USB Overdrive for Mac

Used USB Overdrive for Mac?

USB Overdrive Analysis

AI Assisted Content · June 11, 2026

Not written by CNET Staff.

USB Overdrive is a trial version utility designed for Mac users, enabling comprehensive control over USB devices. This software allows users to customize the behavior of various USB peripherals, including mice, keyboards, and game controllers, offering a high degree of flexibility. The interface is user-friendly, allowing for easy configuration of device settings, such as button assignments and speed adjustments, tailored to individual preferences.

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Trial version

One of the key features of USB Overdrive is its support for multiple devices, allowing users to manage several USB peripherals simultaneously. It also provides options for creating profiles that can be switched based on different usage scenarios, enhancing productivity and efficiency. Users can expect seamless integration with macOS, ensuring that their USB devices function optimally without the need for extensive technical knowledge.

USB Overdrive for Mac

Used USB Overdrive for Mac?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: December 20, 2019

Latest update: June 11, 2026

Version: 4.0.1

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Mac

Operating System: Mac OS X

Additional Requirements

macOS Catalina
macOS Mojave
macOS High Sierra
macOS Sierra
OS X El Capitan

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 14,268

Downloads Last Week: 0

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Last Updated

User Reviews

4.1/5

193 User Votes

Not Apple certified, and I sure found out why, fast.
snthFebruary 4, 2013
Pros
Fixed an old Macally Dotmouse, reversed scroll-wheel action. The Dotmouse preferences in System Prefs wouldn't open (grayed-out 'continue' button, no solution). BUT...
Cons
...USB Overdrive then made a shambles of the other installed wired/wireless USB devices' functions. (From the get go, this app will 10-second delay nag you for a donation every time you go into its prefs, which is terrible when fixing something I carefully followed the vendor's instructions that were supposed to work around these (known) issues, and eventually wound up with a mouse-pointer stuck on the apps pref drag area like your hand stuck on duct-tape. Clobbered the keyboard. Couldn't do force quit. The disable changing other peripheral's function didn't work, and it started adding sound functions (!?) to the mouse's function, and a whole list of bizarre anomalies. It was either kill my brand new Mini's power switch, or figure out something less drastic. So, just pulled out the mouse's usb and put back in. Now I could force-quit System Preferences altogether. Then I could set to work. Almost hearing the app's voice as Hal: "Dave... what are you doing Dave. Please stop...Dave...
Summary
If you like playing Russian Roulette with a brand new Mac and Mountain Lion, give this utility a spin. In the 20+ years of using Macs, I've never seen an app go so wrong so fast on such a brand-new presumably bullet-proof machine. So this is why the vendor's app is not certified, I guess. I prefer to get a new mouse, or else learn to love the wrong-way scrolling until Macally posts a new driver.
So far so awesome
btvirtusNovember 19, 2010
Pros
I'm using a 5-button Razer Imperator, whose own software comes with a crippled Mac pref pane that doesn't allow button customization. After upgrading from Overdrive X, everything's working perfectly.
Cons
I haven't found anything wrong with it yet, but I don't game on my Mac (I KVM with a PC).
Summary
I posted a reply to the review above, explaining how to fix the problem he's having, but I'm only using 10.4.11. I'm switching to 10.6 soon, so if my solution doesn't work with that, I'll come back on here and say so. This is a very useful (I would say necessary) product. Apple should build all this functionality into the system already.<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Nov 19, 2010<p/>Depending on how you have reviews sorted, the one I replied to may not be "above" mine :-).
Latest version has a serious bug!
PaulKBNovember 5, 2010
Pros
This software has been good in the past, although after experiencing the bug in this version, I am beginning to suspect that USB Overdrive may be the source of previous conflicts I have been experiencing with Snow Leopard 10.6.4.
Cons
After installing the USB Overdrive mouse driver the volume control keys on the keyboard stopped working. A restart of the OS would not restore the sound keys on the keyboard. Uninstalling USB Overdrive 3.01 solved it. It conflicts with Mac OS 10.6.4
Summary
I highly suspect the earlier versions of USB Overdrive may have also had this bug although the conflict expressed itself intermittently. Although not always, but frequently I would lose the use of the sound control keys on the keyboard. A restart solved the issue. I suspect that this driver was causing other instabilities as my iMac has been much more stable since removing this driver. I am using a Logitech optical mouse. I was led to believe by the documentation that came with the mouse Logitech did not provide a mouse driver for Mac OS X. When I had a major conflict with USB Overdrive I did a Google search and found a driver called "Logitech Control Center" for Mac OS X. This driver works perfectly. If you are using a Logitech mouse on a Mac go to the Logitech web page and download it now! Now I have a stable Mac. :)
poor documentation, constantly loses contact
bengreens1May 28, 2010
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I paid for 3.0.1 in an attempt to substitute it for the horribly buggy Logitech Control Center. The documentation is fairly incomprehensible (I say this as an editor and longtime student of foreign languages), and even after I did the basic setup I experienced a problem where the keyboard would become unresponsive until I opened System Prefs/Keyboard & Mouse. Didn't have to DO anything after opening; that was enough to reconnect. Having to do this multiple times a week just didn't work for me. I now use Apple's preferences and can live with not being able to use many of the special keys and mouse buttons on my input devices.
Too many problems
rskinnerOctober 25, 2009
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />I gave USB Overdrive another try, despite difficulties in the past, because others speak so highly of it. This time it worked exactly as intended. However, I soon realized that my volume keys and eject key no longer worked. After uninstalling USB Overdrive, my keyboard resumed acting normally.
Great product
t0ast.accsOctober 6, 2009
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />USB Overdrive has been the dominant 3rd party mouse driver for quite some time and been an absolute necessity for more demanding users due to OS X's scarce customizability and poor handling of 3rd party mice and keyboards. While its previous versions have been limited to controlling and customizing the mouse, 3.0 can also control keyboards, effectively eliminating the need for other drivers such as Logitech Control Center, drivers which often has proven to be unstable, incompatible and incomplete. Highly recommended.
No way
tingoSeptember 20, 2009
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />My faithful Logitech Cordless mouse became utterly and completely useless with this version. No button was any longer functional, not even the wheel. Even the speed was affected, as it slowed down to a crawl. No matter how much I'd fiddle with the settings, it didn't change a thing, so I uninstalled it and re-installed 10.4.8, which had served me well so far. Thankfully, the old version remembered all the settings and prefs, and the old mouse went on roaring all over again. Peccato, Alessandro.
Great to have this
PSmithSeptember 16, 2009
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />Thanks to the developer, I can now switch to running Snow Leopard in 64-bit mode full time. Got back all the functionality of my 5-button Targus bluetooth mouse. That was the last significant "problem" I had with 64-bit mode, so bye-bye to 32-bit.
Doesn't work with Kensington Expert Mouse
rskinnerSeptember 16, 2009
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />The buttons aren't configurable. Looks like I'll continue to use Mouseworks.
Tried Steermouse, but USB Overdrive best
macdmcgSeptember 16, 2009
Pros
Cons
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.<br />This works perfectly now as a 64 bit preference pane driver using a BT 550 mini bluetooth mouse. My old Microsoft USB Intellimouse also works great with a lot of options to access all of the available contols. This product is built like a rock, stable with great tech support. The developer rarely needs to update it and your original license lasts for years.

Developer’s Description

By Alessandro Levi Montalcini

Driver for usb mice, trackballs, joysticks, gamepads, keyboards.