Remote work has its perks no commute, comfy clothes, and working from a sunny patio. But it can get frustrating fast if you’re doing it without the right gear. A clunky setup makes you less productive (and a little grumpy). The good news? You don’t need a fancy office to work smarter. A few key accessories can make a huge difference. Here’s what’s worth having on hand.
1. Noise-Canceling Headphones
If you’re working from home, chances are you’re communicating your space whether it’s with family, roommates, or a dog who thinks barking is a full-time job. A solid pair of noise-canceling headphones can save your sense. They thwart distractions and make meetings less stressful. Plus, people can hear you when you talk. Bose and Sony make great options that are comfortable enough to model all day.
2. An External Webcam
Most built-in laptop cameras are… not great. If you’re on Zoom calls a lot, an external webcam is a simple upgrade that makes you look clearer and more professional. And no, you don’t need to be a tech expert to set one up. Logitech has a few plug-and-play options that get the job done without fuss.
3. A Keyboard and Mouse That Don’t Hurt to Use
Laptops are convenient, but using that tiny keyboard and trackpad for eight hours straight is a recipe for sore wrists and stiff shoulders. An ergonomic keyboard and mouse can make a huge difference. Look for ones that feel natural in your hands. Logitech and Microsoft both have solid options if you’re not sure where to start.
4. Laptop Stand (Your Neck Will Thank You)
Ever catch yourself hunched over your laptop like you’re trying to fold yourself in half? Yeah, me too. A laptop stand raises your screen so it’s at eye level, which helps with posture. Combine it with that external keyboard and mouse, and you’ve got yourself a much more comfortable setup. Bonus points if the stand folds up and travels well.
5. Docking Station or USB Hub
If you’ve ever found yourself crawling under your desk looking for somewhere to plug in your charger, you need a docking station. It turns one port into several so you can connect everything at once keyboard, mouse, monitor, phone charger. No more cable chaos.
6. A Bigger Screen (a.k.a. an External Monitor)
If you’ve ever tried to juggle a spreadsheet, a video call, and 12 open tabs on a single laptop screen, you know the struggle. Adding a second screen gives you room to spread out and stay organized. Even a basic 24-inch monitor can make multitasking a lot less painful. And if you work on the go, portable monitors are a thing now just plug in and go.
7. A Decent Desk Lamp
Good lighting isn’t just about looking less like a cave-dweller on Zoom calls (though that’s nice too). A desk lamp with flexible brightness can help reduce eye strain, especially if you work early mornings or late nights. Go for one with different color settings you’ll be surprised how much it helps.
8. Better Wi-Fi (Seriously)
Few things kill productivity like bad Wi-Fi. If your signal drops whenever you walk away from the router, a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system can fix that. Mesh setups like Eero or Google Nest Wi-Fi are super easy to install and make sure you’ve got strong internet everywhere you work (even if that’s the backyard).
9. Portable Power Bank
If you’re the type who likes to operate from coffee shops or parks, a power bank is a lifesaver. You won’t have to panic when your battery hits 5% and there’s no outlet in sight. Get one that can handle your laptop, not just your phone. Anker makes reliable, affordable ones.
10. Cable Management Stuff
Nobody talks about it, but cable clutter is annoying. Simple fixes like clips or sleeves keep cords from turning your desk into a tangled mess. Clean desk, clear mind.
Wrapping It Up
Remote work isn’t going anywhere, and your setup doesn’t have to be complicated to be comfortable. A few small upgrades can make a big difference in how productive (and sane) you feel by the end of the day. Start with what bugs you most, and go from there.
What’s the one piece of gear you can’t live without when working remotely?
