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Build a home office you’ll actually enjoying working from with tried-and-true upgrades – from inexpensive speakers to a stand that can turn an iPad into a second monitor
The best wireless earbuds in the US – tested
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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.
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.
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.
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.
I tested 42 pairs of wireless earbuds to find the best in the US
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.
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.
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.
