Keeping noise to a minimum feels more important this time of year, as the days are shorter and night comes earlier. A silent mouse is your go-to tool for ambience-maintaining, distraction-free computing. Whether you’re studying, working, or gaming late at night, you need a quiet workspace.
Also: These 5 gadgets leveled up my work-from-home setup
That’s why we’ve tested some exceptionally quiet mouse options. These aren’t as fashion-forward as high-end productivity or gaming mice, but that’s by design. We’ve also tested picks that are easy to travel with, work for those who are left-handed and are budget-friendly.
Also: The best noise-canceling headphones of 2024
What’s the best silent mouse right now?
We surveyed the market and tested some of the best silent mice you can buy today that can help you get the job done — in silence. Our top pick for the best silent mouse overall is the HP 280 for its budget price, ergonomic design, long-lasting battery, and multiple operating system compatibility. See how our other top picks compare to the HP 280 below, and find a quiet-clicking option perfect for your work and entertainment needs.
The best silent mouse of 2024
Show less
Over the last several months, I’ve been testing several silent mice options for consideration on this list. The HP 280 is my ultimate sleeper pick for the best overall silent mouse for several reasons. At the top, it is super affordable (it costs just $25) but is designed to offer the comfort of much pricier vertical ergonomic options. I have long fingers and a larger hand, so I tend to prefer mice with a little more wrist support and a dedicated grip. The 280 features both and is one of the comfiest I’ve worked with in the budget range. And even though the 280 is on the smaller side, I personally feel like the ergonomic design balances out the size.
Internally, it offers multi-surface tracking, a sensor resolution of up to 1200 dpi, optical sensors, an integrated scroll wheel, and 18 months of battery life. One of the biggest drawbacks to this mouse, in my experience, is that it isn’t rechargeable, especially when competitor options like the Satechi M1 mouse are only $5 more and offer a rechargeable battery. I also wish it came in more fun colors. As someone who works from home often and has spent time curating my desk and working area to fit my aesthetic and needs, it’s a bummer that this mouse isn’t available in even a white color to better match my look. While the color may not matter to you, the little details can have a big impact.
This mouse was easy to set up, even with my work Mac. It works smoothly and quickly and is quiet– definitely quieter than other options I have tested, like my own Logitech Pebble mouse. I have found myself reaching for this over the HP 925 vertical mouse, especially for on-the-go work or moving around the house. However, if you need an ultra-portable mouse, there are definitely slimmer options to consider.
HP 280 customers on the HP website said they liked the quietness, how easy it was to set up, and the value of the mouse. Some customers said it had an uncomfortable grip depending on your hand size,
HP 280 silent mouse tech specs: Multi-surface tracking | Up to 1200 dpi sensor resolution | 18-month battery life | Integrated scroll wheel | Optical sensor
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
The Logitech MX Master 3S is one of the best silent mice you can buy, but it’s pricey. It features button switches that produce 90% less noise than previous models, so you can work all day without bothering coworkers or yourself. It also features a high-performance electromagnetic scroll wheel that provides speedy scrubbing and precision. This versatility makes the wheel useful, whether moving through large spreadsheets or proofing documents line-by-line. The Logi Options+ app lets you customize the seven-button input layout and set up gesture-based inputs for quickly switching programs or controlling two computers simultaneously.
Review: Logitech MX Master 3S
The integrated rechargeable battery provides up to 70 days of use on a full charge, and just a minute of charging gives you three hours of battery life — handy for when you need to quickly top up your mouse battery before a meeting or presentation. It includes Bluetooth connectivity and the Logi Bolt USB receiver, which can connect up to three devices simultaneously. With up to 8,000 DPI (dots per inch) sensitivity, the MX Master 3S is highly responsive to your fast inputs. The MX Master 3S also supports various operating systems, making it compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux computers.
Verified customers on Amazon like the mouse’s ease of use, comfort, and scrolling speed, as well as its easy programmability. However, customers have mixed opinions on the lag, button functionality, and value.
Logitech MX Master 3S Tech features: 70 days of use on a full charge | 90% quieter than previous models | Programmable input buttons
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
If you’re looking for an all-around winner, the Satechi M1 mouse is a great contender. Not only is it affordable (only $30), but it comes in the most color options out of any other pick on this list, which is important to me as someone who loves an office aesthetic.
More than that, when I tested the M1 mouse, I was impressed with how easily it paired with my work laptop (a MacBook Air) and my personal laptop (an HP). There is no lag, it moves quickly and is sleek and stylish. It brings an elevated polish to the mouse world that’s desperately needed among competitors.
This model is pretty comparable to the HP 280 and other options I’ve tried from Logitech, and it especially reminded me of my personal Logitech Pebble M350 mouse, which I really enjoy. I do think that the Satechi M1 is slightly small for my hand size, which may be a potential discomfort or issue if you have larger hands and digits. But overall, I enjoyed that it’s functional, stylish, and very affordable. It really does look great with products from Apple’s lineup.
Satechi M1 customers said they liked the overall design, build, and function of the M1 wireless mouse, with many lauding the battery life, quality, and overall look. However, some customers said that the mouse was a little on the smaller side for their hand size.
Satechi M1 Wireless silent mouse tech specs: Rechargeable battery | Ergonomic design | 5 color options | Scroll wheel | Bluetooth connectivity | Optical sensors
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
Silent mice are often smaller in size compared to conventional office peripherals. While this generally results in a more compact and sound-proof design, it doesn’t help in the comfort department for those with larger hands. That’s where the Logitech Signature M650 comes into play.
Review: Logitech Signature M650
The Signature M650 has four varieties: small and large sizes and left- and right-handed variants. We’ve been testing the mouse since its launch and found the design and ergonomics exceptionally comfortable. Plus, the SilentTouch switches live up to their name, as we found them nearly inaudible during our hands-on use. This mouse connects via Bluetooth or the included Logi Bolt USB receiver and uses a single AA battery.
Logitech M650 users on Reddit said they liked the multiple configurations offered, as well as the fair price. However, some Redditors said their mouse functions slowly degraded over time and that they experienced lagging and cursor issues.
Logitech Signature M650 Tech features: Ambidextrous design | Battery lasts 24 months | Programmable mouse buttons
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
Razer is best known for crafting edgy gaming mice and keyboards illuminated by snazzy RGB lights. The Razer Pro Click Mini veers from that norm and targets the office and productivity space.
Review: Razer Pro Click Mini
The Pro Click Mini is a compact, silent mouse that is arguably the best one for gaming on this list. It’s also equipped with nifty features meant to enhance your productivity — including a high sensitivity to inputs at up to 12,000 DPI, seven programmable buttons (via Razer’s Synapse software), a three-function scroll wheel, and more. The mouse uses Razer’s silent mechanical switches to produce quiet yet satisfying tactile feedback. It has Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless via USB dongle and works with Windows and Android. It’s also comfortably priced amongst options on this list, often selling for under $70 on Amazon, which is a couple of bucks less than other options on this list, like the HP 925.
Verified Amazon customers said they like the click noise, smooth feel, and performance of the mouse. However, some customers have mixed feelings on the size, lag, bluetooth connectivity, and build quality of the mouse.
Razer Pro Click Mini Tech features: Seven programmable buttons | Three-function scroll wheel for enhanced productivity | Easy portability
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
Show less
HP’s 925 ergonomic vertical mouse adds extra comfort and maximum function to your daily work. HP says it’s designed “to keep your hand in a more relaxed, natural upright position as you click, drag, and scroll through your day.” It includes a detachable wrist rest and is not battery-operated but rather rechargeable. One minute of charging will get you three hours of use, and one charge should last up to four months. It features multi-surface tracking, has a sensor resolution of up to 4,000 dpi, and has five programable buttons.
I have been using the 925 for several weeks and am impressed with the connectivity, ease of use, and decreased strain on her wrist thanks to this ergonomic mouse. It was easy to set up and integrate with my work MacBook Air (it comes with a dongle and a handy storage place), and I was thoroughly surprised by how much I liked the vertical design. Despite the added comfort, it’s worth noting that there’s certainly a bit of a learning curve if you’re upgrading from a basic wireless mouse, and for $100, this isn’t exactly a cheap investment.
If you frequently work from home (like me) or work long hours at the computer, I can see the value of purchasing a mouse option with more wrist support. But if you’re an infrequent mouse user or only need something here and there, I wouldn’t recommend splashing out on a top option like this. You’re better off with a more affordable yet still functional option, like the HP 280 or Satechi M1.
HP 925 users on Reddit compared it to Logitech’s MX Vertical mouse and said they liked the curvier design, button placement, and overall grip of the HP mouse. Many Redditors said they swapped their Logitech MX for the HP 925 following dissatisfaction with long-term quality and button placement.
HP 9925 Vertical Ergonomic Mouse Tech features: Multi-surface tracking | 5 programmable buttons | Rechargeable Li-ion battery | Vertical, ergonomic design
Read More
Show Expert Take Show less
The best silent mouse is the HP 280 mouse, chosen for its affordability, compatibility with multiple operating systems, and comfortable design. This table can help you compare the best silent mouse options based on pricing, availability of use, and battery life:
| Best silent mouse | Price | Battery capacity | Ambidextrous design? |
| HP 280 | $25 | 18 months with one AA battery | Right-hand only |
| Logitech MX Master 3S | $100 | 70 days between charge | Right-hand only |
| Satechi M1 | $30 | 45 days between charge | Yes |
| Logitech Signature M650 | $47 | 24 months with one AA battery | Yes |
| Razer Pro Click Mini | $70 | 30 days with two AA batteries | Yes |
| HP 925 Vertical | $99 | Up to 4 months on one charge | Right-hand only |
* MSRP at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts.
To find the best silent mouse, ask yourself two questions: What functionality do you seek in a mouse, and how much money are you willing to spend?
If you seek a silent mouse with extra conveniences, the Logitech MX Master 3S and HP 925 Vertical are your best options. They’re pricier than others on this list, but they offer the most for the price.
If you’re shopping on a budget, consider our budget picks, the Satechi M1, HP 280, and Logitech M650—all of which are excellent silent mice.
| Choose this silent mouse… | If you want… |
| HP 280 | The best overall mouse that’s a budget sleeper pick. |
| Logitech MX Master 3S | A pricier, top-of-the-line mouse packed with features. |
| Satechi M1 | A sleek yet affordable mouse for ambidextrous use. |
| Logitech Signature M650 | ZDNET’s pick for best for left-handed users. |
| Razer Pro Click Mini | The best mouse for productivity with seven programmable buttons. |
| HP 925 Vertical | A splurge vertical ergonomic mouse designed for comfort. |
We recommend keeping the following factors in mind while searching for the perfect mouse for your needs:
- Feedback: Take advantage of crowdsourced feedback and reception from customers across various retailer websites and platforms like Reddit to help you pinpoint what real people thought about particular mice.
- Noise: Consider where you will use the mouse and how much noise it may produce. Each mouse on this list produces little to no noise per click. More importantly, each mouse on this list caters to a specific type of user. If you don’t care much about the noise factor, you can broaden your search to include a wider range of mouse options.
- Price: Whether you have an expense account or you’re shopping on a budget, there’s an ideal recommendation for everyone. Like any purchase, it’s important to set a spending limit that you’re comfortable with. Not only will this help you narrow your search parameters, but you’ll also feel better knowing your final choice fits your budget. Remember, you don’t always have to spend a ton to find a great product.
ZDNET expert-researched or went hands-on with most of the silent mice on this list. We use these mice during our daily work and entertainment activities to test out noise level, function, comfort, and more — not just for a day or two, but over a few weeks to get a feel for a product’s add-in value. Can you “add” this product into your life and benefit from its presence, or is it just another fad product that’s too good to be true or collects dust after the buzz wears off?
If we think another product is worth your money, we’ll update this list or write a spotlight review highlighting its best qualities and specifying who it’s for. We also routinely scour the web for new products worthy of testing, follow news on product rollouts and upgrades, and source the best deals.
If you’re already eyeing a silent mouse, it’s easy to justify buying one. But for those who are on the fence or unsure of its applicability, here’s our lowdown.
The biggest selling point of a silent mouse is its noiseless design. If you’ve ever gamed at night or used a computer in a public library, you may know how loud and distracting a clicky mouse can sound. That silent mice are indeed silent benefits both you and those around you. Less noise means fewer distractions, making it easier for you to focus on your task at hand.
Some people can condition their hearing to drown out the mouse-clicking sound. You may not even find it distracting — and that’s normal. So, when using a silent mouse for the first time, it’s easy to feel bewildered by the mute feedback.
How do these mice operate in a cone of silence? Manufacturers apply a blend of materials and cushioning to dampen the sound when you press a mouse key. This design approach helps mitigate or eliminate the clickety-clack of traditional computer mice.
There are a couple of ways to dampen the sound of a non-silent mouse, but they aren’t completely effective at blocking out the noise. One option is to use a thick foam mouse pad. This is especially helpful if you use your mouse on a hard surface, like a wooden or metal desk.
Another trick, which requires a little more DIY, is to disassemble the shell of your mouse (the outer cover) and insulate the click switches with thin foam.
A silent mouse can be a good option for gamers. The Razer Pro Click Mini has 7 programmable buttons to customize your layout for your favorite games and an optical sensor with a maximum sensitivity of 12,000 DPI.
With Razer HyperSpeed Wireless or Bluetooth connectivity and the ability to run on one or two AA batteries, you’ll have more control over how your mouse interacts with your computer and how to power it when batteries are scarce.
A silent mouse is a computer mouse that uses soft rubber dampers on button switches to cushion them and reduce noise. While it doesn’t make the switches silent, it significantly reduces the noise your mouse makes when you click a button.
Silent mice are perfect for shared workspaces where noise can distract or annoy coworkers. They are also easier to click, making them more comfortable and ergonomic to use. This reduces strain on your hand and wrist while you work.
Silent mice come in many shapes and sizes, but some of the most popular tend to be wireless. These wireless silent mice are either charged via a cable or powered by batteries.
Beyond battery-operated (or not), wireless mice are available in several common designs: traditional, vertical, or left-handed, to name a few. Vertical mice offer more ergonomic designs and customizable button options, while traditional mice feature a horizontal layout and can range from basic to customizable. You can also find wireless mouse options for tablet devices like iPads, too.
We selected these best options based on functionality, budget, and other factors. However, there are other quality silent mice on the market. Here are a few:
