Picking out a fresh mouse pad for your setup? It can be tricky to find the right one. Luckily, we've rounded up some of the best on the market to make your quest easier!

UPDATE: 01/05/2024

We've updated our recommendation for the best RGB mousepad. Take a look!

Finding the Right Mouse Pad in 2024

Buying a new mouse pad might seem as easy as grabbing the first one you see online or in a store, but it can be a more difficult task if you're shopping for something specific to fit your workflow and desk setup.

Certain mouse pads might be better at tracking the laser on your mouse for improved pointer accuracy, but they can be less comfortable to use long-term. On the other hand, you might be able to find the most comfortable mouse pad on the market, but that doesn't mean it'll increase the tracking performance over your bare desk.

So before diving into the world of mouse pads, it's always important to set your priorities. Do you want something with added wrist comfort? How about one with better tracking? Do you prefer a hard surface for your mouse or something soft? Are RGB lights a requirement to take your gaming rig to the next level?

No matter what you're looking for, we've got you covered with our picks for some of the best mouse pads out there.

How Did We Research
Models Evaluated	Hours Researched	Reviews Analyzed
15	5	40

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Best Mouse Pad Overall: Amazon Basics Gaming Computer Mouse Pad

Our top pick for the best overall mouse pad is the Amazon Basics Gaming Computer Mouse Pad. Featuring a very simple design, this pad is ideal for virtually anyone who wants better pointer accuracy while still maintaining some level of comfort.

The mouse pad is available in multiple different sizes and comes with a reinforced rubber backside so it doesn't slide around. There's no added wrist rest, and fans of hard-surfaced mouse pads might not like the cloth finish.

But priced at just $8, it's hard to deny that this mouse pad is an excellent choice for just about anyone who needs a simple, straightforward mouse pad.

Best Large Desk Pad: Orbitkey Desk Mat

If you're looking for a mouse pad that can cover your whole desk, you don't want to skip over the Orbitkey Desk Mat. This desk pad offers a premium leather finish and quality stitching, so it won't fray over time.

To add functionality, Orbitkey includes an embedded container for pens and other loose items, and there's a magnetic cable holder for easy charger access. In addition, the pad flips open to reveal a storage area for papers so they don't clutter up your space.

Unfortunately, you'll have to pay a premium to get this mat. Priced at $80 for the medium size and $100 for the large, it's the most expensive mouse pad on our list. However, if you're willing to pay a little extra, you won't be disappointed with this pad for your desk.

Best Gaming Mouse Pad: SteelSeries QcK Gaming Surface

For the gamers out there, we recommend picking up the SteelSeries QcK Gaming Surface. Available in multiple different sizes, this mouse pad from SteelSeries is great for gamers and esports players.

It offers a sturdy rubberized backside to prevent unwanted movement, and the unique QcK micro woven cloth offers excellent pointer accuracy for any mouse. The mouse pad is designed for those who use mid to low DPI settings and need extra stability during gameplay.

Priced affordably, there's not much to dislike about the SteelSeries QcK Gaming Surface. It does only come in a single black finish, and there's no added wrist support. That being said, given how popular it is among gamers, you'll be pleased if you're using it for the same purpose.

Best RGB Mouse Pad: Razer Goliathus Extra Large Gaming RGB Mouse Pad

If you want a mouse pad that stands out and makes your friends or the competition green with envy, then look no further than the Razer Goliathus RGB Extended Chroma Gaming Mouse Pad. It adds color to your whole gaming setup, turning your desk into a lightshow day or night.

With more than 16 million customizable and programmable color combinations, there’s no limit to what you can create with the Goliathus RGB Mouse Pad. You can have it sync with other supported Chroma devices and even in-game themes for a more immersive gaming experience. It is also compatible with Alexa, Philips Hue, and more.

This Goliath of a mouse pad measures 11.58x36.25x0.12 inches, providing ample space for your keyboard and lots of wiggle room for your mouse. Rezer's mousepad also features a non-slip rubber base and is made from softer micro-textured cloth for precision movements and tactile feedback.

It is available in standard and 3XL sizes, with Halo Infinite, Mercury White, and Quartz Pink and Gray themes. For a cheaper option with fewer features that also works great, try the Blade Hawks Extra Large RGB Mouse Pad.

Best Ergonomic Mouse Pad: Vornnex Ergonomic Memory Foam Mouse Pad

Wrist support is incredibly important if you'll be using your mouse for long periods of time, so if you're looking for a mouse pad with some added cushioning for your articulatio radiocarpea, you should check out Vornnex's Ergonomic Memory Foam Mouse Pad.

While it's certainly nothing special in the looks department, this cloth mouse pad offers memory foam support for your wrist that can easily help to relieve stress and reduce fatigue. It's also very affordably priced at just $7.

Overall, it's a no-brainer if you value comfort over everything else.

Best Hard Mouse Pad: Logitech G440 Hard Gaming Mouse Pad

If you need a mouse pad with a hard surface, you'll not get much better than Logitech's G440 Hard Gaming Mouse Pad.

Not only is this mouse pad optimized for hardcore gamers, but it's also ideal for those who want a more even surface over their desk. The hard surface offers low friction for smooth movements, while the rubber base keeps the pad stable on your desk.

The G440 Hard Gaming Mouse Pad only comes in a single size, and it's more suited for gamers than everyday consumers in the looks department. However, it's a solid mouse pad if you need one of the best hard surfaces to do all of your mouse surfing on.

FAQ

Do I need a mouse pad to use my mouse?

A mouse pad provides a smoother surface for your mouse to scroll on and improves the accuracy and responsiveness of your mouse. It also helps to reduce wear and tear, prolonging the life of your mouse, while protecting your desk from scratches. So, yes, using a mouse pad is a good idea.

What's the difference between a mouse pad and a desk pad?

The primary difference between a mouse pad and a desk pad is in their sizes. While a mouse pad like the 3XL Razer Goliathus Extended Chroma RGB Mouse Pad is super large (for a mouse pad), it is still significantly smaller than the average desk pad. Similarly, the mouse pad is essentially designed for the mouse and maybe the keyboard, while the desk pad is designed to cover desks, double as a mouse pad, writing pad, and so on.

What is a good size for a mouse pad?

Mouse pads can range in size from 9.8 x 8.2 inches (S) all the way to 63 x 31.5 inches (5XL). A good mouse pad size will depend on your preferences, available desktop space, and your budget.

What is a good material for your mouse pad?

Mouse pads (hard and soft) are made from different materials, such as rubber, leather, acrylic, plastic, cork, lycra cloth, resin, tempered glass, and even aluminum. A good material for your mouse pad will depend on your needs and preferences. Most people will be happy[y with a soft mouse pad made with cloth or rubber, but depending on your needs you might need a stiffer material with a hard mouse pad.