Updated February, 2017: We've surveyed recent releases and these remain our top picks for people searching out alternatives to the Magic Mouse.
I use a Logitech Performance MX mouse, best i have ever owned. Planning to get the Anywhere MX for my Macbook Air. I am a 'Palm' gripper, if you are 'Claw' gripper your preference maybe different than mine. Note that the MX Master requires 'Bluetooth Low Energy' a.k.a. 'Bluetooth Smart' a.k.a.-ish 'Bluetooth 4.0' so if you have an older Mac (e.g. A 2011 MBP) it might not work (although the master also supports the logitech unifying dongle, which works fine but won't appease your dongle phobia). Visit Logitech to find the perfect wireless or wired computer mice to enhance your productivity or unleash your creativity. Bluetooth Mouse M557.
Apple's Magic Mouse isn't for everyone. It's got multi-touch gesture support, and is newly rechargeable, but many people would still trade fancy features for traditional mouse power and style. So, if you don't like the Magic Mouse that came with your Mac, you can and should get something else. Here are are top choices!
The best at any cost
Low-cost option
Using a small USB receiver, the Logitech Performance Mouse MX is a wireless mouse with a rechargeable battery that lasts about one month. Unlike the Magic Mouse, Logitech allows you to charge the Performance Mouse's battery while you're using it, meaning you don't have to worry about being stuck with no mouse when the power runs out.
Even though it is a laser mouse, Logitech Darkfield Laser technology has advanced tracking capabilities, allowing you to use it on virtually any surface; glass tables are no longer your worst enemies.
The scroll wheel on top of the mouse is smooth but precise, which means you'll be able to scroll to exactly what you want when you want to.
The four thumb buttons on the Performance Mouse MX make your life much easier by being programmable to actions you need. Zooming in and out of images, flipping back-and-forth between apps, or navigating through web pages, can all be accessible with just your thumb, keeping you moving as fast as possible.
The Logitech Performance Mouse MX starts around $63 and is perfect for any right-handed user who wants a more conventional mouse with a few features that provide a more streamlined user experience.
The Logitech MX Master is a step up the ladder in terms of quality. The rechargeable battery lasts for a total of 40 days on average, which means you'll never feel like a slave to the charging cable. If the battery does die while you're using it, no worries because you can charge the mouse while using it.
You can use the small USB receiver included with the MX Master, but you also have the option of using Bluetooth instead, meaning you don't have to waste one of your precious USB ports.
It comes with the Darkfield Laser technology that allows you to use the mouse without a mouse pad on all different types of surfaces. Glass or other high-gloss material won't confuse the sensors inside the MX Master, so no matter where you're using it, you should have consistently smooth performance.
Along with having two customizable buttons, the MX Master has a side-scrolling wheel in the thumb slot, which makes side-to-side scrolling easier than ever before.
The dots per inch (DPI) can be set in intervals of 200, starting at 400 and up to 1600 DPI, meaning you can always find the perfect speed and sensitivity that feels the most comfortable to you.
You should consider picking up the Logitech MX Master is you want a high-performance mouse that allows you to keep all your USB ports completely free. The MX Master typically costs around $100.
Much like the name suggests, the AmazonBasics wireless mouse is a pretty basic device. It connects to your Mac via a USB receiver, meaning it will take up one of your USB ports. It runs on one AAA battery — included with purchase — which can last up to 3 months on average.
The scroll wheel on the top of the mouse glides smoothly and doesn't make any annoying noises, so you always have an easy time browsing through your favorite content online. It has both left-click and right-click buttons that are clearly defined and separate from each other, meaning you don't have to worry about clicking the wrong one.
If you aren't looking to spend a lot of money — about $12 — and just want an ordinary mouse that will comfortably handle day-to-day use, the AmazonBasics wireless mouse could be a perfect choice.
If you put aside your Magic Mouse in favor of something different, we want to know. Tell us all about it in the comments below!
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
There’s nothing quite like using the best mouse to get around your desktop, even if laptop and tablet manufacturers might try and convince you otherwise. No matter whether you’re on Windows 10 or macOS Mojave, a trackpad or touchscreen just doesn't offer the same level of control and functionality as the best mouse – or any mouse, for that matter. For one, the best mouse won’t be limited to a tiny space on your laptop chassis, and is thus much more accurate.
Picking up the best mouse on the market will make an older mouse seem like a relic of some bygone age. But, before you go online to purchase the best mouse, there are a couple things you need to consider. Are you thinking about going for a wireless mouse or would a wired one be more appropriate? Are you just looking for one of the best gaming mice or do you want one that's best for productivity?
Whatever you’re looking for, the best mouse can make your entire computing experience better. Every best mouse on this list is packed with important features that can only be found in high-end peripherals. Let’s dive into our best mouse list, so you'll find one that's most ideal for you.
DPI: 4,000 | Interface: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless | Buttons: 7 | Ergonomic: Right-handed | Features: Scrolling wheel, Customizable buttons, Thumb wheel, ergonomic build
The Logitech MX Master 2S is expensive, but don’t let that price tag scare you away. This is the best mouse 2019 has to offer, particularly for productivity and creative tasks. While most mice in this price tag appeal to gamers with ridiculous button setups and edgy designs, this mouse is created for productivity alone. Trust us, you may not think you need a high-end wireless mouse for your day to day office work, but once you get your hands on the Logitech MX Master 2S, you’ll never want to go back.
Read the full review: Logitech MX Master 2S
DPI: 200 to 4000 | Interface: Bluetooth and Unifying Receiver | Buttons: 7 | Ergonomic: Right-handed | Features: Logitech Flow, 4000-dpi Darkfield sensor, Logitech Unifying Receiver, Logitech Easy-Switch
A much improved version of the Logitech MX Anywhere 2, the compact MX Anywhere 2S is easy to underestimate due to its small size. Yet, give it a chance, and it’ll show you just exactly how powerful, versatile and efficient it is. The best mouse for productivity – as well as productivity on the go – this is one’s feature-rich, offering seamless workflow as it allows you to easily switch between computers, track flawlessly and get a full day’s charge in just 3 minutes of charging. And that’s just to start.
DPI: 3200 | Interface: Wired | Buttons: 5 | Ergonomic: Right-handed | Features: Classic design, Programmable buttons, Subdued white lighting
While it seems like all of our peripherals are either being fitted with unnecessary lighting or morphed into odd shapes, there are still some mice out there that you can take seriously from looks alone. The Microsoft Classic Intellimouse, for example, touts a classic design and appealing white lighting, and it is a breath of fresh air. It also beefs up the sensor, allowing users to ramp up the DPI to 3,200. It’s not wireless, and it’s hardly made for gaming, but if you’re in the market for a mouse that’ll help you get all your work done, the Microsoft Classic Intellimouse may be the best mouse for you.
Read the full review: Microsoft Classic IntelliMouse
DPI: 1000 | Interface: USB | Buttons: 5 | Ergonomic: Vertical | Features: No
Don’t let its odd design and annoying tongue twister moniker fool you. The Anker Vertical Ergonomic Optical mouse is only off putting until you get your hands on it. From the moment you start using this mouse, you’ll know it’s the best mouse for you. Sure, it’s built a little more cheaply than other ergonomic mice. But look at it this way: it’s an affordable way to prevent RSI.
As ever, Apple thinks different
DPI: 1300 | Interface: Bluetooth | Buttons: 0 | Ergonomic: Ambidextrous | Features: Multi-touch
When Apple isn’t busy making very expensive phones and even more expensive PC powerhouses like the new Mac Pro 2019, it’s hard at work crafting one of the strangest yet most effective mice we’ve ever laid our hands on. If you find yourself doing a double take when looking at the specs, as there are no buttons on the Magic Mouse 2. This mouse is completely controlled by gestures, giving it all the benefits of a trackpad, as well as a mouse.
DPI: 4,000 | Interface: Bluetooth (pairs with up to three devices); USB-C | Buttons: 6 | Ergonomic: Right-handed | Features: Ergonomic build, Easy-Switch and Flow-Enabled, Fast recharging, Cursor speed switch
If you’re looking for an extremely comfortable mouse that will make your work day a little less rigorous, you’ll need the best mouse that’s ergonomically-focused like the Logitech MX Vertical. It’s a great example of what these mice are capable of. As the name suggests, it’s a vertical mouse, but it actually feels a lot more natural in your hand that you would think. Plus, it helps reduce the amount of stress you have to exert on your wrist and hand muscles. As an added bonus, there’s a handy little button at the top that lets you seamlessly swap between different computers for an even more seamless productivity process.
Read the full review: Logitech MX Vertical
DPI: 512 – 2048 | Interface: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless | Buttons: 8 | Ergonomic: Right-handed | Features: Trackball, USB dongle, Logitech ‘Flow’ software compatibility for use with up to three PCs simultaneously, micro USB charging, precision mode
The third trackball mouse Logitech has put out since 2008, the MX Ergo Wireless is an anomaly in an industry that is otherwise crowded with optical laser mice. As such, it certainly charms those who haven’t quite moved on to the gesture-based desktop trackpads of the present. With the option to lay it flat or use it at a 20-degree angle, this mouse is uniquely satisfying, and the best mouse if you’re looking for versatility.
Read the full review: Logitech MX Ergo Wireless
It's as quiet as a....
DPI: 1,000 | Interface: 2.4GHz wireless | Buttons: 3 | Ergonomic: Right-handed | Features: Quiet buttons, 10-meter wireless connectivity, 2 x AA batteries (claimed 24-month battery life)
If you’re looking for something that’s seen and not heard, then this is the best mouse for you. Because the Logitech M330 Silent Plus is so compact and silent, it’s the perfect mouse for using on an airplane tray next to a sleeping neighbor or at a cafe. Just slip it into your laptop bag when you’re ready to go, and weighing less than a quarter of a pound, you won’t even notice the added bulk.
It's cheap! It's cheerful! It lasts forever!
DPI: 1000 | Interface: Bluetooth | Buttons: 2 | Ergonomic: Ambidextrous | Features: No
Sure, the Microsoft Surface Precision Mouse that came out late last year is tempting, but sometimes you just need a cheap, reliable mouse that you can throw in your laptop bag without worry. That’s one of the things the Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600 is great for. This may be the best mouse for anyone looking for an inexpensive pointing device that they can rely one – it’s one of the most dependable wireless mice you can buy today, and it’s from a brand you can trust.
When plain old death isn't enough
DPI: 10,000 | Interface: USB | Buttons: 5 | Ergonomic: Right-handed | Features: lighting effects
Razer products aren’t for everyone. Specifically, they appeal to an audience that enjoys the svelte industrial design of an Apple gadget, but with a gamer-centric slant. That’s especially the case with the DeathAdder Chroma, a mouse that comes with 16.8 million LED-backlit color options out of the box, along with a hyper-accurate 10,000 DPI sensor.
Read the full review: Razer DeathAdder Chroma
Michelle Rae Uy, Gabe Carey and Bill Thomas has also contributed to this article
Image Credits: TechRadar