As many businesses replace full-time remote work with a hybrid work schedule, employees are splitting their tasks between their home office and the office-office. For many, this means transporting important tools between both spaces in order to maintain a coherent, efficient workflow regardless of the environment.
With this in mind, there are tons of excellent gadgets for commuters and hybrid workers to make the transition all the more seamless. You might be shopping for wireless headphones to make your trek to the office a little more enjoyable, or you might be looking for a new laptop to power your work ecosystem. Surely, there’s a hybrid work gadget for everyone. Here are some of our favorites.
Laptops
MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo A11MT-235 13.4″ Full HD+ Touchscreen Notebook Computer
The laptop is the nucleus for commuters and hybrid workers, with power and portability being its two most important features. The MSI Summit E13 is a razor-thin machine with a full 360° rotating 13.4” touchscreen for a level of versatility untouched by most other laptops. It doesn’t stop there, with components including an Intel Evo certified platform, Intel i5 processor, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
LG gram 15.6″ Full HD Notebook Computer
Who says large-screen notebooks are heavy and bulky? There was a time when they were, but the LG “gram” embodies its name. The roomy 15.6” full HD screen has plenty of space for multitasking hybrid work, and the laptop weights just 2.5 pounds at 0.69” thin. Performance is never a problem thanks to a 12th Gen Intel i7, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-74PH 15.6″ Full HD Notebook Computer
The Acer Aspire 5 series is proof that current laptops can handle a heavy workload, be lightweight and portable, and still be affordable. The Aspire 5 is a brilliant all-around machine for hybrid work, with a large full HD display and a 720p HD webcam for Zoom meetings and the like. It all comes in a package that’s just 0.70” thin and 3.6 pounds.
Portable Monitors
Asus ZenScreen MB165B 15.6″ 16:9 WXGA Portable USB-Powered TN LED LCD Monitor
Portable monitors — like the Asus ZenScreen — are key to many professionals’ hybrid workflow. Multi-display arrangements are common in many offices to keep a variety of applications running side-by-side, but the desktop setup is anything but portable. With the ZenScreen, you can expand your laptop’s visual real estate with a 15.6” portrait or landscape monitor running over USB. Portability and efficiency make hybrid work that more viable.
Asus ZenScreen MB16AMT 15.6″ Full HD IPS Touch LED Monitor
The ZenScreen Touch takes mobile displays a step further than the ordinary portable monitor. It uses a hybrid signal that’s compatible with smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and cameras, in addition to standard laptops. The 10-point touch system is fast and responsive to simplify and expedite multitasking workflows, particularly for Android users who might use their phones to work.
Wireless Keyboard & Mouse
Logitech MX Keys Wireless Keyboard
The value of a good keyboard and mouse is understated when it comes to hybrid work. A full-size keyboard and mouse offers a familiar desktop computing experience most of us are accustomed to. The MX system lets you pair up to three cross-platform devices over Bluetooth, so you can transfer files and documents across Mac and Windows systems. The keyboard itself is highly responsive with quiet tactile feel and has a streamlined silhouette for added portability.
HP Wireless Keyboard and Mouse 300 Combo
For hybrid workers desiring a convenient keyboard/mouse combo that works seamlessly, HP delivers. The USB wireless Nano receiver pairs both devices to your machine for hassle-free setup. The keyboard has 10 hotkeys built-in, which allow users to access frequently used tools like web browsing, emails, and the search function. At this price, you could keep one combo at home and one at the office.
Microsoft Designer Wireless Bluetooth Desktop Keyboard and Mouse
The Microsoft Designer set lets you effortlessly connect to any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, tablet, or PC. Its modern design is svelte, and above all, portable, for incorporating into a commuter or hybrid setup. The keyboard is full-size for unrestricted productivity, and the mouse features enhanced technology to roll across any surface.
Wi-Fi Routers
Asus RT-AX92U AX6100 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System
One of the biggest challenges of hybrid work is unreliable or spotty home Wi-Fi. Oftentimes the default modem given by the ISP just isn’t enough to reach every corner of the home. The Asus AX6100 is the world’s first and most powerful mesh system featuring the next-gen Wi-Fi 6. Not only is it ultra-fast, but it also comes with commercial-grade security.
Asus XT8 ZenWi-Fi AX6600 Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System
The Asus XT8 ZenWi-Fi mesh system takes speed and reliability a step further, with up to 6600 Mbps of bandwidth. Intended for complete coverage in very large homes, the XT8 has 45-degree antennas strategically placed in vertical housing for minimal interference. It’s guaranteed to deliver strong Wi-Fi signal to even the most remote corner of the home office.
Netgear Orbi RBK653 AX3000 Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System
Netgear’s latest Orbi system takes full advantage of the powers of Wi-Fi 6. Including a tri-band router and two dual-band satellites, coverage is not an issue. Not only is it easy to set up, but it’s also easy to manage thanks to its integration with the Orbi mobile app. Look no further for reliable strength and speed, even under stress, with multiple users gaming, streaming, or surfing.
Looking to enhance your home Wi-Fi even further? Check out What Is a WiFi Extender & Do You Need One?
Docking Station
Razer Thunderbolt 4 Dock Chroma
For hybrid workers tasked with recreating their office arrangement at home, this often means combining many peripherals using a laptop as the hub. There’s no better way to expand a computer’s connectivity than with a quality docking station. The Razer Thunderbolt 4 dock takes advantage of the latest in Thunderbolt technology for advanced speeds and reduced latency. The dock includes four Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports, three USB-A ports, one Ethernet port, an SD card reader, and support for up to two displays running 4K at 60Hz.
HP G5 15W USB-C Dock
The HP G5 dock offers universal compatibility with Mac and Windows machines for any environment. It creates a complete desktop computing experience through a single USB-C cable ran to a notebook. Ports include two USB 3.0 charging outlets, two DisplayPort connections, one HDMI port, Ethernet, and one USB-C port with charging.
Anker PowerExpand 8-In-1 USB-C 10Gbps Data Hub
Anker’s PowerExpand is a cost-effective way to double or triple a standard laptop’s connective options. Features include a USB-C port with power delivery, a USB-C data port, two USB-A ports, one HDMI port, one Ethernet port, and an SD card reader. Supported systems include Windows 10, Mac OS 10.2 and above, and Chrome OS.
Headphones
AKG K371BT Professional Closed-Back Foldable Studio Bluetooth Headphone
Headphones give commuters and hybrid workers access to premium audio quality, whether it’s for entertainment on public transportation or listening in on important meetings. These AKG headphones are designed for an immersive, studio-quality experience best suited for sound mixing, editing, or just casual listening. They also have an impressive 40 hours of battery life.
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Circumaural Closed-Back Monitor Headphones
These headphones have folding and rotating earcups for space-saving transportation while coming to and from work. Its soft ear pads provide a comfortable fit, no matter how long your commute is. Add in its excellent sound isolation technology and these headphones will take you from casual podcast listening to audio recording/editing easily.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones
Audio-Technica offers exceptional headphone options for every kind of listening. The ATH-M50x model is no different, with critically-acclaimed sonic performance for an immersive listening experience. It also has 90° swiveling earcups for easy, one-ear monitoring and professional-grade earpad and headband material for increased durability and comfort.
Headsets
Microsoft LifeChat LX-6000 Headset
Nothing’s more frustrating than not being able to hear your coworkers, or not having your colleagues hear you, on remote meetings. A basic headset can go a long way to improve audio quality over the microphones built into laptops. The LifeChat headset has clear sound, a noise-canceling microphone, and plug-and-play connectivity for Windows.
Logitech Zone Vibe 125 Wireless Headphones
Logitech Zone Vibe headphones are a best-of-both-worlds work and play headset. They can connect wirelessly to a computer or mobile device over Bluetooth or USB receiver, and feature a flip-to-mute microphone perfectly suited for meetings. As an everyday listening device, the 40mm drivers reproduce rich bass and crisp highs for sound that’s as fun as it is professional.
H&A LX-USB05 USB Computer Headset
An affordable entry to hybrid work headsets, the H&A LX-USB05 is a simple and effective solution to better audio. Just plug it in over USB and control it using the inline functions. Turn the volume up or down, mute the headphones, and toggle the microphone on or off. It’s all you need to improve the sound in your home office.
Webcams
Logitech StreamCam Full HD Live Streaming Webcam, White
Blurry, distorted videos are the bane of remote and hybrid workplaces. The best solution is an external webcam such as Logitech’s popular StreamCam. It performs very well, capturing full HD 1080p video at 60 FPS. The StreamCam also has auto-focus, auto-framing to keep you front and center, and auto-exposure for various lighting situations.
Microsoft Lifecam Studio 5WH-00002 1080p HD Webcam
The Microsoft LifeCam makes it as easy as ever to achieve high-quality video from home or the office. The full HD 1080p sensor captures sharp, crisp visuals. Paired with Microsoft’s TrueColor Technology, which automatically compensates for all lighting conditions, no one will ever miss a moment with the LifeCam in play.
Elgato Facecam Full HD USB Type-C 3.0 Webcam
Elgato is the leading name live streaming technology, so it’s no surprise their webcam won an Innovation Award at CES 2022. The Elgato prime lens shoots f/2.4 studio quality imagery, harnessing the Sony STARVIS sensor optimized for the (oft poorly lit) indoors. Best of all, video quality is completely uncompressed for a true full HD 1080p look with zero artifacts. You can further customize the camera’s settings using Camera Hub software.
External Storage
LaCie Rugged USB-C 3.0 5TB External Hard Drive
A quality portable HDD can spell the difference between safety net and disaster. Anyone tasked with carrying important files to and from the office should have a backup plan in place. The LaCie Rugged series has been a professional favorite for years now due to its thick rubber bumper and shock resistance. Fully portable and by no means delicate, LaCie is a leader in external storage.
Samsung T7 Shield 2TB USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Portable External SSD
Portable SSDs deliver uncompromising speed to transfer massive files in seconds. Despite being more expensive than their mechanical HDD counterparts, Samsung has found a way to cut costs for consumers in the T7 series. The T7 Shield is a portable SSD with a unique outer shell that’s rated for dust and water resistance, as well as up to a 10-foot drop.
SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE ArmorATD 2TB USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C Portable Hard Drive
The G-DRIVE ArmorATD is another ultra-rugged HDD, capable of withstanding dust, water, and up to 1000 pounds of crushing force. The aluminum enclosure feels tough on its own, while an added bumper takes it to the next level of protection. G-DRIVEs are formatted for Mac out of the box, and can be reformatted for Windows machines.
Computer Bags & Cases
Pelican MPB25 Water Resistant 25L Backpack
Perhaps the most important gadget for any commuter or hybrid worker is their backpack. Laptops, headsets, and other accessories are great, but how do we keep them safe during travel? The Pelican MPB25 is a mid-size, water resistant bag. It features a padded laptop compartment and a slew of other pouches and zipped enclosures for any number of on-the-go accessories.
Case Logic 18″ Laptop Briefcase
As a slightly more elevated alternative to a backpack, commuters can protect their equipment in the laptop briefcase by Case Logic. The notebook compartment itself is size adjustable to suit any laptop, and the internal organizer panel can neatly fit smartphones, notepads, pens, cables, and other office accessories. There’s also an outer zipper sleeve to pack more frequently accessed items, like wallets.
As you can see, there are a wide variety of the best gadgets for commuters and hybrid work. Everything on this list keeps practical functionality in mind. If you think about it, those are two of the core principles of hybrid work: convenience and practicality aimed to serve both the employee and the employer, while continuing to keep the workplace safe for everyone.
Browsing the list you’ll find plenty of home office upgrades, ways to improve your workflow, and even just bags to carry your everyday items. Adjusting to hybrid work shouldn’t be overwhelming with the right gadgets at hand.
