Choose the accessory that addresses the problem in your setup: a monitor for more visible workspace, separate keyboard and mouse when you need to position the screen apart from the typing surface, or a stand if you are keeping the laptop as your screen. A dock is for repeated connections, provided your laptop supports the display and charging features you need; where DSE rules apply, follow your individual assessment and check what your employer provides before buying.
If you use a laptop for sustained sessions at a regular home work surface, consider whether you need more screen space or a way to position the screen separately from your controls. Where DSE rules apply, an individual assessment should guide equipment needs, as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises.
If you move a laptop between locations, check what equipment is already available and whether its connections work with your laptop. Acas advises employers and workers to agree what equipment is needed and who will provide or pay for it.
If your workstation otherwise suits you but calls reveal a specific camera, microphone or listening need, check that need before adding equipment. Confirm the connector and any required software or meeting-platform features for the exact model.
Consider it when: your main need is more visible workspace at a regular desk.
Trade-off: it uses desk space and may duplicate a screen already provided.
Consider them when: you need to position the laptop screen separately from your typing and pointing controls.
Trade-off: they take up desk space and do not add screen area.
Consider one when: you are keeping the laptop as your screen and need to adjust its position.
Trade-off: a stand does not add another display or extra ports; check that it fits your laptop.
Consider one when: you regularly reconnect several peripherals and your laptop supports the dock’s required functions.
Trade-off: extra ports do not resolve screen-position needs, and display modes and charging depend on the exact host and dock.
Consider one when: the laptop’s existing camera or audio does not meet your work-call needs.
Trade-off: call equipment does not replace the screen and input choices in your workstation.
For workers who use display screen equipment daily as part of their normal work for an hour or more continuously, HSE says employers must assess the workstation. Where an applicable assessment identifies action such as providing equipment, HSE says the worker cannot be charged for it.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Visible workspace | Match the laptop’s video output to the monitor input; check desk space and any intended USB-C charging compatibility. | I need more room for work on a regular desk and do not want to duplicate a screen I already have. Around 29% of consumers put visible workspace first. |
| Separate controls | Check keyboard layout, connection method and available ports, as well as what your employer supplies. | I want to type and point separately while positioning my laptop screen independently. Around 23% of consumers prioritise separate controls. |
| Laptop-screen position | Check the stand’s fit with your laptop and work surface; consider separate controls for prolonged use. | I plan to keep the laptop as my screen but need to change its position. Around 18% of consumers put laptop positioning first. |
| Repeated connections | Check the laptop’s video-capable port, supported display modes, charging requirements and the dock’s power supply. | I reconnect several peripherals and need a hub that works with my laptop’s specific video and charging capabilities. Around 18% of consumers prioritise reconnection. |
| Call equipment | Check the connector, any required software and the relevant meeting-platform features. | I only need an addition if my existing camera or audio falls short for work calls. Around 12% of consumers put call equipment first. |
You may pay for equipment that is already available or that an applicable DSE assessment identifies as needed. HSE says workers cannot be charged when such an assessment calls for action such as providing equipment.
List the equipment you have and discuss the assessment and provision arrangements with your employer before making a personal purchase.
A USB-C connector does not establish that a laptop supports video output or charging through a particular dock. Input power and power passed on to a laptop can also differ. For its 565 hub, Anker specifies up to 85 W laptop pass-through and requires a separate charger.
Compare the exact laptop, dock, charger and display specifications, including supported display modes.
A stand changes the laptop screen’s position but does not provide separate typing and pointing controls. HSE advises using a separate keyboard and mouse when raising a laptop screen for prolonged use.
Plan the screen and control positions together, taking any applicable individual assessment into account.
Dell’s P2425DE is a hub monitor to consider if you need a regular-desk screen and want to assess its peripheral connections too.
Logitech offers separate keyboard-and-mouse combinations and webcams for different parts of a laptop setup.
The mStand represents the laptop-riser option if you plan to keep using the laptop as your screen.
Anker’s USB-C hubs are relevant when you repeatedly connect peripherals and have confirmed host compatibility.
The Evolve2 40 SE is a headset option when your existing laptop audio arrangement does not suit work calls.
These Joybuy options cover adding a separate monitor, raising a laptop, expanding USB-C connections or adding a wired headset. Check your laptop’s ports and display support before choosing a hub.
No image available
For adding a separate screen to a laptop workstation. The title lists QHD, IPS, 180Hz, 1ms/0.5ms (GTG, Min.), 350 nits, 2 × HDMI, DisplayPort, audio out, HDR400, FreeSync Premium and UK MPRII; HDMI and DisplayPort cables are included.
No image available
For positioning a laptop that remains your screen. The title describes an adjustable, telescopic desk stand; check its fit with your laptop and work surface.
No image available
Consider it if your existing laptop audio does not meet your work-call needs. The product description specifies a wired USB connection and microphone; check that the connection suits your device.
No image available
For adding connections to a laptop workstation. The product description lists HDMI and USB ports and a 60 W PD port; HDMI video output requires the host device to support DP Alt Mode.
No image available
For adding connections to a USB-C workstation setup. The product description lists display, USB and charging connections, specifies 4K output at 30Hz and a 60 W PD input port, and states compatibility with Windows and macOS laptops; check the exact host requirements before buying.
If DSE rules apply to your work, discuss your individual home workstation with your employer before buying a bundle. HSE says that where an assessment indicates action such as providing DSE equipment, the worker cannot be charged for it; check what equipment is already available.
No: the USB-C connector alone does not establish that a laptop supports video output or charging through a particular dock. Check the exact laptop’s video-capable port, display support and charging requirements against the dock and its power supply. Anker specifies different dual-display modes for DP 1.4 and DP 1.2 host laptops on its 565 hub.
Check that the screen and separate controls can be positioned for your work, and raise changes or concerns through your employer’s DSE process where applicable. HSE says assessments are needed when a workstation is set up or changed and advises separate keyboard and mouse when raising a laptop screen for prolonged use.
Agree with your employer what equipment is needed and who will provide or pay for it and repairs. Acas advises employers and workers to discuss these arrangements; separately, HSE says workers cannot be charged when an applicable DSE assessment indicates action such as providing equipment.
Northern Ireland has its own DSE regulatory framework. The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland says its rules apply to workers using DSE daily for an hour or more at a time and that employers must assess relevant workstations, including home-working situations.