5 desktop gadgets that will help you stay focused all day long

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Working from home is a great option if you can. You save time you usually spend on preparations and commuting to the office. You can also set up your home office however you want and maybe even configure your schedule to get more tasks done in the shortest amount of time.

However, to do the latter successfully and stay productive throughout your workday, you need to demonstrate a certain level of determination and be goal-oriented. You may also want to have the necessary tools on hand to help you stay focused on your most important tasks.

Below are some examples of equipment that can help you concentrate better while performing multiple tasks. Most of these items can be conveniently placed right on your desk, where you can access them when needed. Most recommendations are based on personal experience, as well as other factors that will be explained in more detail at the end of this summary.

Noise-cancelling headphones

The quickest way to block out any distractions that may be affecting your work is to plug your ears. Instead of settling for regular headphones, a gadget that offers active noise cancellation (ANC) may be more effective in this particular case. You don’t even have to play sound while wearing it – if ANC is turned on, the headphones will pick up ambient sounds and generate a counter sound wave to dampen them, effectively creating a quieter environment. Noise-cancelling headphones are also great for playing music playlists designed for focus and productivity, if that’s more your style.

We’ve rounded up the best home headphones available today, including the Sony WH-1000XM5. Excellent ANC performance is one of the advantages highlighted by SlashGear in its review of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, thanks to eight microphones and two processors. If you decide to invest in this equipment, it will set you back about $350 on Amazon.

Alternatively, you can choose a cheaper brand. I’ve been using the Soundcore by Anker’s Life Q35 headphones – currently priced at $100 on Amazon – as my work headphones for over a year, and they’re still in great shape. I almost never turn off the ANC and find that I only need to charge it every two to three days. It’s also very comfortable to wear for hours on end, which is crucial when you’re hunkering down and crossing each item off your to-do list.

If you’re not a fan of headband headphones, you can opt for noise-canceling in-ear headphones instead. My favorite pair is the Beats Fit Pro in-ear headphones – you can buy them on Amazon for $200 in four different colors.

Daylight lamp

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According to science, exposure to sunlight can improve concentration and overall cognitive function. It causes the release of serotonin, a hormone associated with improving mood, calmness and concentration. Therefore, it is important to have a workstation with access to sufficient lighting to maintain a high level of productivity.

If you don’t have access to natural lighting, one thing you can buy for your home office is a lamp that replicates the range of light you can get from the sun. I have personally tested and reviewed the SkyView 2 smart lamp via BIOS and it is currently my main source of lighting in the room where I write at home. Day mode emits a bright blue tint that makes me feel like I’m outside. Placing it on my desk ensures that I am on task and effectively energizes me at the end of the work day. However, keep in mind that this lamp is a steal for $349 on Amazon.

If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, Amazon’s current best-selling table lamp is available for just $20, with a coupon available for an additional discount. The arm is flexible, so you can position it any way you want, and there are several levels of brightness and light colors to choose from.

Visual clock

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You can probably run a stopwatch on a clock app on your computer or cell phone to make sure you stay on schedule, but there’s something about a countdown that can be seen more visually that somehow increases your ability to stay on pace with the task at hand. This gives you the ability to see exactly how much time you spend on a particular task and when you should stop and move on to the next one (or take a break).

Visual timers are a great tool to have at work, whether you have ADHD or just need help multitasking. Ticktime’s Pomodoro Timer — currently priced at $40 on Amazon — is not just an eye-catching piece for your desktop computer, but a versatile and user-friendly device that allows you to initiate and pause one of your set countdown times by simply flipping the gadget itself. You can even set a custom countdown, as long as it’s between a second and 99 minutes. It can be configured to alert you with a sound (which has five different levels) or a flashing light.

If you prefer the numbers to be more visible, this colorful timer is an Amazon bestseller and is on sale at $17. It looks like a simple digital clock with numbers indicating seconds, minutes and hours, which may be the preferred option if you want to immerse yourself in a task longer than 99 minutes. You can reduce the display brightness and control the alarm volume as well as the digit colors. It even has a vibration function, which can be useful if you’re wearing noise-cancelling headphones and are too focused on what you’re doing.

Desktop converter

It doesn’t take a scientist to know that sitting for long periods of time can’t have much impact on your health and well-being. You really should take short breaks throughout your workday so that you don’t burn out or feel exhausted, either mentally or physically.

Of course, there are hectic days where tasks can seem endless. If you don’t want to ruin your dynamics, you can at least vary your work position by choosing a setting that allows you to work standing. Unlike a sitting position, using a standing desk has several benefits, such as better blood flow and improved posture, as well as helping you stay focused.

If you can’t afford a high-quality standing desk, the next best thing is a tabletop computer stand that can be converted into one. The TechOrbits Desk Converter allows you to place your laptop or dual monitor display at head height so you can maintain a neutral neck position while working. It has a separate keyboard tray that makes typing more comfortable on your feet. Each tray is easily adjustable thanks to the squeeze handles.

The 32-inch version is currently on sale on Amazon for $110, but if you need a wider work area to accommodate more accessories, you can purchase the 36-, 37-, and 42-inch converter for a little more money.

Wider second monitor

woman working on ultra wide angle monitor

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When you have multiple programs and browser tabs open on your computer, it’s very easy to lose focus. To make it easier to connect your work group chat, task management portal, music player, and other things you need access to during work hours, it’s best to have a monitor where you can see all the windows you need at a glance.

One option is to purchase a second monitor that is wider than your main computer screen and make it your main display. LG’s ultra-wide 29-inch computer monitor is well-reviewed on Amazon for $200, with many satisfied customers praising it for its image quality, color fidelity, and, of course, screen size. If you need even more space for all your application windows, you can purchase the 34-inch version at a discounted price of $269.

Not ready to invest in an expensive monitor yet? Whether you’re on a budget or looking for an alternative that’s more travel-friendly, allowing you to work from a coffee shop or away from home, you can buy a laptop screen extender instead. It’s not as large as a portable monitor, but it should serve you well while traveling. I also recently reviewed a portable monitor that went viral on TikTok to see if it lived up to all the hype, and it exceeded my expectations in terms of display quality and overall ease of use, considering the affordable price. It usually retails for $130, but is currently on sale for $60 on Amazon.

Methodology and process of selecting recommendations

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Many of the products featured in this roundup are products that I have had positive first-hand experience with, especially in the noise-canceling headphones, daylight lamps, and monitor sections.

Other products mentioned were highlighted due to their popularity on the Internet, as well as favorable reviews from satisfied buyers, as well as colleagues at SlashGear and other technical publications.