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Sony WH-CH720NEssential · $88Good
Sony WH-CH720NLight, comfortable noise-cancelling headphones with punchy, detailed sound you can wear for hours.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Sony WH-1000XM5Upgrade · $298Better
Sony WH-1000XM5Noise cancelling that also quiets nearby voices the Essential lets through.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Sony WH-1000XM6Absolute · $458Best
Sony WH-1000XM6Noise cancelling that shuts out nearby voices the Essential lets through, plus transit rumble.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
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Logitech PebbleEssential · $34Good
Logitech PebbleA compact, lightweight Bluetooth keyboard that switches between three devices.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Keychron Q1 HEAbsolute · $240Best
Keychron Q1 HEA wired cable mode alongside 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
BenQ GW2486TCEssential · $170Good
BenQ GW2486TCA 24-inch screen that charges a laptop and carries video over one USB-C cable.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Dell UltraSharp 32 4K ThunderboltUpgrade · $747Better
Dell UltraSharp 32 4K ThunderboltA brighter, anti-glare screen that holds up in bright rooms where the Essential washes out.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Apple StudioAbsolute · $3,248Best
Apple StudioIncredibly high brightness, where the Essential's screen can look washed-out in bright light.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
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Anker PowerConfEssential · $70Good
Anker PowerConfA 2K webcam with dual mics, a privacy cover and adjustable field of view.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Logitech Brio 500Upgrade · $130Better
Logitech Brio 500Crisp, clear video with autofocus and auto white balance that worked better in testing.See it at LogitechWhy this one ›
Photo soonAbsolute · $200Best
Logitech MXSmoother 1080p video at 60 frames per second, plus 4K capture.See it at LogitechWhy this one ›
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Boulies EP200Essential · $220Good
Boulies EP200A breathable mesh chair that stays supportive through full workdays.See it at BouliesWhy this one ›
Branch Ergonomic ProUpgrade · $499Better
Branch Ergonomic ProA seat that held up through two years of testing with only slight fabric pilling.See it at BranchfurnitureWhy this one ›
Steelcase GestureAbsolute · $1,585Best
Steelcase GestureA seat that stays as comfortable after years of heavy use as on day one.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
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Uplift V3Essential · $808Good
Uplift V3A sturdy electric sit-stand desk with a wide height range and many custom options.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickNo product at this level has enough backing.

No Absolute pickSome candidates were set aside.

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Brother All-in-oneEssential · $190Good
Brother All-in-oneA color inkjet all-in-one that prints, scans and copies with sharp text and photos.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Epson EcoTank ET-2980Upgrade · $285Better
Epson EcoTank ET-2980Ink rated for 8,500 black and 6,500 color pages, versus the Brother's poor ink economy.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Canon ColorAbsolute · $647Best
Canon ColorLaser printing measured at 26.5 pages per minute, where the Epson is slower than lasers.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›
Dell U3425WEEssential · $799Good
Dell U3425WEA 34-inch ultrawide with a sharp 120 Hz screen and a laptop-charging port hub.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›

No Upgrade pickSome candidates were set aside.

Dell U4025QWAbsolute · $1,399Best
Dell U4025QWA bigger, sharper 5120x2160 screen that fits dozens of spreadsheet columns at once.See it at AmazonWhy this one ›