SteelSeries Rival 3
Gaming Mice

Rival 3

SteelSeries

Released Jan 31, 2020 · Analysis updated Feb 7, 2026

Solid build and reliableperformance for gamers. The SteelSeries Rival 3 scores 79/100 based on 18 expert reviews in the gaming mice category. Coverage includes reviews from Laptopmag, Techpowerup, Maxi-geek, and Windowscentral.

Critic Score

What's this?
79

based on 18 expert reviews

LaptopmagTechpowerupMaxi-geekWindowscentralPowerup-gaming+13 more

Where to buy

Help keep the site running by buying via partners.

Pros

  • Budget friendly(7)
  • Solid build quality(4)
  • Good gaming performance(2)

Cons

  • Non-braided cable(2)
  • Poor side buttons(2)

18 Expert Reviews

88
Feb 9, 2020

SteelSeries' $29 Rival 3 is one of the best values in gaming mice, thanks to its accurate sensor and great looks.

85
Nov 19, 2020

The SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless offers excellent build quality, very good buttons, and an easy-to-disassemble design, though the scroll wheel has some minor issues and the side buttons are quite smal...

85
Jul 21, 2025

The SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 is an incredible little mouse that focuses on core functionality without unnecessary features, offering exceptional battery life and comfortable ergonomics.

85

For just $30, the SteelSeries Rival 3 is hard to beat.

85
Oct 29, 2020

The Rival 3 Wireless improves on the Rival 3 in so many tangible ways, with little to fault and making it one of the best value wireless gaming mice available.

85

The SteelSeries Rival 3 punches above its affordable price tag proving just how far cheap gaming mice have come in recent years.

82
Sep 22, 2020

The SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless offers excellent battery life, dual connectivity, and solid performance at a $49 price point, though it's heavier than competitors and has a less comfortable shape tha...

82
Sep 25, 2020

The SteelSeries Rival 3 offers impressive features for its affordable price, including a TrueMove Core optical sensor, durable mechanical switches, and customizable RGB lighting.

80
Jan 31, 2025

The SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless shines for its solid features and decent price compared to other wireless gaming mice, but may fall short if you want the deepest customizability and most cutting-edge...

80
Mar 4, 2020

The SteelSeries Rival 3 offers exceptional performance and reliability for its affordable price point, with surprising quality features that make it highly recommended.

78
Feb 7, 2020

If the RGB lighting, comfortable grip, and wealth of performance customization options don't speak to you on the SteelSeries Rival 3 mouse, the wonderfully low price might.

75
Dec 22, 2025

The SteelSeries Rival 3 Gen 2 Wireless is an excellent budget wireless mouse with solid battery life, but it's hampered by its weight.

75

The SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless is a compelling option for people seeking a wireless mouse on a budget, but it’s not as much of a standout as the original Rival 3.

72

The SteelSeries Rival 3 is a budget gaming mouse with good RGB lighting and comfortable ergonomics, but suffers from software issues and build quality concerns that limit its longevity.

72
Apr 4, 2020

The SteelSeries Rival 3 is a budget mouse, costing just £35/$30, but featuring some elements that would normally appear in mice of a higher value, such as attractive LED lighting.

70
Feb 11, 2020

SteelSeries' back-to-basics gaming mouse, the $29.99 Rival 3, is a solid but not irresistible contender.

70
Nov 25, 2020

SteelSeries sets down a decent mouse for enthusiasts who need dual wireless support and heavy battery life.

66
Aug 15, 2025

This mouse is great if you want a reasonably priced Jack of all trades, thanks to its compatibility with removable, rechargeable batteries and its dual Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity.