Buying Guide
The Best Mice Under $150
Five gaming mice ranked on weight and battery life, where the ROG Harpe II Ace has the lightest weight; the Model O 2 Wireless is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Between $100 and $150, mice reach flagship sensors and light wireless shells. Every pick sits in that range, ordered from the lightest.
The order reflects weight, max DPI and battery life from maker specifications; a missing max DPI is flagged, not filled in rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lightest Mouse
ASUS ROG Harpe II AceThe lightest weight here (48g).
Best for: Players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity.
Check price for ASUS ROG Harpe II Ace on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Razer Viper V3 Pro WirelessA Focus Pro 35K sensor.
Best for: Buyers who want Focus Pro 35K sensor.
Check price for Razer Viper V3 Pro Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Razer Viper V3 Pro 8K (Faker Edition)8000Hz HyperPolling.
Best for: Buyers who want 8000Hz HyperPolling.
Check price for Razer Viper V3 Pro 8K (Faker Edition) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
BenQ Zowie S2-DW 4KThe top of this price range, adding a driverless design.
Best for: Spending more than the Viper V3 Pro Faker costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Check price for BenQ Zowie S2-DW 4K on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Longest Battery Life
Glorious Model O 2 WirelessThe longest battery life here (110 hours).
Best for: Buyers who put battery life first.
Check price for Glorious Model O 2 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lightest Mouse1 of 5
ASUS ROG Harpe II Ace
The ROG Harpe II Ace is built around track-on-glass sensing.
Best for
- Players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity.
Skip if
- The maker gives no battery life, so skip it if that figure decides your choice.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it weighs 48g and offers a 42,000 max DPI. Its 48g weight is the lightest here; the Viper V3 Pro comes next at 54g. On polling rate it ties with the Viper V3 Pro and the Viper V3 Pro Faker at 8,000Hz.
Like the Zowie S2-DW, it has a wireless connection, while the Viper V3 Pro uses a HyperSpeed 2.4GHz connection. The ROG Harpe II Ace's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse. Polling above 1,000Hz shortens battery life and needs a CPU with headroom. Its price falls between the Viper V3 Pro and the Viper V3 Pro Faker, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Weight
- 48g
- Max DPI
- 42,000
- Polling rate
- 8,000Hz
- Connection
- Wireless
Pros
- Light 48g body
- 8,000Hz polling
- Track-on-glass sensing
- The lightest weight here (48g)
Cons
- No published battery life
- Costs more than the Model O 2 Wireless at the time of writing
The catch
Buyers who need a confirmed battery life should compare it with the Model O 2 Wireless, which runs for 110 hours.
Also Consider2 of 5
Razer Viper V3 Pro Wireless
Razer's Viper V3 Pro is a 54g symmetrical esports mouse with a Focus Pro 35K sensor and 8000Hz wireless polling.
Best for
- Buyers who want Focus Pro 35K sensor.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Model O 2 Wireless was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It has 95 hours of battery life. It matches the Viper V3 Pro Faker on weight (54g). On battery life it ties with the Viper V3 Pro Faker at 95 hours.
On polling rate it ties with the ROG Harpe II Ace and the Viper V3 Pro Faker at 8,000Hz. Like the Viper V3 Pro Faker, it has a HyperSpeed 2.4GHz connection, while the ROG Harpe II Ace uses a wireless connection. The Viper V3 Pro's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse.
Polling above 1,000Hz shortens battery life and needs a CPU with headroom. Its price falls between the Model O 2 Wireless and the ROG Harpe II Ace, based on our last check.
Key specs
- Weight
- 54g
- Max DPI
- 35,000
- Battery life
- 95 hours
- Polling rate
- 8,000Hz
- Connection
- HyperSpeed 2.4GHz
- Shape
- Symmetrical
Pros
- Light 54g body
- 8,000Hz polling
- Focus Pro 35K sensor
- 8000Hz wireless polling
Cons
- Costs more than the Model O 2 Wireless at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
Razer Viper V3 Pro 8K (Faker Edition)
The Viper V3 Pro Faker is built around 8000Hz HyperPolling, with default settings at 1800 DPI on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want 8000Hz HyperPolling.
Skip if
- Skip it if battery life matters most to you; the Model O 2 Wireless offers 110 hours.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it weighs 54g and runs for up to 95 hours. It matches the Viper V3 Pro on weight (54g). On battery life it ties with the Viper V3 Pro at 95 hours.
On polling rate it ties with the ROG Harpe II Ace and the Viper V3 Pro at 8,000Hz. Like the Viper V3 Pro, it has a HyperSpeed 2.4GHz connection, while the ROG Harpe II Ace uses a wireless connection. The Viper V3 Pro Faker's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse.
Polling above 1,000Hz shortens battery life and needs a CPU with headroom. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper ROG Harpe II Ace and the pricier Zowie S2-DW, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Weight
- 54g
- Battery life
- 95 hours
- Polling rate
- 8,000Hz
- Connection
- HyperSpeed 2.4GHz
Pros
- Light 54g body
- 8,000Hz polling
- 8000Hz HyperPolling
- Default settings at 1800 DPI
Cons
- Battery life trails the Model O 2 Wireless (110 hours)
- Costs more than the Model O 2 Wireless at the time of writing
The catch
The trade-off is battery life; for more, the Model O 2 Wireless runs for 110 hours.
Premium Pick4 of 5
BenQ Zowie S2-DW 4K
The Zowie S2-DW is built around a driverless design, with a 4K enhanced receiver on top.
Best for
- Spending more than the Viper V3 Pro Faker costs for the fullest feature set in this group.
Skip if
- Its battery life is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it weighs 65g and offers a 4,000Hz polling rate. Its 65g weight ranks fourth of 5 here, behind the ROG Harpe II Ace (48g) and ahead of the Model O 2 Wireless (68g). On polling rate it trails the group at 4,000Hz, while the ROG Harpe II Ace offers 8,000Hz.
Like the ROG Harpe II Ace, it has a wireless connection, while the Viper V3 Pro uses a HyperSpeed 2.4GHz connection. The Zowie S2-DW's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse. Polling above 1,000Hz shortens battery life and needs a CPU with headroom. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Viper V3 Pro Faker and the rest.
Key specs
- Weight
- 65g
- Polling rate
- 4,000Hz
- Connection
- Wireless
- Shape
- Symmetrical
Pros
- Light 65g body
- 4,000Hz polling
- Driverless design
- 4K enhanced receiver
Cons
- No published battery life
- Polling rate trails the ROG Harpe II Ace (8,000Hz)
- Costs more than the Model O 2 Wireless at the time of writing
The catch
The maker doesn't give its battery life; if that figure matters, the Model O 2 Wireless runs for 110 hours.
Longest Battery Life5 of 5
Glorious Model O 2 Wireless
What the Model O 2 Wireless brings to the table is 210 hours on Bluetooth, plus a 650 IPS sensor.
Best for
- Buyers who put battery life first.
Skip if
- Skip it if weight matters most to you; the ROG Harpe II Ace offers 48g.
Why we like it
It also weighs 68g and offers a 26,000 max DPI. On weight it trails the group at 68g, while the ROG Harpe II Ace weighs 48g. On battery life it leads this guide at 110 hours, ahead of the Viper V3 Pro (95 hours).
Keep the Model O 2 Wireless on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop. You also get this: up to 110 hours per charge. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Viper V3 Pro the next step up.
Key specs
- Weight
- 68g
- Max DPI
- 26,000
- Battery life
- 110 hours
- Connection
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
Pros
- Up to 110 hours per charge
- Dongle plus Bluetooth
- 210 hours on Bluetooth
- 650 IPS sensor
Cons
- Weight trails the ROG Harpe II Ace (48g)
- No published polling rate
How We Chose These Mice Under $150
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 set side by side five mice on weight, max DPI, battery life and polling rate, using each maker's published specs. We did not test them in-house, and max DPI and battery life are missing for at least one pick.
- What every pick has in common
- All 5, from the ROG Harpe II Ace to the Model O 2 Wireless, state weight and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Viper V3 Pro Faker and the Zowie S2-DW give no max DPI; the ROG Harpe II Ace and the Zowie S2-DW give no battery life.
- Price range
- From the Model O 2 Wireless to the Zowie S2-DW, all sat in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Mouse Under $150
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Weight
Here weight runs from 68g on the Model O 2 Wireless to 48g on the ROG Harpe II Ace, a 29% spread. The Viper V3 Pro comes second at 54g, in the same price tier as the ROG Harpe II Ace.
Polling rate across these picks
Across these 4 picks polling rate spans 4,000Hz (the Zowie S2-DW) to 8,000Hz (the ROG Harpe II Ace). For less, the Viper V3 Pro is the runner-up at 8,000Hz. The Model O 2 Wireless gives no polling rate figure, so 4 of 5 picks are compared here.
A hand on a white gaming mouse, and the same mouse shown from below Battery life across these picks
The Model O 2 Wireless tops battery life at 110 hours and the Viper V3 Pro Faker sits lowest at 95 hours. If battery life is your first filter, the Model O 2 Wireless sets the ceiling at 110 hours. The ROG Harpe II Ace and the Zowie S2-DW give no battery life figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
What to check at home
The ROG Harpe II Ace's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse. Keep the Model O 2 Wireless on its dongle for games; Bluetooth is for a laptop.
A hand next to a black wireless mouse on a blue mousepad Extras that separate them
The Viper V3 Pro Faker: default settings at 1800 DPI. The Zowie S2-DW: a 4K enhanced receiver. The Model O 2 Wireless: a 650 IPS sensor.
How to Choose a Mouse Under $150
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Players who lift the mouse often at low sensitivity | ROG Harpe II Ace | The lightest weight here (48g) |
| Buyers who want Focus Pro 35K sensor | Viper V3 Pro | A Focus Pro 35K sensor |
| Buyers who want 8000Hz HyperPolling | Viper V3 Pro Faker | 8000Hz HyperPolling |
| Spending more than the Viper V3 Pro Faker costs for the fullest feature set in this group | Zowie S2-DW | The top of this price range, adding a driverless design |
| Buyers who put battery life first | Model O 2 Wireless | The longest battery life here (110 hours) |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The ROG Harpe II Ace leads on weight at 48g, ahead of the Viper V3 Pro at 54g. "Not listed" marks max DPI where the Viper V3 Pro Faker and the Zowie S2-DW leave the figure out.
| Mice | Weight | Max DPI | Battery life | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROG Harpe II Ace | 48g | 42,000 | Not listed | 8,000Hz |
| Viper V3 Pro | 54g | 35,000 | 95 hours | 8,000Hz |
| Viper V3 Pro Faker | 54g | Not listed | 95 hours | 8,000Hz |
| Zowie S2-DW | 65g | Not listed | Not listed | 4,000Hz |
| Model O 2 Wireless | 68g | 26,000 | 110 hours | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ROG Harpe II Ace ahead of the Viper V3 Pro on weight?
The ROG Harpe II Ace comes out best at 48g, with the Viper V3 Pro at 54g. The spread runs down to the Model O 2 Wireless at 68g.
How does the Viper V3 Pro compare with the Model O 2 Wireless on battery life?
Between the top two, it is 110 hours on the Model O 2 Wireless against 95 hours on the Viper V3 Pro, a 16% difference. No battery life figure is published for the ROG Harpe II Ace and the Zowie S2-DW, which leaves 3 of 5 picks ranked here.
What does the Zowie S2-DW add over the Model O 2 Wireless?
The spec sheets show weight (65g against 68g) in its favour. Both sat in the $100 to $150 tier when we checked, so the gains in weight cost little extra by tier.
Why is the Model O 2 Wireless our Longest Battery Life pick?
It carries the badge for the longest battery life here (110 hours). On battery life it leads the Viper V3 Pro, 110 hours against 95 hours, a 16% margin. It suits anyone who puts battery life first.
Will the Viper V3 Pro work with my setup?
The Viper V3 Pro's dongle works best on a front USB port or an extender near the mouse. In this guide it ranks second of 5, and second of 5 on weight (54g).
What extras do the ROG Harpe II Ace and the Viper V3 Pro include?
The ROG Harpe II Ace: track-on-glass sensing. The Viper V3 Pro: a Focus Pro 35K sensor. The Viper V3 Pro Faker: 8000Hz HyperPolling.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the ROG Harpe II Ace. Look at the Viper V3 Pro for a Focus Pro 35K sensor, the Viper V3 Pro Faker for 8000Hz HyperPolling and the Zowie S2-DW for the top of this price range, adding a driverless design if those matter more to you.
Check whether a charging dock is included.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Gaming Mice Right Now
- Related guideThe Best Wireless Gaming Mice for Every Grip and Budget
- Related guideThe Best FPS Gaming Mice
- Lower budgetThe Best Gaming Mice Under $120
- Higher budgetThe Best Mice Under $200
- 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 Gaming Mice Under $50
- 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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