These days, remote work has turned our homes into cozy little command centers. But it can be easy to settle for the first desk, chair, or monitor you find without realizing the toll it takes on your productivity (and sometimes even your body). If you're spending half of your waking life at your workstation, it makes sense to invest in some better gear.
As someone who has been working from home for nearly a decade, I've learned a lot about what works and what doesn't. In this guide, I'll share my top tips for building a solid home office, and I'll give you a list of options that range from the absolute best brands to more budget-friendly.
Invest in a comfortable chair
It all starts with the chair, seriously. I get that they can be expensive, but if you settle for a cheap chair, you'll just be uncomfortable all day and possibly develop back problems. Basically, you need something that is comfortable enough to spend consecutive hours sitting on that will support your back without being too rigid.
Herman Miller Aeron
The Herman Miller Aeron is possibly the best office chair in existence. It's expensive, but it's worth it. People usually buy one and end up using it for over 10 years. It usually costs well over $500 new, which is definitely more than most people are willing to spend on a chair. However, you can sometimes find them used and still in great condition for around $300 in places like Facebook marketplace or Craigslist.
The chair has adjustable armrests, tilt, and seat height, making it easy to customize the fit for different body types. The mesh material is very well constructed and never seems to deteriorate. The chair is every bit as impressive as the price tag.
Amazon Basics Executive Desk Chair
The Amazon Basics Executive Desk Chair is a great mid-tier budget option. It's not as comfortable as the Herman Miller Aeron, but it's a great chair for the price. It usually costs around $100-$150, which is a fraction of the cost of the Herman Miller Aeron. I personally use this chair and it's still going strong after 3 years.
It's comfortable, has a soft seat, and good cushioning. It's also adjustable, so you can customize it to your height and comfort level. The chair was super easy to assemble and honestly has pretty impressive construction for the price.
Any cheaper than this and you usually end up with a chair that doesn't last. I've tried several from Amazon under $100 and they all fall apart after around 12 months or so.
I'd highly recommend getting rubber wheels and/or a chair mat for your chair. This will make it easier to move around your home office and won't damage your floors.
Consider buying a standing desk
Sitting is the new smoking. We've all heard that before, but it's true. Sitting for long periods of time is not good for your health. When you're cranking away on your computer, it's easy to spend hours sitting down without getting up.
A standing desk is exactly what you think: a tall desk where you work standing up. Most of these desks are height adjustable, and some more expensive versions can even be converted into conventional sit-down desks when you're ready to take a break. It won't magically transform your health, but it will improve productivity, focus and overall well-being.
The Uplift V2 Standing Desk
The Uplift V2 Standing Desk is one of the best available in the market right now. It gives you a premium and solid feel. It's operations are smooth and noiseless. It might feel a bit pricy but I think its worth the investment for your office area.
If you decide to go with the Uplift V2, we strongly recommend watching the build videos on their website. These videos provide clear, step-by-step instructions that make the assembly process much easier than relying on written guides. Although the company advertises a 7 to 9 minute build time, numerous reviews on Amazon and Reddit indicate that many users spent up to several hours putting it together. Despite this unexpected discrepancy, the visual walkthroughs really help smooth out any potential challenges.
Additionally, we had a great experience with their customer service—they were prompt and responsive. When we inquired about replacing a part, they were more than willing to assist.
FlexiSpot E7 Pro Plus
The FlexiSpot E7 Pro Plus is a great secondary option. While it still might seem a little pricey, you don't want to skimp when it comes to standing desks. This one has solid build quality and is also very straight forward to put together in under 30 minutes. Still, if you face any issue with assembly, then there is a short video available on YouTube. Additionally, this table also comes with nice cable management accessories.
The desk gets good reviews for its sturdy construction and sleek design. Users love how it feels solid, thanks to its robust motors and smooth work surface that provide a reliable foundation. Assembly is a snap with intuitive controls that make setting it up straightforward and hassle-free.
Not only does its minimal aesthetic blend perfectly with modern home office setups, but it also stands firm at sitting heights—ensuring minimal wobble or shake during daily use. Overall, customers are extremely satisfied with both the quality and performance of this desk, making it a smart addition to any workspace.
Pick up a sharp monitor
As a web developer, I simply cannot work productively without a good external monitor. I use a simple two screen setup with my MacBook Pro on a stand and my external monitor in the center of the desk. 4k monitors have gotten pretty affordable these days, so if you're doing any kind of visual work, then it's definitely worth the investment.
However, if money is tight, 1080p monitors are still great and you can get them for around $100 or even cheaper. If your work only involves tasks like writing or browsing the web, then a 1080p monitor is more than enough.
SCEPTRE 32-inch IPS 4K UHD
The SCEPTRE 32-inch IPS 4K UHD is truly impressive. The display is stunning—it makes both my MacBook Pro and video game system shine, with a crisp, flawless picture free of any dead pixels. While the built-in speakers are understandably on the weaker side (I planned to use external speakers anyway), there's a handy headphone jack for connecting either external speakers or headphones.
The stand is surprisingly robust, providing a stable base that inspires confidence during long work or gaming sessions. A cool feature is the illuminated back panel, which cycles through customizable colors—though you can easily switch this off if you prefer a more understated look.
Before you set up, be sure to verify the best resolution options for your devices and invest in the proper cables to ensure you get the optimal performance out of your new monitor. For me, this monitor combines a large, high-quality display with an attractive price, making it an excellent choice for any setup.
HP 24mh FHD Computer Monitor
The HP 24mh FHD Computer Monitor gets the job done. In the crowded market of under-$200, 24-inch monitors, most models come with basic features and limited port options. The HP 24mh, however, sets itself apart by including a DisplayPort connector in addition to the standard HDMI and VGA ports. It goes further than most budget monitors by offering not only tilt adjustment but also height and pivot controls.
While it features a 1080p IPS panel instead of a 4K UHD display, the HP 24mh impresses with excellent sRGB coverage and a contrast ratio that exceeds its stated specifications. Plus, it comes with a pair of built-in 2-watt speakers—an uncommon perk in this price range.
To minimize neck strain, put your monitor at eye level. I picked up a cheap monitor stand to raise my monitor and also provide some clearance above my Edifier speakers.
Get a solid pair of speakers
This one is more of an optional purchase, but a nice pair of speakers can really tie your whole setup together. Most monitors these days come with some kind of speakers, but they're usually not very good, and you end up with weak, tinny sound. Plus, if you want to transition to leisure mode, having a good pair of speakers can make a big difference.
Edifier R1280DBs Bookshelf Speakers
The Edifier R1280DBs Bookshelf Speakers are an exceptional pair of speakers for the price. They've got great sound quality, are very easy to set up, and look great bookending your monitor. I've had mine for nearly five years now and it's probably the best value purchase in my whole setup. Plus, they're even cheaper now than when I bought them.
These speakers excel in a variety of applications. For gaming, they deliver immersive, booming bass that makes every gunshot and footstep come alive. When watching movies, the clear midrange ensures dialogue is crisp while the robust low end adds a cinematic feel. And for music, they offer a great listening experience when you're not in the mood for your audiophile-grade headphones. Overall, these speakers truly stand out as studio-grade and meet audiophile standards.
Logitech Z207
At less than $60, the Logitech Z207 is a great budget option. They deliver excellent performance for the price—definitely a worthwhile investment compared to even cheaper alternatives. Setting them up was a breeze, thanks to multiple connection options, and the sound quality is impressive. The volume range is solid, and they can get pretty loud when needed. Although they're a bit larger than your average speakers, I didn't mind the extra size at all. They boast a sleek, modern design and remain surprisingly lightweight.
If you want an upgrade to your monitor speakers, but don't want to spend a lot of money, then this is the perfect option.
