The computer mouse used to be a staple when buying a desktop.
Now at most, you receive a touchpad with a single button.
But what happens when your current mouse causes pain in your wrist?
That burning you feel every time you set your hand down on the mouse or click a button.
Maybe you don’t feel a burning pain, but instead suffer from stiff joints and are constantly shaking out your hands after prolonged use.
If this sounds like you, you need an ergonomic mouse.
An ergonomic mouse better curves to fit the contour of your hand.
This, in turn, reduces the strain on your fingers and cuts down on joint pain.
While the touchpad is aesthetically pleasing, the flat surface isn’t designed for a power user, or for long-term use.
So when you use your cursor a good deal of the time, for photo editing work, playing video games, or doing just about anything else on your computer, you need to invest in an ergonomic mouse.
Things to Consider
It’s always best to go with a mouse that is most comfortable for your personal grip. While an ergonomic mouse is designed specifically for a natural grip there are other elements you need to keep in mind.
1. Price
The price of an ergonomic mouse will vary. You can pick up inexpensive options for under $20, or you can spend upwards of $100 or so on such a mouse. It really comes down to what you want to spend on the mouse and the other features you’re interested in.
2. Connectivity
How does the mouse connect to your computer? Does it connect via a USB cable or does it use a wireless connection such as Bluetooth? If it does use Bluetooth how long does the battery last, or do you swap in replaceable AA/AAA batteries? Each has its own pros and cons, depending on how long your activity sessions last.
Some ergonomic mice will also allow you to connect via both Bluetooth and USB so you can quickly connect and charge your mouse while using it.
3. Buttons
Do you want a mouse that has the traditional two buttons? Or maybe you want additional control within your mouse and are looking for something with side buttons or even a central button where the scroll wheel is.
This may come down to what you use the mouse for. If you play video games with the mouse you might want to add more controls to it. If you use your mouse for photo editing you can assign hot keys to the buttons as well.
This is a personal preference so you should keep it in mind.
4. Overall Design
While all of the mice on this list are ergonomically designed, you’ll be surprised as to the overall design differences of these mice.
Some might look like nothing else you’ve ever used before, while others are a bit more traditional in shape.
You should look at the overall design. Additionally, it may take some time to get used to using the mouse in the new configuration. If you’ve ever used an ergonomic keyboard you know how different it is from a regular keyboard and there is a bit of a learning curve. The curve isn’t as substantial with a mouse, but you’ll need to determine if the design fits with what you’re looking for.
The Best Ergonomic Mouses for 2024
| Product | Model | Run Time | Mouse Sensitivity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Logitech MX Ergo | Up to 120 Days | 2,048 DPI | |
|
Logitech MX Master 2S | Up to 70 Days | 4,000 DPI | |
|
Logitech MX Vertical | Up to 120 Days | 4,000 DPI | |
|
Anker 2.4G Wireless Mouse | Up to 120 Days | 1,600 DPI | |
|
J-Tech Digital Mouse | Up to 120 Days | 1,600 DPI |
Editor’s Pick
When selecting an ergonomic mouse you really need to be open-minded about a slightly different change. You’ve used the same basic design shape for some time so any shift in design will feel a bit strange at first.
All of the mice options on this list will come with some degree of adjustment. In terms of overall improvement on pain in your wrists, build design and a number of features, we decided to give the Editor’s Pick to the Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse.
Now, we already know we can hear some of you groan a bit when you see a trackball listed as an Editor’s Pick. Trust us, we tried out those old trackballs when IBM compatible computers were attempting to re-invent the wheel every few months back in the day. And we hated those trackballs. The balls felt like something you’d find in an 80’s arcade game. It offered no control and the cursor ended up bouncing around the corner no matter how much (or how little) you moved the ball.
Well trust us, with the Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse, all of that is changed. The control capability of the mouse is outstanding, plus you have the ability to adjust the height of the mouse, which is perfect if you like to elevate your wrist to certain levels.
Some of the other features on the Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse we like include:
- Capable of switching between two different devices on the fly
- USB and Bluetooth connection options
- 8 customizable buttons
- Single battery charge lasts four months
Best Ergonomic Mouse Under $20
1. Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse
The Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse is an interesting mouse design. If you’re new to the world of ergonomic mice this one will stand out to you. That is because it is listed as a “vertical mouse”.
With a vertical mouse, your hand is positioned similarly to as if you’re holding a cup. The build of the mouse curves up with your hands so that instead of your thumb being on the side and index finger on the top of the mouse, the design of the Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse allows for your fingers to be on the opposite side of the mouse.
This makes for a much more optimally designed mouse that also alleviates pressure on your wrist joint. This way, if you’re accustomed to cramping and a stiff wrist feeling you won’t have that issue any longer.
As the design of the Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse is different from what you’re accustomed to it may take a few days to adjust to the design, but you’ll feel right at home quickly.
In fact, the mouse is as if a traditional mouse was turned on its side and an extra grip was installed to support your thumb.
There are a number of control features on the Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse, beyond the regular left and right buttons and the scroll wheel. On the top of the mouse, along with where your thumb is, you’ll find the DPI switch button, plus the previous and next page buttons.
There are two power options with the Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse. You can use a USB connection on the rear, should you want to use this method. You can also use 2 AAA batteries. You may actually feel more comfortable with the AA batteries inserted as it’s almost too light when using without the batteries.
To help save on the wear of your batteries, the Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse goes into an automatic power save mode if left without moving for eight minutes. If you’ve ever used a mouse that seems to burn through batteries you’ll know just how beneficial this design is.
When using the Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse it is a wireless-only mouse. However, it does not run through Bluetooth.
Instead, there is a receiver you plug into the USB port on the computer. This does help save on the battery as you won’t be burning through Bluetooth power, although it will take up a valuable USB port (and if you’re on a Mac, which already has limited connectors, you may not have much to spare).
Some of the features of the Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse you should consider include:
- Five-button control
- Comfortable design to reduce tension on the wrist
- Compatible with Linux, MacOS (although the next/previous thumb buttons are not recognized on the Mac), plus Windows XP, 2000, Vista, 7, 8, and 10
- Powered via two AAA batteries
- Wireless receiver
- Sleep mode to save on the batteries
- Official Amazon's Choice selection
Best Ergonomic Mouse Under $25
2. J-Tech Digital Scroll Endurance Wireless Mouse
This ergonomic mouse wants to make sure you feel completely at home with the vertical mouse design. It has added grip to where you position your thumb and rest your fingers.
One thing that’s important to point out with this (and all ergonomic mice) is whether you use a computer mouse with your right or left hand. If you tend to use a mouse with your left hand these devices will not work. Nearly all ergonomic mice are designed specifically for use with the right hand, and as these mice have grooves dedicated to the thumb and forefingers you can’t just switch from one side to the next.
The grip of the J-Tech Digital Scroll Endurance Wireless Mouse not only helps improve your handle on the mouse but there is a groove for your wrist as well. This way, you’re not hanging your wrist directly on the tabletop. If you don’t like the palm rest it is removable.
The J-Tech Digital Scroll Endurance Wireless Mouse is designed to have your regular right and left buttons (as well as the scroll wheel) in addition to two thumb buttons for back and forward browser movement.
The J-Tech Digital Scroll Endurance Wireless Mouse is a USB wireless mouse. It comes with a USB receiver that stores into the bottom of the mouse when not in use. It also means you need to have it plugged into the computer for it to detect with the J-Tech Digital Scroll Endurance Wireless Mouse. Should you ever misplace the USB receiver you won’t be able to use the mouse.
There is a 10-meter nano receiver built in, allowing you to use the mouse a good distance away from the computer.
The J-Tech Digital Scroll Endurance Wireless Mouse also uses two AAA batteries (which come with the mouse) for power.
Some features of the J-Tech Digital Scroll Endurance Wireless Mouse you should consider include:
- Plastic design with rubber grips
- Removable rubber wrist rest
- Runs on 2 AAA batteries
- Compatible with macOS, Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10
- USB receiver
- Operates up to 10 meters away from the receiver
Best Ergonomic Mouse Under $30
3. Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse
This mouse has a much more glossy, futuristic feel to it. While the other mice up to this point are designed from a familiar looking plastic, this has a slick, glossy physical appearance to it. In terms of appearance, the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse is a great looking mouse.
There are no hard lines on the mouse. It is contoured like water. In terms of handling the mouse, it is about halfway between a vertical design and a traditional mouse. So if you’ve held onto a vertical mouse before and don’t like the feel, this may be more to your comfort level.
The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse uses the traditional two-button design approach with a scroll wheel in the middle. However, above the thumb, there is a “Windows” button. This will automatically open the “Start” menu (you can deactivate this in the menu settings if you find you accidentally clicked the button). Tucked alongside the Windows button are four other buttons to give you seven total buttons on the mouse (although the buttons are not noticeable).
The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse is compatible with more devices than most of the other options on this list. Beyond working on any Windows computer and macOS (although the Windows button will not function on these other devices), you can also run it on Android-based computer systems.
You will need larger batteries to run the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse as it requires two AA batteries (instead of the smaller AAA). However, with two AA batteries, the power source should last up to 12 months at a time.
The Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse uses a USB receiver design and has a maximum usable range of 10 feet (around 3 meters).
Some of the features on the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse to consider include:
- Glossy, sleek design
- 2-button design as well as Windows button and four additional buttons
- USB receiver
- Manufactured by Microsoft
- Design option if a vertical mouse is not comfortable for you
- Battery life up to 12 months
Best Ergonomic Mouse Under $50
4. Adesso iMouse E90 Wireless Left-Handed Vertical Ergonomic Mouse
Despite what manufacturers might have you believe, ergonomic mice are not just for right-handed people. It is possible to find left-handed options. You just need to know where to look. With the Adesso iMouse E90 Wireless Left-Handed Vertical Ergonomic Mouse, that’s exactly what you receive.
The vertical mouse design has a solid range of up to 30 feet. Plus, with the exceptional optical sensor technology, it is possible to use the mouse on most glass desks. You can often use it on leather as well.
There are a total of six buttons on the Adesso iMouse E90 Wireless Left-Handed Vertical Ergonomic Mouse. The sleek design runs on two AAA batteries, so it will not weigh down the computer mouse.
The Adesso iMouse E90 Wireless Left-Handed Vertical Ergonomic Mouse does run off of a USB wireless receiver. So much like the other mice so far on the list, you will need to plug the receiver into one of the available USB ports on the computer.
Unlike other mice, though this device is Windows specific, although you can use it on any Windows computer (beginning with Windows XP and moving on up).
Some of the features of the Adesso iMouse E90 Wireless Left-Handed Vertical Ergonomic Mouse include:
- Designed for left-handed users
- Glossy, sleek design
- Six buttons and a scroll wheel
- Vertical mouse design
- Requires 2 AAA batteries
- USB receiver runs on 2.4GHz wireless technology
- Can be used on most glass tables
Best Ergonomic Mouse Under $75
5. Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse
When you want an ergonomic mouse but don’t like the vertical design, the Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse may be the best option for you.
The classical “two-button” design is elevated off the surface, allowing your thumb to slip comfortably in position, which allows for proper spacing between your fingers and your thumb.
The standard design of the Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse gives you the classic two-button approach with a click-to-click scroll wheel in between. There is also a small control button right behind the wheel.
Along the thumb, you’ll find a thumb wheel for side-to-side scrolling.
One of the best features of the Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse is that you can use either a wired or wireless connection. For wired there is a USB cable port that plugs into the front of the mouse.
The device also runs off of a Bluetooth wireless signal, so there is no USB wireless receiver (which is great if you’ve ever lost such a receiver before).
If you are a power user and switch between different computers you don’t have time to constantly turn your Bluetooth off and on in order to flip between the different systems. With the Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse, there is a small adjustable button on the underside of the mouse. You just need to press the button to switch between connected devices.
There are three color options for the Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse, including graphite, light gray, and midnight teal.
The rechargeable battery of the Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse will last up to 70 days.
Some of the Logitech MX Master 2S Wireless Mouse features you should consider include:
- Ability to switch between three devices on the fly
- Three color options
- Pairs with both macOS and Windows operating systems
- Bluetooth and USB wired connectivity options
- Excellent design if you don't like the vertical mouse option
- Official Amazon's Choice selection
- Battery charges through USB connection (a full charge will last up to 70 days)
6. 3M Wired Ergonomic Optical Mouse
If you’re looking for a unique design for an optical mouse, you won’t find one more unique than the 3M Wired Ergonomic Optical Mouse. That is because it is designed like a joystick. You hold onto the mouse just like you would the gaming controller and slide it back and forth.
This is the kind of design you’ll either love or absolutely hate, but we wanted to include it on our list because of its unique construction while giving you a different, ergonomic design. If you struggle with expanding your fingers this may be a great design option to pick up.
The 3M Wired Ergonomic Optical Mouse does use a 6.5-foot USB cable connection. This way, you’ll never have to worry about charging the mouse or looking for USB receivers. You just turn on your computer and you’re ready to go.
The 3M Wired Ergonomic Optical Mouse uses LED optical sensors, and while you can use it on most surfaces it is recommended to use a mouse pad underneath.
You can purchase the 3M Wired Ergonomic Optical Mouse in two different sizes.
For this, you’ll need to measure the palm size of your hand. If, when measuring from where the pinky connects with the palm of your hand (on the edge of your hand), to the edge where your index finger connects with your palm, the size measurement is between 2.75 inches and 3.5 inches, you should order the small mouse. If this is larger you should purchase the large design.
The two main buttons are located on the top of the “joystick” design. There is a third button on the base of the mouse. You will also find the scroll here.
Some of the features of the 3M Wired Ergonomic Optical Mouse include:
- Unique "joystick" design
- Three buttons, including scroll wheel
- USB wired connection
- LED optical sensor
- 6.5 foot USB cord attachment
- Designed for right-handed use
7. Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse
The Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse is another option for when you don’t like the vertical design. The rest of your hand is elevated above where your thumb placement is, which reduces the tension placed on your wrist.
You can switch between two different devices, even between a Windows and Mac computer on the fly. With a button located on the top of the mouse (right behind the scroll wheel) you simply flip the switch and continue using the mouse on the other device.
You can switch between connecting with your computer via either USB or Bluetooth. The USB connection does charge the internal battery. A single battery charge will last you up to four months.
There is an adjustable hinge on the side of the mouse which allows you to tilt the mouse by up to 20 degrees to help improve the comfort level.
It is important to point out that this is a trackball mouse. There is no movement with your hand over the desktop. Instead, your thumb is located along a trackball, which controls the movements.
Now, if you’ve used a trackball in the past and did not like it, you deserve to give it a second chance. That’s because the old trackballs (especially those early 2000 trackballs) didn’t have any resistance. The balls would spin and make it especially difficult to control.
That’s not the case with the Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse. With this mouse, there is some resistance and it feels more natural. The ball is not going to just spin out of control.
On the Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse, there are up to eight customizable buttons. As you can program the buttons to meet different needs you can have your different computers respond in varying ways to the buttons, which is a great feature if you’re running between two different computers.
Some of the features on the Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse you should consider include:
- Able to switch between two different computers
- Works on both USB and Bluetooth pairing
- Fully charged battery lasts up to four months
- Adjustable angle placement of the mouse
- Trackball controlled
- Near perfect user review rating (500+ reviews)
- Compatible with both Windows and macOS operating systems
Best Ergonomic Mouse Under $100
8. Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse
The vertical design of this Logitech mouse is interesting in that it has an almost spiral fan design running from the top to the bottom. This gives it a textural grip without making it look like a floor mat.
The Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse also comes with a number of excellent features. There is a two-button design with a scroll wheel in the middle. However, there is also a customizable shortcut button above the thumb as well as a high-pressure sensor, so you can adjust how you use the mouse based on the amount of pressure you place on it.
With the Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse, you can connect it to your computer through either a USB cable connection or a Bluetooth connection. A fully-charged battery will last you four months. Plus, if you’re in a pinch and need instant battery juice you can charge the Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse for one minute and get three hours of run time.
You can connect the Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse to up to three different computers at the same time. Just switch between the computers with the simple click of a button on the mouse. This is a must-have feature for any power user.
Some of the features on the Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse you should consider include:
- 4 customizable buttons (on top of the scroll wheel and the two right/left click buttons)
- USB and Bluetooth connection options
- A single charge will last four months
- 3 hours of run time off of a 1-minute charge
- Excellent grip with a stylish matte finish
Conclusion
If you’re tired of your wrists hurting after using your computer now is the time to invest in an ergonomic mouse.
There are all kinds of options out there, and while the vertical design is a common choice, you may want something that feels more like an upgraded traditional mouse.
We decided to go with the Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse as our Editor’s Pick for the top ergonomic mouse out there. In terms of features and the ability to move between USB and Bluetooth, we feel it is the cream of the crop. Plus we’re not huge fans of needing a USB receiver to plug into a USB port on the computer. To us that feels a bit dated, not to mention if you misplace the receiver (it’s no bigger than a two-prong LEGO, so it’s pretty small) you basically lose all functionality to the mouse.
As is the case with most ergonomic mice it does take some adjusting. But that’s simply because you’re moving from a device that you’ve used for much of your life. When shopping around for possible devices check out the Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse. We highly recommend it.
But what kind of mouse are you looking for? Have you fallen in love with an ergonomic mouse and it’s eased your wrist and finger pain? Or maybe you really dig the joystick design.
Let us know in the comments. We’d love to know what you’re looking for in an ergonomic mouse. And if you’re left-handed, have you found it difficult to find a mouse that fits your needs?
Photo Credit: Unsplash
