For a long time, I thought my laptop was more than enough for my everyday productivity.
However, over the years, I’ve realized how the right accessories can be real game changers. I don’t like adding tools just for the sake of it. But after thoughtful consideration, I’ve picked a few affordable accessories that help me stay focused and level up my productivity. Also, they keep my workspace and mind clear, letting me focus on important things. Whether I’m working from home or a cafe, these accessories have made my workdays a lot smoother.
A laptop stand
Improve your posture and productivity
I remember ending my workdays with a sore neck and tight shoulders. I would work long stretches at my table, relax on a couch with my laptop on my legs, or sit for hours in a lounge. It felt convenient at first, but after a few weeks, my posture suffered, and my efficiency was hampered. You know what fixed it? Not a doctor appointment, but a good laptop stand. It elevates my MacBook screen to eye level, which encourages better posture, comfortable typing, and saves my neck from the quiet grind of bad ergonomics. Now, a laptop stand has become an essential accessory in my workspace.
A good stand also improves airflow, allowing my laptop to stay cooler during heavy tasks like switching between multiple apps or sitting through long video calls. It has also saved me from more than one coffee spill disaster. Since I have a habit of sipping Iced lattes while working, the stand has saved my keyboard from spills by keeping it off the desk. If you’re also someone like me who spends hours on a laptop, a good stand isn’t just nice-to-have, it’s an essential accessory.
An external SSD
An affordable way to speed things up
An external SSD is probably one of the most important upgrades to my work setup. When I work with large files, such as high-resolution images and videos, an external SSD offers faster read and write speeds. It also makes a great difference when I’m using my iPad along with my MacBook or working with a dual-screen setup. The SSD acts like a shared storage hub, which saves me from transferring files back and forth.
For around $100, you can get a good external drive, such as the 1TB Samsung T7, which is compatible with multiple devices, including tablets, laptops, and even smart TVs. A fast SSD works as a reliable storage and also gives you more room for your workflow. I often back up my iPhone and MacBook data to my external drive, so I don’t have to worry about the internet or cloud storage plans. Also, I can edit directly from the drive, while keeping my laptop’s internal space for other essential tasks. Thanks to the portable and lightweight design, I can easily slide the SSD into my bag.
A USB-C hub
Keeps me desk and sanity in order
Laptops are great for portability, but they also come with fewer USB ports. For instance, my M3 MacBook Air only has two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Sometimes, when I want to connect my USB-A hard drive, an external monitor, and a keyboard, I hit a wall. That’s why I bought a USB-C hub (after checking its specs!). Rather than constantly swapping cables or carrying multiple adapters, using a USB-C hub makes more sense. It takes up a single port on my laptop and opens a new door of connectivity.
I can set up a full-fledged workstation on my desk and simply unplug the hub to head out to a cafe, no dealing with messy cords. Beyond USB-A and USB-C ports, many hubs also have HDMI ports and an SD card slot, making them even more useful for professionals. Some hubs can also support Power Delivery pass-through charging to charge your laptop. With modern laptops sacrificing ports in the name of sleek design, a USB-C hub feels a practical necessity.
Noise-cancelling headphones
Create your focus bubble in a loud world
Rather than my home, I love to work from a cafe or resident’s lounge in my building. The gentle buzz of chit-chats, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and warm background music make the space alive. Of course, sometimes the ambient charm turns into chaos. A sudden burst of baby crying or someone loudly taking a Zoom call can completely disrupt my workflow. That’s why I never leave my home without my headphones.
On most days, I use my AirPods Pro 2 because they are compact, powerful, and perfect for keeping me focused and locked into my work. On some days when I need more isolation, I steal my husband’s Sony ANC headphones. Whether I’m into deep writing, watching a quick video tutorial, or attending a quick call, they help me do it all without disturbing people around me. If you also have a similar workflow or preferences, good noise-cancelling headphones are a no-brainer. Not only do they block outside noise, but they can also help you create a little productivity bubble anywhere. You can find headphones from leading brands that are worth your investment.
A power bank
I’m never stressed about the battery again
If you also work away from your dedicated home office setup, you already know the struggles of relying on wall outlets at unfamiliar locations. One moment you’re completely in focus, the other moment you just freak out seeing that dreaded low-battery warning on your laptop. You just get up and start scanning the room for a power outlet, only to find out they are all taken. Even if you’re lucky to find one, it might not charge your devices at a fast speed. That’s where a power bank comes in.
Ever since I added a good power bank to my bag, I can work for hours without changing seats and wrap up a long workday stress-free. Also, it’s super handy to top up my iPhone’s battery when using Maps or watching videos on the go. If you also want to make sure your work gear is powered up no matter where you are, a power bank is a must-have accessory. They are portable, inexpensive, and offer a ton of value. You can easily carry them in your backpack or even a pocket, without adding too much bulk.
A budget-friendly external monitor
More real estate boosts my productivity
One of the best accessories I’ve added to my work setup is an external monitor. In my everyday life, I use my 13-inch M3 MacBook Air for everything. From drafting outlines in Notion and writing articles in CMS to staying in touch with my team via Slack and occasional team calls, my MacBook handles my everyday workflow effortlessly. On weekends, I dive into deep research, fact-checking, and try creating videos. That time, an external monitor made a huge difference. It gives me more real estate to research, write, and multitask without constantly juggling between windows or resizing apps.
I can do my research on one screen and take notes or do secondary tasks on the other. This helps me stay focused, work faster, and boost my efficiency. Also, having a larger display reduces eye strain, thanks to larger text and multimedia. It’s a simple and optional upgrade, but it made a noticeable difference in both my productivity and comfort.
Investing in smart upgrades can go a long way
The right laptop accessories made a bigger difference than I expected. It has made my work smoother, faster, and a lot more convenient. Depending on your workflow requirements, you can make a few affordable additions, like adding a wireless keyboard, mouse, cooling pad, webcam, or universal adapter. Rather than a complete overhaul, sometimes it’s about adding little things that matter to you.