4K resolution is now within reach of everyday PC users, promising a massive improvement to image quality, with four times the pixels of a 1080p display. A 4K monitor is useful not only in games and movies but also when editing documents or browsing web pages. The extra pixels make text look clear and crisp. After extensive testing, I’ve determined that the recommendations listed below are the best 4K monitors available today, covering a variety of budgets and use cases. If you’re looking for additional options, see our roundups of the best monitors overall, the best gaming monitors, and the best monitor deals.  Also, make sure you optimize the ergonomics and comfort while viewing that new 4K monitor with a proper monitor arm for your desktop setup. Check out our roundup of best monitor arms to see our top picks. Dell U3223QE – Best 4K monitor Pros IPS Black panel fulfills its promise  Accurate color with wide gamut  High brightness in SDR   USB-C hub with 90 watts of power  Cons Edges of display are noticeably bright  HDR performance disappoints  Only a 60Hz panel  Best Prices Today: $631.13 at Amazon The Dell U3223QE, which also tops our list of the best monitors overall, is an excellent 4K monitor for professionals and everyday users who want excellent image quality.  Technology is what sets this monitor apart. It has a new IPS Black panel that offers roughly twice the contrast of computer monitors with older IPS panels. This provides a richer image with a better sense of depth and darker black levels in dark scenes. The U3223QE also has a high maximum brightness and excellent color performance with high color accuracy. Images are vibrant and true to life.  Yet there’s more to the Dell U3223QE than image quality. It’s also a versatile USB-C hub monitor with up to 90 watts of Power Delivery. The built-in hub has multiple USB-A ports, Ethernet, and even DisplayPort out.  This is a 32-inch 4K monitor, which may be too large for some desks. Dell also has a 27-inch model, the U2723QE, which offers 4K resolution and the same IPS Black panel. We haven’t reviewed that model but expect it will deliver similar performance. Read our full Dell U3223QE review Asus ProArt PA279CV – Best budget 4K monitor for creatives Pros Accurate image High maximum brightness Menu settings allow calibration Has USB-C with 65 watts Power Delivery Competitive price Cons Unimpressive design Luminance uniformity could be better HDR is bright but otherwise falls short Best Prices Today: $415.99 at Adorama$449.99 at Best Buy Want a great 4K monitor, but need to spend less than $500? The Asus ProArt PA279CV is an excellent choice. The ProArt PA279CV is a 27-inch 4K monitor that targets entry-level professional use. It has excellent color accuracy, high maximum brightness, and a good contrast ratio for an IPS monitor.  This monitor also throws in USB-C connectivity. It’s not a great USB-C hub, as it has only a couple USB-A ports, but it offers 65 watts of Power Delivery for charging a connected laptop or tablet. Asus throws in adaptive sync support compatible with AMD and Nvidia video cards. This prevents screen tearing and provides smooth motion in 3D games. The monitor has a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz.  The ProArt PA279CV carries an MSRP of about $500, but that price can swing significantly lower when retailers run a sale. We recommend waiting for a discount if possible. Read our full Asus ProArt PA279CV review Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX – Best budget 4K gaming monitor Pros 4K resolution Good gaming performance Tons of ergonomic adjustment options Inexpensive  Cons A relatively low 60Hz refresh rate Best Prices Today: $299.99 at Amazon For gamers who enjoy stunning graphic detail and slower paced games the focus shouldn’t be on refresh rate, but image quality and high resolution. The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q gives you both. It is a 28-inch 4K display with a refresh rate of 60Hz and adaptive sync making it compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync. It’s also modestly priced at only $400 which is a bargain for a 4K display. The refresh rate is quite low for something branded as “gaming”, but if you aren’t planning to play quick e-sports or shooter games, then you won’t have to worry about it. It provides you with outstanding image quality and a vivid color range that more than makes up for the middling refresh rate. The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q delivers on that in most aspects for gamers. But in the end, it’s all about getting a budget friendly 4K display and in that aspect this monitor delivers exceptional value. Read our full Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q review Alienware AW3225QF – Best 4K gaming monitor Pros Excellent color performance and contrast Good overall HDR performance 240Hz refresh rate with great motion clarity Big price drop from prior 4K OLED monitors Cons Stand is too large Curved panel is an acquired taste HDR brightness is still just okay Best Prices Today: $1199.99 at Dell The Alienware AW3225QF sets a new benchmark for 4K gaming monitors. It delivers a new 4K QD-OLED panel from Samsung that delivers crystal-clear visuals at a buttery-smooth 240Hz refresh rate, a new high mark for a 4K OLED displays. And it manages to do all of this at a price that undercuts earlier 4K OLED displays, which typically retailed for $2,000 to $3,000 (or more). Despite that, the AW3225QF looks just as stunning as its more expensive predecessors. It achieves vibrant color with an infinite contrast ratio, and kicking the resolution up to 4K reduces the sharpness problems that plagued many OLED gaming monitors in 2023. The AW3225QF also performs well in HDR games. It can’t sustain the extreme brightness of an OLED monitor but handles small, bright objects well and delivers excellent detail in both bright and dark scenes. Alienware’s design is both stylish and sophisticated with an attractive white-and-black color scheme. However, the monitor comes with a massive stand that’s a poor fit for smaller desks. A VESA mount is provided for use with a third-party monitor arm or stand. The AW3225QF’s connectivity options complement its high resolution. It has one DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 ports, all of which support the monitor’s 4K resolution at its peak refresh rate. One of the HDMI ports also provides eARC support, which is handy for connecting to home theater devices. In fact, this may prove a popular use for the AW3225QF. Its connectivity makes it a reasonable alternative to a small 4K TV, so the monitor’s appeal extends beyond PC gaming. Console gamers who need a small display should also give it a look. Read our full Alienware AW3225QF review Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED – Best portable 4K monitor Pros Excellent image quality Useful built-in kickstand Attractive and sturdy design Extensive image-quality options Cons Flimsy bundled keyboard cover Some on-screen menu options are confusing Power adapter could be smaller Best Prices Today: $499.99 at Amazon$499.99 at Viewsonic Viewsonic’s VX1655-4K-OLED is our top choice for creators seeking top-notch image quality in a portable display. This 16-inch OLED monitor delivers class-leading sharpness with 275 pixels per inch (a 27-inch 4K monitor, for comparison, has 163 pixels per inch). It also delivers vivid, accurate colors and deep contrast that make it perfect for both entertainment and creative work. The monitor’s HDR performance also far surpasses other portable monitors, so it’s a good choice if you want to sit back and watch a movie after a busy day. Unlike most portable monitors, the VX1655-4K-OLED has a built-in kickstand that flips out from the rear of the display. The kickstand is more stable and easier to use than the detachable, folding stands that inexpensive portable monitors rely on. Connectivity is solid, as well, with dual USB-C inputs and one mini-HDMI. The monitor has a few minor flaws. The bundled display cover feels somewhat flimsy, the on-screen menu system can be tricky to navigate, and the relatively large power adapter is more cumbersome than it needs to be. Yet it’s clear the portable monitor’s perks far outweigh its problems. While shoppers can find cheaper alternatives, the VX1655-4K-OLED stands out for its ability to deliver a professional-grade visual experience on the go. Read our full Viewsonic VX1655-4K-OLED review Samsung M8 Smart Monitor – Best 4K monitor for entertainment Pros Has Samsung’s Tizen OS with smart TV features Remote, webcam, and speakers included Excellent SDR image quality HDR quality is good for the price Cons Limited connectivity Annoying to set up and access some features No adaptive sync or enhanced refresh rate Narrow viewing angle Best Prices Today: $673.52 at Amazon$699.99 at Samsung A 32-inch 4K monitor is great for everyday PC tasks like web browsing and document editing, but it can be more than that. Monitors in this category are an ideal substitute for a television in a small mixed-used space like a studio apartment, rented room, or dormitory.  Samsung’s M8 Smart Monitor leans into this by fusing the features of a Smart TV with a traditional 32-inch 4K monitor. The monitor comes with a remote and runs Samsung’s Tizen operating system. You can access streaming content, like Netflix or Hulu, directly from the monitor. Yet this is still a great PC monitor. A connected PC or other external device can be used by flipping the input source, as you would on a television. Image quality is solid with excellent sharpness, top-tier contrast, high brightness, and attractive color performance.  The monitor also comes in a variety of attractive stand and bezel color options, with a detachable webcam, and has a USB-C port with up to 65 watts of Power Delivery. It supports Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5, too. Read our full Samsung M8 Smart Monitor review BenQ SW272U – Best 4K monitor for photographers Pros Incredible sharpness from its paper-like display Wide color gamut and high color accuracy Excellent ergonomic stand Extensive image quality controls accessible through bundled remote Cons Disappointing contrast ratio Modest connectivity for the price Very expensive for its feature set Best Prices Today: $1,495.68 at Amazon The BenQ SW272U is an excellent 4K monitor for photographers and publishers who prioritize sharpness and accuracy. This 27-inch monitor has a “fine-coated panel” that delivers a simulated paper-like texture and boasts a resolution of 3840×2160 at 60Hz. It also provides a robust, industrial design with ergonomic stand that offers a wide range of adjustment and a glare-reducing hood designed to reduce ambient light. Connectivity includes standard ports like HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C, with the notable addition of an SD card reader, which photographers are sure to like. However, it misses some advanced features like Thunderbolt. The monitor offers an exceptional menu system, accessible through a joystick or a wireless remote, with extensive customization for color gamut, color temperature, and gamma. That’s another key feature for photographers, as it helps users precisely calibrate the monitor’s image based on their needs. The SW272U also has excellent image quality which, of course, is key for its target market. Its color gamut coverage and color accuracy are defeated only by a few of the best OLED and QD-OLED monitors. The monitor’s sharpness also stands out, offering a high pixel density that, in combination with the fine-coated panel, mimics the quality of printed material. The monitor’s contrast ratio is limited, which proves a downside for entertainment, but it’s less of a concern for its target audience. There’s only one real issue, and that’s the price. BenQ asks almost $1,500 for the SW272U, and that’s a lot even for a 27-inch 4K monitor. If you’re a photographer hoping to see what your photos might look like in print, though, it’s worth the premium. Read our full BenQ SW272U review Dell G3223Q – Best 4K 144Hz monitor Pros Bright, sharp SDR image Good color gamut and accuracy Solid build quality and ergonomic stand Great motion clarity at 120Hz or 144Hz Cons Disappointing HDR performance Odd menu choices for creators  Modest USB connectivity Best Prices Today: $593.37 at Amazon$599.99 at Dell Want a 4K monitor with a high refresh rate for smooth gaming? The Dell G3223Q is an excellent option.  The G3223Q is a 32-inch, 4K monitor with a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz and support for AMD FreeSync Premium Pro (Nvidia G-Sync also works, unofficially). You can play games at high refresh rates with no screen tearing and smooth frame pacing.  You’ll find two HDMI 2.1 ports on the rear. They’re great for connecting a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X game console, since you can play at each console’s maximum resolution and refresh rate. There’s also a DisplayPort input for connecting your PC.  None of this would matter if the G3223Q’s image quality wasn’t excellent—but it is. The monitor has great color performance, high brightness, good contrast, and a razor-sharp image thanks to its 4K resolution.  It’s a good value, too. The G3223Q is towards the low end of pricing for a 32-inch, 4K 144Hz monitor but doesn’t sacrifice features or build quality to achieve it. Read our full Dell G3223Q review Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX – Best 4K HDR monitor Pros Excellent gaming performance 4K resolution Dimmable mini-LED backlight Ergonomic adjustment options Cons High power consumption Extremely expensive Best Prices Today: $1,892.85 at Amazon Want the last word in high-resolution, high-definition gaming and entertainment? You need a fantastic HDR monitor like the Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX. This monitor has a Mini-LED backlight with 1,152 independent backlight zones. The backlight greatly improves the monitor’s contrast ratio and achieves eye-searing levels of brightness in small areas of the display. The monitor’s maximum sustained brightness is exceptionally high, as well.  As a result, the PG32UQX delivers excellent detail in bright areas of the screen while maintaining good contrast and black levels in darker scenes. It also has exceptional color, which further contributes to a great HDR experience. Overall HDR performance rivals the best HDTVs and blows away most HDR monitors. This is also a 4K 144Hz monitor with support for Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate. HDMI 2.1 is missing, but Xbox Series X|S consoles can achieve 4K 120Hz over HDMI 2.0 through a chroma subsampling mode.  The only problem? You can expect to pay up to $3,000 for this monitor. Viewsonic’s XG321UG is a less expensive alternative that performs similarly, though it lacks 4K 120Hz support on Xbox Series X|S. Read our full Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX review Asus ProArt Display OLED PA32DC – Best 4K monitor for professionals Pros The best SDR image quality yet Good HDR performance Long list of image quality features Exceptionally sturdy Numerous inputs, plus USB hub Cons HDR brightness could be better  Glare can be an issue in bright rooms Only 60Hz, no adaptive sync Best Prices Today: $3499 at Asus Most professional monitors support 4K resolution, but the Asus ProArt Display OLED PA32DC stands above the pack. The secret is in the OLED panel. OLED looks fantastic, of course, with excellent contrast, a wide color gamut, and superb color accuracy. What sets the PA32DC apart from less expensive OLED monitors, though, is its use of a conventional RGB subpixel layout. This delivers the best clarity on modern PCs and prevents the color fringing issues that can appear on competitors that use QD-OLED display panels.  Asus provides a long list of image quality presets and options. The monitor has built-in modes for sRGB, DCI-P3, Rec. 709, and AdobeRGB, among others. It also includes multiple, accurate color temperature and gamma modes. A built-in colorimeter can be used to precisely calibrate color accuracy.  The monitor is built for use in a variety of professional settings. It’s a rugged, beefy display with thick bezels and a built-in carrying handle to help with transportation. A standard VESA desk stand is available for use in an office or at home, and the monitor has built-in legs for easy setup at a mobile studio or jobsite.  Priced at $3,000, the PA32DC may seem expensive, but it undercuts competitors like the LG UltraFine 32EP950, Apple Pro Display XDR, and Asus’ older ProArt OLED displays. This is a top-notch professional monitor suited to a wide range of content creation, and those who need excellent color performance will find that it’s well worth the price. Read our full Asus ProArt OLED PA32DC review What to look for in a 4K monitor 4K monitors are more expensive than other monitors, so they pack numerous features and a quality display panel. A typical 4K monitor will have features that are optional on a 1080p monitor. Still, there are a few details you should know before buying a 4K monitor. USB-C USB-C is an excellent choice for connecting a 4K monitor to a modern laptop with USB-C or Thunderbolt. USB-C can bundle Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alternate Mode, which means the monitor can charge a connected device while it outputs video to the monitor. Some monitors, like the Dell U3223QE, are USB-C hubs that expand connectivity for the connected device. Refresh rate Most 4K monitors have a 60Hz refresh rate. Those that go beyond 60Hz may only support an enhanced refresh rate over a specific port, so be sure to check the specifications. A monitor will need to support HDMI 2.1 or DisplayPort 1.4 to handle 4K at up to 144Hz.  HDR Many 4K monitors support HDR, but most offer lackluster HDR performance. HDR will function, and may look better than SDR, but won’t approach the quality of a good HDTV. If you want quality HDR, look for a minimum of VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification (or VESA DisplayHDR True Black). See our article on everything you need to know about HDR on your PC to learn more. How we test 4K monitors We test 4K monitors with a Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra color calibration tool. It provides objective measurements for contrast, brightness, black levels, color gamut, color accuracy, and gamma, among other metrics. These objective results can be compared with other monitors to see how each performs against the competition. These objective image results are supplemented with our subjective evaluation of a monitor. We evaluate out-of-box image quality, sampling all types of content from gaming to movies. We look at the feature set. We closely consider details like a monitor’s on-screen menu, ergonomic stand (or lack thereof), and overall build quality.  FAQ 1. Does a 4K monitor need HDMI 2.1? HDMI 2.1 is only important if you want to connect a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X game console at 4K resolution and play titles with 120Hz support. These consoles only support HDMI output, so an HDMI connection is your only option. Most desktop PCs and laptops also have a DisplayPort output. This is preferable to HDMI 2.1 because it supports higher resolutions and refresh rates, so HDMI 2.1 is not necessary to connect a PC. 2. Can my PC handle a 4K monitor? Support for 4K video output went mainstream around 2015. If you have a computer newer than 2015, odds are high that it supports 4K. Most PCs sold prior to 2015 will not support 4K.  Want to be sure? Our guide to checking what graphics card you have will help identify your PC’s graphics hardware. You can then reference its official specifications to find its maximum supported resolution. Gamers be warned: 4K resolution is demanding in 3D games, so you may struggle to see smooth gameplay unless you have the latest graphics hardware. You’ll need at least an Nvidia RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 to play the latest titles at 4K and 60 frames per second. 3. Is text too small on a 4K monitor? Early adopters of 4K monitors often struggled to read small text. That’s because many older applications were programmed such that interface elements have a defined, concrete size in pixels. The higher a display’s resolution, the smaller the interface appears.  Thankfully, this problem is mostly solved. Windows and MacOS have excellent text scaling options and most software developers have updated their applications to properly support 4K displays. It’s still a problem with very old apps that were never updated but, in general, it’s rare to see tiny, unreadable text on a 4K monitor. Monitors Read...

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. Gaming, Monitors Read...

This year’s Computex might have you dreaming big of AI and high-end CPUs, but there are a ton of great new gadget and peripheral announcements hidden under all of it as well. One of the coolest is the Asus ROG Delta II gaming headset. A new gaming headset iteration might not seem that exciting, especially since it sports a similar design to other ROG Delta headsets. But don’t let the exterior fool you — this bad boy will offer up some remarkable tech.  The most notable is Asus’ DualFlow Audio feature which allows you to listen to two different audio sources at the same time via 2.4GHz wireless or Bluetooth, or toggle between them. So now you can easily take that mobile call from your parents during the heat of battle without ruining your precious KDA score in Call of Duty. It even has two sets of volume wheels, one on either side, so you can separately control the volume for each audio feed. The 315 gram headset also comes with a modular-esque design that allows you to swap out ear cushions (both fabric and leatherette cushions are included) and comes with a detachable 10 mm microphone. Asus claims the Delta II will last up to a whopping 110 hours (with the RGB turned off) which, if true, will be considerably longer than their previous models. And it also promises a mere 40 ms of latency for Bluetooth, which would give it one of the lowest latencies of any gaming headset. The Delta II should also provide incredible audio quality thanks to its 50 mm titanium-plated diaphragm drivers. It seems impressive, but we’ll just have to wait and see if they sound as incredible as Asus alleges.  The Asus ROG Delta II is confirmed to be available beginning in Q3 2024, when it will try to crack our guide to the best gaming headsets. Headphones Read...

Today at Computex, MSI announced a slew of new AI-ready gaming and content creation laptops. They’re powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra (codenamed “Lunar Lake”) and AMD Ryzen AI 300 processors, which are more power efficient, resulting in laptops with better battery life and thinner builds. When it comes to the war on chips, the NPUs (aka neural processing units) inside Qualcomm’s new Arm-based Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus processors have been taking the news circuit by storm, as it can deliver 45 TOPS of AI computing power. That’s impressive, but MSI’s new AI laptops, which contain both AMD and Intel processors, offer more than 100 combined TOPS of power. Pop off, sis. Speaking of NPUs and AI features, Microsoft has been pushing its Copilot+ PCs with gusto and for good reason, too. These laptops use the NPU to bring you seamless AI experiences. Heck, they even work offline! Microsoft’s Recall feature, for example, takes snapshots of whatever you’re doing on your PC, which a locally run AI can use to answer practical, personal questions like “What is that movie Katherine from work recommended last week?” and bring you back to the item in question. I could go on and on about AI, but I’m going to stop it right there. Let’s see what MSI’s bringing to the table this year. Further reading: Best gaming laptops 2024: What to look for and highest-rated models Laptops, laptops, and more laptops! MSI MSI MSI AMD offerings AMD’s Ryzen AI 300 Series processors have new architecture, which is called XDNA 2. According to MSI, this new architecture delivers up to “three times the performance compared to previous products.” You can run generative AI or large language models directly on the laptops. MSI Stealth A16 AI+ The MSI Stealth A16 AI+ gaming laptop is packing a lot of power in a relatively lightweight package. It features an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU (top-tier configuration), an RGB backlit keyboard with a Copilot key, a massive 99.9 watt-hour battery, and a decent array of port selections. Connectivity options include one audio combo jack, two USB 3.2 Type-A, one USB-C, one RJ45, one HDMI, and one Kensington lock. Plus, thanks to the magnesium alloy chassis, it weighs just 4.62 pounds, which is lighter than most gaming laptops. For context, most gaming laptops tip the scales at six pounds or more. MSI Summit A16 AI+ The MSI Summit A16 AI+ laptop is both versatile and powerful, and seems like it could be a fine choice for content creators. You can flip the screen around and use it like a tablet or prop it up like a tent for watching YouTube or sharing information with others. Inside you’ll find an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor, AMD Radeon graphics, 32GB of RAM (maximum), and 1TB of SSD storage. The 16-inch 1600p display is also touch-enabled and has a 165Hz refresh rate, which should result in smooth-looking visuals. MSI Prestige A16 AI The MSI Prestige A16 AI laptop is near identical to the MSI Summit A16 AI+ as far as hardware goes. You’re getting an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 processor, 32GB of RAM (maximum), AMD Radeon graphics, and 2TB of SSD storage (maximum). However, the Prestige is a little lighter at 4.18 pounds. Other features include a white backlit keyboard with a Copilot key, an 82 watt-hour battery, and a physical webcam shutter. Intel offerings The latest Intel Core Ultra processor (codenamed “Lunar Lake”) is capable of generating “more than 100 TOPS of AI performance,” according to MSI. When it’s paired with a laptop that has Nvidia graphics, it’s capable of offering up to 542 TOPS, apparently! MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo The MSI Prestige 13 AI+ Evo has the smallest display of the Prestige models, but it’s also the lightest at 2.20 pounds. You can easily toss this laptop in a bag and take it anywhere with you. Shoulder ache? Who is she? It also has an Intel Ultra Core processor, a 13.3-inch 2880×1800 OLED display, and a 75 watt-hour battery. Other neat features include Wi-Fi 7, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a white backlit keyboard with a Copilot key. MSI Prestige 14 AI+ Evo The MSI Prestige 14 AI+ Evo is rocking an Intel Core Ultra processor, 32GB of RAM (maximum), and a 14-inch 2880×1800 OLED display. The taller 16:10 aspect ratio makes it easier to scroll through longer web pages, too. Similar to the other versions of the Prestige, this model also comes with a white backlit keyboard as well as Wi-FI 7 and a physical privacy shutter for the webcam. MSI Prestige 16 AI+ Evo The MSI Prestige 16 AI+ Evo is a powerful, lightweight laptop with a big screen. It comes with an Intel Core Ultra processor, 32GB of RAM (maximum), and a 16-inch OLED display with 100 percent DCI-P3 support, which creators will especially appreciate. It also has Wi-Fi 7, a colossal 99.9 watt-hour battery, and a white backlit keyboard with the aforementioned Copilot key and 1.7mm of travel. It only weighs just 3.30 pounds, which is surprising given the giant battery and the 16-inch display. MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo The MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo is a powerful convertible laptop. It’s powered by an Intel Core Ultra processor and it has up to 32GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage. That’s plenty of power for office work, editing photos, everyday activities, and so much more. The 13.3-inch display is lovely, too. It has an aspect ratio of 16:10 and it covers 100 percent sRGB, which means you can expect to see a pretty colorful picture. Special edition laptops MSI MSI MSI MSI also announced three special edition laptops, which is good news if you like luxury cars and the Capcom game Monster Hunter. It’s not my cup of tea, but the Monster Hunter edition of the MSI Crosshair 16 HX does look pretty rad with its dragon carving on the lid. Read on to learn more details. MSI Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport The MSI Stealth 16 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport (say that five times fast) is equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, up to 96GB (!!!) of RAM, a giant 99.9 watt-hour battery, and Wi-Fi 7. The design is kind of comical, too. The power button is meant to look like the ignition button in a car. Is it cool? I guess, if you’re into that sort of thing. MSI Stealth 18 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport The MSI Stealth 18 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport is the bigger sibling of the 16-inch model. You’ll find, again, the latest Intel Core Ultra processor as well as an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU. This machine will basically chew through anything you toss at it. The 18-inch display has a 3840×2400 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, so game play should look fluid. MSI Crosshair 16 HX (Monster Hunter edition) The MSI Crosshair 16 HX sports an Intel Core i7 14700HX CPU and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. In other words, this laptop should have no problem whizzing through most modern games. The 16-inch 1600p display also has an ultra-fast refresh rate of 240Hz–ideal for those who play first-person-shooters or faster-paced titles in which every second counts. Price and availability Intel MSI Summit E13 AI Evo: $1,299 MSI Summit E13 AI Evo: $1,499 MSI Prestige 13 AI Evo: $1,399 MSI Prestige 13 AI Evo: $1,199 AMD MSI Stealth A16 AI+ (RTX 4070, GDDR6 8GB): $1,999 MSI Summit A16 AI+ (AMD Radeon Graphics): $1,699 MSI Prestige A16 AI+ (AMD Radeon Graphics): $1,599 No word yet on the pricing and availability of the special edition laptops, but when I get that information, I’ll be sure to update this article accordingly. MSI also didn’t confirm the availability of the laptops, so I reached out to a representative and hope to hear back soon. Laptops Read...

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: $116.90 at Amazon$129.99 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: $91.33 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: $137.99 at Amazon$137.99 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: $69.99 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: $131 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: $135 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: $49.99 at Amazon$69.99 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: $149.99 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: $69.50 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. FAQ 1. Does having a gaming mouse really matter? If you plan on doing any gaming, it absolutely is better to opt for a gaming mouse over a regular office mouse. That’s simply because gaming mice boast hardware and design benefits over regular office mice that make them eminently faster, more comfortable, and more accurate. The sensor and the buttons are the two most obvious features that have been enhanced in gaming mice. For example, while the average office mouse is lucky to have just a measly 8,000 DPI resolution sensor, we’re now seeing gaming mice with sensors that have resolutions of more than 26, 000 DPI, which makes them a lot faster and more accurate. In mice like the Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro the buttons feature 3rd-generation Razer Optical Switches, which actuate in less than 0.2 milliseconds—much less than the typical 1 millisecond average in office mice. What’s more, gaming mice are usually more customizable, allowing you to program specific commands to your buttons so that you can just fire them off at will in games. 2. Connectivity: Wireless or Bluetooth or both? Some wireless gaming mice have Bluetooth as well as 2.4GHz wireless connectivity and let you switch between the two. Having Bluetooth is considered a luxury that gives you the versatility of being able to use your mouse with more devices, like your tablet or gaming console. It also offers you the advantage of a dongle-less connection on the go, which can be very handy for school or work. Still, there are at least two good reasons why you might still opt for a mouse with only Wi-Fi connectivity. Number one is Bluetooth-capable gaming mice tend to be slightly heavier than mice with just Wi-Fi connectivity alone. Also, a Wi-Fi connection is ultimately a lot faster and more stable, so if you do a lot of competitive gaming, Bluetooth won’t be the best option for that. 3. Do esports players use wireless mice? At one time it would have been unheard of for an esports players to use wireless mice because of the slight millisecond or so lag that they used to have compared to conventional wired options. Nowadays, however, thanks to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity, any such latency difference has all but been eradicated. That said, it’s now not uncommon for most professional esports teams to have at least one player using a wireless mouse. One example is team Natus Vincere that includes Ukrainian professional CounterStrike: Global Offensive player Oleksandr Kostyliev, aka S1mple, who has achieved spectacular results with his wireless Logitech G Pro X Superlight. 4. Are there any disadvantages to using a wireless mouse? While the difference in latency between top-level and wireless mice is almost imperceptible these days, there can still be disadvantages to choosing wireless gaming mice over wired ones. One is that the lightest wireless gaming mice tend to be slightly heavier than the lightest wired gaming mice. This weight difference is usually only a few grams. Still, for esports professionals even a few grams can make a difference to their overall performance. The other obvious thing worth noting, is you’ll need to ensure you don’t lose the mouse’s wireless dongle. Wireless dongles can be small and easy to misplace. Losing your dongle could render your gaming mouse essentially useless—something that you needn’t worry about in wired gaming mice. 5. Is my mouse’s sensor really important? A gaming mouse’s sensor is the number one hardware component that determines how well a mouse performs in games. The sensor decides the mouse’s tracking speed and accuracy, two factors we scrutinize in our tests. The main spec to look for in any sensor is dpi (dots per inch), which tells you how well the mouse’s sensor reports movement per inch of physical movement. The newest wireless gaming mice have dpi ranging from 12,000 to 30,000, with higher numbers indicating mice with greater sensitivity. While a lot of fuss is made about dpi in manufacturer brochures, there’s really no perfect dpi for gaming, it being largely a personal choice. While it can’t hurt to have the best, unless you’re a professional esports gamer you probably won’t need a 30,000 dpi sensor. In reality, even 12,000 dpi provides decent performance in games. 6. Orientation: right, left, or ambidextrous? Are you left or right-handed, or ambidextrous? For practicality’s sake the answer to this question should inform your choice when buying a wireless gaming mouse. That way you’ll get a better fit for your hand shape and the buttons will be within reach of your fingers. While most of our wireless gaming mice reviews are of right-handed mice, simply because that’s what most people use, we’ll endeavor to bring you left-handed and ambidextrous mice reviews when possible. 7. What grip type do I use? How you grip your mouse is not something you’ve probably given much thought to—just like you don’t give much thought to how you hold your fork when you eat. Still, it can be important since you’ll want to get a mouse that fits your specific grip type. The three main grip types are: Palm grip: This is the most common type of mouse grip among gamers. It’s also the most comfortable for long gaming sessions since it puts more of your hand in contact with your mouse and prevents tension in your wrist. For palm grippers, long, flat mice tend to be a better fit and more comfortable. Claw grip: If you use a claw grip, you’re arching your palm over the mouse to make a claw shape. This grip is popular in the e-sports community, especially among FPS players, since it allows you to make quick wrist movements—useful for sweeping attacks on targets. It does however clench the wrist and cause some tension there. Narrower and smaller mice suit a claw grip. Fingertip grip: This grip provides you the least amount of control but the most dexterity for aiming. Gamers who use this grip mainly use just their fingertips on the left and right clicks, putting a lot of strain on their wrists. Because of the added strain, lighter mice are often preferred by fingertip grippers. 8. Should I buy a light or heavy mouse? A mouse’s weight can have a big impact on how accurately you can target and position its curser or crosshairs. Gamers these days tend to go for the lightest mice available since they require less effort to move and are also naturally faster. Lighter mice also lend themselves to longer gaming sessions, since gamer hands (and arms) aren’t as easily fatigued by them. Wireless gaming mice are among the lightest available because they are unencumbered by wires. One thing to note about a mouse’s weight is that whether it’s considered light is relative to how many buttons it has. For example, the 18-button SteelSeries Aerox 9 Wireless might seem like a heavyweight at 89 grams compared to the six-button / 61-gram HyperX Pulsefire Haste, yet for an 18-button mouse it’s considered exceptionally lightweight. 9. How many buttons do I need? The type of games you play should help you decide how many buttons you need. If you’re mainly into FPS (first-person shooters) a wireless gaming mouse with six buttons—which tends to be the minimum number we see in wireless gaming mice these days—should be more than enough. On the other hand, if you play games where you need to quickly deploy lots of commands—like MOBA and MMO games—a mouse with between 6 and 18 buttons will provide you with more versatility. 10. Why is software so important? If your mouse is your weapon in games, then the mouse’s support software is its armory. The best software apps for wireless gaming mice allow you to change and customize settings like your mouse’s sensitivity and acceleration and deceleration. They also let you set commands and macros and save your preferences in profiles that you can easily switch to when you want to play specific games. Technology Industry Read...

Two Nelson sports administrators who together have racked up more than 120 years of service have been recognised in the King’s Birthday honours. Read...

Challenge yourself with our sports quiz, a mix of questions about the latest in world and local sport, and the big events in sporting history. Read...

Johnston Park appears to have reached use-by date. Read...

The TVNZ sports presenter has shared pictures of her newborn son, Kingston. Read...

The Sports Tribunal has taken the rare step, ruling the national body relied on `errors of fact` Read...