Buying Guide
The Best Mouse for MacBook
From the EM11 NL to the Pro Click V2 Vertical: five mice ranked on sensor resolution and sensor, with who should skip each one.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Any Bluetooth mouse works with a MacBook, but gestures and extra buttons depend on the maker's macOS software. These list Bluetooth and are ordered by listed sensor resolution.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: sensor, grip and connection come from each maker's published specs; nothing here was tested in-house, and gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Highest-Resolution Sensor
Razer Pro Click V2 VerticalThe highest sensor resolution here (30,000 DPI).
Best for: Users who move the cursor across very wide desktops.
Check price for Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Logitech MX Master 3STracking on glass.
Best for: Buyers who want tracking on glass.
Check price for Logitech MX Master 3S on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Logitech MX Anywhere 3STracking on glass.
Best for: Buyers who want tracking on glass.
Check price for Logitech MX Anywhere 3S on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Logitech MX Anywhere 3S for MacA Mac version tuned for macOS and iPadOS.
Best for: Buyers who want Mac version tuned for macOS and iPadOS.
Check price for Logitech MX Anywhere 3S for Mac on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
ProtoArc EM11 NL Wireless Ergonomic Vertical MouseThe lowest price among these mice at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the cost under $50.
Check price for ProtoArc EM11 NL Wireless Ergonomic Vertical Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Highest-Resolution Sensor1 of 5
Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical
The Razer Pro Click V2 Vertical pairs a vertical grip with six buttons, a 30,000 DPI sensor and connections to up to five devices.
Best for
- Users who move the cursor across very wide desktops.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the EM11 NL was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its AI Prompt Master button can trigger AI tools with one click through Razer Synapse. Nothing else here matches its 30,000 DPI sensor resolution; the MX Master 3S comes closest at 8,000 DPI. No other pick in this guide offers a vertical with base support grip; compare the MX Anywhere 3S, which has a compact grip.
It also comes with 18-zone lighting. Vertical mice put your hand in a handshake position; allow a week to adjust, and check the hand size. It was the most expensive pick when we checked, so weigh what it adds over the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac.
Key specs
- Battery life
- up to 6 months
- Sensor
- 30,000 DPI
- Programmable buttons
- 6
- Grip
- Vertical with base support
- Connection
- 2.4GHz HyperSpeed or Bluetooth, up to 5 devices
Pros
- AI Prompt Master shortcut button
- 18-zone lighting
- Highest sensor resolution of the picks (30,000 DPI)
- Vertical with base support grip, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the EM11 NL at the time of writing
Also Consider2 of 5
Logitech MX Master 3S
The MX Master 3S keeps the features most developers use daily, MagSpeed scrolling, app-specific button profiles and Flow control across Windows and macOS, for less than the MX Master 4.
Best for
- Buyers who want tracking on glass.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the EM11 NL was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
Its 8,000 DPI sensor tracks even on glass. Its 8,000 DPI sensor tracks on glass, and Quiet Clicks cut click noise by about 90%. The MagSpeed wheel scrolls quickly through long files and stops on a line.
On sensor resolution it ties with the MX Anywhere 3S and the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac at 8,000 DPI. It is shaped for right hands only. You also get this: bluetooth connection, the only one here. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper EM11 NL and the pricier MX Anywhere 3S, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Sensor
- 8,000 DPI
- Grip
- Sculpted, right-handed
- Connection
- Bluetooth
Pros
- Tracking on glass
- Quiet Clicks with 90% less click noise, per Logitech
- Flow control across Windows and macOS computers
- Sensor resolution of 8,000 DPI, ahead of the EM11 NL
Cons
- Costs more than the EM11 NL at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Logitech MX Anywhere 3S
Logitech's MX Anywhere 3S is a compact rechargeable mouse that tracks on glass.
Best for
- Buyers who want tracking on glass.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the EM11 NL, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
Its MagSpeed wheel scrolls quickly through long pages. It tracks on glass with an 8,000 DPI sensor and has quieter clicks than the MX Anywhere 3. It ships without a USB receiver, so it relies on Bluetooth.
It pairs with up to three devices across Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and Linux, and the MagSpeed wheel scrolls up to 1,000 lines per second. It is certified for Intel Evo laptops, which verifies its Bluetooth performance, and its plastics include up to 78% recycled material. It shares a compact grip with the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac; the Pro Click V2 Vertical goes with a vertical with base support grip. It was priced above the MX Master 3S and below the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Sensor
- 8,000 DPI
- Grip
- Compact
- Connection
- Bluetooth, 3 devices
Pros
- Tracking on glass
- Rechargeable USB-C battery
- MagSpeed scroll wheel
- Sensor resolution of 8,000 DPI, ahead of the EM11 NL
Cons
- Costs more than the EM11 NL at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Logitech MX Anywhere 3S for Mac
This Mac version of the MX Anywhere 3S is tuned for macOS and iPadOS.
Best for
- Buyers who want Mac version tuned for macOS and iPadOS.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the EM11 NL cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It keeps glass tracking and a USB-C battery. This Mac edition comes in Apple-matching finishes and charges over USB-C. Its 8,000 DPI sensor tracks on glass, and Quiet Clicks keep it discreet in shared spaces.
The MagSpeed wheel scrolls up to 1,000 lines per second, and it tracks on glass with an 8,000 DPI sensor. It is designed around MacBook, iMac and iPad use. It pairs with up to three devices over Bluetooth, and USB-C charging matches current Mac cables.
On sensor resolution it ties with the MX Master 3S and the MX Anywhere 3S at 8,000 DPI. Like the MX Anywhere 3S, it has a compact grip, while the Pro Click V2 Vertical uses a vertical with base support grip.
Key specs
- Sensor
- 8,000 DPI
- Grip
- Compact
- Connection
- Bluetooth LE, 3 devices
Pros
- Mac version tuned for macOS and iPadOS
- Tracking on glass
- Rechargeable USB-C battery
- Sensor resolution of 8,000 DPI, ahead of the EM11 NL
Cons
- Costs more than the EM11 NL at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here5 of 5
ProtoArc EM11 NL Wireless Ergonomic Vertical Mouse
ProtoArc's EM11 NL is a 58-degree vertical mouse for hands under 7.5 inches, with silent left and right buttons.
Best for
- Keeping the cost under $50.
Skip if
- Skip it if sensor resolution matters most to you; the Pro Click V2 Vertical offers 30,000 DPI.
Why we like it
It recharges over USB-C and pairs with three devices across two Bluetooth channels and a 2.4GHz receiver. It charges in about 2 hours over the included Type-C cable and lists up to 200 days of standby. The scroll wheel and the back and forward buttons are not silent.
On sensor resolution it trails the group at 2,400 DPI, while the Pro Click V2 Vertical offers 30,000 DPI. It also offers a USB-C rechargeable 500mAh battery rated for up to 100 hours and a stated hand-length limit of 7.5 inches. Vertical mice put your hand in a handshake position; allow a week to adjust, and check the hand size. It undercut the MX Master 3S and every other pick on price at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Sensor
- 2,400 DPI
- Grip
- Vertical, right-handed, hands under 7.5 in (58°)
- Connection
- Bluetooth (2 channels) and 2.4GHz, 3 devices
Pros
- Silent left and right buttons (the wheel and side buttons are not silent)
- USB-C rechargeable 500mAh battery rated for up to 100 hours
- Stated hand-length limit of 7.5 inches
- The lowest price among these mice at the time of writing
Cons
- Sensor resolution trails the Pro Click V2 Vertical (30,000 DPI)
The catch
The trade-off is sensor resolution; for more, the Pro Click V2 Vertical offers 30,000 DPI.
How We Chose
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 lined up five mice on sensor resolution, grip and connection, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results, and every compared field is stated for all 5 picks.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Pro Click V2 Vertical to the EM11 NL, state sensor resolution, grip and connection.
- Who each pick suits
- The Pro Click V2 Vertical for the highest sensor resolution here (30,000 DPI); the MX Master 3S for tracking on glass; the MX Anywhere 3S for tracking on glass.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the EM11 NL (under $50) to the Pro Click V2 Vertical ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a Mouse for MacBook
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
How much sensor resolution you need
The Pro Click V2 Vertical tops sensor resolution at 30,000 DPI and the EM11 NL sits lowest at 2,400 DPI. For less, the MX Master 3S is the runner-up at 8,000 DPI.
Features beyond the spec table
The MX Anywhere 3S: a rechargeable USB-C battery. The MX Anywhere 3S for Mac: tracking on glass. The EM11 NL: a USB-C rechargeable 500mAh battery rated for up to 100 hours.
A hand on a white gaming mouse, and the same mouse shown from below Where your budget lands
Under $50 buys the EM11 NL; $50 to $100 buys the MX Master 3S, the MX Anywhere 3S, the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac and the Pro Click V2 Vertical at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Users who move the cursor across very wide desktops: the Pro Click V2 Vertical. Keeping the cost under $50: the EM11 NL.
A hand next to a black wireless mouse on a blue mousepad Programmable buttons save shortcuts
Extra buttons can run copy, paste, undo or IDE commands. Per-app profiles change them automatically in each program.
Check that the software runs on your operating system.
How to Choose a Mouse for MacBook
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Users who move the cursor across very wide desktops | Pro Click V2 Vertical | The highest sensor resolution here (30,000 DPI) |
| Buyers who want tracking on glass | MX Master 3S | Tracking on glass |
| Buyers who want tracking on glass | MX Anywhere 3S | Tracking on glass |
| Buyers who want Mac version tuned for macOS and iPadOS | MX Anywhere 3S for Mac | A Mac version tuned for macOS and iPadOS |
| Keeping the cost under $50 | EM11 NL | The lowest price among these mice at the time of writing |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Pro Click V2 Vertical leads on sensor resolution at 30,000 DPI, ahead of the MX Master 3S at 8,000 DPI.
| Mice | Sensor | Grip | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro Click V2 Vertical | 30,000 DPI | Vertical with base support | 2.4GHz HyperSpeed or Bluetooth, up to 5 devices |
| MX Master 3S | 8,000 DPI | Sculpted, right-handed | Bluetooth |
| MX Anywhere 3S | 8,000 DPI | Compact | Bluetooth, 3 devices |
| MX Anywhere 3S for Mac | 8,000 DPI | Compact | Bluetooth LE, 3 devices |
| EM11 NL | 2,400 DPI | Vertical, right-handed, hands under 7.5 in (58°) | Bluetooth (2 channels) and 2.4GHz, 3 devices |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the EM11 NL, sat in the under $50 tier, 2 tiers in all up to the Pro Click V2 Vertical at $50 to $100; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Mice |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | EM11 NL |
| About $50 to $100 | MX Master 3S, MX Anywhere 3S, MX Anywhere 3S for Mac, Pro Click V2 Vertical |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pro Click V2 Vertical ahead of the MX Master 3S on sensor resolution?
The Pro Click V2 Vertical leads at 30,000 DPI, with the MX Master 3S at 8,000 DPI. The EM11 NL is at the other end of this group with 2,400 DPI.
Is the Pro Click V2 Vertical worth paying more than the EM11 NL?
On paper it adds sensor resolution (30,000 DPI against 2,400 DPI). The EM11 NL sat in the under $50 tier and the Pro Click V2 Vertical in the $50 to $100 tier when we checked, with 3 other picks between them; pay the difference only if sensor resolution decides your purchase.
What makes the Pro Click V2 Vertical the Highest-Resolution Sensor?
It earns the label for the highest sensor resolution here (30,000 DPI). The MX Master 3S is next on sensor resolution at 8,000 DPI, so this pick's 30,000 DPI is 275% further out. The EM11 NL, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $50 to $100 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It suits anyone who moves the cursor across very wide desktops.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Pro Click V2 Vertical and the MX Master 3S apart?
The Pro Click V2 Vertical: an AI Prompt Master shortcut button. The MX Master 3S: tracking on glass. The MX Anywhere 3S: tracking on glass.
Should I pick the Pro Click V2 Vertical or the EM11 NL?
The Pro Click V2 Vertical suits users who move the cursor across very wide desktops; the EM11 NL suits keeping the cost under $50.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Pro Click V2 Vertical. Look at the MX Master 3S for tracking on glass, the MX Anywhere 3S for tracking on glass and the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac for a Mac version tuned for macOS and iPadOS if those matter more to you.
If you use a large external display, a higher-DPI sensor means less hand movement across the screen.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Mice for Work
- Related guideThe Best Bluetooth Wireless Mice
- Related guideThe Best Vertical Ergonomic Mice
- Lower budgetThe Best Mice Under $150
- Similar guideThe Best Mouse for MacBook Air
- ExplainerHow to Choose a Gaming Mouse
- ExplainerMouse polling rate and DPI: what each number changes
- Also see: mouse pads and desk matsMouse Pad Features Explained: What Is Worth Paying For?
- Similar guideThe Best Mice for a MacBook Pro
- 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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