When your K/D tally is at risk, splurging on a premium gaming mouse with all the latest features can be very tempting. However, this can be a costly move, with prices soaring upwards of $150 USD—a cost that could be put towards a brand-new processor instead. The truth is, opting for a cheaper option won’t cost you much in terms of performance. In fact, you can find a top-performing mouse that offers identical build quality and styling, along with equally quick buttons, albeit with a more modest sensor compared to premium devices.
Nevertheless, not all budget gaming mice are created equal. At the lower end of the market, there tends to be more variation in build quality, weight, and button configuration, so thorough research is still necessary before making a purchase. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the best budget gaming mice below, having extensively tested and vetted a variety of models to find the cream of the crop. This chart will be continually updated as we review more mice and discover even better products.
Logitech G502X – Best wired budget gaming mouse / Best overall Pros: The 25K Hero sensor is very proficient even at high DPI settings. The button placement is extremely accessible. The rubber thumb rest provides ample grip. Cons: Lack of swappable trigger buttons. No RGB lighting except for a small DPI indicator light. The mouse wheel is quite noisy.
Roccat Kone Pro – Best wired budget gaming mouse runner-up Pros: The 19,000 DPI sensor is very precise, and the buttons are quick and clicky. An ingenious design elevates your index finger ready to fire. A lightweight body adds to its speed and precision and prevents fatigue. Cons: No dedicated DPI button means you can’t easily switch DPI settings. Wired connectivity only, so you’ll need to plug it in to play. The mouse wheel lacks lateral left / right clicks.
Keychron M3 – Best wireless gaming mouse Pros: Very fast and precise 26,000 DPI sensor. Well-proportioned and very comfortable. The quickest buttons ever used. Cons: More convenient placement of the DPI button. Mac users will have to wait on the software app. Only sold through Keychron’s online retailer.
Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed – Best for esports Pros: Quick and accurate sensor. High sensor positioning. Very long battery life. Hyperpolling support. Cons: No RGB lighting. 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity only. Weighs less than 3 ounces.
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless – Best for esports runner-up Pros: The solid top back is comfortable and stylish. Its 26,000 DPI sensor can target at lightning speeds. Bluetooth functionality makes it one of the most versatile esports mice you can get. Cons: The compact buttons can feel a bit cramped at times. Only one RGB zone to play with. More expensive than its predecessor.
Logitech G203 LightSync – Best ultra-budget gaming mouse Pros: A comfortable design resembling more expensive esports mice. Sturdy and well-built. The RGB lighting really pops. Cons: None.
