Having a good gaming mouse is essential for any gaming setup, but with a sea of different options to choose from, it can become quite overwhelming. The good news is that, with so many options, there’s plenty to choose from in every budget. Those trying to avoid spending an arm and a leg for a gaming mouse can find one that’s perfect for their needs. While the budget segment may not offer too many wireless gaming mice to consider, there are some that have great performance and features. Just like gaming keyboards need to have the right switches, the right size, and an ergonomic design, gaming mice need to feel comfortable while offering precise performance along with extra features that gamers actually want. However, a gaming mouse takes a lot more abuse than a keyboard, as it's constantly being grabbed and moved around, especially during intense gaming sessions. Cheap gaming mice have been getting better over the years and features that were previously exclusive to the more expensive offerings have trickled down into the budget market.

  • SteelSeries Rival 3 Mouse
    SteelSeries Rival 3 Gaming Mouse
    Best Overall Gaming Mouse Under $50
    $21 at Best Buy
  • Logitech G502 Hero Gaming Mouse
    Logitech G502 HERO
    Best Wired Gaming Mouse Under $50
    $43 at Walmart
  • Logitech G305 LightSpeed Wireless Gaming Mouse
    Logitech G305 Lightspeed
    Best Wireless Gaming Mouse Under $50
    $36 at Best Buy
  • Cooler Master MM720 Lightweight Gaming Mouse
    Cooler Master MM720 Gaming mouse
    Best Ultra Lightweight Wired Gaming Mouse Under $50
    $30 at Walmart
  • UHURU Gaming Mouse Wireless
    UHURU Gaming Mouse Wireless
    Best Ultra Lightweight Wireless Gaming Mouse Under $50
    See at Amazon
  • SteelSeries Aerox 3 Gaming Mouse
    SteelSeries Aerox 3 - Super Light Gaming Mouse
    Best Wired RGB Gaming Mouse Under $50
    $42 at Best Buy
  • WolfLawS KM-3 Wireless Gaming Mouse
    WolfLawS KM-3 Wireless Gaming Mouse
    Best Wireless RGB Gaming Mouse Under $50
    See at Amazon
  • 61XZR0QDeBL._AC_SL1500_
    HyperX Pulsefire Haste Gaming Mouse
    Best FPS Gaming Mouse Under $50
    $35 at Best Buy
  • best gaming mouse deals
    Redragon Impact M908 Gaming Mouse
    Best MMO Mouse Under $50
    $31 at Redragon

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Gaming Mouse

  • Size: The size is arguably the most important factor as there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to gaming mice.
  • Shape: A mouse can be ergonomic, which contours to the shape of the right hand, or it can be ambidextrous, allowing left-handed use.
  • Weight: Another important factor is weight. Professional gamers prefer lightweight gaming mice as they allow for quicker movements with less fatigue.
  • Connectivity: Wireless technology has reached a point where it’s just as good as a wired mouse without the hassle of a cable.

Game ZXC's Picks for the Best Gaming Mice for under $50

While most gaming mice worth looking at under $50 are typically priced right at that price point or slightly below it, the SteelSeries Rival 3 is one of the best budget gaming mice currently available, and it's only $30. Gamers looking to get the most out of their money will not be disappointed by the gaming performance or rock-solid build quality of the Rival 3.

At just 77 grams, the Rival 3 is not the lightest gaming mouse out there, or even the most lightweight mouse less than $50, but it does feel incredible to use, regardless of an extra gram here or there. Whether gamers like to be right in the fast-paced action or sit back and make slow, precise movements, the Rival 3 is an excellent companion to do that with. With a max tracking speed of 300 inches per second, the Rival 3 can move much faster than most mice under $50, and it is still incredibly accurate.

The shape of the Rival 3 is relatively typical compared to most gaming mice. However, the longer body and ridge on the pinky side of the mouse can make it a bit uncomfortable for gamers who prefer to use a palm grip. Claw and fingertip gamers will absolutely love this mouse, though.

First released way back in 2014, the Logitech G502 Proteus Core introduced the design that became extremely popular in the video gaming community. Back then, weight was not a concern when it came to high-performance gaming mice which is why it came with additional weights to add to the already heavy 164-gram body. The same design is present on the more recent G502 HERO, though it is also five years old at this point.

This feature-packed gaming mouse comes with 11 programmable buttons, which, in Game ZXC's full review of the G502 Hero, we found all of these buttons are very easy to access. It comes with a “hyper-fast” scroll wheel that allows for infinite scrolling with the press of a button. In terms of dimensions, the mouse measures 290x75x40 mm making it ideal for most hand sizes. Being an older mouse, it weighs 121 grams on its own and even comes with five additional 3.5-gram weights.

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The Logitech G502 HERO, as the name suggests, is an upgrade over the previous generation G502 and brought the HERO (High Efficiency Rated Optical) sensor capable of 16000 DPI and 1000 Hz (1ms) polling rate. This sensor is present in many of Logitech’s current offerings. In terms of lighting, only the Logitech logo can be changed to different colors.

Logitech also allows gamers to save up to five profiles on the mouse itself which means they can have their personalized profiles even when using the mouse on a different setup.

If cables are too much of a hassle, the Logitech G305 Lightspeed is a simple wireless gaming mouse for under $50. Also, a relatively small mouse, it comes in at 116.6x62.15x38.2 mm and weighs 99 grams. It has a symmetrical design with two buttons on the left side and a DPI button on top. The Logitech G305 Lightspeed uses the company’s HERO sensor found in several of its other mice. This sensor is capable of up to 12000 DPI and has proven its worth as one of the best sensors on the market.

The G305 uses the company’s Lightspeed Wireless technology powered by the 32-bit ARM microprocessor with a 1000Hz (1ms) wireless report rate. It takes a single AA battery and is rated for 250 hours of use. Having a swappable battery is in some ways better than rechargeable options, but it adds to the overall weight of the mouse. Additionally, there is a slot within the mouse to store the 2.4GHz dongle when not in use.

There are six programmable buttons, and the left and right clicks are Omron switches rated for 10 million clicks. Logitech says it has used mechanical button tensioning on the left and right clicks, making them more consistent and requiring less force. Those looking to add a splash of color to their gaming setup can choose from six colors: Black, Blue, Lilac, Mint, White, and a KDA version.

With its unique ergonomic shape, the MM720 from Cooler Master is a budget-friendly wired gaming mouse that weighs in at a shockingly low 49 grams. Gamers looking for a mouse that is easy to fling around for hours at a time and want to save some money, look no further than the MM720.

In Game ZXC's full review of the Cooler Master MM720, we found that the lightweight design and shorter body than most gaming mice make the MM720 perfect for gamers who prefer to use a claw or fingertip grip. However, regardless of the type of grip that gamers prefer to use, the heavy wire tends to pull the mouse a little off course at the most inopportune times.

While the look of the MM720 is not for everyone, the honeycomb design helps the mouse achieve its incredibly lightweight. Plus, gamers who get sweaty will be overjoyed to feel fresh air on their palms during intense gaming sessions. And don't worry, this mouse is dust- and water-resistant despite the holes, so there is no need to worry about a spill killing taking this mouse out.

For its latest edition, the UHURU wireless gaming mouse has undergone a redesign that shelved off 25 per cent of its weight. Thus, it is one of the lightest wireless gaming mice, weighing only 68 grams. Users can carry it with them wherever they go in their pockets, bags, and so on. Plus, its lightweight nature allows gamers to make more agile and quicker moves and react quickly to different in-game situations. The well-balanced WM-09 gaming mouse also minimizes strain on the forearm and wrist, which counters fatigue and promotes comfort during long gaming sessions.

The mouse is customizable to more than 16.8 million RGB preset effects and preset colors. Users can customize how they want the mouse to look through the included UHURU software. By opening the software from a computer, they can customize the mouse to a specific game and create a more immersive experience. It has a 400mAh lithium-ion battery that recharges fast to provide up to 90 hours of battery life. Thus, gamers can use it in wireless mode for days without recharging. The wired mode saves battery power, enabling users to rely solely on the device. It is perfect for the times when a user has forgotten to recharge the battery.

The UHURU gaming mouse has 6 programmable buttons for work and gaming. Users can adjust the button sensitivity levels based on how snappy they want the responses to be. Additionally, the buttons are tried and tested to last through over 80 million click lifecycles. The only downside is that a user cannot switch on or off the RGB lights, which can sometimes be annoying for some gamers.

While it is not for everyone, RGB lighting is a staple in the gaming community, and at this price point, unfortunately, most mice sacrifice gaming performance or RGB lighting to keep the price down. However, the SteelSeries Aerox 5 is a perfect choice for gamers looking for a mouse that can produce some gorgeous RGB lighting effects, and it is comparable with some of the best gaming mice out there.

Using a honeycomb design similar to the HyperX Pulsefire Haste, the Aerox 5 uses these holes to retain its light weight and make some really cool-looking RGB lighting effects. While there are only three RGB zones, the amount of designs and effects gamers can produce can get quite complex. Thankfully, the SteelSeries Engine 3 app makes customization easy, and the lighting can even be set to reflect the health bar in supported games.

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The specs inside the Aerox 5 are not the most impressive on paper, but once gamers use this mouse, what seems like shortcomings on the specs list are hard to notice. The lightweight design and relatively accurate sensor make the Aerox 5 an absolute joy to game with.

This piece is one of the best wireless RGB mice under $50 because of its robust sensitivity, ergonomic design, great RGB light effects and 3 different connectivity modes: BT3.0, BT5.0 and 2.4GHz. Its outer shell has a lightweight honeycomb design that enhances the touch experience and improves palm comfort while ensuring unbridled ease of use. During gaming sessions, users need a mouse such as this that enables them to move freely and quickly. It offers the best way to ensure quick in-game responses, resulting in improved chances of winning.

Under the honeycomb shell, the mouse has impressive Chroma RGB lights with 4 different lighting effects. Based on preference, gamers can choose pure mode, breathing mode, stream mode, or rainbow mode. Users can also turn the RGB lights off if they become annoying or unnecessary.

It features 4 adjustable DPI buttons that can move between 600 and 1600 DPI, giving the user control over the speed and responsiveness of the cursor. The buttons allow gamers to adjust the speed and sensitivity of the mouse cursor according to their preference and the type of game. When it comes to compatibility, the mouse can be paired with different Bluetooth-enabled devices, including Windows PCs and MacBooks.

All the mice in this guide offer excellent gaming performance for under $50, but for gamers who want an option that can hold its own when it comes to competitive gaming and on the e-sport scene, there is no better option than the HyperX Pulsefire Haste. At just $50, this mouse isn't flashy, but it makes up for its plain appearance with its stellar gaming performance.

The Pixart 3335 sensor supports a maximum DPI of 16,000, and has a top tracking speed of 450 inches per second. Compared to more premium mice, these numbers are relatively standard, but these are pretty much unheard-of numbers at this price point. In games, the Pulsefire Haste offers performance similar to mice like the Razer Viper and the SteelSeries Sensei Ten, which are more expensive than the Pulsefire Haste.

Comfort is where many e-sport-focused mice fall short. However, the Pulsefire Haste is actually a very comfortable mouse to game with, regardless of the preferred grip style. The slightly larger body and extended hump, which doesn't add too much weight to the mouse, makes it worth using this mouse for everyday tasks as well as gaming.

MMO mice tend to be much more expensive than other gaming mice, so finding an option worth picking up for less than $50 can be quite the task. However, the Redragon M908 Impact breaks the mold of expensive MMO mice. With 20 programmable buttons, an accurate sensor, and well-designed customization software, this mouse is any MMO gamer's dream, plus it's incredibly affordable.

The 12 buttons on the side are pretty standard for most MMO mice, so while the M908 Impact's design is not revolutionary, it also makes it super easy to pick up this mouse and feel ready to game without having to readjust the button layout. Plus, the almost symmetrical design with grippy sides makes this mouse incredibly comfortable for long WOW raids or intense matches in Leagues of Legends. However, gamers with smaller hands might sometimes find themselves reaching for some of the side buttons.

Of course, a good MMO mouse is nothing without good customization software, and Redragon does not disappoint at all. The Redragon software is straightforward to program all 18 buttons. With five onboard memory slots, gamers can easily set this mouse up for a variety of games once and be ready to game even if they are not on their personal computer.

What To Consider In A Budget Gaming Mouse

The Best Gaming Mice Under $50

Size: The first thing one should consider when going in for a gaming mouse is how it fits in the hand. Different people have different palm and hand sizes which means not all mice will be comfortable for them. Someone with small to medium-sized hands will be able to use pretty much all the gaming mice but someone with larger hands may find it difficult to grab onto the relatively smaller mice. At first, even though it may seem that a mouse is easy to control, over time games may notice the slightly bigger or slightly smaller size bothers them.

Shape: Gaming mice are either ergonomic or ambidextrous, as per their design. An ergonomic mouse is designed to comfortably sit under the right hand. This means it is contoured in a way that fits the right hand allowing for the thumb, palm, and fingers to rest comfortably. On the other hand, ambidextrous mice have a symmetrical design and allow for different grip styles, as well as left-handed use. Another shape-related factor to consider is the curve for where the palm sits. Some gaming mice are more rounded than others which means the palm will be more curved than flat.

Weight: Over the past few years, the industry has moved towards more lightweight gaming mice. All brands have released their own lightweight gaming mice, some fall in the budget category while others are more premium offerings. Lightweight mice allow for quicker and relatively smoother movements over a mousepad as compared to heavier mice. Because of the lightweight, the hand does not get as tired over time. Professional competitive gamers prefer using lightweight mice for these very reasons. However, not everyone feels comfortable with an extra light mouse.

Connectivity: A gaming mouse can be wired or wireless. Though limited, there are some reputable wireless gaming mice available in the budget section. Wireless technology has come a long way and wireless gaming mice can now compete with the best wired options in the market. The latency and input lag have been improved significantly over several generations of gaming mice. However, with the cable-free nature of a wireless mouse comes the dread of battery problems during long gaming sessions.

Affordable Gaming Mice Maximize Value

Finding the perfect gaming mouse is not an easy task. Most people do not have access to multiple mice and the one they purchase is the one they stick with. To help gamers with this decision, there are a few considerations mentioned in this guide. Doing proper research before going ahead with the purchase is essential as there are many different factors to consider such as size, shape, sensor, weight, and connectivity. Ergonomic mice will be more comfortable for most people so that can be a good starting point when making the list.

Furthermore, these recommendations are based on feature set, performance, and general popularity but that doesn’t mean they will be perfect for every individual. While there are quite a few options in the $50 range, the perfect mouse depends on the use case. Someone who only plays FPS games can go with a basic lightweight mouse with a good sensor (several in this list) but someone who plays more MOBAs or MMOs would benefit from a mouse with multiple buttons. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many options for MOBA and MMO lovers who prefer to have controls on their mouse.

FAQ

Q: Is $50 enough for a good gaming mouse?

Yes, there are several good options to choose from when it comes to gaming mice under $50. A higher budget would of course get you more features but the key components for a good gaming experience are present in most budget options as well.

Q: What is better? Ambidextrous or ergonomic gaming mice?

It depends on the user. Some gamers prefer an ergonomic design as it feels more comfortable in the right hand, but an ambidextrous gaming mouse allows for different grip styles and can be used by left-handed gamers. Both have their advantages and drawbacks.

Q: What is a cheap but good gaming mouse?

There are several cheap but good gaming mice on the market. The Cooler Master MM720 and the Steelseries Rival 3 are some of the cheapest gaming mice with solid performance.