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

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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
Major publication02/2020

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

85
Established publication11/2020

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
Independent publication07/2025

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
Established publication

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

85
Independent publication10/2020

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
Established publication

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

82
Independent publication09/2020

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
Independent publication09/2020

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
Established publication01/2025

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
Independent publication03/2020

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

78
Independent publication02/2020

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
Major publication12/2025

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
Major publication

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
Established publication

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
Independent publication04/2020

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
Major publication02/2020

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

70
Independent publication11/2020

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

66
Major publication08/2025

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.