(Credit: Getty/Ivan Pantic)
Working from home can be as simple as sitting on the couch and opening your laptop, but that isn’t necessarily conducive to getting work done on a consistent basis. You really need some sort of home office setup for the optimal balance between comfort and productivity. Although more people than ever are working remotely, not everyone has the same requirements. Generally, though, you need to be able to focus for long periods without developing any aches or pains. You must also stay connected to the necessary resources and equipment for your job. This list covers everything you need to consider, including routers and mesh systems for reliable Wi-Fi, chairs and desks for long-term comfort, and top-notch peripherals such as mice, keyboards, headphones, and speakers.
Stay Connected: Wi-Fi Routers
TP-Link Archer AXE75 (Credit: TP-Link)
Internet access is essential for working from home, and you need to ensure consistent coverage around your residence. Although you can’t always guarantee that your internet service will be up 100% of the time, you can at least maintain a strong Wi-Fi network for when it is.If your place is small and your modem is relatively close to where you work, you can probably get by with a good router. Ditch the one your provider offers (especially if you have to rent it), and invest in one that gets you faster, more consistent speeds as well as improved range. A good budget-friendly router like the TP-Link Archer AX10 costs as little as $80, though more powerful models like the Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro can run you as much as $800.If your home is large, one router might not cover everything. In that case, consider a mesh system. These are routers that distribute wireless connections across multiple devices around your home. They improve range and long-distance performance because your computer only needs to connect to the closest mesh node rather than to the router physically plugged in to your modem. Mesh systems are typically pricier than single routers, but they’ve become significantly more accessible (a three-node bundle of our Editors’ Choice winner, the Eero 6+, is $300) and are worth considering if you want to work from anywhere in the house.
Asus ROG Rapture GT-BE98 Pro
MSRP $799.99
MSRP $299.99
MSRP $219.99
MSRP $199.99
MSRP $154.99
TP-Link Archer AX10 (AX1500) Wi-Fi 6 Router
MSRP $79.99
Stay in the Picture: Webcams
Obsbot Tiny 2 (Credit: Obsbot)
A good webcam will make you look sharper for video calls. Even inexpensive models can offer higher resolutions, wider angles, and better low-light performance than your laptop’s built-in camera.Moreover, a separate webcam offers greater flexibility. Sure, you can clip it to the top of your monitor, but you can also place it anywhere else its cable can reach. Most also have mounts for tripods, so you can set up your frame for calls. Some higher-end webcams also feature smart zoom features that digitally crop and pan to follow your face when you move around.If you really want to go all-out, consider getting a good light, like the Logitech Litra Glow, to go with your webcam. You look more professional if your face is the best-lit object in the frame.You can also use your smartphone or digital camera as a webcam. Both devices tend to have much better sensors and lenses than typical webcams, though they can take a bit more work to set up.
MSRP $329.00
MSRP $134.99
MSRP $199.99
MSRP $129.99
MSRP $59.99
Stay in Control: Keyboards and Mice
Cherry KC 200 MX (Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Your laptop’s keyboard might be serviceable, but it’s not the most comfortable way to type. The same thing applies to its touchpad. If you want to set up a proper workstation that won’t hurt your wrists, you should invest in a quality keyboard and mouse.The good news is that you have tons of options depending on your tastes and budget, from ergonomically curved peripherals to stark, brightly lit ones designed for gaming. You don’t need to spend a lot for a good typing and clicking experience either (though you certainly can).Many of our top picks for input devices, especially keyboards, have roots in PC gaming because that enthusiast market has driven much of the technological advances in these segments. However, that doesn’t mean you need to get a keyboard and mouse combo with an outlandish design. Even Razer, one of the biggest names in gaming accessories, has low-profile options that won’t stand out in an office setting.
MSRP $159.99
Asus ROG Strix Scope II 96 Wireless
MSRP $179.99
MSRP $89.00
MSRP $36.99
MSRP $59.99
Logitech MX Master 3S Wireless Mouse
MSRP $99.99
Kensington Expert Mouse Wireless Trackball
MSRP $99.99
Razer Pro Click Wireless Mouse
MSRP $99.99
MSRP $44.99
Stay Comfortable: Office Chairs
Cooler Master Caliber X2 (Credit: Will Greenwald)
Working from home usually involves a lot of sitting, and that can really hurt your back if you aren’t careful. You should start by getting a comfortable chair that offers all of the support you need for long periods in front of your desk.Herman Miller might be one of the most famous names in office chairs, but you don’t have to spend thousands on a comfortable seat (though you absolutely can). A decent office chair can cost as little as $200 or $300 if you know where to look.Many of our recommendations are gaming chairs because we’ve tested plenty from established brands. You likely won’t find the same consistency in quality if you search for a random desk chair on Amazon or at Walmart. Gaming chairs also tend to provide plenty of support and have a handy reclining feature that traditional office chairs often lack. Simply pull a lever and lean back to relax once you finish working.
MSRP $369.99
Herman Miller X Logitech G Vantum Gaming Chair
MSRP $895.00
Secretlab Titan EVO (2022 Series)
MSRP $549.00
MSRP $319.99
MSRP $1,857.00
Stay Active: Standing Desks
Secretlab Magnus Pro (Credit: Will Greenwald)
Even if your chair is comfortable, you might not want to sit in it all day. A standing desk, as its name implies, lets you stretch your legs and stand in front of your computer while you work.But standing desks aren’t just about working on your feet. They offer flexibility with adjustable heights, and many can easily switch between positions ideal for sitting and standing. You also don’t have to opt for a full desk—you can place adjustable stands on any table or counter to turn it into a variable-height workstation.
MSRP $799.00
MSRP $569.00
SHW Electric Height Adjustable Computer Desk
MSRP $268.87
Stand Steady X-Elite Pro Standing Desk Converter
MSRP $189.99
Stay Focused: Headphones and Headsets
Jabra Evolve2 75 (Credit: Jabra)
Whether you want to block out distractions or play music to help you focus, consider investing in a good pair of headphones or a Bluetooth headset.Most Bluetooth headphones can connect wirelessly to your phone or computer. But if you’re working from home, you probably want headphones that can also take phone calls. If voice clarity is paramount, dedicated Bluetooth headsets are the best choice because they typically feature boom microphones that offer superior sound. A monoaural earpiece is another option, but you should likely stick with stereo pairs that also offer decent audio chops for maximum convenience.If you’re concerned about distractions, consider getting noise-cancelling headphones. These use outward-facing microphones to measure sounds around you and generate waves that cancel them out. They can tamp down the hum of air conditioners, outdoor noise, or someone on a call in another room, helping you focus on work.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
MSRP $429.00
MSRP $249.00
SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
MSRP $329.99
MSRP $403.00
MSRP $329.95
Cheap and Easy Ways to Level Up Your Home Office
(Credit: Getty Images/Westend61) ((Credit: Getty Images/Westend61))
Little touches, from cord wraps to houseplants, can also make a big difference in improving your remote work life. Our simple, inexpensive tips can help you get started.
