As with any Apple product, you get what you pay for — which is the bare minimum. But that doesn’t stop us from buying their products, nor does it take away from the need to have a complete and efficient workstation.
The right accessories will take your iMac and home office space to the next level. There are tons of things you didn’t know you needed — until now. Check out our list to find out what you’re missing.
The best iMac accessories
Satechi USB-C Clamp Hub
This excellent Satechi hub is designed to clamp to the underside of your iMac so you have all the handy connections you need without taking up any additional desk space. It is specifically made to work with Thunderbolt 3 and includes USB-C, three USB-A 3.0 ports, and SD and microSD card readers. Plus, the design is made to match your iMac’s style with an aluminum finish (available in space gray and silver).
If you’ve been annoyed by how hard the back-panel ports are to reach on your iMac, these solutions fix that problem and much more, making it an easy recommendation for anyone who uses their iMac frequently.
Apple Magic Keyboard
There are a lot of great keyboards out there, but one of the best options for Macs is still Apple’s own Magic Keyboard. Not only does the Magic Keyboard naturally tie in the aesthetics of a Mac setup, but it’s overall one of the best typing experiences you can get in a Bluetooth keyboard. Plus, the Magic Keyboard has macro keys built just for MacOS, and the upcoming models even have a Spotlight key and TouchID built-in. Plus, they come in different colors to match the new iMacs.
There are two real options when it comes to the Magic Keyboard: You can get a standard compact version or you can get a larger version with ten-key number pad. The standard 78-key version should be fine for most people, but the number pad can be handy for frequent Excel users.
Apple Magic Trackpad 2
The Magic Mouse’s shape means it’s not to everyone’s taste. The Magic Trackpad 2, however, is excellent. It’s an immense improvement on the original Trackpad, coming with a slimmer design, more durability, a larger surface area, and better sensors. It’s a must-have if you’re familiar with MacBooks.
You can quickly set up this trackpad to work well with the iMac’s large screen at a speed and responsiveness that works for you. This trackpad is a great solution for those who want to avoid some of the wrist problems associated with mice — or if you simply prefer using gestures in MacOS.
Twelve South MagicBridge
There are a lot of keyboards you can choose that have great features and Mac compatibility. However, if you already have Apple’s Magic Keyboard and Magic Trackpad and want to take them to the next level, this clever little tray is perfect. It allows you to connect Apple’s Magic Trackpads (more on these below) to either the right or the left of the Apple Magic Keyboard in a seamless arrangement.
As long as you have both accessories, you can connect them so they work together effortlessly. It’s a great accessory if you like to hold your keyboard in your lap or just keep your desk setup a bit cleaner.
Logitech MX Master 3 Wireless Mouse
On the other hand, some users absolutely require a mouse for their computer activities. While there are a lot of great mice out there to choose from, this Logitech model is top-notch. It has a comfortable ergonomic design and a rechargeable battery that can last up to 70 days on a single charge. The light grey version pairs particularly well with an iMac setup.
The auto-shift scrolling wheel also makes high-speed scrolling and maneuvering a breeze. The mouse is designed to work on any surface, including glass, so a mousepad isn’t absolutely required. If you work on multiple computers at once, you can program the mouse to work between them interchangeably, too. As we said in our review, it’s a “near-perfect” mouse.
Satechi Aluminum Monitor Stand Hub
The iMac doesn’t really have any adjustment options when it comes to things like height. If you want you iMac to be higher for better visibility, you need to get a stand to put it on. Out of all the stands out there, we particularly like the Satechi model. It’s a beautiful aluminum design that matches the iMac, and it includes ingenious front-facing ports built right in, so it can also function as your hub.
This model includes an audio jack, USB 3.0 port, USB-C port, and an SD/Micro SD port on the stand. A USB adapter is included if you need to use older USB devices.
Twelve South iMac Stand
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, Twelve South also has an excellent iMac stand that includes a cubbyhole for built-in storage. Once the stand is attached, you can pop open the front panel to find two small shelves for storage — ideal for wallets, phones, AirPods, or anything else you want to keep near but out of the way. You can even run a USB hub from the back of the iMac through the back of the stand. This means you can have quicker access to ports without having a mess of cords on your desk.
The encapsulating stand is also adjustable, allowing you to raise your iMac up to four inches if necessary. You can choose between walnut or gunmetal for the framework.
Vivo Adapter VESA Mount Kit
Newer versions of the iMac are generally easier to mount to walls than old versions. However, this particular Vivo VESA mount comes with an adapter kit that means you can use it for an iMac model between late 2009 and current versions, which should cover just about everyone.
If you are in a situation where you really need your iMac mounted on a wall rather than freestanding, this is your best option. Everything you need for mounting is included, and the steel hardware is designed specifically for the iMac.
Western Digital 6TB My Book External Hard Drive
If you need an external hard drive specifically for your iMac, you probably need some serious and reliable storage. This 6TB WD drive is a perfect fit. It includes both Western Digital Backup software and compatibility with Time Machine to make sure your data stays safe.
Password protection that includes hardware-based encryption is included for an extra level of security as well. While the drive is designed to work with USB 3.0, it can also accommodate USB 2.0 connections if necessary. If your professional content ends up needing even more room, you can get the same drive model at up to 20GB, although this will raise the price as well.
Logitech Z623 2.1 Speaker System
Your iMac also deserves some great sound. While iMacs have decent speakers themselves, you may need some backup if you really want to jam out at your desk.
If you are shopping for a new speaker system for your computer, this Logitech model gives remarkable sound for its price, thanks to the THX-certified 2.1 speaker system that includes a hefty subwoofer (designed for placement under your desk, preferably). The speakers offer 200 watts RMS/400 watts peak performance. There are also RCA and 3.5mm inputs for connecting other devices.
Apple AirPods Pro
Everyone typically thinks of AirPods Pro for their iPhone or iPad, but they’re also great for the Mac as well. Their active noise cancelling helps tune out the general noise of the office or any children or pets if you work from home. Pairing is also simple and painless, as it is with all other Apple devices. You can even switch between active noise cancelling and Transparency mode right from the Mac. Just tap on the AirPods icon in you taskbar and switch to the mode you prefer. If you’re in the market for new earbuds, it doesn’t get any better than Apple’s own.
Twelve South Hidden Shelf “Backpack” for iMac
If your iMac enjoys an open desk arrangement, you may be looking for some extra storage space. This little mount attaches to the back of your iMac to create a small shelf back there. It is ideal storage for external hard drives, wireless charging pads, MacBook or iPhone charging, and so on. The shelf can hold up to 3.5 pounds.
Yilador Webcam Cover Pack
Hackers have found webcam attacks to be lucrative if they can take remote control of the webcam, turn it on, and record the unwary (or at least threaten to). The easiest and best way to prevent these attacks is with a simple webcam cover. Webcam covers on MacBooks can be tricky because they may interfere with how the MacBook closes and could even damage the screen, but fortunately, iMacs don’t have that problem. That’s why these Yilador webcam covers are such a great purchase. They offer affordable protection, and can easily slide back and forth depending on when you’re using your webcam.
Loupedeck+ Photo and Video Editing Console
Photo and video editors will love this Mac-friendly console, which is designed to work with Lightroom, Final Cut, Photoshop, and similar programs for unparalleled precision and lots of ways to save time — or even control two editing functions at once to make sure their combined effect is perfect. Nearly everything on the console can be customized to just the way you want it, too, perfect for professionals working on their own iMacs.
Blackmagic eGPU
iMacs aren’t exactly easy to upgrade in any way, but this external GPU is an alternative solution for those looking for a huge graphics boost. It’s a powerful Radeon Pro 580 graphics card with 8GB of GDDR5 memory. The unit includes two Thunderbolt 3 ports, four USB 3 ports, and an HDMI port to support a variety of configurations. It’s also portable enough to easily switch to a MacBook if necessary!
PU Leather Lager Desk Pad Protector
Protect your entire iMac desk space with this affordable cover that also doubles as a handy mousepad. It’s designed to resist spills and be easy to clean if a mess happens. You can also pick which side you like best — a nonslip surface with a bit of a grip or a smoother waterproof surface with extra protection.
iMac Kuzy Monitor Cover
If you depend on that beautiful iMac screen for your professional work, then it’s important to keep it protected even when you aren’t using it — especially if it’s not exactly safe from spills or damage at home.
This Kuzy monitor jacket is specifically designed to secure your iMac, so you don’t have to stress about its safety when you’re not using it. The cover blankets the front and edges of the computer with a thin, smooth fabric. This material is not only machine washable but also prevents the accumulation of dust, protects against sunlight, moisture, oily fingerprints, scratches and dents, and other common issues. It’s also easy to put on and take off, taking only a matter of seconds each time.
Gator Cases Creative Pro Tote Bag
There may come a time when you need to uproot your iMac and transfer it to a new location. This can be a scary and inconvenient situation, and although it’s usually not anyone’s objective to lug around a giant iMac, it’s probably going to happen at some point. When it’s time to transport your iMac, you’ll want a special tote bag like this one, which features adjustable (and comfortable) padded nylon and a foam cradle to protect the computer. It also provides a sturdy panel in the front of the bag to offer additional security for your screen.
This waterproof bag has a solid PVC base on the bottom and rubber prongs that keep your iMac off the ground, saving it from a variety of potential damages. We view this tote bag as the most secure transport bag available today.
Editors’ Recommendations
