Best budget gaming mouse in the UK (2026): three we'd actually buy
Buttons marked Ad are retailer links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate DealRig earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure
You don't need to spend £100+ on a mouse. Here are three proper gaming mice from Logitech, Razer and SteelSeries that sit at the cheap end, with the specs straight from the makers.
Logitech G305 Lightspeed
Wireless, up to 250 hours on one AA, and the HERO sensor. The safe pick.
Amazon listing checked 30 Oct 2026. Prices move, so tap through for today's price.
Pros
- Lightspeed wireless with up to 250 hours on one AA
- HERO sensor, 200–12,000 DPI
- No built-in battery to wear out
Cons
- Not the lightest wireless mouse about
- Logitech's site lists it at £49.99, so it's worth waiting for a sale
Key specifications
Logitech G305 Lightspeed
- Lightspeed 2.4GHz wireless
- HERO sensor 200–12
- 000 DPI
- Up to 250 hours on one AA battery
Source: manufacturer figures
Amazon listing checked 30 Oct 2026. Prices move, so tap through for today's price.
Razer DeathAdder Essential
- Wired
- 6400 DPI optical sensor
- 5 programmable buttons
- Mechanical switches rated to 10 million clicks
- Right-handed shape
Source: manufacturer figures
Amazon listing checked 30 Oct 2026. Prices move, so tap through for today's price.
SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2
- 2.4GHz wireless plus Bluetooth
- TrueMove Air sensor up to 18K DPI
- Switches rated to 60 million clicks
- Up to 175 hours on 2.4GHz or 450 on Bluetooth
- Runs on AAA batteries
Source: manufacturer figures
Amazon listing checked 30 Oct 2026. Prices move, so tap through for today's price.
Analysis
Quick specs side by side
| Mouse | Connection | Max DPI | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logitech G305 | Wireless (2.4GHz) | 12,000 | 1x AA, up to 250h |
| Razer DeathAdder Essential | Wired | 6,400 | None needed |
| SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 | Wireless (2.4GHz + Bluetooth) | 18,000 | AAA, up to 175h (2.4GHz) |
Don't get hung up on DPI. Most people play somewhere around 400 to 1,600 DPI. 6,400 is loads. What actually matters is the shape in your hand, the weight, and whether you want a cable.
Wired or wireless? If the mouse never leaves your desk, the wired DeathAdder Essential does the job, and you'll never have a flat battery mid-game. If you hate cable drag or use a laptop on the sofa, go wireless.
Batteries are a plus here, not a minus. Both wireless picks use normal AA or AAA batteries. That means no built-in battery that wears out after a few years. Chuck a rechargeable AA or AAA in and you're sorted.
Heads up on sellers: when we checked, the G305 and the Rival 3 were sold by Amazon itself. The DeathAdder Essential was sold by a third-party seller on Amazon, so check the seller and returns info before you buy.
Verdict
If you just want one that works, get the G305. Want wired and cheap? The DeathAdder Essential. Want Bluetooth too, for a laptop? The Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2.
FAQs
Which one should I get?
For most people, the Logitech G305. Want wired and cheap? The DeathAdder Essential. Want Bluetooth for a laptop too? The Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2.
How much DPI do I need?
Not much. Most people play somewhere around 400 to 1,600 DPI, so 6,400 is plenty.
Do the wireless ones need charging?
No. They take normal batteries: an AA in the G305, AAA in the Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2. A rechargeable battery works fine.
Who sells them on Amazon?
When we checked, Amazon sold the G305 and Rival 3 itself. The DeathAdder Essential came from a third-party seller, so check the seller and returns info.
Price history
We link Logitech G305 Lightspeed to Amazon for the live price. Amazon's rules don't let us copy its prices onto this page, so there's no price history here.