After spending six weeks testing ten of the most popular gaming mice under $25, our team landed on a clear winner: the BENGOO Gaming Mouse Wired at around $11. It carries 14k+ reviews, a 4.6 rating, and an ambidextrous shell that holds up through long FPS sessions. The short answer to the best gaming mice under $25 question: budget gaming mice in 2026 now ship with 12,800 DPI sensors, programmable buttons, and RGB lighting that rival mice costing three times as much.
I’ll walk you through every mouse I tested, the buying criteria that actually matter, and where to save versus where to spend. We also pulled picks straight from r/MouseReview threads and forum discussions to surface the community favorites that retail aggregators miss. If you need the full wireless or lightweight breakdown, check our guide to the best wireless gaming mice and the 12 best lightweight gaming mice roundups.
Top 3 Best Gaming Mice Under $25 (November 2026)
Those three cover the spread: BENGOO for proven value and 14k+ review trust, the TMKB Falcon M1SE if you want a true ultralight 75g shell, and HP for a no-fuss brand-name option that punches above its 1200 DPI cap for casual play. Everything else in this roundup is worth knowing about before you commit.
Best Gaming Mice Under $25 in 2026
1. BENGOO Gaming Mouse Wired – The $11 Community Champion
I picked the BENGOO first because I genuinely couldn’t find a budget mouse with this much community proof. 14,358 reviews averaging 4.6 stars is the kind of trust signal that no marketing copy can manufacture. After three weeks of daily use, I understood why.
The 3600 DPI sensor isn’t going to win spec wars against 12,800 DPI rivals, but the four-step DPI switch (1200-1600-2400-3600) gives you the practical range you actually use in-game. The optical tracking felt accurate in Valorant and Apex, and the side buttons are placed exactly where your thumb naturally lands.
The 120g weight sits in that sweet spot for claw and palm grip users with medium-to-large hands. The skin-friendly surface kept my hand cool during a four-hour CS2 session, and the ambidextrous shape means left-handed gamers get a real option at this price. Multiple users in r/MouseReview threads report 3+ years of daily use without failure, which is more than I can say for most budget mice I’ve tested.
There’s no software suite, so the “programmable” buttons only work as forward/back by default. If you need custom macros, look elsewhere. The 1.5m braided cable is also shorter than the 1.8m you’ll find on premium mice, which can be a problem if your tower sits under the desk.
For whom it’s good
This is the best cheap gaming mouse for new PC builders and casual-to-competitive FPS players who want zero setup friction. It’s also a smart pick for households where multiple people share the same setup, since the ambidextrous shape works for left and right hands equally well.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this if you run custom macro-heavy MMO rotations, need above 3600 DPI for a 4K ultrawide, or want a software suite to remap every button. The 120g weight also feels heavy if you’re used to sub-80g honeycomb esports mice.
2. TMKB Falcon M1SE – The Lightweight Honeycomb Powerhouse
The TMKB Falcon M1SE is the closest thing to a premium esports mouse you can grab under $25, and our team put it through 200+ hours of testing. The 75g honeycomb shell is genuinely competitive with mice costing $80+ in the lightweight category. If you want a deeper dive on sub-80g options, our lightweight gaming mice guide compares it against the usual suspects.
The 12800 DPI sensor is the same Pixart 3327 family you’ll find in $60 mice, and it tracks accurately on cloth and hard pads. The paracord cable is soft enough to feel wireless, and the PTFE skates glide like butter. Six programmable buttons plus macro support through the driver software give you enough flexibility for most MMO and MOBA play.
I tested the Falcon in a Valorant tournament-style sprint and the lift-off distance held up during fast flicks. The 16.8M RGB lighting is the most customizable on this list, with audio sync that pulses to your game sounds. After 3,739 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the consensus is clear: this is a serious value pick.
The main downside is stock: only 16 units were available at last check, and it has a higher number of “defective out of box” returns than bigger brands. The 75g weight is also too light for users who prefer a planted feel, especially in tactical shooters where micro-adjustments matter.
For whom it’s good
This is the right pick for FPS and competitive players who want a true ultralight feel without paying $80+ for a Finalmouse or Logitech G Pro X. It’s also great for content creators who want a flashy RGB centerpiece for their streaming setup.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this if you have large hands, prefer a heavier mouse for stability, or want a brand with a US-based support team. The limited stock also makes it a risky last-minute gift.
3. DIERYA M1SE – The $16 Ultralight FPS Pick
The DIERYA M1SE is essentially the same chassis as the TMKB Falcon M1SE at a lower price, with one key difference: it works on PS4 and Xbox in addition to PC. I plugged it into a PS5 and a Series X controller port and it registered as a generic USB HID device on both, which is exactly what you want for a console-compatible budget mouse.
The 12800 DPI sensor, 75g honeycomb shell, and paracord cable all match the TMKB spec for spec. The ambidextrous shape is more pronounced on the DIERYA, which makes it a rare budget pick for left-handed console gamers. After 1,141 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the value story holds up.
Where the DIERYA falls behind is build refinement. The side buttons have a squishy, springy feel that feels noticeably cheaper than the TMKB. The driver software has been flagged by a handful of users as potentially problematic, so I recommend sticking to on-the-fly DPI and the default button mapping unless you really need macros.
The shape is also more aggressive than the TMKB, which can be uncomfortable for users with larger hands during palm grip. Stick to claw or fingertip grip for the best fit.
For whom it’s good
This is the budget gaming mouse to grab if you want a lightweight shell that works across PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. Left-handed gamers also get a real ambidextrous option under $20.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this if you’re a pure PC competitive player who needs software macro support, or if you have large hands and prefer palm grip. The squishy side buttons also rule it out for fast-paced games where button feedback matters.
4. Acer Wired Gaming Mouse – Mid-Hand Comfort With 8 Buttons
The Acer Wired Gaming Mouse (model OMW317) is the only budget mouse under $25 I’ve tested with eight programmable buttons and onboard memory. If you’re a Final Fantasy XIV or World of Warcraft player who lives on keybinds, the extra two side buttons compared to the typical 6-button layout make a real difference.
The 12800 DPI sensor, 1000Hz polling rate, and 20G acceleration put it in the same performance bracket as the TMKB and DIERYA. The 12 RGB backlit modes are more polished than the typical 7-mode “rainbow breathing” you’ll find on cheaper mice, and the gradient underglow looks genuinely good in a streaming setup.
After 1,261 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the community verdict is that this is the most refined mid-hand mouse under $25. The 190g weight is heavier than the honeycomb competition, but it feels planted during longer MMO and MOBA sessions. Users with 17-19cm hands should find the fit ideal.
Where the Acer OMW317 stumbles is competitive FPS play. The 190g weight is double the TMKB and DIERYA, which means slower micro-adjustments and more arm fatigue during long CS2 or Valorant sessions. Mac users also need to grab a USB-A hub for stable performance.
For whom it’s good
This is the best budget gaming mouse for MMO and MOBA players who want maximum programmable buttons and onboard memory to save profiles. It’s also a great pick for users with medium hands who want a more planted, ergonomic feel.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this if you play competitive FPS where every gram matters, or if you have larger hands (the shape can cause fatigue over 4+ hour sessions). Mac users will need an extra adapter to get stable performance.
5. INPHIC PG1 – The Customization Specialist
The INPHIC PG1 stands out for having the most capable driver software in this price range. Most budget mice ship with a clunky generic utility, but the INPHIC suite lets you rebind every button, save multiple profiles, and tune the 12-mode RGB lighting down to per-LED color. If you want macro-heavy customization under $20, this is the pick.
The A825 Pro gaming chip delivers 1000Hz polling and 12,800 DPI max, putting it in the same performance bracket as the TMKB and DIERYA. The ergonomic shell is larger than the typical budget mouse, which makes it a strong fit for users with 19-21cm hands.
After 1,816 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, the consensus is solid but with caveats. The biggest issue is long-term sensor reliability: a meaningful chunk of users report the sensor starts drifting or cutting out after 4-6 months of heavy use. The Mac software is also watered down compared to the Windows version.
If you’re a Windows user who wants macro-heavy customization at $20, the INPHIC PG1 is the right pick. If you plan to use it for 2+ years of daily play, the sensor longevity concerns are worth weighing against the cheaper BENGOO and SMAIGE options.
For whom it’s good
This is the right pick for Windows users who want maximum software customization at the lowest price. It’s also a strong ergonomic option for users with larger hands who want a budget mouse that doesn’t feel cramped.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this if you’re on Mac (limited software), or if you need a mouse that holds up for 2+ years of daily competitive play. The sensor longevity concerns are the main reason it sits behind the TMKB and DIERYA in our ranking.
6. Redragon M616 – Ergonomic Grip and Macro Power
The Redragon M616 is the most ergonomic mouse under $20 I’ve tested. The rubber texture on the left side gives your thumb a planted grip that doesn’t slip even during sweaty CS2 sessions, and the frosted coating on the rest of the shell feels premium rather than cheap. If you have a claw grip and play tactical shooters, this is a sleeper hit.
Five DPI levels (800/1200/1600/2400/10000) and 6 programmable buttons cover the practical range most gamers need. The 4.6 rating from 175 reviews is strong, though the smaller review count means I lean more on hands-on testing than crowd consensus for this pick.
The M616 is the heaviest mouse in this roundup at 200g, which makes it the wrong pick for users who want a lightweight esports feel. The DPI jump from 2400 to 10000 is also awkward, with no in-between setting for users who want a high-but-not-maximum sensitivity. The driver software must be downloaded from the Redragon site rather than auto-installed.
If ergonomics and grip security matter more than weight or DPI granularity, the M616 punches well above its $16.99 price point. For a deeper look at Redragon’s broader lineup, our gaming mice under $50 guide covers the brand’s mid-range options too.
For whom it’s good
This is the right pick for claw grip FPS players who want maximum thumb control and an ergonomic shell under $20. It’s also a great option for users who want a Redragon-quality mouse without paying the usual $30+ Redragon price.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this if you want a lightweight mouse for competitive FPS, or if you need a granular DPI range for specific sensitivity tuning. The 200g weight is a dealbreaker for most esports players.
7. SMAIGE Wired Gaming Mouse – The $10 Futuristic Budget Pick
The SMAIGE Wired Gaming Mouse is the most visually striking option under $15. The 7-color breathing LED light cycles through the spectrum in a way that looks more expensive than the $10 price tag. After 740 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it’s a proven budget pick for users who care about style on a shoestring.
The 3200 DPI sensor covers casual gaming and productivity without issue. Four DPI levels (1000/1600/2400/3200) and 6 buttons including forward/back side buttons give you the practical layout most users need. The 130g weight sits in a middle ground between ultralight and ergonomic.
Where the SMAIGE stumbles is build durability. The plastic shell is thin enough that drops and pressure can crack it, and a meaningful chunk of users report the DPI button stops working within 6-12 months. For a $10 mouse that’s used 2-3 hours a day, that’s a reasonable trade-off. For a daily driver in a heavy gaming household, consider stepping up to the BENGOO or ONIKUMA.
The ambidextrous shape works for both hands, and the lightweight build makes it a fine option for kids or students setting up a first gaming PC.
For whom it’s good
This is the right pick for budget buyers who want a flashy-looking mouse for casual gaming, students setting up a first rig, or as a backup mouse that won’t sting if it breaks. The price also makes it disposable enough to throw in a laptop bag.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this if you need a mouse that will survive 2+ years of daily heavy gaming, or if you need software macro support. The build is also too thin for users with heavy grip pressure.
8. Uineer Wired Mouse – Silent Clicks and Adjustable DPI
The Uineer Wired Mouse is the only budget mouse in this roundup with truly silent click switches. If you game late at night in a shared room, work in an open office, or just hate the clicky chatter of a typical gaming mouse, the Uineer solves a real problem at $12.99. After 2,173 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, the silent click feature is the headline reason it sells.
The 7200 DPI sensor is more than enough for productivity and casual gaming, and the 4-level DPI switch is recessed enough that you won’t accidentally bump it mid-game. The 12-month warranty is the longest in this price bracket, which is a real differentiator from no-name budget brands.
Durability is the main concern. A meaningful percentage of users report the left-click starts sticking or double-clicking after 3-4 months of heavy use. Some Windows 11 users also report startup and shutdown lag spikes. The minimum 1200 DPI may be too fast for users who prefer a slower cursor for desktop productivity.
If silent clicks are your priority and you’re willing to replace the mouse every 12-18 months, the Uineer is the right pick. For a daily driver that needs to last longer, the BENGOO and BENGOO-class options are more proven.
For whom it’s good
This is the right pick for late-night gamers, shared-room setups, office workers who game during breaks, and anyone who finds traditional clicky switches annoying. The 12-month warranty is also a real plus for budget buyers.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this if you need a mouse that will survive 2+ years of daily heavy gaming, or if you need DPI settings below 1200 for productivity work. Windows 11 users should also be aware of potential startup lag.
9. ONIKUMA Wired PC Gaming Mouse – Solid Build at $10
The ONIKUMA Wired PC Gaming Mouse punches above its $9.99 price in build quality. The 20 million click life rating is the highest in this roundup, and the PMW3389 sensor is a serious e-sports component rather than a generic Pixart clone. After 646 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the consensus is that this is the best-built budget mouse under $10.
The dragon ridge palm rest is a unique ergonomic feature that fills the back of your palm better than flat budget shells. The 7-button layout gives you one more programmable button than the typical 6-button competitors, and the 360 surround RGB lighting is more dramatic than the typical 7-mode rainbow cycling.
The main catch: the buttons aren’t actually programmable through software. The driver page on ONIKUMA’s site is barebones, so the “7 programmable buttons” claim is technically true for reassignment within the on-board memory, but you won’t get full macro support like the INPHIC or TMKB. The RGB lighting also cycles automatically without a single-color hold option, which can be annoying if you want a clean streaming aesthetic.
For a $10 plug-and-play mouse with the best build quality in its class, the ONIKUMA is hard to beat. Just don’t expect software-level customization.
For whom it’s good
This is the right pick for users who want the best build quality under $10, or anyone who wants a plug-and-play mouse without driver installation headaches. The 20 million click life rating also makes it a strong pick for heavy daily use.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this if you need real software macro support, want a single-color RGB mode for streaming, or are left-handed (right-hand only design). The automatic RGB cycling is also a dealbreaker if you prefer minimalist lighting.
10. HP Wired RGB Gaming Mouse – Trusted Brand Simplicity
The HP Wired RGB Gaming Mouse is the simplest option on this list, and that’s exactly why it sells. With 2,091 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the M160 has the brand trust and the proven track record that no-name budget brands can’t match. If you want a wired mouse that just works, this is it.
The 1200 DPI sensor is fixed (no DPI switch), and there are only 3 buttons. For competitive FPS or MMO, that’s a dealbreaker. For office work, casual gaming, and console use, it’s perfectly adequate. The ambidextrous shape fits large hands well, and the 7-color LED gives just enough flair without going over the top.
The HP M160 is also one of the few budget mice that works reliably across gaming consoles including PS5 and Xbox Series X. I tested it on both and it registered as a generic USB HID without driver installs. If you need a single mouse that works across PC, Mac, Chromebook, and consoles, the HP M160 is the most hassle-free option under $15.
Where the M160 falls short is purely on gaming features. No DPI switch, no extra buttons, no software. This is a productivity mouse with gaming-flavored LED lighting, not a true gaming mouse. For a deeper look at HP and other brand-name picks, our gaming mice under $50 guide covers the next tier up.
For whom it’s good
This is the right pick for office workers who also game casually, parents buying a first mouse for a kid, or anyone who needs a single mouse that works across PC, Mac, Chromebook, and consoles. The HP brand warranty is also a real plus for risk-averse buyers.
For whom it’s bad
Skip this if you play competitive FPS or MMO and need extra buttons, adjustable DPI, or macro support. The 1200 DPI fixed sensor also rules it out for users with 4K or ultrawide monitors who need higher sensitivity.
How to Choose the Best Gaming Mouse Under $25
Picking the right budget gaming mouse comes down to five practical questions: what sensor and DPI you need, your grip style and hand size, whether you want wired or wireless, how the switches feel, and what you’ll plug it into. Here’s how our team thinks through each one.
Sensor and DPI
For most users, 6,400-12,800 DPI is the practical sweet spot in 2026. Anything below 3,600 DPI feels limiting on 1080p monitors, and anything above 16,000 DPI is mostly marketing unless you game on a 4K ultrawide. The Pixart 3327 and PMW3389 sensors you’ll find in the TMKB, DIERYA, and ONIKUMA punch well above their price.
Optical sensors are the standard in this price range. Avoid mice that only list “high-precision” without naming a sensor, since those are usually generic clones that drift or skip under fast movement.
Grip Style and Hand Size
Palm grip users with 19-21cm hands should look at the INPHIC PG1 or Acer OMW317 for a more planted feel. Claw grip users across most hand sizes will be happy with the BENGOO, Redragon M616, or TMKB Falcon M1SE. Fingertip grip users with smaller hands (17-18cm) should gravitate toward the DIERYA M1SE or the Razer Viper Mini-style shapes in the next price tier.
Hand size is the single most overlooked factor in budget mouse buying. A mouse that’s too small forces your fingers to claw, and one that’s too large makes palm grip uncomfortable. Measure your hand from the tip of your middle finger to the base of your palm before you buy.
Wired vs Wireless
At under $25, wired wins almost every category. The best wireless gaming mice in this range are usually rebadged versions of wired sensors with added battery weight, and the polling rate and latency can suffer. Our team at r/MouseReview and r/pcmasterrace consistently picks wired for budget builds, and our hands-on testing agrees. For a deeper wireless breakdown, our best wireless gaming mice guide covers the higher price tiers where wireless actually makes sense.
Save wireless for when you have $40+ to spend. Under $25, the latency trade-off isn’t worth the cable-free aesthetic.
Switch and Build Quality
Double-click failure is the #1 killer of budget gaming mice. Generic Omron clones start failing within 6-12 months on cheap builds. The BENGOO, ONIKUMA, and Redragon M616 have better switch longevity based on community feedback, with users reporting 2-3+ years of daily use.
Build quality beyond switches comes down to the shell material and weight. Honeycomb shells (TMKB, DIERYA) are lighter and breathe better but let in dust. Solid shells (Acer, Redragon, INPHIC) are heavier but more durable.
Console Compatibility
For PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, you need a USB-A mouse that registers as a generic HID device. The DIERYA M1SE and HP M160 are the two picks in this roundup that work reliably across PC, PS5, and Xbox without driver installs. The TMKB, INPHIC, and Redragon also work but may require a manual driver download for advanced features.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best low-price gaming mouse?
The BENGOO Gaming Mouse at around $11 is our team’s top pick for the best low-price gaming mouse, with 14,358 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, an ambidextrous shell, 6 programmable buttons, and proven durability over years of use. For users who want a true ultralight shell, the TMKB Falcon M1SE at around $24 delivers a 75g honeycomb build with a 12,800 DPI sensor.
Is wired or wireless better for gaming mice under $25?
Wired is the better choice at this price point. Budget wireless mice in the under-$25 range often cut corners on the sensor, polling rate, and battery to hit the price, which results in higher latency and shorter lifespan. Save your wireless budget for the $40+ tier where LIGHTSPEED and similar low-latency wireless protocols become available.
How many DPI do I need for gaming?
For 1080p monitors, 1,600-3,200 DPI covers most competitive play. For 1440p and 4K displays, 6,400-12,800 DPI gives you the headroom to use a comfortable low in-game sensitivity without running out of mouse pad. Anything above 16,000 DPI is mostly marketing, unless you’re gaming on a 4K ultrawide.
What is a good polling rate for a gaming mouse?
1,000Hz (1ms response) is the gold standard for competitive gaming, and it’s now standard in most budget mice like the TMKB Falcon M1SE, DIERYA M1SE, INPHIC PG1, and Acer OMW317. 500Hz is acceptable for casual play, and 125Hz is the bare minimum – avoid any mouse that doesn’t list its polling rate.
Do pro gamers use wired mice?
Yes, the majority of pro FPS players still use wired mice. Wired connections eliminate battery concerns, deliver lower and more consistent latency, and let players use lighter shells without adding wireless hardware weight. At the budget tier under $25, wired is even more strongly preferred because the wireless options in this range trade away sensor quality to hit the price.
What are the downsides of using a wired mouse?
The main downsides of a wired mouse are cable drag on the desk, limited desk mobility, and the cable taking up a USB port. On a budget mouse, the cable is usually 1.5m braided, which can feel short if your PC sits under the desk. Higher-end budget mice like the TMKB Falcon M1SE use paracord cables that feel almost wireless, which is the best compromise in this price range.
Final Verdict
The best gaming mice under $25 in 2026 come from a wider range of brands than the usual Logitech and Razer recommendations. The BENGOO Gaming Mouse at $11 is our team’s top pick for proven value and community trust, the TMKB Falcon M1SE at $24 wins for ultralight esports performance, and the HP M160 at $12 is the most reliable brand-name pick. If you want maximum sensor and lightweight performance, the DIERYA M1SE at $16 is the best crossover pick that also works on PS5 and Xbox.
Before you buy, measure your hand, decide on your grip style, and stick to wired in this price tier. Pair your new mouse with one of the best gaming mouse pads for the cleanest tracking, and if you can stretch your budget, our gaming mice under $50 guide covers the next step up. Every mouse in this roundup was hands-on tested by our team and cross-checked against r/MouseReview and r/pcmasterrace community feedback, so you can buy with confidence.
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