Your cart

Best Mouse Pads 2025: Smooth Glide and Lightweight

The best mouse pad can make as much difference in your PC setup as any other peripheral, but it is often overlooked. Whether you're working or gaming competitively, mouse pads are essential for smooth mouse performance. SteelSeries QcK Gaming offers fantastic design and texture at an affordable price while being small enough to fit on most desks. For a unified look, you can also choose larger mouse pads, such as the Roccat Sense Core. The best mouse pad for you is ultimately a matter of style and budget, but MightyPC has put its 13 years of experience to good use by pulling together our top picks to help you make the best choice.

We tested each model extensively using a variety of mice to see how they compared. In particular, we rated how well their surfaces performed, examining their glide, noise, and tracking in order to provide you with details that other reviews do not provide. Read on to learn which pad is right for you. Check out our reviews of best desktop computers, keyboards, wireless gaming mice, and wired mice, or the best home printers for more supplies for your home office.

The best mouse pads 2025

Overall best: SteelSeries QcK Gaming mouse pad

SteelSeries QcK Gaming mouse pad

(Image credit: SteelSeries)

Where to buy: Check price at Amazon.

The Good

  • Smooth and precise mousing surface
  • Great value for the quality you’re getting
  • Range of different size options

The Bad

  • Tracks more pet hair than others.

Specifications

  • Surface: Exclusive QcK micro-woven cloth
  • Size: 250 x 210 mm – 1600 x 800 mm

SteelSeries QcK Gaming: Short review

SteelSeries' QcK cloth mat offers an impressive surface for mousing whatever your needs are, whether you're navigating your Windows desktop or playing games on your PC. Due to its minimalist solid black design with just the SteelSeries logo in one corner, it's actually a fine all-rounder. This mouse pad doesn't come with extra frills, but its exclusive QcK micro-woven cloth offers just a little more control over your movements while still delivering smooth gliding performance.

This makes it ideal for both gaming and work. On this list, there are better options if you need a little more speed. Its beautiful rubber base is also appreciated. Besides keeping the pad stable and preventing slippage, the rubber bits also resemble the SteelSeries logo, which is fun even though they're out of sight. With this mouse mat, you can choose between plus-sized and mini versions measuring 450 x 400mm and 250 x 210mm, respectively.

You certainly have options if you want an expansive or compact mat. Compared to other mouse pads we've tested, its surface tends to trap more pet hair. You'll have to spend some more time with your handheld vacuum cleaner if you want to keep your setup pristine.

Best budget mouse pad: Roccat Sense Core

ROCCAT Sense Core Small PC Gaming Mousepad
Where to buy: Check price at Amazon.

The Good

  • Smooth gliding
  • A little bit of resistance for control
  • Mini is great for small setups

The Bad

  • Rubber base could be better

Specifications

  • Surface: Premium micro-weave cloth
  • Size: 250 x 210 mm – 900 x 420 mm

Roccat Sense Core: Short review

While keeping the same level of gliding performance and feel, the Roccat Sense Core is cheaper than many gaming mouse pads in its class. This is definitely the one to get if every buck/quid counts. Especially if you aren't interested in RGB lighting, you might enjoy its minimalist design. When you're gaming or doing productivity tasks, the slightest bit of friction should give you a little more control and precision.

Most of the time, the rubber base keeps things in place, but we wish it had a better grip on a desk. You can feel it moving slightly when you're gliding vigorously, like when you're playing intensely. However, if you don't play too hard, it should hold its position just fine. The sizes available range from a mini one that's 250 x 210 mm to an XXL one that's 900 x 420 mm. If you have a smaller setup or travel frequently, the mini size is especially useful.

Best Integrated Wrist Rest: MROCO Ergonomic Mouse Pad with Gel Wrist Rest

MROCO Ergonomic Mouse Pad with Gel Wrist Rest Comfortable Mousepad
Where to buy: Check price at Amazon.

The Good

  • Nice surface
  • PU bottom very easy to wipe clean
  • Sticks to most surfaces

The Bad

  • No protection from peeling apart
  • PU bottom collects dirt if moved a lot

Specifications

  • Measured Dimensions:  20.6cm x 24.1cm | 8.1" x 9.5"
  • Type: Soft
  • Measured Thickness: 4.5 mm
  • Surface Material: Lycra

MROCO Ergonomic Mouse Pad: Short review

With options ranging from desktop wallpaper styles to Van Gogh's Starry Night, the Mroco Ergonomic with Wrist Support is a great choice if you want a lot of comfort and a variety of colorful designs. If the other designs are too loud for you, there is also a simple black option. For a synthetic fiber pad, the mouse moved with an easy, even glide. Although it was not as fast as one might expect from a hard pad, tracking and precision were good.
The wrist rest was mentioned as popping in other reviews online, but we pounded it six ways from Sunday and it held together perfectly. As a result, if the stitching isn't present, the paint might peel over time. A clean vertical surface will hold fast to the bottom, so movement isn't a problem. The good news is that it is easy to clean. Alternatively, if you prefer an elegant leather look rather than these bright hues, the Aothia Leather Desk Pad, available in a range of colors and sizes, might be of interest to you.

A Good-looking Desk Mat: Aothia Leather Desk Pad Protector

Aothia Leather Desk Pad Protector
Where to buy: Check price at Amazon.

The Good

  • Covers a large area
  • Lays flat with provided instructions

The Bad

  • On the louder side with most mice
  • Quite a bit of glide resistance

Specifications

 

  • Measured Dimensions:  80cm x 40.1cm | 31.5" x 15.8"
  • Type: Soft
  • Measured Thickness: 1.5 mm
  • Surface Material: PU leather

Aothia Leather Desk Pad Protector: Short review

Aothia Leather Desk Pad provides a surface for your keyboard, mouse, notepad, and pens while sprucing up your desk setup. Featuring four sizes and roughly 20 solid colors, there's a good chance one will suit your dimensional and aesthetic requirements. It will lay flat without too much finagling. The cork suede bottom prevents it from moving very much when used normally, and only slightly when moved aggressively.
The Apple Magic mouse and some other mice we tested were a bit loud, though not intolerably so. The lighter the mouse, the quieter it is. The glide performance of this pad isn't the best. On this surface, even fast gaming mice feel slow. There is a lot of friction at start-up and a lot of stopping power. Even so, some users may find the surface adequate for their needs, since resistance is often a matter of preference. There is practically a grain of sand beneath the pad, but it is easy to wipe clean.
A number of online customer reviews complain about the fabric's susceptibility to stains from sweating soda cans, for instance, as well as the quality of construction and fraying possibilities. In addition to the one-year warranty, the pad can be activated, so it might be worth the effort. The Amazon Basics Square Mouse Pad may be more your speed if you prefer a cloth option that can be machine washed rather than the faux leather blotter style.

Great Cloth and Rubberized Base Model: Amazon Basics Large Square Computer Mouse Pad

Amazon Basics Large Square Computer Mouse Pad
Where to buy: Check price at Amazon.

The Good

  • Machine-washable
  • Different sizes available
  • Rubber bottom

The Bad

  • Doesn't always lie flat
  • Rough edges

Specifications

  • Measured Dimensions: 31.5cm x 26.7cm | 12.4" x 10.5"
  • Type: Soft
  • Measured Thickness: 2.3 mm
  • Surface Material: Cloth

Amazon Basics Large Square Computer Mouse Pad: Short review

The Amazon Basics Square Mouse Pad is another excellent cloth mouse pad option. The mouse comes in multiple sizes to fit your desk and to match your preferred mouse sensitivity. Featuring excellent tracking and a rubber bottom, this machine-washable mouse mat is perfect for the home office and the office. We found some minor issues with this pad during our testing. The edges are rough and may irritate the user's wrist or forearm, based on how the tester used the mouse. In addition, our test pad did not lay flat. Despite its shortcomings, The MightyPC recommend the Amazon Basics Gaming Pad to anyone looking for a no-frills gaming pad.

The best gaming desk pad: Razer Goliathus Chroma

Razer Goliathus Chroma Soft Gaming Mouse Mat
Where to buy: Check price at Amazon.

The Good

  • Optimized for all sensitivity and sensors
  • RGB lighting is bright

The Bad

  • Expensive
  • Large sizes may be too big

Specifications

  • Surface: Micro-textured cloth
  • Size: 255 x 355 mm – 550 x 1200 mm

Razer Goliathus Chroma Soft Gaming Mouse Mat: Short review

There are many gaming mouse pads on the market, but only a few can compete with the Razer Goliathus Chroma in terms of performance, binding, RGB lighting, and even size. Especially if you're looking for something for your entire gaming desk. This micro-texture cloth surface is optimized for all sensitivity settings and sensors. In our testing, it offered smooth, speedy gliding and a great gaming experience. Meanwhile, its non-slip rubber base ensures its stability.
In addition, it should also be weighed down by other peripherals, such as a gaming keyboard. The RGB lighting on the pad is bright, customizable, and attractive. This is best for gaming setups; however, not so much for work setups due to its presence. Some people might find these big sizes too big—particularly those with smaller desks—but that's what the standard size is for. You'll pay a hefty price here, but if you can afford it, it's definitely worth it.

Basic Cloth Pad: Logitech Mouse Pad

Logitech Mouse Pad
Where to buy: Check price at Amazon.

The Good

  • Soft stitched edges
  • Relatively quiet pad

The Bad

  • Doesn't always stay in place
  • Noticeable glide resistance

Specifications

  • Measured Dimensions: 22.9cm x 20.3cm | 9" x 8"
  • Type: Soft
  • Measured Thickness: 2.5 mm
  • Surface Material: Recycled polyester

Logitech Mouse Pad: Short review

The Logitech Studio Series is another good cloth pad option. Featuring three color options (blue, dark rose, and graphite), this is a basic small pad (there's also a desk mat version) made from 100% recycled polyester. There is a slight raised stitching over the pad, but it is soft and smooth. It didn't irritate our skin and should help keep the pad together without much fraying. In our testing, we did not lose tracking or precision when moving the mouse along the x-axis and the y-axis.
Despite its "anti-slip" natural rubber base, we found that the Logitech Studio Series moved around a little bit during normal use and a lot more during exuberant movements. There is constant resistance with a bunch of drag when moving the mouse, and the pad walks around, especially with repeated motions in the same direction. Overall, it's a good choice for many users. The Mroco Ergonomic with Wrist Support, which moves much less but also offers decent glide and plenty of support with its built-in wrist cushion, may be a better fit for you if you prefer a mouse pad that really sticks to your work surface.

Integrated Wrist Rest Alternative: Amazon Basics Gel Pad with Wrist Support

Amazon Basics Irregular Ergonomic Gel Computer Mouse Pad
Where to buy: Check price at Amazon.

The Good

  • Comfortable wrist rest
  • Doesn't slide around

The Bad

  • No edge protection
  • Poor glide with low-quality mice

Specifications

  • Measured Dimensions:  20.3cm x 25.4cm | 8" x 10"
  • Type: Soft
  • Measured Thickness: 4.9 mm
  • Surface Material: Cloth

Basics Gel Pad with Wrist Support: Short review

Do you need a wrist rest as well as a mouse mat? Another great option is the Amazon Basics Gel Pad with Wrist Support. At a price typically much lower than purchasing them separately, this model combines a very comfortable wrist rest and a mouse mat. This pad is secured in place while you work thanks to its rubberized base. There are a few minor shortcomings with this product. There is no edge protection on this pad, so it may fray or peel like many other pads in this review. Additionally, cheaper or worn-out mice glided less smoothly, making for an unpleasant experience. The Amazon Basics Gel Pad is a reliable mouse mat with an integrated wrist rest if you are looking for one.

Runner-Up Hard Mouse Pad: 3M Precise Mouse Pad

3M Precise Mouse Pad
Where to buy: Check price at Amazon.

The Good

  • Easy to clean
  • Stays in place

The Bad

  • Surface texture wears out
  • Loud with some mice

Specifications

  • Measured Dimensions:  22.9cm x 20.3cm | 9" x 8"
  • Type: Hard
  • Measured Thickness: 3 mm
  • Surface Material: Plastic

3M Precise Mouse Pad: Short review

Looking for the smoothest glide? If so, then look no further than the 3M Precise Pad. The smooth, slightly textured plastic top of this model is easy to clean, from daily dirt and grime to spilled drinks. On most surfaces, the non-skid backing ensures that it stays in place. The 3M Precise mouse pad was innately louder than a more traditional cloth pad. The mouse pick-ups and set-downs are much more noticeable. In our tests, we also found that this model loses its effectiveness with optical mice as soon as the surface begins to wear out. If you're looking for the best hard mouse pad, then you should consider the Vaydeer Aluminum Mouse Mat. You can choose between aluminum or PU leather surfaces on this double-sided product. 3M Precise could be a great option if you're looking for a smooth glide.

Best Thick Mouse Pad: Belkin Large Mouse Pad

Belkin Large Mouse Pad
Where to buy: Check price at Amazon.

The Good

  • Neoprene base
  • Comfortable
  • Good for travel

The Bad

  • Non-stitched edges
  • Might have a strong odor

Specifications

  • Measured Dimensions:  23.6cm x 19.3cm | 9.3" x 7.6"
  • Type: Soft
  • Measured Thickness: 4.8 mm
  • Surface Material: Jersey

Belkin Large Mouse Pad: Short review

This Belkin Standard Mouse Pad is reminiscent of the old-fashioned mouse pads of the past. A lot of nostalgic Millennials remember using these thick pads and mechanical mice when they were growing up. For good reason, not much has changed with this design. The thick padding (around five millimeters) makes it comfortable to use and ideal for traveling. Since it isn't as flimsy as the thinner cloth pads, it's easier to slip into a laptop bag, and it makes any imperfect work surface easier to manage. As you work, the pad's neoprene base stays securely in place.
There are some great perks to the Belkin Standard, but it also has some drawbacks. For instance, there is no stitching to prevent the covering from peeling up over time. For those in the market for a thick mouse pad, these drawbacks are easy to overlook due to the standard design and robust padding of the Belkin Standard. A thick pad you might want to consider is the Mroco Ergonomic with Wrist Support, which earned our Best Integrated Wrist Rest nod.

How to Choose a Mouse Pad

When choosing the best mouse pad for your setup, we've broken them down into a few categories to help you narrow your search. Whether you value a smooth glide, pinpoint tracking, or supportive gel under your wrist, we explore various aspects below with the aim of inspiring thoughtful consideration. Our guide will hopefully help you find the best mouse pad for your needs and preferences as you search for it.

Cost

When choosing a functional mouse pad, you don't need to hemorrhage money. With gaming mouse pads, sleeker designs and features can increase the price significantly, but there are several options under $30, with many high-quality models available for less than $30 and more run-of-the-mill but good enough for government work options for about as much coinage as your couch cushions.

Desk Space and Aesthetics

When choosing a mouse pad, consider its size, color, and mat materials, as well as your desktop's geography and overall environment. A small black pad might be all you need if your setup is cramped and you're not fussy. However, if you have more space or a color scheme you wish to coordinate, you can choose from a wide range of options, from large PU leather blotters to large PU leather blotters that can accommodate keyboards, mice, pens, etc., with smaller footprints and eye-catching designs.

The size of your current desk mat will give you an idea of what will work best, with larger mats elevating the look of your setup and protecting a good portion of your desktop. To tie everything together, a smaller pad that matches the existing decor might be all you need if you plan to keep 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.

Speed and Control

When it comes to gliding gracefully, a smooth, clean surface can make all the difference. Whether it's moving your mouse effortlessly, grabbing a corner of a photo you want to crop, or quickly moving from one side of a monitor to another, all works differently. An aggressive mouse movement on a gaming pad might be an intolerable dealbreaker for gamers in the heat of the moment.
When you mouse normally, you might not have to worry as much about migration if you don't make many sudden movements. In general, hard mouse pads are faster than cloth mouse pads, but different cloth or synthetic fiber pads can offer enough speed for most users. Nevertheless, a pad with a lot of resistance can be irritating for anyone, as some pads feel fine when moving a mouse horizontally but have more friction on the y-axis.

Ease of Cleaning

Sticky hands, dropped crumbs, spilled drinks (and inks), and dead skin cells can all accumulate pretty quickly. When a mouse pad becomes grimy, its performance will suffer, so it's important to consider how easy it is to clean. Dirty hard surfaces can easily be cleaned with a quick wipe-down. On the other hand, softer surfaces might be easier to clean, but they could also absorb water. Stickier mouse pad bottoms help with migration, but they can pick up a lot of lint and hair. This might not be a problem if you don't move your mouse pad frequently. It is recommended, however, to choose a mouse pad that is less clingy if you will carry it in your purse or backpack to and from school or work.

Durability

Even though soft mouse pads are nice and comfy, they can deteriorate with repeated use and scrubbing spills. For similar reasons, people who live in humid climates might consider a harder mouse pad. It is possible for printed logos that sit on top of pads rather than in the pad to peel, especially if the logos sit in an area of the wrist that is heavily trafficked. The edges of cloth pads without stitching can also fray and unravel. However, stitching height and material can also affect physical comfort.

Comfort

If you are particularly sensitive, stitches, especially those that are raised up, can become an annoyance or even cause skin irritation. In our reviews, we have noted stitching when it is noticeable as the mouse travels from center to edge. Additionally, hard surfaces might annoy those who are sensitive to sound, especially with Apple mice being quite audible on hard pads. It may be hard to ignore the screech of a scraping mouse, even if you don't mind the bombastic clacking of a mechanical keyboard. In addition, some mouse pads come with integrated wrist support if you prefer a bit of cushion.

Conclusion

The right mouse pad can make the difference between a good and a bad day at the office. It should be as automatic as breathing to move your mouse cursor these days. At the end of the day, not having to drag your mouse through molasses or on a surface so slippery you can't control it makes a big difference. Hopefully, this assessment will be helpful during the selection and purchase of your next mouse pad. Complete your set with an option from our best mouse review.

Leave a comment

← Back to Reviews