The most common mouse problems, from 1,335 verified buyers

1. The most common mouse problem owners report: “Lag, dropped connection or receiver trouble”, raised in 37% of the 1 to 3 star reviews, followed by “Broke down or developed a fault” (35%).
2. What happy owners praise most: “Plug in and go”, in 22% of the 4 and 5 star reviews we read.
3. 95% of verified buyers rated their mouse 4 or 5 stars, against 93% across every product type in our study; office mice rank 10 of 37 for happy buyers.
4. 2% gave 1 or 2 stars, about 1 buyer in 50.
5. Across the 6 office mice with 30 or more ratings, the share of happy buyers ran from 90% to 100%.
6. Paying more did not disappoint more buyers: the pricier half of these office mice had a median of 97% happy buyers, against 96% for the cheaper half (up to £25).
7. Owners and experts disagree here: models rated “good with caveats” had a median of 99% happy buyers, against 96% for “great choice” models.
8. Buyers in Asia, Africa and Oceania were the happiest (96% at 4 or 5 stars), and buyers in the rest of Europe the least (90%).

Share of the 68 reviews of 1 to 3 stars that raise each problem, grouped across models. What to check before you buy.

1. 1. Lag, dropped connection or receiver trouble37%
   Came up on 5 models
2. 2. Broke down or developed a fault35%
   Came up on 5 models
3. 3. Too small or uncomfortable29%
   Came up on 4 models
4. 4. Clicks or scroll wheel give trouble24%
   Came up on 4 models

The problems above, most common first, and how to avoid each one. Our advice; the order comes from the reviews.

1. 1. Lag, dropped connection or receiver trouble (37% of complaints)

   Plug the USB receiver in close to the mouse, away from USB 3 ports and the Wi-Fi router, or use Bluetooth if your computer's connection is steady.

2. 2. Broke down or developed a fault (35% of complaints)

   Faults usually show in the first weeks, so buy from a shop with an easy returns policy, register the guarantee and keep the receipt. A longer maker's guarantee is worth paying a little for.

3. 3. Too small or uncomfortable (29% of complaints)

   Measure your hand from wrist to fingertip and compare it with the mouse length: small travel mice suit short trips, not a full workday.

4. 4. Clicks or scroll wheel give trouble (24% of complaints)

   Worn clicks and wheels are the usual fault after a year or two of daily use, so check how long the guarantee runs.

Share of the 513 newest 4 and 5 star reviews we read that praise each point.

1. 1. Plug in and go22%
   Came up on 8 models
2. 2. Quiet clicks14%
   Came up on 4 models
3. 3. Comfortable to hold13%
   Came up on 6 models
4. 4. Great value12%
   Came up on 4 models
5. 5. Does its main job well12%
   Came up on 3 models

Regions with 30 or more ratings, by where the shop is. Shops in each region sell different models, so a gap can come from the models as much as from the buyers.