The best mouse of 2017: 10 top computer mice compared

When you can get the best, there’s no reason to settle for anything less than the best mouse. Because, in 2017, it doesn’t matter if you’re a gamer or a number-cruncher, a student or a writer, you can’t remain stuck in the past or glued to a trackpad.

That’s right, even though you’ll still see the odd case where a mouse is graced with a good old-fashioned trackball, the top mice you’ll find today swap out the tech of yesteryear for today’s laser sensors. As a result, you can expect smooth sailing from the best mouse on our list.

Still, there’s a ton of variety to select from when it comes to computer mice. From travel buddies, like the Logitech MX Anywhere 2, to the gesture-based Apple Magic Mouse 2, you can bet on finding the best mouse for your needs below.

The MX Anywhere 2 is smaller than Logitech's flagship MX Master, making it a more travel-friendly option. Capable of connecting with up to three devices using Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless technology, this mouse is known for its quick setup and lasting battery life. In a mere 4 minutes, the Logitech MX Anywhere 2 can be charged for an entire day’s use.

After finding a great mouse, get the best keyboard

Logitech MX Master

Logitech's flagship is a mighty mouse indeed. Hand-sculpted for comfort, the MX Master connects via Bluetooth or USB dongle and it can pair to up to three devices. The rechargeable battery lasts for up to 40 days and goes from flat to a day of power in four minutes. Plus, you can even use it while it's charging.

Anker Vertical Mouse

Judging by the mouthful of a name, Anker’s mouse is defined by its vertical orientation. Though it looks and feels somewhat sideways at first, the Anker Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse is only off-putting until you start to wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s built a little more cheaply than other ergonomic mice, but it’s ultimately an inexpensive means of preventing RSI.

Apple Magic Mouse 2

It has its critics, but the Magic Mouse has plenty of fans and the second iteration is a major improvement over the first generation. It boasts a trackpad-like multi-touch surface and moves more smoothly around your desk than the first version. Best of all, it no longer requires alkaline batteries thanks to a built-in rechargeable battery.

Triathlon

Like the MX Master, the Triathlon M270 can pair with up to three devices using Bluetooth. What’s more, it uses the same free-spinning scroll wheel featured on the MX Master, letting you zip through documents or webpages. Logitech promises up to 24 months of use before the on one AA battery. The only drawback? Bluetooth makes for lower latency than a wired mouse.

Though it isn’t chock-full of buttons like most gaming mice in its price range, the Asus ROG Gladius II still shines. With only six buttons, this mouse is versatile, discreet and customizable, allowing you to change out its switches and personalize its stylish RGB lighting as you see fit. It’s lacking a few staples, such as swappable weights, but overall, it’s a solid get.

Read the full review: Asus ROG Gladius II

Logitech Marathon Mouse M705

The seventh best mouse on our list is seen but not heard. Because it’s unusually compact as well as silent, it’s the kind of mouse that’s ideally used atop an airplane tray next to a snoozing neighbor. Just slip it in your laptop bag when the flight touches down and, weighing less than a quarter of a pound, you won’t have to worry about any additional strain on your back.

Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600

Keeping it simple as always, this version of Microsoft’s Bluetooth mouse is ambidextrous and travel-friendly for multiple reasons. For one, it takes advantage of BlueTrack technology, which makes it get along seamlessly with just about any surface, save for clear glass and mirrors. What’s more, there’s a four-way scroll wheel for navigating up, down, left and right.

Razer DeathAdder Chroma

While Razer has started to attract first-person shooter players with the sensitivity-focused Razer Basilisk, for everyone else, the Razer DeathAdder Chroma is the more utilitarian option. That’s because, with 16.8 million LED-backlit colors to choose from and a 10,000 DPI sensor, the DeathAdder Chroma is an impeccable value, ideal for aspiring eSports athletes.

Read the full review: Razer DeathAdder Chroma

Better known for its mechanical keyboard switches, Cherry has made a no-frills mouse in the MC 4000 Precision. Featuring an ambidextrous symmetrical design, the MC 4000 lights up red or blue to indicate whether it's in 2,000 DPI mode (the former) or 1,000 (the latter), with the higher value modes being useful when using 4K and other high-resolution displays.