Everybody needs a mouse. Even the simplest computing—web browsing, word processing, dragging files—is made better with a precise, comfortable way to control your cursor. On a Mac, you have a couple of very special options in Apple’s Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad, but there’s also a wider world of Mac-compatible mice that offer features and benefits you won't find on Apple’s peripherals.
Whether you’re looking for a little bit of that classic Apple “magic” or something new, here are our top recommendations for Mac-friendly mice, followed by what you need to know about picking a mouse for your Mac.
The first word in any conversation about mice for Macs has to be “Magic.” Apple’s Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad have been around for many years now and serve as the de facto standard for Mac users looking for a mouse. The Magic devices have a key feature that only a few other mice even try to replicate: gesture controls. You can swipe in different directions along the top of the Magic Mouse, as you would with a laptop touch pad, to trigger shortcuts and hotkeys.
The Magic Trackpad, being the touch pad it is, takes things a step further, allowing you to fully replicate the laptop touch-pad experience in a desktop setup. Both devices fit in quite nicely with most of Apple’s computers, completing that sleek silver-and-white signature Apple look. If you think of a MacBook laptop of some kind as your “default” computer setup, the Magic Mouse is a best-of-both-worlds scenario. You get the more accurate, comfortable scrolling that comes with using a mouse, while also having access to those familiar swipes and taps.
Apple's Classic Mice: Is Every Little Thing They Do, Indeed, Magic?
Our take on that question: The Magic Mouse 2 is perfectly fine, but it's not outstanding. It has some weird quirks other devices simply don't, the biggest one being that you need to flip it over to charge it. (Most wireless mice have charging ports on the front edge, so you can keep using them while they're plugged in. Not the Magic Mouse 2.) And if you want to go beyond the basics for increased productivity, improved ergonomics, or hardcore gaming, mice from other manufacturers more effectively cater to those needs.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)Many elite productivity mice allow you to connect wirelessly to multiple computers and quickly switch between or among them. Also, in the gaming world, customization is very important, and it can be helpful to have extra buttons for hotkeys or custom commands. And if long-term computer use has taken its toll and you feel pain when holding a mouse, a vertical mouse or a wrist-stilling trackball can help reduce strain on your hand and wrist.
Each of these categories is a world unto itself, with its own specific qualities and eccentricities. To find out more about what makes them great (and how to pick the right one), also check out our guides to the best mice, the best gaming mice for Macs, and the best ergonomic mice.
How to Pick a Good Mouse for the Mac
Setting aside the unique features and benefits of different types of mice (including Apple’s), keep a few basic criteria in mind when picking among any set of mice. Though many macOS and Windows users assume the two operating systems are wildly different, some concepts, as related to mousing, are the same across the board.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)The most important element of a mouse is its shape. Does it feel comfortable in your hand? Are the buttons laid out in such a way that you can reach them all easily without adjusting your hand, bending your fingers into awkward positions, or overextending? A well-shaped mouse guides your hand into a specific grip that doesn’t force you to squeeze it to grip it, and it makes every input easy to use.
Internally, mouse performance all comes down to its optical sensor, which tracks your mouse’s movement relative to the surface below it. (For a deeper discussion of mouse resolution, see our buying guide to the best overall mice.) The thing is, nowadays, excellent-performing mouse sensors are very common. It’s pretty rare that you’ll find one that isn’t precise enough for most work.
(Credit: Mike Epstein)In the gaming-mouse world, some advanced specs come into play, such as how quickly you can move the mouse before it stops working correctly, but these matter only to really competitive players. Gamers care more about mouse weight. A lighter mouse can take microseconds off a reaction and be easily pushed with the fingertips. Check out our guide to picking the best esports mice for a more thorough explanation.
Then there's the issue of wired versus wireless mice. For any wireless mouse, you want to look for two things. Typical wireless mice offer a 2.4GHz wireless connection via a USB dongle. The most flexible mice have both that 2.4GHz connection and support for Bluetooth. (A few, mostly mobile/compact models, support Bluetooth only.) Second, battery life can vary greatly depending on a few factors, including whether the mouse features a rechargeable battery or uses disposable AA or AAA cells. Disposable batteries can last a really long time, but needing to replace them can be a hassle. Our roundup of the best wireless mice gets into these and other details so you can compare wireless mice wisely.
Mice and Mac Compatibility: The Details
All of the above is well and good, but with Macs, there is the added layer of macOS compatibility, or rather, the degree of it. Before you run out and buy our picks for the best gaming mouse or best ergonomic mouse, check the compatibility claims made by the mouse maker.
Almost any mouse, wired or wireless, will connect to your Mac and allow you to move the cursor and click. However, the more advanced features will work only if you download the manufacturer's configuration application, a free piece of software that lets you customize mouse settings and enable certain features. Configuration apps vary by manufacturer, and many companies do not release their software on macOS. Before you purchase a mouse, it’s always a good idea to look up whether it comes with a configuration utility (it should, unless it's a very bare-bones device), and whether that software will run on your computer. In our experience, Corsair, HP, Kensington, Logitech, and SteelSeries configuration software generally works on macOS. But check those specs.
(Credit: Logitech)Many mice, especially budget models, don’t feature a config app. Those should just work, no questions asked, if the mouse maker claims macOS compatibility.
So, Which Mouse Should I Buy for My Mac?
Knowing the lay of the land is just the first step. Now it’s time for the fun part: picking out the right mouse for you! Here’s a list of our favorite Mac-friendly mice right now, from the classic Magic Mouse to all kinds of specialty mice that may catch your eye. If you’re also looking for a keyboard to go with your new mouse, check out our list of the best keyboards for Macs.
