Don’t let cords trip up your work or play. Here’s everything you need to know to buy the best wireless mouse, plus our top tested picks.
How to Buy a Wireless Mouse
Like wireless keyboards, most wireless mice offer one of two ways to connect to devices. The majority make use of a 2.4GHz radio-based connection, which syncs with a USB dongle you plug into your PC or Mac. Some mice, particularly models made for office or mobile use, connect via Bluetooth, which doesn’t require any additional hardware assuming the client computer supports Bluetooth connectivity. A few models support both types of connection in one mouse.Which Wireless Connection Is Best in a Wireless Mouse?
While both connections work well most of the time, the 2.4GHz kind tends to be a little more stable. Bluetooth signals can be spotty, especially in public spaces with many Bluetooth devices in operation, which can introduce additional input lag. Luckily, the 2.4GHz connection has become the de facto standard in modern mice: Even cheap gear tends to prefer it.
That said, Bluetooth has its advantages. If you want to connect to a device without an open USB port for a 2.4GHz dongle, such as a phone or tablet, you’ll need Bluetooth. Also, in some newer wireless mice, Bluetooth winds up draining less power than 2.4GHz, leading to longer battery life. In the end, choosing 2.4GHz versus Bluetooth comes down to the computer to which you’ll connect your mouse. But having the option for both is best, especially for productivity-focused models.
In addition to its wireless-connection options, a good wireless mouse will also work as a wired mouse using the charging cable. This way, if you forget to charge your mouse or leave it on overnight too many times in a row (and we’ve all done it), a dead battery won’t prevent you from using your mouse and, potentially, your PC while it juices back up.What’s the Mouse Power Source?
The power source is the second major consideration specific to picking a wireless mouse. What kind of battery a mouse uses, how long it lasts, and even how it’s charged can all vary, especially in high-end gaming gear.
Most wireless mice feature built-in lithium-ion batteries, which can be recharged using a micro-USB or, less commonly, a USB Type-C cable. (USB-C is easier to plug in and can supply more power.)
For some wireless mice, particularly low-end and midrange devices, manufacturers may opt to rely on disposable AA or AAA batteries, instead. Disposable batteries can go for very long stretches (often months, sometimes even years) without needing to be replaced. While that’s great, we still prefer batteries you can recharge. Because the power cable can plug into the mouse to create a wired connection, you never really have to worry about running out of power.
With a battery-powered mouse, you will need replacement cells to continue using it. If you don’t have any on hand, you’re stuck until you scrounge some from the junk drawer or a TV remote, or go out to the store. It may only happen twice a year, but it’s a work-stopper every time.Qi and More: We’re Even Charging Wirelessly Now
Some high-end gaming mice with built-in batteries also support wireless charging. It’s a nice value-add, since, at the end of the day, putting your mouse on a pad feels like less of a hassle than plugging in. But wireless charging works slowly. Also, aside from Logitech’s proprietary Powerplay charging system, wireless charging requires you to stop using your mouse, so it’s only useful when used overnight or during breaks.
There are a few different kinds of wireless charging, which vary by brand, so it’s important to identify how the feature works. Many manufacturers, including Corsair and HyperX, have adopted the Qi wireless charging standard, so the mice can be charged on the same charging pads used for phones and other devices. (All of them, of course, would be happy to sell you a charging pad or mousepad with a built-in charging spot.) At least one company, Logitech, still relies on a proprietary charging technology, which adds unique benefits but makes the feature an expensive add-on, which isn’t ideal.
