# 9 essential equipment for the work-from-home office

As more and more of us join the population of work-from-home employees affected by COVID-19, I've put together a simple essential equipment guide.

80% of being effective in a work-from-home job is having the right environment to allow you to be productive. These tools have helped me a lot in the last few years.

## 1. A [webcam with a built-in light ring](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HD5MPKV/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07HD5MPKV&linkId=763636d0d9691a71bc828eff262a1225) to simulate the office setting. Avoid dim and grainy videos calls, especially with clients and partners.

Home lighting is dimmer than office lighting. But you don't have to invest in professional streaming equipment to get good lighting. Many webcams now come with compact built in LEDs to light up your visage.

**Customer Review**: *The Marantz produces a sharp and far more natural image. The Marantz integrated stand puts the camera at a perfect desktop height whereas the Brio, perched on top of my monitor, was too high. The adjustable light ring that surrounds the Marantz camera also provides a nice lighting fill when needed. The built-in mic does a decent job picking up sound, but for higher fidelity I would recommend purchasing a separate mic (I continue to use my Brio mic which has a better quality sound).* - Joe P.

Get the [Marantz Webcam (~$149)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HD5MPKV/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07HD5MPKV&linkId=763636d0d9691a71bc828eff262a1225) on Amazon.

**Great alternative on a budget:**
- Or, you can add a simple lighting stand next to your existing camera, like [this one from Gemwon (~$17)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GGNK93T/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07GGNK93T&linkId=14a07d97b5779853b4d3ea653ef2dd9c)

## 2. A [voice cancelling microphone](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N1YPXW2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00N1YPXW2&linkId=fb14d6ead41eaaf9f2764316219240ce) to speak during presentations, videos, podcasts and cut through the background noise.


**Customer Review**: *Wow, what a mic. I've been recording on my iPhone and thought it sounded okay, or at least good enough. I purchased a Rode clip on, but wan't too impressed with the overall difference it made, so ended up sticking with the built in mic. I wasn't sure about upgrading to an actual mic because I'm so new to recording audios and wasn't sure it was worth the investment. Boy was I wrong. The clarity in the recording is just unbelievable. The problems I have with my voice, such as it sounding weak and high pitched, seems to have been minimised with this microphone. I actually sound 100% better and editing has become necessary. So pleased with this gem .* - Sarah D.

Get the [Blue Yeti USB mic (~$130)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N1YPXW2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00N1YPXW2&linkId=fb14d6ead41eaaf9f2764316219240ce) on Amazon.

## 3. A [Wacom drawing tablet](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079HL9YSF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B079HL9YSF&linkId=1b058d8a5d79c3553fa71201736a932b) for whiteboarding & sharing ideas. It is still possible to do whiteboarding exercises and brainstorms with your team from your own homes.
**Customer Review**: *I'm transitioning from a larger tablet, but also needed something I could travel with. This tablet has survived several trips in my luggage and maintains accurate interpretation of various amounts of pressure. I have been using it for some months now. I switch it between two computers, and once installed, it's only a matter of plugging and unplugging the USB. It's lasting and working well... Minimal branding. Fuss-free product. Based on performance, ease of use, durability, and price point, I would buy this product again if I needed another.* - the-funnelweb

Check out our [previous simple guide on how to do this](https://www.remotestack.org/blogs/how-to-manage-emergency-work-from-home-team) easily & cheaply.

Get the [Wacom tablet for drawing (~$70)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079HL9YSF/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B079HL9YSF&linkId=1b058d8a5d79c3553fa71201736a932b) on Amazon.

**Alternatives**:
- Fancier: An Ipad and Pencil setup: Ipad Air (~$550), Apple pencil ($120)
- Free: Pen & paper

## 4. A [professional backdrop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0135AV5XC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0135AV5XC&linkId=d8b50504a6002a8b968fce58cf544d62) to partition and create an office-like background on camera. Prevent colleagues or clients from seeing your bed, personal items, or family walking in the background, even if you live in a shoebox.


**Customer Review**: *I love these! I bought 2 to block off my desk area to kinda turn it into an office. I have a huge livingroom that is very spacious so i wanted to be closed in since i am about to start online college. Figured it would help me focus better. So far so good... As stated above I have a household of 7 and a cat= 5 kids, my husband and myself. It is holding up surprisingly well!* - Mrs. Hood

Get the [Wooden screen room divider (~$60)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0135AV5XC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0135AV5XC&linkId=d8b50504a6002a8b968fce58cf544d62) on Amazon.

**Great alternatives on a budget:**
- [White panel hanging screen (~$32)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BDG4V8F/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07BDG4V8F&linkId=12cf98cddd63d6057618e2489c73ae0b)
- [A wooden vinyl photography backdrop (~$18)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DF97L7M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07DF97L7M&linkId=f6dd8890e0cd770d764f1e7104ef9976)

## 5. A portable [Nexstand for your laptop](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HHYQBB8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01HHYQBB8&linkId=b014a77e843731165f47b69cdcad3b52) that you can also pack up on the go. A better screen height can yield big improvements to your posture.


You don't need office level equipment or Herman Millar chairs to be ergonomical at home. Use a computer stand and keyboard setup to boost your screen up to your eye level. This is a simple hack that feels luxurious.

**Customer Review**: *I love this thing! I was looking for a simple laptop stand to use my macbook air on my sit/stand desk, and this one is great. I adjust the height often since I use my desk at different heights for writing on a wacom tablet vs. using the keyboard & mouse, and it's so easy to adjust the height of this stand. I don't even take my macbook off anymore to adjust the height -- it's that easy & sturdy! I love how light it is and how small it folds down -- I'm looking forward to being able to take it to a coffee shop and set up a more ergonomic desk in less than a minute.* - Katie Mae

Get the [Nexstand laptop stand (~$50)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HHYQBB8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01HHYQBB8&linkId=b014a77e843731165f47b69cdcad3b52) on Amazon.

**Great alternative on a budget:**
- A simple, static [riser for your computer (~$23)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075KP5JLH/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B075KP5JLH&linkId=73bef120f6179212b65e6749541aa763)

## 6. A portable computer [monitor](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071S84ZW7/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B071S84ZW7&linkId=adc8e20a519fbad9dc4cf4ddc66e48da) gives you an extra screen. The ultimate road warrior accessory to work from anywhere without sacrificing visibility.

**Customer Review**: *Overall, I find this one of the most oddly practical and magical "accessories" to come out for a long time. Blows my mind that the ZenScreen gets both power and video from the same cable. That you don't have to find additional power outlets to plug it in makes it so much more practical. Also find it amazing that a phone can power the display (plugged it into a Galaxy S8 and the screen powered on and got video - doesn't work with all phones though). Also love that it just gets detected as a display, so you can set it up how you want to - landscape or portrait.* - Kevin M.

Get the [ASUS ZenScreen (~$240)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071S84ZW7/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B071S84ZW7&linkId=adc8e20a519fbad9dc4cf4ddc66e48da) on Amazon.

**Great alternatives on a budget:**
- [A portable monitor from ZSCMalls ($170)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VFF4TZG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07VFF4TZG&linkId=fb84939dc3190eb065075f18d1b14e16)

## 7. A [portable and flexible gooseneck](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AUQ33LG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01AUQ33LG&linkId=e7a76d0447f661737c2adc12dd9ff9b8) to mount anything from your monitor to your phone. If you do a lot of teleconferencing on your phone, this will free up your hands to do your work.

**Customer Review**: *This gooseneck mount works well with multiple devices we own. The smallest device I had put on it is an iPhone 6S, which measures 5.44"; the largest we've used on the gooseneck is an iPad mini which measures up to 8". It holds up pretty well, and looks to be well made. The metal gooseneck is pretty tough, it takes a little bit of muscle to get that neck bent and twisted.* - Kailey

Get the [portable gooseneck mount (~$19)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AUQ33LG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01AUQ33LG&linkId=e7a76d0447f661737c2adc12dd9ff9b8) on Amazon.

## 8. A teakwood [standing desk](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0829CGWJ7/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0829CGWJ7&linkId=541b428d6d5521fc2097279c5cb66251) and a [padded standing mat](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018UKRMHA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B018UKRMHA&linkId=d011c3943b0d463f59e1f9c0545f0b2d) for your feet. Standing desks are a good way to correct bad posture, burn more calories, and have proven to reduce chronic pains.

**Customer Review**: *Before purchasing this product I conducted and intense search. The ApexDesk seemed to be the best VALUE and after receiving and assembling this desk, I am pleased to proclaim the product everything I hoped it would be. I only found one table less expensive but when I looked at it I was left thinking "this table just wont hold up." Most everything else I reviewed was much more expensive. I am working on my ApexDesk as I type this review.... and I am standing..... for the moment.* - Nick.

Get the [teakwood standing desk from ApexDesk (~$650)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0829CGWJ7/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0829CGWJ7&linkId=541b428d6d5521fc2097279c5cb66251) on Amazon.

Get the [Kangaroo anti-fatigue standing mat (~$46)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018UKRMHA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B018UKRMHA&linkId=d011c3943b0d463f59e1f9c0545f0b2d) from Amazon.

**Great alternatives on a budget:**
- [An minimal, adjustable standing desk (~$380)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Q3TGL7M/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07Q3TGL7M&linkId=063f185674e3763b42212f591e3bbc67)
- To get the same effect of a standing desk (without the full desk), here's an [adjustable desk top for your desk (~$90)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KFWJFVH/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07KFWJFVH&linkId=041352264304abd73cbff55d1ecdc3a9)
- or some added exercise, there's the [anti-fatigue standing balance board (~$50)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HD838VP/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07HD838VP&linkId=f3ae3dc49452b2512ba95ed786963e9a)

## 9. A pair of [noise cancelling earphones](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0756CYWWD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0756CYWWD&linkId=7bf5f7dade457cf778d762eab458ee88) to drown out noises at home or construction outside. Having crystal clear audio allows you to focus on your work.
The home is always louder than the office. This can be frustrating and unprofessional if you have to take calls.

*Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Noise-Cancelling, with Alexa voice control, enabled with Bose AR – Black*

**Customer Review**: *These are amazing and Bose is great! I purchased these headphones for their noise-cancellation abilities. I am an application developer and wear them at work because I am easily distracted. I don't even listen to music with them... they just cancel just about all background noise, including random chatter from the annoying marketing department. I also use them for WebEx and Skype calls with clients. The built-in microphone is great and the noise-cancellation is helpful during those calls as well. Battery life is extremely good... An added feature is that the bluetooth feature will allow you to connect to and hear audio from two sources at the same time. This is great if you want to connect to your iPhone and laptop at the same time.* - John S

Get the [noise cancelling earphones from Bose (~$350)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0756CYWWD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B0756CYWWD&linkId=7bf5f7dade457cf778d762eab458ee88) on Amazon.

**Great alternatives on a budget:**
- [Noise cancelling gaming headset - Runmus (~$35)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GRM747Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07GRM747Y&linkId=01dd9daef6f85dc859b892b73a8e808d)
- [Noise cancelling earphones - Boltune (~$53)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PJK73L8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aawp-remotestack-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07PJK73L8&linkId=27c00feb62707da24877c6634a859ddc)