Best mouse for laptop 2023: A laptop mouse for every budget
The best laptop mice: affordable, wireless, gaming
The convenience of working from a laptop is unrivaled, you can take your laptop anywhere around the home, to the office, and even on that train journey, soi let’s find the mouse for laptop use.
Trackpads have been getting better with every new generation of laptops but they still cannot compete with the best laptop mice out there.
So, what constitutes the best laptop mouse? Well, a laptop mouse can be wired or wireless, although wireless adds to the whole convenience of using a laptop. For a laptop mouse to be considered the best, it needs to be well made, feature great internal components, be comfortable to use, and be quite flexible when tracking on different surfaces.
Whether you are buying a gaming mouse, or a mouse for generic use at work, there are still going to be some overlapping things to consider before you go out and buy your next model.
Things to consider when picking the best Laptop mouse
Annoyingly, there is much more to think about than you might initially think, especially for a laptop mouse as some of the things you may need to consider might be harder to find in a mouse that’s suitable for a laptop.
PC gaming
This is a big one, of course, if you’re looking for the best laptop mouse, one suitable for PC gaming should be high on your list. This is because PC gaming mice are usually of higher quality and performance than the usual office fair. even if you’re not into PC gaming the quality and performance will be appreciated nonetheless. For those of you who are into gaming, then this goes without saying.
You may be tempted to defer to a wired mouse, to a certain extent we agree as the reliability, latency, and infinite battery life are inarguable. However, for most users, even hardcore gamers, a wireless mouse is fine. To make sure we’ve included a mixture of wireless, Bluetooth, and wired mouse choices here. Unless there is a drastic paradigm shift in battery technology, there will always be a place here for the humble wired mouse.
The things we look for in gaming mice are precision, both in performance and construction, programmable buttons, and a quality scroll wheel. All of these carry over various advantages to the world beyond gaming, and will certainly help in general computing too.
Precision
This refers to how accurately the mouse reports movement, nowadays most mice are pretty accurate, thanks to the move away from laser sensors to optical sensors. However, it’s still worth thinking about as not all optical sensors were created equally, so we’ve made sure all our laptop mouse picks have a good level of precision guaranteed.
Scroll wheel
The benefits of a tactile and responsive scroll wheel cannot be understated. For gaming, it translates into faster and more accurate weapon switch and menu navigation. For productivity, it makes for quick navigation between tabs, and easier manipulation of word documents. The humble scroll wheel has come a long way, nowadays they can have variable resistance, infinity scroll, and RGB lighting. None of which are essential, but all of which are appreciated.
Programmable buttons, in our opinion, are a must-have. they allow for higher levels of customization, productivity, and are invaluable for gaming. Those of you familiar with PC gaming will know how powerful properly utilizing programmable buttons can be. Having additional controls taken from the keyboard, and bound to mouse buttons can have a powerful knock-on effect on your gaming performance, and it frees up the keyboard for additional keybinds. Luckily, for you, dear reader programmable buttons are standard on pretty much all gaming mice these days. only the most budget of budget mice lack them. We’ve made sure that we only include picks with programmable buttons as the utility is undeniable.
USB Ports
These days, the number of USB ports on laptops is increasingly diminishing, with the rise in wireless technology and the industry’s never-ending march to make laptops slimmer and lighter only adding to the lack of USB ports. This is generally good, as we’ve all grown tired of catching something vital on an errant USB cable, and if you’re anything like us, there’s probably a spare USB cable in every room of your house, so we don’t blame you for being a USB cable skeptic, however, there is a modern technology limitation, especially with MacBooks, which are pretty much entirely void of USB ports. This is why we’ve made sure to include a Bluetooth mouse option here as you maybe be running low, or completely lacking USB ports.
USB Adapters and USB receivers
These go hand in hand and are worth paying some attention to. It might be worth picking us a USB adaptor, in case you only have thunderbolt or USB Type-C ports on your current laptop. Slim USB Adapters can increase your device’s connectivity a lot, and these days adaptors are increasingly portable and rarely need external power sources. If the laptop mouse you go with has a USB receiver to facilitate wireless performance, this is important as you should plug the USB receiver into the laptop itself, instead of the USB adaptor as USB receivers are prone to some latency when used in a pass-through, like a USB adaptor.
The best mice for laptops
Logitech G PRO X Superlight
Sensor
HERO
DPI
100-25,600
Weight
63 grams
Size (H x W x D) mm
125 x 63.5 x 40
Buttons
6
- Very lightweight
- Available in white, black, or pink
- Unlimited battery life when paired with POWERPLAY mouse pad
- Industry-leading HERO sensor
- Very expensive
The Logitech G Pro X Superlight is one of the best all-round ambidextrous mice on the market. This is the most versatile mouse on our round-up and it is easily one of the best laptop mice available.
This is a gaming mouse but don’t let that put you off, it is a superb option for any task. The design is subtle and the soft, comforting ambidextrous shape was perfected over years in development. This is a great option for both left and right-handers, with the mouse featuring removable side buttons, giving you the best configuration possible. The matte black shell is of the highest quality, with little flex and always feeling comfortable in the hand. You get a lot inside this shell and it only weighs 63 grams, which is good going for a wireless mouse.
Beneath the hump and crisp split-trigger primary buttons sit powerful components. The G Pro features Logitech’s HERO sensor, a top optical. This is one of the most accurate and efficient sensors on the market and will come in handy if you are looking to play games with your laptop.
The Logitech G Pro X Superlight makes use of the brand’s Lightspeed technology, for lag-free, low latency use. This mouse will give you 60 hours of use after a full charge but can technically never need charging again if you pair this with the G POWERPLAY mouse pad from Logitech. The extra bit of kit is pricey but the convenience of never charging your mouse again is a great one.
This is one of the best gaming mice on the market but it is also a comfortable and reliable option for those looking to bash out work too. A great mouse.
Logitech G Pro X Superlight review
Logitech MX Master 3
DPI
4,000
Sensor
Logitech Darkfield
Weight
141 Grams
Size
Medium (124.9 x 84.3 x 51 mm)
Battery Life
70 Days
Color
Mid Grey
Buttons
7
- Darkfield sensor can track on virtually any surface
- 5 x more precise than precise than a basic mouse
- Ergonomic grip
- USB-C quick charge (1 min = 3 hours of charge)
- Mag-speed wheel can scroll 1000 lines in a second
- Quite heavy
- Bulky
For those looking to get down to business and nothing else, the Logitech MX Master 3 is one of the best laptop mice out there. Logitech is the king of office mice and the comfortable ergonomic shape of the MX Master was always going to be on this list.
The bulky shape fits into the right hand like a glove, it is supremely comfortable to use despite its 141-gram weight. The mouse doesn’t just look premium it feels it too, the matte-like shell doesn’t have any flex and the aluminum scroll wheels are a superb touch.
The MX Master 3 features the Logitech Darkfield sensor, a sensor that is capable of tracking on clear glass. Furthermore, this sensor is five times more precise than your basic mice out there and this features 4,000 DPI which is more than enough. Logitech has also included the MagSpeed electromagnetic scrolling wheel. This is a precise wheel that is a genuine joy to use, you can even scroll 1,000 lines a second, with near-silent operation.
The biggest draw to this laptop mouse is its intuitive controls. Aside from the thumbwheels this also features gesture buttons. The gesture buttons can be used to change views, switch between desktops, and generally speed up your laptop work. You can configure every action for your specific workflow and there is also predefined customization in popular apps such as the Adobe package, popular internet browsers, and Microsoft applications.
With a full charge you can get up to 70 days use out of this mouse, it’s rarely going to give up on you. The inclusion of a USB Type-C port is a great decision, allowing for faster charging, with this being able to charge up to three hours worth of battery life in just one minute.
The MX Master 3 is one of Logitech’s greatest office use mice and should be regarded as one of the best laptop mice too. There is some gaming potential with this mouse but this is for you workaholics out there, with an ergonomic shape, reliable sensor, and great functionality.
Logitech G603
DPI
12,000
Sensor
HERO (Optical)
Weight
90 Grams
Size
Medium (124 x 68 x 43 mm)
Battery Life
500 Hours
Color
Black/ Grey
Buttons
6
- Comfy ergonomics
- Good build quality
- Quality sensor
- Wireless performance
- Insane battery life
- Bottom heavy
- Takes batteries
For an ergonomic alternative to the Logitech G Pro, the G603 offers a comfy right-hand only shape, with superb internal components for accurate and reliable usage. This mouse is aimed towards gamers looking for the best laptop mouse and it can handle more than just work.
The ergonomic shape carries on from the older G403 and even continues in Logitech’s range as the G703. This feels great in the hand, with the subtle thumb grooves feeling perfect. The top shell is matte and can be completely removed, revealing the spot for your batteries. The mouse only weighs 90 grams and when combined with that comfy shape, you are in for a treat here.
The sensor is the same sensor we see in the Logitech G Pro, The HERO 16K, a top optical sensor that will never let you down. This sensor will remain accurate at all times, without uttering or deviating at all. Tracking targets or snapping between them has never been easier than with this mouse and the primary buttons have one of the most pleasant clicks on the market.
The battery life on this mouse is one of the best we have ever seen. This lasts up to 500 hours when there are two batteries inserted. You can also use just one battery to save on weight if you prefer which will still give you 250 hours! To see that your mouse reaches its full battery life potential, you can change the polling rate and connection type using the hardware controls. That’s right, you can use this with the wireless receiver or flick it over to Bluetooth.
This mouse may be made for gaming but it has plenty of functionality to make this a great all-round ergonomic laptop mouse too.
Logitech MX Anywhere 2
DPI
4,000
Sensor
Logitech Darkfield
Weight
106 Grams
Size
Medium (100 x 61.6 x 44 mm)
Battery Life
70 Days
Color
Meteorite
Buttons
8
- Darkfield sensor can track on virtually any surface
- Cross computer control
- Comfortable shape
- Affordable
- Not truly ambidextrous
The Logitech MX Anywhere 2 is a cheaper alternative to the MX Master 3 and is a great option for those working from a laptop. This mouse boasts use on any surface, hyper-fast scrolling, and is rechargeable for up to 70 days of use!
The mouse is a bit smaller than the MX Master, with a less prominent hump and, of course, no right-hand only shape. This is an ambidextrous mouse suitable for both left and right-handed users; however, there are only thumb buttons in favor of the right-handed users. This is around 40 grams lighter than the MX Master, coming in at just 106 grams. The “meteorite” color scheme looks great, and the angled design on the thumb grooves is a superb touch. The matte coating is going to be great for your hand too – even if you are a sweaty betty!
The MX Anywhere 2 mouse features the Logitech Darkfield sensor. This sensor can be used on almost any surface, including clear glass. The 4,000 DPI is more than enough for any user and tracks flawlessly.
The best feature to the MX Anywhere 2 mouse is its interconnectivity; you can seamlessly navigate on up to three separate computers. Furthermore, thanks to the included receiver and Bluetooth technology, you can use it between Windows and Mac-based laptops, without having to unplug anything.
With a full charge you can get up to 70 days of use out from this mouse, it’s rarely going to give up on you. This is also able to charge up to one hour’s worth of battery life in just one minute.
The MX Anywhere 2 is a great laptop mouse for use on the go, it comes with a comfy shape, elegant design, and superb sensor to assist in your work flawlessly.
Logitech G305
DPI
12,000
Sensor
HERO (Optical)
Weight
98 Grams
Size
Small (116 x 52 x 38 mm)
Battery Life
250 Hours
Color
Black
Buttons
6
- Affordable
- 250 hours of battery life
- Great sensor
- A bit on the small side
- Requires AA batteries
The Logitech G305 offers a comfortable, safe, ambidextrous shape, with powerful internal components. This is one of the best budget wireless gaming mice out there and it would make a powerful laptop mouse too.
This safe shape from Logitech offers a flex-free shell that is built to last. The matte coating feels great on the skin and the split trigger buttons work well while looking excellent. This is an ambidextrous mouse but there are only thumb buttons on the left, so bear this in mind before buying.
The Logitech G305 uses the HERO (High-Efficiency Rated Optical) sensor, which is basically a more efficient PWM 3366. The low power consumption of the HERO sensor offers makes it perfect for wireless gaming mice. There is no noticeable angle snapping, smoothing, or acceleration in this mouse, and the sensor is very unlikely to spin out.
The top shell reveals the spot for AA battery, which will power this for 250 hours of continual usage.
If you are looking to work and play on your laptop, the G305 is a solid ambidextrous choice. This mouse will save you a fortune over the G Pro and is a worthy budget contender.
Other mice pages
If browsing laptop mice has got you into a mouse hunting mood, you’re in luck as we have been reviewing mice, and compiling best-of lists for a while, take a look below
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- Best wireless gaming mouse
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Final Word
Picking the best mouse for laptops isn’t a simple task, and given the sheer number of options out there it can be overwhelming. So we’ve covered wireless and wired, gaming, and general use, and we’ve made sure to include some points of consideration. We will continue to keep this page updated as and when we review new mice, this allows us to make sure you’re getting the most up-to-date laptop mouse shopping advice.
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