Buying Guide
The Best Budget-Friendly Gaming Mice
Five mice under $40 at the time of writing, including four wireless models.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated

Under $40, wireless mice with long battery life are easy to find. These five include four wireless models and one wired.
Prices are tiers at the time of writing.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.

Best Battery Life
Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless Mouse250 hours of listed battery life.
Best for: Rare battery swaps.
Check price for Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lightest Mouse
Attack Shark X3 Wireless Gaming MouseThe lightest weight here (49g).
Best for: Players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity.
Check price for Attack Shark X3 Wireless Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Travel Pick
Razer Orochi V2 WirelessUp to 950 hours on Bluetooth.
Best for: Laptops.
Check price for Razer Orochi V2 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best AAA Wireless
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Wireless70g on one AAA battery.
Best for: Swap-and-go batteries.
Check price for HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Best Wired
SteelSeries Prime Wired Esports MouseOptical magnetic switches rated for 100 million clicks.
Best for: Shooters.
Check price for SteelSeries Prime Wired Esports Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 250 hours of listed battery life. | Rare battery swaps. | Check price for Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | The lightest weight here (49g). | Players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity. | Check price for Attack Shark X3 Wireless Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | Up to 950 hours on Bluetooth. | Laptops. | Check price for Razer Orochi V2 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | 70g on one AAA battery. | Swap-and-go batteries. | Check price for HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
![]() | Optical magnetic switches rated for 100 million clicks. | Shooters. | Check price for SteelSeries Prime Wired Esports Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Best Battery Life1 of 5
Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless Mouse
The G305 is the cheapest Lightspeed mouse and still one of the best values in wireless gaming mice, with a 250 hours on one AA.
Best for
- Rare battery swaps.
Skip if
- Pass if a published weight matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
The HERO sensor is up to 10 times more power efficient than earlier sensors, which stretches battery life, and the receiver stores inside the mouse. LIGHTSPEED wireless reports at 1ms. Its 250 hours battery life ranks second of 4 here, behind the Orochi V2 (425 hours) and ahead of the Haste 2 Core Wireless (100 hours).
You get a lightspeed 2.4GHz connection here, which sets it apart from the SteelSeries Prime and its a wired connection. You also get runs on a single AA battery. The G305's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse. It was priced above the SteelSeries Prime and below the Orochi V2 at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Max DPI
- 12,000
- Battery life
- 250 hours
- Connection
- Lightspeed 2.4GHz
Pros
- Up to 250 hours per charge
- Hero sensor
- Runs on a single AA battery
- Lightspeed 2.4GHz connection, the only one here
Cons
- No published weight
- Costs more than the SteelSeries Prime at the time of writing
The catch
There is no published weight figure, whereas the Attack Shark X3 weighs 49g.
Lightest Mouse2 of 5
Attack Shark X3 Wireless Gaming Mouse
Attack Shark's X3 is a 49g tri-mode mouse with a PAW3395 sensor.
Best for
- Players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the SteelSeries Prime was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Lift-off distance and polling are set in software. It weighs 49g and connects over Bluetooth 5.2, 2.4GHz or a cable, and the PAW3395 sensor reaches 26,000 DPI. It suits fast aim games on a budget.
Its 49g weight is the lightest here; the SteelSeries Prime comes next at 69g. Its 200 hours battery life ranks third of 4 here, behind the Orochi V2 (425 hours) and ahead of the Haste 2 Core Wireless (100 hours). It also offers Kailh GM 8.0 switches rated for 80 million clicks.
Keep the Attack Shark X3 on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop. It was priced above the Orochi V2 and below the Haste 2 Core Wireless at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Weight
- 49g
- Max DPI
- 26,000
- Battery life
- 200 hours
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
Pros
- Light 49g body
- Up to 200 hours per charge
- Dongle plus Bluetooth
- PixArt PAW3395 sensor
Cons
- Costs more than the SteelSeries Prime at the time of writing
Best Travel Pick3 of 5
Razer Orochi V2 Wireless
Razer's Orochi V2 is a compact mobile mouse that takes one AA or AAA battery.
Best for
- Laptops.
Skip if
- Pass if a published weight matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It has up to 950 hours on Bluetooth. It runs up to 950 hours on one battery, weighs under 60g without it, and its mechanical switches are rated for 60 million clicks. It lists up to 950 hours of battery over Bluetooth, 425 hours over HyperSpeed, and a weight under 60g without the battery.
Its 425 hours battery life is the longest here; the G305 comes next at 250 hours. Keep the Orochi V2 on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop. It was priced above the G305 and below the Attack Shark X3 at the time of writing. There is no published weight figure, whereas the Attack Shark X3 weighs 49g.
Key specs
- Max DPI
- 18,000
- Battery life
- 425 hours
- Connection
- HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
Pros
- Up to 425 hours per charge
- Dongle plus Bluetooth
- Up to 950 hours on Bluetooth
- Hybrid slot for one AA or AAA battery
Cons
- No published weight
- Costs more than the SteelSeries Prime at the time of writing
Best AAA Wireless4 of 5
HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Wireless
HyperX's Pulsefire Haste 2 Core Wireless is a 70g AAA-powered version of the Haste 2 shape.
Best for
- Swap-and-go batteries.
Skip if
- Skip it if weight matters most to you; the Attack Shark X3 offers 49g.
Why we like it
It connects over 2.4GHz or Bluetooth. It weighs 70g, and the HyperX Custom Core sensor runs up to 12,000 DPI at 1,000Hz polling. Its 70g weight is the heaviest in this group; the Attack Shark X3 leads at 49g.
On battery life it trails the group at 100 hours, while the Orochi V2 runs for 425 hours. It also comes with dual wireless modes. Keep the Haste 2 Core Wireless on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop.
The nearest alternative on weight is the SteelSeries Prime at 69g, against 70g here. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the Attack Shark X3.
Key specs
- Weight
- 70g
- Max DPI
- 12,000
- Battery life
- 100 hours
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
Pros
- Up to 100 hours per charge
- Dongle plus Bluetooth
- Runs on one AAA battery
- Dual wireless modes
Cons
- Weight trails the Attack Shark X3 (49g)
- Battery life trails the Orochi V2 (425 hours)
- Costs more than the SteelSeries Prime at the time of writing
Best Wired5 of 5
SteelSeries Prime Wired Esports Mouse
SteelSeries's Prime is a 69g wired esports mouse with optical magnetic switches rated for 100 million clicks.
Best for
- Shooters.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when weight of 69g, behind the Attack Shark X3 (49g) is a problem.
Why we like it
Its shape is built for FPS play. Its TrueMove Pro sensor tracks at 18K CPI and 450 IPS, and the shape was developed with over 100 pros. The TrueMove Pro sensor offers 18K CPI with true 1-to-1 lift and tilt tracking.
The shape was made for right-handed players and works with finger, palm and claw grips, and the sensor lists 450 IPS and 50G. Its 69g weight ranks second of 3 here, behind the Attack Shark X3 (49g) and ahead of the Haste 2 Core Wireless (70g). It is the only pick here with a wired connection; the G305 has a lightspeed 2.4GHz connection instead. It undercut the G305 and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Weight
- 69g
- Programmable buttons
- 5
- Max DPI
- 18,000
- Connection
- Wired
Pros
- No battery to charge
- Optical magnetic switches rated for 100 million clicks
- TrueMove Pro sensor with 18K CPI
- Streamlined shape built for FPS play
Cons
- Weight of 69g, behind the Attack Shark X3 (49g)
The catch
The maker doesn't give its battery life; if that figure matters, the Orochi V2 runs for 425 hours.
How We Chose These Budget-Friendly Gaming Mice
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.

- What we compared
- We compared five mice on weight, max DPI, battery life and connection as the makers state them. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 5 picks leave out weight.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the G305 to the SteelSeries Prime, state max DPI and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The G305 and the Orochi V2 give no weight; the SteelSeries Prime gives no battery life.
- Price range
- From the SteelSeries Prime to the Haste 2 Core Wireless, all sat in the under $50 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Budget-Friendly Gaming Mouse
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Battery life
Here battery life runs from 100 hours on the Haste 2 Core Wireless to 425 hours on the Orochi V2, a 325% spread. The G305 comes second at 250 hours, in the same price tier as the Orochi V2. The SteelSeries Prime gives no battery life figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
Weight across these picks
Across these 3 picks weight spans 70g (the Haste 2 Core Wireless) to 49g (the Attack Shark X3). For less, the SteelSeries Prime is the runner-up at 69g. The G305 and the Orochi V2 give no weight figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.

A hand next to a black wireless mouse on a blue mousepad What to check at home
The G305's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse. Keep the Attack Shark X3 on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop.
Extras that separate them
The Orochi V2: a hybrid slot for one AA or AAA battery. The Haste 2 Core Wireless: dual wireless modes. The SteelSeries Prime: a TrueMove Pro sensor with 18K CPI.

A hand holding a light-blue mouse on a red mousepad Budget
All 5 sat in the under $50 tier when we checked, from the SteelSeries Prime at the low end to the Haste 2 Core Wireless at the top, so decide on features first.
How to Choose a Budget-Friendly Gaming Mouse
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Rare battery swaps | G305 | 250 hours of listed battery life |
| Players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity | Attack Shark X3 | The lightest weight here (49g) |
| Laptops | Orochi V2 | Up to 950 hours on Bluetooth |
| Swap-and-go batteries | Haste 2 Core Wireless | 70g on one AAA battery |
| Shooters | SteelSeries Prime | Optical magnetic switches rated for 100 million clicks |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Orochi V2 leads on battery life at 425 hours, ahead of the G305 at 250 hours. "Not listed" marks weight where the G305 and the Orochi V2 leave the figure out.
| Mice | Weight | Max DPI | Battery life | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G305 | Not listed | 12,000 | 250 hours | Lightspeed 2.4GHz |
| Attack Shark X3 | 49g | 26,000 | 200 hours | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired |
| Orochi V2 | Not listed | 18,000 | 425 hours | HyperSpeed 2.4GHz, Bluetooth |
| Haste 2 Core Wireless | 70g | 12,000 | 100 hours | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth |
| SteelSeries Prime | 69g | 18,000 | Not listed | Wired |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Orochi V2 ahead of the G305 on battery life?
The Orochi V2 leads at 425 hours, with the G305 at 250 hours. The spread runs down to the Haste 2 Core Wireless at 100 hours. No battery life figure is published for the SteelSeries Prime, which leaves 4 of 5 picks ranked here.
How does the SteelSeries Prime compare with the Attack Shark X3 on weight?
Between the top two, it is 49g on the Attack Shark X3 against 69g on the SteelSeries Prime, a 29% difference. The Haste 2 Core Wireless closes the ranking at 70g. The G305 and the Orochi V2 don't state a weight figure, so they sit outside this comparison; 3 of 5 picks are ranked.
What does the Haste 2 Core Wireless add over the SteelSeries Prime?
The Haste 2 Core Wireless matches or trails the SteelSeries Prime on weight. The SteelSeries Prime leads on weight (69g). Both sat in the under $50 tier when we checked, so choose on the features you need.
Why is the Attack Shark X3 our Lightest Mouse pick?
It carries the badge for the lightest weight here (49g). On weight it leads the SteelSeries Prime, 49g against 69g, a 29% margin. It makes sense for anyone who lifts the mouse often at low sensitivity.
Will the G305 work with my setup?
The G305's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse. In this guide it ranks first of 5, as our Best Battery Life pick, and second of 4 on battery life (250 hours).
What extras do the G305 and the Attack Shark X3 include?
The G305: a Hero sensor. The Attack Shark X3: a PixArt PAW3395 sensor. The Orochi V2: up to 950 hours on Bluetooth.
Bottom Line
Logitech's G305 is the pick for 250 hours on one battery. Attack Shark's X3 is the lightest, and SteelSeries's Prime is the wired choice.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Mice Under $50
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Mice Under $75
- Related guideThe Best Logitech Gaming Mice
- Without a budget limitThe Best Gaming Mice Right Now
- Similar guideThe Best Budget Gaming Mice
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Gaming Mouse
- ExplainerMouse polling rate and DPI: what each number changes
- Also see: mouse pads and desk matsHow to Choose a Mouse Pad for Gaming and Work
- Similar guideThe Best Good Budget Gaming Mice
- Topic hubAll mice guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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