Computer mice · Ranked #9 of 10 · Best budget casual gaming mouse

SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2

78
Mixed
Average of 4 professional reviews
3 of 4 recommend it · critics agree
Where the 4 reviews landedRange 70–80

Exact average 77.5 · all scores printed by the outlets

SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2Image: SteelSeries

4 professional reviewers tested the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2, and 3 recommend it. Most praised: connectivity and build quality. Most common complaint: software and app.

Reviewed by Trusted Reviews, Windows Central, Tom's Guide and 1 more

The catch: It is heavy, uses AAA batteries, and has thin side buttons.

Early score: only 4 professional reviews so far. Expect it to move as more reviews come in.

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What 4 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 80
    Trusted ReviewsHands-on review · 2025

    A great budget mouse for casual players with reliable wireless and excellent battery life, though a bit heavy and lacking RGB.

    Read Trusted Reviews review
  2. 80
    Windows CentralHands-on review · 2025

    A reliable, colourful budget wireless mouse, though it is heavy and uses disposable batteries; a little more money buys better.

    Read Windows Central review
  3. 80
    Tom's GuideHands-on review · 2025

    A cheap, comfortable casual-gaming mouse with long battery life.

    Read Tom's Guide review
  4. 70
    WIREDHands-on review

    Solid, well-built budget gaming mice that cover the basics well.

    Read WIRED review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Connectivity2 of 4
Build quality2 of 4

What critics dislike most

Software and app2 of 4
Size and weight2 of 4

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Also reviewed, not yet scored

Common questions

Is the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 worth it?

Most critics think so: 3 of 4 recommend it. It is heavy, uses AAA batteries, and has thin side buttons.

Do critics agree about the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2?

Critics agree: scores range from 70 (WIRED) to 80 (Trusted Reviews), a spread of 10 points across 4 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.

What do critics dislike about the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2?

Software and app (2 of 4 reviews), Size and weight (2 of 4 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2?

The Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro (critic score 93), best overall.