AVOID

Feature-light

Less DPI granularity

There are plenty of affordable gaming mice worth your money on the market today, but few have the same level of trustworthiness as the Logitech G203 Light sync. It's an all-around performer, delivering stable and consistent performance in a sleek package, and it's the best cheap gaming mouse on the market right now. If you're interested, the Logitech sensor inside is rated up to 8,000 DPI, and it has responsive switches throughout to ensure smooth operation.

The only significant difference between this and the G203 Prodigy that used to sit here is that the Light sync has three-zone RGB lighting instead of the Prodigy's single-zone lighting. It's not a huge change, but it looks great and, in theory, doesn't cost anything extra. If you can find a good deal on the G203 Prodigy, we strongly advise you to take advantage of it while supplies last.

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3. Razer Naga Pro

The best MMO mouse

SPECIFICATIONS

DPI: 20,000

Sensor: Razer Focus+ optical sensor

Interface: Wireless, USB, Bluetooth

Buttons: 3 swappable side plates with up to 19+1 programmable buttons

Ergonomic: Right-handed

Weight: 117 g (4.1 oz)

Battery life: 150Hrs

REASONS TO BUY

Customizable thumb grip with three different button arrays

Razer mouse charging Dock Chroma Compatible

REASONS TO AVOID

Chunky and heavy

Razer's Naga mouse has come a long way in terms of both form and function over the years, but it has long been the best MMO mouse for the money. And the latest version of the Razer Naga Pro is the best yet: a small, comfortable mouse with a high-quality sensor and three interchangeable thumb grips, as well as button arrays suitable for MOBAs, MMOs, and general use.

The MOBA array is the best; it has six buttons laid out in two rows, allowing for enough buttons to map multiple abilities while not becoming an overwhelming samey blob.

This year's Naga has a longer battery life and is compatible with the Razer Mouse Dock (not included, sadly). The Razer Naga Pro is a bit small for larger hands, with a more squat shape than some gaming mice. It's comfortable in the relaxed grip that's ideal for MMOs, but it'll also work in MOBAs, shooters, and other active games.

While the Naga is entirely right-handed, Razer has created a southpaw version that includes our best left-handed mouse guide. The leftie version, on the other hand, only has one set of side buttons.

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4. SteelSeries Prime Wireless

A great mouse for the competitive gamer

SPECIFICATIONS

DPI: 18,000

Sensor: TrueMove Pro

Interface: Quantum Wireless 2.0 + USB Type-C

Buttons: 6

Ergonomic: Right-handed

Weight: 80 g (2.82 oz)

Battery life: 100Hrs + quick charge

REASONS TO BUY

Excellent feel

Rock-solid wireless

Great battery life with quick charge

REASONS TO AVOID

Dull aesthetics

CPI switch is on the bottom

Non-standard USB Type-C charging cable

The Prime Wireless is a no-frills, high-performance machine designed to blend into your palm and transform you into the FPS god you've always wanted to be. The $139 mouse is part of Steelseries' Prime line of esports peripherals, and it sits between the less expensive wired Prime and the OLED-equipped Prime+.

The Prime Wireless immediately felt like it was made just for my hand. SteelSeries claims to have collaborated with several esports pros to create the perfect shape and weight that feels like an extension of your arm. For the first time, the product lives up to the hype. The Prime Wireless is intended for right-handed users, especially claw and fingertip grippers. The entire mouse appears to gently slope to the right, cradling in your palm for a comfortable grip.

It has a built-in rechargeable battery that is rated for 100 hours per charge, which is more than a week of average use as a wireless mouse. However, I should point out that those figures are only possible when the mouse is in High-efficiency mode, which reduces some settings, such as the RGB, to save power. For gaming, keep it in performance mode, which will consume the battery in much less time—around 40 hours in testing.

I never expected to like the Steelseries Prime Wireless, but it's incredibly comfortable to use for both work and gaming. Input lag is not an issue, and wireless devices are virtually indistinguishable from their wired counterparts these days. The battery life is fantastic, and the quick charge feature is something that every wireless peripheral should have. The Prime Wireless is on the pricey side at $139, but it's a high-quality mouse that will serve you well.

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5. Razer Basilisk V3

The best gaming mouse for RGB aficionados

SPECIFICATIONS

DPI: 26,000

Sensor: Razer Focus+ Optical

Interface: USB

Buttons: 11

Ergonomic: Right-handed

Weight: 101 g (3.6 Oz)

Battery life: N/A

REASONS TO BUY

Ergonomic design

Still the best sensor

4-way HyperScroll wheel

New RGB lighting

REASONS TO AVOID

Smart-Reel is overly aggressive

Razer Software is getting bloated

The new Razer Basilisk V3 is the third iteration of the iconic wired rodent, as the name suggests. The Basilisk, which was first introduced in the lovely year 2018 B.C. (Before Covid), quickly established itself as one of the best gaming mice. We adored the sequel Basilisk V2 and all of the improvements it brought. On this version, three mice, and the improvements aren't as obvious.

The Basilisk V3 looks and feels almost identical to the V2, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The $70 Basilisk V3 is designed for right-handers and retains the V2's flared and textured thumb rest, iconic thumb paddle, and split mouse button design.

The Basilisk V3 is a solid iteration on an already excellent mouse, improving elements while diminishing others. Those enhancements are also welcome, and I can't get over how nice the new Chroma lighting looks. The HyperScroll Tilt Wheel is entertaining, but it is ultimately not as useful for gaming as it is for productivity work. Still, I like this new Basilisk a lot, and it makes me want a wireless Basilisk V3 Ultimate. That's going to be a big mouse.

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6. SteelSeries Sensei 310

The best ambidextrous gaming mouse.

SPECIFICATIONS

DPI: 12,000

Sensor: Optical

Interface: USB

Buttons: 8

Ergonomic: Ambidextrous

Weight: 92 g (3.2 oz)

Battery life: N/A

REASONS TO BUY

Very light at 92 grams

Great shape with improved grips and materials

REASONS TO AVOID

Non-braided cable

Software isn't the easiest to use

The updated version of this Steelseries mainstay, the Sensei 310, subtly reinvented a classic mouse. It was necessary. Except for the Sensei's ambidextrous shape, almost everything is new, which is exactly how it should be. The Sensei is now more grippable and can withstand sweaty palms thanks to a new plastic shell. Steelseries employs its own version of one of the best gaming sensors available, ensuring that the Sensei 310 will not suffer from tracking issues.

The Sensei 310 fits in your hand similarly to the original Sensei and is an excellent shape for either left- or right-handed gamers looking for a midsized ambidextrous mouse. That means it has identical thumb buttons on both the left and right sides, which is a common issue with ambidextrous mice—far it's too easy to accidentally click the wrong side's buttons as you grip with your pinky. That hasn't happened once in my hours of testing the Sensei 310.

The size and shape of the thumb buttons have been changed to make it easier to press them by rocking your thumb upwards while keeping them out of the way of accidental pinky clicks. Anyone looking for a small, light, or ambidextrous mouse should start here.

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7. Logitech G Pro Wireless

The best wireless ambidextrous gaming mouse.

SPECIFICATIONS

DPI: 16,000

Sensor: Optical HERO 16K

Interface: Wireless and USB

Buttons: 8

Ergonomic: Ambidextrous

Weight: 81 g (2.9 oz)

Battery life: 40Hrs

REASONS TO BUY

Swappable components

Excellent design

Extremely light

REASONS TO AVOID

Proprietary USB charging cable

When it comes to cord-free pointers, the G Pro Wireless is unrivaled, packing Logitech's excellent 16,000 DPI HERO sensor and the kind of latency-free experience you'd expect from a wired mouse. It's incredibly light, weighing just over 80g, but it doesn't feel cheap or disposable, as some lighter mice do. Instead, it is made of high-quality materials and performs admirably.

Logitech made every component in the G Pro Wireless as light and durable as possible, including reducing the thickness of the chassis side walls without sacrificing composition or density. The G Pro has survived multiple hard tumbles from my desk; it's a very sturdy piece of kit.

It also has a long battery life of 40 hours and is customizable, with buttons on the side panels that can be removed and replaced with smooth inserts if that's your preference. You could also use the G Pro in conjunction with Logitech's Powerplay charging mat to ensure that you never run out of power. The only real drawback is the price: at around $120, the G Pro isn't cheap, but it more than makes up for it in terms of quality.

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8. Redragon M686 Vampire Elite

Best Wireless Mouse for Sub-$50 Gaming

SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor: PixArt PMW3335

Connectivity: USB Type-A dongle or wired

Battery: Rechargeable via USB-C

Weight: 4.37 ounces (123.89g)

Dimensions (LxWxH): 4.88 x 3.62 x 1.67 inches (123.95 x 91.95 x 42.42mm)

REASONS TO BUY

Unique grooves for ring, pinky fingers

USB-C charging

8 programmable buttons

Great feature set for the price

REASONS TO AVOID

Imprecise scroll wheel

Imprecise battery reading

Side buttons are oddly programmed out of the box

You may not have heard of Redragon, but we're getting to know the Chinese company, which is also featured on our Best Wireless Keyboards page. Its reasonably priced, well-built M686 Vampire Elite is currently available for $40 and bears many of the hallmarks of a premium wireless gaming mouse. This includes 8 programmable buttons (including macros) and fast USB-C charging (Redragon claims 5.5 hours to a full charge) via its 5.9-foot braided cable. If you're a gamer on a tight budget, this could be the best wireless mouse for you.

Redragon made an unusual move by including grooves for righties to rest their ring and pinky fingers. Many mice ignore those digits, causing them to drag on the mouse pad. The shape of the M686 comfortably served my long hands as well as another person's larger hands, and it also accommodates wide grips.

The M686 has soft, rubber side grips and a smooth, almost gel-like chassis. It's nice, but the resistance, particularly with the left and right-click buttons, can be lacking. Meanwhile, the scroll wheel is tactile, but it still glides smoothly and has a slight wobble, making precise scrolling difficult. You also won't get the same springy feel from the left and right-click buttons as you would with pricier wireless gaming mice.

With Eco Mode, which limits RGB to the scroll wheel, Redragon claims up to 45 hours of battery life. The software provides a meter reading, but even with the battery fully charged, the software reads 90%. The app said 70 percent battery remained after about 11 hours of using the mouse at RGB set to maximum brightness and speed.

If you prefer a more well-known brand, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed is sometimes available for $40, depending on the color, but it is not rechargeable.

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9. Asus ROG Gladius III

Best Mouse for Futureproofing

SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor: Optical

DPI: 19,000 (26,000 via software)

Interface: 2.4 GHz RF, Bluetooth LE, Wired

Programmable Buttons: 6

Weight: 3.14 ounces (89g)

Dimensions (LxWxH): 4.96 x 2.64 x 1.77 inches (126 x 67 x 45mm)

REASONS TO BUY

Hot-swappable switches for right/left buttons

Many connectivity options

Stylishly understated look

REASONS TO AVOID

Expensive against similar mice

Heavy

Plastic can feel cheap

The Asus ROG Gladius III gaming mouse stands out from the crowd thanks to its hot-swappable switches for the left and right-clicks buttons. While the Razer Naga Trinity has hot-swappable side plates for different genres, this level of customizability is uncommon in a mouse.

It has a heavier feel than other, similarly-sized gaming mice, which some gamers prefer. When compared to the mouse's weight, the plastic can appear a little cheap.

At the same time, with a max DPI of 19,000 (26,000 via software) and three Asus Aura Sync RGB zones, this mouse is brimming with customizability.

The ROG Gladius III has a simple design with subtly lit "Republic of Gamers" detailing on the side.

To access the hot-swappable switches, simply remove two rubber grommets on the bottom of the mouse, unscrew two Phillip's head screws, and gently pry off the mouse's top panel with your fingernails. Once inside, you'll be able to switch between 3-pin Asus mechanical micro switches and 5-pin Omron optical micro switches for your left and right-click button switches. You can also change the battery while you're in there.

Because mouse switches tend to wear out over time, the ROG Gladius III is ideal not only for gamers who like to customize but also for anyone who wants to be prepared for the future.