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From monitors to wireless keyboards, computer speakers to docking stations, here are the best add-ons to upgrade your workstation.
By Tucker Bowe
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If your MacBook is the basis of your home or office workstation, you’re not alone. Today’s MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros are incredibly popular and, thanks to Apple silicone, they’re more powerful and capable than they’ve been in years. That said, you can make them even better by upgrading your desk setup.
For most of us, a 14- or 16-inch screen just doesn’t cut it for long working days — so we can get an external monitor (or two). From there, we need stands to elevate our screens, adapters and docking stations to connect it all, and keyboards and mice to work more effectively. Pretty soon, your MacBook workstation is well and truly underway.
Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite accessories and peripherals to build out your MacBook workstation. Whether you’re just looking for a cheap monitor or you’re in the market for nice computer speakers, you can find the best options below.
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External Monitors
Tucker BoweAside from your actual MacBook, the external monitor is probably the most pivotal part of your home or office workstation — it extends your computer’s screen so you can see more and be more productive. Below you’ll find our favorite monitors to pair with a Mac.
AmazonBest Budget Monitor
Dell 27-inch USB-C Monitor (S2723HC)
The Dell S2723HC is an affordable 27-inch HD monitor that works really well with modern MacBooks thanks to its single USB-C connection.
AmazonBest All-Around Monitor
Dell UltraSharp U2723QE
The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE is an excellent 27-inch monitor that delivers a 4K picture and connects to (and charges) your MacBook via USB-C.
AppleBest High-End Monitor
Apple Studio Display
The Studio Display is Apple’s gorgeous all-in-one 27-inch 5K monitor. It has built-in speakers, webcam and microphone and is specifically designed to work with the latest Macs.
Webcams
Tucker BoweThe majority of external monitors don’t have built-in webcams. And if you have an older laptop, its built-in webcam isn’t very good — its resolution is likely 720p or less — which is a problem given how often we’re on video calls these days. An external webcam is an easy desktop upgrade and they’re available in a wide variety of styles, abilities and prices.
LogitechBest Affordable External Webcam
Logitech Brio 300
The Brio 300 is an excellent budget-friendly webcam. It connects to your Mac via USB-C and delivers basically the same 1080p picture as the Brio 500.
$59.99(15% off)
LogitechBest All-Around External Webcam
Logitech Brio 500
The Brio 500 is very similar to the Brio 300, connecting to your Mac via USB-C, but it also has a built-in mic and advanced auto-tracking capabilities to keep you in frame.
$129.99(27% off)
Insta360Best High-End External Webcam
Insta360 Link
The Insta360 Link shoots in true 4K and, thanks in part to its three-axis gimbal (similar to what’s found in most drones), it is quite well equipped to keep you in frame and looking good.
$299.99(17% off)
Monitor Stands
Tucker BoweA good monitor stand elevates your monitor’s (or iMac’s) screen so that it’s more even with your eye line. This can improve your posture and help you work more comfortably and productively. A monitor can add storage space, too, and just generally make your desktop look more organized and stylish.
AmazonBest Budget Monitor Stand
Simple Houseware Metal Desk Monitor Stand
Simple Houseware’s monitor stand isn’t flashy, but it’s sturdy (thanks to its metal design) and has handy organizational slots.
Twelve SouthBest All-Around Monitor Stand
Twelve South Curve Riser
The Curve Riser is a minimalist monitor stand that’s relatively affordable. It has an all metal design and comes with a built-in storage shelf.
$79.99(25% off)
GrovemadeBest High-End Monitor Stand
Grovemade Wood Monitor Stand
This stand is a statement piece. Made of premium molded plywood, it’s available with either a walnut (shown) or maple finish.
Laptop Stands
Tucker BoweThere are many kinds of laptop stands out there. If you use a monitor and monitor stand, you want a laptop stand that elevates your screen to a similar height; you’ll likely need a wireless keyboard and mouse in this setup. Other laptop stands sit on your desk and simply raise your keyboard, which alleviates pressure on your wrists as you type, enabling you to work more comfortably.
SatechiBest Budget Laptop Stand
Satechi Aluminum Laptop Stand
Satechi’s laptop stand has an minimalist design. It won’t lift your laptop off your desk, but does put it in a more ergonomic position for typing and viewing the screen.
AmazonBest All-Around Laptop Stand
Twelve South Curve
Twelve South’s Curve elevates your laptop off the desk so that it better aligns the screen with your external monitor. Note: Apple even sells this stand to pair with its MacBooks.
GrovemadeBest High-End Laptop Stand
Grovemade Wood Laptop Stand
Simple, elegant and mostly wood — with a walnut or maple finish — Grovemade’s stand has a stainless steel stop that prevents your laptop from slipping.
Wireless Keyboards
Tucker BoweA wireless keyboard allows you to position your MacBook (and its keyboard) farther away so that you can sit more ergonomically and work more comfortably. A lot of wireless keyboards pair well with Macs, but the below options all feel similar to Apple’s new-age Magic keyboards (not the low-travel keyboards with butterfly switches that were much maligned years ago).
LogitechBest Budget Wireless Keyboard
Logitech K380
The Logitech K380 is a super affordable wireless keyboard that pairs well with Macs (as well as your iPad or iPhone via multi-device pairing).
$39.99(0% off)
LogitechBest All-Around Wireless Keyboard
Logitech MX Keys S
The Logitech MX Keys S is a great productivity keyboard with a low profile. It feels very similar to but is considerably more affordable than Apple’s Magic Keyboards.
AppleBest Upgrade Wireless Keyboard
Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad
This Magic Keyboard has a numeric keypad and a Touch ID button, so you can unlock it without a password or PIN. Note: Touch ID only works if paired with a Mac that has Apple silicone.
Wireless Mice
Tucker BoweA wireless mouse is another essential desktop accessory since your MacBook (and its trackpad) is now likely elevated or closed. You could use Apple’s Magic Mouse, but it’s quite expensive and not nearly as ergonomic or versatile as other wireless mice out there, such as the ones below.
AmazonBest Budget Wireless Mouse
Logitech M720 Triathlon
The Logitech M720 Triathlon is an excellent affordable wireless mouse that can connect to your MacBook via Bluetooth or USB receiver.
$39.99(18% off)
AmazonBest Ergonomic Mouse for Mac
Logitech Lift (for Mac)
The Lift is a small, affordable ergonomic mouse that’s super comfortable to wield and has adjustable settings that you can tweak via a companion app.
$69.99(14% off)
LogitechBest All-Around Wireless Mouse
Logitech MX Master 3S (for Mac)
The Logitech MX Master 3S continues to be our favorite mouse for Mac. It has two scroll wheels and customizable buttons, and it supports multi-device pairing.
$99.99(15% off)
USB-C Adapters and Docking Stations
Tucker BoweYour MacBook Air — and the MacBook Pro to a lesser extent — doesn’t have many ports, nor does it have much port variety. A multi-port adapter is a cheap and easy way to add extra ports (like USB-A and microSD card slots) to your laptop. A USB-C hub or docking station is often required to add even more ports and to power multiple external monitors.
AmazonBest Budget Adapter for MacBook
Plugable 5-in-1 USB-C Hub
This is an affordable adapter for the latest MacBooks. It adds USB-A (2x) ports, Gigabit Ethernet, a 3.5mm jack and leaves space for using your MagSafe charger.
SatechiBest All-Around Adapter for MacBook
Satechi Pro Hub Slim
The Satechi Pro Hub Slim adds a bunch of useful ports to your laptop, including a microSD slot, and you can get it in a finish to perfectly match your MacBook, too.
AmazonBest Thunderbolt 3 Docking Station
CalDigit TS3 Plus
The CalDigit TS3 Plus is a Thunderbolt 3 docking station that adds 15 total ports and supports up to two 4K displays. Apple even sells it to partner with its MacBooks.
Computer Speakers
Tucker BoweMost laptops don’t have great speakers. Neither do most external monitors (if they have speakers at all). And that’s why a solid set of computer speakers are so key. They’re easy to set up, connecting to your MacBook via 3.5mm (or USB-C), and they make everything sound much bigger and better.
AmazonBest AffordableComputer Speakers
PreSonus Eris E3
The PreSonus Eris E3.5 speakers look sharp, sound solid and cost under $100. They even have a built-in 3.5mm jack so you can connect headphones without unplugging your speakers.
AudioengineBest All-Around Computer Speakers
Audioengine A2+ Wireless
The A2+ Wireless speakers have been among our favorites for years. They connect to your MacBook via AUX and have built-in Bluetooth for streaming. Additionally, they come in a couple different fun finishes.
CrutchfieldBest Upgrade Computer Speakers
Kanto Ora
The Kanto Oras are reference quality desktop speakers with a 100-watt peak power — they get loud. They connect to your MacBook via USB-C and support up to 24-bit/96kHz lossless audio. They also have built-in Bluetooth.
Desktop Amp/DACs
Tucker BoweA desktop DAC/amp is a simple and (sometimes) affordable component that elevates the sound of your wired headphones. Your MacBook has a built-in amp/DAC, but it isn’t very good; its sound is flat, grainy and generally not very expansive. A desktop DAC/amp can effectively help your wired headphones sound more hi-fi.
iFi AudioBest Entry-Level Headphone DAC/Amp
iFi Uno
iFi’s Uno is a great little headphone DAC/amp with a tactile volume knob that makes a wonderful “click” sound when powered on/off.
AudioengineBest All-Around Headphone Amp/DAC
Audioengine D1 (2023)
Audioengine’s revamped D1 is an awesome plug-and-play desktop DAC/amp that connects to your MacBook via USB-C. Its USB-C connection allows you to use it with your iPhone 15 as well.
AudioengineBest High-End Headphone Amp/DAC
Audioengine N22 (2nd-Gen)
The 2023-released N22 is a headphone amp/DAC and desktop amplifier, so it allows you to turn passive bookshelf speakers into computer speakers as well.
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