Computer mice are omnipresent PC companions, but prolonged use of a traditional mouse can lead to tired, strained wrists and hands. To combat this, consider a venerable, more ergonomic peripheral: the classic trackball. This variant on the computer mouse relegates cursor control to a ball manipulated by the fingertips or the thumb instead of using your hands and wrist to coordinate movement. At PCMag, we’ve tested many different types of trackballs, evaluating how comfortable and ergonomic they are, how well they let you interact with your computer, their supporting software, and many other criteria. Our current favorite for most users is the Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball, but our list of recently tested trackballs below includes many other excellent options, including both thumb- and fingertip-operated models. Let’s look at the pros and cons of our top picks and review some detailed buying advice on landing the best trackball.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best Fingertip-Operated Trackball
Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball
Pros & Cons
Comfortable design, including game-changing scrolling ring
Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless
Detachable wrist rest
Lots of customization available via config software
Relies on disposable batteries (may be a pro to some)
Noisy click panels
Why We Picked It
Kensington has long been known for its trackballs, and the Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball is one of the best the company has released. With an excellent ambidextrous design and a detachable plush wrist rest, this trackball mouse is a comfortable driver for power users and trackball newbies alike. It supports both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, as well as plenty of customization options, thanks to the KensingtonWorks software. The only downsides are the trackball’s noisy clickers and its reliance on disposable batteries—though depending on where and how you use the Expert Mouse, disposable cells might well be a plus.
Who It’s For
For those already comfortable with the nuances of trackball control, the Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball is one of the best options on the market.
Specs & Configurations
Number of Buttons
4
Interface
Bluetooth, RF Wireless
Hand Orientation
Ambidextrous
Sensor Maker and Model
Unspecified Optical Sensor
Sensor Maximum Resolution
400 dpi
Power Source
Two AA Batteries
Weight
15.98 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
3 years
Learn More
Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball Review
Best Thumb-Operated Trackball
Kensington Pro Fit Ergo TB550 Trackball
Pros & Cons
Comfortable to use
Excellent build quality
Plenty of functionality
128-bit AES encryption
Takes some getting used to
No left-handed option
Why We Picked It
If a fingertip-operated mouse isn’t for you, then Kensington has you covered. This thumb-operated trackball has a shallower learning curve than other trackballs, thanks to its familiar design that almost mimics a joystick. It features Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connection options, and the wireless operation is powered by a rechargeable battery. While left-handed users will be left out of the fun, the mouse is compatible with both macOS and Windows.
Who It’s For
If you’re interested in a trackball and would rather use your thumb instead of your other fingertips, the Pro Fit Ergo TB550 is a comfortable introduction to the genre, with plenty of productivity options for power users.
Specs & Configurations
Number of Buttons
5
Interface
Bluetooth, USB Wired, 2.4GHz Wireless
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Unspecified Optical Sensor
Sensor Maximum Resolution
1600 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery
Weight
4.9 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
3 years
Learn More
Kensington Pro Fit Ergo TB550 Trackball Review
Best Tilt-Adjusting Trackball
Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse
Pros & Cons
Unique tilting stand lets you experiment between horizontal and semi-vertical orientation.
Good build quality.
Wireless.
Expensive.
Right-handed only.
Struggles to perform precision cursor movements.
Why We Picked It
Well-designed and priced accordingly, the Logitech MX Ergo is a classic trackball from Logitech that has proven itself to be a staple in the MX line since its debut. The MX Ergo keeps the overall design of a traditional mouse, this time including a ball operated by the user’s thumb. You can also tilt the trackball relative to your desk for a 45-degree-tilt or a horizontal orientation. All the quality sensibilities of the MX line of Logitech accessories, including solid customization software, help elevate the MX Ergo to something special, and it earns our recommendation.
Who It’s For
Those who want to use a trackball but are intimidated by the idea of switching to a vertical or flat mouse will find the Logitech MX Ergo comfortable and familiar, and you can switch between modes to maximize your hand comfort.
Specs & Configurations
Number of Buttons
8
Interface
Bluetooth, USB Wired, RF Wireless
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Logitech Advance Optical Tracking
Sensor Maximum Resolution
2048 dpi
Power Source
Internal Battery, Wired USB
Weight
9.1 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
1 year
Learn More
Logitech MX Ergo Wireless Trackball Mouse Review
Best Budget Trackball
Kensington Orbit Wireless Trackball
Pros & Cons
2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity
Well-designed scroll wheel
Detachable wrist rest
Affordable
Not comfortable to use without the wrist rest
No rechargeable battery
Build quality feels cheap
Why We Picked It
Interested in a trackball but unwilling to pay a premium? The Kensington Orbit might be for you. A budget-priced option, the trackball sports Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections, plus a detachable wrist rest. (Operating the mouse without the wrist rest might prove difficult for those with larger hands.) Using disposable batteries instead of rechargeable ones helps keep the price down, and the body doesn’t feel quite as premium as other mice we’ve used. But despite these quibbles, the Orbit Wireless Trackball impressed us enough to recommend it for cost-conscious shoppers.
Who It’s For
For those interested in trying a trackball at a decent price, the Kensington Orbit Wireless Trackball delivers the goods with solid functionality.
Specs & Configurations
Number of Buttons
2
Interface
Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wireless
Hand Orientation
Ambidextrous
Sensor Maker and Model
Unspecified Optical Sensor
Sensor Maximum Resolution
1600 dpi
Power Source
Two AA Batteries
Weight
5.6 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
3 year
Learn More
Kensington Orbit Wireless Trackball Review
Best Gaming Trackball
GameBall
Pros & Cons
Ambidextrous
Comfortable
Trackball is accurate
No software for customization
DPI switching is cumbersome
Touch scroll isn’t always accurate
Expensive for what it offers
Why We Picked It
Gaming with a trackball is uncommon, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try it. To that end, the GameBall sets out to stake its claim as a trackball specifically for gaming. The flat, ambidextrous design takes a few ambitious swings, though it doesn’t always get a base hit. No customization software, a spotty touch-based scroll wheel, and a high price keep the GameBall from earning higher marks, but gamers looking to give a trackball a try will find that it’s a decent driver for action games and shooters alike.
Who It’s For
For gamers who want to roll their enemies and not their wrists, the GameBall is a respectable pointing option.
Specs & Configurations
Number of Buttons
6
Interface
USB Wired
Hand Orientation
Ambidextrous
Sensor Maker and Model
Unspecified PixArt Sensor
Sensor Maximum Resolution
3000 dpi
Power Source
Wired USB
Weight
8.1 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
1 year
Learn More
GameBall Review
Best Vertical-Design Trackball
Kensington Pro Fit Ergo Vertical Wireless Trackball
Pros & Cons
Comfortable fit.
Many customizable buttons.
Sensitivity adjustment button.
Includes storage for wireless dongle.
Long-lasting batteries.
Dual Bluetooth connections.
Easy-to-use software.
Trackball housing is stiff, and cursor tracking erratic.
No tilt adjustment.
Right-handed only.
Uses AA instead of rechargable batteries.
Why We Picked It
While it’s not Kensington’s strongest trackball offering, this vertical trackball can still prove useful to people looking for an ergonomic-mouse alternative. It’s comfortable, with many customization options, and it features just as many wireless options as its competitors do. The mouse’s biggest pitfalls are its rigid, stiff housing and occasionally erratic sensor in our test sample that can sometimes miss precise movements. Still, these are likely not enough of a deterrent for users looking for a vertical trackball mouse.
Who It’s For
If you’re looking for a vertical trackball mouse for wrist relief, and pinpoint precision isn’t your first priority, you’ll find the Pro Fit Ergo more than capable of guiding you through casual web browsing and similar sessions.
Specs & Configurations
Number of Buttons
9
Interface
RF Wireless, Bluetooth
Hand Orientation
Right-Handed
Sensor Maker and Model
Unspecified Optical Sensor
Sensor Maximum Resolution
1500 dpi
Power Source
Two AA Batteries
Weight
7.04 ounces
Warranty (Parts and Labor)
2 years
Learn More
Kensington Pro Fit Ergo Vertical Wireless Trackball Review
Buying Guide: The Best Trackball Mice for 2024
Trackballs have been around for years, dating back as far as the late 1940s. They were originally invented by a man named Ralph Benjamin while he was working for the British Royal Navy Scientific Service. At the time, Benjamin’s project used analog computers to calculate the future position of target aircraft based on several initial input points provided by a user with a joystick. It was the use of the joystick that prompted him to create a more elegant tool, which he named the “roller ball.”In the late 1980s and early 1990s, when PC-mouse manufacturers began to extend their product lines, trackballs emerged as a niche alternative to traditional computer mice, where they remain. A variety of makers offer trackball mice, but nowadays, the ones you’ll see most often, by far, in ordinary retail are developed and produced by two companies: Logitech and Kensington. As we noted earlier, as an ergonomic alternative to traditional mice, trackballs enable you to manipulate your on-screen cursor by rolling a ball with your fingertips or thumb instead of your wrist or arm. The trackball is held in place by a socket, inside which sensors detect motion across the X and Y axes. In a way, the trackball works like an upside-down classic ball mouse.But despite the obvious visual differences, trackballs deliver the same functionality that most mice do. You’ll still find left- and right-click buttons and a scroll wheel. (A few opt for a “scroll ring” surrounding the ball that serves the same functionality as a wheel.) You may also get a shortcut button or two on some models. Trackballs are not typically gaming-focused but rather aimed at productivity PC use, though there is a sect of gamers who prefer them when playing certain action games or titles that involve a lot of pinpoint panning across large areas.Is a Thumb-Style or Fingertip-Style Trackball Better? Trackballs come in two control styles: thumb-operated, and fingertip-operated. Thumb-operated trackballs have less of a learning curve than fingertip-operated ones. They feature a more traditional mouse layout (with adjacent left and right clickers, plus a scroll wheel, all on top), and they usually make use of a smaller trackball. Some mirror vertical mice, while others adopt a traditional, flat style. These trackballs are also better suited for gaming, though it ultimately comes down to user preference.
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)
But thumb-operated trackballs are not without their possible downsides. For one, by nature they can’t be designed as ambidextrous (the ball is just on one side), and while their learning curve might not be as steep if you’re using a trackball for the first time, they are not as accessible as the fingertip-operated variety.Fingertip-operated trackballs, on the other hand, usually feature an ambidextrous design, with the left and right clickers on either side of the top-mounted ball. Most also feature larger trackballs that allow more than one finger to roll them. (You’ll usually use your pointer and middle fingers.)You’ll also want to consider your wrist position. Vertical or semi-vertical trackballs provide extra support to your hands while keeping them in natural positions. Opting for a flat design removes grip from the equation almost entirely, allowing your muscles to stay relaxed while you still have complete control.
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)
Fingertip-operated trackballs do have one thing in common with the thumb-oriented variety—they still take time to get used to, even if the learning curve is shallower. Because they are so fundamentally different than your normal mouse, it requires a certain amount of muscle-memory relearning to gain full control of your inputs.There are plenty of reasons to switch from a conventional mouse to a trackball mouse. Some people prefer them because they’re easier to use, while others find an improvement in their productivity. Trackball mice also take up less desk space than conventional mice. (You don’t slide them around, and thus don’t need to allocate room for that.) And the improved ergonomics could lead to improved posture and less fatigue. Our reviews examine the value, build quality, features, and software of every trackball to figure out which will deliver the most bang for your buck. Whether you are differently abled or looking to relieve stress, it’s worth taking the time to figure out which trackball is right for you.Should You Get a Wired or Wireless Trackball?The simplest way to hook up a mouse to your PC is through a wired USB connection, which almost all trackball mice support. Computer mice are usually plug-and-play devices, with no additional software to install for basic operation, though they may have downloadable software for further customization. A wired device will draw its power over USB, so you won’t have to worry about charging any kind of battery. Wired connections are the most reliable when it comes to response time, but the differences are slim and becoming slimmer.
(Credit: Michael Epstein)
Trackball mice already offer more freedom than your typical mouse, but you can take that even further with a wireless model. Wireless trackballs transmit data to your PC through one of two primary means: an RF connection to a USB receiver, or via Bluetooth. (Some mice support both.) Both have their pros and cons, but if you want to reduce the number of cables on your desk and enjoy more freedom of movement, wireless is the way to go.
(Credit: Zackery Cuevas)
Bluetooth options offer the most freedom because they don’t require a USB port, and the stable, easy-to-manage connections are ideal for use with laptops and even mobile devices like tablets, sometimes allowing users to cycle through devices at will. A few models allow you to switch among multiple Bluetooth-connected devices at a button-press.In regular use, a Bluetooth connection gives you roughly 30 feet of wireless range, but a Bluetooth mouse may not match the battery life offered by devices with an RF-based USB dongle. Check the specs. Be sure to keep an eye on your battery—whether the trackball has a rechargeable battery or uses disposable cells, you’ll want to look at the trackball’s estimated battery life before you buy. Note that some wireless models that employ rechargeable internal batteries let you use the trackball in wired mode, connected via USB cable, while you charge.Trackball Setup: Adjusting to Fit Your NeedsNow, while switching to any kind of ergonomic mouse will not heal you of any ailment by itself, trackballs are known to have some benefits. Everything from your monitor height to the keyboard and mouse you use will affect the natural alignment of your body while you work or play on your computer. Overuse of input devices specifically can lead to RSIs like carpal tunnel syndrome. Trackballs alleviate this by relying on your fingers to do the work while your wrist and hand rest in their natural positions. If you’re considering a trackball for this reason, you should consult a doctor first.
(Credit: Nathaniel Mott)
Aside from choosing whether you want to operate the mouse with your fingers or your thumbs, you also want to decide what size trackball works best for you. You’ll find larger trackballs aimed at power users, while smaller trackballs are better suited for folks on the move. Some even tilt left and right for minor angle adjustments on the fly.You’ll also want to consider your wrist position. Vertical or semi-vertical trackballs provide extra support to your hands while keeping them in natural positions. Opting for a flat one removes grip from the equation almost entirely, allowing your muscles to stay relaxed while you still have complete control.Ready to Buy the Right Trackball for You?A trackball mouse can prove an invaluable comfort and productivity booster for your day-to-day workflow. Whether you’re opting for a budget trackball, or one decked out with shortcut buttons and multiple connection options, using any of the trackballs on our list will be a worthwhile addition to your desk set, and a step toward improving your ergonomics and user experience. If you’re looking for other ergonomic input-device options, also check out our picks for best ergonomic keyboards and ergonomic mice.
