Products curated from the most popular purchases on Amazon.
Tap a group to open its picks.
A light in front of you3 options
This is the biggest single difference and almost nobody does it. A window behind you turns you into a silhouette; a light in front of you makes you look present.
- Look for adjustable brightness and a warmer setting - full cold white is unflattering
- A clip or small stand beats holding it
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Desk Ring Light with Stand for Computer, 30 Modes Video Conference Lighting | Adjustable Desk Light for Video Recording, Zoom Lighting for Computer, Webcam, Podcast, Calls, Home Office, CRI 97.8Check price on Amazon (paid link)
2 Packs Desk Ring Light with Stand for Video Conference | Adjustable Desktop Light with Phone Holder for Video Calls, Zoom Lighting for Computer, Video Light for Recording, PodcastCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Cyezcor Video Conference Lighting Kit, Ring Light for Monitor Clip On | for Remote Working, Distance Learning,Zoom Calls, ...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
A microphone or a wired headset3 options
Bad audio makes people work to listen, and that reads as effort rather than interest. It is the fastest way to lose a room you cannot see.
- A wired connection avoids the Bluetooth dropout that happens exactly once, at the worst time
- Check it is recognised as a microphone, not only as headphones
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
LIANGSTAR USB Computer Microphone, Podcast Mic Desktop with Mute Button for Recording Streaming, Omnidirectional Condense...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Logitech Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone for PC, Mac, Gaming, Recording, Streaming, Podcasting, Studio and Computer Cond...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
FIFINE AmpliGame AM8 USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone for Gaming Streaming | Podcast Mic with RGB Light, Mute Button, Headphones...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
A webcam if the laptop camera is old3 options
Built-in cameras on older laptops are genuinely poor in anything but daylight, and they sit low, which is an unflattering angle.
- Look for 1080p as a floor
- Check the clip works with your screen thickness, especially if you use a monitor rather than a laptop
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
EMEET 1080P Webcam with Microphone, C960 Web Camera 2 Mics Streaming Webcam | 90°FOV Computer Camera, Plug and Play USB Web Cam for Online Calling/Conferencing, Zoom/Teams/Facetime/YouTube, Laptop/PCCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
EMEET C100 2K Webcam for PC with Rotating Privacy Cover, Mic & Metal Clip | Computer Camera for Home Office, Meetings, Learning, Streaming, External Webcam for Desktop, Laptop, PC USB-ACheck price on Amazon (paid link)
EMEET C950 4K Webcam for PC, PDAF Autofocus, USB Webcam with Microphone | Physical Privacy Cover, 1080P@60FPS, USB 2.0 Plug&Play, No Tripod Hole, Web Cam w/ 70°View for Meeting/Online Classes/ZoomCheck price on Amazon (paid link)
Something plain behind you3 options
Virtual backgrounds glitch around your head and it is distracting. A plain wall or a simple backdrop is more reliable and looks better.
- If you buy a backdrop, check it can be ironed or steamed - creases show badly on camera
- Mid-grey and mid-blue photograph best
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
【Easy Set Up】 RAUBAY 59.8 x 82.7in Collapsible White Backdrop Screen | Portable Retractable Panel Photo Background with St...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
YUOCU 3.3x5ft/1x1.5m Chromakey Black White Backdrop with 6.23ft Stand, 2-in-1 Black Screen White Screen Collapsible Revers...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
CroBlissful 5×3.3 ft(1.5mX1m) Collapsible Backdrop, Portable 2 in 1 Black and White Backgrounds with Carrying Bag, Reversi...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
A laptop riser so the camera is at eye level3 options
A camera below your chin looks up your nose. Getting it level is free if you have books, and better if you have a stand.
- Check the height gets the camera to roughly your eye line when you sit up straight
- A separate keyboard makes this workable
3 options — pick the one that fits, then tap through for the current price on Amazon.
Nulaxy Ergonomic Adjustable Laptop Stand for Desk, Dual Foldable Computer Riser with Advanced Heat-Vent, Heavy-Duty Portab...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Gogoonike Adjustable Laptop Stand for Desk, Metal Laptop Riser Holder | Portable Desktop Book Stands, Foldable Ventilated ...Check price on Amazon (paid link)
Tonmom Laptop Stand for Desk, Adjustable Laptop Riser, Black | ABS+Silicone Foldable Portable Notebook Holder, Ventilated ...Check price on Amazon (paid link)