A computer mouse is as essential to your PC system as a steering wheel is to a car – without it, you’ve got no control over where you’re going. But just because it's a crucial component doesn't mean you need to spend a lot of money - there are many options for someone on a budget looking for a great and reliable mouse.
Sticking to a budget doesn't have to limit your options. Plenty of wireless mouse designs that still manage to be affordable, so you don't have to be tethered by a cable. The same applies to ergonomic mice, meaning you can improve your comfort without breaking the bank.
The best budget mouse at a glance:
• Best overall budget mouse: Logitech M330 SILENT PLUS Wireless Mouse - View on Amazon
• Best multi-device budget mouse: Logitech MX Anywhere - View on Amazon
• Best ergonomic budget mouse: Anker AK-UBA Vertical Ergonomic Mouse - View on Amazon
We’ve searched high and low to bring you a definitive list of brilliant budget-friendly mice and have been pleasantly surprised by what we’ve found. While the options aren't loaded with high-tech productivity features like high-end professional mice or super-high sensitivity settings like gaming mice, they’re all reliable and comfortable.
Whether you’re looking for a wired mouse for your home office or something wireless to accompany you on trains and in cafes, our best budget mouse for PCs and laptops guide has got you covered.
The best budget mouse:
All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
Best overall budget mouse
The Logitech M330 Silent Plus is a great and straightforward three-button mouse. The ergonomic design is comfortable, and the wireless connection (via a USB receiver) keeps your workspace clear. Unfortunately, the mouse isn't rechargeable, but the AA batteries will keep it running for up to two years.
There's no audible click as a silent mouse, which is great for use in quiet public places. If you're often working on the go, this is the ideal solution for you.
Pros
- Reliable wireless connection
- Silent clicks keep your workspace quiet
- Comfortable, familiar build
Cons
- Not rechargeable
DPI: | 1000 |
Connectivity: | USB Nano Receiver |
Buttons: | 3 |
Battery: | Up to 24 months |
Left-hand friendly: | No |
Weight: | 90g |
- Customer review: "The mouse is marketed as silent and there is no clicking sound made when pressing either the left or right mouse button. At first, this is off putting but after a few hours use, becomes normal. The mouse tracks as well as any optical mouse can. The build quality is good and there is a bit more weight than most."
Best multi-device budget mouse
We suggest the Logitech MX Anywhere for those seeking a mouse that can jump between multiple devices. Whether it's a tablet running iOS or a Windows PC, this mouse can be used simultaneously across devices and always feels natural. Its discreet and comfortable design hides seven buttons, and the 4000 DPI sensor offers smooth and reliable tracking.
We're also fans of its fast-scroll feature. As the name suggests, this simple addition makes it quicker to scroll through large web pages and documents. It's a blessing when it comes to research.
Pros
- Brilliant for controlling multiple devices
- Precise and accurate movement tracking
- Fast-scrolling is a nice addition
Cons
- Not as light as other options
DPI: | Up to 4000 DPI |
Connectivity: | USB receiver, Bluetooth |
Buttons: | 7 |
Battery: | Up to 70 days |
Left-hand friendly: | Ambidextrous |
Weight: | 106g |
- Customer review: "One of the standout features of the Logitech MX Anywhere 2S Wireless Mouse is its multi-device connectivity. With the ability to connect via Bluetooth or the included USB Unifying Receiver, you can effortlessly switch between devices with just a click of a button, streamlining your workflow and saving time."
Best ultra-budget mouse
If all you are after is a super affordable mouse and you don't need any added fluff, you can't go wrong with this Amazon Basics mouse. At less than £10, we think this is a great mouse to take when travelling if you don't want to risk losing a more expensive one.
Its size is an interesting case. It's smaller than most mice, making it very comfortable to hold if you have smaller hands. Of course, the reverse is true; it's far from ideal if you have bigger hands.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Ideal size for small hands
- Consistent connection
Cons
- Too small for larger hands
DPI: | Unspecified |
Connectivity: | USB receiver |
Buttons: | 3 |
Battery: | 2 AAA batteries (included) |
Left-hand friendly: | Ambidextrous |
Weight: | 62.65g |
- Customer review: "This mouse fits my small hands comfortably and is very responsive and easy to use. It was a good price and arrived quickly as well. It's value for money and fit for purpose. My only gripe is that the battery life isn't as long as some of my previous mice."
Best ergonomic budget mouse
The best way to improve your overall comfort when using a mouse is to swap to an ergonomic design, and this Anker mouse is our budget pick for that. It's designed in such a way that grabbing it should feel like a handshake, a much better position for longer desk sessions. It may look strange, but it performs very well.
You can change the DPI when using this mouse, letting you set the sensitivity to a level of your liking. Another handy feature is the power-saving mode, which helps the batteries last that little bit longer; always a nice addition.
Pros
- Comfortable and ergonomic design
- Adjustable DPI
- The inclusion of a power-saving mode makes batteries last longer
Cons
- Can feel a bit strange to use for a while at first
DPI: | 800 / 1200 / 1600 DPI |
Connectivity: | USB receiver |
Buttons: | 5 |
Battery: | Varies, 2 AAA batteries (not included) |
Left-hand friendly: | No |
Weight: | 95g |
- Customer review: "Really intuitive and natural to use, fits well and responsive. Good battery life and range. Excellent for the price."
Best travel budget mouse
For those who travel often, you'll want a portable mouse that won't take up too much space, and the Logitech Pebble Mouse 2 suits that perfectly. Its sleek design is stylish to look at and comfortable to use, a brilliant combination. We're also fans of its excellent compatibility with other devices and operating systems.
The middle mouse button is customisable, which is a nice little touch. That said, a mouse with programmable buttons usually has more than the standard set, so it's a little disappointing only to have one.
Pros
- Compact and comfortable
- Impressive compatibility
- Great battery life
Cons
- Only the middle button is customisable
DPI: | 400-4000 |
Connectivity: | 2.4GHZ, USB, Bluetooth |
Buttons: | 3, middle customisable |
Battery: | Up to 24 months |
Left-hand friendly: | Ambidextrous |
Weight: | 76g |
- Customer review: "This is a great little mouse, comfortable and smart looking. It has some good weight to it, and it doesn't feel like it's going to fly off the desk with the slightest draught. It also doesn't feel like it's made out of cheap materials: I particularly like the matte plastic that was used in the making of it. It has no nasty-looking shiny sides or fancy trim do it. This makes it look very smart and not at all cheap-looking. The texture of the buttons and the plastic are just right too. It is also very comfortable to hold and pleasant to the touch."
Best battery life budget mouse
There are power-efficient mice, and then there's this TECKNET mouse. It has the potential to last two years off two AAA batteries, and an indicator lets you keep an eye on how much charge is left, so it will certainly last you a very long time. That's true for the build too, lasting a very impressive number of keystrokes.
The Bluetooth range is also quite nice. Some wireless mice are restricted by their range, needing to stay close to their connected device. With the TECKNET, you could have it on the other side of your desk with nearly no connection quality lost.
Pros
- Incredible 24-month battery life
- Long-lasting build
- Good Bluetooth range
Cons
- No left-handed support
DPI: | 800-3200 |
Connectivity: | Bluetooth |
Buttons: | 6 |
Battery: | Up to 24 months |
Left-hand friendly: | No |
Weight: | 72.8g |
- Customer review: "Great compact Bluetooth mouse, while it's a compact size it's not small. I have large hands and it feels fine for even prolonged use. It glides over my mat well, much better than the previous mouse I had. The extra buttons for forward back are in a suitable place, you don't touch them by mistake but are easy to use when you need them. "
Best DPI budget mouse
Don't let the gaming aspect scare you off; the Logitech G305 is a very precise and accurate mouse that anyone can enjoy using. At 12,000 DPI, this mouse is sensitive and picks up each little movement you make, so it's ideal for those searching for a responsive mouse. It also has a set of six programmable that you can assign shortcuts and commands to.
The design here is a refreshing change of pace. Most mice are black, white, or grey, but this strikes out from the norm with a stunning blue look. It's not for everyone, but we can't help but appreciate it.
Pros
- Incredible 12,000 DPI
- Nice set of programmable buttons
- Bright and colourful design
Cons
- Some might find it too sensitive
DPI: | 12,000 |
Connectivity: | Bluetooth, USB receiver |
Buttons: | 6 programmable |
Battery: | 250 hrs |
Left-hand friendly: | Ambidextrous |
Weight: | 99g |
- Customer review: "I have never bought a mouse like this before, but compared to all the other 'good' ones on the market this one is an absolute steal. It is small, comfortable and fits well in your hand. It's extremely responsive and ergonomic, and it has a great weight to it. I'm probably going to recommend this mouse to everybody who is looking for one due to its price and build quality. Couldn't be happier with my purchase."
Best budget vertical mouse
If you're after an ergonomic wired mouse, this vertical one from JTD is a great choice. Its design helps prevent wrist fatigue from building up, so it's a perfect pick for those who need to do long work sessions. The detachable palm rest is a nice touch, providing extra comfort when you need it.
This is a heavier mouse than most, but that's reflective of its size. In fact, we think it's actually a plus point for those with larger hands, as it should feel adequately sized. The weight also ensures it doesn't glide across your desk too quickly, which some prefer.
Pros
- Detachable palm rest
- Ideal for large hands
- Good for avoiding wrist fatigue
Cons
- Heavier than other options
DPI: | 600 / 1000 / 1600 |
Connectivity: | Wired USB |
Buttons: | 7 |
Battery: | N/A |
Left-hand friendly: | Ambidextrous |
Weight: | 272g |
- Customer review: "Mouse has good sensitivity which is good as I analyse a lot of data for my job which means quickly flicking between screens and zooming in and out of graphs and maps. It’s making it easier and less painful for me to work as I was previously getting a lot of pain in my hand with a regular mouse. I particularly like the extra shortcut buttons on the mouse."
Best budget Microsoft mouse
If you find yourself on the tightest of budgets and in need of a mouse that's simply going to let you get on with what needs doing, then pick the Microsoft Basic Optical Mouse. You've no doubt seen this mouse before; the Basic Optical Mouse is a hugely popular device because it works and is reliable.
The tracking sensor can work on most surfaces, and the ergonomic dome makes it perfectly comfortable for general computer work. It lacks in terms of advanced features, but simplicity can be a strength sometimes.
Pros
- Simple and easy to use
- Works with most devices
- Ideal to have as a spare
Cons
- Lack of features
DPI: | 800 |
Connectivity: | Wired USB |
Buttons: | 3 |
Battery: | N/A |
Left-hand friendly: | Ambidextrous |
Weight: | 93g |
- Customer review: "This is exactly what I was after after my last mouse's cable bizarrely snapped! I didn't want any fancy gimmicks; just a basic mouse which will hopefully last for years with it being Microsoft."
Best budget wired mouse
The Logitech M500 Wired USB Mouse is an incredibly reliable mouse, and that's in large part due to its wired design. Connecting via a cable means it is much more stable and consistent than a wireless mouse. That said, you do need to consider how a physical connection takes up desk space.
The build here is really nice. The side grips provide a nice little bit of support, and the contour fits how it should be held. It's a nice little ergonomics while still sticking to a classic look.
Pros
- Grips and contour provide nice support
- Adjustable DPI
- Always reliable connection
Cons
- Need to take wire into desk space consideration
DPI: | 400-4000 |
Connectivity: | USB cable |
Buttons: | 7 |
Battery: | N/A |
Left-hand friendly: | Ambidextrous |
Weight: | 180g |
- Customer review: "I find the M500 fits nicely in my palm, the buttons are firm without being noisy and the track wheel smooth in operation. If you find the screen travel is too fast/slow go to the Control Panel and tweak the setting under mouse until you get the response you want/need."
FAQs
What features are important in a mouse?
DPI: Meaning "Dots Per Inch" refers to how fast your mouse moves with each movement. You can think of it as your mouse's sensitivity. The best mice have adjustable DPIs, but even without that, over time, you'll get a feel for what suits you best as you use a mouse.
Buttons: While a classic mouse design just has left, right, and middle mouse buttons, plenty add to that. These extra buttons can have all sorts of functions and are often "programmable", meaning you can set what they correspond to. You can do that if you want a mouse button to act as your spacebar.
Shape: Not every mouse follows the same design. Ergonomic mice come in various shapes, but they all aim to provide a comfortable and more natural experience with your mouse. This helps to prevent wrist fatigue. It's not uncommon for these designs to require less physical movement of the mouse.
What accessories are useful for a mouse?
A wired mouse is pretty much good to go out of the box, and a wireless mouse may need a quick charge and its USB receiver, but there is an accessory still worth considering: a mousepad.
Even with the best cleaning efforts, dust and debris can still gather on our desks. This can be an issue for mice with an opening on the bottom responsible for tracking. If too much gets inside, it can obstruct the tracking and make your mouse imprecise (and it's not an easy job to get debris out).
A mousepad also provides a better surface for a mouse to glide across, so they usually feel more comfortable and easy to use with one.
You can find many ergonomic mousepad designs if you're concerned about ergonomics and wrist health. These tend to have a raised cushion section for you to rest your wrist while using your mouse, keeping your hand comfortable for longer. If you spend many hours working with a mouse in a day, you should consider one of these.
William Lobley is the Digital Editor for What's The Best. Here, he oversees, curates and researches listicles and reviews as many products as his home office can handle.
He has spent nearly five years writing about tech, audio, outdoors and fitness and has reviewed everything from smartphones to ice baths. In addition, he's well-versed in sniffing out the best deals and savings the internet offers.
When not at his desk writing, reviewing or deal-hunting, he'll be relaxing with Japanese crime novels, bingeing some classic anime, strolling the countryside or at the gym listening to the heaviest metal Spotify has to offer.
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