Tired of achy wrists and hands at the end of a long work day? A vertical mouse could be your solution.
We tested and researched models that offer a natural elevated handshake position without a steep learning curve.
Here are the best vertical mice for most people.
Note: Prices are subject to change.
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TL;DR: The Logitech Lift is comfortable and highly customizable, and it’s the best vertical mouse we’ve used.
Why We Recommend It
Of the vertical mice the Logitech brand offers, the Lift is the one we’d recommend for most people for a few reasons.
Cons
No internal rechargeable battery
Clicks aren’t quite as premium as more expensive mice
Sensor tracking a little sluggish for faster use cases
The Lift feels well-made and comfortable in the hands. The soft-touch plastic are perfect for resting your minimally twisted wrist right inside, and the mouse clicks and scroll wheel also feel satisfying and reliable.
Some drawbacks include the lack of a rechargeable battery; this mouse requires a separate, dedicated AA battery.
We also noticed that tracking is slightly sluggish over Bluetooth, but it shouldn’t be an issue for most general productivity tasks.
Overall, the quality and design provide excellent value and comfort at an attainable price point for most buyers.
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TL;DR: The Lenovo Go Vertical Mouse has a unique, ergonomic design that’s great for users who want something more minimalist.
Why We Recommend It
While we haven’t tested this model in person yet, we think the Lenovo Go Vertical Mouse offers something different from the competition.
The most distinct difference is the 45-degree angle grip made from old-school UV-coated cork, which should also feel comfortable to the touch.
Pros
Beautiful, organic design
Comfortable mouse angle
DPI customization and extra buttons
Cons
A little expensive for what you get
The shape may be small for some users
Limited software customization
You’ll also find other excellent Lenovo-backed features like on-the-fly DPI adjustment up to 2,400, a high-quality Blue optical sensor, and support for the Lenovo Unified Pairing Dongle.
While the angle is in keeping with most other ergonomic mice, the shape is pretty small—almost like Lenovo just took a regular mouse and tilted it on its side rather than designing a fully contoured vertical shape.
Lenovo
It’s also a little pricey. Though it features multiple side buttons and a high-quality design, the other entries on the list offer a bit more for your money.
Finally, the software leaves something to be desired, as other brands like Logitech have focused more on user customization.
However, if you’re after a unique design and handsome aesthetic, this mouse is worth a look.
- Who else recommends it? Computing-focused publications like PCMag and Windows Central report mostly positive findings with the Lenovo Go Vertical mouse.
- What do buyers say? The Lenovo Go Vertical Mouse has over 7,500 Amazon reviews, and an average 4.4-star rating.
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TL;DR: ProtoArc’s affordable mouse prioritizes comfort and offers a unique look at a budget-friendly price.
Why We Recommend It
The EM11 NL is the ProtoArc brand’s main choice for a vertical mouse, and though it looks quite unique, it’s also one of the easiest-to-use ergonomic products we’ve tested.
The design is unique, with a folded, swirled shape that presented a natural fit. The angle was perfect for keeping the wrist comfortably even and fingers aligned just right for mouse clicks.
Cons
Might be too large for smaller hands
Clicks and buttons could be better
Design might be too funky for some
Like many other vertical mice, you can adjust the DPI resolution up to 2,400, which allows for quicker responses and possibly less hand movement.
There are also two programmable buttons for your thumb, and the orange accents, which have become a bit of a mainstay for ProtoArc, make for a fun touch.
However, the mouse clicks felt a little clunky and cheap compared with more expensive models. And the slightly higher 58-degree angle also feels like it might be too high for some users.
These are all reasonable trade-offs for the affordable price point, though. If you want a low-barrier entry into the ergonomic mouse space, this could be a great choice.
- Who else recommends it? Many YouTubers like the ProtoArc EM11 for its unique design and impressive price point.
- What do buyers say? Of the over 3,500 Amazon buyer reviews, 71 percent of shoppers give this mouse 5 out of 5 stars. Buyers like the unique design and build quality.
How We Tested
Our testing focused on spending a week of daily use with each mouse and becoming accustomed to the build and feel of each mouse.
We tracked how the ergonomic benefits of these mice improved daily wrist fatigue.
We also tested the quality of clicks and buttons, the customizability of the software, and the overall build quality.
What to Look For
When considering vertical mice, hand size, hand shape, and your preferred hand all play a part in the comfort level with the shape, angle, and fit of the mouse.
A vertical mouse needs to provide an ergonomic, or natural, wrist angle along with other features you’d want in a more traditional mouse, including:
- Quality of buttons, clicks, and scroll wheels
- Overall design
- Software and customization
For more guidance on selecting a mouse, reading our mouse buying guide.
Vertical Mice Brands We Considered
We researched or tested vertical mice from major brands, including:
- Anker
- Contour Design
- JLab
- Kensington
- Logitech
- Lenovo
- ProtoArc
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