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Best Mouse Pads

Updated October 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Razer Goliathus Extended Chroma
Razer
Goliathus Extended Chroma
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

PC gamers will appreciate the Razer Goliathus Chroma for its pixel-perfect accuracy and huge surface area.

Pros

Extra-wide surface. Customizable RGB edge lighting. Optimized for responsive and accurate gameplay. Soft surface. Best for smooth movements. Available in black, mercury, and quartz.

Cons

Not for users with limited desktop space.

Best Bang for the Buck
Belkin Standard Mouse Pad
Belkin
Standard Mouse Pad
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This simple, but solid Belkin mouse pad is a worthwhile model for everyday PC tasks.

Pros

Especially affordable. Grippy underside. Soft surface. Best for smooth and fluid movements. Durable. Fairly large surface area. Easy to clean.

Cons

Only available in a single size.

3M Precise Mouse Pad
3M
Precise Mouse Pad
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Portable Convenience
Bottom Line

This portable and inexpensive 3M mouse pad is must-have for business professionals who need to get work done while on the go.

Pros

Affordable. Optimized for accuracy. Greatly enhances the battery life of wireless mice. Slim. Comfortable soft surface. Adjustable adhesive underside. Portable.

Cons

Not the best choice for serious gaming.

HyperX FURY S Pro
HyperX
FURY S Pro
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Best for Large Spaces
Bottom Line

If you play online games that require lightning-fast reflexes, the HyperX FURY S Pro is a top choice for marathon gaming sessions.

Pros

Optimized for speedy movements. Especially durable. Rubberized underside. Soft and comfortable surface. Available in medium, large, and extra-large.

Cons

Unavailable in a small size.

Corsair MM800C RGB POLARIS
Corsair
MM800C RGB POLARIS
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Most Stylish
Bottom Line

If you need a mouse pad to help you get the pinpoint accuracy you need to win your favorite PC games, the Corsair MM800 Polaris is a must-have.

Pros

Convenient USB passthrough port. Promotes accurate mouse movements. Rubberized underside. Wide surface area. Vibrant edge lighting. Sync lighting colors with other Corsair devices.

Cons

Not for smaller desktop setups.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
148
Consumers
Consulted
10
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for best mouse pads

The right mouse pad can help you get the most out of your computer mouse. Good ones are expertly constructed from quality materials and allow you to easily move your mouse in any direction.

Mouse pads come in various materials, sizes, styles, and colors for home or office use. Consider which materials and features will work best for your computer setup.

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Carpal tunnel syndrome can make it difficult to grip a mouse and other small objects, but a comfortable, ergonomic mouse pad can help.

Key considerations

Material

Mouse pads are generally made of four materials: cloth, plastic, aluminum, or glass.

  • Cloth: Cloth mouse pads consist of foam and fabric. Many cloth mouse pads feature a neoprene backing to help prevent the pad from moving. These pads are easy to fold up and carry just about anywhere.

  • Plastic: Plastic mouse pads, also referred to as hard pads, have a rubber base. These offer a smooth surface for the mouse and are simple to maintain.

  • Aluminum: Aluminum mouse pads offer exceptional strength and durability compared to cloth or plastic models, but they tend to be more expensive.

  • Glass: Glass mouse pads are luxurious options compared to cloth, plastic, or aluminum. Additionally, they may be more prone to damage.
     

Need

Think about why you want a mouse pad in the first place, so you can select one based on your day-to-day use. For example, if you’re an avid gamer, you might want to prioritize size and texture as you search for a mouse pad. A large mouse pad will provide lots of room to move your mouse and allow you to precisely manage mouse speed and control. On the other hand, if you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome or require extra wrist support, select a mouse pad with a built-in wrist rest, which will allow you to comfortably control your mouse.

Design

If you want a mouse pad that matches your distinct personality, you're in luck. Lots of eye-catching pads are available in myriad designs, so you should have no trouble finding one that complements your personal style. But keep in mind that ones that feature designer logos, computer game characters, or other unique designs may be more expensive than standard options.

Base

Mouse pads typically have one of three base options: slim, standard, or heavy.

  • Slim: At about 2 mm thick, a slim base provides a solid and sturdy feel.

  • Standard: At about 3 mm thick, a standard base offers a great combination of comfort and support.

  • Heavy: At about 5 mm thick, a heavy base is a terrific option for use on uneven surfaces.
     

Edging

Let's face it – no one wants to buy a mouse pad that will wear out quickly, so it’s important to find one that has strong edging. Some mouse pads have stitching around the perimeter that connects the surface and base and protects the pad's edge from wear and tear.

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Did you know?
Mouse pads are made of light- and heavy-duty materials, including rubber composites, fabric, plastic, neoprene, and metal.
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Mouse pad features

Nonskid backing: A mouse pad should allow you to move your mouse as needed, but the pad itself shouldn’t move. A pad with a nonskid backing will stay in place. The nonskid backing should be durable and sturdy and not leave a mark on your work surface.

Battery-saving capabilities: Some mouse pads can help extend the life of the battery in a wireless mouse. For example, using a wireless mouse on a pad with battery-saving capabilities may draw less current in comparison to using a mouse on a desktop or foam surface.

Machine washable: Regardless of where you use your mouse pad, it’s likely to get dirty. A machine-washable pad will be easy to keep clean.

Nontoxic: Various mouse pads are odor-free. These mouse pads are RoHS-certified for safety, nontoxic, and don’t emit a chemical odor.

Gel cushioning: Some mouse pads have a soft, gel-filled cushion that conforms to the wrist and can help alleviate wrist pain. If you want an ergonomic mouse pad, a gel-filled cushion may be beneficial. It’s designed for maximum comfort and support and can help you use your mouse to browse, play, and work with more precision.

Mouse pad prices

You won't have to break the budget to purchase a mouse pad, even a high-end option.

Budget-friendly

Basic mouse pads are priced between $5 and $8. These are usually simply designed, with a solid rubber base, and work with all mouse types.

Mid-range

Mouse pads priced between $8 and $12 may offer a gel-filled wrist support, among other features.

Expensive

Most top-of-the-line mouse pads cost between $12 and $15. These mouse pads may be constructed from aluminum, glass, or other premium materials, offer a large surface area, and come in custom designs and styles.

Tips

  • Inspect the pad surface. Ideally, you want a mouse pad that offers the optimal combination of control and speed based on how you plan to use your mouse.

  • Look beyond appearance. A mouse pad may look great but deliver inferior results, so don’t just focus on a pad's color, style, and design when looking for one that matches your expectations.

  • Learn about maintenance. A mouse pad that can be tossed in the washing machine is easy to keep clean.

  • Consider portability. Many mouse pads are lightweight and simple to carry with you.

  • Remember that size matters. Consider how you’ll use your mouse pad so you can select one that offers ample space. For instance, if you want a gaming mouse pad, you may want to pick up an extended model that offers sufficient space to accommodate your gaming activities.

  • Prioritize comfort. You want a mouse pad that enables you to use your mouse to perform assorted computer tasks comfortably.
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Mouse pads can be used on different surfaces. Thicker mouse pads work better than thinner ones on uneven surfaces.

FAQ

Q. Do I need a mouse pad if I use an optical mouse?

A. A mouse pad is intended for use with different mouse options. If you use an optical mouse, however, a mouse pad isn’t always required. While a traditional mouse includes a rubber ball, an optical mouse has an optical sensor that detects when the mouse is moving on most surfaces. But if you use an optical mouse on a semi- or fully reflective surface, the mouse's optical sensor is unable to see which direction the mouse is moving. In this instance, a mouse pad is required to track the optical mouse's surface movement and direction.

Q. How can a mouse pad help reduce the battery usage of my wireless mouse?

A. The mouse sensor draws most of the device's power. Some mouse pads have a reflective, light-colored surface that delivers more precise mouse tracking in comparison to a mouse pad with a dark surface. This means a light surface may require less current from a wireless mouse than a dark surface.

Q. How long will a mouse pad last?

A. That varies based on the mouse pad's construction, materials, and other factors. Keeping your mouse pad clean can increase its lifespan.

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