Mouse and trackpad apps for MacHead to head

Mac Mouse Fix vs LinearMouse

Mac Mouse Fix ranks #2 and LinearMouse ranks #3 in our guide to the best mouse and trackpad apps for Mac. Mac Mouse Fix is the better pick for most people, and LinearMouse is the best free option.

The Useful TechResearched and written with AI under our rulesUpdated 14 Oct 2026

Better for most peopleMac Mouse Fix app iconMac Mouse FixPick Mac Mouse Fix if you use a gaming or budget mouse with side buttons and miss trackpad gestures.$2.99 onceBest freeLinearMouse app iconLinearMousePick LinearMouse if your plugged-in mouse scrolls the wrong way or the pointer speed feels off, and you want a free fix.Free, open source

What decides it

  • LinearMouse costs less over 3 years: Free, against $2.99 for Mac Mouse Fix.
  • Both run on Mac.

Side by side

Prices are checked every day.

At a glanceMac Mouse Fix app iconMac Mouse FixLinearMouse app iconLinearMouse
Price$2.99 once after a 30-day free trialFree and open source
How you payPay onceFree
3 years of use$2.99Free Cheaper
Free trialYesFree to start
Runs onMacMac
Where to buyDeveloperDeveloper
FeaturesFree trialOpen source

Who should get which

Get Mac Mouse Fix if

You use a cheap or gaming mouse with side buttons and miss your trackpad's gestures.

Get LinearMouse if

You plugged a regular mouse into your Mac and the scrolling direction or pointer speed feels off.

Skip Mac Mouse Fix if

You use an Apple Magic Mouse, which Mac Mouse Fix doesn't support.

Skip LinearMouse if

You only use the trackpad and like how it already feels.

Our verdicts

Mac Mouse Fix app iconMac Mouse Fix

Plug a regular mouse into a Mac and you lose every trackpad gesture and smooth scrolling. Mac Mouse Fix brings them back: hold a side button and drag to switch Spaces or open Mission Control, and reverse scrolling for the mouse alone. It costs $2.99 after a 30-day trial that only counts days you use it, while Mos is the free option if smooth scrolling is all you miss.

LinearMouse app iconLinearMouse

Turn off pointer acceleration, reverse scrolling on the mouse while the trackpad stays natural, and remap extra buttons to shortcuts or Mission Control, with separate settings per device, app or display. LinearMouse does all of it free and open source, without installing your mouse maker's own software. Mac Mouse Fix, at $2.99 once, is the better pick if what you miss is trackpad-style gestures on a mouse.

What each one helps you do

Mac Mouse Fix app iconMac Mouse Fix

  • Switch Spaces with a mouse button and a drag
  • Scroll smoothly with a regular mouse wheel
  • Reverse mouse scrolling without touching the trackpad
  • Assign keyboard shortcuts to extra mouse buttons

LinearMouse app iconLinearMouse

  • Turn off mouse acceleration for steady control
  • Reverse mouse scrolling but keep the trackpad natural
  • Remap mouse buttons to shortcuts and media keys
  • Use different settings per app or display

Where to get them

Mac Mouse Fix

$2.99 once after a 30-day free trial

  • From the developerFree for 30 days, and days only count when you use the app
    $2.99Get it

LinearMouse

Free and open source

  • From the developer
    FreeGet it

Neither one quite right?

The other picks in our guide to the best mouse and trackpad apps for Mac.

Read the full guideAll Mac Mouse Fix alternativesAll LinearMouse alternatives

More comparisons