Everything You Need to Work From Home Like a Pro

Long before I was forced to stay indoors earlier this spring, I spent most of my time … indoors. I built a PC back in college (with the help of friends), and since then I've continued perfecting my home office setup—switching desks, keyboards, monitors, and more.

When many of my friends and colleagues were forced to quarantine because of the coronavirus pandemic, I realized most people don't have a home office setup like mine. The pandemic is still surging, and while a vaccine has been approved, it's likely we won't go back to offices for several more months. Even if we do, office work will never quite be the same, as more and more companies are considering permanent work-from-home solutions. So, my fellow folks privileged enough to work from home, below are some picks that might make that work more bearable. Many have been tested by WIRED's Gear team, and we're recommending others based on customer reviews across retailers, what other sites have to say, and our experience with the brands.

Updated December 2020: I've added several new items, including a chair from Poppin, an under-desk bike, a headphone stand with wireless charging, new desk accessories and tech support sections, and more.

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We're guessing you have a laptop or desktop of some kind, whether it's your own personal device or the one you brought from work. If not, check out our Best Laptops, Best Cheap Laptops, Best Chromebooks, and Best MacBooks guides. 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 for a lot less.

Here are a few of our favorites:

• MacBook Air with M1 (2020) for $999: Apple's newest MacBook Air (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best option for most people. With the new M1 processor, it can easily handle all but the most intensive tasks (and even with more demanding apps, it fares really well for its price). It's completely silent due to the fanless design, and battery life is spectacular. It'll last more than a full workday. Get the model with 16 GB of RAM. Unless you're editing 4K videos or rendering CAD models, this reliable and powerful machine with treat you well.

• Acer Swift 3 (2020) for $604: This is our favorite cheap laptop. It runs Windows, and you get quite a bit for the money: An Intel Core i5 chip, 8 gigs of RAM, a 256-gigabyte SSD, and a sharp IPS LCD 14-inch display. Plus, battery life is pretty good and you're not parched for ports.

• Acer Chromebook 714 for $600: If you can do all your work via a browser and that browser happens to be Google Chrome, then you should consider a Chromebook. This Acer model delivers good performance with the Intel Core i3 chip and 8 gigabytes of RAM, and it managed 12 hours of battery life in our video drain test. The downside is the 14-inch screen doesn't get all that bright.

A workstation starts with a good desk, and sometimes that means one that can convert into a standing desk so that you're not sitting all day.

• Fully Jarvis Standing Desk for $559+: This is our favorite standing desk with an adjustable height via the motor (and up to four height presets), tested by WIRED reviews editor Jeffrey Van Camp and featured in our WFH gift guide. He likes the eco-friendly bamboo top, and there are also tons of ways to customize it to your liking.

• FlexiSpot EN1 Standing Desk for $310: This desk took a bit of time to put together (the instructions can be a bit vague), but it offers everything you'll want in a motorized standing desk at a more stomachable price. The single motor can go from a height of 28 to 48 inches—you can save three presets for quick switching—and it doesn't wobble much. The surface is made from environmentally friendly chipboard, but it doesn't feel cheap or low-quality at all. FlexiSpot has a cheaper model (usually on sale for around $200) that skips the height presets if you want to save even more.

• VertDesk V3 standing desk for $588+: This standing desk comes recommended from WIRED senior editor Michael Calore. It moves up and down, and holds up to 275 pounds so you can have multiple monitors on the desk. It's infinitely customizable—go crazy and add a keyboard tray, monitor arm, power strips, casters, and more.

• A more standard computer desk for $102: This is a simple desk that can be put together in five minutes out of the box. There are a few size options (I have the 62-inch version of a similar model) and while it doesn't have the highest quality materials (it uses particle wood board for the table), it has a sturdy frame, looks minimalist, and it's affordable.

No workstation is complete without a comfortable chair to ease into. Here are a few the Gear team has tried and like.

• Staples Hyken Mesh Task Chair for $165: Reviews editor Jeffrey Van Camp says he personally tried "all the chairs at all the stores" last year and this is his favorite—and now sits at his desk. It reclines, has neck support if you need it, and the mesh holds up.

• Staples Ardfield Mesh Back Fabric Task Chair for $130: This chair (another recommendation from Jeffrey) might not last a lifetime as your main chair, but it comes in a variety of colors and frequently dips below $100.

• AmazonBasics Mid-Back Desk Office Chair for $73: WIRED writer Louryn Strampe says this chair from Amazon isn't mind-blowing, but it's cheap and worked for her secondary workstation set up in her home. It's fully adjustable too.

• Poppin Max Task Chair for $299: I've been using this chair for my mini bedroom workspace for several months and it's comfortable. The mesh backrest is soft and has good airflow, though I wish the lumbar support was adjustable, and the casters aren't noisy when you roll around. It's fairly compact, durable, and it looks pretty in the orange and blue color options.

• X-Chair for $690+: This is expensive, but I like it a lot. Like mattresses, good chairs are worth the investment, especially if you spend eight or more hours on it every day. I've sunk a lot of dough on cheap chairs and ended up with some back problems. This chair I've been testing resolved them. Its mesh structure enables excellent airflow, so I don't get too hot; it's comfortable; and it helps keep my posture straight. I've been testing the X2 specifically, which starts at $800, but that's because I'm 6'4" and need the wider seat. If you're smaller, the X1 should suffice.

The benefit of using a laptop is that you don't need to be confined to a desk. And 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 options.

• Nnewvante Laptop Stand for $59: I love the versatility of this laptop stand. It's stable, whether I'm working on the couch or in bed, plus the angle is adjustable to suit however you're lounging. That makes it great for after-work hours too, when I put the laptop away and use the stand as a sketching station. A part of the surface stays flat—great for holding that morning cup of coffee—and there's a tiny drawer! It's where I stash my laptop's charging cable. It's made from natural bamboo.

• Obvus Solutions Laptop Tower Stand for $75: This is WIRED writer Medea Giordano's favorite laptop stands of the ones she tested. It's lightweight, sturdy, and you can raise it to various heights and positions (you can even go from sitting to standing).

• Rain Design mStand Laptop Stand for $40: This simple stand needs a sturdy surface like a coffee table, but it's affordable, attractive, and highly rated by buyers across multiple retailers. There's also a cutout on the back where you can pull cables through for maximum organization.

• Neetto Height Adjustable Laptop Table for $50: This one isn't as pretty, but it comes recommended from The Verge and has top marks on Amazon. It's adjustable, and a good choice if you often find yourself on the couch rewatching Community on Netflix while working.

• Grovemade Walnut Laptop Stand for $150: This is a beautiful laptop stand, and yes, it's expensive, but I love every minute using it. It's best suited for a desk or table—to make room for a keyboard and mouse. There's a stainless steel stop to keep your laptop from sliding off and the feet are made of cork so it doesn't move around.

A monitor is one of those things that will dramatically improve your work experience at home. They're selling out across several retailers at the moment, so you may have a hard time snagging one. These are some good options still in stock.

• Acer SB220Q Bi 22-Inch Full HD Monitor for $94: This simple 1080p monitor will do the job for most people and it's about as affordable as monitors get. You do get slim bezels, the stand doesn't take much room, and you get one HDMI and one VGA port. It's not compatible with the VESA mounting system, so you can't put it on an arm mount or hang it up on a wall. My partner has been using a similar Acer monitor that does the job; it's a bit bigger but pricier.

• HP VH240a 24-Inch Full HD Monitor for $125: This is another solid 1080p IPS monitor for the price, but you get VESA compatibility so you can mount it to save desk space. Alternatively, the stand is quite adjustable (you can tilt it to portrait orientation too), and the bezels are slim. It has built-in speakers, but they're very quiet and don't sound very good.

• Asus VA24EHE 24-Inch Full HD Monitor for $108: I've been using this monitor for several months and it has been treating me well. It's well built, looks sleek, and the screen is sharp and gets incredibly bright. It's plenty colorful, too (you might actually want to tone those colors down). I wish the stand was more adjustable, but I solved that problem by putting the monitor on a VESA arm mount.

• Dell S2719DM 27-Inch QHD Monitor for $360: This monitor is bigger, has a very slim profile, a higher 1440p pixel resolution, can be mounted, and even supports HDR for better colors in select apps. You're stuck with just two HDMI ports but that should be fine for most people. It's well-rated online, and Laptop Mag gave it high marks.

• LG 34UM69G-B 34-Inch Ultrawide Monitor for $380: If you're frequently in front of a monitor and find yourself craving more screen, consider an ultrawide. Reviews editor Jeffrey Van Camp recommends this model from LG, which has a 2,560 x 1,080 resolution, HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, and a speedy response time (handy if you also play fast-paced videogames). Ultrawide monitors open up new worlds of multitasking, letting you run two full-size browser windows side-by-side (or another application), which is why several members of the Gear team have one.

• Vissles-M Portable Monitor for $209: Maybe you've already started working a few days of the week at the office. If you feel safer using your own gear, we love this portable monitor (9/10, WIRED Recommends) you can take from room-to-room or from home-to-office. All you need is a single cable to get it up and running. The touchscreen is excellent, and there are built-in speakers. It's excellent value.

If you're working with limited desk space, a monitor arm mount is a great way to reclaim some of it back (plus it helps hide pesky wires!).

• Workstream by Monoprice Desk Mount for $60: I've been using this mount to hold up my 34-inch ultrawide monitor and it works like a charm. It's adjustable, holds up to around 20 pounds, and the arm clamps to the desk and doesn't look hideous. It uses the VESA mounting standard, so make sure the monitor you have supports it.

• Fully Jarvis Monitor Arm for $99: This arm mount supports the same weight as the previous one and is just as adjustable. It's VESA compatible, has a 5-year warranty, offers built-in cable management, and it's made by the same company that makes the standing desk we recommend above. Wirecutter also has it at the top of its list.

• AmazonBasics Premium Single Monitor Stand for $134: I have not tested it myself, but Amazon's mount has a ton of positive ratings and recommendations. It works with monitors that are 32 inches or smaller (using the VESA mount standard), supports up to 25 pounds, and it's fully adjustable to a variety of angles and positions.

• Grovemade Walnut Desk Shelf for $220: Another way to reclaim some desk space is to use a monitor stand. I've been using this one from Grovemade, which can fit two monitors. It's absolutely beautiful though very expensive. The walnut plywood feels exquisite, and the cork stands are lightweight but hold up to 50 pounds. There's a little shelf made of merino-wool felt to prevent any scratches if you decide to stow an iPad or laptop there.

If you're plugging in a laptop to a monitor, chances are you'll need to plug in several items, like a keyboard, mouse, the charging cable, and maybe an SD card reader. That's where an adapter comes in. Plug it into your laptop, and plug everything else into it. It's so much simpler. We also have some recommendations on cables and AC adapters if you need them.

• Vava USB-C Hub 9-in-1 Adapter for $60: This well-built hub has allowed me to connect various accessories and peripherals to my laptop. There are nine ports in total, from an HDMI port for connecting an external display and an SD card slot to a headphone jack. It means I only need to unplug one thing when I move to the couch. You'll want to check if your laptop has a USB-C port, and if it supports connecting to external displays via the port.

• Plugable USB-C Dock for $99: If you don't want a dongle sticking out of your laptop, I like Plugable's dock, which can sit vertically or horizontally on your desk. You get five USB-A ports, a mic in and headphone jack, and a spot to connect an Ethernet cable to hook up to your router for faster internet speeds. You connect it to your laptop via the included USB-C to USB-C cable. If you have a multi-monitor setup, I really like Plugable's TBT3-UDZ. It can output 96W of power, has 14 ports, and has a metal build that's more premium.

• Anker PowerExpand+ 7-in-1 USB-C Hub Adapter for $40: Anker products are reliable and inexpensive, and this dock recommended by WIRED contributing writer Boone Ashworth is no different. Plug the USB-C cable into the port on your laptop, and then you can plug in two USB-A devices into the dock, an Ethernet cable, a USB-C charger to juice up your laptop, a MicroSD card and SD card, as well as an HDMI cable to connect a monitor.

• Anker PowerExpand Direct 7-in-2 USB-C Hub Adapter for $60: Anker has a newer version specifically for MacBooks. It takes up two USB-C ports, but it can charge the laptop faster and offers Thunderbolt 3 support so you can connect it to a second monitor.

• Nomad USB-C to USB-C Cable for $30: If you need new cables to charge and connect your devices, I've been enjoying this 100 watt, Kevlar braided cable from Nomad. It doesn't feel flimsy at all, and there's an integrated cable tie to keep things organized. It comes in 1.5 or 3 meter sizes, and you can also get the same cable but USB-C to Lightning if you want to charge your iPhone or iPad.

• Aukey USB-C to USB-C Right Angle Braided Cable for $16: I like these cables because they stay flush and don't stick out of my phone or iPad. They support up to 60 watts of USB Power Delivery, and the cable is nylon braided. You can get a USB-C to Lightning variant for $13. I also like the company's standard Lightning to USB-C cable, which is nylon braided as well and is longer than 6 feet.

• Aukey Omnia 100W PD Charger for $46: It's a good idea to get a charger that supports gallium nitride technology. It's a relatively new standard that allows for faster charging from a smaller adapter. Compare this Aukey charger to Apple's own 96W charger and you'll see just how small it is (plus it's cheaper!). This specific model has juiced up my laptops and tablets quickly, but there's also the 65W PA-B3 if you need a USB-A port and a USB-C port, and the PA-B4, which has two USB-C ports.

You type all day, so you need a good keyboard. Everyone's preferences are different, and while we at WIRED love mechanical keyboards, we also have other options if you want something a little more subtle.

• Logitech K380 Wireless Keyboard for $40: I really like this mini, simple, and cheap Bluetooth keyboard. You do need two AAA batteries to power it though. If you must have a number pad, then check out Logitech's K780 ($60) wireless keyboard.

• Dell standard corded keyboard for $19: This is a basic but good, full-size wired keyboard if you want to keep costs as low as possible. You even get volume control.

• Logitech G513 Carbon for $150: This is WIRED reviewer Jess Grey's top pick in our guide to the Best Keyboards. It's relatively quiet, and yes, there's some RGB colorful lighting here, but you can turn it off if you don't like it. I prefer linear switches (they're quieter), but you can check out our guide for a breakdown of what all those terms mean.

• Ducky One 2 Mini Mechanical Keyboard for $100: If you're like me, then you're positively mesmerized by small, mechanical keyboards. They're growing in popularity, I swear! This one from Ducky comes recommended by WIRED's Boone Ashworth (not to mention the glowing raves about it around the web). My personal tiny mechanical keyboard, if you must know, is the GK64 from KBDFans with Gateron Black switches.

Working on a laptop can feel cramped. A mouse is just more ergonomic to use than a trackpad, and a gaming mouse specifically could help if you're dealing with some wrist pain.

• Logitech G305 wireless mouse for $50: I've been using this wireless mouse for almost a year and it has been problem-free. It's just the right size, feels nice in the hand, and has a smooth scroll wheel. It's wireless so it does take one AA battery, but it usually only needs a swap once every three to four months (and that's with heavy use).

• HyperX Pulsefire Surge for $45: It might be a bit showy, but writer Jess Grey says the chassis is comfortable and it's a snappy performer. It's quite affordable, too!

• SteelSeries "Sensei Ten" corded mouse for $70: This is our favorite corded mouse at the moment. It's super lightweight, ergonomic, and works well for both lefties and righties as there are buttons on both sides.

• Dechanic Control mouse pad for $7: I've gone through several mouse pads but this has been my favorite cloth one so far. The texture feels really nice and the rubber underside keeps it in one place. It doesn't tend to get very dirty, but you can toss it in the wash if needed. It comes in multiple sizes and color accents.

• Nomad Leather Mouse Pad for $60: This mouse pad is a step up from the cloth one above. It's made from Horween vegetable-tanned leather that looks and feels great. My mouse slides smoothly across it and I love how spacious it is. The rubber bottom helps keep it in place, too. It will attract scratches and will develop a patina over time, but that will only make it look better.

• Grovemade Leather and Walnut Mouse Pad for $120: I know, I know. This is an expensive mouse pad. But if you're trying to pretty up your home workstation, it delivers style and substance. The vegetable-tanned leather is supple and spacious, and I love the walnut basin, which I use to stow a pen for when I quickly need to jot something down. The cork underside keeps it in place most of the time, though it could stand to be a tad grippier.

We have several more mice in our guide to the Best Gaming Mouse.

A good pair of headphones can tune the world out. We have a ton of recommendations, from the Best Wireless Headphones, Best Cheap Headphones, Best Noise-Canceling Headphones, and Best Wirefree Earbuds guides. I've selected some of our top picks here.

• JBL Tune 210 for $24: Cheap doesn't have to mean bad, and these earbuds are a good example. They sound solid and the cord stays straight. There's a single button you can press to control music playback or answer calls.

• Audio-Technica ATH-M20X for $49: These corded cans are a bit plasticky, but they're simple, affordable, and deliver surprisingly good sound. The bass isn't too heavy so music doesn't sound muddled.

• Sennheiser HD 6XX for $220: Sometimes you can't block the world out. Maybe you have kids in the next room that you need to keep an ear out for or you're waiting for a knock at the door. (Keep your distance!) If that's you, these comfortable corded headphones are the ones to buy. The open-back design lets sound in, allowing you to hear what's going on in the real-world without needing to raise a cup above your ear, but music still sounds great. The Sennheiser HD58X are also similar but cost a little bit less (I have them!).

• Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-canceling for $350: These are the newest headphones from Sony and they're still the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy (9/10, WIRED Recommends). Whether you want to block out the rest of the family while you work or you need to tune out the construction sounds outside your apartment, the 1000XM4 will do the job and give you excellent audio quality. These frequently drop to $278 so buy it on sale.

• 1More ColorBuds wirefree earbuds for $100: These are our favorite completely wireless earbuds. They offer great sound, solid battery life, and better comfort than most wirefree buds, at a much lower cost. There's no noise canceling, but they have earplug-like noise blocking. They're often on sale for $80.

• Apple AirPods Pro wirefree earbuds for $200: If you want wireless earbuds, chances are you want Apple's AirPods. Don't buy the standard set. You can do much better by going for the 1More Stylish for less and they are better in every way. But if you have to get something from Apple, buy the AirPods Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends). They're pricey, but they have excellent noise canceling, a comfortable fit, and the microphone quality for phone calls is better. You can also use them with Android phones, though with limited features. The Beats Powerbeats Pro also sound good.

• JLab Audio JBuddies Studio kids headphones for $30: If you have kids, it can be tough to sit in on a conference call with Baby Shark playing in the background. Get them these affordable headphones. They limit sound to doctor-approved 85 decibels.

If you live alone, then you don't necessarily need headphones. Speakers will let you to blast tunes as you're cranking out work. These recommendations come from WIRED's Parker Hall, our main audio reviewer.

• Presonus Eris E3.5 studio monitor speakers for $100: These speakers will take up some room on your desk, but for good reason. They sound great for the price and have powerful bass.

• Audioengine A1 for $199: We haven't tested these two speakers yet but we like Audioengine products and these should sound great. They're wireless (a cord is still included if you want to jack in), and they're fairly compact.

The webcam in your laptop probably outputs potato quality. If you're video calling often (many of us are), it might be better to get a dedicated webcam, especially if you're on a desktop. Unfortunately, a lot of them are still out of stock at the moment, so you'll have to check back to see when they're available again. Make sure to check our guide on How to Turn Your Phone Into a Webcam aand How to Turn Your Camera Into a Webcam for alternative options. And read our Best Webcams guide for our top picks.

• Aukey Full HD webcam for $50: Type webcam into Amazon's search bar and you'll find a ton from brands we've never heard of, making it hard to trust whether they'll be good, safe, and reliable. We've tested Aukey products before, and they've been reliable. This one is no different. The colors are a bit muted, and the camera doesn't have as wide of an angle (you might need to move back a bit), but it does the job well. This is one of the few webcams that has been consistently available throughout the pandemic.

• Razer Kiyo for $100: This is our top pick in our Best Webcams guide. WIRED writer Matt Jancer really likes the included light, which seriously improves image quality when his apartment starts to get dark.

• Logitech C615 HD webcam for $70: I've been using this webcam for more than a year and it hasn't given me any trouble. It looks dated, but it offers 1080p HD video quality and does a decent job exposing my face against a bright window. Unfortunately, there's no privacy shutter, but since it can rotate 360 degrees, I turn the camera toward a wall when I'm done using it. I bought this model for $32 last year, so try not to pay for its ridiculously marked up price.

• Logitech C920S HD webcam for $70: This webcam nets you 1080p video but better components mean even better quality; you can zoom in and still retain 1080p quality, and the autofocus is much better. There's a privacy shutter too so you can feel safe from snoopers. It's also out of stock almost everywhere.

• This lighting kit is also helpful for $60: Whether you're video-calling a colleague on the other side of the world at night or you need to film a video for work, this compact light from Lume Cube can help brighten things up. It's not a webcam but can work alongside one. You can even use it with DSLRs as it comes with a cold shoe mount, but you can also attach it to almost any tripod. It gets decently bright for such a small thing, but my top complaint is the battery doesn't last long, about an hour on full brightness. It does recharge quickly via USB-C, and you can change the color temperature of the light.

You don't need a microphone as the one in your laptop or wireless headphones should suffice, but if you've gotten comments on your microphone's quality in video calls, then it's a sound investment.

• Blue Snowball Ice for $50: Blue's microphones are notable for their quality and reliability. I've been using a Blue Yeti for more than five years, but that's more than what most people need. Get the cheaper Snowball instead. It will make a dramatic difference over your built-in microphones and it's a plug-and-play solution, no special software needed.

• Jlab Talk Go USB Mic for $49: WIRED writer Parker Hall says this is a great beginner option if you're wading into the world of desk mics.

• SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wired Headset for $50: Rather than getting a dedicated microphone you can get a headset like this one with a (detachable) built-in mic, recommended by Gear team members Jeffrey Van Camp and Jess Grey. It comes in a wireless version, too (8/10, WIRED Recommends).

Your employer uses a myriad of tools to keep its digital business safe and speedy at the office. But what about at home? These will help.

• ExpressVPN for $7 per month: If your work doesn't provide you with a virtual private network (VPN) to keep your internet traffic away from prying eyes, it's worthwhile to invest in one. This is our favorite pick for most people. It doesn't log any of your data, there are apps for nearly every platform (even your home router). You can even use it to bypass geographic restrictions for streaming content on services like Netflix.

• 1Password for $3 per month: Look, we get it. Passwords are a hassle. But you really should make sure you're using a strong, secure one. Using a password manager can help you keep track of all of them, and our favorite is 1Password. It stores and encrypts your passwords so no one can access them. It can act as an authenticator, plus it has tight integration with Android, iOS, web browsers, and other operating systems.

• Eero Home Mesh Wi-Fi System 3-Pack for $250: WIRED Reviews Editor Jeffrey Van Camp uses this mesh router system to deliver speedy internet around his home. Just place the three nodes in different zones to stitch together a powerful network. Read our guide on upgrading your home Wi-Fi if you're having issues with your existing router.

A part of what helps me get into a good workflow is my desk. If it's messy, my mind's not right. If it's too stale and boring, I will stay up until 3 am reorganizing it until I like it. It's important! From cable organizers to plants to headphone stands, these items may help you get into that work from home mood every morning.

• Gardenuity Garden Kits for $55: Plants are important. They can reduce stress and improve productivity. I've added two Gardenuity desktop garden kits into my home for a few weeks and I love 'em. They're relatively small, so they don't take up too much space. The Indoor Mint Kit is my favorite because I can pluck the leaves and use them as a garnish in my cooking. Gardenuity gives you watering instructions and sunlight recommendations, and so far, my plants haven't withered (a big step for me, OK?)!

• UT Wire 18-Piece D-Wings cord organizer for $9: I hate seeing wires strewn about so I use these to keep them all tidy and organized. The adhesive is decently strong, and it does a better job of keeping wires in place than other brands I've tried.

• Anker PowerWave II wireless charger for $36: You can plop your phone down on this wireless charging stand so you can still see the screen as you work while the phone juices up. If you want something a bit more stylish, check out Moshi's new Lounge Q wireless charger ($70). It has an adjustable height, so you can place your phone in landscape or portrait orientation, and its surface is made of microfiber so as to prevent scratches on your phone.

• Oakywood Wireless Charging Headphones Stand for $109: Need a place to store those headphones? I really like this one from Oakywood. The solid wood base doubles as a wireless charger for your phone! The steel stand doesn't wobble, and the whole thing just looks so attractive on a desk.

• Thirstystone Brand Coaster for $24: Chances are you'll have a mix of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water, beer, and many other beverages around your desk throughout the day. I really like this sandstone coaster so I don't scuff up my desk. They're heavy, so they won't randomly slide away, and the rough texture will keep your drink in the same spot. They're attractive too!

• Tripp Lite TLP74RB 7-Outlet surge protector for $18: Since you're most likely plugging in more devices than ever, get a good surge protector. This simple one from Tripp Lite should be enough. Tripp Lite offers up to $25,000 lifetime insurance for any damage to your equipment from a surge. If the LED goes out, it means it's time to replace it and Tripp Lite will give you a new one for free. If you need more outlets, I recently bought several of this 12-outlet model and it's been treating me well.

• Otherland Scented Candles for $36: A candle can help make your space feel more relaxing. This brand is a favorite of several WIRED staffer, and you can even get a sampler to try before you buy. Check out our Ways to Stay Calm guide for more options.

These other miscellaneous items aren't necessary but might help your workflow.

• Brother HL-L239ODW wireless monochrome printer for $150: If you frequently print documents at the office, here's a home option. WIRED writer Scott Gilbertson says this Brother printer hasn't given him any trouble, allowing him to print from his Windows laptop, Chromebook, and phone via Wi-Fi. It does only print in black and white, but it can scan and copy. If you need to print in color, this looks like a good alternative.

• Relay by Republic for $50: I have fallen in love with this hockey puck-sized device. Buy a pair, give it to a loved one or coworker, and you'll feel like a kid communicating via Walkie-Talkie, over. It uses 4G LTE, so you'll need to pay a $10 monthly fee, but it means you can talk to the other one anywhere in the country. I've used it while biking around town (with the mono headset accessory) to check in with my partner, and it's so much easier than pulling out my phone just to send a message, especially with gloves on. If you buy in bulk you can have multiple group chats, or give them to your kid and you can set up GPS tracking to monitor their location and geofencing to get notifications when they reach a certain location. Handy when you can't keep an eye on them when you're at the desk.

• Flexispot Adjustable Exercise Bike Desk Cycle for $260: I get movement reminders from my smartwatch every hour but sometimes I just can't take a break from my desk. Enter: The Desk Bike. This one I tested is particularly geared for standing desks (like the Flexispot we recommend above), but anything tall enough will do, just check the dimensions. It comes almost entirely assembled, and you get eight levels of resistance to get your sweat on. It sits on casters, so you can roll it away when you stop using it, and a built-in display will show how many miles you biked, the calories you burned, and more. There's even a cup holder!

• Post-It Flex Write Surface whiteboard for $36: If you're like me and need a physical place to jot down your ideas (and you miss your office's whiteboard), stick this sheet to your wall. It took me less than five minutes to install, and it's easy to wipe off dry erase or permanent markers with some water and a cloth. Just use a ruler to cut it or you'll end up with a crooked whiteboard like me. For a slightly more high-tech version, I like the Think Board X2 for $30. It's a similar sheet of whiteboard that sticks to walls and other surfaces, but you can use the corresponding app to scan the contents and save them directly to cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

• Muji pack of 5 notebooks for $10: You can also just use a notebook to write those ideas down. These ones from Muji are simple, affordable, and high quality.

• Delter Coffee Press for $40: If you're used to grabbing a cup of joe on your way to the office (or at the office) every day, then you'll want to get the same fix at home. We have several options in our Best Latte and Cappuccino Machines and Best Portable Coffee Makers guides, and the Delter is among our favorites. The best part? After all self isolation blows over, you can take it wherever you go. You can get fresh coffee beans delivered to your door through a service like Atlas Coffee Club, and don't forget a grinder! We like this one.

• Malm 2-Drawer Chest from Ikea for $50: As a gear reviewer, I need a lot of storage space. I used my desk at the office to store a lot of gear but at home, I have this simple two-drawer chest for my work-related things. It's easy to build too. If a drawer is too much, consider a desk organizer like this one.

• ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest for $40: WIRED writer Louryn Strampe recommends this height-adjustable footrest, saying it's ideal for people who spend their day at a desk for hours at a time. The plush cover is machine-washable, too.

Make sure you set clear boundaries for when you start and stop working. Get dressed in the morning so you can feel ready for work, make sure the TV is off so you're not distracted, and when you're done for the day, turn off the computer if you can (or close all your work-related tabs). You can even disable notifications after 5 pm in work apps like Slack. WIRED's digital director Brian Barrett has more tips you can read in How to Work From Home Without Losing Your Mind.

If your eyes feel tired because you've been looking at a computer screen all day, don't feel like you have to splurge on blue-light filtering glasses. The science on whether they work isn't quite sound. Instead, follow the American Optometric Association's 20-20-20 rule to prevent digital eye strain. Every 20 minutes you should take a 20-second break to look at something up to 20 feet away. You can also try software tools to reduce the amount of blue light emitted from screens at night to see if that helps you sleep. Windows, Macs, Android, and iOS devices—even some ebook readers—have this feature.

Sitting all day is not good for your health. Get up and walk around more. Set a timer every 30 minutes to do some stretches or walk around. An Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch can offer up automatic alerts on when you've been sedentary for too long. Something like the Cubii Pro, while expensive, might be a good way to get the legs moving. Check out our guide on How to Work Out From Home for more suggestions.

Make sure to check out our many other guides that might help during this pandemic. Even if the quarantine doesn't affect everyone in the same way, we have guides on how to make sure you're stocked up on the right things, how to clean everything, what to do if you think you have Covid-19, how to be a pro at using Zoom, ways to stay social while at home, games to educate your kids, recommendations on the best face masks for when you need to go outside, and more.

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• 🏃🏽‍♀️ Want the best tools to get healthy? Check out our Gear team’s picks for the best fitness trackers, running gear (including shoes and socks), and best headphones