On the hunt for a reliable budget wireless gaming mouse under $40 in 2026? The Logitech G305 Lightspeed and SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless are fan favorites for their long battery life and solid performance. The G305 shines with its lightweight design and proven HERO sensor. The Rival 3 Wireless counters with even longer battery, Bluetooth support, and higher DPI.This G305 Lightspeed vs SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless guide targets US Prime shoppers and global users.
Live Specs Comparison Table (February 27, 2026)
| Feature | Logitech G305 Lightspeed | SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 99 g (with AA battery) | 106 g (with 2x AA batteries) | G305 Lightspeed |
| Sensor | HERO 12K (12,000 DPI, 400 IPS, 40G) | TrueMove Air (18,000 DPI, 400 IPS, 40G) | Rival 3 Wireless |
| Polling Rate | 1,000 Hz | 1,000 Hz | Tie |
| Battery Life | Up to 250 hours (replaceable AA) | Up to 400 hours (replaceable 2x AA) | Rival 3 Wireless |
| Connectivity | Lightspeed 2.4 GHz only | Dual: 2.4 GHz + Bluetooth 5.0 | Rival 3 Wireless |
| Buttons | 6 programmable (onboard memory) | 6 programmable | Tie |
| Switches | Logitech mechanical | 60 million clicks | Rival 3 Wireless |
| Current US Price (Amazon) | $26.99 (46% off $49.99) | $39.99 (typical) | G305 Lightspeed |
| Amazon Rating | 4.6/5 (37,284 reviews) | 4.4/5 (thousands of reviews) | G305 Lightspeed |
Prices verified live from Amazon US on February 27, 2026. Global/BD: Both ~৳2,500–4,000 on Daraz/AliExpress with fast shipping.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose G305 Lightspeed if:
- Lighter weight for agility.
- Massive reviews + value under $30.
- Simple 2.4GHz reliability.
- Claw/fingertip/smaller hands.
Choose SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless if:
- Longest battery + Bluetooth versatility.
- Higher DPI + durable switches.
- Multi-device (laptop/phone).
- Ambidextrous claw grip.
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Design, Build & Comfort
The G305 Lightspeed features a compact symmetrical egg shape—ideal for claw/fingertip grips on small-medium hands (17–19 cm). At 99 g, it’s agile with durable build and receiver storage in the battery compartment.
The Rival 3 Wireless has an ambidextrous shape with textured grips—suits claw grips well (medium hands). Slightly heavier at 106 g but feels premium; uses 2x AA batteries.
Grip & hand-size notes: Small hands/fast flicks? G305’s lightness wins. Claw with stability? Rival’s grips help. Humid Chattogram? Both matte finishes work; Rival’s texture edges against sweat.
Sensor Performance & Gaming
G305’s HERO 12K tracks flawlessly—no acceleration, excellent on pads. Rival’s TrueMove Air offers higher max DPI for precision tweaks; both handle Valorant/CS2 flicks smoothly. Latency low on both (~1-5 ms wireless).
Battery & Connectivity
G305: 250 hours AA swap—quick, no charging. Rival: 400 hours (longer in BT mode)—rechargeable? No, AA but epic life. Bluetooth great for multi-device/laptop switching.
Buttons, Switches & Software
Both 6 buttons; G HUB vs SteelSeries Engine (DPI/macros/profiles). Rival switches rated 60M clicks.
Final Verdict: G305 Lightspeed vs SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless (2026)
The Logitech G305 Lightspeed takes the crown for most budget gamers—lighter, cheaper, proven sensor, and overwhelming reviews make it the safe winner at $26.99.
The SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless excels in battery life and connectivity—if Bluetooth matters, it’s a close second.
Both top budget wireless picks. Grip + needs decide—your gameplay elevates either way.
