Remote essentials guide

We've curated the ultimate list of the best products for any kind of remote worker. Below, you'll find three budget categories, so whether you need a cheap fix or you're investing in a high-tech home office for the long haul, we've got the perfect suggestions for you.

1. Budget items

OlumiRing from Oluminate: $24.00
The most convenient tool to ensure great lighting on your video calls. Especially useful for someone who likes a frequent change of scenery, this will allow you to have proper lighting from wherever you take your next virtual meeting.

HP VH240a 24" Monitor: $169.99
While it's less expensive than average for a 24" display, you can still be confident you won't have a pixelated screen in a year or two

VariDesk Essential 30: $199.99
Vari, formerly VariDesk, is an OG in the ergonomic office space. This desk is for those who don't want to commit to a complete standing desk, but still want to sit and stand as they please while working. They have several variations too; it's worth browsing their site to find what's best for your space.
Recommended by Alex in Austin, TX.

Anker Wireless Phone Charger: $15.99
Wireless phone chargers are ideal for your desk, especially stands that allow you to see notifications as they roll in. Recently on sale for $12.99, this is one of the least expensive charging stands available.

Jabra Elite 75t Active Wireless Earbuds: $99.99+
If you're not married to the Apple product family, these earbuds are worth your money for a few reasons: they charge wirelessly, they're waterproof, and they connect to multiple devices at once. Switch from a PC video conference to your iPhone call in seconds.

Moft Z 5-in-1 Sit-Stand Desk: $59.99
Collapsible, lightweight, and holding up to 22 lbs., this laptop stand is great to have if you're going to be using your laptop on different surfaces around the house.

LuxFit 36" High Density Foam Roller: $27.01
Keeping your body healthy as you work is crucial, and a foam roller is an inexpensive way to ensure you're staying loose. These are especially helpful when you catch yourself sitting or standing still longer than expected.

For the more cost-conscious remote workers.

2. Value items

The X-Stand: $107.00
Durable, collapsible, and still lightweight, the X-Stand is handy for bringing your laptop up to eye-level wherever you're working from. We like that it's made from bamboo, has two height options, and can be used at home or at a coffee shop.

Twelve South CaddySack: $59.99
Twelve South makes products that are primarily for Apple products - so this case is made specifically to hold MacBook and Apple chargers when traveling. If you expect to be on the road in the future, or even just working at different locations mid-week, this may help ensure you always know where your charging cables are.

Lume Cube: $69.99
The Lume Cube has been making waves since remote work took hold earlier this year. It combines good portability with good adjustability, a "Goldilocks" lighting solution between the less expensive OlumiRing and the pro-level solutions.

The Xebec Tri-Screen 2: $499.00
Depending on how you work, this could fall into any of our categories. It can be a makeshift home office, or a top-tier travel companion for the road warrior.
Recommended by Clay in Austin, TX.

LG 27UK850-W 27" 4K Monitor: $619.99
If you know you'll even be spending one day a week working from home, an external monitor should be a no-brainer. A 4K option will be compatible with laptops for years to come, and 27" means you'll always have plenty of real estate - at that size it can double as a small TV, too.

Jarvis Laminate Standing Desk, from Fully: $549.00
The Jarvis standing desk has wide acclaim, and their laminate version comes in at a lower price point than their bamboo option. You can't go wrong with one of the most popular standing desks on the market.

Nomatic Travel Pack: $299.99
This sleek backpack is waterproof, can turn into a briefcase, and has a pass-through to easily attach to your luggage handle. It's small enough to carry around town, but expands to store enough for overnight trips, while packing in tons of additional features.

Autonomous.ai ErgoChair Pro: $549.00
We have friends who swear by these, and it's now the primary chair for one of our home offices. They're easy to adjust, comfortable, and give more value to the customer since they ship direct-to-consumer.
Recommended by Phil in Plano, TX.

Herman Miller Sayl: $1,045.00+
The Sayl can be a great value option compared to other Herman Miller chairs, and certainly has the most unique look in their lineup. The design was inspired by the San Francisco Bay, and provides the level of comfort and flexibility you'd expect from a Herman Miller.
Recommended by Kim in Dallas, TX.

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation): $109.99
Second-generation AirPods, which come with a wired charging case, are often on sale these days. The AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) cost twice as much at $249.99, and these originals have stood the test of time. Making the leap to wireless headphones is a gamechanger; we highly recommend doing so if you haven't yet.

Nextrino Vibrating Foam Roller: $69.50
A step up from a regular foam roller is a vibrating foam roller. Keep it turned off for normal relief or add vibration for better relaxation. You'll want something like this around when you catch yourself sitting/standing for long periods of time without moving.

For the remote workers looking for the most bang for their buck, willing to invest in better equipment for the long haul.


3. Executive items

Evolve by Rocket Mission: $2,485.00+
A top-tier option for any home office, The Evolve smoothly combines reliable sit-stand technology with customization and storage. Having big drawers at your disposal will keep your desk clutter-free, and the size and color choices ensure it will work in any office.

Elgato Key Light: $199.99
If you want the best possible lighting for your setup - the kind professional gamers and streamers use on a daily basis - the Key Light is your best bet. With programmable options for light color and strength, and plenty of adjustable positioning, this will ensure the lighting highlights you perfectly for your video calls.

Nomatic 32L Travel Backpack: $399.99
Nomatic's 32L backpack is feature-rich just like all of their products, and works as a day pack while expanding enough to accommodate a multi-day trip. Waterproof with an internal laptop sleeve and external carry straps, it's built to be an "everything" bag for digital nomads on-the-go.

Satechi Quatro Wireless Power Bank: $99.99
Especially useful for those who often work outside their home office, a wireless power bank ensures you don't need to find a coffee shop table with access to an outlet nearby.

Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Headphones: $279.00
A newer model than the ones we've placed in this guide before, the QuietComfort 45 headphones will reduce outside noise as well as all options out there. While Bose usually discounts around the holidays, $279 is already a meaningful drop from the first retail price of $329 and is a great value for such high quality.
Recommended by David in Dallas, TX.

Herman Miller Aeron: $1,195.00+
Arguably the most recognizable desk chair in the world, the Aeron has a reputation for being the best for a reason. Its comfort level and attention to ergonomic detail are unrivaled among the competition. It's even featured in the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection. Options directly from the site will be $1,195.00+, but distributors on Amazon might have better prices.

Steelcase Gesture: $1,217.00+
Some chairs in the Steelcase lineup are comparable to Herman Miller; the Steelcase Gesture is one that often competes with the Aeron for most popular desk chair.

Samsung CRG9 49" Curved Monitor: $1,099.99
Multiple monitors can really boost productivity, but if you'd like to have everything conveniently on a single screen, this is one of the best possible options for you.
Recommended by Bryan in Austin, TX.

Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Pro: $399.99
What's even better than foam rollers for releasing tension? A massage gun. And since we're recommending products for remote workers, this one is known specifically for its low noise levels. Great for use mid-conference call!

For remote workers who don't want to compromise when it comes to their professional setup - or who have the largest stipends to spend!