The Ultimate Remote Work Gear Guide: Chairs, Desks, Monitors & More
Working remotely means your gear is your office. Unlike a corporate setup where someone else picks your chair and monitor, you get to build your own environment from scratch. The upside: you can tailor everything to how you actually work. The downside: the options are overwhelming.
This guide cuts through the noise. We have tested, researched, and compared dozens of products across every category and distilled them into clear recommendations at three price points: budget, mid-range, and premium. Whether you are setting up your first home office or upgrading an existing one, this is the gear that is actually worth your money.
Chairs
Your chair is the single most important purchase you will make. You will spend 6 to 10 hours a day in it. A bad chair does not just feel uncomfortable: it causes back pain, neck strain, and fatigue that compounds over months. Invest here first.
Premium: Herman Miller Aeron ($1,395)
The Aeron has been the gold standard for over two decades and the latest remastered version is better than ever. The 8Z Pellicle mesh keeps you cool even during long sessions, and the PostureFit SL lumbar support is the best in the business. It comes in three sizes (A, B, C) so you can get a genuine fit rather than a one-size-fits-most compromise. The 12-year warranty means this chair will outlast multiple laptops.
Why it wins: Unmatched build quality, proven ergonomics, exceptional breathability, and a warranty that backs it all up.
Mid-Range: Branch Verve Chair ($548)
The Branch Verve uses a 3D knit backrest that feels soft to the touch but still provides excellent airflow. The lumbar support is adjustable and the seat depth can be tuned to fit different leg lengths. At roughly a third of the Aeron price, it delivers about 80 percent of the comfort. The build quality is solid and the 7-year warranty is generous for the price.
Why it wins: Best comfort-to-price ratio in the mid-range. The 3D knit back is a standout feature.
Budget: Ticova Ergonomic ($179)
For under $200, the Ticova punches well above its weight. It has adjustable lumbar support, a headrest, and 3D armrests, features usually reserved for chairs three times the price. The mesh back keeps you cool and the build quality is surprisingly sturdy. It will not last as long as a Herman Miller, but for a first home office setup on a budget, it is hard to beat.
Why it wins: The best sub-$200 ergonomic chair available. Period.
Desks
Your desk is the foundation of your workspace. The big decision is whether to go with a fixed-height sitting desk or an adjustable standing desk. If your budget allows it, go with a standing desk. The ability to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day is genuinely beneficial.
Premium: Uplift V3 Standing Desk ($699)
The Uplift V3 has been the Wirecutter top pick for nine years running, and for good reason. It offers exceptional stability across its full height range (22.6 to 48.7 inches), fitting 95 percent of users comfortably. The dual motor system is whisper quiet, the programmable memory presets let you switch between sitting and standing heights with one button, and the anti-collision detection prevents accidents. The customisation options (desktop material, size, accessories) are extensive.
Why it wins: The most stable, configurable, and well-supported standing desk on the market.
Mid-Range: FlexiSpot E7 ($479)
The FlexiSpot E7 is the perfect all-rounder. Despite its mid-range price, it is incredibly stable and well-built. It packs all the features you would expect: programmable memory settings, anti-collision detection, and a robust dual-motor system. The height range (22.8 to 48.4 inches) covers most users. If you want a standing desk without paying premium prices, this is the one.
Why it wins: 90 percent of the Uplift experience at two-thirds the price.
Budget: IKEA LAGKAPTEN + ADILS ($49)
Sometimes simple is enough. The IKEA LAGKAPTEN tabletop on ADILS legs gives you a clean, spacious 47-inch work surface for under $50. It will not adjust height and it will not win design awards, but it is sturdy, functional, and available for pickup at any IKEA. Pair it with a good chair and monitor arm and you have a perfectly functional workspace.
Why it wins: Unbeatable value. A complete desk for less than a nice dinner.
Monitors
A good external monitor transforms your productivity. Laptop screens are fine for a coffee shop, but for serious daily work, you need more screen real estate, better resolution, and a display at eye level.
Premium: Dell U2725QE ($520)
The Dell U2725QE is the best work monitor you can buy. It is a 27-inch 4K IPS display with excellent colour accuracy, a massive USB-C hub (90W power delivery, multiple USB-A ports, ethernet), and thin bezels that make dual-monitor setups seamless. One cable from your laptop and you get power, display, and data. The ergonomic stand adjusts height, tilt, swivel, and pivot.
Why it wins: 4K clarity, excellent USB-C hub, and one-cable simplicity.
Mid-Range: Dell P2725HE ($230)
If 4K is overkill for your workflow, the P2725HE offers a 27-inch Full HD IPS panel with USB-C connectivity (65W power delivery) at a very reasonable price. The image quality is sharp enough for code, documents, and video calls. It shares the same excellent ergonomic stand as its premium sibling. For most remote workers doing primarily text-based work, this is the sweet spot.
Why it wins: Great display with USB-C convenience at a price that does not hurt.
Ultrawide Option: LG 34WN80C-B ($450)
If you want to ditch the dual-monitor setup entirely, an ultrawide is the way to go. The LG 34WN80C-B gives you a 34-inch, 3440x1440 curved IPS panel. That is equivalent to two 21-inch monitors side by side with no bezel gap. USB-C with 60W power delivery keeps things clean. The curve reduces eye strain by keeping all parts of the screen equidistant from your eyes.
Why it wins: Replaces two monitors with one seamless workspace.
Mice
An ergonomic mouse prevents the wrist strain that builds up over years of daily use. The difference between a cheap mouse and a good one is subtle day-to-day but massive over months.
Premium: Logitech MX Master 4 ($130)
The MX Master line has been the default productivity mouse for years, and the fourth generation is the best yet. The ergonomic sculpted shape fits naturally in your palm, the dual scroll wheels (vertical and horizontal) are perfect for spreadsheets, and the 8K DPI sensor tracks on any surface including glass. It connects to up to three devices and switches between them with a button. The battery lasts up to 70 days.
Why it wins: The productivity mouse. Nothing else comes close for multi-device workflows.
Ergonomic Pick: Logitech Lift ($70)
If you have wrist pain or want to prevent it, the Lift is the answer. Its 57-degree vertical angle puts your hand into a natural handshake position, reducing forearm pronation, one of the main causes of repetitive strain. It is smaller than the MX Vertical, making it better suited for small to medium hands. Available in both right-handed and left-handed versions.
Why it wins: The best vertical mouse for daily work. Noticeably reduces wrist fatigue.
Budget: Logitech M750 ($40)
The M750 is a quiet, comfortable wireless mouse that works on any surface and connects via Bluetooth or the included USB receiver. It supports Logitech Flow for seamless switching between up to three devices. At $40, it is an excellent everyday mouse with no real compromises.
Why it wins: Reliable, quiet, multi-device at a great price.
Keyboards
A good keyboard improves typing speed, reduces strain, and simply makes work more enjoyable. The right choice depends on whether you prefer the quiet of a membrane keyboard or the tactile feedback of mechanical switches.
Premium: Logitech MX Keys S ($110)
The MX Keys S is the natural companion to the MX Master mouse. The low-profile keys have a satisfying, quiet feel with just enough travel. The backlit keys adjust to ambient light, the battery lasts up to 10 days (5 months with backlighting off), and it pairs with up to three devices with Easy-Switch. The concave key shape helps your fingers find the right keys without looking.
Why it wins: The best all-round wireless keyboard for productivity.
Ergonomic Pick: Logitech ERGO K860 ($130)
If you type for long hours and want to protect your wrists, the K860 is the way to go. The split, curved keyframe encourages a natural typing posture, and the pillowed wrist rest with memory foam provides excellent support. Logitech claims it reduces muscle strain by 25 percent versus a standard keyboard. It takes a few days to adjust to the split layout, but once you do, going back feels wrong.
Why it wins: Genuinely reduces typing strain. The wrist rest is exceptional.
Budget: Logitech K380 ($40)
The K380 is a compact Bluetooth keyboard that connects to up to three devices. The round keys are surprisingly comfortable and the small footprint leaves more desk space for your mouse. It runs on AAA batteries that last up to two years. It is perfect as a travel keyboard or for compact desk setups.
Why it wins: Tiny, affordable, multi-device. A workhorse.
Webcams
Remote work means video calls, and your built-in laptop webcam is almost certainly terrible. A dedicated webcam dramatically improves how you look on calls, which matters more than most people think.
Best Overall: Logitech C920S Pro ($70)
The C920S has been the go-to webcam for years because it just works. Full 1080p at 30fps, dual omnidirectional microphones, automatic light correction, and a physical privacy shutter. The image quality is leagues ahead of any laptop webcam. At $70, it is the obvious upgrade.
Why it wins: The best value webcam. Reliable 1080p with good microphones.
Premium: Dell WB3023 ($130)
If you do client-facing calls or want to look your absolute best, the Dell WB3023 shoots at 2K QHD resolution with AI auto-framing that keeps you centered even when you move. The Sony STARVIS sensor handles low-light situations beautifully. The image quality difference over 1080p webcams is immediately noticeable.
Why it wins: 2K clarity with AI framing for a polished, professional look.
Accessories Worth Adding
A few smaller purchases that make a big difference:
Monitor arm ($30-100): Frees up desk space and lets you position your monitor at the perfect height and distance. The Amazon Basics Monitor Arm ($30) is excellent for the price.
Laptop stand ($25-50): If you use your laptop alongside an external monitor, a stand brings it to eye level and improves airflow. The Rain Design mStand ($50) is a classic.
Desk pad ($15-30): Protects your desk surface, provides a smooth mouse surface, and looks clean. A large felt or leather desk pad ties the whole setup together.
USB-C hub ($40-80): If your laptop is port-limited, a good hub is essential. The Anker 7-in-1 USB-C hub ($35) covers HDMI, USB-A, SD card, and power passthrough.
Ring light or desk lamp ($25-60): Good lighting is the single biggest factor in video call quality, more important than the webcam itself. The Elgato Key Light Mini ($60) or a simple ring light ($25) dramatically improves your on-camera appearance.
The Recommended Setup at Every Budget
Starter Setup (Under $500)
- Chair: Ticova Ergonomic ($179)
- Desk: IKEA LAGKAPTEN + ADILS ($49)
- Monitor: Dell P2725HE ($230)
- Mouse: Logitech M750 ($40)
- Total: ~$498
Mid-Range Setup (Under $1,500)
- Chair: Branch Verve ($548)
- Desk: FlexiSpot E7 ($479)
- Monitor: Dell P2725HE ($230)
- Mouse: Logitech MX Master 4 ($130)
- Keyboard: Logitech MX Keys S ($110)
- Total: ~$1,497
Premium Setup (Under $3,500)
- Chair: Herman Miller Aeron ($1,395)
- Desk: Uplift V3 ($699)
- Monitor: Dell U2725QE ($520)
- Mouse: Logitech MX Master 4 ($130)
- Keyboard: Logitech ERGO K860 ($130)
- Webcam: Dell WB3023 ($130)
- Accessories: Monitor arm + desk pad ($60)
- Total: ~$3,064
Final Thoughts
The best remote workspace is the one that removes friction from your daily work. You do not need to buy everything at once. Start with a good chair, it has the biggest impact on your health and comfort. Then upgrade your monitor, the productivity gain from more screen space is immediate. Fill in the rest over time.
Every product in this guide is something we would personally use or have used. No affiliate links, no sponsored picks. Just honest recommendations for remote workers who want to do their best work from home.
