50-70 hours.
That's how much time engineers spend at their workstations per week. It's your second home, not just a desk. No wonder you put so much thought into picking the right software and hardware tools to make this home functional.
But thinking about it doesn't always mean you get it right. And by "right," we mean what really works for you. Surely, you've wondered how top engineers do this. We did too.
So we asked a bunch of them—from Google, Amazon, Airbnb, and leading startups: How do you set up your workspace to bring out your most productive self? They had a lot to say.
In this two-part blog series, we'll offer a peek into their world. Part 1 focuses on the hardware essentials that form the backbone of an ideal developer setup.
1. Monitor & laptop: The heart of your setup
A) Laptop
Mac seems to be the go-to choice for developers. And, the latest Macs have Apple's own chips (M1, M2, and M3) rather than Intel. Most developers have been super positive about this move.
Now, 8GB of RAM might be fine for someone who’s not into tech. However, developers usually go for 16GB because they’re running way more demanding applications.
We had a mix of developers using both the MacBook Air and the Pro. The Pro seems to be the top pick, even though it’s a bit tougher on the pocket.
B) Monitors
Most developers said they switched to a dedicated monitor setup once eye strain, along with neck and shoulder discomfort, became too much to handle. While the extra screen space is nice, the real draw for developers is the comfort it offers during those long coding sessions.
“Just last week I did get a new external monitor. With the laptop alone, I was starting to struggle a bit, especially when running test cases, so the extra screen has been really helpful.”
— Rameesh Roshan, Software Engineer at Deel
Now, for resolution, 1080p is the standard choice. But if your budget allows, 4K is definitely worth considering.
As for size, it’s clear that bigger is better—24 inches or more seems to hit the sweet spot for most developers (and no, we’re not suggesting you get a giant monster, just one big enough to actually be useful).
“I find that a bigger screen helps me get more work done, so I use a 28-inch Samsung monitor. Apart from the monitor, mouse, and laptop, I keep my workstation minimal and decluttered to avoid distractions.” — Keval Vora, Senior Software Engineer at SixSense
A popular combo among the engineers we talked to is pairing a MacBook Pro with a Samsung 28-inch 4k Ultra HD is a good combo.
2. Keyboards & mouse: Essentials first, splurge later
A) Keyboards
When it comes to keyboards, it’s not just about speed—it’s about making long coding sessions comfortable and maybe even a bit fun. Most developers who use external monitors also opt for an external keyboard. While there’s a bit of an adjustment period, they all agreed that once you get used to it, there’s no turning back.
“I prefer using an external keyboard to maintain a better posture when working for long hours.” — Souvik Pan, Founding Engineer at FuturElectra
Now, they also suggest being really picky with your keyboard choice. So, beyond standard features, think customizable keypads and mechanical switches. The Keychron K2 was a favorite among engineers.
What we realized here is that sometimes it's not just about what a tool can do. It's also about how much you enjoy using it every day.
Now, if you're using only a laptop, most developers don’t think an external keyboard is necessary. This is especially true for MacBook users, who generally find the built-in keyboard more than sufficient.
“The MacBook's trackpad is great, so I don't use an external keyboard really. The trackpad is easier to use!”
— Kishan Thesiya, Senior Software Engineer at Curefit
B) Mouse
Most developers we spoke with prefer an external mouse over a built-in trackpad for longer coding sessions. While programmable buttons are a nice feature, what developers really value is the reduced strain on their hands when using an external mouse. The Logitech MX Master was a standout favorite among the developers we talked to.
Even among MacBook users, only some stick with the trackpad. The rest, whether using a single laptop or an external monitor, recommend an external mouse as the better option.
“I don't use the external keyboard much as the laptop keyboard works fine for me. But I do use the mouse when working with the external monitor. Otherwise, my focus keeps shifting back to the laptop screen if I use the touchpad.”
— Anjalica Suman, Software Engineer at Thimblerr
3. Audio: Blocking out distractions
Developers have been loving the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones for their excellent noise cancellation. This preference is especially common among engineers working in offices, who recommend these headphones if background chatter often disrupts your focus.
For those working remotely or in quieter environments, developers find that expensive headphones aren't always necessary.
A good pair of earbuds like the AirPods Pro, with decent sound and mic quality, usually works well for coding and online meetings.
4. Desk & Chair: Prioritizing ergonomics
Space is a key factor when developers choose their chair and desk setup. When space is limited, the developers we spoke to emphasized prioritizing a quality chair over a premium desk.
Many developers are concerned about future back issues, so a chair with excellent lumbar support and adjustability is a top priority.
Gaming chairs from brands like Green Soul and Circle Gaming were popular among the developers we talked to. These chairs typically include all the essential ergonomic features. As a result, they are ideal for long coding sessions.
As for desks, most developers are content with a simple, sturdy option that offers enough space for their gear. If you have the budget and space, adjustable standing desks are a worthwhile upgrade.
Now, some developers find their office desk setup sufficient, as they spend most of their working hours there. At home, most of them have opted for simpler setups.
Your ideal work setup
Look, the biggest challenge you'll face in creating an ideal setup is avoiding neck, back, and body aches— a nightmare in the long run. So, when upgrading or starting from scratch, don't ignore the tried-and-tested choices we've shared above.
Overall, based on our conversations with developers, the ideal setup includes:
- A MacBook Pro with 16GB RAM
- A 24-inch or larger external monitor
- An external keyboard with customizable features (e.g., Keychron K2)
- An ergonomic external mouse (e.g., Logitech MX Master)
- Quality earbuds or noise-canceling headphones (e.g., AirPods Pro or Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless)
- An ergonomic chair with good lumbar support
- A sturdy desk with enough space for your gear
Explore these options, adjust your setup as needed, and give your workspace a makeover to bring your ideas to life.
In part 2, we dive into the software tools and services that top engineers use to streamline their development workflow. Check it out here.