Working from home, even part of the week, has become normal for many teams. Yet plenty of people still work hunched over a laptop at the dining table, squinting at a small screen and apologising for poor audio on every call. A few well-chosen pieces of hardware can change that completely.
We’ve helped teams set up remote and hybrid workspaces, and the lesson is always the same: you don’t need the most expensive gear, you need the right gear in the right order. Here’s what we’d prioritise.
1. An external monitor
If you buy only one thing, make it a monitor. Working on a laptop screen alone means constant switching between windows and looking down for hours. A second, larger screen lets you keep a document open next to email or a video call next to your notes.
What to look for:
- A size that suits your desk and viewing distance. Many people find 24 to 27 inches comfortable
- A resolution that keeps text sharp at that size
- A height-adjustable stand, or the option to add a monitor arm
- Connections that match your laptop. A single USB-C cable that carries display, data and charging is very convenient if your laptop supports it
2. A laptop stand with a separate keyboard and mouse
Laptops are designed for portability, not posture. When the screen sits on the desk, your neck bends forward. A simple stand raises the screen closer to eye level, and a separate keyboard and mouse let your arms rest at a natural height.
This combination is inexpensive and often makes the biggest difference to comfort over a long day. If you use an external monitor, the laptop can sit on the stand beside it as a second screen.
3. A good headset or microphone
On video calls, people forgive average video much more readily than poor audio. Built-in laptop microphones pick up echo, keyboard noise and background sounds. A headset with a dedicated microphone, wired or wireless, usually sounds clearer and keeps your voice consistent.
If you take a lot of calls in a noisy home, look for noise cancellation on the microphone, not just the earphones. If you prefer not to wear a headset, a desktop USB microphone paired with comfortable earbuds is another option.
4. A webcam that suits your call habits
Many built-in laptop cameras are fine for occasional calls, but they often struggle in low light and sit at an unflattering angle. An external webcam placed on top of your monitor puts the camera at eye level, which makes conversations feel more natural.
For most people, a 1080p webcam is plenty. Lighting matters as much as the camera itself. Facing a window or adding a small desk light in front of you often improves your picture more than upgrading the webcam.
5. A comfortable chair
A chair is a bigger investment, but if you sit for hours each day, it’s worth it. Look for adjustable seat height, good lower back support and armrests you can lower or remove. Your feet should rest flat on the floor and your knees should be roughly level with your hips. If possible, try a chair in person before buying.
6. Reliable internet and Wi-Fi
Hardware can’t fix a weak connection. If calls freeze or uploads crawl, start by checking where your router sits. Routers placed in a cupboard or at the far end of the house struggle to reach the desk. Moving the router, using a wired Ethernet connection to your laptop or adding a mesh Wi-Fi system can make a noticeable difference. A small UPS battery backup for the router can also keep you online through brief power cuts.
7. A docking station or USB-C hub
If you move your laptop between home and office, plugging in five cables every day gets old quickly. A dock or hub lets you connect your monitor, keyboard, mouse, webcam, network cable and charger through a single connection. Plug in one cable and your workspace is ready.
8. Good lighting
Eye strain often comes from poor lighting rather than the screen itself. Use soft, even light in the room and avoid having a bright window directly behind your monitor. A desk lamp with adjustable brightness helps in the evenings, and a monitor light bar can illuminate your desk without glare on the screen.
What you can probably skip
Some purchases look appealing but rarely make a real difference for everyday work: extremely high-refresh gaming monitors for office tasks, top-tier webcams when your lighting is poor, or expensive accessories before the basics are in place. Get the essentials right first, then upgrade based on what actually bothers you.
Tips for businesses equipping remote teams
If you’re setting up home offices for a team, consider a standard kit so support is easier. Keep a simple record of who has which equipment, check that devices are covered by warranty and make sure laptops are secured with encryption, updates and strong sign-in.
Conclusion
A productive home office doesn’t require a huge budget. Start with a monitor, a laptop stand with keyboard and mouse, and good audio. Then improve your chair, connection and lighting as needed. Small upgrades in the right order make long workdays more comfortable and calls far more professional.
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