Best Mouse Overall:
Although a mouse may seem like a simple, pretty basic input device, the potential for usability and ease of access in these peripherals is surprisingly high. Two buttons may be enough for some computer users, but there are a number of mice on the market that introduce more buttons and a ton of other features. Programmability and customization are also important, letting you make your computer use and productivity as personal and efficient as possible. While some of these mice may be for specific platforms or designed for certain functions, they provide options and control perfect for any computer user.
Logitech Performance MX Wireless Laser Mouse
The best pick for two years in a row, this is the perfect blend of form and function. Designed with comfort in mind, it also provides you with extra buttons and features to let you use a computer quickly and effectively. Read Full Review »
Apple Magic Mouse
Considered by some a revelation in input device design, the "Magic Mouse" combines standard mouse functionality with that of a touch pad. It can be a little difficult to get used to for people who prefer standard mice, but it feels great and offers some terrific functions. Read Full Review »
Microsoft WirelessTouch Mouse
Microsoft's answer to the Apple Magic Mouse is a really solid input device on its own. This is designed to work more easily with PCs, though it still requires software installation. It provides different functions for Windows 7 and 8, and can take advantage of the new layout and features of Windows 8. Read Full Review »
Razer Mamba Wireless Gaming Laser Mouse
Although this is generally considered a "gaming mouse," you can definitely use it for any application. This mouse has a sleek look and a more conventional design; it includes a recharging dock and multiple buttons for great functionality. Read Full Review »
Mad Catz Cyborg R.A.T. 7 Gaming Mouse
While this might be a little strange-looking, it is arguably the most customizable mouse on the market. You can control everything from the size of the thumb rest to the weight of the mouse itself. It also includes a number of programmable buttons for extra functionality. Read Full Review »
Best Wireless Mouse:
When it comes to choosing a great wireless mouse, there are a few things you should consider. Do you want to be able to charge the mouse, or just replace the batteries? If you do want to charge it, do you need to be able to charge it while you're using the mouse? You might think about the types of features they include, like programmable buttons or ambidextrous designs. With new computer software being introduced all the time, there are also some models that include a bit more future-proofing than others. Overall, a wireless mouse should have all the same functionality and usefulness as a corded model, but without the wire tethering you to your machine.
Logitech Performance MX Wireless Laser Mouse
Just a fantastic all around mouse, this model includes a number of programmable buttons and a great, comfortable design. You can charge it while you use it, and it works on almost any surface. Read Full Review »
Microsoft Explorer Touch Mouse
Not quite as ergonomic as the Logitech MX, and missing some of its nicer features, the Explorer Touch Mouse is still a great model. It forgoes a scroll wheel in favor of a touch-sensitive strip, and includes an ambidextrous design. Read Full Review »
Razer Ouroboros Gaming Mouse
A sleek, ambidextrous design makes this a great choice for any computer user. While it sacrifices some buttons for the design, it does include both a charging dock and cord. The lack of the touch strip that the Microsoft Explorer Touch model includes, however, potentially limits functionality going into the future. Read Full Review »
Apple Magic Mouse
The favorite of many Mac users, this mouse is sleek and gives you a great deal of control for an input device. It can be pretty hard to get working properly on some PCs, however, and some users find it uncomfortable to hold for extended periods of time. Read Full Review »
Logitech T620 Mouse
Logitech's answer to the Magic Mouse, this model includes similar touch-sensitivity on its surface and is easier to install on a PC. It has a clean design somewhat comparable to the Magic Mouse, but is only supported on recent, Windows-based Operating Systems. Read Full Review »
Best Gaming Mouse:
Though gaming mice at one time may have been a small, niche market, the demand for these devices has exploded as PC gaming has become more accessible and popular. One thing to consider when choosing such a mouse is the type of games you play. There are certain gaming mice that are better for MMOs or RTS titles, while other models are designed for FPS games. We've included both types on this list, as well as some recommendations on similar models by these manufacturers for gamers interested in other genres.
Mad Catz Cyborg R.A.T. 9 Gaming Mouse for PC
This is a fantastic all-around gaming mouse for any type of gamer. It has precision controls and features that an FPS player will love, as well as programmable buttons great for any MMO. If you play a wide range of different games, this mouse will meet just about all your needs. Read Full Review »
Razer Naga Laser Gaming Mouse
The Razer Naga is a fan-favorite for many MMO players. It has 12 programmable buttons on the side, as well as several other buttons elsewhere on the mouse. Most FPS players won't find it a great choice, however, so it is a bit more limited in range than the R.A.T. series. Read Full Review »
Corsair Vengeance M60 Performance FPS Gaming Mouse
This is a great mouse designed for dedicated FPS players. It lacks the high number of programmable keys most MMO players look for, but includes a dedicated sniper button and great precision. Read Full Review »
Logitech G9X Laser Mouse
This is more of a general gaming mouse, like the R.A.T. models, but isn't nearly as customizable. It's a great purchase for gamers who don't just focus on one type of game, and is a bit less expensive than the R.A.T.s. Read Full Review »
Thermaltake eSports Level 10 M Black Gaming Mouse
This is another solid, all-around mouse for general gaming. While it may not have any specific features making it great for one type of game or the other, it is sure to find fans among players in general. It includes numerous programmable buttons and incredibly precise sensitivity. Read Full Review »
Best Bluetooth Mouse:
A Bluetooth mouse is simply a wireless input device that uses the Bluetooth standard for wireless signal connectivity. Within this fairly small domain, however, there are a diverse number of products available. Many PCs don't have a Bluetooth peripheral built into them, which means they require a second piece of hardware to work with these mice. Many notebook and laptop computers, however, use Bluetooth technology, which makes these mice popular with such devices. While price was a consideration, overall usefulness and the features available with these mice were generally more important.
Apple Magic Mouse
Although it may not be ideal for PC users, the Apple Magic Mouse is definitely a leader among mice in general. It features no exposed buttons; instead, the surface can be clicked down like a standard mouse. It also acts as a touch-pad for additional functionality. Read Full Review »
Microsoft Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000
Though more traditional than the Magic Mouse, this device combines a nice design with some great features. A scroll wheel, battery life indicator, and thumb "back" button all let you navigate websites and use your mouse with confidence. Read Full Review »
Logitech M555B Bluetooth Cordless Mouse
Comparable to the Microsoft 5000, this model has a slightly more basic design and lacks some of the slick contours of the Microsoft mouse. Though it's functionally comparable, it has a higher recommended retail price, which can make it a bit less appealing. Read Full Review »
Razer Orochi Notebook Gaming Mouse
Though branded as a gaming mouse, there's nothing about this model that prevents its use with any application. It has two buttons on either side, which is perfect for ambidextrous use, and includes a cord for recharging while in use. It is the most expensive mouse we picked, however, which might be too much for basic use. Read Full Review »
Logitech V470 Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks
A simple, sleek design makes this a great choice for any computer user. Small size and light weight make it a great choice for travel. Beyond this, however, it doesn't offer anything especially noteworthy, which makes it fall behind some other options available. Read Full Review »
Best Laptop Mouse:
There are a few elements that can set a really good laptop mouse apart from other models designed for general use. Size is a major consideration: this device should be small enough to pack up easily with a laptop or notebook computer, yet still be large enough for comfortable use. Most of these mice are also pretty light, so that they do not contribute much additional weight during travel. All of these devices are wireless, but not all include a signal receiver, which means you need a laptop that includes some type of wireless receiver (or you need to buy a separate piece of hardware). Ultimately, you should consider the type of functionality you need and what features your laptop already includes.
Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX
This is a great all-around mouse that is based on the standard Logitech MX model; a terrific mouse in its own right. The "Anywhere" version is a bit smaller, while still large enough for comfortable use. It includes two thumb buttons, and can be used on just about any surface. Read Full Review »
Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse - Laser Wireless
Utilizing a unique design, this mouse lays flat when turned off and folds into an arcing shape during use. It includes two standard mouse buttons, as well as a touch-sensitive strip in place of a standard scroll wheel. The Arc Touch uses Bluetooth technology for a connection, and it includes a receiver. Read Full Review »
Apple Magic Mouse
Although not strictly designed as a laptop mouse, the Bluetooth technology and small size of this model make it perform the job quite well. It doesn't include a Bluetooth receiver, and it can be hard to set up on some PCs, but otherwise it is a great piece of hardware. Read Full Review »
MadCatz Eclipse Touchmouse
This is another unusual mouse with an interesting design. It is mostly flat, however, and so it is perfect for storage and on-the-go use. It lacks a Bluetooth receiver and its strange shape can take some getting used to, which can be problematic. Read Full Review »
Verbatim 96674 Bluetooth Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse
This is a more standard type of mouse than the Eclipse Touchmouse or Apple Magic Mouse, but it still includes all of the features you are likely to need. It's a little large, however, and lacks a Bluetooth receiver. Read Full Review »
Best Ergonomic Mouse:
Ergonomic mice come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Even though they are all designed for optimal comfort and to minimize injuries or health issues, there seems to be little agreement on the best way to do that. All of these picks are superior to standard mice when it comes to keeping your hand comfortable throughout hours of mouse use. They are, for the most part, quite a bit more expensive than standard mice, but that is to be expected from such a specialty product. Rather than focusing primarily on price, we looked at the features each mouse provides and how well it keeps you comfortable while letting you get your work done.
Humanscale SMUSB Switch Mouse
Surpassing other models of ergonomic mice in terms of customization, the Switch Mouse has one model designed to work for everyone. It includes a tilted base for comfort, three programmable side buttons, and a scroll dish rather than wheel. Read Full Review »
Evoluent VM4 Vertical Mouse
Perhaps the most unusual looking mouse we picked, it is designed to keep your arm in a comfortable, neutral position while in use. This design did not eliminate any functionality, however, as it includes the two main mouse buttons, two thumb buttons, and a scroll wheel. Read Full Review »
HandShoe Mouse Ergonomic Mouse
Though it does not use a vertical design, this mouse is meant to keep your wrist supported and your arm comfortable during use. It lets you keep your arm and fingers relaxed, though it does not have as many buttons as the VerticalMouse or Switch Mouse. Read Full Review »
Logitech Wireless Trackball M570
This mouse has a great ergonomic design that is comfortable without being too unusual. It is not necessarily the optimal design, however, and for users who do not like trackballs, this may not be a realistic choice. Read Full Review »
3M Ergonomic Mouse Large
One-part mouse and one-part joystick, this is certainly an unusual design. While it promotes a more comfortable forearm position, its wrist support is a bit more questionable. It's still a solid design that promotes healthy computer use at a reasonable price. Read Full Review »
- outsidor595
- 5/15/2011
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I have been using a Logitech Wireless Wave Pro with the Performance Laser Mouse. It works fine except in one situation: the scrll wheel absolutely fails in spreadsheets of more than 100 rows. Why and how to solve?
- Anonymous
- 1/29/2010
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Reply
I bought it back in December and have been using it since. I love it. It's very comfortable. Plus its cool.