Budget is always a vital consideration. Most people believe that getting a mouse priced over $100 is the way to go; which is correct for most but not all gaming mice. You can find a good gaming mouse for less than $50 and $25.

Here you are not looking at the latest specs, but mice that have been in the market long enough to have advanced versions such that the older versions are accurate as ever, but they come cheap.

Features to Consider in Cheap Gaming Mice

DPI (Dots Per Inch)

This feature determines the sensitivity of the mouse. Although it may be affected by scaling in Windows software, it will give you a pretty good idea of the responsiveness you need in each game.

For example, if you are constantly moving the mouse, you will need a high DPI where you don’t need to move the mouse over a long distance to move the cursor over a large space.

Low sensitive mice have a DPI from 400-800. This means you have to use large sweeping motions.

A highly sensitive mouse will require using only the wrist or hand to make most of the moves you need in a particular game. You can also choose to go with a medium DPI such that you can use the arm and your wrist to move the mouse over the required distance in the game.

Laser vs. Optical Gaming Mice

Gaming mice use an optical sensor, but a laser mouse uses a laser for illumination. It is good on reflective surfaces while optical sensors are best for rough surfaces.

Laser mice are susceptible to dust which may affect their lifespan. On the other hand, optical mice have a low margin of error, but you will have to consider the type of surface.

Acceleration

The speed at which the cursor moves to the speed of moving the mouse is known as acceleration. It comes as a standard feature which you will not be able to change. For more hand motions, low sensitivity is needed so that you can be in control at all times.

Polling Rate

This feature indicates the number of times the mouse sensor reads its location on the screen every second. It ranges from 250-1000Hz (hertz). A high polling rate means the mouse has a faster response rate. This feature is a necessary consideration for hardcore gamers.

Keep in mind that a very high polling rate will slow down your computer as it will constantly be updating the position of the cursor.

Best Cheap Gaming Mice Under $25

1. VicTsing MM057 2.4G Wireless Portable Gaming Mouse

Design features
Operating on the 2.4Ghz band and a range of 15 meters, the VicTsing MM057 gaming mouse allows you to take the game with you. It is also the perfect combination for a gaming PC since you don’t have to sit at your desktop to enjoy hours of gaming.

This is an ergonomic mouse that looks like any other office mouse only that it has three extra buttons. One of the buttons will adjust the five DPI settings from 800-2400 DPI. It also has two other extra buttons where you can program them to perform just any function. For right-handed users, it is quite comfortable to use for extended periods. It is a pain to use for lefties because of the location of the buttons.

It has a remarkable battery life of up to 15 months. It saves you from constantly changing the batteries. With a sleep mode that activates after 8 minutes of inactivity, the battery life is extended even further.

Convenient Features
VicTsing MM057 uses an optical sensor. It makes it is sensitive to a wide variety of surfaces but not on glass. Whether you are using it on the office desk or a mouse pad, the mouse will track smoothly to make your gaming experience more comfortable.

You will like that it is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. If you own a gaming Macbook or you like to take your games in a Notebook, it is yours for the taking. We love the overall build as it is minimalistic, but it has a sturdy construction which indicates longevity and reliability.

Verdict
VicTsing MM057 is a wireless gaming mouse that gives you fast connectivity speeds without being tethered to your computer. You get to take it anywhere and use it as long as you’d like thanks to its ergonomic design. It remains a relatively highly sensitive mouse which is suitable for MMO, combat, stealth, FPS, and RTS gaming.

2. HAVIT HV-MS672 Wired Gaming Mouse

Design features
HAVIT is a not a new name in gaming. The HV-MS672 represents one of their budget-friendly gaming mice designed for entry-level gamers. The size of the mouse indicates it will be slightly uncomfortable with small hands. It has a large build maybe to show its for gaming which makes it grand and uncomfortable for some users.

When you want to track the DPI setting that you have, the mouse will flash a certain color that indicates the DPI level. This way, you can go higher or lower intuitively. The mouse is designed to have seven breathing colors that continuously change. This feature adds to the gaming look of this mouse.

This mouse comes with six buttons. You can program two side buttons in games that allow you to remap. The buttons also work as the page forward and page backward buttons on your browser. However, it does not have the conventional back and forward like in other mice which can be tricky to get used to.

Convenient Features
HAVIT HV-MS672 has a 5.5ft long USB cable. It provides comfortable use of the mouse from an ideal distance from your PC. The gold-plated connector offers resistance against dust, water, and rust. Not forgetting that it can track well on many surfaces owing to its laser sensor.

To control the LED lighting, there’s a switch underneath the mouse which will help turn off the LED.

Overall
HAVIT has done an excellent job giving you a practical mouse for all your gaming needs. It is robust, ergonomic, and most of all accurate. If you are looking to game for hours on end, its lightweight design is all you need. Go and experience affordable performance with the HAVIT HV-MS672 gaming mouse.

3. Logitech G300s Optical Ambidextrous Gaming Mouse

Design features
Logitech sets the pace in the world of gaming. Their gaming mice are particularly expensive unless you come across an old model like the Logitech G300s. This mouse has been crafted to provide smooth gameplay. It is useful for any game thanks to its adjustable DPI from 250-2500.

It has on-the-fly DPI settings that allow you to make quick changes. With nine programmable buttons and three onboard profiles, you will be able to allocate most of the critical functions of the keyboard to this mouse. It does not come with the programming software something that we don’t like on this mouse. But it is readily available online, so you just download and install in easy steps.

This mouse has a pinched design that allows both the middle fingers and index fingers to move freely without causing any strain. You will like the tactile feedback and that you can use it with either the left or the right hand.

Convenient Features
We find it intriguing that you can select different colors for the user profiles. It allows you to keep tabs of the profile you are using say you have your functions set for Far Cry and have other functions for Gigantic on another profile, your most used snipping commands will be at your fingertips.

The stored profiles also come in handy when you want to play using a different PC.

Logitech G300s has a pretty long USB cable, standing at 6 ½ ft. You will find it comfortable around a PC but not so much with a laptop. Dealing with a long cable means it is more susceptible to getting caught around corners of furniture which can be frustrating.

Verdict
When you want a gaming mouse built with programmability in mind, Logitech G300s is a unique consideration. It may not be weighted but it lets you have most gaming commands on your mouse. You will experience gaming convenience if you are a hardcore gamer on a budget.

4. Redragon M601 Wired CENTROPHORUS Gaming Mouse

Design features
With a durable ABS build, the Redragon M601 is a comfortable mouse. It offers real money value owing to its quality and precision. This mouse gives you five programmable buttons and four levels of DPI adjustments. It comes with five onboard profiles where you can save any gaming function.

With the Teflon feet and a laser sensor, the mouse will track very well allowing you to game for hours with absolute comfort. We like that it has an 8-piece weight tuning set of 2.4g each. You can remove and add the weights according to the weight you need in the mouse.

This mouse comes with a 6ft durable cable. It is a braided fiber cable that assures you of its use for a long time. You can use it from a reasonable distance meaning you don’t have to be next to your PC for comfortable handling.

Convenient Features
Redragon M601 has red backlighting. It aligns itself with gaming features. For some users, this lighting might be too bright for comfort. It is a bit of a process to turn the lights off as it involves disassembling the mouse and removing the lighting connector which can be done.

This mouse is grippy. Except for the scroll wheel that can be a bit slippery, the buttons are contoured to fit most hand grips. It should not be a problem whether you have small or large hands.

Overall
Redragon M601 seeks to fulfill the needs of the hardcore gamer by providing a mouse that is comfortable for long gaming sessions. It has adjustable DPI and weight that makes it all the more practical in gaming.

5. LENRUE Laser Gaming Mouse

Design features
LENRUE falls right into the category of cheap gaming mice with functional features. When you are out looking for a gaming mouse and don’t want to give it a lot of thought, just grab the LENRUE. It is practical, both in its design and use. All the six buttons are programmable. It will help you get your keyboard commands on the mouse, so you don’t have to keep reaching to the keyboard in a fast-paced game.

The mouse has a unique look in that it comes with a flashy exterior coupled by a rubbery feel. You are up to hours of gaming without putting any unnecessary stress on your fingers. The fours levels of DPI with 3200 being the highest and 500Hz polling rate showcase a mouse designed to work at the correct speed at all times. This feature improves control such that you can focus on the game rather than on the position of the cursor.

The DPI levels match a specific LED color. For example, pink is for 1600DPI while purple represents 3200 DPI which is the highest. It makes it easy to keep tabs of the DPI according to the game.

Convenient Features
LENRUE allows all the six buttons to be programmable. It is a unique feature that gives it a plus as a budget pick. To start allocating macros, you will need to download the software from LENRUE website. The page is in Japanese, but there’s an option for an English version.

You may not even need to use the software if you are buying this mouse for office use.

Verdict
LENRUE works perfectly and accurately. It has DPI settings that are ideal for gaming and other complex activities. The general build of this mouse also indicates that it can take a beating thanks to the rubber and metal housing. And the best part is that it comes at a fraction of the price of other gaming mice.

Best Cheap Gaming Mice Under $50 in 2024

1. Logitech G602 Lag-Free Wireless Gaming Mouse

Design features
Logitech G602 lets you game without the cord with equal or better input speeds as that of a wired mouse. For most people, wireless mice can be slow and annoying, but Logitech has made it that with their nano receiver coupled with an extender cable, you can have better speeds on the 2.4GHz band and a 2ms response rate.

This mouse gives you eleven programmable buttons. It is one the highest number you can get in this price range, allowing you to set up macros and all games’ commands on the mouse. If you have a PC and a laptop, you can use the mouse on either device and have your gaming profile with you.

When you want pixel-precise control, Logitech G602 gives you DPI as low as 250. And when you want speeds to sniff out opponents, you will be happy with the 2500DPI. It comes with two buttons to help toggle through five DPI levels.

This mouse is compatible with Windows 7,8,10, Windows Vista, and Mac OS X 10.6.8. But it is a little tricky to use the programmable function on Windows 8.

Instead of reinstalling Windows, go to the control panel and find the mouse in device manager. Right click on the properties to update the driver. A dialog box will pop up. Select the option that says browse my computer for driver software, click to where the Logitech Gaming Software is located, click next, and you are done.

When you are done updating the software, it should now be Logitech Gaming Receiver. Now you can open it and use the functions of the mouse that you need.

Convenient Features
Logitech G602 claims to have 250 hours of battery life when in performance mode. This is because of the use of a Delta Zero Sensor which provides extended battery life of the mouse. The Delta Zero Sensor also gives you high precision control.

It has an energy saving mode which you can use when you want to preserve the life of the battery when it is running low. You can also use optional software that will tell you when the battery is low so that you can change the batteries in time.

Overall
Logitech G602 hits all the right notes in a gaming mouse. It has been built to take on all the rigors of gaming which include the outdoors and even being dropped multiple times. It expresses longevity and precision like no other gaming mouse on our price range.

2. Razer DeathAdder Chroma Ergonomic Gaming Mouse

Design features
Razer DeathAdder Chroma comes with premium features that you can only hope when you are tight on cash.

This mouse uses a highly accurate optical sensor and DPI levels of up to 10,000. It exacts gaming speeds that you need when you want fast or slow movements. Whichever game that keeps your body exhausted and you can’t let go of the mouse, this model will handle it like a pro.

Razer DeathAdder Chroma has two programmable buttons on the side of the mouse. You can allocate a few functions to assist in RPG and FPS games. The mouse uses Razer software which you will need to keep updating to have the mouse performing flawlessly. Other than that, Razer DeathAdder Chroma gives you up to 200inches per second movement speeds for continuous gaming.

Convenient Features
If you love some splash of color, Razer gives you the color spectrum to work with. You can use any color to illuminate the scroll wheel and Razer logo on this mouse. With its advanced optical sensor, Razer DeathAdder is capable of tracking on most surfaces including paper and even glass tabletops.

This mouse is designed for right-handed users. It provides you with rubberized grips that are textured to prevent sliding. The buttons are all positioned in a comfortable distance such that you will feel the buttons naturally.

Overall
Razer DeathAdder Chroma thrives in being an accurate and versatile gaming mouse. It has very high DPI settings which you will probably never need, but for what it’s worth, you won’t be wishing for a high DPI mouse when the situation warrants it.

3. Corsair M65 Pro RGB FPS Gaming Mouse

Design features
Corsair M65 Pro opens the possibilities of programmability on a gaming mouse. With the help of Corsair Utility Engine (CUE) software, you can configure the buttons the way you like as well as create macros and customize the three-zone RGB lighting. You will be gaming on your terms making it an exceptional mouse for everyday gaming.

This model gives you an accurate PMW3360 optical sensor that is designed primarily for gaming. You can play fast and slow paced games with optimum accuracy as it provides you pixel-precision on any surface. Talk of desktops, rugged mats, smooth paper, and even glass tables, this mouse will not disappoint.

Corsair M65 Pro uses Omron switches to take you through demanding gaming sessions. The switches give responsiveness and durability. This mouse is rated to 20 million clicks. It is a real representation of what you are getting.

Convenient Features
Apart from the seven buttons on the mouse, the DPI button is positioned on the side for quick snipping. This scroll wheel is rubberized, and we are glad it does not produce a screeching sound when you have used it for a long time.

The mouse has eight weights to tune in to your liking. If you have small hands that cannot handle large weights, you get to remove some of them and vice versa.

Verdict
Corsair M65 Pro is a unique model that comes with quality features. It is best for FPS because of the snipping button. It provides programmability and customization options thanks to the CUE software. You will also find it lightweight and durable owing to the aircraft-grade aluminum housing.

4. Redragon M901 Perdition MMO Gaming Mouse

Design features
Redragon M901 Perdition is an advanced but cheap gaming mouse for MMO. We find all the thumb buttons to be intuitively placed such that you will never miss the button you intend to click. Each of the twelve side buttons is angled to ensure you are clear on the one you want. The DPI controls are on top of the mouse so no worries about changing the DPI accidentally.

Perdition gives you adjustable DPI from 1000 to 24000. It also gives you 18 programmable buttons and five onboard profiles. You can use this mouse with different computers and get to access your profiles at your convenience. This mouse has customizable LED lighting that you can allocate your profiles. It is a thoughtful way of ensuring you are aware of your profiles.

Also, Redragon uses Omron Microswitches. They have decent tactile feedback that provide you with swift actuation. You will be able to click faster without pushing the buttons all the way. It gives you an advantage over your competitors as you will be a click ahead which means the difference between taking a shot and losing a target.

Convenient Features
For superior tracking, this mouse integrates durable Teflon feet. They reduce friction which in turn gives you control over the mouse. When you have been moving the mouse for hours, the mouse base can get hot and slippery that’s why you have the durable Teflon feet that will not fall off or wear away before exhausting use for this mouse.

What’s more, this mouse is compatible with Mac OS, Windows 8,7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP. It has a 6ft. long USB cable that is braided and coupled with a gold-plated connector for durability.

Verdict
Redragon M901 Perdition aims at being a reliable MMO mouse. With its 18 programmable buttons, it is just a matter of time before you start making more wins. You can save profiles and use them with other computers.

However, the 12 side buttons can be difficult to reach if you have short fingers and small hands. As such, it is only ideal if you have large hands with long fingers, or if you don’t mind moving your hand to press the 10th-12th button.

5. SteelSeries Rival 100 Gaming Mouse

Design features
SteelSeries Rival 100 has a comfortable feel for all grip styles. The switches provide tactile feedback that is reliable with most games. It gives the most natural handling by using the TrueMove Sensor that has low latency and responsive tracking. This feature allows it to be used with different surfaces without jumping or having the feel of drag.

This mouse has DPI levels up to 7200, and high-speed flicks up to 240. It is applicable with RPG and MMO games where you need optimum accuracy and balanced speeds for the finish. It has an ergonomic 6-button design, and all the buttons are programmable.

It provides storing of gaming settings on the mouse such that you can use it with other gaming peripherals. With an optical sensor, you may have to consider the type of surface that you will be using it with, but it will work with many rough surfaces.

Convenient Features
This gaming mouse has a PRISM RGB lighting. It is a kind of responsive lighting that changes according to in-game events like kills and low ammo. It makes the game more interesting, and you will not pay extra by having RGB lighting.

You will like that this mouse is lightweight, weighing in at only 3.04 ounces. It’s the type you pick when you know you will be in front of your PC for countless hours.

Overall
SteelSeries Rival 100 has perfected gaming features in a cheap model. It is durable, reliable, and practical for most gaming needs. It is the perfect addition for multiple grip styles like when you have to share the mouse with a few friends.