The 5 Best Gaming Mice Under $50

Written by Azzief Khaliq
Last updated Jun 7, 2022

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best gaming mice under $50
Gaming mice can get expensive. Some of the best will set you back $100 or more, a lot of money for a peripheral. But you can get a great mouse for much less than that, as long as you know what to look for. To help you out with that, we’ve put together a list of the best gaming mice under $50.

Our list combines some newer mice with old favorites that have dropped to or below the $50 threshold. These aren’t always the most cutting-edge mice, but that’s hardly an issue when good value is the primary concern.

Our Favorite Gaming Mice Under $50

Before we start, note that this list only covers mice that cost between $30 and $50. If you’re interested in what you can get below that, check out our list of the best gaming mice under $30.

1. HyperX Pulsefire Haste

Best Gaming Mouse Under $50

Weight59 grams (2.08 oz)
Dimensions (L x W x H)4.88 x 2.39 x 1.50 inches
SensorPixart PAW3335
DPI Range100 - 16000
ButtonsSix
ShapeSymmetrical
LightingRGB

HyperX isn’t a household name for peripherals, but the company’s Pulsefire Haste gaming mouse offers excellent value with its low weight, quality sensor, and safe shape. It’s arguably one of the best deals if you’re after the best gaming mouse under $50.

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste has a relatively large symmetrical shape that should work well for most mouse grip styles. The extra size does add a bit of weight compared to some other mice on our list, but 59 grams is still excellent. The only slight issue is its size, which may be too big for those with tiny hands. However, we think it’s still worth trying given the affordable price.

The PixArt PAW3335 isn’t the most cutting-edge sensor, but it’s still more than adequate for most gamers. It won’t spin out or give you any issues during fast-paced gameplay, which is the most important thing you want from a sensor.

HyperX Pulsefire Haste

Source: HyperX

One thing we particularly like about the Pulsefire Haste is that HyperX hasn’t skimped on the switches to hit the $50 price point. The Haste uses dustproof TTC switches rated for 60 million clicks. The mouse buttons should last the lifetime of the mouse, which is more than we can say about some cheaper mice we’ve used in the past.

The Pulsefire Haste also has RGB lighting in the rear and on the mouse wheel. It undoubtedly adds slightly to the mouse’s weight but is a nice value-add on a $50 mouse. You can program the RGB LEDs, change DPI settings, and access all the other mouse features via HyperX’s NGENUITY software.

Overall, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste is an excellent gaming mouse that should appeal to many players regardless of budget and grip. Its shape, low weight, and good sensor mean it punches well above its price point, and we’d recommend it even if you have more than $50 to spend. You can regularly find the Pulsefire Haste on sale for less than $40, making it solid deal.

2. Glorious Model D

Best Ergonomic Gaming Mouse Under $50

Weight69 grams (2.43 oz)
Dimensions (L x W x H)5.04 x 2.32 x 1.65 inches
SensorPixart PMW3360
Max DPI400 - 12,000
ButtonsSix
ShapeErgonomic
LightingRGB

Until recently, your options for an ergonomic ultralight gaming mouse at or below $50 were limited. However, that’s changed now that Glorious’ much-loved Model D has dropped in price slightly, qualifying it for our list.

The Model D is one of the few right-handed ultralight mice on the market, standing out in a sea of symmetrical shapes. It’s a great shape, too, with the only issue being that it’s a bit on the large side. But that’s to be expected with ergonomic mice.

It at least has a lightweight construction to help make up for its size, even if it’s heavy for a modern wired mouse at 69 grams. That’s still not too bad, though, and we think most users will be more than satisfied with the Model D’s weight. It’s certainly a significant improvement over older ergonomic mice like the Logitech G502 HERO.

Source: Glorious

We’ve opted for the Glorious Model D despite only barely qualifying as an “under $50” mouse because it offers a lot more than most other mice in this price range. The weight is, of course, a big plus point. But you also get PixArt’s still-relevant PMW3360 sensor and Glorious’ excellent flexible cord, both of which we really like.

Overall, the Glorious Model D has always been a great ergonomic mouse. Its shape, weight, and specs were all great at its old price and feel even better now that it’s around $50. The Glorious Model D is available in black and white, with matte or glossy finishes. However, only the matte finishes have come down to the $50 price point at the time of writing.

3. Logitech G502 HERO

Best Ergonomic Gaming Mouse Under $50 Runner-Up

Weight121 grams (4.26 oz) without extra weights
Dimensions (L x W x H)5.19 x 2.40 x 1.57 inches
SensorHero 25K
DPI Range100 - 25,600
Buttons12
ShapeErgonomic
LightingRGB

Logitech’s G502 HERO is a bonafide modern classic. Sure, it’s a lot heavier than its modern competition, but its great right-handed shape and extensive customizability still make it a worthy purchase, especially now that it can be had for well below $50.

The G502 HERO might look somewhat unorthodox with its angular lines and many buttons, but it’s a genuinely comfortable mouse to use daily. Its right-handed ergonomic design fits nicely in hand, with all of the mouse’s 12 buttons within easy reach. However, you will need large hands to use the G502 HERO comfortably, so those with smaller hands may want to look elsewhere.

The G502 has 12 buttons, including 3 side buttons, 2 buttons next to the left click, and left/right scroll wheel tilt. Eleven of these buttons are customizable in Logitech’s G HUB software, the only exception being the button behind the mouse wheel. This button switches the mouse wheel between notched and free scrolling, great for skimming through websites or documents very quickly.

Logitech G502

Source: Unsplash

The G502’s customizability doesn’t stop there, either. The G502 HERO comes with five 3.6-gram (0.12-ounce) weights that you can install in the bottom, with the freedom to install them in a few different positions. Admittedly, we don’t think most users will want to make the G502 HERO heavier, considering its beefy 121-gram default weight. However, it’s a nice option for those who want to tweak the mouse’s balance to suit their preferences.

While the G502’s weight is a bit old-fashioned, we should praise Logitech for keeping the G502 up to date as far as sensors go. The G502 HERO packs Logitech’s high-end HERO 25K, which is as top-notch a sensor as you’ll find on a mouse in 2022.

Overall, the Logitech G502 HERO is a deserved classic that packs a lot of useful customization into its ultra-comfortable shape. Sure, it’s not the mouse if you’re a competitive gamer looking to eke out even the tiniest advantage. But casual gamers or those who need more than the standard five or six buttons will find much to like here.

4. SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless

Best Wireless Gaming Mouse Under $50

WeightOne battery:
• 96 grams (3.38 oz)

Two batteries:
• 106 grams (3.73 oz)
Dimensions (L x W x H)4.74 x 2.31 x 1.49 inches
SensorSteelSeries TrueMove Air
DPI Range100 - 18,000
ButtonsSix
ShapeSymmetrical
LightingRGB
Battery Life400+ hours (Bluetooth / High-efficiency mode)

SteelSeries’ Rival 3 Wireless is no longer the cutting-edge mouse that it once was. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as its age means it’s now regularly available for less than $50. If you want a reliable wireless gaming mouse in this price bracket, the Rival 3 Wireless is one of your best choices.

We like the Rival 3 over its direct competitors (more on them later) because of the shape: it’s a mid-sized, ambidextrous shape that we think is quite safe. It should work for most users regardless of hand size or grip style, although SteelSeries recommends claw and fingertip grips for this shape.

SteelSeries made the clever choice of letting you choose between running one or two AAA batteries in the Rival 3 Wireless. This lets you prioritize weight or battery life. Unfortunately, AAA batteries also mean slightly compromised battery life. While the company claims more than 400 hours, that’s with Bluetooth or the high-efficiency mode that drops the polling rate down to 125 Hz.

SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless

Source: SteelSeries

If you’re gaming at the full 1000 Hz, you’re likely only getting 100 hours or so per pair of batteries (according to customer reports). Not great, but a set of rechargeable batteries will help cut down on the cost of replacing batteries that regularly.

The Rival 3 Wireless uses mechanical switches rated for 60 million clicks. This is standard for pricier mice, but many sub-$50 mice tend to opt for cheaper switches rated for 10 or 20 million clicks. This nice touch should help the Rival 3 outlast many similarly-priced mice.

On balance, we think the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless is the best wireless mouse under $50 for gamers. Battery life is a slight issue, but we don’t think that’s a big enough deal-breaker to put its main rivals ahead of it. However, if you prefer a smaller or ergonomic shape, check out our “honorable mentions” section for a couple of differently-shaped alternatives.

5. Cooler Master MM710

Best Small Gaming Mouse Under $50

Weight53 grams (1.87 oz)
Dimensions (L x W x H)4.59 x 2.15 x 1.50 inches
SensorPixArt PMW3389
DPI Range400 - 16,000
ButtonsSix
ShapeSymmetrical
LightingNone

Cooler Master’s MM710 is a gaming mouse whose main selling point is its weight: at 53 grams, it’s one of the lightest mice available from a mainstream manufacturer. If you prioritize weight above all else, this is probably the mouse for you.

However, Cooler Master hasn’t done this by using some exotic, ultra-lightweight material like Finalmouse’s magnesium alloy Starlight. Instead, it’s to do with how tiny the MM710 is. With its 2.15-inch grip width and relatively short 4.59-inch body, it’s the smallest mouse on our list and one of the smallest mice you can get from a big-name manufacturer.

This makes it ideal for fingertip and claw grip users: the small dimensions keep the body away from your palm, and the light weight makes fingertip movements effortless. It’s also small enough that most hand sizes can get away with a palm grip here. That said, palm grippers might find one of the best palm grip mice more enjoyable than the MM710’s symmetrical shape.

The Cooler Master MM710 is a great gaming mouse under $50 if you have smaller hands or want something as light as possible. There are better gaming mice for the average user, but the MM710 has the small mouse niche conquered at this price point.

The Cooler Master MM710 is available in black and white, with glossy and matte finishes. Most versions are regularly on sale on Amazon, putting them in the $30 to $40 price bracket. Excellent value for a lightweight gaming mouse.

Honorable Mentions

The five mice we’ve picked are our top choices for mice in the $30 to $50 price range, but they aren’t the only options you have. Here are a few extra options that we don’t think excel enough to make the main list but are still worth considering.

First up is the classic Razer DeathAdder V2. This is the wired, non-Pro version of the mouse, which can regularly be had for just over $40 these days. The DeathAdder V2’s ergonomic shape is classic and still great to use, but it loses out vs. the Glorious Model D in weight and cable quality.

But if you don’t mind the extra weight, then the DeathAdder V2 is a strong option for an ergonomic-shaped budget gaming mouse. It’s a classic shape for a reason.

Next is the Logitech G305 Lightspeed, in direct competition with the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless. The G305 is a classic, but its shape makes it a slightly harder recommendation overall.

The G305 is a small mouse (2.15-inch grip width) that’s narrow at the front and rear and bulges out in the middle, making for a slightly different feel than most mice. It’s not a bad shape, but it’s definitely more reliant on your hand size and grip being suitable for its dimensions.

The Logitech G305 Lightspeed also lacks Bluetooth and relies on the 2.4 GHz dongle to connect to your PC. It’s not a huge issue, but it makes it slightly less travel-friendly and versatile than the Rival 3 and Razer Basilisk below.

Finally, there’s the Razer Basilisk X HyperSpeed. The Basilisk is an ergonomic wireless gaming mouse that will be of interest if you want a right-handed shape without the hassle of a cable. Like many ergonomic designs, the Basilisk is a large (5.11 x 2.36 x 1.65 inches) mouse with a weight to match.

Like the SteelSeries Rival 3, the Razer Basilisk X HyperSpeed supports Bluetooth and a 2.4 GHz wireless connection. It’s a compelling option, especially if symmetrical shapes don’t work for you.

What Makes a Mouse Affordable?

The significant price gap between our picks and the high-end $100 mice might make you wonder why they’re so much cheaper, especially when we’ve told you that they’re still great mice. We can’t cover every factor that plays into this, but there are a couple that stand out based on our experience.

Age

Firstly, it’s simply that products tend to drop in price the older they are. Some of the best mice under $50 launched at $60 or $70 and have only recently dropped below our threshold. So you’re often buying mice that are three or more years old by this point.

This isn’t as bad as it might sound. Sensor quality hasn’t improved that much over the past few years, with most mid- and high-end optical sensors performing similarly (if not equally) to each other. So even a three- or four-year-old PixArt sensor will still be great to use and feel identical to a newer sensor for all but the pickiest gamers.

Logitech G502

Source: Logitech

Mouse weight is the only area where we’d say old mice are undoubtedly worse in our eyes. Compared to 60-gram ultralights, older mice in the 90-to-100-gram range like the Logitech G502 HERO can feel positively sluggish. But we think that’ll change soon, now that an early mainstream ultralight mouse like the Glorious Model D is regularly available at $50.

Component Quality

Sensors are mostly great these days, and even cheaper mice can have competitive sensors. But one area where the more affordable mice can stumble is in the switches themselves.

Many high-end mice like the Razer Viper boast switches with estimated lifespans of 60 million clicks or more. On the other hand, affordable mice like the Cooler Master MM710 tend to use cheaper switches with claimed lifespans of 10 or 20 million.

Of course, these numbers are simply estimates instead of guarantees. But they’re still a good indicator of component durability and how long you can expect the mouse to last. If you want some peace of mind, look for a mouse with long-lasting switches.

You won’t have to pay a lot for one, either. For example, the HyperX Pulsefire Haste has 60-million click switches, as does the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless.

Closing Thoughts

The best gaming mice under $50 prove that you don’t have to spend big to get a good gaming mouse. Sure, you’re not getting ultra-light wireless gaming mice or fancy optical switches at this price point. But our picks are all solid, dependable mice that’ll do an excellent job for all except the most demanding competitive gamers out there.

If you want a modern lightweight PC gaming mouse, then the HyperX Pulsefire Haste is a no-brainer choice. It punches well above its price and is essentially flawless (as long as you like honeycomb mice). But if you’re not one for light mice and want a large, customizable option for work and play, the Logitech G502 HERO is the mouse for you.

Need some advice while shopping around? Check out our guide to choosing a gaming mouse for some tips. All the best!

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