If week after week of using our laptop for work, happy hour, catching up with family and even therapy sessions has taught us anything, it’s that tech neck is real. And unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like this Zoom-heavy, screen-filled lifestyle is going to end anytime soon. So, we might as well make the most of it. Here, the 18 best laptop accessories to make your desk, couch, or cross-legged-on-the-floor set up more enjoyable.
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Lap Desks:
Sometimes, it’s just a work-from-bed day, and that’s OK. But it’ll go a lot more smoothly with a lap desk. This compact one from Urban Outfitters features a removable cushion to keep your legs comfortable while you work and a convenient tabletop that’s big enough to use a wireless mouse, if that’s your thing.
Need a portable desk with a little more function? In addition to offering plenty of space to rest your laptop, this style also has a convenient slot for your phone in and an elastic strap to stick a pen or keep your charger cord handy. One buyer notes that the adjustable angle of the cushion underneath makes it easy to work (or watch Netflix) from anywhere.
This one was clearly made with attention to detail. The included wrist pad will keep you comfortable for hours of typing—while also ensuring that your laptop stays put. And the tapered pillow underneath keeps your computer at a comfortable angle, so you don’t have to prop it up on your knees.
Laptop Stands:
You know that tech neck we mentioned earlier? Yeah, this laptop stand will help. Use the adjustable arms to position it at eye level when you’re sitting, so you don’t have to hunch while you work. But if you prefer a standing desk, just raise the adjustable legs to the tallest height and you’re good to go—no fancy new desk necessary.
This baby has 600 five-star reviews on Amazon, so it gets our stamp of approval. The sturdy yet minimal design will hold your laptop without taking up valuable desktop space. Users love it for its sleek appearance, easy assembly and the fact that it allows ventilation for computers that tend to overheat.
Tilt your laptop as far forward or back as you’d like thanks to the ergonomic design of this stand. And while you’re at it, slide out the additional phone holder so you can FaceTime (or scroll through Instagram) while you work. The best part? This model folds down to be completely flat when not in use, so you can easily store it out of the way after work hours.
Keyboards and Mouses:
If you’re going to invest in a laptop stand, you may as well get a wireless mouse and keyboard too. This way, you won’t have to reach to type and scroll. These are both super easy to connect, although they’re only compatible with PCs. Once you get them set up, we have a feeling you’re going to wonder how you ever worked from home without them.
If you have a Mac, your best bet is getting a wireless keyboard from Apple. Otherwise, you risk buying one that isn’t compatible with your computer. Plus, Apple’s magic keyboards are a sound investment that you’ll likely have for years to come.
Prefer something with a trackpad? This design will feel just like you’re typing and scrolling on your laptop, but without the eye strain of having the screen so close. Win-win.
Cleaners:
We have a confession to make: Sometimes, we eat breakfast and lunch at our laptop. Which means crumbs inevitably make their way onto the keyboard. This dual-purpose tool’s retractable bristles help us get rid of every last speck with a couple of quick sweeps over the keys. And the other end’s microfiber pad leaves our screen totally smudge-free.
This screen cleaner has racked up almost 4,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, which definitely caught our attention. According to buyers, it’s one of the only formulas that tackles stubborn fingerprints and spots without leaving streaks, so your laptop will look brand-new. Oh, and it’s made from a non-toxic formula, too.
Cleaning between the keys on our laptop always makes us nervous, but this universal cleaner makes it foolproof. Just knead a piece into a ball and press it over the keyboard. It will pick up dust, lint and any crumbs that might be hanging out in those hard-to-reach spots.
Useful Accessories:
Between your partner using his office voice and the kids streaming the fifth Peppa Pig episode of the day, we have a feeling your home office isn’t exactly quiet. That’s where these noise-canceling headphones come in. They’ll connect to your computer via Bluetooth and feature an ultra-comfortable design so you can listen to your favorite Spotify playlist for hours on end—without a headache.
Now that our laptop is pretty much open and on 24/7, we’re kind of creeped out by the idea that someone could be watching on the other end. These clever webcam covers ensure that that doesn’t happen. They stick on with gentle adhesive that won’t damage your device and can be switched open and closed so you can still show off your downward facing dog during Zoom yoga.
Still recovering from dry, winter skin? Same. And sitting inside all day certainly doesn’t help. That’s why we love this cute little humidifier. It’s powered by a USB cord, so you can plug it right into your laptop to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.
Cases:
Once we can finally go places again, we’ll need a good way to tote our laptop around. This chic faux leather backpack is a great option. It expertly fits and organizes your computer and essentials without looking bulky. Just don’t try to overstuff it, since some buyers complain the zipper can be temperamental.
We’ve learned the hard way that throwing your laptop in your work tote with your lunch container, hand sanitizer and various lipsticks is not a good idea. This padded sleeve serves as a barrier against any potential spills or smudges, as well as any bumps your bag might incur on the commute home.
This Kate Spade neoprene sleeve is cute and functional. It’ll keep your computer padded and protected and has an interior wall pocket where you can store loose papers, a notebook or anything else that needs safekeeping.
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PureWow may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from PureWow’s editorial and sales departments.
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