Upgrade Your Home Office: The Ultimate Setup for Peak Productivity
A smart remote work system is essential to be productive and maintain work-life balance whether you work from home full-time or a few days a week. But let’s be real—your gear can make or break your day. We’ve tested everything from standing desks and ergonomic chairs to monitors, USB docks, and keyboards to find the best. Whether you're searching for remote jobs, exploring work from home jobs, or browsing jobs hiring near me and jobs near me, the right setup can set you up for success. Here are our top picks to upgrade your workspace!
You'll Need a Good Laptop or PC
- If you're eyeing a desktop PC, we have recommendations and advice for prebuilt gaming PCs that might be handy, or you can build your own. Here are a few of our favorite laptops:
01| MacBook Pro With M4 (2024) Laptop for $1,449
This isn’t your cousin’s college laptop. The 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro is like giving your productivity superpowers: a buttery-smooth 120Hz Mini LED display (Netflix breaks never looked so cinematic), MagSafe charging that snaps into place like magic, and enough ports to make a Swiss Army knife jealous. Bonus: It juggles three external screens while keeping its own display alive - perfect for spreadsheet warriors turned multitasking ninjas.
02 | Apple iMac (M4, 2024) for $1,299
Why chain yourself to a laptop when you can command a 24" 4.5K retina throne? This all-in-one beauty makes Zoom calls look like Hollywood close-ups and handles creative work like a pro. Pro tip: Add the nano-texture screen to glare-proof your setup - because sunlight shouldn’t ruin your spreadsheet groove.
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03| Apple Mac Mini (M4, 2024) for $579
Smaller than a sandwich, mightier than your old desktop. Plug this pocket-sized powerhouse into any screen and suddenly your grandma’s hand-me-down monitor becomes a 4K workstation. Perfect for budget-savvy pros who want Apple muscle without the fruity logo premium.
Great Desks
- A workstation starts with a good desk, and sometimes that means one that can convert into a standing desk so you can change things up. Read our Best Standing Desks guide for more recommendations.
04| Flexispot Adjustable Table With Wheels for $100
Your laptop deserves better than sweaty knees. This wheeled wonder glides from bed to balcony, transforming any spot into an ergonomic oasis. The gas-lift adjusts faster than your caffeine tolerance - go from horizontal to “I mean business” in 3 seconds flat.
A Laptop Stand Also Helps
- When you work from home, sometimes a change of scenery feels necessary. A stand will help add stability, wherever you are. Check out our Best Laptop Stands guide for more.
05 | Rain Design mBar Pro+ Portable Laptop Stand for $60
Fold it, toss it in your bag, and boom - instant posture perfection anywhere. Your neck will thank you after those 8-hour coding marathons. Pro tip: Use it vertically for TikTok-worthy Zoom angles.
06 | Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk for $180
The Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk ($180) is perfect for those who split their time between home and the office, or for anyone who enjoys hopping from one coffee shop to another while working. Despite its slim profile, this desk unfolds to reveal a compact Bluetooth keyboard and trackpad, while the case transforms into a laptop stand to elevate your machine. It’s a great choice for the hybrid worker.
07 | Nnewvante Bamboo Laptop Stand for $49
The Nnewvante Bamboo Laptop Stand ($49) is ideal for those who prefer working from the couch or bed. It’s sturdy, fits comfortably over your lap, and offers an adjustable angle to suit any lounging position. It’s also useful after hours as a sketching station. One part of the surface stays flat, perfect for holding a coffee cup, and there’s even a small drawer for storing your laptop’s charging cable. Made from natural bamboo, this stand adds a bit of nature to your workspace.
A Monitor Can Do Wonders
- A monitor will dramatically improve your work experience at home. Our favorite setup? One ultrawide monitor in the center and a vertically oriented display on the side.
08| BenQ GW2786TC 27-Inch IPS Full HD Monitor for $180
The BenQ GW2786TC 27-Inch IPS Full HD Monitor ($180) offers a larger display than your laptop, without breaking the bank. This full HD monitor can swivel into a vertical position, which is ideal for tasks like coding or writing, letting you view entire documents without scrolling. Just be warned, it may cause some envy from coworkers still stuck with older models.
09 | Dell S2722DGM 27-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor for $250
For a more immersive experience, the Dell S2722DGM 27-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor ($250) provides a sharper 1,440-pixel resolution and a curved design. The 165Hz refresh rate makes it great for gamers who want to switch between work and play seamlessly. It’s also VESA-mountable for added flexibility.
10 | LG DualUp 28-Inch 2K Vertical Monitor for $650
If you're looking for a unique work-from-home setup, the LG DualUp 28-Inch 2K Vertical Monitor ($650) is an excellent choice. This monitor features a 16:18 aspect ratio, perfect for those who want a vertical display with more screen space. It solves the common issue of cramped or cut-off content, especially in apps like Gmail. While it’s pricey, it offers great colors out of the box, an easy-to-install arm mount, and various display options, including USB-C.
Portable Monitors
- For portability, portable monitors are a convenient way to expand your screen real estate on the go, whether at a coffee shop, office, or home. These monitors typically don’t require an external power source, as they draw power from your laptop. Just keep in mind that charging your laptop while using one is a good idea.
11 | Plugable 15.6-Inch USB-C Portable Monitor for $200
The Plugable 15.6-Inch USB-C Portable Monitor ($200) comes with a folio case that doubles as a kickstand. It offers a 15.6-inch 1080p IPS display, with three USB-C ports for charging, data transfer, and connecting to your laptop. It’s compatible with most operating systems and is reliable for various tasks.
12 | Mobile Pixels Duex Plus Portable Slide-Out Monitor for $250
The Mobile Pixels Duex Plus Portable Slide-Out Monitor ($250) is my top pick for portable displays. This monitor magnetically attaches to the back of your laptop, sliding out to create a second screen. It’s especially useful for 13- or 14-inch laptops and ideal for productivity tasks like managing apps such as Slack or browsing. The 13.3-inch 1080p display works well for multitasking but isn't suitable for tasks requiring precise color correction. While it does add bulk to your laptop, it’s easy to remove when not in use, making it a great option for on-the-go work.
Monitor Mounts and Stands
- If you're dealing with limited desk space, a monitor mount or stand can be a great solution to free up room and tidy up those pesky cables.
13 | Workstream by Monoprice Single Monitor Arm for $66
The Workstream by Monoprice Single Monitor Arm ($66) is a reliable and affordable option. I’ve used it to support my 34-inch ultrawide monitor for years, and it works perfectly. It’s designed for monitors between 15 and 34 inches (up to 20 pounds), is fully adjustable, and includes built-in cable management. It clamps easily to your desk and follows the VESA mounting standard, so be sure your monitor is compatible.
14 | Ergotron LX Monitor Arm for $168
The Ergotron LX Monitor Arm ($168) is a sturdier, more premium option. While it’s a bit bulkier, it offers excellent movement and stability. WIRED contributor Simon Hill praises its durability and range of motion, especially for adjusting monitor height. It can support displays up to 34 inches and 25 pounds, with VESA compatibility and integrated cable management. It’s perfect for those looking for a more robust setup, especially with a standing desk.
15 | Vivo Dual Monitor Desk Mount for $35
For a dual-monitor setup, the Vivo Dual Monitor Desk Mount ($35) is a simple, no-fuss solution. It’s not the sleekest mount, but it gets the job done. I’ve used it with two different-sized monitors without any issues. It fits screens between 13 and 30 inches (up to 22 pounds), and includes cable management clips to keep everything tidy. Vivo also offers a single-monitor version that I’ve tested and like as well.
Grab a Multi-Port Hub
- When connecting a laptop to a monitor, you'll likely need to hook up other devices like a keyboard, mouse, charger, and possibly an SD card reader. This is where a multi-port hub comes in handy. You can plug it into your laptop and connect all your devices to it, making things much more convenient. For more options, check out our Best Hubs and Best Laptop Docking Stations guides.
16| Satechi USB-C Multiport 8K Hub for $100
The Satechi USB-C Multiport 8K Hub ($100) is a compact and well-built option with all the essential ports. It includes four USB-C ports, three of which support data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gbps, an additional USB-C port for 85-watt pass-through charging, HDMI, Ethernet, and an SD card slot.
17| Monoprice 5-in-1 USB-C Hub for $25
Should you still have several USB-A devices, the Monoprice 5-in-1 USB-C Hub ($25) is ideal. Apart from HDMI, it provides three USB-A connections for devices and lets you power your laptop using up to 100-watt pass-through charging. Though constructed of plastic, it's a reasonable option.
18 | Plugable USB-C Dual HDMI Docking Station for $140
Supporting dual 4K resolution screens via HDMI, the Plugable USB-C Dual HDMI Docking Station ($140) is perfect for customers with several monitors. Along with a headphone jack, it also has three USB-A ports—one on the front and two on the back—an Ethernet connector, front and back USB-C connectors.
Find a Comfy Mouse
- Using a trackpad could seem tight if your laptop is in use. A mouse provides more ergonomic design; a gaming mouse could reduce wrist discomfort. To see more possibilities, have a look at our Best Gaming Mice page. Here are two excellent options to think about:
19 | Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse for $100
A strong competitor at $100 is the Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse. Known for its very quiet left and right buttons, it is perfect for operating around people. Another remarkable quality is the smooth, fast-scroll wheel, which even features a second scroll wheel for horizontal and vertical scrolling—ideal for users of spreadsheets or apps like Airtable. Though you can connect it via Bluetooth, utilizing the accompanying Logi Bolt USB-A dongle will provide best responsiveness. It also runs nicely in games.
20 | Logitech G305 Wireless Mouse for $33
Another excellent choice for $33 is the Logitech G305 Wireless Mouse. This mouse has given me no problems for more than three years. Offering consistent performance and easy scrolling, it's a fantastic option for people with little hands. A single AA battery powers it; even with regular use, it lasts several months. Though the Logitech G203 is quite similar and only $20 if you want a wired choice, it too needs a spare USB-A port for the receiver.
Headphones Can Help You Focus
- A good pair of headphones can tune the world out. We have a ton of recommendations in our Best Wireless Headphones, Best Noise-Canceling Headphones, and Best Wirefree Earbuds guides. I've selected some of our top picks here.
21 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise-Canceling Headphones for $329
Need an oasis of silence in a noisy home or a construction-heavy neighborhood? These are our absolute favorite noise-canceling headphones. They silence the chaos, sound incredible, and feel like a dream on your ears.
22 | Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones for $298
Sony's famous wireless headphones provide exceptional comfort, stylish design, and rich, immersive sound. Plus an incredible 30-hour battery life with noise cancelling on, the WH-1000XM5 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) boasts some of the finest noise cancellation you'll find at this pricing. Pro tip: If you find the earlier WH-1000XM4 for $200 or less, get it—it remains a fantastic purchase!
23 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for $229
Not a fan of over-ear headphones? No worries—Bose brings the same world-class noise-canceling magic to these earbuds. They’re compact, comfortable, and just as effective at tuning out distractions, so you can focus on what matters.
A Good Webcam Helps If You Zoom
A dedicated webcam can seriously boost your image quality, especially if you're using a desktop. Check out our Best Webcams guide for top recommendations. Or, if you prefer a creative solution, learn how to turn your phone or even your camera into a high-quality webcam.
24 | Logitech MX Brio Webcam for $200
I’ve been using this beast for almost a year, and trust me, it’s worth it. Crystal-clear video? 4K resolution? Even if your video app doesn’t support 4K, you can zoom in and tweak your frame without losing sharpness. The Logitech G Hub software lets you fine-tune settings like white balance, and when you’re done, just twist the ring to activate the built-in privacy shutter. One small gripe: the built-in mic is a bit quiet, so you might still want an external one.
25 | Belkin iPhone Mount With MagSafe for MacBooks for $30
Already own an iPhone? Congratulations—you already have a high-end webcam! Apple lets you use your iPhone as a camera source, and this Belkin mount snaps it onto your MacBook (as long as it’s a MagSafe iPhone). No wires, no hassle—just stunning video quality that’ll leave your MacBook’s built-in camera in the dust. There’s even a version for Mac displays if you’re using an external monitor.
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