The best USB-C mouse
We compare the best USB-C mouse available today for a variety of needs and budgets, for PC, laptop and tablets.
If you're looking to get with the times, shopping for one of the best USB-C mouse options is a great way to future-proof your set-up. USB-C comes as standard with newer devices, with some manufacturers (we're looking at you, Apple) opting to ditch older USB-A connectivity entirely. In that sense, it's also not a bad idea to look at the best USB-C monitors, too.
To help you decide on which peripheral to purchase, we've put our heads together to curate a list of the very best USB-C mice available right now, considering the different use cases so there's something for everyone. In fact, some of these mice rank highly in our guide to the best mouse overall. To choose which clickers make the cut, we consider the value of each device against the performance, design, and features based both on our own reviews and those from our wider network of sister sites.
While a lot of these will work well for Apple devices, we also have a guide to the best mouse for MacBook, as well as one for the best gaming mouse if you need something more specific.
The best USB-C mouse options available now
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The best USB-C mouse overall
Interface: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless
DPI: 4,000
This mouse is packed with useful features, performs brilliantly and its DPI goes up to 4,000., which means it'll track perfectly on pretty much any surface, including glass. It also has programmable buttons and a thumb wheel. For more, see our Logitech MX Master 3S for Mac review.
Portable alternative to the MX Master 3
Interface: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless
DPI: 4,000
If you'd prefer something a bit cheaper and less chunky than the number one pick on our list, try this compact alternative. It lacks the thumbwheel but is otherwise functionally identical, and it's perfect for slinging in a bag to take out and about.
The best cheap USB-C mouse
Interface: BT5.0/BT3.0/2.4G wireless
DPI: Up to 2,400
Despite being cheap, this mouse benefits from a noise-reduction design, and its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use all day. It also has an adjustable DPI of up to 2,400, a good range through three modes (BT5.0, BT3.0, and 2.4G wireless), and charges via USB-C.
Affordable, solid performer
Interface: Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless
DPI: 800/1200/1600 (adjustable)
This mouse, which takes AAA batteries, comes at a low price and performs well. The 2.4GHz wireless connection works within a 10-metre range, as well as three handy DPI settings that you can cycle between, simply by holding the left button and scrolling the wheel.
The best USB mouse for Mac
DPI: 800/1200/1600/2400 (adjustable)
Battery: None
Here's a wired mouse made with Macs in mind, although it's also Windows-compatible and it'll also work with pretty much anything with a USB-C port. It comes with a generous 5ft cable and adjustable DPI up to 2,400, which should be more than enough for most people.
The best vertical USB-C mouse
Interface: USB-C, wireless and Bluetooth
DPI: 400-4,000
Vertical mice orient your hand and wrist in a more natural 'handshake' position, which makes them better to avoid putting RSI. This mouse takes a bit of getting used to but offers great relief for your wrists. It has six functional buttons and is compatible with Windows and Mac.
The best USB-C mouse for gaming
Interface: USB-C, wireless
DPI: 1,000-16,000
This mouse with a backlit design is purpose-built for gaming. It boasts DPI of up to 16,000, eight customisable buttons, and wireless 2.4Ghz nano for low latency. The ergonomics make it easy for gamers to use this mouse, and battery life can be extended with an eco-mode.
Basic but nice and cheap
Interface: USB-C, wireless
DPI: USB-C and USB-A 2.4 GHz wireless
This budget USB-C mouse is very cheap indeed. And while it's a little basic, it does the job, with an adjustable DPI up to 1,600 and a 2.4GHZ connection with a range of up to 15 metres. You get both a USB-C and USB-A port, which makes it a flexible option for use with different devices.
The best mini optical USB-C mouse for travel
Interface: USB-C, wired
DPI: Not given
The mouse is very small and we found it jittery at times, with the mouse sometimes sticking. But, that disclaimer aside, if you're looking for a mouse that's super light, takes up barely any space, and could help you out in an emergency, this should do the job.
How should I choose the best USB-C mouse?
The first thing to consider when choosing the best USB-C mouse for you is whether you want a wireless or wired mouse. Wireless mice are now the norm, and most of our picks for the best USB-C mouse are wireless. They have the advantage of being, well, wireless, so you don't have a cable dragging across your desk. The downside however is that they require batteries, which will need charging or replacing at some point.
A lot of the negatives that wireless mice used to suffer from have now been resolved: they're no longer so bulky as they used to be, and the batteries can now usually last for months. That said, we have also included the best wired USB-C mice because with a wireless USB-C mouse. Wired USB-C mice are still usually lighter, and they never need to be charged.
The other thing to consider when choosing the best USB-C mouse is DPI, which here refers to a mouse's sensitivity. The higher the DPI, the further your pointer travels in response to each movement. Some gaming mice offer a DPI of up to 25,000, which seems impressive but is actually unusable; for everyday use, a DPI of around 1,000 should be more than adequate. Most of the best USB-mouse options have adjustable DPI so you can modify the level of sensitivity.
What USB-C mouse is most comfortable to use?
Finally, you need to consider size and shape. Our pick as the best USB-C mouse overall is a little bulky and might not be the best option if you want something you can slip into a bag to use on the go. That's why we've also included some smaller mice. Many people find these less precise and less comfortable to use during long sessions, but they're handy if you need a mouse that you can throw in a bag to carry with you.
Even the best cheap USB-C mouse won't be the best when it comes to ergonomics. A larger mouse that's designed to fit the hand will be more comfortable. To take things further, some people swear by vertical mice, which are designed to put less pressure on the wrist.
How we chose the best USB-C mouse options for this guide
We've reviewed a wide range of mice, testing them with a range of devices for different tasks, from general everyday productivity to gaming and creative work. We've compared the different options on the market in terms of their technical specs but also practical comfort and ergonomics in use. To make the choices for the guide above, we've chosen the best USB-C mouse for different needs, from the best cheap USB-C mouse to the best top-of-the-range model and the best ergonomic USB-C mouse, suitable for using through a full day of work.
How we test for the best USB-C mouse
Whenever we test a device, we're looking to compare and contrast several key factors against the competition; value, performance, design, and any added features. For mice specifically, we're looking to thoroughly compare specs, evaluate the pressure sensitivity (DPI), and try out any productivity-enhancing features like programmable buttons, ergonomics, and portability.
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Beren has worked on creative titles at Future Publishing for over 13 years. Cutting his teeth as Staff Writer on the digital art magazine ImagineFX, he moved on to edit several creative titles, and is currently the Ecommerce Editor on the most effective creative website in the world. When he's not testing and reviewing the best ergonomic office chairs, phones, laptops, TVs, monitors and various types of storage, he can be found finding and comparing the best deals on the tech that creatives value the most.
- Josephine WatsonManaging Editor for Lifestyle