8 Best Mouse for Photo Editing (2026)

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Logitech MX Master 3S	combines comfort with smart shortcuts
Best for Mac users	Apple Magic Mouse 2	seamless Apple ecosystem integration
Best ergonomic option	Microsoft Ergonomic Mouse	reduces strain during long sessions
Best trackball alternative	Logitech Ergo M575S	stationary design for precise control
Best value pick	Logitech Performance MX	proven reliability at a lower price
Also recommended	Razer Pro Click	gaming-grade precision for professional editors
Also recommended	Logitech MX Anywhere 3S	compact and powerful for editing on the go
Also recommended	Kensington Expert Mouse	a veteran-favorite trackball for precise finger control

How we chose and tested

We analyzed professional reviews, photographer forums, and user experiences to identify what actually matters for photo editing. Our focus was on ergonomics for long sessions, precision for detailed work, and programmable features that speed up common editing tasks. We prioritized mice that photographers actually use in their daily workflow.

The best photo editing mice right now

Logitech MX Master 3S - Best overall

This mouse delivers everything a photo editor needs: exceptional comfort, precise tracking, and customizable buttons that can be mapped to your most-used Photoshop shortcuts.

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Key highlights

MagSpeed electromagnetic scroll wheel with both precise and free-spin modes
8K DPI Darkfield sensor works on virtually any surface
Seven programmable buttons including a thumb wheel for horizontal scrolling
Up to 70 days of battery life with USB-C quick charging
Logi Options+ software for deep customization with Adobe Creative Cloud

Pros

Outstanding ergonomic shape fits most hand sizes comfortably
Silent clicking is perfect for quiet work environments
Gesture button provides additional shortcut options
Multi-device pairing works across three computers

Cons

Premium price point compared to basic mice
Larger size may not suit smaller hands
Software required for full customization

Who it is for: Professional photographers and serious hobbyists who spend hours editing and want every efficiency advantage.

Skip if

You need a compact travel mouse or prefer a symmetrical ambidextrous design.

Apple Magic Mouse 2 - Best for Mac users

While not the most ergonomic choice, this mouse integrates perfectly with macOS and offers unique multi-touch surface controls that feel natural to Apple users.

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Key highlights

Multi-touch surface allows for gesture controls like swiping between photos
Seamless Bluetooth connectivity with Mac computers
Rechargeable via Lightning cable (now USB-C in latest models)
Extremely low profile design slides easily into laptop bags
Works with both right and left-handed users

Pros

Perfect macOS integration with native gesture support
Sleek, minimalist design matches Apple aesthetics
Lightweight and highly portable
No software installation needed for basic functions

Cons

Flat design can cause wrist strain during long sessions
Charging port placement makes it unusable while charging
Limited to two-button functionality without customization

Who it is for: MacBook users who value ecosystem integration and portability over ergonomic comfort.

Skip if

You edit for hours at a time or need programmable buttons for workflow shortcuts.

Microsoft Ergonomic Mouse - Best ergonomic option

Designed to reduce strain during extended computer use, this mouse positions your hand in a more natural handshake position that many editors find more comfortable.

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Key highlights

Natural arc design positions your hand in a more comfortable handshake position
BlueTrack technology works on most surfaces including glass
Three customizable buttons for common editing shortcuts
Wired and wireless options available
Compatible with both Windows and macOS

Pros

Noticeably reduces wrist and forearm strain
Affordable compared to premium ergonomic mice
Reliable tracking performance
No software required for basic operation

Cons

Limited button customization compared to premium options
Design may feel awkward until you adjust to the grip
Not as feature-rich as productivity-focused mice

Who it is for: Editors who experience wrist pain or want to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

Skip if

You need extensive button programming or frequently switch between different computers.

Logitech Ergo M575S - Best trackball alternative

For editors who prefer stationary precision, this trackball mouse eliminates arm movement and can provide exceptional control for detailed retouching work.

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Key highlights

Large, precise trackball controlled by your thumb
Ergonomic design with 20-degree natural hand position
Wireless connectivity with Logitech Unifying receiver
Programmable buttons for common shortcuts
Works on virtually any surface (no mousepad needed)

Pros

Reduces desk space requirements significantly
Eliminates arm fatigue from constant mouse movement
Excellent for precise pixel-level editing
Can be more accurate for some users than traditional mice

Cons

Steep learning curve if you're new to trackballs
Thumb-controlled design may not suit everyone
Limited to the included receiver for wireless connectivity

Who it is for: Editors who do detailed retouching work or want to minimize arm movement.

Skip if

You frequently need to make large cursor movements across multiple monitors.

Logitech Performance MX - Best value pick

Though an older model, this mouse still delivers excellent performance for photo editing with its combination of comfort, precision, and useful features.

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Key highlights

Hyper-fast scrolling with both click-to-click and free-spin modes
Darkfield laser tracking works on glass and glossy surfaces
Four-way scrolling (up, down, left, right)
Programmable buttons including a dedicated zoom button
Unifying receiver supports multiple devices

Pros

Proven reliability with years of positive user feedback
Excellent ergonomic shape for most hand sizes
Useful zoom button perfect for photo editing workflows
Often available at significant discounts

Cons

Older micro-USB charging instead of USB-C
Heavier than newer models
Software may not receive frequent updates

Who it is for: Budget-conscious editors who want premium features without the latest-generation price.

Skip if

You need the absolute latest wireless technology or prefer lighter mice.

Also Good

Razer Pro Click - gaming-grade precision for professional editors.
Logitech MX Anywhere 3S - compact and powerful for editing on the go.
Kensington Expert Mouse - a veteran-favorite trackball for precise finger control.

How to Choose

Consider these factors based on your specific editing needs:

Ergonomics first: If you edit for hours, prioritize comfort over features. Try different shapes, what feels good for five minutes may cause strain after three hours.

Programmable buttons matter: Look for mice that can map to your most-used shortcuts. The ability to assign brush size changes, layer selections, or tool switches to mouse buttons can save countless clicks.

Precision needs: Most photo editing works fine with 800-2000 DPI. Higher DPI matters more for multi-monitor setups or extremely detailed retouching work.

Wireless reliability: Modern wireless mice have eliminated lag concerns. Look for models with reliable connections that won't drop during critical edits.

Software compatibility: Check if the mouse software plays nicely with your editing applications. Some mice offer specific Adobe Creative Cloud integrations.

FAQ

Do I really need a special mouse for photo editing?

While any mouse works, a good editing mouse with programmable buttons and precise tracking can significantly speed up your workflow and reduce fatigue during long sessions.

What DPI should I look for?

800-2000 DPI covers most photo editing needs. Higher DPI (4000+) helps with multi-monitor setups or extremely detailed work, but most editors won't notice the difference.

Are trackballs better for photo editing?

Some editors swear by trackballs for precision work like masking and cloning. They eliminate arm movement and can reduce fatigue, but require an adjustment period.

Should I choose wireless or wired?

Modern wireless mice offer excellent reliability with no noticeable lag. Wireless reduces cable clutter, while wired ensures you never run out of battery mid-edit.

How many programmable buttons do I need?

Start with 2-3 extra buttons beyond left/right/scroll. You can map these to your most-used shortcuts like zoom, brush size, or layer selection. More buttons offer more customization but can become confusing.