These Mice for Mac Users Let You Work Smarter, Not Harder

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They say to work smarter, not harder, and a huge part of efficient work is having the right tools. Whether it's a comfortable keyboard for faster typing or a good monitor stand to prevent hunching over your computer, ergonomic gear is the key to alleviating unnecessary slowdowns—and the steering wheel of a good computer set-up is the mouse.

Apple fans used to have limited options when it came to finding a mouse for Macs, but now brands like Logitech offer options that can seamlessly integrate into the Apple ecosystem. Some models keep it simple with modern upgrades like extended battery life and wireless connectivity, while others come with software to customize how the mouse functions with the latest version of MacOS. They offer satisfying features like soft or clicky buttons and silent or tactile scroll wheels to ensure Mac users are getting the performance and functionality they need from a mouse.

We rounded up all the best mice for Mac users, taking into account compatibility with MacOS, ergonomics, price, and durability. Here are our top picks.

The Best Computer Mice for Macs

What to Consider

When shopping for the right mouse for your Mac, determine the features that make you feel more productive and comfortable. For some, it's as easy as working without being shackled to the Mac's trackpad, but people using a Mac for video or photo editing, data entry, or gaming have other priorities, too—connectivity, customization, precision.

All the mice we recommend for Macs have a simple setup process with USB or Bluetooth connectivity, and some have included software for customization options like scrolling direction, left- and right-click commands, and connectivity with multiple devices. You can configure your mouse to specific needs with custom touch commands on some mice, improving your productivity in frequently used applications.

We only recommend mice with optical sensors for determining the precision of movement on your mouse. Measured in dots per linear inch, or DPI, we selected a range of optical sensors that can handle tasks from simple browsing to photo editing to gaming.

How We Selected

To determine the best mouse we first gathered top-rated mice that are compatible with MacOS. We then sifted through different designs that achieve the simple tasks—like word processing, surfing the web, and dragging files—all the way to advanced models packed with customizable features.

Using our own expert editors, reviews from outlets like PC Mag and Digital Trends, and customer reviews, we pared down our selection to a pool of products that cover a variety of computer mouse uses at different price points. Some are good for work on the go while others prioritize comfort, but all of our picks are selected for function, ergonomics, connectivity, and ease of use with Mac laptops, computers, and tablets.

MX Master 3S Mouse for Mac and PC

Design, customization, and precision are just some of the reasons why the MX Master 3S is the best mouse for your Mac.

The curved shape and thumb indent are comfortable to use for long periods of time, and you can customize the two scroll wheels and buttons to your preferred speed and functions. It comes with three pre-programmed shortcuts for common applications like Chrome, Microsoft Word, and Photoshop, but you can program everything else to your liking.

The buttons automatically swap functions depending on the software you’re using and how you’ve programmed them.

You don’t have to set up the software to use the mouse, but it helps to get the most productivity out of its features. My brother-in-law—a computer systems engineer whose company works for NASA—says this is “by far the best mouse he’s used.” He’s a fan of the horizontal scroll wheel, extended battery life, and overall functionality.

It can seamlessly perform for work applications during the week and music editing on weekends.

Apple Magic Mouse for Mac

We couldn’t leave out Apple’s Magic Mouse as it’s a good option that seamlessly works with your Mac with no extra programming.

The second iteration improves the biggest complaint users had with the first model—batteries. The Magic Mouse 2 replaces the need for AA batteries with a rechargeable lithium one. The charging port is on the bottom, so you can’t use it while it’s charging, but it fully charges in two minutes, so this isn’t really a problem.

The multitouch surface allows you to swipe between browser pages and full-screen apps with limited touch controls. Regular scrolling and right-click functions are also available, but any of these functions can be turned off based on your preference.

Apple makes products that work well with other Apple products, so this is the best bet if your priority is seamless integration. However, the Magic Mouse is short on customization features and its shape may feel odd to some users.

Magic Trackpad for Mac

Another option that seamlessly integrates with your Apple ecosystem is the Magic trackpad. It gives users the same functionality to quickly scroll, click, and swipe through windows as the trackpad on your laptop, but it's bigger and, crucially, mobile. It gives users more control to illustrate, edit, zoom, and even write with your fingers.

The rechargeable battery can last over a month between charges and the trackpad includes a woven USB-C cable that can charge it up while you're working.

Though it has a sleek design, it isn't ergonomic, and some users report discomfort after long periods of use. Still, those who prefer the quick-scroll function of their laptop's trackpad will find this works exactly the same and has the added bonus of positioning it however they please.

If you're looking for an ergonomic option, check out our reviews for the best ergonomic mice of 2023.

MX Anywhere 3 Mouse for Mac

This mouse packs the functionality of the Logitech Master 3 into a compact pebble body that can slip into any travel or daily work bag. It saves space by ditching the side-scroll wheel and shrinking the top wheel, but it doesn’t compromise on features—it still scrolls horizontally when you hold down the two side buttons.

It lasts up to 70 hours on a single charge and can pair with up to three devices at once. The sensor has been tested to run on smooth surfaces, including glass so you don’t have to worry about toting around a mouse pad.

It doesn’t give you the same comfort as an ergonomically designed primary mouse, but that’s usually the case when the main focus is portability. However, there’s no compromise on features as the Anywhere 3's functionality is more than enough to keep you productive on the go.

Expert Wireless Trackball Mouse for Mac

A trackball mouse reduces strain on your shoulders and wrists by keeping your arm still and relying on smaller movements from your fingers. It's powered by two AA batteries that'll last up to 12 months and has a detachable wrist pad for comfort and portability.

You can customize the four click buttons using Kensington's included software, and are all within reach next to the large centered trackball. A scroll ring around the ball makes it simple to navigate web pages, docs, or any other content you're viewing.

A trackball mouse isn’t well suited if you’re working on dual monitors and need sweeping, long rolls between the two screens, or if there’s a lot of precise movement in your work. If you can sacrifice some speed for better comfort, Kensington’s trackball is a good, customizable pick that pairs well with Mac.

Pebble Wireless Mouse for Mac

The Pebble mouse fits the Apple aesthetic and looks very similar to the Magic Mouse—but it’s less than half the price. Its simple right and left click buttons are remarkably quiet as well as the rubberized click wheel. Setup is easy, as users report it works straight out of the box once you insert the AA battery, which lasts up to 18 months depending on use.

The main appeal is the Pebble’s portability. Its low profile slips into exterior pockets on backpacks or laptop bags, and the plastic construction makes it lightweight. It’s a simple and affordable option for when you want to get off your Mac’s trackpad.

G305 Lightspeed Gaming Mouse

Macs aren't known for their gaming capability, but that doesn't mean you can't play games on them. The G305 has features suited to both casual and competitive gaming: It sends location data to your computer every one millisecond (which is very fast) and can handle 250 hours of continuous gameplay on one AA battery.

You can customize the buttons for work or gaming, and it's super lightweight to keep physical responses fast. The replaceable battery may be a knock for some, but the price and design make it a great option for gaming on your Mac.

Lift Vertical Mouse for Mac

If you have a standing desk and a chair with lumbar support, this vertical mouse is the final step in your ergonomic workspace nirvana. The Lift's design lets you grip it similar to a handshake—a more natural and comfortable position than traditional mice, where your hand rests on top. Its six buttons are customizable for better workflow across applications, and it can pair with up to three devices.

It comes in an option for left hand users and is best for those with small- to medium-sized hands. If you have larger than average hands you can still get the ergonomic comfort with the MX Vertical for a couple more bucks.

Bluetooth Wireless Mouse

This no-frills wireless mouse has an impressive DPI and battery life, making it the best budget option at just $20. It requires plugging in the wireless dongle in order to work with Mac OS, but the dongle stows inside the mouse for easier travel.

There's no shortcut customization offered for the six buttons, but a you could use a third-party app to assign functions. It runs on a single AA battery and has automatic shut-off to preserve power.

Users report the battery life is surprisingly long and can lasts over a year without needing replacement. It's short on features, but Tecknet's wireless mouse gets the job done for Mac users.

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