You’d think two mice that look nearly identical couldn’t feel that different, but the devil’s always in the details. We’ve used both the Logitech MX Master 3 Advanced and the MX Master 3S side by side for weeks, and while most users wouldn’t spot a difference at a glance, your hand—and your workflow—definitely will.
If you’re staring at these two on a product page and wondering if the 3S is just a subtle refresh or a smarter investment, we’re here to break it all down. Because yeah, they share a shape and a soul—but once you dive into things like sensitivity, connection stability, and even the sound of the click, you realize this isn’t just a paint job.
Same shape, same weight, but color speaks louder than you think
The first thing to get out of the way? You won’t notice a size difference because there isn’t one. Both models measure exactly 12.4 x 8.4 x 5.1 cm. The MX Master 3 Advanced weighs in at 140 g, while the 3S edges it by just one gram. Practically identical.
But look closer. The 3S introduces softer, more muted tones like pale gray, while the Advanced sticks to Logitech’s classic graphite black and darker greys. This isn’t about aesthetics only—the new finish on the 3S feels slightly smoother and a bit more matte, which some of us found more comfortable during longer work sessions.
Ergonomically, nothing has changed—and that’s a good thing. You still get that sculpted thumb rest, the genius side scroll wheel, and buttons that fall exactly where your fingers expect them to.
Unifying vs Logi Bolt: the connector swap that matters more than it should
Here’s where things start to split. The MX Master 3 Advanced uses Logitech’s Unifying Receiver, a reliable, widely supported dongle that’s been around forever.
The 3S switches to Logi Bolt, and while that might sound like a minor change, it’s anything but. Bolt supports Bluetooth Low Energy and brings stronger encryption, which isn’t just corporate-speak—it actually helps maintain stable performance in busy office environments.
They are not cross-compatible. That means if you’ve already got a Logitech keyboard on a Unifying Receiver, you’ll need a second dongle for the 3S. Annoying? Yes. But Bolt is the direction Logitech’s clearly moving toward, and it’s more future-proof—especially for enterprise use.
Compatibility: both play well, but 3S plays on more fields
There’s a slight nudge forward here. The MX Master 3 Advanced supports Windows 7+, macOS 10.13+, Linux, Android, and iPadOS. Pretty broad.
The 3S moves the bar up a bit, officially supporting Windows 10+, macOS 10.15+, iPadOS 14+, and ChromeOS out of the box, thanks to Bolt’s native integration. If you’re working across newer systems or using Chromebooks, the 3S is more adaptable. And as systems drop support for older USB protocols, this difference will only grow.
Still, both mice connect via Bluetooth as an alternative, so you’re never locked out of compatibility just because you don’t want to use a dongle.
Sensitivity: the DPI jump you didn’t know you needed
Let’s talk numbers. The MX Master 3 Advanced maxes out at 4000 DPI, which already felt pretty fast and precise—until we tried the 3S.
The MX Master 3S doubles that to 8000 DPI. That means it flies across 4K or ultrawide screens with way less hand movement, and it’s especially noticeable when you’re juggling high-resolution displays. That kind of leap doesn’t just sound impressive—it is practical. Less wrist movement = less fatigue, especially if you’re editing video, designing, or just multitasking across multiple monitors.
For high-resolution setups, this upgrade alone makes the 3S the smarter pick.
Charging and battery life: no differences, and that’s fine
Let’s be real: Logitech already nailed this part years ago. Both mice run up to 70 days on a single charge, depending on usage. And when you’re running low?
A one-minute USB-C charge gives you up to three hours of use. Yes, we tested that, and yes, it works. Plus, you can keep working while charging, thanks to the front-facing port. No flipping the mouse over. No stopping mid-flow.
There’s no win here for either side—just solid performance.
Build and materials: same mold, same comfort, slightly different feel
You’ll be hard-pressed to spot build differences unless you’re actively feeling for them. Both the 3 and 3S use the same high-quality plastic shell with a matte finish and soft-touch areas, especially on the sides and thumb rest.
But—and here’s a subtle but important change—the click on the 3S is quieter. Not mushy, not vague, just… quieter. If you work in shared spaces or hate that loud, crisp click, the 3S brings welcome silence.
The scroll wheel is still Logitech’s MagSpeed masterpiece, flying between lines like silk when you let it go free. Horizontal scrolling with the thumb wheel is a productivity godsend, and both mice still support gesture commands via the lower thumb button.
Multi-device magic: both still masters of the workflow
This hasn’t changed, and it didn’t need to. Both the MX Master 3 and 3S support Flow, which means you can drag your cursor—and files—across devices like magic. From a MacBook to a Windows PC? No problem. Even cross-platform copy and paste? It’s real, and it works.
You can still connect up to three devices, switch between them with a button, and customize functions per app using Logi Options+.
All settings are stored on the mouse itself, so if you switch computers, your macros and tweaks come with you. No reconfiguration needed.
Security and stability: Bolt brings the edge
This one’s straightforward. The Logi Bolt receiver used by the 3S adds AES-128 encryption, designed for crowded offices or enterprise environments. It’s built to reduce interference and cut latency, especially when there’s a sea of wireless devices around.
The Unifying Receiver on the Advanced model is still solid, but it doesn’t meet newer security standards. So if you’re using this mouse in a professional environment, or your company has IT policies about encryption, the 3S is the only one that fits the bill.
Software: same brains, but 3S gets first dibs
Both mice work with Logi Options+, and the customization is deep. From remapping buttons to creating app-specific profiles, the software is incredibly flexible. You can adjust DPI, tweak scroll speed, enable gestures, and more.
But Logitech is clearly prioritizing newer devices. The 3S is more likely to get firmware updates or new features first. That’s not to say the Advanced version is abandoned—but the 3S is the current flagship, and it shows in how Logitech treats it.
Sustainability: same effort, shared mission
No major differences here, but worth noting: both models use recycled plastic and minimalist packaging. It won’t change your workflow, but it does reflect Logitech’s commitment to greener manufacturing.
If that matters to you, rest easy. Both mice check the sustainability box.
So which one’s the better buy?
This isn’t about which mouse is good—they both are. The MX Master 3 Advanced still feels premium, still performs like a champ, and for many users, it’ll be more than enough.
But if you’re looking for that little extra—more precision, quieter clicks, better compatibility, and stronger connection stability—the 3S is the clear next step. It’s not flashy, but it’s smarter, sharper, and more forward-looking.
You don’t upgrade for a new shape. You upgrade for what you don’t see: the tech under the hood, the DPI that flies, the click that doesn’t interrupt your meeting.
And once you’ve used the MX Master 3S on a dual 4K setup, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for less.