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Logitech M720 vs MX Anywhere 3S: Which Workflow Fits You?

M720 is the clearer fit if you want tilt-wheel horizontal scrolling and an included Unifying receiver with a replaceable AA. MX Anywhere 3S suits a Bluetooth-first workflow that prefers a rechargeable USB-C mouse and side-button horizontal scrolling; add a Logi Bolt receiver separately if you need one. The published battery ratings use different stated bases and do not establish which lasts longer in your use.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-03

Source checked 2026-10-03 03:02 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Would you rather scroll sideways by tilting the wheel and use a replaceable AA with an included receiver, or use side-button horizontal scrolling and recharge by USB-C?

M720 pairs a tilt-wheel and an included Unifying receiver with a replaceable AA; MX Anywhere 3S pairs a side-button horizontal-scroll gesture with a rechargeable battery and included USB-C cable, while its Logi Bolt receiver is sold separately.

Quick verdict

Choose Logitech M720 Triathlon (Black) if

  • You want to move sideways by tilting the wheel or want a replaceable AA battery and the M720's included Unifying receiver.
  • You want M720's hidden thumb button alongside its two side buttons for customizable shortcuts.
View Logitech M720 Triathlon (Black) on AmazonPaid link

Choose Logitech MX Anywhere 3S (Graphite) if

  • You want SmartShift's automatic or manual line-by-line/free-spin wheel modes and accept the side-button-plus-wheel horizontal gesture.
  • You prefer a rechargeable battery and USB-C cable, and Bluetooth or a separately purchased Logi Bolt receiver fits your setup.
View Logitech MX Anywhere 3S (Graphite) on AmazonPaid link
When the recommendation changes
  • A receiver-first setup favors M720's documented included Unifying receiver. A Bluetooth-first setup that prefers recharging favors Anywhere 3S; neither battery-life rating is a head-to-head endurance result.
  • For frequent horizontal movement in a wide spreadsheet, the M720 documents a tilt-wheel action; on Anywhere 3S it takes a held side-button plus wheel gesture. Choose the operation you prefer rather than assuming one is faster.

The differences that matter

Scroll And Shortcut Workflow

Logitech M720 Triathlon (Black)

M720 has a selectable speed/precision scrolling mode and a tilt wheel for horizontal scrolling; Logitech also lists two side buttons and a hidden thumb button that can be customized in Options+ on macOS and Windows.[1, 2]

Logitech MX Anywhere 3S (Graphite)

MX Anywhere 3S uses a SmartShift wheel that can switch automatically between line-by-line and free-spin or be shifted with its mode button. Horizontal scrolling uses a held back/forward side button together with the main wheel; the support guide says this is enabled by default in Options+ Point & Scroll. Logitech's FAQ says a long-press assignment can disable horizontal scrolling on that button; the other side button still works unless both are assigned long-press features.[5, 7]

What this changes: Choose by the movement you want to repeat: M720's tilt wheel moves sideways directly, while Anywhere 3S requires holding a side button as you turn the wheel. On Anywhere 3S, long-press customizations can disable horizontal scrolling on the assigned button; the other button remains available unless both are assigned such functions. Their published wheel modes also differ in operation, not proven scrolling speed or quality.[1, 2, 5, 7]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Receiver And Power Routine

Logitech M720 Triathlon (Black)

The M720 support specification lists a Unifying receiver and one replaceable AA battery in the box; Logitech describes Bluetooth or Unifying connection and rates the AA battery for up to 24 months.[1, 2, 3]

Logitech MX Anywhere 3S (Graphite)

The consumer MX Anywhere 3S U.S. product page says Bluetooth connects up to three devices, the compatible Logi Bolt receiver is not included, and a USB-C charging cable is included. Logitech rates it for up to 70 days on a full charge and up to three hours after a one-minute charge.[4, 6]

What this changes: M720's documented package begins with a receiver and replaceable AA; the 3S package is Bluetooth-ready with a rechargeable battery and cable, while adding Logi Bolt means buying that receiver separately. Pick based on whether you prefer replacing an AA or recharging over USB-C and whether a receiver is needed; the different rated battery periods are not directly comparable tests.[2, 1, 3, 4, 6]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Best for your routine

A setup that needs a receiver in the mouse package and replaceable AA power

Best fit: Logitech M720 Triathlon (Black)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

Logitech's M720 specification lists a Unifying receiver and one AA in the box, with a replaceable-AA battery design.

View Logitech M720 Triathlon (Black) on AmazonPaid link

A Bluetooth-first setup that prefers USB-C recharging

Best fit: Logitech MX Anywhere 3S (Graphite)

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

Logitech documents Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable power with an included USB-C cable for Anywhere 3S; a Logi Bolt receiver is not included.

View Logitech MX Anywhere 3S (Graphite) on AmazonPaid link

Value and trade-offs

One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.

Compare current checkout prices against the scrolling controls, receiver requirement and power routine you will actually use; no price-history conclusion is made here.

Compare current checkout prices, seller terms, and availability; confirm whether you need to buy a compatible Logi Bolt receiver separately before deciding.

Limitations

  • This is a comparison of Logitech's published controls, setup and power information, not hands-on testing of comfort, tracking, wheel feel, battery endurance or durability. The manufacturer battery periods are ratings and are not a like-for-like test.
  • Before ordering, confirm the selected color and package contents on the seller’s checkout page, including whether a Logi Bolt receiver is included.
  • Logi Options+ customization is documented for supported devices and operating systems; feature settings may vary by host and assigned button functions. On MX Anywhere 3S, Logitech says a long-press assignment disables horizontal scrolling on that button; the other side button remains available unless both are assigned long-press functions.
  • This comparison does not recommend buying now or waiting; compare current offers when you shop.
  • The standard consumer MX Anywhere 3S package described here does not include a Logi Bolt receiver; confirm the contents if you are considering a different bundle.

Questions shoppers ask

Does the MX Anywhere 3S include its Logi Bolt receiver?

No. Logitech's U.S. product page says the compatible Logi Bolt receiver is not included. The listed package includes a USB-C charging cable; Bluetooth is another connection option.

How do I scroll horizontally with each mouse?

On M720, Logitech documents a tilt wheel. On MX Anywhere 3S, hold either side button while turning the main wheel. Logitech says a long-press assignment can disable horizontal scrolling on that button; the other button still works, but assigning both buttons long-press features disables horizontal scrolling on both.

Do their battery ratings show which mouse lasts longer?

No. Logitech lists up to 24 months for one replaceable AA in M720 and up to 70 days for the rechargeable Anywhere 3S. These are manufacturer ratings with different battery setups, not a controlled comparison of real-world runtime.

Methodology and sources

Compared Logitech product and support information for the M720 Triathlon and consumer MX Anywhere 3S, focusing on wheel actions, button functions, receiver options, and power arrangements. No hands-on or controlled performance testing was conducted.

AI assistance helped organize source-backed model information and draft the comparison; no hands-on testing was performed.

View 7 sources
  1. 1.M720 TriathlonLogitech · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-03 01:54 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • U.S. M720 page, Ultra-precise navigation; Flexible and compatible; Productivity your way; Multi-device flow; Quality you can count on: Logitech describes M720's speed/precision wheel modes, horizontal tilt scrolling, Bluetooth or Unifying receiver connection, two side buttons plus hidden thumb button, up to three paired devices, and a manufacturer-rated 24-month battery life.
  2. 2.M720 Triathlon Technical SpecificationsLogitech Support · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-03 01:54 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Product Information and Mouse Specifications: M/N, What's in the box, Battery details/life, scroll wheel, Easy-Switch: The official M720 support page identifies model M-R0062, lists a Unifying receiver and one AA battery in the box, Bluetooth Low Energy and Unifying wireless, a replaceable AA and stated 24-month battery life, plus an 8-button/Easy-Switch/3-channel layout and hyper-fast tilt wheel.
  3. 3.M720 Triathlon Mouse Quick Start GuideLogitech · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-03 01:54 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • English setup section, PDF page 4 (printed 4): Unifying setup and included receiver; PDF page 5 (printed 5): Bluetooth setup; PDF page 6: Options software: The M720 quick-start guide says one Unifying receiver is included, all three Easy-Switch channels can be paired via Bluetooth Smart or Unifying, and gives separate receiver and Bluetooth pairing steps.
  4. 4.MX Anywhere 3SLogitech · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-03 01:54 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • U.S. MX Anywhere 3S page, Multi device, multi OS; USB-C quick charging, long-lasting; Scroll 1,000 lines per second: Logitech states that the MX Anywhere 3S connects with up to three devices over Bluetooth, supports only a compatible Logi Bolt receiver (not included), comes with a USB-C charging cable, and is rated for up to 70 days on a full charge and up to three hours after a one-minute charge.
  5. 5.Getting Started - MX Anywhere 3SLogitech Support · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-03 01:54 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Detailed setup; Product overview; Pair to a second computer; MagSpeed adaptive scroll-wheel; Horizontal Scrolling; Back/Forward buttons: The model-specific guide describes Bluetooth setup, a wheel mode-shift button, SmartShift's line-by-line and free-spin modes with manual shifting, Easy-Switch pairing with up to three computers, and horizontal scrolling by holding a side button while turning the main wheel. It notes horizontal scrolling is on by default in Options+ Point & Scroll and that some long-press button assignments can disable it for that button.
  6. 6.Specification - MX Anywhere 3SLogitech Support · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-03 01:54 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • General Product Specifications and Mouse Specifications: connectivity, battery and charging cable: Logitech lists Bluetooth Low Energy and Logi Bolt receiver connectivity, rechargeable 500 mAh Li-Po battery rated up to 70 days, and USB-A to USB-C charging cable for MX Anywhere 3S (the for-Mac model has a different cable).
  7. 7.How does Horizontal Scroll work on MX Anywhere 3 and MX Anywhere 3S?Logitech Support · Official support · Source checked 2026-10-03 03:02 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Horizontal scrolling steps 1–2; note and table for advanced long-press assignments (page lines 48–68): The Logitech Support article explicitly covers MX Anywhere 3 and MX Anywhere 3S. It says to hold either side button while scrolling the main wheel. A long-press assignment such as Gesture button, Advanced click, Change pointer speed or Modifiers disables horizontal scrolling on that assigned button; the other side button remains available. If both side buttons have such advanced assignments, horizontal scrolling is disabled on both.

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