Top Gaming Mice of 2025: Wired vs. Wireless

Choosing the perfect gaming mouse can be a daunting task, given the wide array of options available on the market. Unlike selecting a gaming headset, where the choice might be more straightforward, finding the ideal mouse is deeply tied to individual preferences. Factors such as weight, size, ergonomics, extra buttons, and the types of games you play all play crucial roles in determining the best fit for you. To help you navigate through the options, I've categorized my top picks to suit various needs and preferences.

For those prioritizing comfort and ergonomics, the Logitech G502 X stands out as an excellent choice. Its design ensures a comfortable grip, making long gaming sessions enjoyable. On the other hand, if you're focused on competitive gaming, particularly in games like Valorant, the Viper V3 Pro is the way to go. It offers the performance edge needed to excel in fast-paced environments.

For those who require versatility, the Turtle Beach Pure Air is a commendable option. It combines good ergonomics with long battery life and Bluetooth connectivity, making it suitable for both gaming and work. If you're an MMO or MOBA player looking to streamline your gameplay, the Corsair Scimitar Elite with its array of programmable buttons could be the perfect match.

If I were to recommend a single mouse as a universal choice, the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed would be my pick. Its balance of performance, comfort, and price makes it an excellent all-around option. Throughout this guide, I'll share my hands-on experiences with each recommended mouse to help you understand why they fit their respective categories so well.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Gaming Mice

Best Overall### Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed

11See it at Amazon### SteelSeries Rival 3

4See it at AmazonSee it at WalmartSee it at Best Buy### SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless

8See it at Amazon### LogitechG403 Hero

6See it at Amazon### Logitech G703 Hero

2See it at Amazon### Razer Viper V3 Pro

4See it at AmazonSee it at Razer### Corsair Scimitar Elite

1See it at Amazon### Turtle Beach Pure Air

2See it at Amazon### HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini

2See it at Amazon### Asus ROG Keris II Ace

2See it at Amazon### Logitech G502 X Lightspeed

5See it at AmazonWhile these are my top recommendations, the gaming mouse market is continuously evolving. Modern mice boast improved sensor accuracy, responsiveness, and durability. When choosing a gaming mouse, it's essential to consider new technologies and features that cater to your specific gaming needs. At the end of this guide, I've included some key questions to ask yourself when shopping for a gaming mouse. Additionally, I'll keep this guide updated with new recommendations as I review more gaming mice in the future.

See our list of the best gaming mouse pads, too!

This guide contains contributions by Danielle Abraham.

Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed - Photos

8 Images1. Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed

Best Overall Gaming Mouse

Best Overall### Razer Deathadder V3 Hyperspeed

11Razer has refined its flagship mouse, making the V3 one of the best on the market and continuing the legacy of the DeathAdder as a staple in PC gaming. With notable tweaks, this version offers a perfect blend of style, ergonomics, and performance. The V3 HyperSpeed adopts a more understated look, omitting RGB lighting and featuring only a subtle Razer logo on the palm area, which I appreciate for its sleek design.

In my review of the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, it earned a 9 due to its springy, responsive clicks, well-positioned side buttons, and the high-precision 26k optical sensor. These features make it ideal for competitive gaming, providing the accuracy needed for precision aiming. The mouse's grippy texture and ergonomic contours facilitate swift movements, and its lightweight design at 55g enhances its usability.

The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is competitively priced, though you'll need to purchase the HyperPolling dongle separately for the 8000 Hz polling rate. While the Viper V3 Pro may offer a slight performance edge, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is an all-around excellent choice that promises durability and satisfaction.

2. SteelSeries Rival 3

Best Budget Gaming Mouse

### SteelSeries Rival 3

4For those on a tight budget looking to upgrade from a basic office mouse or replace an old gaming mouse, the SteelSeries Rival 3 is a solid choice. This wired mouse, weighing in at 77g, is designed for fingertip and claw grips, offering comfort and accuracy. It features a programmable RGB strip for a touch of flair, making it a stylish yet affordable option.

Despite its 8,500 max DPI, the TrueMove optical sensor remains highly accurate, ensuring reliable performance even in competitive settings like Counter-Strike 2. The mouse's clicks are less crunchy than some high-end models, but this doesn't detract from its performance under pressure. At a price range of $20 to $30, the Rival 3 offers exceptional value, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers.

SteelSeries Aerox 3

3 Images3. SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless

Best Budget Wireless Gaming Mouse

### SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless

8The SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless is a standout option for those seeking a budget-friendly wireless gaming mouse. Its lightweight design, long battery life, and high-performance TrueMove Air optical sensor make it ideal for fast, accurate swipes. The mouse's aesthetic, with its triangular cutouts and vibrant RGB lighting, is visually appealing yet practical, with the internals well-protected.

In our review, the Aerox 3 earned a 9 for its competitive performance, especially in shooters, and its efficient battery use. It's an excellent value at around $50 to $60, offering a balance of style and functionality that's hard to beat in its price range.

4. Logitech G403 Hero

Best Wired Gaming Mouse

### LogitechG403 Hero

6The Logitech G403 Hero is a top pick for those seeking a reliable wired gaming mouse. Its ergonomic design, rubberized texture for enhanced grip, and the fast and accurate Hero 25K optical sensor make it a versatile choice for various gaming needs. Although it's a bit heavier at 87g, its large size and comfortable palm grip cater well to gamers with bigger hands.

The G403's chunky and clicky side buttons are a standout feature, offering easy accessibility and distinctiveness. Its simple aesthetic with subtle RGB lighting adds to its appeal. The Hero sensor ensures top-tier tracking, making the G403 a great value for a wired mouse.

5. Logitech G703 Hero

Best Wireless Gaming Mouse

### Logitech G703 Hero

2The Logitech G703 Hero is the wireless counterpart to the G403, offering similar ergonomic comfort and high-performance capabilities. With a weight of 95g due to the battery, it maintains a balanced feel that's easy to wield. The Hero 25K optical sensor ensures precise tracking, making it suitable for competitive play.

Its rubberized grips provide secure handling, and the larger size is perfect for palm grips. With up to 60 hours of battery life and fast charging, the G703 is a reliable choice for gamers looking for a wireless mouse that doesn't compromise on performance.

Razer Viper V3 Pro - Photos

9 Images6. Razer Viper V3 Pro

Best FPS Gaming Mouse

### Razer Viper V3 Pro

4Designed for competitive FPS gamers, the Razer Viper V3 Pro offers top-notch performance with its lightweight design and advanced technology. It features an 8000Hz polling rate and the Focus Pro 35K optical sensor, ensuring smooth and accurate tracking. The mouse's symmetrical shape and larger size enhance comfort during intense gaming sessions.

In my review, the Viper V3 Pro earned a 9 for its performance, with the high polling rate offering noticeable improvements in scenarios with high resolutions and refresh rates. The mouse's large, smooth feet allow for effortless gliding, and its springy clicks are responsive for rapid firing. The requirement to use the HyperPolling receiver via USB cable is a minor compromise for the performance benefits it offers.

Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless MMO – Photos

7 Images7. Corsair Scimitar Elite

Best MMO/MOBA Gaming Mouse

### Corsair Scimitar Elite

1The Corsair Scimitar Elite is the go-to choice for MMO and MOBA players, thanks to its ergonomic design and adjustable, textured side buttons. Despite its heavier weight of 113g, the mouse remains comfortable to grip, making it suitable for long gaming sessions. Its tactile side buttons are easy to use and distinguish, enhancing gameplay efficiency.

The Scimitar Elite's design is not just for gaming; its side buttons can be programmed for productivity tasks, making it versatile for various uses. After extensive testing, I confidently recommend this mouse for those who need multiple buttons to streamline their gaming experience.

8. Turtle Beach Pure Air

Most Versatile Gaming Mouse

### Turtle Beach Pure Air

2The Turtle Beach Pure Air excels in versatility, offering a lightweight feel, ergonomic design, and long battery life. Its Bluetooth connectivity makes it an excellent choice for both gaming and work. The mouse's compact size and deep thumb groove ensure a comfortable fit, making it ideal for users with limited space.

During testing, the Pure Air performed well in games like Final Fantasy XIV, demonstrating its capability in both casual and competitive scenarios. The only drawback is the small side buttons, which can be hard to distinguish. However, its versatility and comfort make it a top pick for those needing a mouse that can transition between gaming and work environments.

9. HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini

Best Small Gaming Mouse

### HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini

2The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini is perfect for those with smaller hands. Despite its reduced size, it remains a fully-featured gaming mouse, equipped with a high-performance Precision 26K optical sensor and long battery life. Its sleek design and grippy material support a fingertip grip, enhancing its usability.

The Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini doesn't compromise on performance, making it suitable for competitive gaming. Its Bluetooth connectivity adds versatility for work, making it a great choice for gamers and professionals alike.

Asus ROG Keris II Ace - Photos

9 Images10. Asus ROG Keris II Ace

Best Lightweight Gaming Mouse

### Asus ROG Keris II Ace

2The Asus ROG Keris II Ace is the ideal choice for those prioritizing a lightweight mouse. Its right-handed contour and excellent weight distribution make it comfortable and easy to use. The AimPoint Pro sensor and 8000 Hz polling rate ensure high performance, making it suitable for competitive gaming.

In my review, the Keris II Ace earned an 8, with its only drawbacks being a slightly slick texture and less tactile clicks. However, its overall performance and comfort make it a top contender in the lightweight category.

11. Logitech G502 X Lightspeed

Best Ergonomic Gaming Mouse

### Logitech G502 X Lightspeed

5For those seeking an ergonomic gaming mouse, the Logitech G502 X Lightspeed is a top choice. Its deep grooves, solid grip, and wide base ensure comfort during extended use. The mouse's extra buttons enhance its functionality for both gaming and productivity.

While not designed for the most intense competitive scenarios, the G502's Hero 25K sensor ensures accurate tracking. Its weight and size make it a comfortable choice for users who prioritize ergonomics over nimbleness.

Gaming Mouse FAQ

How do you determine what makes a good gaming mouse?

Selecting a good gaming mouse depends largely on personal preferences and specific gaming needs. For example, a mouse like the Viper V3 Pro may not be ideal for someone needing a compact, versatile option but is perfect for competitive FPS gamers. My extensive experience testing various mice has helped me understand what sets one apart from another.

Key considerations include your grip style: palm, claw, or fingertip. Larger mice are better for palm grips, while smaller, lighter ones suit fingertip grips. Ergonomics, such as deep grooves for thumb and pinky, can enhance comfort. Lightweight designs are crucial for quick movements in competitive games. Reviews can provide insights into how well a mouse fits different hand sizes and grip styles.

Button feel is another critical aspect. I focus on the responsiveness and tactile feedback of mouse clicks in my reviews, as these impact both comfort and performance. Programmable side buttons are standard, and their positioning and ease of use are important factors. Some mice, like the G502 or Scimitar Elite, offer additional buttons for enhanced functionality, though they may compromise on agility.

Sensor accuracy is vital, with most modern gaming mice featuring fast and accurate optical sensors. While higher DPI used to indicate performance, it's now less of a differentiator due to diminishing returns.

What’s the deal with high polling rate on gaming mice?

Most gaming mice today come with a 1000Hz polling rate, updating your PC every millisecond. However, some high-end models, like the Viper V3 Pro and Keris II Ace, offer up to 8000Hz. This higher rate can enhance smoothness by increasing the frequency of mouse data transmission to your PC.

However, to fully benefit from a higher polling rate, your system must support high resolutions and refresh rates. Higher pixel density and refresh rates (144Hz and above) are necessary, and your PC must be capable of delivering matching frame rates. While the difference may be subtle, it can be significant in competitive gaming.

Should I go wired or wireless for a gaming mouse?

Wireless technology has advanced to the point where the difference in latency between wired and wireless mice is negligible. The 2.4 GHz wireless standard ensures consistent performance across brands. Features like Razer's HyperSpeed and Logitech's Lightspeed offer high-performing wireless connectivity, while Bluetooth adds versatility for work but isn't recommended for intense gaming.

Battery life in modern wireless mice has also improved, with many models offering days of use before needing a recharge. All modern gaming mice can be charged via USB-C and used wired when plugged in. Higher polling rates do drain battery life more quickly.

While wireless mice are more expensive, they offer flexibility. If you don't need wireless capabilities, opting for a wired version can save money. Note that higher polling rates are currently exclusive to wireless models, which may affect your decision based on budget and performance needs.