Most people when trying to maximize their gaming experience focus on the quality of the game and their computer’s processing power. But an often-overlooked variable that can greatly affect the experience is a decent gaming headset. It’s especially important if you plan on getting the best out of multiplayer games, where you’re just as likely to use your headset to chat with friends as you are to use it as a strategic tool to help you win.

As you’d expect, there’s no shortage of gaming headsets out there. No one wants to wade through the myriad options only to settle on one that ends up leaving you disappointed. That’s why I’ve done all the heavy lifting for you, testing a ton of different headsets to find the best.

Why should you trust me? Because I’m a hardcore gamer and tech user like you, which means I’m always on the hunt for better gear to improve my own experience. More than that, I’ve spent many years weighing the pros and cons of the latest new-release gaming headsets, so you could say I know more than a thing or two about them.

To see the criteria I use to test each product and some helpful buying advice, be sure to read my rundown of how we test gaming headsets at PCWorld.

Updated June 25, 2024 to include the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed. This headset has clear audio with an impressively deep and smooth bass. It mixes that with soft comfortable earpads and a robust attractive design. However, its most impressive feature is its DTS Headphone: X 2.0 3D spatial audio, which has terrific directionality — especially in games that support Microsoft’s spatial sound API.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless – Best dual-purpose wired/wireless gaming headset / Best overall

Pros

• Great-quality audio
• Dual wireless functionality
• Lots of software options for personalization

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Active Noise Cancellation won't block out all external sound

Best Prices Today: $294.99 at Amazon$301.99 at Best Buy

Why I like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

I have to nit pick very hard to find any flaws with this premium headset that offers the versatility of 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, as well as a wired connection. In wireless mode, it delivered crisp sound in 44.1KHz/16-bit standard resolution at up to 40 feet from my computer. But when I wanted to enjoy a richer sound, I could plug into a GameDAC controller that let me access a higher 96KHz/24-bit hi-res audio. The GameDAC also let me switch between my PC and Xbox One or Xbox X/S at the press of a button — which saved me the hassle of having to buy separate headsets for my consoles.

Active Noise Cancellation and 360 Degree Spatial Audio technologies also boosted the headset’s audio experience for me, the standout of the two being the latter, which utilizes 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound tracks to accurately reflect the direction of sounds. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless also has the finest software support I’ve seen for a gaming headset, allowing me to choose from among 23 pre-made EQ presets designed for games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Fortnite, Dota 2, Forza Horizon V, and Call of Duty: Warzone, to name just a few.

Who should buy the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

Gamers serious about their audio setup who want excellent cross-platform compatibility, clear sound, and a spatial audio that better enables them to hear the direction of sounds in games. There’s a lot to personalize with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, so if you love tinkering with settings, this headset is just the ticket.

Read our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless review

Audeze Maxwell Wireless – Best audio quality

Pros

• Impressive audio that sounds warm and full-bodied
• Strong and robust design
• Excellent cross compatibility

Cons

• It's quite heavy and large
• The headband isn't extendable
• The software app is too simple

Best Prices Today: $299 at Amazon

Why I like the Audeze Maxwell Wireless

It has undoubtedly the best audio of any gaming headset I’ve used. Audiophile-grade headsets are usually the domain of high-end music studios and not gaming dens. But Audeze’s Maxwell Wireless is an exception, being a studio-grade headset especially made for gamers. Its secret sauce is its 90mm planar magnetic drivers, which produce a more natural, full-bodied audio signature than headsets with 40- to 50mm neodymium drivers.

To fit such large drivers, the Maxwell Wireless is extremely big and heavy — it weighs a little more than a pound (490 grams). Although, you wouldn’t know by wearing it — the comfort onboard is very luxe; soft memory foam sits under plush leatherette for a premium feel and there’s an inner adjustable suspension band that balances out the headset’s weight across the top of your head.

The Maxwell Wireless works with just about any device — Windows PC, Mac, Xbox 360, Xbox X/S, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS devices, and PlayStation 5. It supports Dolby Atmos for surround sound in games. For connectivity, you get a USB cable and an adapter for making a wired connection, a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle for low-latency Wi-Fi, and a 3.5mm cable for making an old-school analog connection. Although simultaneous Bluetooth isn’t available using the Wi-Fi dongle, you can still hook up simultaneous audio using the headset’s Bluetooth and a wired connection.

Who should buy the Audeze Maxwell Wireless

Anyone who’s really particular about the fidelity of their gaming audio and wants the best they can possibly find. Also, anyone who wants to use their gaming headset like a premium pair of headphones to listen to music. The Maxwell Wireless stands above many headsets for its sound quality, so if you’re an audiophile, it will definitely impress you.

Read our full Audeze Maxwell Wireless review

Roccat Syn Max Air – Best RGB headset / Best for people who wear glasses

Pros

• The audio sounds balanced
• Simultaneous Wi-Fi and Bluetooth lets you listen to multiple audio sources at once
• The futuristic styling looks fantastic

Cons

• The microphone picks up a lot of ambient noise
• The controls are reasonably basic
• It's expensive considering there's no ANC

Best Prices Today: $119.99 at Amazon$249.99 at Roccat

Why I like the Roccat Syn Max Air

I thought the Roccat Syn Max Air headset had a knockout futuristic aesthetic thanks to it cuboid shaped earcups that also have mesmerizing programmable RGB zones. The cups also feature ProSpec earpads, meaning if you wear glasses the frames will easily fit through the sides of the cups for a comfortable fit.

Looks aside, this headset impressed me with its list of gamer-centric features. Connectivity comes in the form of 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a wired connection, and the Bluetooth can be used simultaneously with the Wi-Fi so that you can enjoy an extra audio source while gaming. In my review I thought its 50mm Nanoclear drivers produced a nice balanced sound that was a marked improvement over its predecessor the Syn Pro Air. It also comes with a convenient dock for charging between uses.

Who should buy the Roccat Syn Max Air

Players who want to rock the RGB look and be able to personalize the lighting effects in their headset. The headset’s spectacles-friendly design also makes it a great choice for gamers who wear glasses.

Read our full Roccat Syn Max Air review

HyperX Cloud Alpha – Best wired gaming headset

Pros

• Fully removable cabling and smarter inline control placement
• Comfortable
• Excellent audio quality

Cons

• More expensive than the original Cloud, with fewer accessories
• Upper audio range can be a bit muddled

Best Prices Today: 89.02 at HyperXNot Available at Amazon

Why I like the HyperX Cloud Alpha

Cloud Alpha is a chip off the old block in HyperX’s Cloud series, combining comfort with impressive audio quality. The impressive sound comes courtesy of a dual driver chamber design that separates out bass notes from mids and highs — ultimately producing clearer, smoother output.

The Cloud Alpha’s earcups are the secret sauce behind its comfortable feel. These generously padded cups sit tightly on your head but without squeezing your temples, so they’re perfect for long gaming stints where you can forget you’re wearing them. In our PCWorld review our reviewer was impressed by the fact that you can fully remove the HyperX Cloud Alpha’s cables in the event they break, rather than having to buy a whole new gaming headset.

Who should buy the HyperX Cloud Alpha

Those who don’t need wireless functionality but want excellent audio fidelity and comfort while they’re gaming. The HyperX Cloud Alpha’s metal frame and headband should also please gamers wanting a tough device that won’t break easily.

Another wired option that’s a little cheaper than the HyperX Cloud Alpha but still has great audio is the Astro A10.

Read our full HyperX Cloud Alpha review

Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed – Best 3D spatial audio

Pros

• Clear audio with fine detail in the sound
• Oozes comfort at every turn
• Pinpoint-accurate spatial audio support
• Mix of wireless and wired connectivity

Cons

• No Active Noise Cancellation
• Exposed cords could be a risk of breakage
• It comes with a soft case instead of a more robust case

Best Prices Today: $249.18 at Amazon

Why I like the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed

At $250 the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed isn’t cheap, but this headset’s mix of clear audio with a deep and smooth bass range, comfortable earcups, and 3D spatial audio makes it ideal for gaming. It has three connectivity types: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and wired (3.5mm auxiliary in), which means it connects to nearly any device. It also has a long battery life of up to 50 hours.

What’s really drawn me to this headset, though, is the fact that its DTS Headphone: X 2.0 spatial audio is one of the best I’ve used. It’s compatible with Microsoft’s spatial sound API, so its directionality is superb — you can even hear sounds from above very clearly. You can also tweak the volume of the sound emanating from each directional point in Logitech’s G Hub software app.

Who should buy the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed

If 3D spatial audio is a must-have, the Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed’s is one of the best you can get. Apart from that, the cans are so comfy, and the audio is so crisp, that most gamers are really going to dig this headset.

Be sure to also check out the Razer Barracuda Pro. This headset’s 3D spatial audio comes courtesy of THX Spatial Audio, which you can tweak and fine tune in Razer’s Synapse app.

Read our full Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed review

Corsair Virtuoso Pro – Best for streaming

Pros

• High-quality workmanship and elegant design
• High sound quality
• Two connection cables for flexibility
• Robust hardcase transport bag
• Multi-platform compatibility thanks to jack connection
• Many interchangeable parts

Cons

• High price
• Open design not ideal for noisy environments
• Hardly and sound shielding to the outside

Best Prices Today: $199.99 at Amazon$199.99 at Corsair

Why I like the Corsair Virtuoso Pro

With an open-ear design in the earcups, the Corsair Virtuoso Pro headset lets in more sound than most gaming headsets, which is perfect if you like to stream your games and want to monitor your own voice or hear your talent interviews in real time. The headset’s design is both elegant and comfortable too. Comfort comes courtesy of an adjustable headband, soft memory foam earpads, and a lightweight frame that weighs just 13.6 ounces (338 grams). The headset’s build quality is very decent — it’s comprised of robust plastic and metal.

In our review, we found that the Corsair Virtuoso Pro’s 50mm graphene drivers produced deep bass and clear treble tones with great detail. While that makes for a great audio experience while gaming, the lack of protective shielding in the earcups does mean that this headset isn’t that effective at blocking ambient noise, so it’s best used in quiet environments.

Who should buy the Corsair Virtuoso Pro

Aspiring or experienced content streamers or gamers who want to make Let’s Plays, walkthroughs, or game tutorials for YouTube or another video platform.

Read our full Corsair Virtuoso Pro review

ROG Delta S Wireless – Best for casual gaming

Pros

• It comes with two sets of earpads to personalize comfort
• The headband and cups allow for a good amount of head movement
• The audio sounds great across the spectrum
• The build quality is robust

Cons

• The AI Noise Cancellation could be better
• It lacks a boom microphone
• No simultaneous Bluetooth functionality

Best Prices Today: $168.99 at Amazon

Why I like the ROG Delta S Wireless

If you want a premium wireless gaming headset with both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz Wireless connectivity that you can just pop straight on for no-fuss casual gaming, then the ROG Delta S Wireless is ideal. With unique D-shaped earcups and a robust metal headband, it has plenty of gamer-centric appeal. It also features excellent cross compatibility, connecting to most devices (with the exception of Xbox), including PCs, Macs, PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices.

In my playtesting, the two pairs of interchangeable earpads really allowed me to personalize my comfort. For long gaming stints, the 100 percent protein leather set with one-inch-thick memory foam kept my ears luxuriously comfy, while the hybrid mesh earpads cooled things down when they got too hot.

The ROG Delta S Wireless also sounds terrific — its 50mm neodymium drivers are loud and they comfortably produce clear sound at the far ends of the audio spectrum. One nitpick is that the microphone isn’t the best. Indeed, the ROG Delta S Wireless’s internal beamforming mic can’t quite block out as much background noise as other headsets that rely on external boom microphones but doesn’t sound terrible either.

Who should buy the ROG Delta S Wireless

Casual gamers who want a great all-rounder pair of cans with equal dollops of great sound quality and great comfort but don’t necessarily want to tinker endlessly with their sound settings.

Read our full Asus ROG Delta S Wireless review

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro – Best for FPS games

Pros

• Punchy audio that's great for FPS games
• Solid attractive and versatile design
• Very good noise cancellation

Cons

• Lacks support for spatial audio
• The batteries need frequent changing
• It's expensive

Best Prices Today: $248.98 at Amazon

Why I like the Turtle Beach Pro

It’s a premium headset brimming with an almost complete list of premium features. It has excellent cross-platform compatibility and worked across almost all my devices. Plus, it has 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, which meant I could wander away from my PC and still enjoy my gaming audio.

The Turtle Beach Pro sounded punchy with a great level of detail across the spectrum. It was especially well-tuned for FPS games like Halo, CounterStrike 2 and Battlefield I, where it delivered realistic thuds, clinks, and ricochets. A feature specific to Turtle Beach headsets called SuperHuman Hearing made it super easy for me to hear my opponents’ footsteps as they approached.

Who should buy the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

Keen FPS gamers will really benefit from the headset’s punchy audio that’s ideally tuned for the games they play. The headset can easily pass off as a high-end headphone, so it will also suit gamers that want to use it on the fly.

Read our full Turtle Beach Stealth Pro review

Corsair HS80 Max – Most comfortable design

Pros

• Great audio performance with neutral mid-tones
• Lightweight, comfortable design
• Mesh coverings on the earcups minimize sweat
• Flip-to-mute mic

Cons

• The omnidirectional mic is not detachable
• Lacks true simultaneous audio for listening to multiple audio sources
• The small RGB light zones feel like an afterthought

Best Prices Today: $139.99 at Amazon$179.99 at Corsair

Why I like the Corsair HS80 Max

Corsair has made a brave move to prioritize comfort for gamers even at the expense of what most gamers might expect from a premium gaming headset’s design. How so? The HS80 Max eschews leatherette for a cooling mesh fabric on its earcups, and swaps metal for plastic in the headband, making it extremely lightweight and relatively sweat-free for long gaming sessions.

On the audio front, the HS80 Max sounds terrific — its 50mm audio drivers produce a clear, high-resolution audio signature with neutral mid-tones, which really enliven sounds like footfalls and ricochets. It has both 2.4GHz low-latency Wi-Fi connectivity as well as Bluetooth, which you can’t listen to at the same time, but both connectivity types do have a long signal range that allows you to keep listening while taking breaks away from your rig. The non-detachable flip-to-mute mic does a great job reproducing natural-sounding speech for team chats.

Who should buy the Corsair HS80 Max

Anyone who suffers from sweaty, hot ears when they wear leather or leatherette covered earpads and want a cooler less sweat-inducing pair of cans. It’s also ideal for players that feel the burden of wearing heavy headsets and want a lighter option.

Read our full Corsair HS80 Max review

Logitech G Pro X – Best microphone

Pros

• Beautiful throwback look
• Outperforms headsets two or three times the price
• Fantastic microphone, with lots of software-side options

Cons

• Wired headset
• Built-in controls feel cheap
• A bit tight until it breaks in

Best Prices Today: $99.99 at Amazon$99.99 at Logitech G$99.99 at Logitech Gaming

Why I like the Logitech G Pro X

A while back Logitech acquired the microphone manufacturer Blue, which explains why we found the Logitech G Pro X’s mic to be so capable in our PCWorld testing. Although not physically that different from other mics, it benefits from Blue-branded software support in Logitech’s G Hub app, including presets that make it sound convincingly like a desk microphone.

As well as sporting an exceptional microphone, the G Pro X is one of Logitech’s best-looking headsets, its flat-black leatherette headband, metal forks, and pill-shaped earcups exude a retro aesthetic reminiscent of the golden era of 1940s broadcasting.

Who should buy the Logitech G Pro X

If you want your voice to sound fantastic in your gaming chats or want to record audio that’s convincingly like that of a desktop microphone, then you need this headset.

Read our full Logitech G Pro X review

Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless – Best wireless gaming headset

Pros

• The styling is very appealing
• The 40mm drivers produce a natural sound
• The cans are very soft and comfortable

Cons

• Some moving parts feel a bit tight
• Leatherette in the cups can get sweaty on hot days
• Battery life is decent but not excellent

Best Prices Today: $179.99 at Amazon$229.99 at Logitech G

Why I like the Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless

Not only does the Logitech Astro A30 produce a clear and natural sound, but its connectivity is also excellent. It sports dual wireless and wired connections with cross-platform compatibility, so you can easily hook it up to your PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S consoles, or even a Mac. The headset’s Bluetooth can also be used simultaneously with a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection, which means you can take phone calls and participate in team chats, all the while losing absolutely none of your gaming audio.

All this functionality could have been delivered in a stock standard design, but the Astro A30 is one of the best-looking pair of cans I’ve seen in a long time. I especially like its plush leatherette earcups, stylish Astro logos, and removable speaker tags that you can swap out to personalize exactly as you wish.

Who should buy the Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless

Gamers that want a futuristic, trendy-looking headset with great sound and the option to personalize the headset’s look. Its excellent cross-platform compatibility will suit gamers that like to game on multiple devices.

Read our full Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless review

Logitech G Astro A50 Wireless – Best wireless gaming headset runner-up

Pros

• Charging cradle is smaller and still very unique
• Switches to the more reliable 2.4GHz band (finally)
• Comfortable and durable

Cons

• Middling battery life
• Poor noise isolation
• Expensive

Best Prices Today: $215.53 at Amazon299.99 at Astro

Why I like the Astro A50 Wireless

Although expensive, the Astro A50 is dependable, providing decent sound over a quick 2.4GHz wireless connection. The audio drivers located in the A50’s earcups deliver strongly through the mid-range so the A50’s sound is warm and punchy in games and while listening to music.

While previous Astro wireless gaming headsets have featured large chunky charging cradles, the A50’s is quite compact so it takes up much less space on your desk. The cradle also has a built-in display so that you can tell which EQ profile you have selected, or whether you have Dolby or stereo modes switched on.

Who should buy the Astro A 50 Wireless

Anyone who likes the convenience of simply being able to store and charge the headset in a charging cradle between games. The built-in display is also really nice to have. It’s a feature that should appeal to gamers who like to tweak and refine EQ profiles for their games.

Read our full Logitech G Astro A50 (2019) review

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 – Best budget wireless gaming headset

Pros

• Clear refined audio profile
• Great control selection that you can personalize further
• Attractive and comfortable design

Cons

• PC and PlayStation versions lack XBox connectivity
• No USB-A to USB-C adapter
• Slightly heavier than the previous generation

Best Prices Today: $99 at Amazon

Why I like the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3

It has just about everything I want in a gaming headset — a comfortable and lightweight design, excellent cross-platform compatibility options, and a whole lot of controls.

It also has both 2.4GHz Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth connectivity. I also really like Turtle Beach’s SuperHuman Hearing, which is a Turtle Beach-specific feature that accentuates some game sounds like player footfalls. An exceptionally long battery life of up to 80 hours meant I could go for days without a recharge, too.

The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 also features a flip-to-mute microphone with AI noise cancellation, which produces clear-sounding audio in my gamer chats. Thanks to the 10-band EQ chart in the headset’s companion app, I could really fine-tune the audio profiles for my games, which isn’t something I can do with every gaming headset.

Who should buy the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3

Casual gamers who want an all-around great headset with decent sound and a whole lot of gamer-centric functionality. At just $100 the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 punches well above its price range on the balance of its features and functionality, so gamers on a budget can save money on these cans.

If you’re on the hunt for a sub-$100 headset the HyperX Cloud Core Wireless is also a great option. It has a durable aluminum frame, comfortable memory foam earpads, a detachable microphone, and also features DTS Headphone: X support for an immersive spatial audio experience.

Read our full Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 review

Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed – Best mid-range wireless gaming headset

Pros

• Ultra-light and comfortable
• Excellent microphone quality
• Long-lasting battery life and fast charging option
• Versatile connectivity options

Cons

• Sound tuning favors esports
• Material quality could be better
• Non-detachable microphone

Best Prices Today: $109.99 at Amazon$129.99 at Razer

Why I like the Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed

The headset’s microphone quality is very close to broadcast quality. It also weighs less than 10 ounces, so it’s ultra-light weight. Despite that, it has large 50mm audio drivers that cover a broad frequency spectrum of 12Hz to 28KHz and produce a detailed soundscape with a low bass tone. The headset’s connectivity is also very good, with all three connectivity types available: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a wired connection via USB-C.

Who should buy the Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed

Tech-savvy gamers that want a lightweight headset and want to sound fantastic in voice chats. The Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed is also a very decent headset for gamers wanting to record Let’s Plays. It’s also a little cheaper than some headsets, so its suits those with mid-range budgets.

Another great mid-range option is the Logitech G935. It won’t break the bank but includes high-end luxuries like a folding boom mic, dongle storage compartment, and stylish leatherette earcups.

Read our full Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed review

HyperX Cloud III Wireless – Best battery life

Pros

• High-quality design and good workmanship
• Multi-platform compatibility
• Detachable microphone
• Above-average battery life

Cons

• Occasional sound fluctuations in DTS surround sound
• Microphone adjustment required in noisy environments
• No Bluetooth

Best Prices Today: $129.99 at Amazon$169.99 at HyperX

Why I like the HyperX Cloud III Wireless

HyperX’s Cloud III Wireless headset doesn’t ace any one particular category but hits the right notes for comfort, sound, and design. In our review we found the headset’s driver configuration produces a balanced sound image with precise bass and treble tones. The headset’s best quality, however, is its long battery life that can last a full 120 hours operating at 50 percent volume.

The Cloud III wireless works with PS4, PS5, and Nintendo Switch consoles as well as PC; however, if you want to use the headset’s DTS surround sound, nothing less than a Windows PC with HyperX’s Ngenuity software app loaded on it will do. This headset is best for gamers who like the benefit of wireless connectivity only, since wired connectivity is not available (it’s 2.4GHz wireless connectivity only). It comes with a 10mm detachable microphone with a pop filter that does a great job muffling unwanted noise.

Who should buy the HyperX Cloud III Wireless?

The Cloud III Wireless is best suited for gamers who want a strictly wireless headset. Thanks to its long battery life, it’s an especially good option for gamers that like to get their gaming fix on the go — so players of handhelds will really dig it.

Read our full HyperX Cloud III Wireless review

How I test gaming headsets

Because no two gaming headsets are the same, I put each product through a thorough testing protocol. I analyze everything from how comfortable and durable they are, to how they perform in games and the software support they get via their manufacturer’s apps. Here’s a list of the main categories I look at:

Design and comfort

You’ll spend an awful lot of time wearing a gaming headset, so it’s vital that it feels comfortable. Here I look at design features that either add or subtract from your overall comfort experience—features like a headset’s shape and weight, how well it fits on your head, and the amount of padding in the earcups. But design also plays a big role in a headset’s functionality, so I also look at how adjustable the band is, and how accessible the controls are.

Audio quality

There’s no point owning a headset with comfortable leatherette earcups if it can’t muster a decent sound. That said, I do a lot of listening to get an overall impression of a headset’s audio quality. I take notes on the clarity of the sound, how well the headset produces pitch, and in the case of wireless headsets, how much signal interference there is. My listening is guided by what I know about the headset’s hardware or software. For example, if a headset has Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), I’ll investigate how well the headset can isolate sound and block out noise. I also test the microphone, listening for muffled sounds, static, robotic noises, and any echoes—all signs there could be a problem.

Software support

With audio technologies getting ever more complex, gamers have more tools at their disposal than ever via headset apps. Technologies like Hi-Res audio, Spatial Surround Sound, and Parametric EQ all spring to mind, which is why I look closely at the kind of software support on offer.

Imagine a world where a car is speeding up directly behind you but your hearing only extends to either side of you. It’s a frightening thought, isn’t it? Yet it’s not too far off what we’ve had to endure for decades now in games.

You could just as easily sub out the word “car” for “zombie,” “monster,” “dragon,” or any other kind of game foe, too.

So, I’m just going blurt out my raw opinion: Audio has traditionally taken a backseat to graphics in many games. There… that feels better. But, I do get why that’s been the case…

I mean, it’s true that we live in such a visual world that game developers have naturally prioritized pixels over audio pings. When I look at some of the gorgeous 4K games that have hit our shelves in the last few years — games like Cyberpunk 2077 — I can’t complain, either. The evolution of visually stunning graphics has obviously been a necessary thing to drive game innovation — I mean who doesn’t wanna see a talking vending machine in 3840x2160p?

But we hit a point a while back now where I ceased to be amazed by just gorgeous graphics. Indeed, it’s time to give credit to something else that’s been driving engagement. Yup, take a bow, 3D spatial audio.

The benefits of 3D spatial audio are many.

For starters, technologies like Dolby Atmos for headphones and Windows Sonic have opened a whole new world to my gaming, morphing them from simple linear, roughly approximated auditory experiences into rich sound extravaganzas.

In a literal sense the fact that I can now hear sounds from 17 directions instead of just four really does make them a zillion times more riveting.

That I can hear zombies at my 11 o’clock as well as at 3 o’clock in Resident Evil 2 makes the fantasy a whole lot more believable. Yes, other games have had grotesque flesh-eating undead humans in them too, but these ones sound like they’re actually moving in my 3D space — in my living room, or even in my bedroom, wherever I happen to be playing at the time.

Capcom

Capcom

Capcom

In a nutshell, with 3D spatial audio, developers have found a way to hack more of my biological processes (Matrix style) to keep me more engrossed than I ever have been before. In some cases, they quite literally leave me shaking in my boots.

But 3D spatial audio is more than just a cool new way to hear games like I’ve never heard them before. Indeed, it has become an effective storytelling technique that gels perfectly with the kind of games that I love to play — the engrossing cinematic kind.

Hellblade Senua’s Sacrifice is a classic example of where that happens. The game uses 3D spatial audio to put voices in your head and thereby enhance the game’s narrative about your character — a crazed Viking warrior who has descended into hell to help her lost lover. It also uses 3D audio in combat scenes, so they become quite frantic.

Further reading: The best gaming headsets

Ninja Theory

Ninja Theory

Ninja Theory

The way it works at captivating me deserves praise. That a game developer can cause my adrenal glands to flood my body with more of the flight and fight hormone is quite an extraordinary thing.

Another effective 3D spatial audio technique that developers use gets me every time, too. It’s where the audio starts out utilizing the 3D enhanced directionality of 3D spatial audio then collapses down to a single direction — in some cases so that only my player’s breath, or their beating heart is audible (a la Sniper Elite 5).

I call this the claustrophobia effect. Suffice to say, it sounds like my own breath or heart, which makes the action and story more palpable.

Then there’s the way 3D spatial audio enhances environmental sounds like gunfire and passing cars in RPG games like Cyberpunk 2077. If you like a full shopping mall kind of auditory experience where sounds are emanating from every direction — yup, 3D spatial is where it’s at.

CD Project Red

CD Project Red

CD Project Red

But these things are arguably the lesser realized advantages of 3D spatial audio. A more common use is simply competitive advantage. That advantage can be quite big. For me the added directionality allows me to pinpoint explosions, gunfire, and player footfalls in multiplayer matches tons easier than if I had just stereo audio.

That’s no more evident than in Rainbow Six Siege, where I find myself listening like a hawk for the chance of hearing players change from prone to standing, crossing different floor types, and deploying gadgets like flashbangs, to home in on their locations.

But 3D spatial audio also helps with environmental awareness of objects too. The 3D audio anchors them and provides a persistent presence to targets. Indeed, I’ve found it a lot easier to locate objectives in games like Battlefield V, so much so that I’m no longer wandering aimlessly.

That’s not to say that spatial audio technologies are flawless. It can be a minefield to sift between the different types with their varying hardware and game compatibilities. What’s more, they work differently, too. Reddit is flooded with anecdotes about that.

But when you find one that works a treat, it’s gold. DTS Headphone: X 2.0 is one of my favorites. I’ve been loving using it with the Logitech G Pro X Lightspeed headset these past couple of weeks. It’s especially great for games that support Microsoft’s spatial sound API, where I get a full 3D effect — even from above.

mentioned in this article

Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed

Read our review

Best Prices Today: $249.18 at Amazon

So, if you haven’t tried 3D spatial audio, give it a go. But be sure to do your homework and find one that’s compatible with the games you’re playing. After that, load up a game and feel ALIVE!

Most gamers know all too well how much of a letdown it is to have just finished a riveting gaming session only to have to wear the physical wounds of that time well spent. Wrist pain, or in the worst-case, carpal tunnel syndrome, are two offenders that can put a dampener on any future fun.

In fact, one gamer I know has had the latter problem so badly of late, he’s actually been forced to forgo sessions of his favorite Diablo IV, which ordinarily involves lots of clicking and swiping, for more subdued tinkles in the action-adventure game Octodad. Oh the indignity of it all!

But seriously, if you’re getting a sore wrist after gaming, it’s time to take a more existential view of your gaming mouse and see it for what it really is — completely unsuitable for you, no matter how shinny or blinged-out it is, or how many gold sovereigns you dropped on it.

In a nutshell, the main cause of pain and discomfort in your wrist is likely due to you having the wrong kind of mouse for your grip type. I find wrist pain especially prevalent in gamers who are unknowingly using a mouse best suited for a claw grip but with a palm grip. Let me explain….

In a palm grip the player’s whole palm latches onto the mouse like its opening a doorknob. Mice suitable for palm grippers, then, need to be very supportive and provide a whole hand lift. They commonly have large humps and wide bodies.

Dreamstime: Lukasschaloupka

Dreamstime: Lukasschaloupka

Dreamstime: Lukasschaloupka

Surprisingly, these very characteristics also appear in mice suitable for claw grippers too, which is where the confusion lies. So how do you tell them apart?

It’s all about the location of that hump. Mice with humps towards their back end like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 and Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro provide wrists with plenty of lift off a tabletop, allowing you to swipe and glide with minimal friction.

Because your wrist is elevated, it’s less likely to get sore.

Good for palm grippers

Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro

Read our review

Best Prices Today: $146.60 at Amazon | $149.99 at Razer

On the other hand, mice more suitable for claw grippers — like the Alienware Pro Wireless and Corsair M75 Air Wireless — have their humps more centrally located; their back ends fall away more steeply. That’s fine for claw grippers who simply curl their hands over the tops of those mice, but it isn’t ideal for palm grippers.

That’s because palm grippers don’t get enough lift off their tabletops at the back where their wrist begins. Consequently, their wrist will lower to the tabletop where they will experience the most friction and pressure when they move their hand.

good for claw grippers

Corsair M75 Air Wireless

Read our review

Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Amazon

Avoiding wrist injury, then, is usually quite straightforward: If you’re a palm gripper, use a mouse with a high hump located at the back. If you’re a claw gripper, you can get by with a mouse that has a hump closer to the middle.

There are a lot of other things you can do to avoid injury from your gaming mouse, like matching the size of your hand to an appropriately sized mouse, but if it’s specifically wrist pain you’re worried about, you now have a powerful tool that can help you navigate that tricky problem at least.

So, if the hump of your gaming mouse isn’t quite where you need it to be, do yourself a favor and just get a new one. Your radius bone will thank you for relieving all that pressure.

Further reading: See our roundup of the best gaming mice for recommendations.

If you want to be competitive in PC games these days, you can forget about using a run-of-the-mill office mouse. Instead, you’ll need a powerful device that’s optimized just for gaming.

Manufacturers go to great pains to design specialist devices that give players an edge, with enhancements like unique body sizes and shapes, customizable weight, and extra grips to increase speed and accuracy. On top of that, the best gaming mice have unique hardware enhancements like highly sensitive sensors and complex button configurations to keep up with fast-paced games.

Deciding on the right mouse is a highly personal decision that needs careful consideration. Factors like the size and shape of your hand, your preferred grip style, the types of games you play, and the number of buttons you need, are all factors in your quest for the best gaming mouse.

Why you should trust us? PCWorld has delivered in-depth product reviews and news going on 40 years now. Our reviewers aren’t just peripheral geeks, they’re also avid gamers on a mission to find the best gaming gear for themselves. Because of that they know the ins and outs of gaming gear, what’s good and what’s not.

Every mouse we review is put through a rigorous testing process by our expert reviewers. We appraise everything from the device’s comfort and reliability, to its performance in games. We also compare each product to competitors to sum up whether or not they represent value for money. See our article on how we test gaming mice for more details.

Updated June 25, 2024 to include the Razer Basilisk Ultimate as an alternative to our Best MMO pick, the Razer Naga V2 Pro. The Basilisk Ultimate’s smooth glide, solid feel, and 11 programmable buttons make it a great option for MMO players that don’t need a side button grid.

Razer DeathAdder V3 – Best wired gaming mouse / Best overall

Pros

• Very light (59 grams)
• Ergonomic design for right-handers
• High-precision sensor
• USB polling rate of 8000Hz
• Durable Razer Optical Switches (up to 90 million clicks)
• High-quality PTFE grade feet

Cons

• Non onboard storage of the key assignment
• No RGB lighting

Why I like the Razer DeathAdder V3

Lightweight, wired FPS mice don’t come any quicker than the Razer DeathAdder V3, which is maxed out with an extraordinarily sensitive 30,000 DPI Razer Optical Sensor and a whopping 8,000Hz hyper-polling rate that’s eight times as fast as the standard 1,000Hz polling rate you get in other FPS gaming mice.

If that isn’t already enough speed for you, the V3’s lightweight 2.08-ounce (59 grams) chassis and 100 percent PTFE feet combine for an exceptionally quick and smooth glide over your mouse mat, making it even more deadly in FPS gaming.

Who should buy the Razer DeathAdder V3

Based on the DeathAdder V3’s weight anyone looking for more speed in their FPS games would be well advised to get one. It’s also ideal for palm grippers with large- to medium-sized hands who will undoubtedly find plenty of support in its generous proportions for all sorts of tricky maneuvers.

If you prefer a comfy thumb rest when you’re gaming, then you might want to consider the Logitech G502X instead. Apart the extra comfort you get in the thumb rest, the G502X has a unique side trigger button that sets it apart from most mice of its ilk.

Read our full Deathadder V3 review

Corsair M75 Air Wireless – Best ambidextrous grip

Pros

• Its narrow high-backed design enables superior control
• The 26K Optical Sensor is quick and precise
• Up to a quick 2000Hz / 0.5ms default polling rate

Cons

• One button for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi can be confusing
• There's just one on-board memory profile
• No DPI switcher button

Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Amazon

Why I like the Corsair M75 Air Wireless

The Corsair M75 Air’s 26K Optical Sensor reports at a quick 2,000Hz maximum polling rate (that’s 1,000Hz higher than some more expensive FPS gaming mice), which means I get ridiculously smooth and precise motion in games like Fortnite and Counter-Strike 2 in 2.4GHz Wi-Fi mode. Yet, this mouse’s hardware alone isn’t the only trick up its sleeve — its symmetrical design is just as noteworthy.

The mouse’s excellent symmetry and low-key side buttons allow it to be used just as easily as a left- or right-handed mouse. There are five buttons all up, which all fire off quickly enough to win surprise attacks. There’s no top DPI button to speak of, but what you gain is an exceptionally lightweight design.

Who should buy the Corsair M75 Air Wireless

If you like a feeling of control in your play, the M75 Air’s high back is perfect for that; it pushes against your palm comfortably, syncing with your movements. The M75 Air’s long narrow front also provides plenty of space to stretch out your trigger fingers.

Read our full Corsair M75 Air Wireless review

Razer Cobra Pro – Best general purpose wireless gaming mouse

Pros

• Its Razer Focus Pro 30K sensor is superb
• Dedicated DPI up/down buttons makes switching DPI on the fly easy
• Having 11 zones of RGB is brilliant

Cons

• The dimensions won't suit large hands
• Buying the Cobra Pro with a Hyper polling dongle costs extra
• It's a little heavier than its stablemate the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro

Best Prices Today: $127.90 at Amazon$127.90 at Best Buy

Why I like the Razer Cobra Pro

The Razer Cobra Pro is an excellent all-round gaming mouse with a very sensitive 30K sensor that will give the best esports mice a run for their money. While its 2.78-ounce (79 grams) weight makes it a little heavier than many competitive FPS mice, it boasts features that most mice don’t have. Indeed, features like its up / down DPI buttons that allow you to switch DPI on the fly, its gorgeous 11 zones of RGB lighting, and Tri-Mode connectivity (wired, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth) make it a highly versatile and sought-after gaming mouse.

Its one drawback, however, is its compact size, which comfortably fits small to medium sized hands but is a little too small for some large hands. Of course, this won’t affect players who prefer to use a claw grip, so this mouse is especially suited to them.

Who should buy the Razer Cobra Pro

Esports players or keen competitive players wanting one of the quickest mice you can buy, but also want the convenience of extra features that most esports mice don’t have.

Read our full Razer Cobra Pro review

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless – Best budget wireless gaming mouse

Pros

• The solid top back is comfortable and stylish
• The 26,000 sensor can target at lightning speeds
• Bluetooth functionality makes it one of the most versatile esports mice you can get

Cons

• The compact buttons can feel a bit cramped at times
• There's just one RGB zone to play with
• It's more expensive than its predecessor

Best Prices Today: $79.99 at Amazon$89.99 at HyperX

Why I like the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless

The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless features a lightning-fast 26,000 DPI sensor, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, as well as a dedicated DPI switcher, and still manages to be lighter and more affordable than some rivals. It weighs just a little over 2 ounces (61 grams), which is ideal for fast competitive gaming and esports. Its generous proportions and easy six-button configuration are just ideal to fit medium- and large-sized hands.

Who should buy the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless

Claw and fingertip gamers — the mouse’s solid plastic casing is a lot more comfortable for these grip types than its predecessor the HyperX Pulsefire Haste Wireless, which has a perforated casing. It’s also a great option for gamers on a budget since it undercuts competitors with similar features by around $50.

If you want to drop even less coin on your gaming mouse, then the $40 Logitech G203 Lightsync may fit the bill. It’s best suited to smaller hands though, so if you have a medium to large paw, the HyperX Plusefire Haste 2 Wireless is still the better option.

Read our full HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless review

Swiftpoint Z2 – Best gaming mouse for tinkerers

Pros

• Converts to a joystick
• The button layout and button customization is excellent
• Pressure sensors and haptic feedback give you a deeper level of functionality
• Has a powerful accurate sensor

Cons

• Only one small RGB zone
• The joystick conversion provides only a small lift from a tabletop
• Wired connectivity only

Why I like the Swiftpoint Z2

It’s without a doubt the most customizable mouse that’s ever come across my review bench. Not only does this mouse allow you to customize its 13 programmable buttons with your choice of commands, but you can also customize the depth of actuation on those buttons, and the mouse tells you how deep you’ve clicked via haptic feedback.

If that wasn’t enough already, the Swiftpont Z2 has a mini-OLED display. It also has an inbuilt gyroscope and converts into a joystick, which is a blast in flight simulators.

Who should buy the Swiftpoint Z2

This mouse is great for gamers who like to tinker with their controls for a deep level of customization or gamers who liked the Mad Catz R.A.T 8+ and are looking for something with upgraded functionality. The only problem once you’ve decided this is the mouse for you, is picking one up; right now it’s sold out and Swiftpoint is taking back orders for future shipments.

Read our full Swiftpoint Z2 review

Razer Naga V2 Pro – Best gaming mouse for MOBA and MMO games

Pros

• The swappable button plates let you tailor your button setup to your game's command load
• The sensor is very accurate and without a hint of lag
• There's tons of comfort and the build quality is excellent

Cons

• The Razer Gen 3 Optical Switches are a little stiff at first and need wearing in
• It weighs 134 grams which is quite heavy even for an MMO mouse
• It's currently very expensive

Best Prices Today: $179.99 at Amazon$179.99 at Best Buy$179.99 at Razer

Why I like the Razer Naga V2 Pro

The Razer Naga V2 Pro does one better than just let me program my buttons how I like them — it features three swappable side-button plates that I can change out to tailor my mouse’s physical button setup to my game’s command load. Consequently, it makes a great all-around gaming mouse. In my playtesting I found it was especially perfect for MOBA and MMO games since you get a total of 22 commands with the 12-button plate attached, so there’s lots of options.

As well as a very comfortable design, the V2 Pro also sports an accurate and precise 30,000 DPI sensor and Razer Gen 3 Optical Switches in the buttons that actuate in just 0.2 milliseconds.

Who should buy the Razer Naga V2 Pro

In my playtesting I found it was especially perfect for MOBA and MMO gamers since they get a total of 22 commands with the 12-button plate attached, so there’s lots of options. In MMO games the mouse’s weightiness (it weighs 4.7 ounces, or 134 grams) made weapons play feel extremely authentic and highly satisfying.

If you don’t need swappable button plates another great option for MMO games is the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless, which has a full grid of 10 buttons on its left side. My pick of the bunch for MMO gamers that don’t need a side grid of buttons is the Razer Basilisk Ultimate. This mouse has an exceptionally smooth glide, solid feel, and precise sensor.

Read our full Razer Naga V2 Pro review

Razer Basilisk V3 – Best mouse wheel / Best for scrolling

Pros

• The Razer Focus + sensor gives faultless performance
• Scrolling is made simpler with the HyperScroll Tilt Wheel
• The RGB lighting looks fantastic

Cons

• It's quite heavy and bulky
• You're limited to wired connectivity only

Best Prices Today: $49.49 at Amazon

Why I like the Razer Basilisk V3

The Basilisk V3 resembles the Razer Basilisk V2 in size and shape, sporting similar right-handed curves and a slightly arched thumb rest. Among its best features are an 11-button layout, 26,000 DPI Razer Focus+ sensor, and second-generation Razer optical switches that I found very fast for all kinds of gaming — whether that’s casual or serious. But the real magic lies in the Basilisk V3’s HyperScroll Tilt Wheel, which is a fancy name for its mouse wheel. This tilts in four directions and triggers downwards to put five commands at your fingertips, ideal for tactical FPS games like Rainbow Six.

Impressively, the HyperScroll Tilt Wheel also has extra AI scrolling modes that made my scrolling and browsing a lot easier. In my testing I enjoyed toggling between “Tactile” and “Free-Spin” modes, which allowed me to switch between a slow, precise scrolling action and a faster, smoother scrolling action that was useful for getting to the end of long websites more easily.

Who should buy the Razer Basilisk V3

Anyone who wants to get fancy with their scrolling. With the right setup, the Basilisk makes scrolling game menus or long documents in Windows quick and easy.

Read our full Razer Basilisk V3 review

Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse – Best gaming mouse for esports / first-person shooters

Pros

• 4KHz wireless polling rate
• The buttons are soft and have quick debounce
• The Alienware styling looks awesome
• One of the most precise mouse wheels I've used
• Weighs just over 2 ounces

Cons

• The back could do with more height
• There's no RGB lighting
• It's quite large so won't suit everyone

Best Prices Today: $119.99 at Amazon

Why I like the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse

You hear a lot about DPI being the main factor that determines performance. But quite frankly polling rate is twice as important for aiming at and hitting fast-moving players in FPS games. Hence why this mouse is so lethal — it comes with a 4KHz polling rate right out of the box, that’s quadruple the reporting rate of some other big-name FPS gaming mice.

Who should buy the Alienware Pro Wireless gaming mouse

Everything else about this mouse is tailored for speed and precision. From its 4K polling rate, to its ultra-light weight of just over 2 ounces, to its soft buttons with their ultra-quick debounce rate. For that reason, I’d recommend this mouse to gamers who want the fastest performance in FPS games.

For three other excellent options for FPS gaming check out the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2, Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, and Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition.

Read our full Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse review

Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition – Best buttons

Pros

• An excellent sensor that syncs movements precisely
• 4K polling rate
• Strong and lightweight metal chassis

Cons

• Perforated back won't suit claw grippers
• Smaller size isn't great for large hands
• Battery life isn't great in 4K polling mode

Why I like the Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition

It’s very lightweight, weighing just 2.25 ounces (64 grams). Yet its chassis is made from magnesium, so it’s also very strong. I also had everything I needed to perform at my best — an accurate 26K DPI sensor, a lightning-quick 4K polling rate and soft buttons with a very quick debounce.

The Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition is also cheaper than some rival gaming mice with similar specs, judging by its price tag at the time of writing my review; it cost $99 at Keychron, which is $50 cheaper than some very capable competitors.

Who should buy the Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition

The Keychron M3 mini 4K is a one-of-a-kind mouse that makes an excellent all-purpose gaming mouse. Its interesting design also suits gamers wanting to make it a centerpiece of a collection. The mouse’s compact size does, however, mean it’s best suited to players with small-to-medium sized hands.

If you’re after a mouse with exceptionally quick buttons like this one, you might also like to check out the Glorious Model O 2 Pro 4K/8KHz Edition.

Read our full Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition review

ROCCAT Burst Pro Air – Best RGB gaming mouse

Pros

• Owl-Eye sensor is very precise and quick
• You won't find a mouse with more stunning RGB lighting
• Dual wireless as well as wired connectivity

Cons

• 81-gram weight can feel heavy if you're used to a lighter mouse
• Mouse wheel lacks left and right lateral clicks
• Pricey compared to some rivals

Best Prices Today: $45.97 at Amazon$49.99 at Best Buy79.99 at ROCCAT

Why I like the ROCCAT Burst Pro Air

The ROCCAT Burst Pro Air’s four dedicated RGB lighting zones shine colored light through its semi-transparent body, creating a mesmerizing sheen-like glow that looks totally stunning from any angle. If the semi-transparent shell is my canvas, then ROCCAT’s Swarm app provides my painter’s palette, letting me go to town customizing each zone with up to 16.8 million colors and a range of stunning effects.

But as any gamer knows, looks aren’t everything. Consequently, I also chose the Pro Air because of its excellent gaming performance, which in my play testing I attributed to its comfortable eight-button design, powerful 19,000 DPI Owl-Eye optical sensor, and low-latency optical switches, which are rated for 100 million clicks.

The Pro Air also scores big points for its excellent connectivity options, which includes low-latency 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2 wireless options, and a USB-A to USB-C cable for wired connectivity. For another great ROCCAT gaming mouse that has previously taken top position for ‘Best RGB gaming mouse’ also check out the ROCCAT Kone XP.

Who should buy the ROCCAT Burst Pro Air

If you appreciate a bit of RGB artistry in your gaming getup or want to create a mesmerizing light show to go with your other dazzling RGB gaming gear, then this looker is ideal.

Read our full ROCCAT Burst Pro Air review

Cherry Xtrfy M8 Wireless – Most original gaming mouse design

Pros

• Very good sensor
• Ultra-flat front
• Very light
• Eco-friendly design
• Long battery life

Cons

• Unusually placed charging socket
• Design might take some getting used to for some users

Best Prices Today: $99 at Amazon

Why I like the Xtrfy M8 Wireless

The Xtrfy M8 Wireless’ design is as unique as possible, with the charging socket placed on its right-side rather than at the front like just about every other gaming mouse you will find. But while some players may like that and others not so much, what I salute the most in its design is the fact that its housing is made from 60 percent recycled plastic.

Who should buy the Xtrfy M8 Wireless

Despite the reused materials and side charging socket, this mouse’s hardware is just perfect for pro-gamers. It’s powered by a Pixart 3395 sensor with a maximum resolution of 26,000 DPI. A low-latency 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal provides a response time as fast as 1 millisecond.

If changing debounce is your jam, the M8 also allows you to choose between four settings: 2, 4, 8, or 12 milliseconds. Plus, it weighs just 1.94 ounces (55 grams) which makes it one of the lightest and quickest mice you will move over your mouse mat.

Read our full Cherry Xtrfy M8 Wireless review

Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed – Best dual-purpose gaming and productivity mouse

Pros

• Quick and accurate sensor
• High sensor positioning
• Very long battery life

Cons

• No RGB lighting
• 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity only
• Weighs less than 3 ounces

Best Prices Today: $54.99 at Amazon

Why I like the Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed

With no RGB lighting and a modest uni-color Black casing, the Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed is stealthy enough to be your work or study mouse, and yet it also has some of the best hardware for esports you can find in a wireless mouse. That includes a whopping 30,000 DPI Razer Focus Pro Optical Sensor and super-quick Razer Gen 2 Mechanical Switches.

The Viper V3 Hyperspeed’s design gives you precision control of your movements; it features a high back and lots of length in the fingers so that you can stretch out in a palm grip. The high position of the sensor catches your movements at their origin for split-second quicker movement than we’ve experienced in some rivals. The Viper V3 Hyperspeed also supports 4,000Hz HyperPolling, which really makes this mouse cook with fire in fast action games like CouterStrike — although you will have to shell out $29.99 extra for the HyperPolling dongle (not included). The Viper V3 also has excellent battery life. In fact, a single AA battery provides up to 280 hours of operation at the mouse’s default polling rate of 1,000Hz.

The V3 Hyperspeed currently costs $69.99 at Razer, Amazon, and Best Buy. In a similar vein but with more modest hardware and for $15 cheaper, be sure to check out the Razer DeathAdder V2 X Hyperspeed too.

Who should buy the Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed

Players who want a kick-ass gaming mouse that’s also stealthy enough to double as a school or work mouse. It’s also a great option for those who like the feeling of a mouse with a high back and slightly flared main buttons.

Read our full Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed review

MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless – Best rechargeable gaming mouse

Pros

• Charging dock included
• Current high-end sensor from Pixart
• Omron switches
• Three connection modes (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired)
• Good price-performance ratio

Cons

• A bit heavy for "Lightweight"
• Software is a little convoluted

Best Prices Today: $84.99 at Amazon

Why I like the MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless

The MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless gaming mouse combines practicality, functionality, and stellar looks better than just about any other gaming mouse. As well as supporting all three connectivity types — 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wired — it features visually striking RGB Diamond Lightgrips down each side that hold your fingers to the mouse’s body and provide you with a lot of precision control over movement. Another practical feature is the convenient charging dock that makes recharging a piece of pie and means it’s very difficult to ever run out of battery.

The GM51 Lightweight Wireless has impressive hardware for gaming, including a Pixart PAW 3395 sensor with a maximum resolution of 26,000 DPI and Omron switches in its buttons, which are known for their durability and speed.

Who should buy the MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless

Although its 3.1-ounce (89 grams) weight is at the upper end of what many would call lightweight, the MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless’ balanced size makes it especially comfortable for players that adopt palm and claw grips. It’s also a great option for players who play for long stints and like the convenience of not having to plug their mouse in to charge after every gaming session.

Read our full MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless review

How we test gaming mice

To ensure that our gaming mice selections are the pick of the crop, the PCWorld team subjects them to extensive play testing as well as a legion of other tests. We scrutinize everything from how well a mouse perform in games, to the size and shape of it in the hand, to comfort and ergonomics, to customizations. Here are the main categories our tests fall under:

• Gaming performance: At the end of the day it doesn’t matter how a mouse looks; it’s how it performs that matters. To evaluate a mouse’s performance we look specifically at how sensitive and responsive its sensor is and also how well the sensor tracks movement. Precision is also a key consideration, with mice that are more accurate generally scoring better in our reviews than those that aren’t. In wireless mice we also evaluate the speed and strength of the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals, keeping a look out for red flags like signal dropouts or interference. Some mice also come with software enhancements that determine the mouse’s lift-off distance, which we also examine in our testing.
• Design and ergonomics: You won’t find another tech device for which design plays a more crucial part of a user’s experience. And, while it’s true that there’s no one shape, size, or configuration that fits every gamer, there’s enough variation out there for every gamer to find their own perfect fit. When looking at design, we consider the size and shape of the device itself and the type of hand it fits. Gamers tend to use one of three common grip types—palm, claw, or fingertip—so a mouse’s compatibility with one or all of those types is a big consideration.
• Software: Being able to tweak settings like your mouse’s DPI and polling rate and create specific profiles for your favorite games can make or break your gaming experience, which is why a mouse’s software support is so important. Our PCWorld reviewers’ focus here is to consider the range and scope of software support and how readily settings can be modified, changed, and saved for future use.

For more details about our testing process, see our article on how we test gaming mice at PCWorld.

Pre-built gaming PCs aren’t just the domain of noobie gamers. No, many an experienced gamer has been enticed by the glittering imagery and exciting performance promises of a shiny new manufacturer-made rig. But beneath the flashy neon pics and the impressive list of hardware specs are often gremlins lurking, ready to bite.

If you haven’t already guessed from that opener, I’m not in the “buy a pre-built gaming PC camp.” That’s not just because I’m a tech editor who likes to painstakingly oversee and choose every component in a new build until I reach performance perfection.

I also don’t have any illusions about wanting to be the go-to tech support guy among my family and friends — I am that guy anyways. No, it’s just that pre-built gaming PCs are incredibly risky business.

In fact, I’d go so far as to liken buying one to dinning on a meal of Fugu, a Japanese delicacy made from the porcupinefish (puffer fish). If you’re unfamiliar with Fugu, parts of it are so full of poison it needs meticulous preparation by a chef, and not just any chef, one with the know-how and steady hands of a brain surgeon.

Dinning on Fugu, then, is like taking the ultimate leap of faith. Sure, you could get a delicious, safe meal of tasty puffer and not keel over. Or a single bite may see you drop your chopsticks and leave your mortal coil for good. The big question then is: Do you trust the chef?

A top-end prebuilt gaming pc you can trust

Falcon Northwest FragBox (Intel 14th-gen)

Read our review

In the same way, you may have no problems with your pre-built gaming rig, or a ton of problems once you get it through the front door.

The poison to look out for here is bloatware, malfunctioning hardware, overheating, the incorporation of low-grade hardware and poorly configured hardware (mostly from a lack of care) — all scourges of a mass-produced item rather than a bespoke one that’s been carefully planned and put together for you and your needs.

But that’s not all, because there’s also the fact that you could be paying an over-inflated price for a rig whose performance is lackluster, or just downright terrible at worst, no matter the specs.

Hardware problems, in the worst case, could stop you in your tracks before you’ve even peeled the brand stickers off your machine’s shiny exterior, let alone launched a game. But with most pre-builds having manufacturers’ warranties, they’re arguably not as bad as the more insidious performance problems you could encounter.

Dreamstime: Chiradech Chotchuang

Dreamstime: Chiradech Chotchuang

Dreamstime: Chiradech Chotchuang

RAM is often a cause of those performance problems. If the rig isn’t shipping with ultra-slow RAM, it may be fast RAM with poor latency (CL22 on 2933MHz RAM was an often-reported problem in pre-builds in years past). Manufacturers have also been known to pass off a single stick of RAM as dual channel, simply because the PC has a slot to run RAM as dual channel.

Then there’s performance issues linked to the build itself. Take Alienware’s 2022 R13 pre-built gaming PC as an example. One configuration of this rig shipped with an Intel Core i9-12900KF CPU and RTX 3090 GPU — that sounds glorious, doesn’t it?

But thermal performance benchmarks by Gamers Nexus showed its $570 CPU performed only as well as a step-down $340 Intel Core i7-12700K when compiling the same code, which amounted to a 16 percent downgrade in performance. The culprit? Gamers Nexus concluded that Dell’s sub-optimal build affected the CPU’s thermal and power limits.

Adam Patrick Murray / Foundry

Adam Patrick Murray / Foundry

Adam Patrick Murray / Foundry

Before you say, “but I could fix that in a jiffy,” in this case that would be easier said than done because of another scourge of pre-built gaming rigs: the proprietary hardware they often have.

That refers to hardware that’s been made especially for your pre-built PC — tech that’s basically useless anywhere except inside the rig itself, that you can’t just swap out for parts of your choosing.

In the case of the 2022 Alienware R13, there was a whole heap of it — from the cooler that came attached to the proprietary case, to the proprietary motherboard with a front-facing I/O that you would need to change out completely if it stopped working. The worst part of all is that the R13 shipped for a whopping $5,000 — which I have only one word for: ouch!

A worthy prebuilt desktop

Acer Predator Orion 3000 (PO3-650-UR17)

Read our review

Best Prices Today: $1,299.99 at Amazon | $1408.99 at Newegg

I’m not down on Dell’s Alienware products. In fact, they’re usually kick-ass gaming PCs that any gamer is lucky to have. Indeed, this problem can (and does) happen to other manufacturers too; the internet is peppered with examples — which is entirely my point.

Of course, pre-built rigs aren’t always bad; you could get lucky and land something like the HP Omen 45L that has three 120mm RGB intake fans and a 360mm liquid cooler. HP also promises tool-less upgradability, which bodes well for futureproofing the rig’s performance. You can also trust reviews of specific prebuilts by testers you trust, be it us here at PCWorld, GamersNexus, or whoever else.

Counterpoint: I bought a pre-built desktop gaming PC and I’m not sorry about it

Buying a pre-built has also helped some gamers through tough times. Indeed, at the height of the GPU shortage crisis back in 2022-2023, it was one of the only ways you could get a GPU at a reasonable price. But right now, that’s not as much of an issue.

So, take my advice and build your own gaming rig, one that you know is going to be the right price, have minimal issues, and perform well. You don’t even need to build it yourself; you just need someone who knows their stuff to help. In other words, a “chef” that you can trust.

At a glance

Expert's Rating

Pros

• Smooth and precise movement
• Buttons galore
• A solid and supportive body
• Weighty but in a good way

Cons

• It collects fingerprints, which downgrades its look at times
• It’s expensive
• The maximum polling rate is just 1,000Hz

Our Verdict

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate dishes out luxury at every turn. Its solid and comfortable feel, precise movement, generous button configuration, and gorgeous RGB lighting all make it an excellent option for MMO gamers.

Best Prices Today: Razer Basilisk Ultimate

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$199

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The $179 Razer Basilisk Ultimate isn’t the cheapest wireless gaming mouse you can find, but there’s definitely something to be said for enjoying the kind of decadent luxury it provides. A generous 11 button configuration offers plenty of commands for gamers. It also sports a smooth glide, solid feel and precise sensor. That’s gold for anyone wanting optimal performance and genuine comfort for hours on end.

Further reading: See our roundup of the best wireless gaming mice to learn about competing products.

Razer Basilisk Ultimate design and build

But there’s more to the Razer Basilisk Ultimate than just a solid feel and smooth glide. That sense of luxury you get from this mouse is heighted by its 3.73-ounce (106-gram) weight, which bestows a real presence in your grip. Yes, it’s weighty, but it doesn’t feel at all sluggish, I’m happy to report.

The Basilisk Ultimate gives you very precise control of movement. You can shift direction on a whim. It’s nice and grippy thanks to bumpy areas on both its thumb rest and right-hand side. What’s more, there’s virtually no friction thanks to well-placed PTFE feet.

Being a Basilisk mouse, the Ultimate’s shape resembles the Razer Basilisk V3, which currently has the distinction of sporting the “best mouse wheel” in our PCWorld’s roundup of the best gaming mice. Some gamers may find the Ultimate’s design a bit angular. But I really liked the elevation my index finger had on the left main button — it always felt poised and ready to fire

At first the Ultimate’s scroll wheel felt a little too precise for me. It grinded when I turned it, registering each millimeter. But that was before I discovered a dial on the underside that allowed me to adjust how easily it turned. In the end I found a friction setting that worked nicely for changing weapons and scrolling through my game menus that wasn’t so tight.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

The larger dimensions appeal to me a little more than the V3’s smaller size. The mouse measures 5.11 x 2.75 x 1.65 inches. If the V3 is like a Cadillac, then the Basilisk Ultimate is like a spacious Chevy pickup truck that you can stretch out on and adopt a more relaxed grip.

Among the 11 programmable buttons, four are contained in the mouse’s Tilt wheel. Then there’s three buttons on the left and handy DPI up/down switcher buttons behind the mouse wheel. The rest of the buttons can be found on the mouse’s underside.

Razer Basilisk Ultimate connectivity and battery life

The Basilisk Ultimate uses Razer’s Hyperspeed wireless technology for its Wi-Fi connectivity. To that end you get a very small wireless dongle in the box. There’s no Bluetooth connectivity, which is unusual for a mouse of this weight.

There’s not one, but two ways you can store the mouse’s dongle — either in the discreet storage compartment on the underside, or in a slot at the top of the mouse’s charging dock. That dock is a nice and compact size, being only as big as my thumb. It easily fit in a tight gap on my desk.

Charging the mouse was as simple as resting it on top of its dock. Doing so renders it spaceship-like in appearance, which most gamers are going to get a kick out of.

The mouse’s battery life is very good. You can expect it to last approximately 100 hours if you switch off the RGB lighting — otherwise it’ll run 30 to 40 hours with the lighting switched on.

Razer Basilisk Ultimate gaming performance

What kind of gaming does the Razer Basilisk Ultimate excel at? I’d have to say MMO and MOBA games, where I really appreciated its full-handed feeling and thorough selection of commands.

The mouse’s 20,000 DPI Razer Focus+ Optical Sensor is very quick off the mark. It supports a polling rate of 1,000Hz, which isn’t the fastest Razer has to offer, but for MMOs it was more than sufficient in my playtesting for tracking foes and launching spells.

I’ve always found heavier mice ideal for wielding swords and axes in MMOs. Wafery FPS mice just don’t cut it for me, feeling less tangible than heavier mice for that kind of play. But the Ultimate’s weightiness excelled at delivering a feeling of realism to my play.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

That was especially the case in Gloria Victis, which not only has plenty of attacks, but also lots of parrying; with the Ultimate in hand, the clink of metal against metal felt palpable, as if I was actually holding them in my palm.

The Ultimate’s main buttons are very soft and quick. Their centers are concave, so they held my trigger fingers better than most mice I know. A slight gradient gave me leverage to pull off some very speedy clicks. However, that speed did occasionally mean I miss-clicked at times — something to watch out for in this mouse.

One really novel feature is the sensitivity clutch near the mouse’s left thumb. It let me switch DPI levels that were stages apart and then return to my DPI starting point without having to cycle back through each DPI setting.

There was very little I didn’t like about this mouse, but one small peeve was that the chassis got a little foggy with fingerprints from time to time. So, you’ll want to keep a cloth handy to keep it smudge free.

Razer Basilisk Ultimate software

The Razer Basilisk Ultimate has five onboard memory profiles, which you can map out in the Razer Synapse app. As well as a top layer of commands, you can program an extra layer to your buttons using Razer’s Hypershift functionality, so you have options galore.

The Basilisk Ultimate can be as flashy as you want it to be thanks to its 14 zones of RGB lighting. These can be tweaked in Razer Synapse, but for a deeper level of personalization, Razer’s Chroma Studio is where to go. Here you can personalize your choice of colors and add cool effects that really liven up your desk.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Should you buy the Razer Basilisk Ultimate?

We all deserve a taste of extravagance from time to time and the Ultimate dishes that out in spades, albeit for a premium price. Its advanced glide, precise movement, and comfortable thumb rest add up to provide a feeling of superior control.

Throw in a precise sensor and functionality that’s supported by an excellent software app, and this mouse is really a no-brainer for gamers that like the finer things money can buy. That’s especially true for gamers that need a mouse with lots of commands.

Best Prices Today: Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed

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$249.18

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I really liked the Logitech G Pro X Lightspeed for its high-fidelity audio and snug comfort. The Pro X 2 Lightspeed is a chip off that winning headset’s block for comfort, but with new 50mm graphene audio drivers on board, its sound is even more impressive. Indeed, with the detail I’m getting in the soundscapes of my favorite RPGs, I’m wanting to replay them all.

The Pro X 2 Lightspeed also benefits from a very defined 3D spatial surround sound courtesy of DTS Headphone: X 2.0, which is truly immersive. A longer battery life of up to 50 hours is also a win. There’s no simultaneous audio or ANC to speak of, but an excellent level of personalization in the headset’s companion app helps balance the scales in favor of the Pro X 2.

Further reading: See our roundup of the best gaming headsets to learn about competing products.

Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed design and build

When you pull the Pro X 2 Lightspeed out of the box you notice two things right away: It resembles its predecessor the Logitech G Pro X Lightspeed with oval-shaped earcups, thick leatherette earpads, big, dominant Y-shaped aluminum yokes, and a sturdy steel frame.

Second, the earcups are about as big as an adult fist (3.9 x 3.1 inches), and just cover my ears for a snug fit. They move vertically and horizontally too, so I can move my head and neck around quite well. Curly cords up near the top of the yokes are in danger of breakage, however, so you’ll want to keep this headset cased when not in use.

The left earcup houses almost all the controls except for the 3.5mm auxiliary-in jack, which you can find over on the right. They include an on/off switch, volume wheel, mute mic button, USB-C port for charging the headset’s onboard battery, and a Bluetooth button. All up, and with the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, you get three connectivity types, which is quite generous.

That let me connect to a smattering of my devices, including my PC, smartphone, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5 console — so I didn’t have to change headsets.

In the box you get a USB-C to USB-A cable and a long 3.5mm audio jack. Two spare earcup covers are a softer velour material so you have the option of swapping the leatherette ones for cooler, more breathable ones when things heat up.

As to comfort, it’s top notch. The default leatherette on the cups is soft and the cushioning is deep. A moderate clamp pressure didn’t squeeze my ears. The headset’s 12.2-ounce weight was never a burden; it has a presence on your head, but not enough of one to make you sore.

Lastly, the headset comes with a soft storage case. I would have preferred a hard case with compartments, if just to prevent accessories rolling around and scratching up its gorgeous facade. Still, a case is better than no case at all.

Logitech G Pro X 2 Lightspeed performance

No matter whether you’re using 3.5mm auxiliary-in, Bluetooth, or Wireless connectivity, these cans sound amazing. The 50mm graphene audio drivers are the reason. They can pick up the smallest of vibrations, so the Pro X 2 has an excellent frequency response and low distortion.

Music, games, and movies sounded equally impressive in my testing. In games, though, two things stood out: the high level of detail in the soundscape and the audio clarity.

Indeed, in RPGs like Elden Ring I relished hearing hard-to-notice atmospheric sounds like the game’s background drone, the bleating of sheep, and the rustle of grass.

The audio clarity too had me stopping at times to just soak it all up. The mid tones sounded natural and crisp, as well, and the treble tones held their shape without irksome tinniness or twanginess. But the bass impressed me the most; this is definitely a headset that pushes lows to the foreground for maximum impact.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Indeed, that bass isn’t just commanding — which is where most gaming headsets would be happy to leave off — it’s exceptionally smooth too. I never had that uncomfortable pressure cooker-like feeling on my ears that I sometimes get with really bassy headsets, which is a rare thing I savored.

That bass is impressive even in default mode, before you’ve even activated the Bass Boost preset in the Logitech G Hub companion app, so if you wish, you can switch it on for even more impact.  

The left earcup also houses a discreet slot for the headset’s 6mm detachable cardioid boom microphone. The mic is flexible and also comes with a neat pop filter on the end. The mic did a great job making my voice sound clear and warm. The filter minimized pops and hisses in my Discord chats too.

The surround sound was also a pleasure to game with, so I kept it on most of the time. It proved effective at helping me pinpoint player footfalls in games like CounterStrike 2. I could change the volume of each of the seven directional points in G Hub, to emphasize or soften sound originating at each point, which is something I’d recommend you work into presets for specific FPS maps.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

I had a lot of fun with the microphone settings in G Hub too. Applying presets to my voice using Blue Vo!ce allowed me to enhance its quality. My go-to of these was “Broadcaster,” which bestowed my voice with an authoritative quality, and “Crisp and Warm,” which did exactly what its namesake suggests.

Another great feature in G Hub is “Sampler.” Here you can create your own macros or random expressions to use in your games. A list of ready-made expressions come in a variety of languages, so they can be a fun ice breaker if you’re playing on overseas servers.

That’s some of the key functionality you can tweak. There’s more I wished the headset had, especially since it costs a whole $250 at checkout — namely Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and simultaneous audio, but the Pro X 2 has neither.  

You can still access your different audio sources separately, though. A simple button press switches you between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modes, which I found was very handy when I wanted to use the headset between multiple devices in one sitting.

Should you buy the Logitech G Pro X2 Lightspeed?

In its purest form, you could say the G Pro X 2 really capitalizes on what matters the most for most gamers — audio quality, comfort, and connectivity.

The fact that it dispenses with ANC and simultaneous Bluetooth functionality, might seem a bit of an oversight for a headset that costs $250. But, with such amazing audio fidelity and features like DTS Headset: X 2.0 surround sound, even those omissions seem forgivable.

Indeed, I’m enjoying all the detail I can now hear in the soundscapes of my favorite RPGs — details which have brought them to light in new and engrossing ways

The arrival of 2.4GHz wireless technology has revolutionized wireless gaming headsets. Now they are more reliable than ever before and some can even rival their wired counterparts when it comes to connection latency and sound quality.

There are myriad different styles, designs, and hardware inclusions — it’s enough to make your head spin. So, to simplify things, I’ve done the hard part for you by getting hands-on and putting each device through its paces. The list below only includes those that have excelled in my extensive testing. The best gaming headsets strike a balance between performance, usability, and extras, placing them in a league above the rest.

Why you should trust me: I’m not just a tech expert, I’m also a gaming enthusiast. I’m always on the hunt for better gear to make my own experience better.

I know what gamers want. Yes, I’m looking for technologies like spatial audio and Active Noise Cancellation in my gaming headsets, too. If a product makes the cut, I want to spread the word. If it doesn’t, I think it’s my obligation to let you know. I love to play, and I want you to have the best gaming experience as well.

For a rundown on how I test wireless gaming headsets and for buying advice, you can read my article “How we test gaming headsets at PCWorld.“

Updated May 29 2024: I’ve added the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 recommendation to this list: This headset sounds great in games and has a long battery life of up to 80 hours. It also has a lot of controls, some of which are remappable so that you can personalize your gaming audio exactly as you wish. Learn more in the summaries below.

Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless – Best wireless gaming headset

Pros

• The styling is very appealing
• The 40mm drivers produce a very natural sound
• The cans are very soft and comfortable

Cons

• Some of the moving parts feel a bit tight
• Leatherette in the cups can get sweaty on hot days
• Battery life is decent but not excellent

Best Prices Today: $179.99 at Amazon$229.99 at Logitech G

Why I like the Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless

Right out of the box, this headset looks fantastic, with fashionable Astro logos on both left and right earcups and very plush leatherette coverings over cushy memory foam, which feels very soft against your ears. As if that wasn’t enough, you can also swap out the magnetic speaker tags on the outside for pre-made designs of your own choosing, to further personalize your look.

The Astro A30 also has a refined and natural sound profile, thanks to very finely tuned 40mm audio drivers. But where this headset truly shines is in the connectivity department; it features low-latency 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, as well as wired connectivity, so it can connect to just about anything, including a PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, and Mac. You can also mix and balance your different audio sources so you never have to miss a thing while playing.

Who should buy the Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless

Gamers who want to personalize their headset’s look, but also want decent audio, great connectivity, and excellent cross-compatibility. It’s also a great option if you like the convenience of listening to multiple audio sources as you play.

Read our full Logitech G Astro A30 Wireless review

Logitech Astro A50 – Best wireless gaming headset runner-up

Pros

• Charging cradle is smaller and still very unique
• Switches to the more reliable 2.4GHz band (finally)
• Comfortable and durable

Cons

• Middling battery life
• Poor noise isolation
• Expensive

Best Prices Today: $215.53 at Amazon299.99 at Astro

Why I like the Astro A50

Although it doesn’t come cheap, the Logitech Astro A50 packs in more gamer convenience than most similarly priced gaming headsets. In our PCWorld hands-on review we considered the A50’s onboard controls, which include an easy-to-locate volume wheel and a chat/game channel mixer, to be best in class. The mixer allows you to easily switch between your game audio and chat programs in an instant.

As well as a refined audio profile, the A50 features a sleek and convenient charging cradle that displays your chosen EQ profile and your selected audio mode — Dolby or stereo. The headset uses the current best-standard 2.4GHz band Wi-Fi signal for the most reliable wireless connectivity. It’s also comfortable and durable.

Who should buy the Astro A50

Serious gamers who like to tinker with EQ settings, mix audio sources, and like the convenience of being able to know what profile they’re using at the drop of a hat. It’s also a fine option for gamers who want charging to be as effortless as possible between games.

Read our full Logitech G Astro A50 (2019) review

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 – Best wireless gaming headset under $100

Pros

• Clear refined audio profile
• Great control selection that you can personalize further
• Attractive and comfortable design

Cons

• PC and PlayStation versions lack Xbox compatibility
• No USB-A to USB-C adapter
• Slightly heavier than the previous generation

Best Prices Today: $99 at Amazon

Why I like the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3

To me, the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 feels like the first of a new wave of wireless headsets that offer more value for your money. For starters it sounds better and its battery life of up to 80 hours is a lot longer than the previous generation Turtle Beach Stealth 600 headset (Gen 2).

The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 also has excellent cross-platform compatibility. For example, my Xbox model easily connected to my Xbox X/S, PC, cellphone, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5. It also featured Wi-Fi and Bluetooth so that I could switch audio sources on a dime.

The headset also had a lot of convenient controls on its left earcup. Some of these, like the power and Bluetooth pairing buttons, featured multiple functions, so I always had deep gamer functionality at my fingertips. A remappable chat / mixer wheel and Mode button, allowed me to have my most used controls on hand whenever I needed them.

Who should buy the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3

Casual gamers who want an all-around great gaming headset with decent audio and a long battery life should go for this headset. It’ll also suit players that like to have control of those critical audio changes they make in their headset’s companion app. Lastly, the Stealth 600 Gen 3’s price tag of just $99.99 also makes it a great option for gamers on a budget.

Another good option for gamers on a budget is the HyperX Cloud Core Wireless. This gaming headset costs just $99.99 but features a solid aluminum frame, clear audio, a detachable boom microphone and spatial audio courtesy of DTS Headphone:X.

Read our full Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 review

Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed – Best midrange wireless gaming headset

Pros

• Ultra-light and comfortable
• Excellent microphone quality
• Long-lasting battery life and fast charging option
• Versatile connectivity options

Cons

• Sound tuning favors esports
• Material quality could be better
• Non-detachable microphone

Best Prices Today: $109.99 at Amazon$129.99 at Razer

Why I like the Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed

The Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed is an esports worthy headset that costs a lot less than the premium headsets that esports players usually go for. The standout is the headset’s microphone, which is near broadcast quality. The V2 Hyperspeed is also very lightweight — it weighs less than 10 ounces, so you can wear it for marathon gaming sessions and not feel like you need to take it off.

In regard to sound, the V2 Hyperspeed sports large 50mm audio drivers that produce audio across a frequency range of 12Hz to 28KHz. It has a low bass so sounds like explosions are particularly noteworthy in games.

Who should buy the Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed

If you’re aspiring to start competing in esports competitions and don’t have a huge budget to drop on a $300 headset, then the Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed is just the ticket. Its excellent microphone quality also makes it a great option for players wanting to record in-game videos.

Read our full Razer Blackshark V2 Hyperspeed review

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X – Best midrange wireless gaming headset runner-up

Pros

• Great sound quality, especially in the mids
• A lot of metal makes it very solid and robust
• A very comfortable design

Cons

• Passive noise cancellation isn't great
• It's more expensive than some rivals
• The mushroom shaped dongle can be finnicky

Best Prices Today: $179.99 at Amazon$179.99 at Best Buy$179.99 at SteelSeries

Why I like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X may not be as flashy as it’s pricier sibling the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, but it easily caters to all your gaming needs, offering great sound quality, a robust metal frame, and simultaneous 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity that lets you stream music from your smartphone while missing absolutely none of your game’s audio.

What’s more, when it comes to comfort the 7X actually outdoes the Nova Pro — its soft mesh ear coverings just don’t get sweaty like the Nova Pro’s leatherette ones do in hot weather. On top of that, the Arctis Nova 7X has excellent cross-platform compatibility. In fact, in our playtesting we had no trouble connecting it up to just about anything with a USB-C port.

Another worthy contender in the midrange wireless category is the Logitech G935. This headset gets a lot right, featuring quality audio with a rich bass presence, a clear-sounding microphone, and an onboard dongle storage compartment.

Who should buy the Arctis Nova 7X

Gamers who want a jack-of-all-trades headset with easy-on-the-ears clamp pressure and comfortable earcups that also won’t cost the kitchen sink.

Read our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X review

HyperX Cloud III Wireless – Best battery life

Pros

• High-quality design and good workmanship
• Multi-platform compatibility
• Detachable microphone
• Above-average battery life

Cons

• Occasional sound fluctuations in DTS Surround Sound
• Microphone adjustment required in noisy environments
• No Bluetooth

Best Prices Today: $129.99 at Amazon$169.99 at HyperX

Why I like the HyperX Cloud III Wireless

In our testing of the Cloud III Wireless, we found it produced a deep bass and clear treble signature that allows you to pick up even the slightest audio nuances in games. The sound is delivered via a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal that enables a delay-free transmission. Although it doesn’t feature Bluetooth connectivity, it does have other convenient features. For example, the Cloud III Wireless’s microphone is detachable, so you can wear it like a pair of headphones when on the go.

The Cloud III Wireless’s design resembles most other HyperX Cloud core headsets, in that it features black and red styling and plush faux-leather earcup coverings over a soft memory foam that molds to the contours of your head. The HyperX Cloud III Wireless has a very decent battery life — HyperX claims it can provide 150 hours at 50 percent volume, which means you don’t have to constantly recharge between games.

Who should buy the HyperX Cloud III Wireless

The HyperX Cloud III Wireless doesn’t have Bluetooth so it’s best suited to dedicated PC gamers. Its excellent battery life will especially suit gamers that don’t like having to frequently charge their headset.

Read our full HyperX Cloud III Wireless review

Audeze Maxwell Wireless – Best audio quality

Pros

• Impressive audio that sounds warm and full-bodied
• Strong and robust design
• Excellent cross compatibility

Cons

• It's quite heavy and large
• The headband isn't extendable
• The software app is too simple

Best Prices Today: $299 at Amazon

Why I like the Audeze Maxwell Wireless

The Audeze Maxwell Wireless produces the kind of audiophile-grade sound you’d expect from a high-end studio headset, yet it’s expertly tailored for gamers. Its sound quality comes courtesy of 90mm planar magnetic drivers, which are a change from the 40mm or 50mm neodymium drivers we see in most gaming headsets. The Maxwell Wireless is a very versatile device, it sports all three connectivity types: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity via its USB cord. It also has solid cross-compatibility — our Xbox version worked with PC, Mac, Xbox 360, Xbox X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Android and iOS devices.

Large, round-shaped cups, instead of oval or square cups, ensure the Maxwell Wireless fits even the largest of ears. Their distinctive shape also gives this headset a unique look. The cups are also very comfortable — they feature a luxurious leatherette material over soft memory-foam cushioning. The headband and yokes are both made from metal, and that does make the Maxwell Wireless quite heavy. Still, you can quite easily wear them for three hours straight and not feel any discomfort.

Who should buy the Audeze Maxwell Wireless

Anyone who wants the very best sound quality you can possibly get in a gaming headset. If your game has a rich and detailed soundscape, this headset will convey it better than any headset you can currently buy.

Read our full Audeze Maxwell Wireless review

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless – Best audio quality runner-up

Pros

• Great quality audio
• Dual wireless functionality
• Lots of software options for personalization

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Active Noise Cancellation won't block out all external sound

Best Prices Today: $294.99 at Amazon$301.99 at Best Buy

Why I like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro features just about everything you could possibly want in a wireless gaming headset, including excellent sound quality, style, comfort, and a durable metal headband. With support for 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless, as well as wired connectivity, the Arctis Nova Pro is easily compatible with your PC, laptop, or Xbox device. It also comes with a GameDAC base controller that lets you switch between your PC and Xbox One or Xbox X/S at the press of a button.

The headset incorporates technologies that elevate your listening experience, including Active Noise Cancellation, 360 Degree Spatial Audio, and Pro Grade Parametric EQ. All this functionality will set you back $349.99, which admittedly isn’t cheap. But for a headset that sounds this impressive and can actually make you a better gamer, that could be a price worth paying.

Who should buy the Arctis Nova Pro Wireless

This headset is in many ways superior to most gaming headsets on the market. I’d recommend it to serious gamers who want Hi-Res audio and spatial sound in their games. If you like experimenting with EQ settings to create audio profiles, this headset is also ideal for that.

Read our full SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless review

Turtle Beach Stealth Pro – Best for FPS games

Pros

• Punchy audio that's ideal for FPS games
• Solid attractive and versatile design
• Very good noise cancellation

Cons

• Lacks support for spatial audio
• The batteries need frequent changing
• It's expensive

Best Prices Today: $248.98 at Amazon

Why I like the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

These cans look like, and can just as easily pass as, a premium pair of headphones. The cross-platform compatibility is extremely, good too — the Xbox version connects to everything except PlayStation, while the PlayStation version connects to everything except Xbox.

The Stealth Pro packs in a lot of premium functionality, from plush leatherette earpads to dual wireless connectivity (2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) and Active Noise Cancellation, you have lots of tools at your fingertips to elevate your gaming experience. The audio drivers are also especially tuned for FPS games.

Who should buy the Turtle Beach Stealth Pro

Anyone who owns a bunch of gaming devices and wants to use just one premium headset across all of them. Also, since the Stealth Pro’s audio drivers are particularly well-tuned for FPS games, if that’s your jam, then this headset is ideal.

Read our full Turtle Beach Stealth Pro review

Asus ROG Delta S Wireless – Best for casual gaming

Pros

• It comes with two sets of earpads to personalize comfort
• The headband and cups allow for a good amount of head movement
• The audio sounds great across the spectrum
• The build quality is robust

Cons

• The AI Noise Cancellation could be better
• It lacks a boom microphone
• No simultaneous Bluetooth functionality

Best Prices Today: $168.99 at Amazon

Why I like the ROG S Wireless

The Asus ROG S Wireless doesn’t boast deep gamer functionality, like simultaneous Bluetooth or a game chat mixer wheel, but what it does have is about as good as it gets for casual gaming. With Bluetooth as well as 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity, it connects easily to PC, Mac, PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices. The headset is one of the most comfortable you will find since it comes with two sets of interchangeable earpads in the box — a plush 100 percent protein leather pair and a cooler hybrid mesh pair. The earcups swivel and tilt giving your head and neck plenty of space to move. The headset is also very robust, featuring a strong metal headband and yokes.

On the sound front, the ROG Delta S Wireless’s 50mm neodymium drivers are extremely loud. They produce a clear sound across the audio spectrum. Slightly less impressive is the headset’s beamforming microphone, which is located inside the headset rather than externally like a boom-style microphone. Its downside is that it can occasionally pick up background noise, which is really the only thing we would have changed about this headset.

Who should buy the ROG S Wireless

Casual gamers — i.e. gamers who value comfort and sound quality and who want the convenience of a headset that they can simply plug in and start playing with.

Read our full Asus ROG Delta S Wireless review

Corsair HS80 Max – Most comfortable design

Pros

• Great audio performance with neutral mid-tones
• Lightweight comfortable design
• Mesh coverings on the earcups minimize sweat
• Flip-to-mute mic

Cons

• The omnidirectional mic is not detachable
• Lacks true simultaneous audio connectivity for listening to multiple audio sources at once
• The small RGB light zones feel like an afterthought

Best Prices Today: $139.99 at Amazon$179.99 at Corsair

Why I like the Corsair HS80 Max

It’s unusual for a premium gaming headset to show off lightweight plastic cups instead of metal ones, and mesh fabric material over the earcups instead of plush leatherette ones, but that’s what makes the Corsair HS80 Max so comfortable. Weighing in at just 12.4 ounces, and with breathable mesh fabric that keeps sweat from building up on your ears, you can wear this headset all day long and not experience any discomfort.

But comfort aside, the Corsair HS80 Max is clearly a premium gaming headset — the audio sounds neutral and warm and Dolby Atmos surround sound support gives you excellent directionality in games. The headset throws in a few sweeteners on top of its excellent audio, including a flip-to-mute mic and RGB lighting zones on each ear. While this headset allows you to connect to Bluetooth and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signals at the same time, true simultaneous audio isn’t possible. Still, a simple Bluetooth control allows you to switch between audio sources at will.

Who should buy the Corsair HS80 Max

Players who especially want a lightweight headset with mesh earcups but don’t want to lose the kind of premium audio fidelity and functionality they’d normally have to forgo to get those features.

Read our full Corsair HS80 Max review

EPOS H3PRO Hybrid – Best microphone

Pros

• Produces clear and distortion-free sound
• The 7.1 surround sound works well and elevates your gaming experience
• It feels comfortable even on hot days

Cons

• The earcups are all plastic unlike some rival gaming headsets
• The bass can seem subtle at times

Best Prices Today: $158.97 at Amazon

Why I like the EPOS H3PRO Hybrid

The “Hybrid” in the EPOS H3PRO Hybrid’s name hints at its dual connectivity — it features both wired and wireless options, which means it can hook up to just about all your devices, be it your PC, Mac, console, or smartphone. For wireless connectivity, the H3PRO Hybrid supports low-latency Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 5.2, or you can use both of these options at the same time to voice-chat or listen to music while simultaneously hearing your game’s audio.

The H3PRO Hybrid’s audio is very refined. In our play test it delivered crisp and clear-sounding high and mid tones and balanced bass tones. We were similarly impressed by the headset’s Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that does a respectable job blocking out ambient noise. Additionally, our testing found that the H3PRO Hybrid’s microphones were some of the best we’ve heard in a wireless gaming headset, faithfully reproducing voices as they sounded. The detachable boom mic is also very easy to remove and replace via its simple magnetic attachment point.

Who should buy the EPOS H3PRO Hybrid

Gamers wanting to sound better in voice chats should consider this headset, which not only has a clear and refined sounding microphone, but also gamer-centric features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and dual wireless functionality with simultaneous audio.

Read our full EPOS H3PRO Hybrid review

Razer Barracuda Pro – Best surround sound

Pros

• Excellent audio through the bass, mid, and high tones
• THX Spatial Audio is a treat in games
• Lightweight and comfortable design

Cons

• No boom mic means the mic audio suffers somewhat
• ANC works but could be better

Best Prices Today: $232.42 at Amazon$249.99 at Razer

Why I like the Razer Barracuda Pro

Gamers wanting a full surround sound experience — either for the strategic advantage that brings, or just for thrills, should dig this headset that features arguably the best spatial audio we’ve heard. The pro-grade Razer Barracuda Pro supports THX Spatial Audio that delivers excellent sound directionality in games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Battlefield I. Razer’s Synapse app also lets you personalize the spatial audio by tweaking the audio’s directionality and creating profiles for specific games and media.

The Barracuda Pro is a little different from other gaming headsets in that it doesn’t have a dedicated boom microphone, relying instead on innocuous slots to pick up the sound of your voice for chats. The advantage of that is that it can pass off as a convincing headphone at any time, making it a highly versatile device.

Who should buy the Razer Barracuda Pro

Players of FPS games are particularly going to love how the Razer Barracuda Pro will give them a jump on opponents. The headset’s THX spatial audio support brings a dimensionality to sound that I barely thought possible.

Read our full Razer Barracuda Pro review

Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) – Best wireless headset for esports

Pros

• Comfortable
• Long battery life
• Pre-loaded EQ profiles
• Great microphone

Cons

• No notches on the volume wheel
• Aggressive battery saving

Best Prices Today: $199.99 at Amazon

Why I like the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro

Although it shares the same name as its 2020 predecessor, the 2023 Razer BlackShark V2 Pro is a far more impressive headset, adding Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, an improved HyperClear Wideband microphone, and on-headset pro-tuned FPS profiles to an already impressive list of legacy features. The battery life has also been ramped up to 70 hours, which simply means you can spend more time exactly where you should be — in your game.

The headset currently sets you back just $200, which all things considered, seems exceptional value considering its potential to be a really great e-sports set; features like its 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, comfortable cloth earcup coverings, and THX Spatial Audio, are just the kinds of extras pro gamers really want. However, the BlackShark V2 Pro has no Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to block out unwanted sound, which means it’s better used in a quiet room rather than on a noisy bus. But then again, who plays Fortnite esports matches on a noisy bus ride home anyhow?

Who should buy the Razer Blackshark V2 Pro

Esports players or casual gamers who want a reliable and comfortable headset with great connectivity, but that don’t necessarily need Active Noise Cancellation.

Read our full Razer BlackShark V2 Pro (2023) headset review

Roccat Syn Max Air – Best RGB wireless headset

Pros

• The audio sounds balanced
• Simultaneous Wi-Fi and Bluetooth lets you listen to multiple audio sources at once
• The futuristic styling looks fantastic

Cons

• The microphone picks up a lot of ambient noise
• The controls are reasonably basic
• It's expensive considering there's no ANC

Best Prices Today: $119.99 at Amazon$249.99 at Roccat

Why I like the Roccat Syn Max Air

The Roccat Syn Max Air is just an all-around great headset for gamers, with quality audio, a comfortable fit, and lots of gamer attitude. In our playtesting we found its 50mm Nanoclear drivers sounded really balanced through the midrange frequencies, making it ideal for esports games like Fortnite and Counterstrike: Global Offensive. Its versatility is another big strength — it has dual wireless connectivity so it can hook up to just about any device you need it to.

Using the simultaneous Bluetooth functionality is a must do with this headset, too. In just a few seconds you can add a second audio source from your Bluetooth-compatible device, allowing you to either enjoy music or take calls while missing absolutely none of your gaming audio.

Who should buy the Roccat Syn Max Air

Anyone who wants a headset that rocks a deep gamer aesthetic with futuristic styling and RGB lighting. The excellent audio, dual wireless connectivity, and comfort is an added bonus on top of that.

Read our full Roccat Syn Max Air review

How we test wireless gaming headsets

To find the best of the best, we put every wireless gaming headset through a legion of tests. We examine everything from design and styling to the integrity of their Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth signals. Since these headsets are tailor-made for gaming, we spend many hours trying them out in games, listening closely to their sound quality, and testing extra features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or spatial audio technologies. Our testing criteria mainly falls under these categories:

Design and ergonomics

When it comes to gaming headsets, design is crucial for your overall comfort. It’s also crucial for maximizing your gaming experience. To that end we consider factors like the overall shape and fit of the headband and earcups, their clamping force, and crucially what they’re made of—which affects how they feel. We also examine things like whether they have boom microphones, if the microphones are detachable, and whether there’s onboard storage for the dongle.

Connectivity

Wireless gaming headsets transmit sound to and from your PC via a wireless signal. However, the way they do this can vary. Key connectivity considerations are whether the headset connects via a Wi-Fi or a Bluetooth signal or provides a choice of both of these options. We also look at the Wi-Fi band the headset uses, all the while mindful that the 2.4GHz band is the current best-in-class standard for a low-latency connection.

Audio quality

This will make or break your gaming experience, and while there are lots of factors that determine audio quality, it can quite simply be determined by listening closely to the fidelity of the sound and the tonal range available. We also listen keenly for any audio distortion, such as rattling or hissing sounds that can be red flags for sound quality.

How to choose a wireless gaming headset

The June 4 release date for Destiny 2 The Final Shape, the last installment in the Destiny 2’s current story arc, had me poised over my keyboard ready to buy as the clock struck midnight. Yet when it finally became available, strangely enough, I found my finger hovering over Steam’s purchase button like I was frozen in a solid carbonite block.

It’s not that I didn’t feel a gut-wrenching deep primal urge to buy this expansion. In fact, I could almost hear The Witness (the game’s major villain) beckoning me to come challenge it.

It’s just that, $50 is kind of steep. I knew all too well the sort of sacrifice I’d be signing myself up to endure for the privilege of yes, yet another DLC; instant coffee instead of espresso for a whole week? Yep! Le sigh…

Mind you, that hesitation lasted just a second or two: Naturally, I bought it. So, is it worth it?

Three days in and I can say Final Shape is the best Destiny 2 expansion I’ve played to date. Just about everything hits a slam dunk, from its engaging story to its spellbinding environmental design and new gameplay, it just works.

The story revolves around four returning characters: Zavala, Cayde-6, Crow and Ikora, as well as your own Guardian.

Zavala gets the most airtime, though, since he’s been uncharacteristically lured by the Witness and evil. There’s something about a good character tempted by darkness that’s very appealing. Is it the Hero’s Journey, that age old plot mechanism that has me so absorbed? Whatever it is, I’m enthralled.

The missions too are challenging, but deeply satisfying. They build intensity and offer a mix of objectives that hold my interest. They complement the new gameplay mechanics too – the new Guardian sub-class Prismatic is a blast, delivering a great mix of player abilities.

But the true magic in Final Shape lies in what Bungie has achieved with the expansion’s environmental design. It can be breathtaking at times, and jarringly frightening at other times, but it never fails to create a riveting atmosphere.

Bungie

Bungie

Bungie

Indeed, I’m not that far into the game and I’ve had no shortage of opportunities to fill my Steam account with a myriad of dazzling screenshots of strange, wonderful landscapes – everything from ethereal wooded areas to grotesque passageways.

Before you say I’m exaggerating or suffering from lack of caffeine to my brain from sub-par coffee, the high numbers of my fellow players that have also thrown themselves at Bungie’s servers like hapless lemmings only stands to support my case.

On the first night I owned the game, Steam’s database showed 253,000 fellow Guardians all vying for a piece of the Witness. A quick check back a day later brought that tally to 315,000 – and that discrepancy (and a few negative reviews) is mostly due to server problems; an unfortunate turn of events that Bungie has already offered an apology for on Reddit.

So yes folks, I’m not alone in wanting to play this game. But should you buy the expansion? If it’s your kind of game then, absolutely, yes! You may hover like me for a second at checkout, but you won’t regret it. Especially if you own an espresso machine.

Ok, now back to the game…

When the opportunity arises, upgrading your RAM is a great way to boost your PC’s performance. But RAM can be quite a headache to work out sometimes. That’s because it comes in varying generations, brands, speeds, latencies, sizes, and voltages. In fact, with all that to think about, confusion often arises about whether you can even mix and match RAM and make it work at all. So, can you?

Further reading: How long does computer RAM actually last?

Can you mix and match RAM?

The simple answer is YES! Well, as long as it’s the same generation. So, a stick of DDR 5 RAM should work with another stick of DDR 5 RAM even if they have different specifications, but not with DDR 4 or DDR 3 RAM and so on.

The caveat to all that is that you may not get optimal performance if you do mix. In fact, if getting the very best performance is your goal, you’re better off very carefully selecting your RAM to as closely match any existing RAM and your motherboard’s specifications as possible. Here’s why…

Your RAM will run at a slower speed

RAM clock speed is the frequency with which the RAM can access its memory; it’s measured in megahertz and abbreviated MHz. RAM latency, on the other hand, is the time at which it takes the memory controller of your RAM module to start accessing and writing data.

RAM modules with different clock speeds and latencies will work together, but the faster RAM will always be relegated to run at the same clock speed and latency as the slowest of the RAM modules you’ve installed.

That’s not necessarily a disaster for PC gaming.

We explore this in more detail in our PCWorld article, “Does fast clock speed matter for gaming,” where we point to benchmarks that show only a very small uptick in gaming performance (measured by frames-per-second), when a faster RAM module is switched in place of a slower RAM module.

Dreamstime: Believeinme

Dreamstime: Believeinme

Dreamstime: Believeinme

In fact, in one test by Hardware Unboxed which evaluated performance in seven different games, changing up RAM clock speeds achieved performance boosts of between only seven to 11 percent in some games.

Then again, a boost of between seven to 11 percent is nothing to sneeze at if you’re trying to squeeze every ounce of performance out of your gaming rig as possible. So that’s one good reason not to mix RAM.

You could see a slight degradation in performance

Again, you can mix RAM sticks of different sizes and even run an odd number of RAM sticks together, although you really shouldn’t.

Here’s a size example to ponder. Say you had a stick of 4GB RAM installed in your PC, and you go and install another 8GB RAM stick. Once you turn on dual-channel mode, your PC will match 4GB RAM with 4GB of RAM to run 8GB RAM of dual-channel memory.

The remaining 4GB will run in single-channel mode. This means your PC won’t benefit from a full 12GB of RAM running at the same speed and will likely see a small degradation in performance compared to if it had two RAM sticks of the same size installed.

You may have instability issues

Still not convinced? Try this argument on for size. By not mixing and matching RAM, you’re more likely to avoid RAM instability issues – something that’s really going to adversely affect your gaming performance. These issues can take the form of error messages in Windows and crashes or in the worst-case actual damage to your system components.

RAM manufacturers like Crucial talk about these problems on their websites, where they cite better compatibility as a reason they recommend users match RAM brands, speeds, latencies and voltages, especially when overclocking.

That leads me to the last case I’d like to make — a financial one.

RAM users’ handbooks often warn that mixing RAM modules can void your RAM’s warranty. That could mean if something goes wrong, you may not get the help you need or could even end up losing the purchase price of your RAM module altogether if you can’t get a replacement.

Several years ago, I got to play with the Acer ConceptD 7 SpatialLabs Edition laptop, a revolutionary device that allowed me to view 3D imagery without the need for 3D glasses.

As impressed as I was at the time with it, though, its practical application seemed a bit limited by the content available. I mean, there’s only a certain number of times I could view the same image of a beachball popping out of the screen at me in 3D.

I’m now having to rethink that stance after Acer announced the SpatialLabs Eyes Stereo Camera at Computex 2024. What is it? It’s a camera that allows you to capture your own 3D stereoscopic images and videos. What’s more, it comes fully compatible with Acer’s SpatialLabs 3D laptops, which means they’re back on my radar in a big way.

The camera is quite compact. It measures just 4 x 2.5 x 0.9 inches and features a 2.5-inch touchscreen, yet it still squeezes in two 8-megapixel cameras – one for each eye. It also boasts a built-in Selfie-mirror and a micro-SD card slot for storing all your 3D snaps.

Acer

Acer

Acer

Acer says its new camera is made for photographers, but with a price tag of just $549, it seems quite probable it will just as easily appeal to amateur snappers or anyone with an eye for pixels, when it ships in the US come Q3 this year.

If you do take your photography seriously, though, don’t worry, it still has enough enthusiast smarts for you. The camera comes with a host of photographic features like manual white balance, ISO, and shutter speed adjustment, not to mention Electronic Image Stabilization to prevent blur.

You’ll also be able to view the camera’s imagery or videos on other 3D platforms too, such as on a 3D projector or VR headset. But arguably the most exciting thing about this camera is that you can use it to livestream 3D video to YouTube and launch 3D video calls on Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

The mind boggles just thinking about a world where everyone starts doing that.

Super-fast 480Hz gaming monitors have been more the domain of hyper twitchy esports players than casual gamers or streamers up until now, but that’s quickly changing thanks to an influx of luscious, lightning-fast OLED displays this year.

CES 2024 was proof of that with 480Hz OLED displays from both Asus and LG; now Acer joins the super-quick monitor club unveiling a new 480Hz gaming monitor of its own — and at a more affordable starting price of $1199.99 than some rivals, I might add.

Acer’s newest speed demon, the Predator X27U F3, fronts up with a 26.5-inch, 2560 x 1440p resolution that should render graphics in games like Cyberpunk 2077 crisp enough for me to see those blurry details I can never quite make out in 1080p.

Acer also promises the kind of drool-worthy OLED specs that usually leave me staring gaga at my screen. They include DCI-P3 color of 99 percent and a high contrast ratio of 1,500,000:1. A peak brightness of 1300 nits in HDR mode means explosions and stars should be searingly bright against the inky backdrop of space.

I’ve been promised zero screen-tearing in high refresh rate monitors before, but this one might actually deliver thanks to its blisteringly quick 0.01ms response time and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync technologies.

Further reading: The best gaming monitors we’ve tested

For connectivity, the X27U F3 sports 2 x HDMI 2.1 ports and a DisplayPort 1.4, among its other I/O options. The monitor’s audio will be delivered by 2 x 5W stereo speakers. It supports both PC and console play and has a nifty tripod mount socket on its monitor stand that should appeal to streamers with webcams.

This Predator display makes up a team of three new OLEDs announced by Acer that also includes a 31.5-inch 240Hz option with 4K resolution and a 34-inch 240Hz curved offering with UWQHD resolution. All three monitors will ship in Q3 2024.

Now that wireless gaming mice are just as fast and feature packed as their wired counterparts, going wireless can be a smart move, giving you greater flexibility as a gamer. But before you cut loose and buy one, it’s worth noting they’re not all alike. You’ll still need to consider factors like weight, dots per inch (DPI), and battery life which can be telling factors in how your gaming mouse performs and ultimately how you will perform in games.

Our expert reviewers have put these mice through their paces, testing them across a range of scenarios, and over extended periods of time — you can find out all about our extensive testing process in the article “How we test gaming mice at PCWorld.”

Below are the results of that effort. While these are the current best wireless gaming mice available, for a no holds barred list, including both wired and wireless models, be sure to check out PCWorld’s all-inclusive selection of the best gaming mice.

Why you should trust us: We aren’t just tech enthusiasts we’re also keen gamers and we’re always on the lookout for better gaming gear to get an edge in our favorite games. We know that we’re adding our expertise to a large body of PCWorld product news and reviews that goes back 40 years — that’s credibility we’ve built up over four decades. Consequently, we want to tell you exactly what we find in a product — the good, the bad and the in-between.

Updated May 28, 2024 to add the Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Editon. This mouse is compact, so ideal for gamers with small-to-medium sized hands. It also benefits from an ultralight weight and a quick 4K wireless polling rate. The M3 mini 4K Metal Editon is also very tough thanks to its chassis which is made from magnesium.

Razer Cobra Pro – Best wireless gaming mouse overall

Pros

• Its Razer Focus Pro 30K sensor is superb
• Dedicated DPI up/down buttons makes switching DPI on the fly easy
• Having all 11 zones of RGB is brilliant

Cons

• The dimensions won't suit large hands
• Buying the Cobra Pro with a Hyper polling dongle costs extra
• It's a little heavier than its stablemate the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro

Best Prices Today: $127.90 at Amazon$127.90 at Best Buy

What I like about the Razer Cobra Pro

While some mice have fantastic sensors but fall short in the connectivity department, the Razer Cobra Pro seemingly has it all. It sports both a very high-resolution 30,000 DPI sensor as well as dual wireless connectivity. Not only is its 30K Razer Focus Pro sensor exceptionally smooth and accurate it also allows me to set my preferred lift-off distance from a total of up to 26 granular settings—that’s 23 more than most mice with this functionality.

There’s little to fault about the Cobra Pro’s design either—it’s symmetrical and feels balanced and I also get the benefit of dedicated DPI up/down buttons, which is a rare luxury in pro-grade mice. This allows me to change DPI settings on the fly so I can get the drop on opponents in an instant. To top all that off, the Razer Cobra Pro looks fantastic thanks to 11 programmable RGB lighting zones.

Who should buy the Razer Cobra Pro

Serious gamers looking for a do-it-all mouse with some of the best specs you can currently get. I’d also strongly recommend this mouse to gamers that tend to lift their mouse and want to have precise control over their mouse’s tracking when they do.

Read our full Razer Cobra Pro review

Logitech G502 Lightspeed – Best overall runner-up

Pros

• Very comfortable design
• Weighs less than the wired version
• Compatible with Powerplay wireless charging mouse pad

Cons

• Scroll wheel feels less substantial
• Weight customization is hampered by Powerplay
• Expensive

Best Prices Today: $86.14 at Amazon$149.99 at Logitech

What I like about the Logitech G502 Lightspeed

The Logitech G502 Hero was a hit with PCWorld reviewers before it went wireless because of its comfortable design, well-thought-out button layout and convenient dual-mode scroll. Thankfully all these features return in the update, but the G502 now has Powerplay compatibility — a feature we can’t speak of highly enough.

The Powerplay system trickle-charges the mouse as you play, freeing you from having to charge it manually, and ensuring you’re never without power (read more about Logitech’s Powerplay Wireless Charging System.) The redesigned wireless G502 also sports a new rubber-coated wheel instead of the metal one we saw in the wired version. This change reduces its weight down to just over 4 ounces (114 grams), making it the lightest version you can get.

This mouse’s 11-button selection places it in-between mice like the 18-button SteelSeries Aerox 9 and the smaller 6-button HyperX Pulsefire Haste, which makes it ideal as a do-it-all mouse that doesn’t shirk on functionality but won’t overwhelm you with having to remember too many commands.

Who should buy the Logitech G502 Lightspeed

Players looking for more customizable buttons than a standard six- or five-button FPS gaming mouse can provide, so ideally gamers who like to play games in different genres.

Read our full G502 Lightspeed review

Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition – Best value for money

Pros

• An excellent sensor that syncs movements precisely
• 4K polling rate
• Strong and lightweight metal chassis

Cons

• Perforated back won't suit claw grippers
• Smaller size isn't great for large hands
• Battery life isn't great in 4K polling mode

Why I like the Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition

It’s lightweight, weighing just 2.25 ounces (64 grams), yet it’s made of a robust magnesium that’s built to last and also shimmers beautifully under the light. The mouse’s sensor is extremely well honed for very quick tracking in games — it has a sensitivity of 26,000 DPI and supports up to 4K wireless polling via its 4K receiver. This 4K Metal Edition also won’t break the bank; yes, it costs $99, but compared to rivals with similar specs that’s a whole $50 less.

Who should buy the Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition

Esports players or serious gamers who want to track opponents at a blisteringly quick 4K in wireless mode should buy this mouse. One caveat is that its chassis is quite compact, so it’ll best suit players with small-to-medium sized hands.

Read our full Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition review

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless – Best value for money runner-up

Pros

• The solid top back is comfortable and stylish
• Its 26,000 DPI sensor can target at lightning speeds
• Bluetooth functionality makes it one of the most versatile esports mice

Cons

• The compact buttons can feel a bit cramped at times
• There's just the one RGB zone to play with
• It's more expensive than its predecessor

Best Prices Today: $79.99 at Amazon$89.99 at HyperX

Why I like the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless

Shipping for $89.99 the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless isn’t so much a cheap mouse as it is an excellent value-for-money proposition. By that I mean you’d be very hard pressed to find an esports mouse that weighs just 2.15 ounces (61 grams), with a 26,000 DPI sensor, dual wireless functionality, RGB lighting, and a compact symmetrical shape for this price. But beyond that, the Haste 2 Wireless is just a stellar performer that will handle even the fastest FPS action with ease.

In regard to its sizing, it’s quite a versatile mouse, easily fitting small to large hands. Although, medium-sized hands will undoubtedly feel the most comfortable on its moderate-sized body.

Who should buy the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless

Players on a budget who want a lightning-quick mouse with pointer-like precision for FPS games or general-purpose gaming. The DPI switcher button on top also makes it a great option for players who like to switch DPI on the fly.

Read our full HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless review

Razer Naga V2 Pro – Best wireless gaming mouse for MMO / MOBA games

Pros

• The Swappable button plates let you tailor your button setup to your game's command load
• The sensor is very accurate and without a hint of lag
• There's tons of comfort and the build quality is excellent

Cons

• The Razer Gen 3 Optical Switches are a little stiff at first and need wearing in
• It weighs 134 grams which is quite heavy even for an MMO mouse
• It's currently very expensive

Best Prices Today: $179.99 at Amazon$179.99 at Best Buy$179.99 at Razer

Why I like the Razer Naga V2 Pro

The Razer Naga V2 Pro follows in the footsteps of the Razer Naga Trinity, featuring magnetic swappable side-button plates that let you customize your button setup to match your gameplay. The side-button plates include a 12-, 6-, and 2-button option. It’s also stacked with upgrades such as a sporty 30,000 DPI pro-grade Optical Sensor, wireless connectivity, and Razer Gen 3 Optical Switches for lighting-fast button responses.

Admittedly, at 4.72 ounces (134 grams) the Razer Naga V2 Pro does weigh a lot even for an MMO mouse. But in my playtesting, I found the weightiness provided a nice authenticity to weapons play that I scarcely ever get from wireless gaming mice. At its current price of $180 USD, it’s not cheap. But considering how well it performed for me, it’s unlikely you will regret shelling out for such a capable mouse.

Who should buy the Razer Naga V2 Pro

The Razer Naga V2 Pro is perfect for gamers needing lots of buttons for MOBA and MMO games. With the mouse’s 12-button plate attached you get a maximum of 22 programable commands, which is just ideal for letting fly spells and other commands in games like WoW.

Read our full Razer Naga V2 Pro review

SteelSeries Aerox 9 – Best for MMO / MOBA games runner-up

Pros

• 18 easily programmable buttons
• Weighs only 89 grams
• Dual Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4GHz wireless

Cons

• Some buttons on the side grid are hard to reach

Best Prices Today: $145.86 at Amazon$149.99 at Best Buy

Why I like the SteelSeries Aerox 9

SteelSeries Aerox 9 is a rare find among wireless gaming mice in that it packs a whopping 18 programmable buttons but weighs just 3.13 ounces (89 grams). I also like the Aerox 9 for its fast 18,000 CPI sensor and dual Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity that I found super convenient for switching between laptops in an instant.

With an open-top honey-comb design and internal RGB lighting, the Aerox 9 sports a slick, futuristic look that won’t go unnoticed in any group gaming session. It also has the added benefit of being extremely comfortable on hot days, circulating plenty of cool air for your hand.

Although punctuated by a multitude of holes, this mouse is also very sturdy: The top mesh didn’t show any give during my most frantic gameplay. According to SteelSeries, the mouse’s internal hardware is protected against dust and spillage by an IP54-rated Aquabarrier, which is reassuring for gamers like me who like to keep hot beverages close at hand.

Who should buy the SteelSeries Aerox 9

The SteelSereis Aerox 9 is an excellent option if you like to tinker with commands and macros in MOBA and MMO games but don’t want to compromise on speed using a heavier gaming mouse.

Read our full SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless review

Corsair M75 Air Wireless – Best ambidextrous grip

Pros

• Its narrow high-backed design enables superior control
• The 26K Optical Sensor is quick and reliable
• Up to a quick 2000Hz / 0.5ms default polling rate

Cons

• One button for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi can be confusing
• There's just one on-board memory profile
• No DPI switcher button

Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Amazon

Why I like the Corsair M75 Air Wireless

Corsair’s M75 Air is a FPS performance dynamo just based on how smooth and precise its 26K Optical Sensor was in my playtesting, but it also felt really comfortable too. It boasts a symmetrical chassis with a high back and narrow front that allows it to work equally as well with all the major grip types. The mouse’s five-button configuration sports two buttons on the left-hand side that are very low-set, which along with its symmetrical body, means it’s a great mouse for switching hands with.

With no DPI button, the M75 Air doesn’t give you the option of switching DPIs on the fly. But it does have a not-so-vanilla 2,000Hz default polling rate, which I was super happy with, since it’s an improvement on the default 1,000Hz sensor reporting rate I often get in FPS mice. Thanks to extremely well-placed horseshoe shaped PTFE feet, this mouse also glides over a mouse mat or tabletop like a dream.

Who should buy the Corsair M75 Air Wireless

The Corsair M75 Air Wireless is the epitome of minimalism in an FPS mouse. Its perfect symmetry, high 2,000Hz polling rate and high-back, narrow front design works well with all the major grip types. If you like to switch grip types or hands and like the most precise control over your movements you can get, then the Corsair M75 Air is the best mouse you can buy.

Read our full Corsair M75 Air Wireless review

Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro – Best pro-grade wireless gaming mouse

Pros

• Ultra light and quick off the mark
• Perfectly chiseled to the contours of your hand
• The 30,000 DPI sensor is very impressive

Cons

• It'll cost you extra to upgrade to 4000Hz hyper polling
• Has fewer buttons than its predecessor
• DPI button is located on the underside

Best Prices Today: $146.60 at Amazon$149.99 at Razer

Why I like the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro

The Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro has everything you need to perform at your best in quick, competitive matches, including a comfortable ultra-lightweight 2.22-ounce (63 grams) design that’s perfectly chiseled to the contours of your hand, a flawless 30,000 DPI optical sensor, and very quick Razer Gen 3 Optical Switches in the buttons, which incidentally are some of the quickest I’ve used.

Better still, the V3 Pro incorporates a few sweetener technologies that can provide big performance boosts if you’re willing to take the time to apply them. Two of these are, Asymmetric Cut-off distance, and hyper polling. The former lets you set a very precise landing distance up to 26 granular levels of adjustment — that’s 23 levels more than what you get in some pro-grade gaming mice. The latter, ramps up the V3’s default 1,000Hz polling rate to a lightning-quick 4,000Hz, although you will need to shell out an extra $29.99 for a HyperPolling dongle for the privilege.

And therein lies the biggest drawback with the V3 Pro — its cost. It’s currently wearing a $150 USD price tag which makes it quite an investment. Still, if you’re looking for the very best performance you can get, it’s totally worth it.

Who should buy the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro

When I’m talking the absolute best of the best esports mice that money can buy, there’s only a few mice that come to mind, and the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro is one of them. Yes, it’s expensive but if you’re a pro gamer or just seriously into your competitive FPS games, you won’t regret buying this mouse.

Read our full Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro review

Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 – Best pro-grade wireless gaming mouse runner-up

Pros

• Symmetrical body provides nice accuracy
• Ultra lightweight – it weighs over just 2 ounces
• Quick and accurate 32,000 DPI sensor

Cons

• The mouse wheel feels a bit flimsy
• No Bluetooth connectivity
• It's expensive

Best Prices Today: $144.58 at Amazon

Why I like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2

The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 is the successor to one of the most favored mice by big-name esports athletes. Consequently, it sports some kick-ass functionality. A premium-level, very accurate 32,000 DPI sensor, and a lightweight symmetrical body are its best assets, that make it a cinch to move and aim. It also comes in a range of stylish colors.

The mouse’s high back is also as comfortable as they come, it presses into your palm providing lots of support for long gaming sessions, where you just want to immerse yourself in your gaming and not have to worry about how your wrist or arm feels. If quick jerky firefights in FPS games are your jam, search no more — this mouse is just what you need.

Read our full Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 review

Who should buy the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2

The Superlight 2 is another big-name mouse perfect for esports and competitive gamers. The fact that it keeps appearing as the mouse of choice for esports athletes says it all. If that’s your jam, then you need this mouse.

If you want to size up every FPS option before you buy, two other excellent FPS gaming mice we recommend are the Logitech G Pro X Superlight and the ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition.

Roccat Burst Pro Air – Best RGB lighting

Pros

• Owl-Eye sensor is very precise and quick
• You won't find a mouse with more stunning RGB lighting
• Dual wireless as well as wired connectivity

Cons

• 81-gram weight can feel heavy if you're used to a lighter mouse
• Mouse wheel lacks left and right lateral clicks
• Pricey compared to some rivals

Best Prices Today: $45.97 at Amazon$49.99 at Best Buy79.99 at ROCCAT

Why I like the Roccat Burst Pro Air

While some gaming mice only have limited RGB lighting around their buttons or periphery, the Roccat Burst Pro goes all out with four dedicated programmable RGB lighting zones that light up the whole mouse like a firecracker. Suffice to say, with 16.8 million color options in Roccat’s Swarm software app to play with, you can get some dazzling lighting effects on this mouse.

But while the Pro Air is genuinely stunning to look at, it’s equally as proficient in games, thanks to its comfortable eight-button configuration, powerful 19,000 DPI Owl-Eye optical sensor, and low-latency switches, which have a 100-million-click durability rating.

The Pro Air is also an extremely versatile mouse, thanks to its multiple connectivity options, which include a low-latency 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2, and a USB-A to USB-C cable for wired connectivity.

Who should buy the Roccat Burst Pro Air

This is a great choice for gamers who like to really make a visual impact in their gaming dens. What you see in my photo is just one example of the dazzling affects you can get with this mouse, the sky’s the limit really!

Read our full ROCCAT Burst Pro Air review

Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse – Most versatile esports mouse

Pros

• 4KHz wireless polling rate
• The buttons are soft and have a quick debounce
• The Alienware styling looks awesome
• One of the most precise mouse wheels I've used
• Weighs just over 2 ounces

Cons

• The back could do with more height
• There's no RGB lighting
• It's quite large so won't suit everyone

Best Prices Today: $119.99 at Amazon

Why I like the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse

Gaming mice manufacturers are gradually releasing their premium-grade esports mice to include 4KHz polling rates, a reporting rate so quick that previously only tethered mice had it. The Alienware Pro Wireless isn’t the first to have this functionality, but it is one of the first to make it a feature right out of the box, without you needing to pay for an additional hyper-polling dongle.

That functionality alone means you’re going to get the quickest wireless reporting rate for aiming and tracking players in FPS games that you can in a wireless mouse. But it’s not the only thing that makes the Pro Wireless such an excellent performer for esports. It also has a very precise 26,000 DPI sensor, very soft buttons with a very quick debounce, and a comfortable symmetrical grip that is perfectly molded to your hand. If you need more speed and precision in your game, one of these speed demons is just what the doctor ordered.

Who should buy the Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse

Pro gamers who want the quickest wireless polling rate that you can currently get in a mouse. It’s also a red-hot performance dynamo so if you want to perform at your best, this mouse can get you there. If you’re a fan of Alienware laptops, as I am, you’ll also get a big kick out of having an Alienware mouse; it’s one-of-a-kind among pro gaming mice.

Read our full Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse review

Cherry Xtrfy M8 Wireless – Most versatile for esports runner-up

Pros

• Very good sensor
• Ultra-flat front
• Very light
• Fast wireless connection
• Eco-friendly design
• Long battery life

Cons

• Unusually placed charging socket
• Design might take some getting used to for some users

Best Prices Today: $99 at Amazon

Why I like the Cherry Xtrfy M8 Wireless

With an ultra-light four-button design weighing just 1.94 ounces (55 grams), the Cherry Xtrfy M8 Wireless mouse is an optimal weight for esports gaming. It comes equipped with a Pixart 3395 optical sensor with a maximum resolution of 26,000 DPI and super-quick Kailh GM 8.0 mouse switches in its buttons. Both of these pieces of hardware are highly suitable for pro-grade gaming: The sensor proved extremely precise in our playtesting, offering precise control and accuracy. The switches feature a high durability rating of 80 million clicks.

The M8 Wireless features the convenience of 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity with a low-latency response time of less than 1ms. On the whole, this mouse has a comfortable and practical design. It does, however, have an unusually placed charging socket located on its right-side. Cherry claims the M8 Wireless’s housing is made from 60 percent recycled plastic, which makes it one of the eco-friendlier gaming mouse options on the market today.

Who should buy the Cherry Xtrfy M8 Wireless

The Cherry Xtrfy M8 Wireless is a great option for gamers who like fine control of their mouse’s actuation speed, since you can adjust the debounce time to 2, 4, 8, or 12 milliseconds. Raising the debounce time can help prevent double clicks, while lowering the debounce time allows you to get more clicks in per second, which is ideal for click-intensive games.

Read our full Cherry Xtrfy M8 Wireless review

MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless – Easiest to recharge

Pros

• Charging dock included
• Long battery life
• Current high-end sensor from Pixart
• Omron switches
• Three connection modes (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired)
• Good price-performance ratio

Cons

• A bit heavy for "Lightweight"
• Software is a little convoluted

Best Prices Today: $84.99 at Amazon

Why I like the MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless

The MSI Clutch GM51 is flanked by unique RGB Diamond Lightgrips that bestow a drool-worthy gamer-centric look. These grips also provide your hand with excellent grip and precision control of movement. For hardware, this mouse boasts quick Omron Switches in its buttons and a 26,000 DPI Pixart PAW-3395 sensor supporting three-pronged connectivity — 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a wired connection.

In our playtesting we found the sensor to be very fast and precise. It was also extremely smooth thanks to an MSI technology called “Motion Sync” that kept our mouse movements precisely in sync with our game.

By far one of the best features of the GM51 is its excellent rechargeability. Not only does it come with a convenient charging dock, but it’s also one of the fastest USB charging mice you can buy, with 15 minutes charging time being all that’s needed for 27 hours of wireless play.

Who should buy the MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless

Gamers who want a lightning-fast FPS gaming mouse, but also don’t want to compromise on how their gaming mouse looks — you simply don’t see many FPS gaming mice with stunning RGB accents like this one. It also suits gamers who like the convenience of having a charging dock to charge between games.

Read our full MSI Clutch GM51 Lightweight Wireless review

SteelSeries Rival 650 – Best for lifters

Pros

• Gets 10 hours of charge in only 15 minutes
• Comfortable and attractive design
• Removable weight system provides plenty of options

Cons

• Heavier than some might like
• Expensive
• Third thumb button is small and awkwardly placed

Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Amazon$79.99 at SteelSeries

Why I like the SteelSeries Rival 650

On the surface, the SteelSeries Rival 650 could be any other wireless gaming mouse, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find it has two big advantages over rivals — its dual-sensor hardware configuration and its fast-charging capability.

To improve your accuracy, the Rival 650 pairs a primary sensor, the PWM3360 TrueMove 3, with a dedicated depth sensor whose job is solely to cease input when your mouse leaves your mousepad. If you mainly keep your mouse flat on your mouse pad or table top, chances are you won’t notice much difference in your gaming accuracy. However, if you do lift your mouse a lot, this feature should make aiming a tad easier.

SteelSeries claims 15 minutes fast charging is all the Rival 650 needs to run for 10 hours straight. We put this claim to the test and found it to be mostly true; 15 minutes or sometimes just a few minutes more was enough to power it through more than a day of gaming, which made us very fond of this mouse.

Who should buy the SteelSeries Rival 650

If you’re prone to lifting, then this mouse is just the ticket. It helps eliminate the kind of jumping and jittering that lifting can cause in your mouse’s movement, which ultimately is going to have payoffs to your gaming performance.

Read our full SteelSeries Rival 650 review

Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed – Best replaceable battery option

Pros

• Quick and accurate sensor
• High sensor positioning
• Very long battery life
• Hyperpolling support

Cons

• No RGB lighting
• 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity only
• Weighs less than 3 ounces

Best Prices Today: $54.99 at Amazon

Why I like the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed

It may sport modest looks, but the six-button Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed is a real performance juggernaut. With its extremely quick and accurate 30K Razer Focus Optical Sensor, 1,000Hz polling rate, and a chassis that weighs less than 3 ounces, this mouse is built for speed right out of the box. But what really made it cook with fire in my playtesting was the mouse’s high sensor positioning, which registered my hand’s movements at its origin point, so a little quicker than I’ve experienced with some other six-button FPS mice.

The Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed is also unique in its class in that it houses a single AA battery instead of a rechargeable one. That means you get a little extra battery life than some FPS mice in Razer’s lineup; Razer says it gives you up to 280 hours with the default 1,000Hz polling rate, or 75 hours at the maximum 4,000Hz HyperPolling rate. That outdoes the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro by 190 hours at 1,000Hz and by 51 hours at 4,000Hz. A downside is that if you want 4,000Hz HyperPolling functionality, you’ll need to buy an additional part from Razer’s website. This mouse also lacks Bluetooth connectivity.

Who should buy the Razer V3 Hyperspeed

If you travel a lot for work or take your gaming mouse with you when you’re on the road, then the Razer Viper V3 HyperSpeed is the perfect companion. With an insanely long battery life of 280 hours at 1,000Hz polling mode and 75 hours at 4,000Hz HyperPolling mode, it’s a great fit for players who want a low maintenance mouse with premium specs.

Read our full Razer Viper V3 Hyperspeed review

How we test wireless gaming mice

To make sure our wireless gaming mice picks are the best of the best, the PCWorld team puts them through a legion of tests. We look at everything from how well they’ve been designed and perform in games, to the suite of software that helps you personalize them. Here’s a list of the main categories our tests fall under:

• Design and ergonomics: Here we factor in the mouse’s physical characteristics, including its shape, styling, buttons, and RGB lighting (if any). We also consider how comfortable it is, what size hands it fits and, importantly, what grip type it will ideally suit (palm, fingertip, or claw). Last of all, we consider how tough it is, including how likely it is to survive the rigors of gaming life.
• Wireless performance: This is the fun part of our testing where we get to try out our mouse in a bunch of games, while at the same time evaluating factors like its tracking accuracy, sensitivity, and how fast it reacts to our movements. We’re testing the mouse’s sensor in a big way here, but also our mouse’s wireless, and or Bluetooth connectivity.
• Software support: What you can actually achieve with your wireless gaming mouse sometimes comes down to what its supporting software allows. When testing our mouse’s software app we consider how easy it is to navigate, change settings, program buttons, set up profiles for games, and make changes to RGB lighting (if any).

For more details about our evaluation process, see our article on how we test gaming mice at PCWorld.

Best Prices Today: Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3

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I’ve spent many hours gaming with Turtle Beach headsets and enjoy the gamer functionality. I’m talking about things like a dedicated chat mixer wheel and the ability to customize EQ and switch profiles. So, naturally, I was looking for the same luxuries in the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3 gaming headset.

And, yes, folks, that functionality is there. What’s even better than that is that the Stealth 600 Gen 3 boasts a balanced and clear audio profile that surpasses its predecessor by a mile. Throw in a whopping 80-hour battery life on top of that and it’s not hard to see why I’ve now adopted the Stealth 600 Gen 3 as my go-to headset for most of my gaming.

Further reading: See our roundup of the best wireless gaming headsets to learn about competing products.

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3: Design and build

Turtle Beach has outdone itself in the design stakes for the Stealth 600 Gen 3, producing a stylish headset that weighs just 10.6 ounces (301 grams). Admittedly, that’s a tad heavier than the Stealth 600 Gen 2, but considering the extra functionality onboard, it’s worth it.

I’m a big fan of the headset’s stylish look, which does everything to dress me up, even when I’m gaming in my flannelette pajamas. Options include my review unit’s styling — a striking two-tone color scheme with white cups, black cushioning, and a black inner headband lining — or alternatively, an elegant all-black model.

The shape of the headset hasn’t changed dramatically, since Gen 2. The cups still resemble compact Ds that rise to a point at the headset’s front. While they’re comprised of lightweight plastic, the headset’s band is a strong metal that won’t break easily.

I was pleased with the full 180-degree swivel that allowed me to rest the set flat on my neck. The headband’s clamp pressure sits on the firmer side of absolute comfort for me, but on the plus side the Stealth 600 Gen 3 has some of the best passive noise isolation of any headset I’ve used.

I found the cushioning in the cups to be deep and comfortable. That cushioning is covered by an exquisitely soft, breathable weave that won me over immediately — I much prefer its smoothness to the harsh mesh fabric I often get in gaming headsets.

Conveniently, the cushioning is also glasses-friendly — so, feel free to wear your hair out or your accessories on. The lower portion of the headband is a soft pleather material that nicely cushioned the top of my head.

The Stealth 600 Gen 3 also has a fold-to-mute microphone that sits snugly in an unobtrusive groove in the left earcup.

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3: Connectivity and battery life

The circular green X logo on my Xbox version was a giveaway to the headset’s compatibility with Xbox consoles. Although, my review model also connected to my Windows 11 PC, Nintendo Switch console, my cellphone, and my PlayStation 5 console, too.

That’s not bad for a headset that costs just $100. Some rival headsets with similar connectivity cost a lot more — like the $160 Asus ROG Delta S Wireless.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

The PlayStation 5 connectivity was a big plus for me. I usually have to circumnavigate that lack of connectivity by keeping a separate headset handy. But with the Stealth 600 Gen 3 I could be pillaging villages in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla on Xbox X/S one minute and then slashing my katana in Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut on PC the next.

One peculiarity with the headset’s Roccat Swarm II software app, however, is that you don’t get the same functionality with each version — so my recommendation is to buy the headset version for the platform you mostly game on — Xbox if it’s Xbox, PlayStation if you mainly play PlayStation, and PC if you’re a PC gamer.

The Stealth 600 headset is made to be used wirelessly, for which you get both a low-latency 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2, and a USB-A receiver.

After plugging in the receiver the headset is easily recognized and switches itself to Wi-Fi mode. I can easily switch between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with a simple press of the QuickSwitch button on the left earcup.

In the box you also get a USB-C to USB-A cord for charging the battery. The Stealth 600 is rated for a long battery life of up to 80 hours. I tried to run the battery down but after 8 hours of solid gaming and three movies it was still begging for someone to try to drain its battery.

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3: Controls

All the Stealth 600 Gen 3’s controls are located on the left earcup, so it can look a little busy there. Once I worked them all out, I was impressed with all the things you can do on-ear.

Some controls handle multiple functions. For example, the power button doubles as an on/off switch for the headset’s SuperHuman Hearing, and the Bluetooth pairing button allows you to answer and end phone calls, in addition to pairing.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

The headset also features not one, but two wheels. The top wheel controls the volume. The bottom wheel gives you control of your game / chat mixing in the Xbox version or mic monitoring in the PC and PlayStation versions. The wheel can also be remapped with additional functionality in the headset’s Swarm II companion app.

Adjacent to the headset’s USB charging port is another very cool button dubbed “the Mode button.” It can be set up to be your selector for EQ presets or multimedia controls; as a toggle to turn AI mic noise reduction on or off, or for noise gating or chat boosting.

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3: Audio performance

The Stealth 600 Gen 3 may be lightweight, but these cans boast 50mm Nanoclear drivers with a frequency response of between 20Hz and 20KHz.

That, for me, simply translated into bright and clear audio that was super strong through the mids but had enough range in the highs and lows to really brighten up the audio in the majority of games in my Steam library — from first-person shooters like CounterStrike 2 to RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3, it kept dishing up a pleasant balanced sound that was a joy to hear.

I saved my first few hours of Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut on PC to trial these bad boys and I couldn’t have chosen a better headset for it.

GoT is an excellent port for PC — it’s been hailed not just as game but a movie-game because of its engrossing cinematic cut-scenes and immersive action, which the Stealth 600 Gen 3’s spatial audio-tuned drivers were geared for.

In Helldivers 2, the clear, punchy sound signature was well suited to the soundtrack, too — the captivating mids gave me a big motivational uplift before each match, creating that ready-to-go feeling just before deployment.

SuperHuman Hearing is a feature I’ve really come to like in Turtle Beach headsets. It boosts a number of game sounds that can help give you a competitive advantage if you switch it on — especially in FPS games. In the Stealth 600 Gen 3 it did a great job making enemy player footfalls and enemies moving around corners a lot easier to hear, so I was happy to have it on most of the time.

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3: Software

The Roccat Swarm II app is the Stealth 600 Gen 3’s companion app where you can tweak and personalize the headset’s settings.
I was happy with the kind of functionality I had control over, which included things like the sensitivity of the microphone, audio presets, and how dominant the SuperHuman Hearing was.

I also liked having two 10-band equalizers to tweak — one for my game audio and another for my microphone’s sound, which allowed me to fine-tune audio profiles for my different games. The ability to fine-tune my microphone, along with the mic’s AI noise cancellation, allowed me to get a really clear sound in my voice chats.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

The Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3’s settings can also be tweaked via the Swarm II mobile app, which became my go-to controller on my Android phone when I didn’t feel like opening up the app on PC.

Should you buy the Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Gen 3?

For me, headsets like the Stealth 600 Gen 3 prove that gaming headsets have finally busted out of a rut where their audio is only just passable and the functionality you can control is little more than just the volume.

Indeed, with its clear sound, plug-and-play connectivity, and all the options to control and personalize settings, it was actually really hard to have a bad game experience with this headset. It gave me exactly what I want in a gaming headset. For that reason, its asking price of $100 seems a fair trade, and a price you won’t regret spending.

We’re spoiled for choice now with gaming mice. Some just hit ridiculous heights in performance — mice like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 and Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro, for example, are just two that come to mind.

Yet these mice are missing something that I would have thought was essential for pro gamers — a dedicated DPI switcher button. So, what’s the story? Why do these mice adopt such a minimalist design, free of the old DPI switcheroo?

Further reading: The best gaming mice

What is a DPI switcher anyway?

Most gamers have some familiarity with DPI. In a nutshell, it’s the dots-per-inch resolution that determines how sensitive the mouse sensor registers movement. A DPI of 1,600 or lower makes movement slow and precise, whereas a high DPI setting of 8,000 or above makes it extremely sensitive and quick.

Gamers use different DPI settings for different games, and even for different player classes within games to find a performance edge.

Take a gamer playing a first-person shooter as an example. They may prefer the accuracy and micro control of movement that a low DPI of 1,600 gives them when wielding a sniper’s rifle, but enjoy the more fluid movement that a DPI of 3,200 gives them when strafing with a sub-machine gun.

A dedicated DPI switcher button can usually be found just behind the mouse wheel in some gaming mice like the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless. Some mice like the Razer Cobra Pro even have two switcher buttons, one to switch up DPI and one to switch down DPI.

mentioned in this article

HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Wireless

Read our review

Best Prices Today: $79.99 at Amazon | $89.99 at HyperX

The beauty of DPI switchers is that they allow gamers to quickly switch between DPI settings mid-game without having to pause and load up their mouse’s companion app, which would naturally disturb the gameplay — not to mention the fun!

Then why the missing switcher in some esports mice?

There are quite a few reasons why some of the best esports mice don’t have a dedicated DPI switcher.

The most obvious reason is that in esports competitions, where mere ounces can be the difference between winning or losing, mice need to be as lightweight as possible.

You can see this in action in the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro and Logitech G Pro X Superlight, which weigh just 2.2 ounces (63 grams) and 2.1 ounces (60 grams), respectively.

These mice have been stripped of all non-essential features — things like flashy RGB lighting, thumb rests, and extra buttons.

Where competitions sit on a knife’s edge there’s also player consistency to be considered. If there’s no DPI switcher, pro gamers don’t have to worry about miss-clicking it in the heat of battle, accidentally changing their DPI and throwing out their performance.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Another big reason is that a top-side DPI switcher just isn’t necessary for most pro gamers. Indeed, some pro gamers choose not to switch DPI on the fly at all since they think it’s going to cause inconsistency in their performance.

Those who do still have options to change their DPI that don’t involve using a DPI switcher.

Mice like the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro have discreet DPI switcher buttons on their underside. Admittedly, this makes switching on the fly and not getting fragged a little difficult, but players might like to use this option between rounds.

mentioned in this article

Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro

Read our review

Best Prices Today: $146.60 at Amazon | $149.99 at Razer

What’s easier than that is setting up one of the existing buttons to switch DPI on the fly in the mouse’s companion app.

Logitech G Hub software, for example, allows you to set any button on your Logitech G mouse as your DPI shifter, so some gamers that use the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 opt to use one of the small buttons on the mouse’s left-hand side.

Another great option that some pro gaming mice now offer is the ability to change DPI by pressing a combination of buttons on the mouse itself. This is one of the best features in the Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition, and one reason why I rated it so highly in my recent review.

Don’t let your favorite music and movies go to waste as you play them through your laptop’s built-in sound system. Your audio can come out sounding weak and lifeless with even the best laptop speakers. External PC speakers — along with a good set of headphones — are essential for getting the best fidelity from your media files.

Luckily, you don’t need to buy a complete 7.1 surround sound system to make up for it. For less than $100, you can find some affordable speakers that provide quality audio. It’s true that at this price point you will need to make a few compromises, but the best budget computer speakers can still offer a satisfying listening experience while saving you money, and that’s what we call a win-win.

Why should you trust us? Because our PC speaker reviewers have tried most of the budget speaker models on the market, so they know the ones that stand out from those that don’t quite hit the mark. Our testing criteria is also as thorough as it gets. To test each speaker, we set it up in a typical environment — on a desk in a home office — and play a variety of audio tracks while pushing a speaker system’s sound capabilities to the limit. We consider everything from how practical the design is, to the audio fidelity. We also compare and contrast models to make recommendations based on our findings.

To get insight into our extensive testing process, you can read our article “How we test PC Speakers at PCWorld.”

Creative Pebble – Best overall budget speakers

Pros

• Extremely affordable
• Excellent audio quality
• Space-saving design

Cons

• No Bluetooth connectivity for mobile devices

Best Prices Today: $17.64 at Amazon$19.99 at Creative Labs

Why we like the Creative Pebble

We wouldn’t have thought a set of $20 speakers could impress us much, let alone turn out to be our favorite. But Creative Pebble’s simple USB-powered 2.0 system defies all odds, producing richer, more immersive audio than you commonly find in speakers at twice the price — and twice the size. Though we wish these offered Bluetooth connectivity for mobile devices, the Pebble is still a top-notch choice.

Who should buy the Creative Pebble

If you’re strapped for cash and still want decent audio, then the Creative Pebble is a no-brainer. You just need to have a USB-A port and a 3.5mm audio jack handy in your PC. You’ll also need to be cool with the fact that your speakers will be tethered, so you’ll need to unplug them if you want to move your rig.

Read our full Creative Pebble review

Sound BlasterX Kratos S3 – Best budget 2.1 system

Pros

• Wooden construction enables natural, warm sound
• Small footprint
• Deep, rich bass

Cons

• No extra audio inputs for mobile devices

Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Amazon

Why we like the Sound BlasterX Kratos S3

Though the Sound BlasterX Kratos S3 is marketed for gaming, we like how its wooden construction enables warm, natural sound and beefy bass for all of our media. At just $80 it’s an inexpensive entry point into 2.1 speaker systems, without taking much space at all.

Who should buy the Sound BlasterX Kratos S3

If you like a warm, resonant sound and punchy bass in your games or other media — the kind of sound you often get with a larger 5.1 multi-channel system — but have limited space, then the Sound BlasterX Kratos S3 will suit you to a tee.

Read our full Sound BlasterX Kratos S3 review

Creative Pebble Pro – Best speakers for multiple devices

Pros

• Clear, detailed audio
• Can get very loud
• No distortion at high volume
• Noise cancellation through Creative’s software

Cons

• Volume adjustments are more minimal at higher volumes

Best Prices Today: $49.99 at Amazon$56.99 at Lenovo

Why we like the Creative Pebble Pro

Imagine our top overall pick, and then soup it up with more features — namely, much more connectivity and sweet RGB lighting. If you have multiple devices (plus a headset and microphone), these speakers let you centralize everything. You can connect devices via USB, a 3.5mm aux cable, and Bluetooth, and there are jacks for a 3.5mm headset and a dedicated 3.5mm microphone, too. It’s a great upgrade option if you want the Pebble’s great sound but want just one set of speakers for your gear.

Who should buy the Creative Pebble Pro

Anyone who wants the versatility of being able to use their speakers with more than just their PC — so a smartphone, tablet, or other device. These speakers are also ideal if you use a 3.5mm microphone and like the idea of using the Creative Pebble Pro’s software to do things like muting or unmuting your calls or filtering out unwanted noise.

Read our full Creative Pebble Pro review

Monoprice DT-3BT – Best premium Bluetooth option

Pros

• Clean audio
• TRS, RCA, and Bluetooth connectivity
• Capable of very loud volume
• Easy access to aux input and headset output jacks

Cons

• Audio will sound a little hollow to some ears
• Audio distortion at higher volumes

Best Prices Today: $99.99 at Amazon

Why we like the Monoprice DT-3BT

For years, Monoprice has sold affordable, quality tech gear without fanfare or frills. It continues this tradition with its 50-watt DT-3BT desktop speakers, which sport clear audio and support the most common kinds of connections. There’s of course Bluetooth 5.0 for clean, wire-free setups, but TRS and RCA jacks are available, too. Combined with the understated appearance and tidy $100 price tag, they’re an excellent option for speakers with good sound and simple setup straight out of the box.

Who should buy the Monoprice DT-3BT

If you like to hear layered elements in your music, then you’ll really like the Monoprice DT-3BT’s emphasis on higher and lower tones. These speakers also project sound very well, so choose them if you like to fill up your living room with the sound of your tunes or media.

Read our full Monoprice DT-3BT review

Logitech Z207 2.0 Stereo Computer Speakers – Best multi-source option

Pros

• Impressive audio quality
• Allows you to switch between three connected devices
• Easy setup and operation

Cons

• Larger than many other desktop speakers
• No audio controls other than volume

Best Prices Today: $59.39 at Amazon$59.99 at Lenovo

Why we like the Logitech Z207 2.0 Stereo Computer Speakers

These speakers support both a wired connection via a 3.5mm audio jack and wireless connections via Bluetooth. They produce an impressive sound that’s clear and defined, with a surprisingly impressive bass considering they don’t have a subwoofer. At 9.5 x 3.5 x 4.9 inches (HWD), they’re on the larger size, and thus aren’t the most discreet speakers, but they deliver good performance.

Who should buy the Logitech Z207 2.0 Stereo Computer Speakers

The best feature of the Logitech Z207 2.0 Stereo Computer Speakers is that they can support three simultaneous connections at once. So, if you’re a multi-device user and like the idea of switching between different audio sources, these speakers are ideal.

Read our full Logitech Z207 2.0 Stereo Computer Speakers review

Cyber Acoustics CA-2890 Speaker Bar – Best space-saving option

Pros

• Clip mount keeps it off your desk
• Clear, distortion-free audio
• Can get very loud

Cons

• No bass
• Weak stereo audio

Best Prices Today: $24.99 at Amazon

Why we like the Cyber Acoustics CA-2890 Speaker Bar

This basic speaker bar may be outclassed by other extremely affordable rivals in some ways, but it has a feature that keeps it in the running — you can clip it to a monitor. That gets this speaker off your desk, a plus for anyone that loves minimalism. Add in clear audio reproduction, and lack of distortion at high volume, and those seeking a good compact option can forgive it for its lack of bass and proper stereo output.

Who should buy the Cyber Acoustics CA-2890 Speaker Bar

Anyone super tight for desk space or who just likes a clean, uncluttered place to plant their PC. If that’s you, then you’ll love the speaker’s clip-on functionality that will win you back some much-needed real estate.

Read our full Cyber Acoustics CA-2890 Speaker Bar review

AmazonBasics USB-Powered Computer Speakers with Dynamic Sound – Best dirt-cheap option

Pros

• Well-rounded sound
• Plug-and-play setup
• Low price

Cons

• Can’t turn off accent lighting

Best Prices Today: $15.99 at Amazon

Why we like the AmazonBasics USB-Powered Computer Speakers with Dynamic Sound

These AmazonBasics USB-powered computer speakers get you well-rounded audio for a rock-bottom price. They’re easy to use with simple plug and play USB connectivity. They also feature attractive glowing blue LED accent lights below each speaker’s bottom radiator.

Who should buy the AmazonBasics USB-Powered Computer Speakers with Dynamic Sound

If your budget consists of just loose change and your goal is simply to release the sound from your PC without it sounding terrible, then these speakers will do nicely.

Read our full AmazonBasics USB-Powered Computer Speakers with Dynamic Sound review

Creative Pebble X Plus – Best for less than $150

Pros

• Compact design
• Good sound quality for the money
• RGB effects, if interested
• Support for many audio sources

Cons

• Fixed, short cables
• Limited control from mobile
• No software for Mac

Why we like the Creative Pebble X Plus

With USB, Bluetooth, and 3.5mm auxiliary input, the Creative Pebble X Plus offers more than just plug-and-play speaker functionality. Indeed, you can connect it up wirelessly to your phone or wire it up to create a complete audio solution for your bedroom, dorm room, or home office. Two speakers and a woofer draw a peak 60 watts of power to comfortably fill a room with sound. They produce a clear soundstage with good level of detail in the mids and treble range. A plastic film under the woofer was a small quirk that softened the bass in our playtesting, but removing it fixed that issue.

The device makes a stylish presence on a desktop or near a PC. The two speakers, which are shaped like spheres measure a compact 5.48 inches, while the cube-shaped woofer is only slightly larger at 6.24 inches. The speakers also sport RGB lighting, which you can personalize in Creative’s companion app.

Who should buy the Creative Pebble X Plus

Anyone who wants a complete audio solution for their bedroom, dorm room or home office. These speakers may be compact, but they sound great, feature both wired and wireless connectivity options, and are also powerful enough to fill up a room. Plus, the RGB lighting will liven up your personal space.

Read our full Creative Pebble X Plus review

Dell’s Latitude 7450 Ultralight is the kind of laptop that you’re really going to want if you’re a busy working professional who’s always on the run. Lightweight and thin, it’s a real satchel crammer’s dream. But the laptop’s excellent connectivity and large, spacious QHD+ touchscreen display will also win over a few PowerPoint presenter’s hearts too. Read on to find out more!

Looking for more options? Check out PCWorld’s roundup of the best laptops available right now.

Dell Latitude 7450 Ultralight: Specifications

Dell’s website allows you to tailor your Dell Latitude 7450 Ultralight to best suit your working needs. Mocking up different configurations, I found I could choose from up to five Intel Core Ultra processors, then select from either 16GB or 32GB of RAM and between a FHD+ non-touch or QHD+ touchscreen display. Three SSD options were available, including 256GB, 512GB or 1TB storage. The exact specifications of my review unit are as follows:

• CPU: Intel Ultra 7 165U
• RAM: 32GB DDR5 / 6400 MT/s
• Graphics: Integrated Intel Graphics
• Display: 14-inch, QHD+ (2560x1600p) resolution, touch sensitive, 60Hz refresh rate, Comfortview+ low blue light,
• Storage: 512MB PCIe NVMe Gen 4 SSD
• Webcam: 5MP IR Windows Hello compatible camera
• Connectivity: 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 2 x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, 3.5 mm audio jack, wedge-shaped lock slot.
• Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.2
• Battery capacity: 57WHr
• Dimensions: 12.32 x 8.67 x 0.71
• Weight: 2.33lbs (1.058kg)         
• Cost: $2,663

For me the big question around price is how the Ultralight might compare to rivals, some of which have step-up OLED panels, like the Asus ZenBook 14 Flip OLED. Just doing a quick price comparison and on Asus’s e-store you can pick up a 14 Flip OLED for a starting price of $999. Dropping all the hardware selections down to the lowest specs on Dell’s website for the Ultralight and the cheapest model I could find cost $2,000. That makes the Ultralight a bit pricey in my view.

Dell Latitude 7450 Ultralight: Design and build

Dell’s Latitude 7450 is built for busy working professionals that don’t want to lug around monster-sized laptops. It comes in three model types: a flexible 2-in-1, rigid aluminum laptop, or a thin Ultralight design, each one boasting a slightly different chassis.

My review unit, the Ultralight, was the lightest and thinnest of the three. It measured just 0.71 inches across and weighed 2.33 pounds, which made it super easy to carry around my office and showoff to colleagues.

The laptop’s tall display is ideal for any modern productivity applications, spreadsheet work, browsing, and running multiple programs. The Ultralight took everything I loaded up on it in its stride, with ample space to display multiple windows at once. That spaciousness is due to the laptop’s ultrathin bezels and the taller 16:10 aspect ratio. Indeed, the display towered over my old Latitude 7330’s smaller 16:9 aspect display and I didn’t have to crane my neck down so much.

Everything else about Latitude 7450 Ultralight is a class act, too. From its sides covered in useful ports to the robust but attractive materials Dell has used in its construction, this laptop just gels together so nicely.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dell has incorporated recycled materials into the chassis, which I found didn’t take anything away from how tough it felt. The base of the chassis is comprised of 90 percent magnesium, yet it felt remarkably strong and supportive. The lid, although plastic, didn’t flex until I applied a ridiculous amount of pressure.

The hinges were remarkably tough, too. They bend back just past the horizontal so you can lay it flat and draw on the touchscreen like you would a tablet. Mind you the keyboard gets in the way when you do that, you don’t get a nice compact unit like you would with the 2-in-1 model.

My 7450 Ultralight came in a stunning River Blue color. It’s different enough to the sea of grey and black laptops out there to catch a few complimentary comments, but still subtle enough to not attract too much attention. If blending into the crowd is what you like to do, then this laptop is still great for that.

Dell Latitude 7450 Ultralight: Keyboard and touchpad

Typing on the 7450 Ultralight’s full-sized keyboard was very comfortable thanks to its large size. It stretched almost the full length of the base, so I could relax my arms and ease into my writing.

If you’ve used a Latitude in the past, the keys will feel mostly the same as before. They’re soft, but not mushy, so typing feels quite effortless, much nicer than the Dell Vostro keys. That said, the keyboard backlighting could have been stronger. I could still see the keys in low light, but a stronger light would have made visibility even easier.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

While the keyboard has a standard configuration for a laptop this size, the extra functionality in the laptop’s Collaboration Trackpad is the showstopper. It features conferencing icons along its top, which allowed me to access Zoom and Microsoft Teams directly with just a few presses.

I could also control functions like Mic, Share Screen, and Mute, which meant I didn’t have to fuss about looking for these commands in the programs themselves. The convenience here can’t be understated – it saved me plenty of time and awkwardness fussing about in meetings.

Dell Latitude 7450 Ultralight: Connectivity

With two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a HDMI port, as well as two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack on the laptop’s flanks, the Latitude 7450 has enough connectivity to confidently see mobile working professionals through busy productive days.

Dell

Dell

Dell

To prove my point, I hooked up two displays to stream a 4K video clip externally, one connection I plugged into a Thunderbolt 4 port and the other to the HDMI port. While that was going on, I began copying a 30GB file to my desktop via the other Thunderbolt 4 port. On the right side where the USB-A ports are, I hooked up a wireless mouse and a wireless keyboard.

The Latitude 7450 Ultralight handled all these varying activities effortlessly. My take away from this little experiment is that in an office environment you can easily be jumping through hoops, loading stuff up, showing off videos and have your peripherals attached all at once and the Ultralight will do just fine, it won’t make a fool of you.

Dell Latitude 7450 Ultralight: Display

The Latitude 7450 Ultralight’s 2560x1600p display isn’t just tall and spacious, it’s suitably detailed and color accurate for what it’s mostly going to be used for – that is, rendering 2D or 3D images, showing videos, and displaying dashboards in programs and applications.

The display produced crisp pictures with a color saturation that’s quite decent for an IPS grade LCD panel. Admittedly though, it’s a grade below the mesmerizing colors and contrast I’ve recently seen in some OLED displays this year. Still, I came to enjoy the fine detail I saw in the changing Windows 11 desktop backgrounds when I booted the laptop up.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

The touch sensitivity was the thing that impressed me the most about the laptop’s panel. I found it was accurate to a very fine point and responded immediately to my fingertip jabs. Quite often I find myself having to repeat a swipe on a touchscreen, but not this time. It registered my fingertips first go.

In regard to brightness, I measured 400 nits with my LUX meter. A truer test, however, was using the laptop near my sunny living room window, where I could still see the brightly colored bird in my Windows 11 background, without squinting my eyes or cranking the brightness to maximum.

Dell Latitude 7450 Ultralight: Audio and webcam

The Ultralight comes with a 5MP IR camera which produces natural-looking images in meetings. I also found the microphone’s sound quality could convey sound clearly, with an absence of tinniness or static.

The camera supports Dell technologies like ExpressSign-In for hands free sign-in and screen locking and Intelligent Privacy which helps keep your image safe when others look over your shoulder. You also get a physical privacy shutter for when you want to go completely incognito.

The Ultralight’s upward facing speakers produce clear sound suitable for playing music and producing sound effects. But don’t expect the audio soundscape to be too detailed. As you’d expect in a laptop this thin, the treble and mid tones are conveyed well, but the depth of the bass won’t knock your socks off.

Dell Latitude 7450 Ultralight: Performance

Intel’s Core Ultra chips are a significant advancement over the company’s 13th generation Intel Raptor Lake chips. Their 7nm hybrid architecture includes a CPU, GPU and NPU (Neural Processing Unit) the latter of which provides a range of low-power AI acceleration and CPU to GPU offload benefits.

My review unit featured an Intel Core Ultra 165U processor. Intel says this chip offers an 11 percent improvement in multi-threading performance compared to rival chips like the AMD Ryzen 7 7840U. It’s also more energy efficient than previous intel chips.

To test out how well it could handle a range of productivity tasks and applications in the Latitude 7450 Ultralight I ran PCWorld’s usual productivity benchmarks. The results were then compared against other light and thin laptops in our charts.

In the first test, Maxon Cinebench’s Multi-Threaded benchmark, the Ultralight scored 3,573. This test fires all the Cores of the laptop’s Core Ultra chip in a similar way to how a very taxing task like encoding might do the same. The Ultralight’s result infers it’s a moderate performer in similar tasks.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

In our HandBrake test that tasks the laptop to encode a 30GB MKV file to MP4 using the Android Tablet preset, the Ultralight finished in the task in 1518 seconds. This isn’t a bad result for a laptop with a chassis as thin as this one.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

It shows that despite its sleekness, the Ultralight can keep rising thermal temperatures in check and successfully power on through difficult tasks to finish them reasonably quickly, when compared to other thin and light laptops of its ilk.

Next up was PCMark’s Productivity benchmark, which provides a snapshot of how the laptop is likely to perform in different work applications. Among our comparisons the Ultralight’s performance seemed to be slightly lacking compared to our comparisons.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

3Dmark’s Time Spy 1.2 provided me with a snapshot of how the Ultralight should handle graphics-based tasks like 3D rendering. Ultra-books as light and thin as the Ultralight aren’t usually known for their tremendous graphics processing power, but then again, the Ultralight came second in our field of comparisons indicating that it does have some grunt for these tasks.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

To sum up these results, they show that the Ultralight has decent processing power and graphics performance power for tasks like video conferencing, essential apps like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe Photoshop.

As the HandBrake test shows, it will also run heavier tasks reasonably well for a laptop so thin. In other works, it’s ideal for mobile professionals that need a highly portable laptop for a range different tasks, be that general office applications, or a few heavier tasks, but that don’t need dollops of power like you’d find in a gaming laptop.

Dell Latitude 7450 Ultralight: Battery performance

I ran our usual battery test that involves looping a 4K video on repeat and timing how long it took to go into standby mode. Before I started the test, I set the laptop up by turning off the keyboard backlighting, setting Wi-Fi to airplane mode and setting the sound to 50 percent. I also plugged in a cheap pair of headphones to control noise.

The Latitude 7450 Ultralight lasted for 10 and a half hours. While that’s not exceptional for a productivity laptop, it’s still enough to comfortably get you through a working day, which means that ultra mobility and portability you’re getting won’t go to waste.

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dell Latitude 7450 Ultralight: Conclusion

The Dell Latitude 7450 Ultralight does what it’s made for very well – it’s exceptionally thin, remarkably light and has enough power for both light applications and some heavier tasks. The connectivity is also excellent and a host of Dell technologies go a long way to making life so much easier.

Its Achillies heel, however, is its high price point compared to some rivals. Still, it does have the advantage of an Intel Core Ultra processor, which could be a worthwhile edition to your working life.

There are a whole bunch of ways you can make your games and apps run better in Windows 11. But one of the simplest ways, in theory, is to enable hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling (HAG).

Switching on this feature is meant to provide a performance boost to graphics-based tasks making them run smoother. So, is it worth taking the time to switch it on? Here, we unpack you an answer…

What is hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling?

If you have a computer with a discrete GPU, you may not know that there’s a tiny conversation going on almost always between your PC’s CPU and GPU.

To lighten its load, your PC’s CPU will offload graphics-intensive data to the GPU to render graphics in games and applications. At the same time, the CPU will use a high-priority thread to schedule tasks. This causes some latency as the CPU first schedules a frame that’s then later rendered by your GPU.

When hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling is enabled, however, the CPU essentially hands off the scheduling and prioritizing to a dedicated GPU schedular, tasking the GPU with handling its own VRAM memory. In theory, then, this should speed up your PC’s graphics rendering.

HAG comes switched off by default in Windows 11, so you’ll have to switch it on if you want to try and reap any performance benefits it might bestow. Switching it on is easy, it just takes a few simple steps.

One caveat is that HAG only works with newer video cards. So, for Windows 11 to even let you switch it on and off you’ll need at least a Nvidia RTX 1000 or AMD 5600 series or later graphics card.

Microsoft

Microsoft

Microsoft

Performance: What the benchmarking says

I’ve spent enough time in laboratories to know that what’s theorized sometimes works, and sometimes it doesn’t. That seems to be the case when it comes to switching on HAG and finding tangible performance gains.

Indeed, to be honest, most of the performance tests show no perceivable benefit to switching on HAG, at least for gaming. But then again there are some very convincing anecdotal reports from gamers that swear they get great results.

So, let’s have a look at what some very smart folks have found trying to test HAG and performance.

HAG was first announced back in 2020 with Windows 10 version 2004, so most of the testing to date on games was done in Windows 10 at that time. Most reviewers back then found negligible performance gains and some performance losses, which led them to not recommend gamers switch it on.

Gamer Nexus, for example, tested for frame rate improvement and frame rate consistency uplifts in five games and didn’t find any significant performance gains in either category.

BabelTechReview benchmarkers concluded the same thing after they measured HAG performance in 13 games using four benchmarks and two synthetic benchmarks.

They tested again using an early build of Windows 11 back in 2022, this time looking for performance gains in 26 games. Once again, the majority of games showed such minimal performance gains that BabelTechReview didn’t recommend gamers bother switching it on.

Should you bother switching HAG on?

Admittedly these results are quite old now, and there’s a case for retesting now that Windows 11 has been out for some time. The benchmark results are at odds with what many gamers on reddit have said also.

For example, one reddit user with an Intel i9-9900K playing in 4K with a refresh rate of 120Hz said, “HAG is a must with a high refresh-rate monitor. I tried to disable it and felt the difference right away.” Others, however, are adamant that HAG is the cause of suboptimal performance.

There are some tests that show performance boosts, if not in games, then in graphics programs. One of the best shows tangible performance gains in a range of software for content creators.

After switching on HAG, iRender, showed noteworthy improvements in After Effects, where enabling the feature provided up to 10 percent higher performance.

Blender GPU rendering saw a 5 percent boost. Although V-Ray GPU (RTX) mode saw approximately 5 percent decrease in performance with the setting enabled.

iRender’s conclusion nails where HAG is currently at. The testers concluded that whether you get any performance boost or not from this feature really depends on the application you’re using.

Judging by those mixed reddit comments for gaming performance, I suspect that’s the case with games too.

Therefore, HAG is really something you’re going want to trial yourself on a game-to-game basis. It can’t hurt to turn it on and see what your frame rates do. If you encounter any drops in frame rates, instability, or screen tearing, you can always just toggle it off again.

I’m going to share a personal dilemma: That is, the trend towards ultralight mice hasn’t done me and my big hand any favors.

Why so? In the quest to achieve the lightest possible weight for esports players, two things have happened: A whole bunch of small, lightweight gaming mice that are just too short for my hands have flooded the market; and, the large-sized mice that do fit me are mostly made heavier than I would like and don’t actually qualify as “ultralight’ (so below 80 grams, or 2.8 ounces)

Alas, if I’m not mistaken, there seems to be an unspoken agreement in the gaming hardware industry that big-handed players should get by with heavier gaming mice, since they’ve obviously got bigger muscles to wield them, wink wink.

Well, I’ve got news for everybody — that stereotype doesn’t apply to this cowboy! No, unfortunately these gigantic mitts of mine don’t come with matching-sized stumps.

In fact, although I can open pickle jars better than perhaps anyone I know, my guns rarely bathe in the fluorescent lights of my local gym. Downing extra portions of spinach at dinnertime sadly doesn’t seem to inflate them much either…

That’s a bit of an exaggeration, but it’s a good way to highlight my dilemma. It’s not an exaggeration to say that after a whole day of swiping and flicking with a gaming mouse large enough to fit my hand, something like the Logitech G 502X, I often have a sore wrist, sore shoulder, and sometimes even a sore arm.

Asus

Asus

Asus

The Logitech G 502X is a stellar mouse, so I’m not dissing it. But at 3.1 ounces (89 grams) and after 8 hours gaming, it can be a little brutal on my body.

But it’s not just getting RSI that gets me down, it’s also about the performance benefits I’m missing out on using heavier mice, too. There’s no doubt that my mouse performance is as good as it gets when I use an ultralight mouse.

With a mouse that weighs just 2.2 ounces (63 grams) or under, for example, I can keep my crosshair level at the top of foes for the whole game in Valorant, shoeing me in for more hits where they matter the most.

In CounterStrike 2, an ultralight mouse makes it oh so easy to spin around and take down baddies with just a simple flick and click.

So granted all that, if I’m going to have a proper go at hitting the leaderboards — hefty gauntlets and all — I’ll be needing, no I’ll be demanding something that feels feathery in my grip! Would it be too much to ask if that feathery-gripped mouse also didn’t make my fingers cramp up because it’s just way too small?

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Dominic Bayley / IDG

Before you say, “It’s not possible, larger mice are naturally going to be heavier than smaller mice,” need I remind you of the extreme lightweight materials gaming mice are made from these days?

I was blown away when I reviewed the Asus ROG Harpe Ace Aim Lab Edition that weighs just 1.9 ounces (54 grams). Indeed, it feels like it’s made of plastic, but it’s actually comprised of a lightweight Nylon, which is even lighter than plastic — amazing? I know!

Then there’s mice like the Keychron M3 mini 4K Metal Edition; admittedly it’s not a big mouse, but if Keychron can make it out of sparkly lightweight magnesium and also hit a sweet weight of just 2.25 ounces (64 grams), surely, they can make something similar for my gigantic paw?

Oh man, but I can just dream… Mind you, there are some mice that come awfully close to hitting everything on my wish list, that I’m always keen to play with whenever I get the chance.

Keychron does have the M6 Wireless. It weighs just 2.75 ounces (78 grams) and fills up my whole palm. It also has an ergonomic thumb rest, so I can just stretch out and enjoy the ride.

I’m also a big fan of the 2-ounce (60 gram) Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2. Being a symmetrical five button FPS mouse, it’s not the broadest, but it does have good length to it so that any finger overhang I get at the front is barely noticeable.

Here’s hoping that in the near future we see more bigger and lighter mice just like these ones that can accommodate my ginormous grip. Until then, I’ll keep paying my gym membership, just in case.

It’s a little-known fact that the majority of pro gamers adopt a claw grip on their gaming mouse while competing.

If you haven’t heard that term, it’s a particular type of grip where the player’s hand curls over the top of the mouse to form a C shape, with the front of the C resting on the two main clicks.

Searching the internet for a reason for this coughs up a barrel of answers that mainly have to do with performance benefits.

The most common reason is that the claw grip gives players a balance between speed and accuracy, allowing them to make long swipes at speed but also to make precise micro movements.

But is that really what’s going on here? Do the other two grip types — the common palm and fingertip grips — just not make the cut for competition? Or is the answer something more outlandish, like esports gamers are just so unbelievably tense that their hands seize up to resemble Dr. Claw’s hand from Inspector Gadget?

Dreamstime: lurii Golub

Dreamstime: lurii Golub

Dreamstime: lurii Golub

To shed some light on this topic, I sought the advice of pro gamers from the multi-award-winning esports team Team Liquid.

First up I ask Quake World Champion, Rapha (Shane Hendrixson) from the U.S. for his insights. He says adopting a claw grip gives players a feeling of readiness for action.

“I think this mainly has to do with people feeling a bit more focused and homed in on what they’re doing. Like, look at the example of trying to play with a controller when playing a console on the couch and how you’re playing when you’re slouching compared to when you’re sat up straight and maybe even leaning in a bit closer to the TV,” says Rapha.

How you perform with a particular grip type does come into play though, admits Rapha. Players that can’t get the right moves off in a palm or fingertip grip will gravitate to a claw grip naturally, he says.

“People might not use the palm/fingertip grip if they don’t feel like they have complete control of their mouse when tracking and whipping it around. It comes down to personal preference,” says Rapha.

Rapha’s not entirely a claw gripper. He uses what he calls an “in-between grip” — a cross between a claw and a palm grip. He’s a believer that comfort plays a big part of performance — you must be relaxed, but you’ve also got to have the right mouse, he explains.

“For me it comes down to how it feels in my hand; I ask, does my hand, palm, and pinky area feel supported? That’s why I tend to favor ergonomic mice more than I used to when I was younger, to help prevent potential RSI issues,” says Rapha.

So, what kind of mouse best suits a claw grip? The Alienware Pro Wireless, which Team Liquid players recently got to try out, is one option. It has a medium height that allows you to comfortably curl your hand over the top. It also has main buttons that stretch back into the mouse’s body so that you can trigger them from further back where your fingers will naturally fall.

Mentioned in this article

Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse

Read our review

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Ideally, you’ll want to avoid mice with perforated backs — they just won’t feel comfortable on your fingertips in a claw grip. To browse a list of some of the best mice for a claw grip, you might also want to read our PCWorld list of the best gaming mice.

Tried a claw grip and it’s just not for you? Don’t sweat it — all is not lost! It’s reassuring to know that there are some elite players that buck the trend, finding a lot of success with the other grip types.

One player is Team Liquid’s nAts, aka Ayaz Akhmetshin, who hails from Russia. He swears by a humble palm grip for his Valorant matches.

“I think a fingertip grip allows you to do small movements more precisely, but with the palm grip you can do bigger movements easier and faster,” he says.

“Comfort is the most important thing when choosing a mouse grip. I’m a palm grip player with my full hand on the table. I just got used to it,” he says.