Laptop Accessories That Are Actually Worth Buying

The laptop accessories market is full of gadgets promising to transform your computing experience. Some genuinely do. Others are solutions looking for problems.

After years of testing accessories and hearing from readers, here's an honest breakdown of what's actually worth your money—and what you can skip.

Essential Accessories (Buy These First)

1. Laptop Sleeve or Case ($25-$80)

Worth it? Absolutely.

Your laptop endures bumps, scratches, and pressure inside bags. A padded sleeve is cheap insurance against damage.

What to look for:

• Proper fit for your laptop size
• Adequate padding (foam or memory foam lining)
• Water-resistant exterior
• Quality zippers that won't scratch your laptop

Skip cases with excessive features—you just need protection. Even a basic $25 sleeve is better than none.

2. External Mouse ($30-$120)

Worth it? Yes, especially for extended use.

Trackpads are fine for casual browsing, but using a mouse for hours is more comfortable and precise. If you work at a desk regularly, a mouse is a worthwhile investment.

Options to consider:

• Basic wireless mouse ($30-$50): Logitech M330, Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse
• Ergonomic mouse ($60-$100): Logitech MX Vertical, Anker Ergonomic Mouse
• Premium productivity mouse ($100-$150): Logitech MX Master 3S

If you're unsure, start with a mid-range wireless mouse around $50-$60. You'll know quickly whether you want to upgrade.

3. USB Hub or Docking Station ($30-$300)

Worth it? Yes, if your laptop lacks ports.

Modern thin laptops sacrifice ports for sleekness. If you're constantly swapping cables or can't connect essential devices, a hub solves that frustration.

USB Hub ($30-$80): Adds extra USB ports, maybe an SD card slot. Good for light needs.

Docking Station ($100-$300): Connects multiple peripherals with one cable—monitor, keyboard, mouse, ethernet. Often charges your laptop too. Worth it for desk setups.

Match the hub to your laptop's best port. USB-C/Thunderbolt hubs offer the most functionality.

Highly Recommended (Strong Value Add)

4. Laptop Stand ($30-$100)

Worth it? Yes, for desk users.

Raising your laptop screen to eye level prevents neck strain from looking down. If you use your laptop at a desk for extended periods, a stand is worth it.

Types of stands:

• Fixed angle stands ($30-$50): Simple, stable, affordable
• Adjustable stands ($50-$100): Customize height and angle
• Portable stands ($20-$40): Foldable for travel, less stable

Note: Using a stand means you'll need an external keyboard and mouse to type comfortably.

5. External Keyboard ($50-$200)

Worth it? Yes, if you type a lot.

An external keyboard lets you position your screen at eye level while keeping your hands at a comfortable height. Many offer better typing feel than built-in laptop keyboards.

Consider:

• Wireless convenience: Bluetooth or USB receiver
• Key type: Membrane (quiet, affordable) vs mechanical (satisfying, louder, more expensive)
• Size: Full-size (with number pad) or tenkeyless (compact)

Good options include the Logitech K380 for casual use, Keychron K2/K8 for mechanical fans, or Apple Magic Keyboard for Mac users.

6. Headphones or Headset ($50-$350)

Worth it? Yes, for calls and focused work.

Quality audio makes video calls clearer and music more enjoyable. Noise cancellation helps concentration in noisy environments.

For video calls, look for:

• Good microphone quality
• Comfortable for long wear
• Reliable wireless connection

Options by use case:

• Budget calls ($50-$100): Jabra Evolve2 30, Logitech Zone Vibe
• Music + calls ($150-$250): Sony WH-1000XM5, Apple AirPods Pro
• Premium all-rounder ($300+): Bose 700, Sony WH-1000XM5

Situationally Useful (Depends on Your Needs)

7. External Monitor ($200-$600)

Worth it? Yes, if you work from a desk regularly.

A larger external screen increases productivity—you can have documents side by side, keep email visible while working, or simply reduce eye strain with a bigger display.

For most productivity work, a 24-27" Full HD or 2K monitor is the sweet spot. You don't need 4K unless you do detailed visual work or want the extra sharpness.

Consider a monitor with:

• Adjustable height (or use a monitor arm)
• USB-C input with power delivery (charges your laptop through the monitor cable)
• Good ergonomic adjustability

8. External Webcam ($80-$200)

Worth it? Only if your built-in webcam is poor or your laptop is elevated.

Many recent laptops have improved webcams. But if you're on frequent video calls and your camera produces grainy, dark video, an external webcam helps you look more professional.

Also necessary if you use a laptop stand that elevates your screen—the built-in camera angle becomes unflattering.

The Logitech C920/C922 remains a reliable choice. For better quality, the Logitech Brio or Elgato Facecam are popular upgrades.

9. Portable Charger/Power Bank ($80-$200)

Worth it? Only for travelers without reliable power access.

USB-C power banks can now charge laptops, not just phones. Useful for long flights, outdoor work, or unreliable power situations.

Requirements:

• 65W+ output for most laptops (check your laptop's power requirements)
• 20,000mAh+ capacity for meaningful laptop charging
• Airline-safe capacity (under 100Wh for carry-on)

These are bulky and not cheap. Only worth it if you genuinely can't access power outlets when you need them.

10. Privacy Screen Filter ($40-$80)

Worth it? Only if you work with sensitive data in public.

Privacy screens narrow the viewing angle so people beside you can't read your screen. Useful for financial professionals, healthcare workers, or anyone handling confidential information in cafes or on planes.

Downsides: Slightly reduces brightness and clarity when viewed straight on. Not necessary for most users.

Skip These (Usually Not Worth It)

Laptop Cooling Pads

Rarely worth it. Modern laptops manage thermals reasonably well. If your laptop overheats, the issue is usually dust in vents (clean them) or an internal problem. A cooling pad might help marginally but won't fix underlying issues.

Exception: Some gaming laptops benefit from cooling pads during intensive sessions.

Screen Protectors for Laptops

Usually unnecessary. Unlike phones, laptop screens don't go in pockets with keys. A laptop sleeve provides adequate protection. Matte screen protectors can be useful to reduce glare, but most users don't need screen protection.

Keyboard Skins/Covers

Debatable. They protect against spills and crumbs but can trap heat on some laptops, affect typing feel, and don't always fit well. For most users, being careful with food and drinks is a better solution.

Expensive Cable "Upgrades"

Marketing nonsense. USB cables either work or they don't. A $50 "premium" cable performs identically to a $10 one from a reputable brand. Just buy cables that meet the spec you need (USB 3.0/3.1/4) from known brands.

Building Your Accessory Kit

Start with the essentials and add based on your specific needs:

Starter Kit (~$150)

• Laptop sleeve: $30
• Wireless mouse: $50
• USB hub: $40
• Cleaning cloth and compressed air: $20

Desk Setup (~$500)

• Everything in Starter Kit: $150
• Laptop stand: $60
• External keyboard: $100
• Headset: $100
• USB-C dock: $150

Complete Workstation (~$1,000+)

• Everything in Desk Setup: $500
• External monitor (24-27"): $300
• Monitor arm: $80
• Quality webcam: $120
• Desk lamp: $50

Final Thoughts

The best accessory is one that solves a real problem you're experiencing. Don't buy accessories preemptively—wait until you actually feel the need.

That said, a good laptop sleeve should be your first purchase. Everything else can wait until you understand how you actually use your laptop day-to-day.

Quality matters more than quantity. One excellent mouse you love using beats a drawer full of mediocre gadgets.