Laptop accessories are a great way to make the most of your portable PC, especially with the current crop of slim and light laptops sometimes lacking in ports and extra features. From laptop bags and lap desks to portable monitors and USB hubs, we highlight some of the best laptop accessories.

What to Look for in a Laptop Accessory

The size and fit are some of the first things to consider when buying laptop accessories. If you want a laptop bag, you'll have to make sure it has enough room to house your laptop, particularly if you have a large-screen device. Size remains an important consideration when shopping for lap desks and laptop stands as well.

Your laptop's operating system also plays an important role. Some laptop accessories, like wired or wireless mice and keyboards, might only be compatible with Windows, macOS, or Linux. While platform-specific accessories will provide the best experience with a particular OS, look for universal compatibility if you plan to use these accessories across multiple devices and platforms.

Finally, there's connectivity. A USB hub is the best way to expand your laptop's capabilities with the addition of extra ports and various connectivity options. But ensure that you can easily connect the hub to your laptop. Most current laptops have additional USB-C ports for this purpose, while you might need a USB-A hub for older devices.

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Best Laptop Bag: TIMBUK2 Lane Commuter Laptop Bag

The TIMBUK2 Lane Commuter is ideal for anyone looking for a simple, stylish, yet practical laptop bag. It comes with an 18-liter capacity and can accommodate a 15-inch laptop, with room for other peripherals, textbooks, or even a change of clothes. Despite its roomy interior, the TIMBUK2 Lane Commuter is surprisingly compact and won't be a hindrance on a bike ride.

This weatherproof laptop bag features a durable outer layer, an ultra water-resistant inner liner, and a removable outer cover that protects its contents against the elements wherever you go. It sports two side pouches for extras like water bottles and mesh padding that allows airflow to your back even in hot weather. It also features reflective panels for safety.

The TIMBUK2 Lane Commuter is one of the best laptop bags you can get, but that quality comes at a significant premium as well. If you're looking for an affordable alternative with a similar capacity, the Matein Travel Laptop Bag is a great choice. You won't get any weather-proofing or the luxurious finish of the former, but the Matein laptop bag is more than $150 cheaper than the TIMBUK2.

Best Laptop Mouse: Logitech MX Master 3S

The Logitech MX Master 3S/MX Master 3S for Mac is a well-built, super comfortable, and ergonomic wireless mouse. A decent upgrade over the 2019 MX Master 3, the MX Master 3S comes with an 8,000 DPI sensor and a 90 percent quieter mouse click, making it one of the quietest mice available. You'll love it if you hate noisy and clicky mice.

It features a sculpted design with a left thumb rest for your right hand and offers a very comfortable feel. It comes with two scroll wheels for horizontal and vertical scrolling with ratcheting and free-spinning modes. The second wheel can be programmed to perform specific functions using Logitech's Option Plus software. All in all, it offers a smooth, one-of-a-kind scrolling experience.

You can connect the MX Master 3S to your laptop using the supplied USB-A dongle or via Bluetooth, and you can easily switch between devices. Another cool feature of the MX Master 3S is that it has a built-in battery that charges while you work. What's more, this long-lasting battery can keep average users going for months.

Best Portable Monitor: ASUS ProArt Display PA148CV

If you're looking for a solid portable monitor to improve your productivity while on the go, we recommend the ASUS ProArt Display PA148CV. It is super easy to set up and comes with a factory-calibrated 14-inch Full HD touchscreen for superb clarity. Its high pixel density and blue light filter make it ideal for professionals like freelancers, photo editors, and content creators.

It is also slim and lightweight, weighing just 1.63 pounds, so it can easily fit in your laptop bag. When it's time to set up, you can easily connect it using any of its two USB-C ports or micro HDMI input. To make the most of your viewing experience, the portable monitor comes with a built-in kickstand that lets you tilt the screen and prop it up in both landscape and portrait orientations.

A scrolling wheel on the side (when in landscape) provides an easy way to make adjustments to the monitor's settings and also works with apps like Photoshop and hardware like Microsoft's Surface Dial. On-screen menus also allow you to customize the display for parameters such as color hue, temperature, and gamma adjustments.

Best Portable Charger: Mophie Powerstation Pro AC Portable Charger

Even the best laptops will eventually run out of juice, and you're out of luck if you don't have access to a convenient charging point when on the go. That's where a portable charger can save the day, and the Mophie Powerstation Pro AC Power Charger is our top recommendation. It packs an impressive 27,000mAh battery and supports fast charging via its 60W USB-C PD port.

The Mophie Powerstation Pro AC has a 100-watt AC port, a 60-watt USB-C PD port, a USB-C port, and a USB-A port so that you can charge up to four devices, from laptops to smartphones, simultaneously. The large battery capacity makes for a heavy accessory, but you should still be able to house it in a laptop bag or carry-on with no problems. And to make sure that the charger itself doesn't run out, four LED indicators let you monitor battery percentage and charging status.

Best USB-C Hub: EZQuest USB-C Hub

One consequence of laptops getting slimmer and lighter is the lack of ports to connect external accessories and peripherals. Most current-gen laptops come with just USB-C ports for charging and connectivity, so you'll need a good USB-C hub to make up for what's missing. There are plenty of excellent USB-C hubs out there, offering a varied selection of ports. Our top pick, though, is the EZQuest USB-C hub.

This robust 8-in-1 USB-C hub comes with three USB-A ports with data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps and 10W power output and a USB-C PD port with 85W pass-through charging. You also get an HDMI port supporting a 4K resolution at 30Hz, microSD and SD card slots, and a Gigabit Ethernet port.

The EZ Quest USB-C hub is compatible with all laptops that have USB-C ports, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and USB-C smartphones and tablets with OTG support.

If you don’t need an ethernet port, you can save some money with the Anker 7-in-1 USB-C Hub.

Best Lap Desk: LapGear Designer Lap Desk

While laptops are meant to be highly portable devices you can use anywhere, it's not the most comfortable experience if you have one on your lap all the time. Lap desks are the ideal accessory if you don't have access to a desk when out and about, and one of the best you can get is the LapGear Designer Lap Desk.

It comes with a soft padded cushion that acts as a buffer between your laptop and your thighs and is roomy enough to hold a 15.6-inch laptop and more. A device ledge holds your laptop in place and stops it from sliding off, while a built-in phone slot keeps your phone within easy reach. There's even an elastic band at the corner to hold your notes and other papers in place.

Available in eight fun colors, the soft microbead cushion of the LapGear Designer Lap Desk is super comfortable and assumes the shape of your lap. Weighing just 2 pounds, it is lightweight and portable enough to be carried around the house or taken on a trip to the office or on a vacation, thanks to a handy carry handle.

Best Laptop Stand: Rain Design iLevel2 Laptop Stand

A laptop stand is a must-have accessory for anyone who spends a lot of time typing away on their laptops at a desk. A stand lets you raise the height of the laptop and its keyboard to allow for a far more comfortable typing and viewing experience and is also a nice way to ensure your desk surface isn't blocking the laptop's fans. The Rain Design iLevel2 Laptop Stand is one of the best laptop stands you can buy.

This laptop stand has a front slider that lets you adjust its height to eye level for better posture. Made of anodized aluminum, the Rain Design iLevel2 Stand is sturdy enough to hold up to a 15-inch laptop. It also features rubber stoppers that prevent your laptop and stand from sliding or tipping over. The tilt design allows heat to escape more easily while propping up your laptop and bringing the screen closer.

The iLevel2 has a resting height of 6.5 inches and an additional 2 inches of prop. It's also a touch heavy at 3.52 pounds, so it isn't the most portable laptop stand around. However, it is ideal for people who spend lots of time seated at a desk. Its ergonomic design helps reduce neck strain and encourages users to try other seating/standing positions.

FAQ

How do I clean my laptop?

First, shut down your laptop and unplug it from the wall. Next, clean the ports, keys, vents, and other openings using compressed air. You can also wipe it down with a microfiber cloth. There are plenty of laptop-friendly cleaning sprays you can buy to keep your screen and keyboard in perfect condition. Some laptop manufacturers even include specific instructions for cleaning their devices.

Should I get a Windows laptop or a MacBook?

Whether you get a Windows laptop or a MacBook depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. If you want an affordable laptop, a wide selection of software/apps, and more user control, then go for a Windows laptop. On the other hand, if you have a bigger budget, want more security, or own other Apple devices, a MacBook might be your best bet.

Do I need a mouse with my laptop?

All laptops come with a built-in touchpad or trackpad that functions as a mouse pointer. However, they're often less efficient than a traditional mouse. Most people prefer to buy a dedicated mouse to boost productivity and improve ergonomics. There are also wired and wireless options to consider, depending on your usage and budget.

How do I know what size my laptop is?

There are several ways to tell laptop size. Using a ruler, measure the diagonal from the lower left corner to the upper right corner, then convert your measurement to inches. You can also check your laptop's screen size online, if you know the model number, or look through the user manual. You can also get this information from your laptop's Display or Screen settings.