Whether you're working from home for the first time, or a seasoned pro looking to upgrade your setup, you'll need the right tools for the job.

From home office accessories to the essential tools you need, there's a wide range of gadgets to help you get used to remote working. Here are seven of the best remote work accessories.

Premium pick

1. Apple Watch Series 6

9.40 / 10
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Without a morning commute to get you out of the house, it can be all too easy to spend all day in loungewear without moving from your desk. This might be okay in the short-term, but if you're working from home regularly, you need to exercise, eat well, and maintain good posture throughout the day. The Apple Watch Series 6 is the best smartwatch available today and an all-day health companion.

Although the watch is easy to use, can mirror notifications from your iPhone, and integrates seamlessly with Apple's other services, the health-focused features are the watch's main selling point. The Apple Watch was one of the first smartwatches to interpret heart rate data, alerting you to potential issues before they become a problem. The watch functions as a pedometer, sleep tracker and can send you regular reminders to move and generally look after yourself.

Key Features
  • Always-on Retina Display
  • Water-resistant up to 50 meters
  • Tight integration with Apple Health and other Apple services
  • Runs Apple's watchOS software
Specifications
  • Brand: Apple
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
  • Color Screen: Yes
  • Notification Support: Yes
  • Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
  • Operating System: watchOS 8
  • Onboard GPS: Yes
  • Offline Media Storage: Yes
  • Customizable Strap: Yes
  • SIM Support: Yes
  • Lens Material: Ion-X glass
  • Display Size : 1.57 inches, 1.73 inches
  • Case Material: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium
  • Water Rating : 50 meters
  • Calendar: Yes
  • Weather: Yes
  • Smartphone Music Control: Yes
  • Case size: 2
  • Colors: Silver, Space Gray, Gold, Blue, Product Red, Space Black, Titanium
  • Display: Retina LTPO OLED
  • CPU: S6 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor
  • Storage: 32GB
  • Health sensors: Blood oxygen sensor, ECG
  • Dimensions: 1.57 x 1.34 x 0.42 inches
  • Weight: 1.4oz
  • Audio: Yes
Pros
  • Best consumer-grade heart rate monitor
  • Integrated ECG monitor
  • Can display notifications, take calls, and interact with Siri
Cons
  • The most expensive option
  • Only works with the iPhone
Buy This Product
Apple Watch Series 6
Editors choice

2. Jabra Elite 85h

8.60 / 10
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Working at home inevitably means more distractions. At the office, everyone is busy working, with the occasional conversation interrupting your flow. At home, however, there may be friends and family who aren't synced up to your work. That's not to mention the additional disruption of music, TV, and radio. If you'd rather drown that out and focus, you'll need the Jabra Elite 85h.

This set of noise-canceling headphones are some of the best available today, making them the perfect remote working accessory. The set's SmartSound noise-cancellation allows you to remove unwanted background noise, while still being aware of your surroundings. You can toggle between three modes of cancellation, too; Active, Hear Through, and off.

The Elite 85h are equipped with eight mics, with some used for noise cancelation, while others provide high-quality recording for calls. A button on the left earcup gives you direct access to your virtual assistant of choice; Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa. The battery is capable of lasting up to 36 hours on a single charge.

Key Features
  • Three noise cancellation modes
  • Eight built-in microphones
  • Dedicated hardware button for access to Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant
  • On-ear detection
Specifications
  • Brand: Jabra
  • Battery Life: Up to 36 hours
  • Material: Fabric, PU leather, ABS plastic, and PBT plastic
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0
  • Noise Cancellation: Digital Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation
Pros
  • Rain-resistant
  • 36-hour battery life
  • AI-based automatic noise cancellation modes
Cons
  • Bulky design so the headphones protrude slightly
Buy This Product
Jabra Elite 85h

Whether you're working from a desktop PC, laptop, or mobile device, you'll appreciate a comfortable mouse and keyboard while remote working. The Logitech MX900 Keyboard and Mouse Combo is one of the best remote work accessories, offering comfort and performance.

This item is actually two Logitech devices in one package; the Logitech K800 wireless keyboard and MX Master mouse. Both are wireless and connect to your device via the included USB receiver. The K800 keyboard is backlit and rechargeable via micro-USB. The mouse, too, also recharges via USB, meaning there are no disposable batteries required.

The mouse, however, also supports Bluetooth, allowing you to connect to your favorite mobile devices as well. To simplify switching between them all, there is a button on the bottom of the mouse, which lets you move between up to three connected devices. The dark-field laser allows you to use the mouse on pretty much any available surface without issue.

Key Features
  • Combo includes the Logitech K800 keyboard and MX Master mouse
  • Wireless connection via the Unifying Wireless Receiver
Specifications
  • Brand: Logitech
  • Connectivity: Unifying Wireless Receiver, Bluetooth (mouse only)
  • Keyboard Battery: 10 days, rechargeable
  • Mouse Battery: 70 days, rechargeable
Pros
  • MX Master mouse supports Bluetooth connections
  • Mouse can be paired to three devices
  • Rechargeable via micro-USB
Cons
  • Keyboard battery life relatively short
Buy This Product
Logitech MX900 Keyboard and Mouse Combo

For convenience, many of us work directly on a laptop rather than a desktop PC. While laptops are undoubtedly more practical for remote work, they have one major disadvantage; screen size. The ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC is an additional portable monitor that'll allow you more space to work productively.

The display joins to your device via a USB-C or USB-A connection. The 15.6-inch device offers a Full HD (FHD) display, while only weighing 1.7 pounds. Although it comes with a smart cover, to allow you to prop it up at differing angles, the screen itself is just 0.3 inches thick.

The ZenScreen MB16AC has a refresh rate of 60Hz and is compatible with both Windows and macOS devices. It even supports auto-rotation, too, allowing you to customize your dual-screen setup further.

Key Features
  • 60Hz refresh rate
  • USB-C connection
  • 1920 x 1080 resolution
Specifications
  • Brand: ASUS
  • Screen Size: 15.6-inch
  • Display Technology: IPS LCD
  • Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Refresh Rate: 60Hz
  • Ports: USB-C
Pros
  • USB-A to USB-C connector included
  • Compatible with Windows 10 and macOS
  • Supports auto-rotation
Cons
  • Single USB-C port for connection and power delivery
Buy This Product
ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC

You'll likely be joining many more calls while working remotely. Most of your regular devices---laptops, tablets, smartphones---will have a camera built-in, minimizing the need for a separate webcam. However, audio quality is one of the most important aspects of video and audio conferences. The Blue Yeti USB Mic, then, is one of the essential remote work accessories.

The USB microphone is one of the most popular available today, offering three condenser microphone capsules for optimal audio recording. A knob on the back of the device allows you to quickly switch between cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo recording. There's a gain control on the front, as well as the all-important mute button.

Key Features
  • Three-capsule condenser microphone
  • Multi-pattern pickup
  • 120dB audio sensitivity
Specifications
  • Brand: Blue Yeti
  • Type: Condenser
  • Pattern: Cardioid, Omni, Bidirectional, Stereo
  • Power: USB
  • Battery: N/A
  • Audio Sensitivity: 120dB
  • Connector: USB
  • Latency: None
  • Interfaces: N/A
  • Weight: 3.51lbs
  • Frequency Bandwidth: 20Hz-20kHz
  • Microphones: 1
Pros
  • Pattern can be changed via rear knob
  • Adjustable gain
Cons
  • Setting optimal gain and pattern can be a bit tricky
  • Dated Mini USB connector
Buy This Product
Blue Yeti USB Mic

Working from home means you'll suddenly have additional devices requiring power. Your home office space may not have all the necessary outlets, so you'll need to expand your setup with the GE Designer Extension Cord.

This 8ft model has surge protection built-in, protecting your devices from damage. There are three additional outlets on this cord, but there are other options available, up to seven outlets. It is stylish, too, with the braided cord available in three designs.

Key Features
  • Three outlets
  • Eight-foot cable
  • Built-in surge protection
Specifications
  • Brand: GE
  • Color: White
  • Weight: 0.85lbs
Pros
  • Braided cable for durability
  • Available in longer lengths and with more outlets
Cons
  • Outlets are quite close together so bulky chargers may not fit
Buy This Product
GE Designer Extension Cord

Remote working means that you'll likely be indoors more than usual. This especially true as you won't even have your commute to get you out the door. Ensuring your home is an enjoyable place to be is vital, then. That's why you'll want to invest in the VicTsing Essential Oil Diffuser.

Once you've topped up the electronic diffuser with 500ml of water, it's ready to power up. You can add your favorite essential oil, but this model comes with a selection of 10 to get you started. This is particularly useful if you're unsure which oil you'd prefer. The diffuser operates at a reasonably quiet 23dB and has an auto shut-off feature for your safety, too.

Key Features
  • Quiet operation at just 23dB
  • 14 LED lighting settings
  • 500ml water tank
Specifications
  • Brand: VicTsing
  • Color: Wood grain
  • Material: Plastic
  • Weight: 2.05lbs
Pros
  • Comes with six essential oils
  • All essentials oils can be used
  • Automatic timers
Cons
  • Included oils are diluted
  • Not as effective in larger rooms
Buy This Product
VicTsing Essential Oil Diffuser

FAQ

Q: How Can I Work from Home Successfully?

Working from home is a massive change for most people. For many, their first experience of remote work will have been during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. While every situation is different, there are a few common things to look out for to make a success of the setup. If possible, create a dedicated space for work and set defined working hours.

During that time and when at your desk, remove other distractions and focus on work; that way, when you step away from your desk at the end of the working day, there is a clear differentiation between work and home life.

 

Q: Is Working from Home More Productive?

Many people report a greater sense of productivity after working from home. With fewer meetings and distractions around, it's often easier to get into a task without interruptions.

However, the lack of short interactions with colleagues means that structured video calls and meetings become more commonplace where a quick chat would have been the case in the office. Similarly, home environments are not often suited for long periods of work, and family, entertainment, and household chores are the ideal productivity killer.

Q: What Does Remote Work Mean?

Traditionally, to earn money, you'd have to attend a physical space, whether that's an office, facility, or manufacturing plant. With the widespread adoption of the internet, it became possible for people to undertake work-related tasks without being physically present in the office. Mostly, this applies to white-collar work rather than manual labor.

Remote work had been increasingly popular before 2020. However, the coronavirus pandemic, and associated lockdowns and closures, has caused a significant increase in remote work as businesses adapted to being away from the office.