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We ran mouse pads from SteelSeries, Amazon Basics, Mroco, and more through stringent tests in search of the best
Credit: Austin Palmer
By Austin Palmer ⋅ Senior Review Analyst ⋅ Updated November 22, 2024
We researched over 40 mouse pads, then bought the 10 best available today for comprehensive side-by-side testing to help you find the perfect home for your mouse to rest. We conducted extensive testing with each model using a variety of mice to see how they stacked up against one another. Specifically, we rated how well their surfaces performed, looking at their glide, noise, and tracking to give you the details other reviews lack. Continue reading to find out which pad will be right for you.
The SteelSeries QcK Series is our unanimous favorite in this test group. It is designed with gamers in mind, and that fact shows in its performance. Its micro-woven cloth material provides excellent tracking and above-average glide for a cloth mouse pad. A rubber base holds this pad firmly in place, and the entire pad is washable. This product can be purchased in several sizes, from Small (9.8" x 8.3") to 5X Large (63" x 31.5"). We tested the Medium (12.5" x 10.5") but appreciate that SteelSeries has several size options to fit a variety of needs.
During our testing for precision and tracking, the Qck Series allowed for smooth gliding and good stopping power, so a hand moving at a decent speed won't fly off the edge when coming to rest. The high thread count optimizes accuracy while providing a comfortable platform for your palm to slide across. We were also happy with the minimal amount of sound emanating from all our back-and-forth shifts across the pad.
The SteelSeries QcK rose to the top of the pack for its easy glide.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Though extremely popular with gamers, the Qck Series is also excellent for general use, whether you're scrolling through endless reams of spreadsheets or zooming in with exacting precision to modify a few elusive pixels. It's also easy to clean and so reasonably priced that a replacement won't break the bank if your pet chews it up.
We have only a few minor gripes about this mouse pad. First, the edges lack stitching. This can lead to peeling and fraying, something that could occur with the logo, as well, since it rises slightly above the pad itself. Although not a design issue, the QcK Series arrived rolled up in its packaging. While we appreciate this conserves packaging resources, this can cause problems. It may take a couple of days for the mouse pad to fully lay flat. However, some unlucky customers may find it takes longer than that for it to straighten out, if ever. These issues can be avoided by going with a rigid model, like the Vaydeer Aluminum Mouse Mat. Overall, though, the SteelSeries QcK Series is a reliable mouse pad at a terrific price.
We broke out the digital microscope to take a deep look into the material design of each pad.
If you prefer a hard mouse pad, the Vaydeer Aluminum Mouse Mat is the one to select. It's reversible, which means you can choose whether you prefer to work on an aluminum or polyurethane (PU) leather surface. Both sides are exceptionally smooth, with most mice gliding across easily. We also appreciate the waterproof nature of this mouse pad, which makes it practically immune to damage from spills and easy to clean.
During our repetitive testing we enjoyed the solid tracking and slick glide, which felt especially optimal with higher-end mice on the PU leather side. The aluminum side rounds the edges of the pad to give it a nice bumper that helps prevent the PU leather edges from peeling.
The reversible Vaydeer Aluminum Mouse Mat gives you a choice of PU leather and aluminum surfaces.
Credit: Austin Palmer
If you find yourself frequently knocking over your coffee mug, this wipe-clean model could be the mouse pad for you. We did find some bend in the pad during testing, though it did not affect performance. However, this could be a consideration if you think a little give might be distracting.
During testing, we noticed the Vaydeer Aluminum Mouse Mat was noisy with most mice we used, even with the included sound-dampening stickers on the mouse. Some were worse than others, particularly Apple mice, which created rather unpleasant noises. If you own a quieter mouse, this may not be a big deal. The reversible design is also a bit of a double-edged sword. Dual surfaces to choose from are certainly a perk, but the underside of the mouse pad will always be quite slick and liable to move around on your work surface. Vaydeer includes adhesive rubber feet to mitigate this issue, but they can fall off over time, potentially hindering mouse movement. You might want to attach your own pads or use a stronger glue for better adherence. Another easy to clean hard mouse pad is the 3M Precise Pad. It features a textured plastic top and a non-skid backing that will keep it securely in place on most surfaces. Despite our critiques, these shortcomings are minor, and we recommend the Vaydeer to anyone shopping for a hard mouse mat.
Rubber feet help the Vaydeer Aluminum Mouse Mat stay in place, though there's potential for them to fall off.
One of the best affordable options out there is the Mroco Anti-fray Premium. The cost doesn't come past a single digit, yet provides a good performance with some commendable features that help it stand out. It has a medium glide that settles in the middle of the test spectrum, giving us a Goldilocks feel when moving our mouse over it. It also features stitching designed to prevent fraying at the edges, so you know it won't break apart from the second you get it.
What stuck out in our testing was something that was actually omitted: noise. While we used a handful of different mice, the Mroco Anti-fray Premium constantly surprised us with its quiet friction sound level. What we did hear wasn't anything distinct or repulsive, allowing it to be subdued in the background of other office clatter.
The Mroco Anti-fray Premium is a steal with its low price and good performance during our extensive testing.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
A no-fuss and, in theory, no-muss option for those who simply need a basic black pad for their mouse to rest on, the Mroco Anti-fray Premium does the trick without any bells or whistles. If you don't need anything fancy, this offers great value and will sufficiently serve its purpose for pocket change.
While the Mroco Anti-fray Premium has an appealing cost, there are a few downsides to note. In spite of the “non-slip” rubber base, the pad will move quite a bit, especially with more vigorous moving in the same direction. There is also some static friction when first moving the mouse, and there is a noticeable slowness that comes with 2.5 mm of cushion. It is advertised to be waterproof and stain-resistant, but it definitely retained some water when held under a sink faucet. Lastly, the stitching is a bit bumpy, making for a more perceptible transition from center to stitched edge. If you have sensitive skin or simply desire more cushion, you might want to consider the Belkin Standard Mouse Pad, which has an even thicker pad, no stitching, and is also very reasonably priced.
The Belkin Standard Mouse Pad is a classic design reminiscent of the pads of yesteryear. Many nostalgic Millennials will remember growing up using these thick pads and mechanical mice. Not much has changed with this design, and for good reason. Its thick padding (around five millimeters) is comfortable to use and makes it ideal for traveling. It isn't as flimsy as the thinner cloth pads, so it's easier to slide into a laptop bag, and it makes any imperfect work surface more manageable. The pad's neoprene base is grippy and stays securely in place while you work.
The Belkin Standard comes with some great perks, but it also has some downsides. For instance, the covering lacks stitching to protect it from peeling up over time. And with our noses pressed up against the pad, we were greeted with the smell of neoprene, albeit pretty mild. Considering the classic design and robust padding of the Belkin Standard, these drawbacks are easy to look past for those in the market for a thick mouse pad. Another thick pad you might want to consider is the Mroco Ergonomic with Wrist Support, which earned our nod for Best Integrated Wrist Rest and is available in a wide range of colorful styles.
The Belkin Standard Pad has a smooth jersey cover.
If you want a lot of comfort and a variety of colorful designs to choose from, the Mroco Ergonomic with Wrist Support fits the bill, with options ranging from desktop wallpaper styles to Van Gogh's Starry Night. There's also a simple black if the other designs strike you as too loud. The mouse moved with an easy, even glide that was pretty quick for a synthetic fiber pad. Though not as fast as can be expected on a hard pad, it did have good tracking and precision.
Other reviews we found online mentioned an issue with the wrist rest popping, but we pounded it six ways from Sunday, and it held together perfectly well. However, the lack of stitching might result in some peeling over time. The bottom is plenty sticky and will hold fast to a clean vertical surface, so movement is not much of an issue. Fortunately, it is easy to wipe clean. If these bright aesthetic choices aren't your cup of tea or you're drawn more to an elegant leather look, you might be interested in the Aothia Leather Desk Pad, which comes in a wide variety of sizes and solid colors.
This comfortable mouse pad is plenty grippy and comes in a variety of colorful options.
The Aothia Leather Desk Pad seems like an easy way to spruce up the look of your desk setup while providing a surface for your mouse, keyboard, notepad, and a few pens. Available in four sizes (we tested one of the mid-sized options) and roughly 20 solid colors, there's a good chance you can find one to suit your dimensional and aesthetic needs. The pad will lay flat without too much finagling. With a cork suede bottom, it doesn't really move with normal use and only a little bit with aggressive movement. Though not intolerably so, we found it a bit loud with the Apple Magic mouse and some other mice during our tests. But the lighter the mouse, the quieter it sounds.
This pad's glide performance isn't the best. Even fast gaming mice feel slow on this surface. There is a good bit of start-up friction and a lot of stopping power. Still, some users may find the surface adequate for their needs, as resistance is often a personal preference. The pad is so thin you could practically notice a grain of sand beneath it, but it is easy to wipe clean. We should mention there are plenty of online customer reviews complaining about susceptibility to stains from sweating soda cans, for example, as well as the quality of construction and the potential for fraying. The pad does include a one-year warranty, and though it will need to be activated, it could be well worth the extra effort. If you'd rather forego the faux leather blotter style and are thinking more along the lines of a cloth option that can be thrown in a washing machine, the Amazon Basics Square Mouse Pad may be more your speed.
One of the thinnest pads available, the Aothia Leather Desk Pad comes in a variety of colors and sizes.
Another top option for a cloth pad is the Amazon Basics Square Mouse Pad. There are multiple size options to fit your desk and your preferred mouse sensitivity. This machine-washable mouse mat has excellent tracking and a rubber bottom, delivering great work and home office performance.
Our tests revealed some minor issues with this pad. First, the edges are a bit rough and may irritate the user's wrist or forearm, depending on how each tester used a mouse on the pad. Also, our test pad never laid completely flat, even after spending time in the hot sun or under a pile of books. You'll probably have better luck getting a thicker pad to lay flat like the Belkin Standard. Shortcomings aside, we recommend the Amazon Basics Gaming Pad to anyone who wants a no-frills option at a great price.
The Amazon Basics Gaming Computer Mouse Mat is really thin, measuring just over 2 mm.
Are you searching for the smoothest glide around? Then look no further than the 3M Precise Pad. This model features a smooth, slightly textured plastic top that is quick and easy to clean, from daily dirt and grime to the occasional spilled drink. The non-skid backing keeps it securely in place on most work surfaces.
Compared to a more traditional cloth pad, we noticed that all mice were innately louder on the 3M Precise. Every pick-up and set-down of the mouse is much more noticeable. Our tests also revealed this model loses its effectiveness with optical mice once the surface begins to wear out. You would do well to consider the Vaydeer Aluminum Mouse Mat, our favorite hard mouse pad. It is double-sided, so you can choose between aluminum or PU leather surfaces. The 3M Precise may not be the best, but it could be a great option if you're looking for a smooth glide.
The 3M Precise's hard surface is easy to wipe clean.
Another good cloth pad option is the Logitech Studio Series. With three color options (blue, dark rose, and graphite), this is a basic small pad (there's also a desk mat version) made of 100% recycled polyester. The stitching is slightly raised over the pad but is soft and smooth. We didn't find it irritating to the touch and believe it should help hold the pad together without much fraying. Moving a mouse is quieter along the x-axis and louder on the y-axis, but we did not lose tracking or precision with movement during our tests.
However, despite boasting a base made of “anti-slip” natural rubber, we found that the Logitech Studio Series moved around a little bit during normal use and a ton more with exuberant movement. So, the pad will walk around, especially with repeated motion in the same direction, and there is constant resistance with a bunch of drag when moving the mouse. Overall, though, it's a good basic choice for many users. If you much rather find a mouse pad that will really cleave to where you place it, take a peek at the Mroco Ergonomic with Wrist Support, which moves much less and also offers decent glide as well as plenty of support with its built-in wrist cushion.
This model will migrate quite a bit with more aggressive mouse movement.
Are you looking to combine a mouse mat and wrist rest all in one? The Amazon Basics Gel Pad with Wrist Support is another great option. This model combines a very comfortable wrist rest and a mouse mat at a price typically much lower than purchasing them separately. The rubberized base keeps this pad securely in place while you work.
This product has a few minor shortcomings. Like many other pads in this review, it doesn't have any edge protection, so there is potential for the surface material to fray or peel. We also found that cheaper or worn-out mice didn't glide as well, making for an unpleasant experience. All in all, the Amazon Basics Gel Pad is a reliable option if you are looking for a mouse mat with an integrated wrist rest.
We found another well-integrated wrist rest on the Amazon Basics Gel Computer Pad with Wrist Rest.
Credit: Austin Palmer
How We Tested
After researching over 40 of the top mouse pads on the market, we put our comprehensive test plan into action with 10 of the best. Our panel of judges used each pad extensively, up to 10 hours a day, and compared how accurately mice tracked while also gauging glide smoothness and noting if scraping mouse feet disrupted the quiet office atmosphere. We also tested pad migration by first outlining the pad with a dry erase marker on a designated table, then proceeded to make movements across the pad, escalating each pass with more aggressive shifts to gauge how much the pad can take.
We then broke out the measuring devices and took down pad thickness, width, and length (noting alternative size and color options when available). After many hours of use, we noted in detail the comfort, potential for fraying, and other considerations that are difficult to assess without hands-on testing.
Lastly, we chucked individual models under running faucets to check for water retention. In our experience, this is an issue that becomes more pronounced over time with cloth pads, as normal use leads to a little wear and tear and more opportunities for absorption. Regardless, we had to try this out to help gauge its spill-proof and cleaning ability.
We test each mouse pad in multiple ways with a variety of mice to highlight nuanced differences.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Why You Should Trust Us
This review is led by our expert tester Austin Palmer, who has been using computers since his great grandmother introduced them to him at the age of five. A lifelong gamer consistently found on leaderboards in solo and group play, he holds orange parses+, a number of Rank 1 spots, and an io score over 3,000. After more than two decades of experience in building and diagnosing computers, he has logged well over 10,000 hours of screen and mouse time and is well-versed in the frustrations that using inadequate computer equipment can bring.
We went beyond what other reviews test to give you the most thorough evaluation on mouse pads.
Analysis and Test Results
To track down the best mouse pad on the market, we focused primarily on the properties of the top work surface but also considered other factors that can come into play with specific uses or scenarios. We even blindfolded our judges for a handful of tests to help work towards our goal of impartiality. We used our extensive computer experience and analytical senses to evaluate each product and determine which came out on top.
Glide
Since the invention of the first mouse mat, the top work surface has been the main focus. When older mice used a physical ball that rotated rollers inside the mouse housing, it was essential to have a smooth and clean surface to optimize tracking. That same thought process still holds true nowadays for optical and laser mice, but now we get to add personal preference into the mix since mouse technology has advanced.
Leading the pack for glide is the 3M Precise. The plastic surface material feels ultra-smooth to move across, even with cheap mice or those with worn-out feet. It is so smooth that if you have a stiff mouse cable and take your hand off, you might not find your mouse in the place you left it. Following not too far behind are the Vaydeer Aluminum Mouse Mat and the SteelSeries QcK Series. The PU leather side of the Vaydeer is slightly smoother than its aluminum surface that felt scratchy at times.
The 3M Precise has the slickest surface in our test group.
Credit: Austin Palmer
The difference between the QcK and the cloth Amazon Basics Square is minimal when using high-end mice. When you are using cheap mice, the difference is significant enough to drop the Amazon Basics from above average to merely average rating.
Bringing up the rear, we have the Aothia Leather Desk Pad, Amazon Basics Gel, and Belkin Standard. High-end mice have noticeably more drag on these pads, while cheap mice perform abysmally. It felt like running through knee-deep water. These pads are decent with good-quality mice, but we don't recommend them if you are using a cheap or worn-out mouse.
We took notes on the material of each pad, determining if those characteristics are helpful to an easy glide or not.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Noise
Most mice move silently across cloth mouse mats, but hard mats can generate considerably more noise than you might want. A quality mouse tends to produce a lot less noise on hard pads than a less expensive mouse, and with some mice, it doesn't make a difference as they are inherently loud. These mice made a significant impact on the noise level of our hard pads. The PU leather side of the Vaydeer is a bit louder than the cloth pads, followed by the 3M Precise.
The Apple Magic Mouse tends to be a tough counterpart to your desk setup due to its loud noise casting from every movement, so we utilize it during our stress tests on these pads. Tester Austin Palmer remarked the “mouse is at least tolerable” on the Logitech Studio Series, which doesn't seem like much but is a definite upgrade to others in the lineup.
Tracking
Mouse tracking isn't a big issue these days, especially with the fancy sensors many mice come with, but we wanted to check anyway. We performed repeated accuracy tests on each pad with a variety of mice and noted any discrepancies. As we expected, all the pads performed at approximately the same accuracy after accounting for typical human user error. The 3M Precise is the only pad that gave us some small concerns. Its textured surface is susceptible to smoothing out over time and will likely cause trouble for optical and laser mice but shouldn't be an issue for mechanical mice.
The 3M Precise's textured surface may not hold up to heavy use.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Migration
Different mouse pads will exhibit varying degrees of migration, with some “walking” quite a bit and others clinging tightly to desktops. We devised a simple test by delineating starting edges with a marker and noting how much each pad moved with normal and wilder mouse movements. We found that the Logitech Studio Series migrated a bit with normal use and a lot more when moving vigorously. In contrast, the Mroco Ergonomic with Wrist Support held tight to the desk like its life depended on it when subjected to the same aggression, though it would also easily pick up lint and debris if given the chance.
We try to provide you with a wide range of options when it comes to mouse pads in our selection.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
How to Choose a Mouse Pad
There are a number of factors to consider when deciding which mouse pad will best suit your individual setup, and we've broken them down into a few categories to help focus your search. Whether you value a smooth glide, pinpoint tracking or a supportive gel under your wrist, we elaborate on various aspects below with the aim of inspiring thoughtful consideration with these nuanced features. We hope this guide will help set a path forward as you hunt for a mouse pad that will work best for your needs and preferences.
Cost
Hemorrhaging funds are really not necessary when picking a functional mouse pad. Snazzier designs and features, especially with gaming mouse pads, can lift the price significantly higher, but it's easy to find several options below the $30 mark, with many high-quality models available for considerably less and more run-of-the-mill but good-enough-for-government work options for about as much coinage as you have hidden behind your couch cushions.
Desk Space and Aesthetics
Size, color, and mat materials are important to consider when choosing a mouse pad that will work within the geography of your desktop and overall environment. If your setup is cramped and you're not very fussy, a small black pad might be all you need. If, on the other hand, you have more space to utilize or a color scheme with which you wish to coordinate, there are a number of options in a variety of shapes and sizes, from large PU leather blotters in solid colors that can accommodate a keyboard, mouse, pens, etc. to eye-catching designs with smaller footprints. A quick glance at your current desk with a tape measure in hand can give you an idea of what will work best, with larger mats elevating the look of your setup and also protecting a good-sized portion of your desktop. If you'd prefer to leave more of your desktop visible but have an existing mix of colorful items, such as a bright pen holder and your highly coveted red stapler, a smaller pad that matches the existing decor might be all that's required to tie it all together.
Size matters when selecting a mouse pad for your setup.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Speed and Control
A smooth, clean surface can make a world of difference when it comes to a graceful glide. Being able to move your mouse without a lot of effort, precisely nabbing a corner of a photo you want to crop, or quickly moving from one side of a monitor to another, can all work nicely or not. Gamers in the heat of the moment might be inclined to spaz out more than the casual user and find a pad that “walks” with aggressive mouse movement to be an intolerable dealbreaker. But if your typical mousing doesn't require a lot of sudden moves, you might be less likely to worry about migration as much. Hard mouse pads are faster in general than cloth pads, yet different cloth or synthetic fiber pads can offer enough speed for most people. However, a pad with a lot of resistance can be annoying for anyone, with some pads feeling fine when moving a mouse horizontally but having more friction on the y-axis.
We utilize our digital microscope to see what's happening on the micro level when we conduct our glide and tracking tests.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Ease of Cleaning
Residue from sticky hands, dropped crumbs, spilled drinks (and inks), plus dead skin cells can accumulate pretty quickly. Any grime will begin to affect performance, so it's important to weigh how easily a mouse pad can be cleaned. Harder surfaces that have gotten dirty are easily improved with a quick wipe down. Whereas softer surfaces might be cleanable but could potentially absorb water. A stickier mouse pad bottom helps with migration but can pick up a lot of lint and hair and who knows what else? If your mouse pad isn't something you need to pick up and move a lot, this could be less of a problem. However, if your mouse pad will reside in your purse or backpack on the way to and from school or work, a less clingy mouse pad might be preferable.
When subjected to our water test, this Mroco Mouse Pad absorbed some moisture.
Credit: Austin Palmer
Durability
Although nice and comfy, softer mouse pads can be more prone to deterioration with repeated exposure to usage and scrubbing spills. People in humid climates might consider a harder mouse pad for similar reasons. Printed logos that are raised above rather than printed into pads can peel, especially if they sit in an area trafficked by your wrist. Similarly, cloth pads without stitching around the edges can fray and begin to unravel, as well. But stitching height and material can also impact physical comfort.
Comfort
Stitching, especially one that's raised up, can become an annoyance or even lead to skin irritation if you're particularly sensitive. When the stitching is noticeable as the mouse travels from center to edge, we have noted it in our reviews. In another area of comfort that might be easy to miss when perusing online ads, harder surfaces might annoy those who are more sensitive to sound, especially with Apple mice being quite audible on hard pads. Even if the bombastic clacking of a mechanical keyboard doesn't bother you, the screech of a scraping mouse could be hard to ignore. And if you think you might prefer a bit of cushion, some mouse pads feature integrated wrist support built into the pad itself.
We measure the thickness of every product to give you the range in this selection.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Conclusion
A mouse pad that works well for you can be the difference between a good or bad time at the office. Nowadays, moving your mouse cursor should be as automatic as breathing. Not having to spend time concentrating on dragging your mouse through molasses or on a surface so slick it is uncontrollable makes a big difference at the end of the day. We hope this assessment has been helpful when it comes to selecting and purchasing your next mouse pad. Add an option from our our best mouse review to complete your set.
