A wireless mouse is an essential part of a convenient computer workspace, whether at home, in the office or on the go. Free from cables that clutter up your desk, a wireless mouse can make working, browsing and gaming more comfortable.
With plenty of great options on the market for less than $40 apiece, you can easily find one that best suits your needs. Our top choice, the Lenovo Yoga Mouse, is sleek and doubles as a remote control.
What to know before you buy a wireless mouse
Whether you’re looking to purchase a mouse for everyday use at home or just for traveling with your laptop, finding a reliable one is essential. While all wireless mouses share the quality of convenience, some features vary between models.
Battery type
Wireless mouses are typically either powered by a rechargeable battery or replaceable batteries. Some users recommend a mouse that takes regular batteries, claiming that rechargeable ones can lose their charge quickly over time. Others prefer having a built-in rechargeable battery since you never have to worry about replacing batteries. If you purchase a mouse that takes batteries, you may also consider purchasing rechargeable batteries for it so that you don’t need to buy new ones each time they die.
Connectivity
When shopping for a wireless mouse, you can either choose one that connects through Bluetooth or one that uses wireless peripherals that communicates through a USB dongle.
While Bluetooth is compatible with a greater variety of devices (since not every laptop or tablet has a USB port), serious gamers or those working in a technology field may opt for a USB-connecting mouse since they typically have less latency and are able to keep a stronger connection to the desktop.
Ergonomics
If you’re someone who spends many hours on the computer each day, you might have some concerns about the ergonomics or overall comfort of a wireless mouse. Of course the ideal design or fit of a mouse is subjective, so you might want to test out a few in-store before finalizing your purchase. Consider getting a wireless mouse with a trackball, which uses a small sphere to operate the cursor. This design may take some getting used to, but many reviewers say they’re the most comfortable for extended use.
Wireless mouse features
Battery life
The last thing you want from a wireless mouse is for it to constantly die or need recharging. Luckily, many on the market today advertise long-lasting battery life, some even upwards of one year. Many wireless mouses have an on/off switch that you can use to conserve battery and some even have a smart sleep mode to conserve power automatically.
Portability
Planning on traveling with your mouse? You’ll want to find one that’s lightweight and easy to store. Some mouses are foldable, making them perfect for traveling. A mouse that connects with Bluetooth doesn’t have any extra parts. However, if you opt for a mouse that uses wireless peripherals, look for one with built-in storage for the USB dongle.
Design
Wireless mouses come in a surprisingly wide variety of shapes and sizes. Whether you want a super slim and sleek mouse or one with a contoured shape that fits snugly in your hand, there are plenty of options for you to choose from — it’s up to your personal preference. Ultimately, you want to find one that is most comfortable for you, so it’s a great idea to test a few out in person before purchasing one.
Wireless mouse cost
Wireless mouses can fall between $10 and $40, with most falling on the lower end of that range. While there are still plenty of high-end mouses that cost upwards of $80, these are usually designed specifically for serious online gamers and esports players.
Wireless mouse FAQ
Can I use a wireless mouse with a tablet or other mobile device?
A. It usually depends on the device. Some tablets are not designed to work with a wireless mouse, but others pair with ease, such as some Windows all-in-one computers, which serve as both a tablet and laptop. Bluetooth wireless mouses work with a wider variety of devices, including some cell phones.
What are the key differences between a wired and wireless mouse?
A. While older models of wireless mouses were slower than most of their wired equivalents, today the majority of wireless options operate just as smoothly. A wireless mouse that requires batteries is costlier over time since you’ll also have to purchase batteries. The main perk of wireless mouses is that they’re super convenient. It’s one less wire you have to worry about tangling around your desk or getting damaged. And if you work on the go, a wireless mouse is a must.
Which wireless mouse should I get?
Best of the best wireless mouse
Lenovo Yoga Mouse: available at Amazon and Lenovo
Our take: With this option from Lenovo, you get more than just a reliable, long-lasting wireless mouse; it also doubles as a fully functional remote control with just a simple twist of the device.
What we like: This mouse has an integrated rechargeable battery that can last a full month even with daily use. It connects through Bluetooth and has a slim, sleek design.
What we dislike: Some prefer a traditional scroll wheel rather than the trackpad surface that comes with the YOGA mouse. It’s also on the small side, so may not be the best fit for someone with larger hands.
Best bang for your buck wireless mouse
Lenovo ThinkPad Essential Wireless Mouse: available at Amazon and Lenovo
Our take: This simple, straightforward wireless mouse is an affordable option that users say offers ideal ergonomics and ease of use.
What we like: With a 1,200 DPI optical sensor, this mouse uses 1 AA battery with up to 12 months of battery life. The mouse also has built-in storage for a USB dongle, making setup easy.
What we dislike: Some users have complained that the click sounds are too loud.
Honorable mention wireless mouse
Logitech M185 Wireless Mouse: available at Amazon
Our take: This plug-and-play Logitech mouse has a tremendous battery life and provides a reliable connection through a nano receiver in your computer.
What we like: With a contoured shape design, this wireless mouse can last up to one year without charging. It’s also super easy to set up on both Windows and Mac computers.
What we dislike: There are some questions about the longevity of this mouse and some users report its tracking is not as precise as other models.
Charity Lindsey is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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