Logitech MX Master 2S vs MX Master 3S: Is it worth the upgrade?
The Logitech MX Master series has long been the gold standard for premium productivity mice, catering to creatives, developers, office professionals, and anyone who spends hours navigating a screen. The MX Master 2S, launched in 2017, was a leap forward with multi-device control, superb ergonomics, and precision tracking.
Fast forward to the MX Master 3S, Logitech’s current flagship, and the brand promises quieter clicks, improved performance, and a refined design. But for someone who already owns the MX Master 2S, is upgrading truly worth it?
This comparison breaks down the differences feature-by-feature so you can decide if the jump from 2S to 3S fits your workflow and budget.
| Feature | Logitech MX Master 2S | Logitech MX Master 3S |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2017 | 2022 |
| Sensor Resolution | 4,000 DPI (Darkfield) | 8,000 DPI (Darkfield) |
| Clicks | Standard click sound | Silent (quiet) clicks |
| Scroll Wheel | Electromagnetic “SmartShift” | “MagSpeed” electromagnetic for ultra-fast and precise scrolling |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth + 2.4 GHz (Logitech Unifying Receiver) | Bluetooth + USB-C receiver (Logi Bolt in some versions) |
| Buttons | 7 buttons including gesture button | 7 buttons including improved gesture button and thumbwheel |
| Battery Life | Up to 70 days per charge | Up to 70 days (also charges via USB-C faster) |
| Design | Ergonomic contour, slightly larger | Refined contour, slightly more refined hand fit |
| Multi-Device Pairing | Up to 3 devices via Easy-Switch buttons | Up to 3 devices; improved switching speed |
| Special Features | Flow—control multiple PCs with one mouse | Flow plus quieter clicks, faster scrolling, higher precision sensor |
| Weight | Approximately 145 g | Approximately 141 g |
| Best For | Users seeking premium features on older hardware | Creatives, developers, and professionals needing speed, precision, quiet |
Design and Ergonomics
MX Master 2S:
- Slightly more contoured with a thicker thumb rest area, giving a solid, anchored feel in the hand.
- Thumb buttons (typically used for forward and back) are closer to the thumb, directly next to thumb wheel.
- Classic Logitech aesthetic with textured rubber grip patterns.
- Scroll wheel features a mechanical ratchet/free-spin toggle that, while effective, produces an audible click when switching modes.
- Left and right button has a reassuring click but for some this audible click may be too loud.
MX Master 3S:
- Streamlined and slightly sleeker profile while keeping the same right-hand ergonomic shape.
- Refined button placement for better reach, particularly the thumb buttons, now moved up to align with thumb wheel.
- Scroll wheel is all metallic, no more rubber lining that catches dirt. Wheel is also bigger.
- Uses Logitech’s MagSpeed Electromagnetic Scroll Wheel, delivering near-silent transitions between ratchet and free-spin modes.
- The finish feels more premium with less aggressive texturing, giving it a cleaner look.
Verdict: The shape and comfort are broadly similar, but the 3S refines the ergonomics with improved button placement and a quieter, smoother scroll mechanism. For most people, the upgrade in comfort alone might not justify the price unless you value subtle refinements and a sleeker aesthetic.
Performance and Sensor Technology
MX Master 2S:
- Features Logitech’s Darkfield high-precision sensor with up to 4,000 DPI, tracking on almost any surface, including glass.
- Multi-device control via Logitech Flow, allowing cursor and file movement between computers.
- Reliable and smooth performance for everyday and professional use, though some high-DPI enthusiasts may find it limited compared to newer standards.
MX Master 3S:
- Upgraded sensor supports 8,000 DPI, effectively doubling the sensitivity for ultra-high-resolution displays and faster cursor movement with minimal hand travel. Plus it works on glass surfaces too.
- Maintains Darkfield tracking for flawless surface compatibility.
- Quieter click switches — 90% less click noise according to Logitech — while retaining a crisp tactile feel. This makes it ideal for quiet office spaces, late-night work, or recording environments.
Verdict: If you work with 4K or higher resolution monitors, or need ultra-precise movement in creative or CAD applications, the 3S is a noticeable step up. The reduced click noise also makes it far more discreet for shared or noise-sensitive environments. However, we found that 8000 DPI sensor can only be activated in the settings in Logi Options+ App.
Connectivity and Compatibility
MX Master 2S:
- Connects via Bluetooth or Logitech’s Unifying Receiver.
- Supports up to three devices, with quick-switch buttons to cycle between them.
- Fully compatible with Windows, macOS, and most Linux setups, though some advanced features require Logitech Options software.
MX Master 3S:
- Connects via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or the newer Logi Bolt USB Receiver (replacing Unifying in many setups for improved security and reduced interference).
- Same three-device pairing, but with faster, more stable switching. Press briefly to select the device 1, 2 or 3 then long press to enter pairing.
- Full cross-platform support, plus better integration with Logitech’s updated Options+ software, offering improved customisation, app-specific profiles, and streamlined UI.
Verdict: The MX Master 3S offers a more future-proof connection method with Logi Bolt and improved software support. If you plan on keeping your mouse for several more years or work in environments where wireless stability and security are priorities, this is a meaningful improvement.
Battery Life and Charging
One of the biggest selling points of the MX Master lineup has always been its impressive battery life, and both the MX Master 2S and MX Master 3S live up to that legacy.
The MX Master 2S boasts up to 70 days of use on a single charge. The MX Master 3S matches this claim, also delivering up to 70 days per charge under normal usage conditions. In real-world terms, that’s months of use before you even think about plugging in.
Where the MX Master 3S starts to pull ahead is in charging convenience. Both models use a quick charge system — just 3 minutes of charging provides a full day’s use — but the 2S uses micro-USB, while the 3S upgrades to the USB-C standard.
That change matters more than it might seem. USB-C is faster, reversible, and widely adopted, meaning you can use the same charger you already have for your laptop, phone, or tablet. With the 2S, you’ll need to keep a dedicated micro-USB cable handy, which is increasingly inconvenient in a USB-C dominated world.
If you’re buying in 2025, the charging port alone is a solid reason to lean toward the MX Master 3S not because the 2S is unusable, but because USB-C future proofs your setup and simplifies your desk life. If you are upgrading from MX Master, both 2S and 3S perform equally in the power department. Whichever device you pick, you are sure to notice the longer better life given that your existing old MX Master’s battery would have deteriorated over time and requiring more frequent charging.
Price and Value
Price is where the MX Master 2S fights back. Being an older model, it’s often available at significant discounts, especially if you’re willing to buy refurbished or find a good sale. For many users, this makes it one of the best value premium mice on the market.
The MX Master 3S, being the current flagship, commands a higher price. The difference can be as much as 30–40%. depending on sales and regional availability. For budget-conscious buyers who don’t mind micro-USB and slightly louder clicks, the 2S remains an excellent choice.
However, for professionals using their mouse 8–10 hours a day, the upgrades in comfort, scroll precision, and quieter operation in the 3S can justify the price difference. Over the lifespan of the mouse (which could be 4–5 years or more), the cost-per-day difference becomes negligible — especially if you rely on your mouse for productivity-heavy workflows.
Verdict: MX Master 2S is way more affordable especially during Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.
Is the Upgrade Worth It?
If you already own an MX Master 2S and it’s working well, the decision comes down to comfort preferences, noise sensitivity, and charging convenience. The MX Master 3S offers quieter clicks, a smoother MagSpeed scroll wheel, USB-C charging, and better ergonomics. These changes make a noticeable difference in day-to-day use, but they don’t transform the core MX Master experience — the 2S was already excellent.
For new buyers, the MX Master 3S is the clear recommendation if your budget allows. It’s more futureproof, better refined, and subtly more comfortable for long work sessions. For existing 2S owners, upgrading makes the most sense if:
- You want USB-C charging and to eliminate micro-USB cables.
- You work in shared or quiet environments and value silent clicks.
- You spend long hours using your mouse and want the latest ergonomic refinements.
If none of those apply, you can comfortably stick with your MX Master 2S until it shows signs of wear — you’re still using one of the best mice in the world. We leave you with a table of comparison between the two mice.
| Feature | Logitech MX Master 2S | Logitech MX Master 3S |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2017 | 2022 |
| Sensor Resolution | 4,000 DPI (Darkfield) | 8,000 DPI (Darkfield) |
| Clicks | Standard click sound | Silent (quiet) clicks |
| Scroll Wheel | Electromagnetic “SmartShift” | “MagSpeed” electromagnetic for ultra-fast and precise scrolling |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth + 2.4 GHz (Logitech Unifying Receiver) | Bluetooth + USB-C receiver (Logi Bolt in some versions) |
| Buttons | 7 buttons including gesture button | 7 buttons including improved gesture button and thumbwheel |
| Battery Life | Up to 70 days per charge | Up to 70 days (also charges via USB-C faster) |
| Design | Ergonomic contour, slightly larger | Refined contour, slightly more refined hand fit |
| Multi-Device Pairing | Up to 3 devices via Easy-Switch buttons | Up to 3 devices; improved switching speed |
| Special Features | Flow—control multiple PCs with one mouse | Flow plus quieter clicks, faster scrolling, higher precision sensor |
| Weight | Approximately 145 g | Approximately 141 g |
| Best For | Users seeking premium features on older hardware | Creatives, developers, and professionals needing speed, precision, quiet |
Summary:
The MX Master 2S and MX Master 3S share the same DNA — premium build quality, fantastic ergonomics, and productivity-focused features. The 3S isn’t a revolution, but it is a meaningful evolution that polishes nearly every detail: quieter clicks, smoother scrolling, and modern charging.
If you value the latest refinements and are ready to invest in a tool you’ll use daily for years, the MX Master 3S is worth the upgrade. If you’re cost-conscious or already happy with your 2S, you’re not missing out on a dramatic leap — the 2S still holds its own in 2025.
The MX Master 2S remains a solid performer: comfortable, reliable, and perfect for general productivity across multiple devices.
The MX Master 3S offers meaningful upgrades. especially for those seeking ultra-quiet operation, lightning-fast scrolling, and a sharper sensor making it ideal for professional or creative workflows.
In short:
- New buyers: Get the MX Master 3S.
- 2S owners: Upgrade only if the new features solve a pain point for you.
