The right accessories transform your laptop experience. A well-chosen peripheral can improve comfort, boost productivity, or solve a genuine problem. But the accessory market is flooded with unnecessary gadgets and overpriced gimmicks. This guide focuses on accessories that actually deliver value, organised by how essential they truly are.
Must-Have Accessories
These accessories address fundamental needs. Most laptop users benefit significantly from these items, regardless of how they use their machines.
Laptop Sleeve or Case
Your laptop is a significant investment. Protecting it during transport costs a fraction of repair or replacement. A quality sleeve prevents scratches, provides cushioning against bumps, and often fits inside any bag you already own.
Look for sleeves with adequate padding (at least 5mm of protective material), water-resistant exterior fabric, and a snug fit for your specific laptop size. Neoprene sleeves offer good protection and are widely available at reasonable prices. Hardshell cases provide more protection but add bulk.
External Mouse
Trackpads have improved dramatically, but an external mouse remains more precise and comfortable for extended use. If you do anything requiring accurate pointing, like spreadsheet work, design, or gaming, a mouse is essential.
Wireless mice eliminate cable clutter and work excellently for everyday use. A compact travel mouse suits portability, while a full-size ergonomic mouse benefits desk work. Avoid the cheapest options; a £15-25 mouse from a reputable brand like Logitech outperforms £5 alternatives significantly.
Wireless vs Wired
Modern wireless mice have essentially eliminated latency concerns for general use. Competitive gamers may still prefer wired, but everyone else can confidently choose wireless for the convenience.
USB Hub or Dock
Modern laptops often sacrifice ports for thinness. If your laptop has limited USB ports, a hub restores connectivity for peripherals, storage devices, and more. For USB-C laptops, a multiport adapter adds USB-A ports, HDMI output, and sometimes card readers in one compact device.
Choose hubs from reputable brands. Cheap hubs may have power delivery issues, intermittent connections, or fail quickly. A quality USB-C hub with power pass-through costs around £30-50 and lasts for years.
Strongly Recommended
These accessories aren't essential for basic laptop use but provide substantial benefits for specific needs or extended daily use.
External Monitor
An external monitor is transformative for productivity. More screen space means less window switching, easier document comparison, and reduced neck strain from proper positioning. If you work at a desk regularly, a monitor is one of the best investments you can make.
A 24-27 inch monitor at 1080p or 1440p resolution suits most users. IPS panels offer better colours and viewing angles than cheaper TN panels. Budget around £150-250 for a good quality display that'll serve you for five or more years.
External Keyboard
When using an external monitor, an external keyboard becomes necessary for proper ergonomic positioning. Even without a monitor, an external keyboard can be more comfortable than built-in laptop keyboards, especially for extensive typing.
Mechanical keyboards offer superior typing feel and durability, but quality membrane keyboards work well for most users at lower cost. Full-size keyboards include number pads useful for data entry, while compact layouts save desk space.
Headset or Quality Headphones
Between video calls, music, and general audio, you'll use headphones frequently. A decent headset with a built-in microphone handles calls professionally and sounds good for entertainment. Alternatively, quality headphones paired with your laptop's mic work for less call-intensive users.
Active noise cancellation transforms open-plan offices, coffee shops, and noisy homes into productive environments. It's worth the premium for anyone regularly working in less-than-quiet spaces.
Accessory Priority Order
- First: Protection (sleeve/case) and mouse
- Second: Connectivity (USB hub) if needed
- Third: Ergonomics (monitor, keyboard) for desk users
- Fourth: Audio (headset) for video calls
Situationally Useful
These accessories solve specific problems or suit particular use cases. They're valuable if you have the need, but not universal recommendations.
Laptop Stand
A laptop stand raises your screen to a more ergonomic height, reducing neck strain. When used with an external keyboard and mouse, it significantly improves posture during extended sessions. Stands also improve airflow, which helps cooling.
Fixed stands work well for permanent desk setups. Adjustable stands offer flexibility in height and angle. Portable stands fold flat for travel. Choose based on whether you'll keep it stationary or carry it regularly.
Webcam
If your laptop's built-in webcam is poor quality (many are still 720p with mediocre image processing), an external 1080p webcam substantially improves your appearance on video calls. Position flexibility is another benefit, allowing eye-level mounting on external monitors.
For occasional calls, your laptop's webcam likely suffices. For frequent video meetings where professional appearance matters, a quality external webcam is worthwhile.
Portable Charger / Power Bank
Laptop power banks provide backup power when outlets aren't available. Useful for long journeys, outdoor work, or unreliable power situations. However, laptop-capable power banks are larger, heavier, and more expensive than phone chargers.
Ensure any power bank you consider supports your laptop's charging requirements. USB-C PD power banks with 65W+ output handle most modern laptops. Check compatibility before purchasing.
Cooling Pad
Cooling pads benefit gaming laptops and other machines that run hot under load. They provide additional airflow and elevate the laptop for better ventilation. For laptops that thermal throttle during intensive tasks, a cooling pad can maintain higher sustained performance.
Not necessary for general productivity laptops that don't generate significant heat. Most useful for gaming or running demanding creative applications for extended periods.
Budget Tip
You don't need to buy everything at once. Start with essential accessories and add others as needs become clear. This approach prevents accumulating unused gadgets.
Probably Skip These
Some popular accessories provide less value than marketing suggests. Consider carefully before spending on these items.
Screen Protectors
Unlike phones, laptops rarely experience screen contact with hard objects. Screen protectors can reduce display clarity and are rarely necessary. If you're genuinely concerned about screen scratches, a microfibre cloth between the keyboard and screen when closed is simpler and cheaper.
Keyboard Covers
Silicone keyboard covers interfere with typing feel and can trap heat. They may protect against spills, but their downsides often outweigh benefits. Better practice: simply avoid eating and drinking over your laptop.
USB Fans
Those small USB-powered fans don't meaningfully cool your laptop. They're more about personal comfort than laptop temperature. A proper cooling pad is more effective if laptop cooling is genuinely needed.
Quality Matters
With accessories, spending slightly more often delivers significantly better experience and longevity. The cheapest option frequently disappoints through poor build quality, unreliable connections, or uncomfortable design.
This doesn't mean buying the most expensive option. Mid-range products from established brands typically offer the best value, delivering quality without unnecessary premium features.
Consider how long you'll use each accessory. A mouse or keyboard you'll use daily for years justifies higher investment than something used occasionally. Calculate cost-per-use when deciding how much to spend.
Warranty Matters
Reputable accessory brands offer meaningful warranties. Logitech mice and keyboards typically include 2-year warranties, for instance. This coverage adds value and indicates manufacturer confidence in their products.