Best Budget Mouse 2021: Our Top Picks For November


If you're working with a budget yet still want the best mouse for your PC setup, we're here to help you with your search.

We think a good mouse is essential to your computer set up, and we're here to demonstrate that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a standout choice whatever your needs.

We've done the research for you and having looked at specs, reviews and additional features, have put together this list of our top picks.

So, whether you're interested in a cracking mouse for FPS games like the Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC or a cracking choice for under 50 with the Razer Basilisk Essential, we've got you covered.

And if you stick around to the end, we'll offer our two cents on how to pick the best budget mouse for you too.

Best Budget Mouse

Best Budget Mouse All-Rounder - SteelSeries Rival 3

Best Budget Mouse SteelSeries, product image of black/ RGB mouse
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Image Credit: SteelSeries

Brand: SteelSeries | Connectivity Technology: USB | Item Weight: 77 grams | Dimensions: ‎3.78 x 6.71 x 12.04 cm | Colours: Black

If you're sticking to a budget, the SteelSeries Rival 3 is a solid all-rounder that offers some excellent features.

This mouse boasts a premium quality build, with durable materials such as high-grade polymer for long-lasting durability and alongside its whopping 60 million click lifespan, it should be robust.

In terms of movement, you're getting true 1-to-1 tracking, 8,500 CPI and up to 300 IPS, which should mean this mouse feels smooth and responsive to use.

The SteelSeries Rival 3 also comes with RGB lighting with over 16.8 million colours available which should allow you to customise this mouse to suit your taste.

Best Budget Mouse For Gaming - Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC

Best Budget Mouse Logitech, product image of black mouse
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Image Credit: Logitech

Brand: Logitech | Connectivity Technology: USB | Item Weight: 85 grams | Dimensions: ‎6.22 x 11.6 x 3.82 cm | Colours: Black / Blue / Lilac / White

When it comes to gaming, the Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC is a standout budget mouse for us, and also features in our best mouse for FPS games list, too.

This mouse features a simple, yet effective, 6 button layout that should allow for increased comfort and control while gaming.

In terms of precision, this mouse features up to 8,000 DPI and up to 5 variable IPS settings to suit your playstyle, to give you the edge in competitive play.

Not only does the Logitech G203 LIGHTSYNC offer some nice features for gaming, but we also think it looks slick and the customisable RGB lighting allows you to give it your own personal touch.

Best Budget Mouse Wireless - Microsoft Modern KTF-00045

Best budget mouse wireless Microsoft, product image of peach coloured mouse
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Image Credit: Microsoft

Brand: Microsoft | Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth | Item Weight: 150 grams | Dimensions: 8.8 x 13.4 x 3.6 cm | Colours: Glacier / Mint / Baby Blue / Peach / Black / Red / Silver

If you're after a wireless mouse for your computer, the Microsoft Modern KTF-00045 could be the way to go.

This mouse is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity to give you maximum freedom of movement which we think also makes it a great option for portability.

In terms of comfort, this mouse boasts an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in your hand which means you should be able to use it for hours with little strain.

In terms of battery life, this mouse uses triple A batteries, which should last up to 2-3 months with average usage.

The Microsoft Modern KTF-00045 is also available in a range of colours so you can find the perfect fit to match your setup.

Best Budget Mouse Under 50 - Razer Basilisk Essential

Best Budget mouse Razer, product image of black/green mouse
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Image Credit: Razer

Brand: Razer | Connectivity Technology: USB | Item Weight: 127 grams | Dimensions: ‎7.49 x 12.4 x 4.22 cm | Colours: Black

If you're working with a budget of 50 pounds or dollars, the Razer Basilisk Essential may be what you're looking for.

Razer certainly knows how to deliver the goods when it comes to design and this mouse is no exception, with the classic green and black we think it looks slick and aesthetically pleasing.

In terms of function, this mouse is equipped with 7 customisable buttons which boast rapid response times which can be useful whether you're working or gaming.

The Razer Basilisk Essential also boasts an ergonomic design with rubber side grips for increased precision.

Best Budget Mouse Office - CHERRY GENTIX 4K

best budget mouse, product image of a black and red mouse
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Image Credit: CHERRY

Brand: CHERRY | Connectivity Technology: USB | Item Weight: 125 grams | Dimensions: ‎7 x 11.2 x 3.5 cm | Colours: Black

For a rather capable office mouse at a bargain price, the CHERRY GENTIX 4K represents a great option.

You're getting a compact-sized travel mouse with what looks to be a sturdy and comfortable construction with a blend of hard plastics and rubberised sides.

It also features a 3600 DPI sensor at the top-end, being switchable in 4 stages, which is plenty for office work, and up there with some of the best mouse options around.

A plug-and-play USB connection should also keep things simple for those wanting a do-it-all mouse that we think looks comfortable and functional.

Best Budget Mouse Lightweight - Roccat Burst Core

Best budget mouse Roccat, product image of white mouse
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Image Credit: Roccat

Brand: Roccat | Connectivity Technology: USB | Item Weight: 68 grams | Dimensions:
1.6 x 17 x 13.4 cm | Colours: Black / White

If you're after a lightweight, easy-to-use, high-quality mouse with a low price tag, the Roccat Burst Core could be up your street.

This mouse weighs a mere 68 grams which means it should feel effortless to move and glide smoothly, this should also decrease strain on your wrist over extended periods of use.

Not only is this mouse lightweight it also offers some impressive speed and accuracy, with 8,500 DPI and 35g acceleration, a fantastic combination if you ask us.

The Roccat Burst Core is also exceptionally durable even given the lightweight materials, with up to 100 million click life span, this mouse may be a worthy investment.

How To Pick The Best Budget Mouse

Before purchasing the best budget mouse for you, there are a number of questions that we think are worth considering before you proceed.

What is DPI?

DPI is the standard measurement for mouse sensitivity, it stands for Dots Per (Linear) Inch.

Essentially, the higher DPI, the faster the mouse will react to movement and travel across the screen.

Is higher DPI better?

How much DPI you want comes down to exactly what you'll be using your mouse for.

If you use your computer and therefore mouse for everyday use such as browsing the web or work, then we'd say around 1,000 DPI is good.

However, if you're looking to use it for gaming, especially in the competitive scene then you may want to opt for upwards of 5,000 DPI to give you the speed you desire.

Ultimately, how much sensitivity you want comes down to personal preference and many mouses come with adjustable DPI to suit your desired comfort level.

How much should I spend on a mouse?

Nowadays, some of the most premium gaming mouses can cost upwards of 150 pounds/dollars.

However, if you don't need a wireless mouse with swappable buttons and tons of extra features, you can still get excellent choices, even for gaming, for around 30 pounds/dollars.

READ MORE: Best Gaming Mouse 2021: Our Top Picks Available Right Now!

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