Great Mac Accessories
Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
The fun part about a desktop computer is that you can outfit it with all of your favorite accessories, and there are many great options out there. Here are a few recommendations, and you can find more in our Best MacBook Accessories guide.
Satechi Mac Mini M4 Hub for $130: The latest Mac Mini (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a great, compact desktop PC. However, Apple made a questionable decision by moving the power button from the back of the device to the bottom, which means you have to pick it up every time you want to turn it on or off. Satechi’s hub solves that problem—with a dedicated opening on the back that makes it easy to access the button without having to lift it. It comes with extra ports too. You’ll get three USB-A ports (up to 10 Gbps) and a built-in SD card reader. The upgraded SSD also comes with support for up to 4 TB of NVMe storage.
Apple Studio Display for $1,499: The Studio Display (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is expensive, but the 27-inch screen is a terrific companion for the Mac Mini or Mac Studio. It has a stunningly sharp 5K-resolution display, a 12-megapixel camera, along with built-in mics and speakers. For an extra cost, you can also upgrade to the model with nano-texture glass.
Asus 24-Inch Full HD Monitor for $104: If you’re looking for a less expensive monitor, this one from Asus has a sharp 1080-pixel resolution (colors can look slightly oversaturated, but you can tweak this via the display settings). It also comes with a tilt-adjustable stand and supports the VESA mounting standard if you want to use an arm mount.
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Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
Satechi M1 Mouse for $30: This is currently my favorite mouse—I’ve been using it with the MacBook Pro (2024). The ergonomic design is comfortable against my palm, the buttons are super responsive, and the scroll wheel is smooth. It has a Type-C port on the front too, so you can still use it while it’s charging.
Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID for $179: It’s tough to beat Apple’s accessories. The Magic Keyboard (with USB-C) comes with the same function row keys you’d find on an M-series MacBook, including playback buttons, a dedicated Do Not Disturb key, and a Mission Control key. It also comes with Touch ID, so you don’t have to type in your password every time to log in.
Apple Magic Trackpad 2 for $130: If you’re already accustomed to using a trackpad on a laptop, you can recreate it with your desktop using the Magic Trackpad 2. It has the same Force Touch and Multi-Touch gestures, so it’ll feel exactly like the MacBook. It also pairs automatically with your machine. The battery lasts about a month, and you can recharge it via a USB-C to USB-C cable.
Grovemade Wool Felt Desk Pad for $70: A desk mat isn’t necessary for your workspace, but it adds a nice decorative touch. This one from Grovemade is a great option. It’s sleek and easy to clean (I wiped up coffee spills with ease). It also comes in fun colors like light green, blue, and dark orange.
