Compact and full-size mice solve different problems. The compact option minimizes bag space; the larger option often provides more palm support and room for controls. Neither format is universally better.
Portability favors compact designs
A smaller shell fits laptop sleeves and crowded café tables. It can also suit smaller hands or fingertip grips. The trade-off is less surface area for palm support and sometimes smaller side buttons.
Desk comfort often favors more volume
Full-size mice give designers more room for a shaped palm rest, wider thumb shelf and larger wheel. That can feel more relaxed for some users during long sessions, although hand size remains the deciding factor.
Battery and receiver storage vary by model, not size
Do not assume a large mouse has better battery life. Efficient compact office mice can run for long periods on replaceable cells. Check receiver storage and charging design individually.
Controls can be easier to reach on a larger shell
Extra buttons and horizontal scroll controls need physical space. If spreadsheet or creative-app shortcuts matter, a full-size productivity mouse may provide more usable controls. For basic pointing, those features can be unnecessary complexity.
A two-mouse setup can be rational
People who travel frequently but work long hours at a fixed desk may prefer a compact travel mouse in the bag and a larger mouse at the desk. The duplicate cost can be worthwhile if each tool solves a distinct use case.
Bottom line
Choose compact when bag space and mobility dominate. Choose full-size when desk comfort and controls dominate. If both use cases are important, separating them can be better than forcing one compromise device.