Updated 2 Nov 2026
Is the Logitech M196 Bluetooth Mouse worth it?
Yes — the cheap mouse for a laptop with no spare USB port.
No independent reviewer has tested it, so this verdict comes from Logitech's specs and what verified owners say. It's the M185's Bluetooth sibling: the same small, symmetrical shape and three buttons, but it pairs over Bluetooth, so there's no receiver to plug in or lose and it works with laptops that only have USB-C, iPads and Android tablets. One AA battery lasts about a year. It pairs with one device at a time, Bluetooth can take a moment to wake, and it's small for big hands.
96%of 138 owners give it 4 or 5 stars
- Bluetooth: no receiver needed
- Works with USB-C laptops and tablets
- About a year on one AA battery
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What owners say
Owners like that it connects over Bluetooth with no receiver, works reliably and costs little, and many like the colours. The few complaints are Bluetooth dropouts, glitchy tracking after a few months and loud clicks.
Good to know
- Bluetooth only, so an older desktop without Bluetooth can't use it.
- It pairs with one device at a time.
- It's small and light, so big hands may find it cramped.
- Clicks are audible.
From 138 buyer ratings at Takealot (South Africa), every complaint read by us, November 2026. How we do this
What they love
- Bluetooth, no receiver neededMentioned a lot
- Works reliablyMentioned a lot
- Good valueMentioned often
- Easy to connectMentioned often
- Looks good, nice coloursAlso mentioned
- Long battery lifeAlso mentioned
What they complain about
- Bluetooth drops or needs re-pairingRare
Get it if…
- Your laptop has only USB-C ports, or you use a tablet.
- You want a cheap, light mouse for your bag.
Skip it if…
- Your computer has no Bluetooth: the M185 has a USB receiver.
- You want quiet clicks: the M240 Silent costs a little more.
More on the Logitech M196
How we reached this verdict
No independent expert test of the M196 exists, so we rest this on Logitech's spec page and verified owner reviews. Logitech lists Bluetooth Low Energy, one AA battery for about 12 months and support for Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, iPadOS and Android; owners like that it needs no receiver, works reliably and costs little, and the few complaints are mostly Bluetooth dropouts and the odd unit that turns glitchy after a few months.
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: Logitech, Tom's Hardware, TechRadar, Trusted Reviews, Windows Central, Macworld, manufacturer specifications.
Updated 2 Nov 2026How we decide