My freelance web developer setup (2026 edition)

Here's the 2024 version of my desk setup where I work daily, with photos, equipment names, and links (not affiliated) to buy them online if you want.

I know equipment topics interest quite a few devs, which is why I took the time to detail each piece, but keep in mind that the only thing I started with as a freelancer was my laptop and nothing else.

The purpose of this article is definitely not to encourage you to buy exactly the same things as me. I've built this setup little by little since 2016, and some of these pieces were even gifts, so don't feel obligated to spend money to be like everyone else, especially if you're just starting out.

Also, some equipment is specific to my content creation activities (courses/articles/podcasts) and therefore less relevant for pure dev work.

The complete setup

New purchase price: About €5000

Switching to 100% remote work in 2020 really motivated me to invest more in my work comfort, particularly with an additional screen and by trying to mount as much equipment as possible on stands to have better posture and free up space on the desk itself.

Note that some equipment photos were taken on my old setup, but here's the overall photo of my desk in 2024:

The cat cost €79 including tax (to cover the shelter's vet fees), but it's not included in the setup price...

The computer

PC running Windows (2023)

New purchase price: €1720 (assembly included)

Since the beginning of my career, I've always worked on a laptop-based setup, but I changed my approach in 2023, particularly because of real performance issues on mobile app projects (with the terrible Android emulator)...

In the end, I'm very happy with my choice, this machine is capable of supporting me in all my uses: dev, design, 3D, streaming, video games,... Here's the list of components:

• Zalman X3 White case
• Asus Prime B660M-A WIFI D4 motherboard
• Intel Core i7-12700K processor
• Asus Dual GeForce RTX 3060 O12G graphics card
• 2*16GB Corsair Vengeance LPX Series Low Profile DDR4 RAM
• be quiet! Pure Power 11 FM 550W 80PLUS Gold power supply
• be quiet! Dark Rock 4 cooler

Bought on LDLC, with their configurator

The screens

Samsung 32" c32r500hfr x2 / Acer Nitro VG240Y / Bontec dual stand / Fellowes dual stand

New purchase price: €250x2 / €165 / €52.99 (stand) / €209.95 (stand)

I worked for a long time without a second screen, but when I landed a front-end developer position in 2018 and had to do a lot of integration work, the need for a second screen became clear to me. Then, to gain even more display space, I reinvested in a third screen because... why not!

Honestly, I didn't pick these screens for their resolution, color accuracy, or refresh rate—they're rather low-end screens, but they do the job perfectly for my use!

Links to buy: Samsung screen / Acer screen / Bontec stand / Fellowes stand

The desk

TecTake motorized sit-stand desk

New purchase price: €250 (tabletop included)

It took me a long time to choose my desk, which I finally ordered from TecTake in the motorized version, with an oak tabletop (bought separately).

I take advantage of every meeting to stand up a bit, which helps avoid staying static and boosts my posture!

Link to buy

The keyboard

Xtrfy K4 TKL RGB Retro (wired mechanical)

New purchase price: €120

Surprisingly, my old keyboard (Microsoft Designer, wireless) died on Black Friday... And since I'd been thinking for a while about switching to a mechanical, but especially wired, version, I jumped at the opportunity.

The backlighting is pretty nice, even if not essential, and the fact that it doesn't have a number pad slows down typing a bit but makes it easier to slip into my bag!

Link to buy

The mouse

Logitech M330 Silent Plus

New purchase price: €30

I hesitated quite a bit over which mouse model would suit me best in the Logitech range, and when testing this one I was afraid the click feel would be too silent and not satisfying enough.

But after several months of use, it's completely the opposite! First, it's a joy for the ears, and second, the click feel is soft but sufficient, and even in a game that requires hammering the left click it stays comfortable!

It's my favorite among all mice.

Link to buy

The headset

Bose QC35

New purchase price: €250

This headset goes with me absolutely everywhere, it fits easily in a bag or even a small pouch, it's bluetooth BUT it can also be plugged into a jack when the battery runs out, so I have it on my ears all the time whether at the office, at home, or out and about.

The active noise cancellation is amazing, it's a game-changer for working, but also on certain really noisy transport (subway, train, plane,...)

Link to buy (refurbished)

The microphone

Blue Yeti Slate Grey

New purchase price: €130

In 2021 I started creating courses and audio podcasts about the developer profession, and that's the main reason that pushed me to buy a very high-quality microphone.

But after a few years of use and back-to-back video calls, it's also a comfort (for others) to have such a high-quality mic! Especially since it's also used during my Twitch streams, a well worthwhile investment.

Link to buy

The webcam

Logitech C920 Pro

New purchase price: €68.50 (Chinese version but official)

This is my latest investment, which is actually almost a gift since it's my Twitch subscribers who funded the purchase of this webcam (thanks to them)!

My main use is therefore for Twitch streams, but like with the microphone, I also use it for video conferences with my clients.

Link to buy: C920

The lights

Elgato KeyLight Air

New purchase price: €144 x2

The particular lighting of my office (from the side) creates a big difference between the foreground (dark) and the background (too bright). So I needed two sufficiently powerful and adjustable lamps to improve the quality of my videos and streams, so I opted for the Elgato KeyLights.

It works well, but be careful if your wi-fi connection is somewhat distant, the lamps sometimes disconnect!

Link to buy

BenQ ScreenBar Halo

New purchase price: €169

Thanks to the BenQ team for kindly sending me this lamp which is really comfortable! I wouldn't say it's essential for every setup, but if like me you're in a fairly dark room, the lighting of the main screen, the desk, and even the back (on the halo version) is really pleasant!

This version also includes a wireless control that lets you adjust the lighting mode, brightness, and warmth, it's perfect.

Link to buy

The chair

Maxnomic Pro Quadceptor

New purchase price: €379

This little gem is a gift from my wife (thanks to her), and having worked for years on a couch or IKEA chairs, I feel an incomparable difference, and so does my back.

Sure it's an investment, but for your well-being, your health, and your concentration it's a must-have.

_It comes directly from our friends at "NeedForSeat",