The Best Mice for Productivity

It also offers a 4,800 DPI sensor resolution and offers a 6 button count. It pairs with two devices at once over Bluetooth and a USB receiver, so you can switch between a laptop and a desktop. Six DPI steps from 800 to 4,800 cover both office work and larger screens.

It runs on 2 AAA batteries, which are not included, and goes to sleep automatically. It works with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and Linux, though the side buttons do not work on macOS, and a 36-month warranty applies once registered. It undercut the M720 and every other pick on price at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its battery life; if that figure matters, the M720 runs for up to 24 months.

It has 24 months of battery life. Its hyper-fast scroll wheel spins freely through long documents and switches back to click-by-click scrolling when you need precision. The rubber body and sculpted right-hand shape suit a relaxed palm grip.

Logitech Flow moves the cursor, text and files between up to three computers, and it connects over Bluetooth or the Unifying receiver. The Unifying receiver can also pair up to six compatible Logitech devices, which saves USB ports. It matches the Lift Left on battery life (up to 24 months).

It matches the TECKNET silent on button count (6). It was priced above the TECKNET silent and below the Ergo M575S at the time of writing. There is no published sensor resolution figure, whereas the TECKNET silent offers 4,800 DPI.

It has up to 18 months of battery life, the longest here. On button count it trails the group at 3, while the TECKNET silent offers 6. It also offers quiet clicks, Smart Actions shortcuts and thumb control that keeps the mouse still on the desk.

A trackball stays still on the desk, so it suits cramped desks, but precise selection takes practice. It is shaped for right hands only. It connects over Bluetooth or a Logi Bolt receiver; Bolt does not pair with older Unifying receivers.

Its price falls between the M720 and the MX Vertical, based on our last check. If battery life is your priority, the M720 (up to 24 months) is the stronger choice.

A cursor speed switch changes sensitivity with one press, and Logitech says the shape fits a variety of hand sizes. Its 57-degree angle puts your hand in a handshake position, which Logitech says reduces muscle activity by 10%. The design was tested against criteria from ergonomists.

Vertical mice put your hand in a handshake position; allow a week to adjust, and check the hand size. It is shaped for right hands only. When we checked, only the Ergo M575S and cheaper picks cost less, and the Lift Left cost more. If you want a confirmed battery life, look to the M720 instead: it runs for up to 24 months, while this one gives no figure.

The quiet clicks, SmartWheel and two-year battery rating are the same. This is the left-handed version of Logitech's Lift, sized for small to medium hands. It keeps the 57-degree angle and adds a thumb rest shaped for the left hand.

It matches the M720 on battery life (up to 24 months). You also get a SmartWheel for fast or line-by-line scrolling. Vertical mice put your hand in a handshake position; allow a week to adjust, and check the hand size.

It connects over Bluetooth or a Logi Bolt receiver; Bolt does not pair with older Unifying receivers. Only the MX Vertical came close to it on price at the time of writing; it cost the most of the 5 picks.