12 actually useful desk upgrades that are all under $100 — I review work gear for a living, and these practical gadgets are more than just office eye-candy

As a dedicated remote worker and editor for all things office here at TechRadar Pro , I'm always on the look-out for interesting gadgets, gear, and tech that's actually useful.

<![CDATA[ <article> <p>As a dedicated remote worker and editor for all things office here at <em>TechRadar Pro</em>, I'm always on the look-out for interesting gadgets, gear, and tech that's actually useful. So, I've picked out 12 items for your desk that are what I'd consider essentials for creating a more productive home office or dorm room. </p><p>I've picked a spread of gear here, from one of my favorite desk mats ever - it has a document protector (or hider, depending on the security level at your job) - to Elgato's customizable 8-button productivity hub. One press of the button and you're straight into the software you use for work. </p><p>But my first pick in the round-up is Logitech's vertical mouse. I was always wary about ergonomic mice. I spent decades refusing to use them, and I thought they were a gimmick. Until one day, I had one cupped in my hand. Now, I'd never go back. They genuinely are more comfortable for long hours at my desk. </p> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="b5025e1a-8115-11f1-84e9-01625d51a50f"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Vertical-Wireless-Mouse-Rechargeable/dp/B07FNJB8TT/" data-model-name="Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse " data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jE4qfDc466TzGokZG5NKZS.jpg" alt="Logitech Mx Vertical Wireless Mouse – Ergonomic Design Reduces Muscle Strain, Move Content Between 3 Windows and Apple Computers, Rechargeable, Graphite"></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Logitech</div> <div class="featured__title">Logitech MX Vertical Wireless Mouse </div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="b5025e92-8115-11f1-bc00-05a3e8d225b3"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nordik-Felt-Leather-Desk-Non-Slip/dp/B0CQBMY8SY/?th=1" data-model-name="Nordik Felt and Leather Desk Mat with Document Hider" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/S76xSmDrQhFxvgGRUM7esG.jpg" alt="Nordik Felt and Leather Desk Mat Non-Slip - Blue - 35 X 17 Inch - Felt and Vegan Leather Desk Pad - Document Organizers - Desk Blotter and Desktop Mat - Desk Protector Laptop Desk Matt for Desktop"></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Nordik By Design</div> <div class="featured__title">Nordik Felt and Leather Desk Mat with Document Hider</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="b5025f14-8115-11f1-b232-2dfeace3dc9a"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Quntis-Computer-Reading-Auto-Dimming-Adjustment/dp/B08DKQ3JG1/?th=1" data-model-name="Monitor Lamp with Remote Control" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jJmCZCxbr9iWinfbsR9PFP.jpg" alt="Quntis Computer Monitor Lamp, Screen Monitor Light Bar for Eye Caring, Usb Reading Led Task Lamp With Auto-Dimming, Dimmable Light Bar, Touch Control, No Glare Space Saving Home Office Desk Lamps"></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Quntis</div> <div class="featured__title">Monitor Lamp with Remote Control</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="b5025f8c-8115-11f1-8f4e-e9d99eaed6cd"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/DELTAHUB-Carpio-2-0-Right-Handed-Anti-Fatigue/dp/B098P8C3BT/" data-model-name="Deltahub Carpio 2.0 Truly Ergonomic Wrist Rest" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/T9qxxRmYKqdmbJ49RxdUsZ.jpg" alt="Deltahub Carpio 2.0 - Right-Handed Truly Ergonomic Wrist Rest for Mouse, Carpal Tunnel Support, Pain Relief, Anti-Fatigue, Easy Glide, Sleek, Office, Computer, Laptop, Gaming - Large, Black"></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>DELTAHUB</div> <div class="featured__title">Deltahub Carpio 2.0 Truly Ergonomic Wrist Rest</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_standard" data-id="b5026004-8115-11f1-bc71-f167cbb96471"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Management-Magnetic-Elegant-Organizer-Mountable/dp/B0B7BBRSL8/?th=1" data-model-name="Bamboo Cable Management Box With Magnetic Lid " data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JeXcEAnpj3UGnTrQzFqZBh.jpg" alt="Bamboo Cable Management Box With Magnetic Lid - 12,6x7,8x4.3 in - Durable Cable Organizer to Hide Cords & Power Strip - Wall Mountable - Including Hardware - for Home, Office, Desk & More (black)"></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Kos Design</div> <div class="featured__title">Bamboo Cable Management Box With Magnetic Lid </div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="b5026086-8115-11f1-9694-bf1290ecbae1"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gianotter-Monitor-Organizer-Holders-Computer/dp/B0DJKSMV2T/?th=1" data-model-name="Gianotter Dual Monitor Stand Riser With Drawer and 2 Pen Holders" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/C4hyXTpkVGPvtoG6iF5FDL.jpg" alt="Gianotter Dual Monitor Stand Riser, Desk Organizer With Drawer and 2 Pen Holders, Computer Monitor Stand, Desk Shelf for Top of Desk (black)"></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>gianotter</div> <div class="featured__title">Gianotter Dual Monitor Stand Riser With Drawer and 2 Pen Holders</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="b5026144-8115-11f1-b988-475f47893eb0"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/ODISTAR-Endurance-Cordless-Rotatable-Keyboard/dp/B07Q128V6W/" data-model-name="Mini Desktop Vacuum Cleaner" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oHcrCcEywJFLxb3CTjDFqY.jpg" alt="Odistar Desktop Vacuum Cleaner, Mini Table Dust Sweeper Energy Saving,high Endurance Up to 90 Mins,cordless&360º Rotatable Design for Keyboard/home/school/office(white Aa Battery)"></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>ODISTAR</div> <div class="featured__title">Mini Desktop Vacuum Cleaner</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="b50261c6-8115-11f1-a5ee-951398b68df0"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Charger-Ultra-Fast-Charging-Included/dp/B0F8VMY7TD/" data-model-name="Anker Nano USB-C Fast Charger with 3 Ports" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tF4SbYiiFQVVGLfgNRNcvR.jpg" alt="Anker Nano Usb C Charger, Ultra-Fast 70w Output 3-Port Fast Charger Usb C, Type C Charger Fast Charging, Compact and Stylish, for Iphone 17/16 Series, Macbook, Ipad and More(black, Cable Included)"></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Anker</div> <div class="featured__title">Anker Nano USB-C Fast Charger with 3 Ports</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="b502623e-8115-11f1-9722-db02dabf0a38"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Elgato-Stream-Deck-Neo-Customizable/dp/B0CVY4566H/" data-model-name="Elgato Stream Deck Neo with 8 Customizable Keys" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uoUDS7fujerV7AEQpFkJaD.jpg" alt="Elgato Stream Deck Neo, 8 Customizable Keys, 2 Touch Points"></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Elgato</div> <div class="featured__title">Elgato Stream Deck Neo with 8 Customizable Keys</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="b50262c0-8115-11f1-a11c-bf8480fdae47"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dreo-Circulator-Powerful-Vertical-Oscillating/dp/B0CVVMZVHY/" data-model-name="Dreo Oscillating Fan with Remote Control" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check style='padding-top:129.87%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/5iAMh67afZmxdRLsHnPDPZ.jpg" alt="Dreo Fan for Bedroom, Desk Air Circulator Fan With Remote, 11 Inch Table Fans for Whole Room, 65ft Powerful Airflow, 120° Vertical Manual +90° Oscillating, 4 Speeds, 8h Timer, 25db Quiet Fan, Home"></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>DREO</div> <div class="featured__title">Dreo Oscillating Fan with Remote Control</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="b5026338-8115-11f1-8315-458c9c99d385"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Full-Size-Mechanical-Anti-Ghosting-Keys-White/dp/B08Z6X4NK3/=8-3&th=1" data-model-name="Logitech Full-Size Mechanical Keyboard with Backlight" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dacbqpkFPVJyjAB7HH3ncc.jpg" alt="Logitech G413 Se Full-Size Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Backlit Keyboard With Tactile Mechanical Switches, Anti-Ghosting, Compatible With Windows, Macos - Black Aluminum"></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Logitech</div> <div class="featured__title">Logitech Full-Size Mechanical Keyboard with Backlight</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_hero" data-id="b50263b0-8115-11f1-896b-cb4fc1bf3ecc"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Compatible-Certified-Palm-Sized-Non-Battery/dp/B0FHWK3W1S/" data-model-name="Anker Prime Foldable Magsafe Charger" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rJi4v3Nh8JszKfWqvgZUuj.jpg" alt="Anker Prime Foldable Magsafe Charger, 25w Qi2.2-Certified Palm-Sized Travel-Ready 3-In-1 Charging Station, Aircool Wireless Charger, for Iphone 17, Apple Watch, Airpods (non-Battery, With Adapter)"></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Anker</div> <div class="featured__title">Anker Prime Foldable Magsafe Charger</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </article> ]]>