Buying Guide
The Best Portable Mice
Four mice ranked on sensor resolution and sensor; the TECKNET silent is the cheapest route in.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
11 min read4 products evaluated
A compact wireless mouse slips into a laptop bag. Every pick is a compact design, ordered from the lowest price.
Rankings weigh sensor, grip and connection as the makers state them; if a maker skips sensor, the guide says so rather than guess, since we have not benched them.
Quick Picks
Which of the 4 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
TECKNET Silent Dual-Mode Wireless MouseThe lowest price among these mice at the time of writing.
Best for: Spending as little as possible, with the TECKNET rechargeable the next step up.
Check price for TECKNET Silent Dual-Mode Wireless Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
TECKNET Rechargeable Dual-Mode MouseA built-in rechargeable battery.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in rechargeable battery.
Check price for TECKNET Rechargeable Dual-Mode Mouse 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)
| Pick | Why it stands out | Best for | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The lowest price among these mice at the time of writing. | Spending as little as possible, with the TECKNET rechargeable the next step up. | Check price for TECKNET Silent Dual-Mode Wireless Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A built-in rechargeable battery. | Buyers who want built-in rechargeable battery. | Check price for TECKNET Rechargeable Dual-Mode Mouse on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| Tracking on glass. | Buyers who want tracking on glass. | Check price for Logitech MX Anywhere 3S on Amazon (opens in a new tab) |
| A Mac version tuned for macOS and iPadOS. | 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) |
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 4
TECKNET Silent Dual-Mode Wireless Mouse
The TECKNET silent stands out for silent left and right clicks, and it adds a slide switch between two devices.
Best for
- Spending as little as possible, with the TECKNET rechargeable the next step up.
Skip if
- Skip it if sensor resolution matters most to you; the MX Anywhere 3S offers 8,000 DPI.
Why we like it
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. Its 4,800 DPI sensor resolution is the lowest in this group; the MX Anywhere 3S leads at 8,000 DPI. It cost the least of the 4 picks at the time of writing, with the TECKNET rechargeable the next step up.
Key specs
- Sensor
- 4,800 DPI
- Programmable buttons
- 6
- Grip
- Compact, small to medium hands
- Connection
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, 2 devices
Pros
- Silent left and right clicks
- Slide switch between two devices
- Six DPI steps
- The lowest price among these mice at the time of writing
Cons
- Sensor resolution trails the MX Anywhere 3S (8,000 DPI)
The catch
It gives ground on sensor resolution, where the MX Anywhere 3S offers 8,000 DPI.
Also Consider2 of 4
TECKNET Rechargeable Dual-Mode Mouse
TECKNET's rechargeable mouse charges fully in 1.5 to 2 hours and switches between two devices.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in rechargeable battery.
Skip if
- Pass if a published sensor resolution matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
It is a compact budget option. It recharges in about two hours and runs for around three months on a charge, by TECKNET's figure. It connects to two devices at once over Bluetooth and a USB receiver.
It works with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS and Linux, and its clicks are quiet. Six DPI levels run from 800 to 4,800. It also comes with a built-in rechargeable battery and a 1.5 to 2 hour full charge.
It was priced above the TECKNET silent and below the MX Anywhere 3S at the time of writing. There is no published sensor resolution figure, whereas the MX Anywhere 3S offers 8,000 DPI.
Key specs
- Battery life
- up to 3 months
- Grip
- Compact
- Connection
- Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, 2 devices
Pros
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- 1.5 to 2 hour full charge
- Slide switch between two devices
Cons
- No published sensor resolution
- Costs more than the TECKNET silent at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 4
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
- If budget leads, the TECKNET silent was cheaper at our last price check.
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. Its price falls between the TECKNET rechargeable and the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac, based on our last check.
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 TECKNET silent
Cons
- Costs more than the TECKNET silent at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 4
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 TECKNET silent 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.
It matches the MX Anywhere 3S on sensor resolution (8,000 DPI). Before buying, weigh one limit: costs more than the TECKNET silent at the time of writing.
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 TECKNET silent
Cons
- Costs more than the TECKNET silent at the time of writing
How We Chose These Portable 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.
- How these picks were ranked
- We set side by side four mice on sensor resolution, grip and connection from manufacturer specifications. Nothing was tested in-house; 2 of the 3 fields compared are stated for every pick, while sensor resolution has gaps.
- What every pick has in common
- All 4, from the TECKNET silent to the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac, state grip and connection.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The TECKNET rechargeable gives no sensor resolution.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the TECKNET silent (under $50) to the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac ($50 to $100).
What to Look for in a Portable Mouse
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Sensor resolution across these picks
The MX Anywhere 3S tops sensor resolution at 8,000 DPI and the TECKNET silent sits lowest at 4,800 DPI; 2 picks share the top figure. The MX Anywhere 3S is the pick for sensor resolution. The TECKNET rechargeable gives no sensor resolution figure, so 3 of 4 picks are compared here.
Extras that separate them
The TECKNET rechargeable: a 1.5 to 2 hour full charge. The MX Anywhere 3S: a rechargeable USB-C battery. The MX Anywhere 3S for Mac: tracking on glass.
A hand on a white gaming mouse, and the same mouse shown from below Where your budget lands
Under $50 buys the TECKNET silent and the TECKNET rechargeable; $50 to $100 buys the MX Anywhere 3S and the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac at our last check.
Fast scrolling helps with long files
Free-spinning or magnetic scroll wheels move through long files and logs quickly, then switch to line-by-line for precision.
If you read long code or spreadsheets, prioritise the scroll wheel.
A hand next to a black wireless mouse on a blue mousepad Multi-computer control
Some mice switch between computers with a button, and a few can move the cursor and clipboard across machines.
This helps if you work on a laptop and a desktop at once.
How to Choose a Portable Mouse
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spending as little as possible, with the TECKNET rechargeable the next step up | TECKNET silent | The lowest price among these mice at the time of writing |
| Buyers who want built-in rechargeable battery | TECKNET rechargeable | A built-in rechargeable battery |
| 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 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The MX Anywhere 3S leads on sensor resolution at 8,000 DPI, ahead of the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac at 8,000 DPI. "Not listed" marks sensor resolution where the TECKNET rechargeable leaves the figure out.
| Mice | Sensor | Grip | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| TECKNET silent | 4,800 DPI | Compact, small to medium hands | Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, 2 devices |
| TECKNET rechargeable | Not listed | Compact | Bluetooth and 2.4GHz, 2 devices |
| MX Anywhere 3S | 8,000 DPI | Compact | Bluetooth, 3 devices |
| MX Anywhere 3S for Mac | 8,000 DPI | Compact | Bluetooth LE, 3 devices |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
The TECKNET silent was the lowest-priced pick (under $50) and the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac the highest ($50 to $100) when we checked; tiers move with Amazon pricing.
| Price tier | Mice |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | TECKNET silent, TECKNET rechargeable |
| About $50 to $100 | MX Anywhere 3S, MX Anywhere 3S for Mac |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac add over the TECKNET silent?
On paper it adds sensor resolution (8,000 DPI against 4,800 DPI). On our last price check the TECKNET silent was in the under $50 tier and the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac in the $50 to $100 tier, with 2 other picks between them; pay the difference only if sensor resolution decides your purchase.
Why is the TECKNET silent our Lowest Price Here pick?
It earns the label for the lowest price among these mice at the time of writing. It suits spending as little as possible, with the TECKNET rechargeable the next step up.
What extras do the TECKNET silent and the TECKNET rechargeable include?
The TECKNET silent: silent left and right clicks. The TECKNET rechargeable: a built-in rechargeable battery. The MX Anywhere 3S: tracking on glass.
Should I pick the TECKNET silent or the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac?
The TECKNET silent suits spending as little as possible, with the TECKNET rechargeable the next step up; the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac suits buyers who want Mac version tuned for macOS and iPadOS.
What else do the MX Anywhere 3S and the MX Anywhere 3S for Mac offer?
The MX Anywhere 3S: a MagSpeed scroll wheel. The MX Anywhere 3S for Mac: a rechargeable USB-C battery.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the TECKNET silent, chosen for the lowest price among these mice at the time of writing. Look at the TECKNET rechargeable for a built-in rechargeable battery, 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.
Bluetooth models save a USB port on the laptop.
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 RGB 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 Quiet 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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