Buying Guide
The Best Gaming Mice Under $25
Five gaming mice compared, from the Redragon large to the TUF M3 Gen II, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
Under $25, sensor range and button count are what change between mice. Every pick cost $25 or less, ordered by DPI.
Our comparison rests on published figures for programmable buttons, max DPI and connection; where a maker leaves out programmable buttons, we say so, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
Acer Dual-Mode Wireless Gaming Mouse
A rechargeable battery.
Best for: Buyers who want rechargeable battery.
Our take Check price for Acer Dual-Mode Wireless Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
Redragon Large Wireless Gaming Mouse
The lowest price among these gaming mice at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Our take Check price for Redragon Large Wireless Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Most Buttons
EVGA X10 Wired Gaming Mouse
The most button count here (9).
Best for: Macros and editing shortcuts.
Our take Check price for EVGA X10 Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS TUF Gaming M3 Gen II Wired Mouse
The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with IP56 water and dust resistance.
Best for: Buyers who want the most complete package.
Our take Check price for ASUS TUF Gaming M3 Gen II Wired Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Razer DeathAdder Essential Wired Gaming Mouse
Mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks.
Best for: Buyers who want mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks.
Our take Check price for Razer DeathAdder Essential Wired Gaming Mouse (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Acer Dual-Mode Wireless Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Acer's dual-mode mouse is a rechargeable 2.4GHz and Bluetooth mouse at a budget price.
Best for
- Buyers who want rechargeable battery.
Skip if
- Skip it if this is a deal-breaker for you: shorter 40-hour battery.
Why we like it
It has a 24,000 DPI sensor. Its 24,000 DPI sensor runs at 1,000Hz, and eight buttons take full macros. It switches between a USB receiver and Bluetooth.
Its 24,000 DPI sensor tracks at up to 35G acceleration with 1000Hz polling. Eight buttons can be programmed with macros, and it switches between wired USB and 2.4GHz wireless. Keep the Acer dual-mode on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop.
Its price falls between the DeathAdder Essential and the TUF M3 Gen II, based on our last check. Buyers who need a confirmed button count should compare it with the EVGA X10, which offers 9.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max DPI: 24,000
- Battery life: 40 hours
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
Pros
- Dongle plus Bluetooth
- Rechargeable battery
- Dual wireless modes
- Budget price
Cons
- Shorter 40-hour battery
- Costs more than the Redragon large at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here2 of 5
Redragon Large Wireless Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Redragon's large wireless mouse has finger rests on both sides and a 1000mAh battery.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It pairs with three Bluetooth devices. It is sized for medium to large hands and connects over Bluetooth, a USB receiver or a USB-C cable. Programmable buttons can be remapped in the software.
Its 1,000mAh battery and low-power chip give long runtimes at a 1,000Hz polling rate, and DPI runs up to 12,800. RGB lighting can be adjusted. Keep the Redragon large on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop.
It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the EVGA X10 the next step up. There is no published button count figure, whereas the EVGA X10 offers 9.
Key dimensions & specs
- Max DPI: 12,800
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
- Shape: Right-handed, for big hands
Pros
- Dongle plus Bluetooth
- Finger rests on both sides
- Bluetooth pairing with 3 devices
- 1000mAh battery
Most Buttons3 of 5
EVGA X10 Wired Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
EVGA's X10 is an ambidextrous wired mouse with a laser sensor and adjustable weights.
Best for
- Macros and editing shortcuts.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Redragon large, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It has nine buttons. Its height and weight systems adjust to your grip, Omron switches handle the clicks, and the software sets macros, profiles and on-screen display. The ambidextrous shape works for either hand, and on-the-fly DPI adjustment reaches 8,200.
Omron switches and a silver-coated cable round out the build. It is the only pick here with an ambidextrous shape; the TUF M3 Gen II has a right-handed ergonomic shape instead. It also brings no battery to charge.
Worth noting too: most button count of the picks (9). It was priced above the Redragon large and below the DeathAdder Essential at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Programmable buttons: 9
- Max DPI: 8,200
- Connection: Wired
- Shape: Ambidextrous
Pros
- No battery to charge
- Ambidextrous shape
- Ambidextrous shape for left or right hands
- Laser sensor
Cons
- Costs more than the Redragon large at the time of writing
Premium Pick4 of 5
ASUS TUF Gaming M3 Gen II Wired Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
ASUS's TUF M3 Gen II is a 59g wired mouse with IP56 water and dust resistance.
Best for
- Buyers who want the most complete package.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Redragon large was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The shell carries an antibacterial coating. It weighs 59g, and its IP56 rating resists dust and water. An 8,000 DPI sensor and ASUS's antibacterial coating round it out.
Like the DeathAdder Essential, it has a right-handed ergonomic shape, while the EVGA X10 uses an ambidextrous shape. It also comes with a DPI button with four sensitivity levels. It also brings light 59g body.
At our last price check it topped the group, with the Acer dual-mode the nearest cheaper option. If you want a confirmed button count, look to the EVGA X10 instead: it offers 9, while this one gives no figure.
Key dimensions & specs
- Weight: 59g
- Max DPI: 8,000
- Connection: Wired
- Shape: Right-handed ergonomic
Pros
- Light 59g body
- No battery to charge
- IP56 water and dust resistance
- Antibacterial coating on the shell and buttons
Cons
- Costs more than the Redragon large at the time of writing
Strong Alternative5 of 5
Razer DeathAdder Essential Wired Gaming Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Razer's DeathAdder Essential keeps the long right-handed DeathAdder shape in a five-button wired mouse.
Best for
- Buyers who want mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the Redragon large, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its switches are rated for 10 million clicks and DPI buttons sit on top. Its 6,400 DPI sensor and mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks suit everyday gaming. Five buttons are programmable, and the ridged wheel gives controlled scrolling.
It shares a right-handed ergonomic shape with the TUF M3 Gen II; the EVGA X10 goes with an ambidextrous shape. You also get dedicated DPI buttons for on-the-fly changes and macro assignment through Razer Synapse. Another plus is no battery to charge.
Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the Redragon large at the time of writing. Its price falls between the EVGA X10 and the Acer dual-mode, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Programmable buttons: 5
- Max DPI: 6,400
- Connection: Wired
- Shape: Right-handed ergonomic
Pros
- No battery to charge
- Mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks
- Dedicated DPI buttons for on-the-fly changes
- Macro assignment through Razer Synapse
Cons
- Costs more than the Redragon large at the time of writing
How We Chose These Gaming Mice Under $25
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five mice on button count, max DPI, connection and shape from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Acer dual-mode to the DeathAdder Essential, state max DPI and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Acer dual-mode, the Redragon large and the TUF M3 Gen II give no button count; the Acer dual-mode gives no shape.
- Price range
- From the Redragon large to the TUF M3 Gen II, all sat in the under $50 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Gaming Mouse Under $25
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Button count across these picks
Here button count runs from 5 on the DeathAdder Essential to 9 on the EVGA X10. The EVGA X10 is the pick for button count. No figure for the Acer dual-mode, the Redragon large and the TUF M3 Gen II.
What to check at home
Keep the Acer dual-mode on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop.
Features beyond the spec table
The EVGA X10: a laser sensor. The TUF M3 Gen II: an antibacterial coating on the shell and buttons. The DeathAdder Essential: dedicated DPI buttons for on-the-fly changes.
Where your budget lands
All 5 sat in one tier when we checked, from the Redragon large at the low end to the TUF M3 Gen II at the top, so decide on features first.
Match the pick to your priority
Keeping the budget tight: the Redragon large. Macros and editing shortcuts: the EVGA X10. Buyers who want the most complete package: the TUF M3 Gen II.
High polling rates cost battery
4,000Hz and 8,000Hz modes cut reporting delay slightly but drain wireless batteries faster and use more CPU time.
How to Choose a Gaming Mouse Under $25
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want rechargeable battery | Acer dual-mode | A rechargeable battery |
| Keeping the budget tight | Redragon large | The lowest price among these gaming mice at the time of writing |
| Macros and editing shortcuts | EVGA X10 | The most button count here (9) |
| Buyers who want the most complete package | TUF M3 Gen II | The highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with IP56 water and dust resistance |
| Buyers who want mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks | DeathAdder Essential | Mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The EVGA X10 leads on button count at 9, ahead of the DeathAdder Essential at 5. "Not listed" means the maker leaves that figure out.
| Mice | Programmable buttons | Max DPI | Connection | Shape |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acer dual-mode | Not listed | 24,000 | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth | Not listed |
| Redragon large | Not listed | 12,800 | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | Right-handed, for big hands |
| EVGA X10 | 9 | 8,200 | Wired | Ambidextrous |
| TUF M3 Gen II | Not listed | 8,000 | Wired | Right-handed ergonomic |
| DeathAdder Essential | 5 | 6,400 | Wired | Right-handed ergonomic |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the most button count: the EVGA X10 or the DeathAdder Essential?
The EVGA X10 leads at 9, with the DeathAdder Essential at 5. The Acer dual-mode, the Redragon large and the TUF M3 Gen II don't state a figure, so they sit outside this comparison.
What makes the EVGA X10 the Most Buttons?
It earns the label for the most button count here (9). It suits macros and editing shortcuts.
What should I check before buying the Redragon large?
Keep the Redragon large on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop. In this guide it ranks second of 5, as our Lowest Price Here pick.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Acer dual-mode and the Redragon large apart?
The Acer dual-mode: a rechargeable battery. The Redragon large: finger rests on both sides. The EVGA X10: an ambidextrous shape for left or right hands.
Is a wireless mouse slower?
Not over a 2.4GHz dongle. Bluetooth adds latency and suits office work.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Acer dual-mode, chosen for a rechargeable battery. Look at the Redragon large for the lowest price among these gaming mice at the time of writing, the TUF M3 Gen II for the highest-priced pick here at the time of writing, with IP56 water and dust resistance and the DeathAdder Essential for mechanical switches rated for 10 million clicks if those matter more to you.
Most players use 800 to 1600 DPI; a higher maximum is not a reason on its own.