If you work from home, even just a few days a week, you need more than a laptop perched on a sticky kitchen table. A dedicated desk setup allows you to step away from distractions, plop in your office chair and get to work.
It also creates a vital separation between your personal and professional life. After spending my initial work-from-home days on a living room couch, I quickly realized the importance of creating a separate space, and I have spent seven years refining it. As a tech writer, I have tested dozens of products for my desk setup, and have found some to be totally invaluable. Here are the tried-and-true upgrades that will make working from home easier, more comfortable and even more productive.
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<em>Desktop monitor:</em>LG UltraGear 27in
Staring down into a tiny laptop screen for eight hours a day can strain both your eyes and neck, so a proper monitor is the biggest upgrade you can make for your comfort. I’ve been using an LG UltraGear 27in monitor for my desk setup. While it is built for gamers, features such as an anti-glare coating and adjustable height stand are especially useful if your desk is located near a window. LG no longer sells my exact model, but this newer model offers the same matte screen I love at even higher resolution.
For a more affordable option, consider this 24in AOC monitor for its satisfactory screen quality at an affordable price. If your work involves creating content, you might want to splurge on the Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED for its perfect blacks and color accuracy.
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<em>Mouse and keyboard combo:</em>Logitech MX Keys S Combo Mac Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Laptop keyboards are notoriously cramped, and even the best trackpad can’t match the speed and precision of a mouse. I’ve been using the Logitech MX Master 3S mouse and MX Keys S keyboard since 2023, and appreciate both their reliable wireless connectivity and comfort. The customizable buttons on the MX Master 3S mouse let you set up shortcuts for common tasks – I’ve added trackpad-like shortcuts for switching windows, scrolling and more. If you prefer a compact keyboard, consider the Satechi Slim X1 Bluetooth keyboard, which shrinks to just over 11in wide, yet retains a satisfying typing experience.
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<em>Headphones:</em>Sonos Ace Wireless Headphones
I’ve tried the flagship headphones from Apple, Bose, Sony, JBL and Bowers & Wilkins, but I keep coming back to the Sonos Ace wireless headphones. They’re more comfortable than the rivals for long durations and offer good-quality mics for videoconferencing, pleasing sound and good enough noise cancellation for a home office.
At their current $299 price, the Sonos Ace are the most affordable top-of-the-line headphones among its rivals. If you want a cheaper alternative, consider the Baseus Inspire XH1 headphones for their long-lasting battery. For top-notch earbuds, I recommend the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, or the AirPods Pro 3 for Apple users.
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<em>Speakers:</em>Creative Pebble V3
I want better audio than a laptop can deliver, but I don’t want to spend a lot of money on speakers. If you’re like me, the $43 Creative Pebble V3 desktop speakers are perfect for daily use. They can get surprisingly loud, and their up-angled design directs the music right at you.
If you prefer a Bluetooth speaker you can take on the road, the Marshall Emberton 2 offers detailed bass, clear vocals and a pleasing sparkle at higher frequencies. It has been my reliable companion for over three years, but its successor, the Emberton 3 offers similar sound, better battery life and the same luxurious design for $129.
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<em>Webcam:</em>Insta360 Link 2 PTZ
I use my iPhone as a webcam with Apple’s Continuity Camera feature, but if you take multiple calls throughout the day a dedicated webcam will put you best face forward. I’ve tested the Insta360 Link 2 PTZ and I loved its powered base, which allows its sharp 4K sensor to pan, tilt and zoom on the fly, hence the “PTZ” in the name. It can follow you around so you’re always in the frame automatically, or you can use gestures to zoom in or zoom out when needed.
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<em>Charger:</em>Nomad 100W Slim Adapter
I travel often, so I prefer slim power adapters that can easily slide in a bag and come with me. Nomad makes some of the most powerful compact models you can buy. I have the 100W model, which is about the size of a deck of cards and has two USB-C ports for charging two devices simultaneously, and flip-out prongs for better pocketability. It can charge my MacBook Pro at 70W and my iPhone at 30W simultaneously. I also own the 65W model, which is both smaller and cheaper, making it a great companion for less powerful laptops.
For a more affordable alternative, consider the 67W Baseus PicoGo AE11 that we called the best overall USB charger after rounding up 22 of them, or the 100W Ugreen Nexode X606.
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<em>Wireless charger:</em>Nomad Stand One Max
This style of wireless charger doubles as a phone stand, making it easy to keep your phone at a glanceable height while it charges – no fumbling with cables. The Nomad Stand One Max is my favorite wireless charger because it can simultaneously power up my iPhone (at a fast 25 watts), Apple Watch and AirPods Pro – and look good doing it. From its glass and metal build down to its bundled nylon braided cable, it has a premium feel. A nonslip rubber base keeps it firmly in place when you attach and detach devices.
If you don’t have an Apple Watch to charge, get the Nomad Stand One and save $40.
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<em>Tablet stand:</em>Satechi OntheGo Foldable Stand Hub
I use my iPad Air as a second monitor with the Satechi OntheGo Foldable Stand Hub, which accepts a standard HDMI cable and plugs into your iPad’s USB-C port.
It supports 4K output up to 60Hz, so it looks as sharp and smooth as a dedicated monitor, and it has an adjustable stand to get comfortable viewing angles. It also extends the iPad’s capabilities with a built-in SD and microSD card reader. When you need to carry your iPad for digital work on the go, the stand is small enough to fold up and bring along.
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<em>Docking station:</em>Baseus Spacemate RD1 Pro
If you are a power user who misses all the ports that are omitted on modern laptops, the Baseus Spacemate RD1 Pro adds every port you’d ever need. It even has an adjustable Qi 2.2 wireless charging pad on top.
You can connect external displays, transfer files between devices, and charge connected hardware. A small color display on the front shows you a visual map of your setup, showcasing the connected peripherals and how the power is being distributed, among other things. You’ll never hunt for another adapter again.
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<em>Office chair:</em>Doro S300 Ergonomic Chair
I’ve been sitting on this chair for over two years now, and not just at my desk. It is so comfortable, I move it to my living room every time I want to read a book or watch a movie over there. The dynamic lumbar support, “weightless recline experience” and comfortable backrest have all helped relieve my back pain. It is expensive, and I wish it had an extended headrest, but for an item you’ll use every day, it remains a good long-term value.
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Three accessories worth considering for home offices
DeltaHub Carpio 2.0: For relief from daily wrist pain, the ergonomic design of the Carpio 2.0 could help. It did for me.
Harbor London Leather desk mat: I used my Harbor London Leather desk mat for three years before parting ways with it when I shifted to a new space, and I still regret letting it go. I loved its luxurious feel and the cushioned base.
Govee strip lights: I have added two strips to my desk setup to get warm lighting for late-night work. The best part is, you can connect them to Amazon Alexa-supported speakers for voice commands and change the light intensity, and color through the companion app.
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Other pieces you might enjoy from the Filter, the Guardian’s guide to buying fewer, better things:
The best open earbuds to tune in without tuning out the world
Sonos review: Are these the best portable speakers that money can buy?
