The Best Budget Gaming Mice for 2024

Buyers spend thousands of dollars on gaming PC builds with costly CPU and graphics cards to experience ray tracing and other recent advancements. Essential peripherals like keyboards and mice are often overlooked when financially planning for a new gaming rig. Fortunately, when it comes to budget gaming mice, gamers can save money with affordable options that offer accurate tracking and extensive customization.

The best gaming mice come in a wide variety of models, with ergonomic mice that are comfortable even after hours of use. Others are more suited to mastering MMO titles with a dozen programmable side buttons. Wired gaming mice are generally cheaper than wireless alternatives, but cord-free mice with impressive battery life are available for reasonable prices.

What to Consider When Buying a Budget Gaming Mouse

Several qualities can make or break a budget gaming mouse. The factors that buyers should prioritize first include:

• Overall Price: How much must a buyer compromise with a budget mouse, and do its features justify the cost?
• Number of Buttons: Does a buyer prefer a standard mouse layout or a specialized gaming mouse with more buttons (like one designed for MMOs)?
• Wired vs. Wireless: Reliable wired gaming mice dominate the budget price bracket. Even so, several wireless gaming mice with impressive battery life don’t require serious investment.
• Durability: Can an affordable gaming mouse endure punishing gaming action?
• Software Compatibility: Is a mouse compatible with software a user is already running, or is a model that requires no driver installation preferable?

The following guide includes choices for any gamer with limited funds seeking the best budget gaming mouse.

Game Rant’s Top Budget Gaming Mice for 2024

Gamers who need a cheap gaming mouse that performs great and looks distinctive on a mousepad should consider the Logitech G502 Hero. The wired G502 comes with a 25k sensor that allows for maximum DPI and highly accurate tracking. This mouse looks like a pro-level device right out of the box, and the specs inside support that. Despite its premium features and build quality, the G502 is incredibly affordable and regularly on sale.

Game Rant’s Logitech G502 Hero review found it has everything a competitive gamer could want, including extreme comfort. The size and shape of the mouse are very comfortable, even for marathon gaming sessions. However, gamers with smaller hands might find the G502 HERO a little too big to access every button comfortably with certain grips.

While adjustable weights are usually only found with the most pricey mice, the G502 HERO still allows gamers to dial in their ideal weight. This might seem like a novelty at first, but changing the weight even after a few minutes of use reveals how noticeable the difference is. The adjustable balance of the Hero 25K sensor gives a lot of room for gamers to really dial in their perfect gaming settings.

With performance and customization rivaling much more expensive alternatives, the Logitech G502 Hero outperforms all other budget gaming mice.

The Logitech G305 Lightspeed is an exceptionally durable, small, lightweight, and cheap wireless gaming mouse. This mouse is perfect for anyone working from home or taking back and forth from the office. Logitech’s ultra-light and portable mouse offers stylish flair without leaving users in sticker shock.

Connecting the Logitech G305 is super easy. Plug the included Lightspeed dongle into a PC’s USB port, and it’s ready for cord-free gaming. Not every gamer will love the fact that the G305 runs on a single AA battery and is not rechargeable. Still, dedicated gamers won’t have to worry about running out of juice at critical moments, with a battery life of up to 250 hours. Plus, if gamers want to pick up a pack of rechargeable AAs, they will make this mouse basically a rechargeable wireless mouse with changeable batteries.

Game Rant’s review of the Logitech G305 found that the mouse provides smooth motion without any delays in tracking. Despite its deceptively low price, the G305 produces competition-level performance. Whether for fast-paced FPS shooters or casual PC gaming, this mouse is a great way to get an incredibly stable wireless gaming mouse on a budget.

While wireless mice have numerous advantages, most notably the lack of a cord, a wired mouse still offers the best performance for the price. The SteelSeries Rival 3 is one of the best budget mice thanks to its TrueMove Core, which utilizes the top-tier PMW3331 sensor. The mouse’s maximum DPI is modest compared to more expensive mice, but the SteelSeries Rival 3 tracks far more accurately than its price would suggest.

The Rival 3 includes six programmable buttons that are customizable with SteelSeries Engine software, which can also adjust the mouse’s brilliant Prism RGB lighting. This mouse is technically ambidextrous, but users will find the buttons on the left side of the device more suited for right-handers to access. With a short body length, the Rival 3 will especially please gamers with claw and fingertip grips.

Overall, the SteelSeries Rival 3 ranks among the best budget mice for gaming with its performance, customization, and style. Gamers should also consider the Rival 5, which offers additional side buttons and even more precise tracking.

Budget gaming mice can vary in price dramatically, with some options like the Redragon M711 Cobra costing little more than pocket change. When gamers need a second mouse in a pinch, they will be surprised at the M711 Cobra’s performance and build quality.

The Redragon M711 Cobra is a rather large and narrow mouse, not shockingly different from the Razer DeathAdder mold. With a conservative hump, right-handed gamers with all grip types should find the M711 Cobra comfortable to hold. The mouse has a grippy rubber coating, making it feel more secure in the hands. For an inexpensive mouse, the M711 Cobra boasts an impressive nine total buttons, with seven available for reprogramming. However, three buttons are DPI-style switches on top of the shell, which somewhat limits their usefulness in fast-paced titles.

With a maximum DPI of 10,000, the Redragon M711 Cobra can outperform budget mice with less than impressive sensors. It’s a rather heavy mouse, which limits its mobility, but the optical switches used in the mouse match the performance of much more expensive devices. Gamers can pound on the buttons of the M711 Cobra without worry of accidental double clicks.

Another area where the M711 Cobra confirms its value is with rather elaborate RGB effects. Three lighting zones encompass the mouse, including a light strip around its exterior. Gamers can choose from a variety of patterns in Redragon’s software, as well as remap buttons and adjust sensor sensitivity.

For an incredibly low price, the M711 Cobra has solid build quality and some bonuses like Mac compatibility and attractive RGB lighting. Ultimately, the M711 Cobra impresses in many ways, making it more than cheap throwaway gaming gear.

FPS gaming mice tend to be compact, with sensors that can keep pace with rapid movements. The Razer Cobra is an updated version of the popular wired Viper Mini mouse, which many competitive gamers brought to tournaments. Buyers will find subtle differences in performance with the latest Cobra that make an already affordable mouse more tempting.

The Cobra is a lightweight 58-gram mouse with a classic symmetrical shape. Its shell is sloped enough to provide some palm support, but the mouse is a better candidate for a claw or fingertip grip. Compared to the Viper Mini, the Cobra looks very similar, except for being marginally longer. Gamers aren’t bombarded with buttons, but the two side buttons and six total commands are plenty for FPS titles.

Based on its maximum 8500 DPI, buyers may think other budget mice are superior values. However, since most esports pros compete on smaller monitors, the Cobra instead has advantages that directly benefit these gamers. The sensor can recognize the slightest lifts off mousepads, a technique some gaming pros employ to maximize desktop space. Also, the mouse utilizes Razer’s latest accurate optical switches with minimal resistance to inputs. The Speedflex cable attached to the Cobra is not as flexible as with some of Razer’s most premium mice. Fortunately, high-grade PTFE feet ensure that the mouse glides effortlessly.

This lightweight FPS mouse doesn’t overwhelm gamers with its RGB lighting but casts an underglow effect on mouse pads. Considering the fact that hands often obscure the lighting on the tops and sides of other mice, the Cobra’s illumination remains relatively visible. Buyers gain full access to the power of the Razer Synapse app to modify the RGB patterns and remap buttons.

Overall, the Cobra doesn’t dramatically improve on the Viper Mini, but there are enough changes to make it the new leader in budget FPS mice.

The Roccat Burst Pro proves gamers can purchase a high-end-looking RGB mouse without spending a fortune. With the Burst Pro, Turtle Beach brand Roccat aimed to create a cheap gaming mouse that was extremely lightweight but, at the same time, didn’t skimp on features and performance. This mouse is perfect for gamers who want an affordable mouse that can keep up with the best of them while gaming. Plus, it exudes some gorgeous RGB flair.

When most people think of RGB peripherals, Corsair iCue or Razer Chroma-enabled mice and keyboards usually come to mind first. However, the honeycomb shell of the Roccat Burst Pro means that the RGB lighting of the mouse has maximum effect. With over 16.8 million colors, users can customize the color scheme of the RGB lighting using Roccat’s software. Sporting heavyweight performance in the form of a lightweight mouse, the Burst Pro is the best budget mouse for gamers with distinctive personalities. If a gamer has a bit more money to spend and prefers a wireless mouse, the Roccat Burst Pro Air is an obvious option.

The Cooler Master MM720 is instantly recognizable with its honeycomb shell and compact but wide shape. Both design choices aim to keep this wired mouse lightweight and comfortable for right-handed gamers to grip. The MM720 is the perfect cheap gaming mouse for buyers searching for an affordable device with stronger ergonomic qualities than most esports mice.

Palm grippers may find the MM720 tricky to hold because its left and right buttons occupy most of its short shell. Cooler Master advertises the mouse as ideal for claw grippers who can grasp its sides without registering accidental inputs. Regardless, unlike many minimalist gaming mice, the MM720 has ample support for pinky fingers with a significant slope on its right side. The porous honeycomb exterior is surprisingly strong and can reject dust and moisture buildup. To reduce the appeal of wireless mice, the MM720 has an ultralight cable that virtually disappears when the mouse zigzags on surfaces.

A maximum of 16000 DPI is more than acceptable for a budget mouse, but software can boost that mark to 32000. Users can also remap the MM720’s conventional six-button layout, which includes two left-side buttons that are shaped to keep fingers from slipping off them. However, customization in Cooler Master’s MasterPlus+ software isn’t as refined as Synapse and iCue in some aspects. Macro recording is barebones, and gamers won’t gain much control over the MM720’s RGB effects. Even though it’s difficult to modify the mouse’s five preset lighting patterns, it’s a bonus just to have any significant lighting on budget gaming gear.

The MM720’s unusual dimensions will scare away some buyers, but its agility is second to none among all mice. Also, right-handers won’t have to sacrifice ergonomics to keep up with the blistering pace of competitive FPS action.

Like FPS gamers, MOBA and MMO fanatics have unique requirements when selecting a gaming mouse. The wired Redragon M908 Impact offers the extra buttons that these gamers need to execute all commands on a skill bar. While buyers may think a complicated MOBA mouse has to be costly, the M908 is less expensive than some far less capable mice.

In the mold of a typical MOBA/MMO mouse, the M908 is short, wide, and quite bulky at around 118 grams. There are ample resting spots for thumbs and fingers on both sides of the device, and its hump is high enough to support larger palms. The highlight of the M908 is its 12-button left-side panel, which provides access to more attacks and spells without relying on a keyboard. This generous button layout extends to the top of the mouse with two DPI shifters below the scroll wheel and a rapid-fire button toward the upper left edge. The rapid-fire button has obvious benefits for shooter games, and 18 commands are programmable.

The M908 is not particularly heavy for a MOBA mouse, with premium wireless competition like the Razer Naga V2 Pro checking in at 134 grams. If gamers desire a weightier peripheral, Redragon includes eight 2.4-gram metal pieces that slot in underneath the mouse. While the M908 doesn’t have the replaceable side panels of the Naga V2 Pro, there is enough flexibility with its layout and weight balance to please most gamers.

One constant of Redragon gaming mice like the M908 and M711 is the excellent use of RGB lighting effects. Vivid illumination is distributed around the large MOBA mouse and indicates which of the five onboard memory profiles is active.

The Redragon M908 won’t wow gamers with its maximum 12400 DPI, but its tracking performance is reliable. A cord on the stiff side somewhat slows down the mouse, but it remains relatively mobile for a large device. A few disappointments shouldn’t make buyers pass on the M908 since its versatility allows gamers to excel in multiple genres.

Ergonomic mice are popular among office workers who spend long hours clicking and scrolling through documents. However, with the rising popularity of esports, buyers are spending extended hours perfecting their gaming skills. The Razer Basilisk V3 is designed so that one’s hands and wrists feel minimal strain, even after grueling gaming sessions.

The Basilisk V3 is slightly bulky for FPS gaming, but a sniper button on its left panel gives competitive gamers an additional accessible command. Molded to fit the hands of right-handed gamers, Razer’s wired mouse is an option even for buyers with larger palms. Its ergonomic excellence is partly due to a large thumb rest and extensive grips on both sides of the device.

Workers and gamers benefit from a versatile scroll wheel that can spin freely or move more precisely. While this means gamers can find the weapon they need more quickly, the wheel can sometimes be loud. However, any creaking sounds aren’t due to inferior build quality, as the Basilisk V3 has the same rock-solid construction as premium Razer gaming mice.

Gamers constrained by a budget wouldn’t expect a spectacular RGB light show, but the Basilisk V3 features customizable effects throughout the peripheral. It’s not all about looks, of course, with a 26,000 DPI sensor that matches the sensitivity of the highest-end mice.

Bolstered by an excessively comfortable shape, accurate tracking, and attractive styling, the Basilisk V3 outshines any cheap ergonomic mouse.

Looking for a quality mouse for a left-hander is always tricky, never mind trying to find a left-handed cheap gaming mouse on a tight budget. Fortunately, the Corsair M55 RGB Pro checks all of those boxes with more than acceptable performance as well. The M55 RGB Pro is an ambidextrous mouse, but Corsair’s software makes it simple to enable left-handed mouse mode and configure the thumb buttons on its left and right sides.

The M55 RGB Pro is one of the most satisfying Corsair mice to hold, aided by rubber grips on both sides of the device. Weighing in at just 86 grams, the M55 RGB Pro is light, among other left-handed or ambidextrous options, allowing maximum mobility during fast-paced FPS action. Its 124000 DPI doesn’t rank the mouse at the top of the most accurate mice on the market. Even so, its mobility and grip compensate for any sensor shortcomings, along with customizable RGB lighting.

Left-handed gamers should consider the Corsair M55 RGB Pro the best cheap gaming mouse option out there.

The main advantage of gaming laptops is the ability to experience no-compromise PC gaming while on the road. Unfortunately, larger gaming mice sometimes aren’t practical to pack in bags, which is why the mobile-friendly Razer Orochi V2 exists. With the wireless Orochi V2, Razer provides gamers with the performance expected from the brand’s most premium price in a much smaller gaming mouse form factor.

One aspect of the Orochi V2 that differs from other Razer mice is its reliance on AA or AAA batteries. Gamers can choose to use either type of battery, which will somewhat add to the mouse’s weight. Still, users will barely notice it when traveling, and the benefit is an astounding battery life of up to 950 hours. Unlike the Logitech G305, the Orochi V2 includes Bluetooth, but competitive gamers should use the USB RF adapter for lower-latency inputs. Boasting an 18,000 DPI optical sensor and durable mechanical switches, the Orochi V2 can also hold its own against heavyweight gaming mice.

Compared to most gaming mice, the Orochi V2 has an unassuming look, with only its Razer snake logo familiar to gamers. Regardless, the mouse has mass appeal since its shell is shaped to suit palm, claw, and fingertip grips. Only gamers with the largest hand might struggle to grip the compact Orochi V2.

The Razer Orochi V2 is a cheap gaming mouse that’s the perfect accessory for an affordable gaming laptop. Its budget price point and diminutive size don’t prevent gamers from finding glory in competitive multiplayer action.

For gamers on a budget, having a single mouse that can serve adequately for gaming and productivity tasks takes on special importance. The DeathAdder V2 X can help gamers find glory in FPS titles, but it also has battery life and wireless connectivity to thrive in office settings.

The DeathAdder V2 X performs like the wired DeathAdder V2 but drops its RGB lighting and side grips. Even without the grips, the DeathAdder V2 X excels ergonomically for right-handed gamers, with a long enough body to suit larger hands. The mouse’s layout is slightly unusual, with a pair of quick-access buttons positioned next to its main left button. Their placement can make the additional commands difficult to access in games but still useful for less vital functions.

Unlike many premium wireless gaming mice, the DeathAdder V2 X relies on either a single AA or AAA battery for power. Either option adds considerably to the mouse’s weight, but the advantage is a stellar battery life of up to 235 hours using the HyperSpeed RF dongle. Gamers who spend their days working with multiple systems will also appreciate the DeathAdder V2 X’s Bluetooth connectivity.

The 14K DPI sensor on the DeathAdder V2 X is sufficient for most gaming setups, but the mouse impresses more with its responsive mechanical switches. Users will think they are using a high-end keyboard with clicking responses that keep pace with the most furious gaming action. The durable switches on the DeathAdder V2 X will likely last until gamers are ready for an upgrade.

Considering its ergonomically friendly shape and the longevity of its battery and switches, the DeathAdder V2 X is the best budget mouse for work and play.

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 is an example of a manufacturer making incremental but significant improvements to a gaming mouse. This device is perfect for any gamer who wants a lightweight mouse with impressive performance at an affordable price.

Compared to the original Pulsefire Haste, the latest wired HyperX mouse no longer has a honeycomb shell. However, the Haste 2 is even lighter than its predecessor, now weighing only 53 grams. As one of the most lightweight gaming mice, the Haste 2 is another excellent companion for an FPS esports champion. Since the shell is also taller than the first Haste, the mouse is comfortable for various grip styles, including palm.

At 26K, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2’s DPI ranks among the most sensitive gaming mice. Even more impressive is its polling rate of 8000Hz, which seems overkill but virtually eliminates any latency. With minimal weight and low-friction feet, the Haste 2 glides along mousepads at record speeds. A new and improved HyperFlex 2 cable made with paracord material also helps to enhance the mouse’s mobility.

Achieving some performance milestones, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 poses a serious threat in any esports competition. Its taller profile and optional grip tape rank it among the best budget gaming mice for a diverse group of gamers.

How to Choose the Best Budget Gaming Mouse

Finding a gaming mouse that meets every need is not trivial, given the endless options available. Narrowing the scope of a search involves buyers identifying which factors are most important to them. Here are some of the most important things to consider when shopping for a budget gaming mouse:

Price

Naturally, cost is one of the most significant factors when shopping for a budget gaming mouse. Most gaming mice have a list price between $25 and $150. A very inexpensive mouse can get the job done, but typically, gaming mice priced between $40-$60 offer the best compromise between performance and price. The Logitech G502 Hero is one of the most popular targets for budget buyers because of its sensor accuracy and customizable weight system.

If a mouse like the Logitech G502 Hero is not affordable enough, it’s hard to argue with the value of the Redragon M711 Cobra. Not only does this shockingly cheap wired mouse include nine buttons, but it also has RGB effects inspired by the most spectacular-looking keyboards and mice.

Number of Buttons

Whether used for competitive gaming or office work, buyers can benefit from a vast array of programmable buttons on a mouse. Most budget mice, including the Razer Cobra, will likely have six or fewer buttons, enough to excel in FPS games. However, the Redragon M908 Impact is an example of a rare, affordable mouse with a side panel chock-full of buttons, making it ideal for MMO titles.

Wired vs. Wireless

There isn’t much difference between the performance of a wireless mouse versus a wired one, but many players strongly prefer one or the other. Regardless of their other features, gamers should expect to pay slightly more for wireless gaming mice. There are exceptions, of course, like the Logitech G305 Lightspeed, a bargain with such a long battery life that it makes going cordless painless. On the other hand, it isn’t easy to top the wired SteelSeries Rival 3 with admirable build quality and beautiful RGB effects.

Wired mice also have some tricks to reduce the appeal of cutting cords. For example, the SteelSeries Aerox 3 utilizes a detachable USB-C cable, flexible enough to make gamers forget it’s there.

Durability

How long a mouse will last largely depends upon the material it’s made of and the internal software. By double-checking the stats and the reviews for any given mouse, players can get a sense of how long their gaming mouse will last. Durability doesn’t matter as much if a gamer plans to replace the mouse within a few months with a special edition gaming mouse or an updated version of an old favorite. However, durability is worth a higher price if a player needs their gaming mouse to last for a while. Razer gaming mice aren’t exactly recognized for their affordability, but the Basilisk V3 provides a taste of the manufacturer’s usual excellent build quality at a low price point.

Software compatibility

Plenty of customizable gaming mice are available to gamers on a budget, but what good are those features if they don’t work with other peripherals? For some players, the software required for a gaming mouse doesn’t matter, but other gamers, like those who like to use the same brand of PC accessories, will absolutely feel the pain of having mismatched gear. It’s a minor inconvenience to some, but gamers who are all in on Razer, Logitech, or one of the other major brands would probably do well to stick with their favorite names.

Another option is purchasing a budget gaming mouse that requires no software. The wired Glorious Model O 2 is a favorite of competitive gamers who travel to tournaments since it’s literally a plug-and-play process on new PCs.

Hopefully, whichever budget gaming mouse buyers choose will allow them to excel in MMO or FPS games for years.

FAQ

Q: What is DPI?

In short, DPI is the speed at which a mouse detects movement. The more DPI your mouse has, the more sensitive it is to your movements.

Q: Are wireless or wired mice better for gaming?

Either wired or wireless mice are good for gaming. There are little to no latency issues between two mice equal in quality.

Q: What are some features to look out for on a gaming mouse?

There are many different features you may want to consider when looking for your gaming mouse for PC. These can include extra programmable buttons, alternate charging methods, and media setting controls.

Q: Does a cheap mouse affect gaming?

A lower-end mouse can hold a competitive gamer back if it can’t keep pace with rapid movements and clicks. However, many budget mice are surprisingly durable and have optical sensors capable of winning competitions.