I get asked a lot about the things I use to build software, stay productive, or buy to fool myself into thinking I'm being productive when I'm really just procrastinating. Here's a big list of all of my favorite stuff.
I've always been a Windows/Linux user, and a loyal Dell customer, but I was done with the fan noise, and the constant throttling to keep the CPU cool. I've been using this MacBook since early 2022, and I'm very happy with it. It's quiet, has an amazing battery, and a large 16" screen. The notch is still weird, and the OS ain't perfect, but as long as Intel isn't fixing its heat issues, the Mac is here to stay.
I've had an LG 38WN95CP for a while, which had better specs on paper, but after 3 RMAs I gave up on it. I'm very happy with this Dell monitor. It's a bit bigger, has a good resolution, and the colors are great. I'm using it in combination with MacBook, which is connected via a single USB-C cable. The monitor charges the laptop, and acts as a USB hub for my webcam and microphone. I'm using the monitor's built-in speakers, which are surprisingly good.
There's a reason that I list my chair in this list, and it's because I'm just mind blown. I've always used cheap chairs, and had difficulties with maintaining a good posture. I've been using the Anthros chair since the beginning of 2025, and I'm just amazed. It's so comfortable, and I can sit for hours without any discomfort, with my back straight. It's one of those crazy expensive things that you wished you bought many years sooner. I highly recommend it.
I use this microphone for all of my video calls. It's a great mic and I love the built-in mute button. Again, plugged into the monitor. I used to have it on a Blue Compass boom arm, but returned to the desk stand.
I needed a split keyboard for my RSI, and this one looked like the popular MoonLander, but wireless. I can't stand cables on my desk. The thing requires getting used to, but I'm happy with it.
I use this webcam for all of my video calls. It's a great webcam with a clear image, and a great field of view. I have it directly mounted on and plugged into my monitor.
I've recently traded my Logitech MX Master 3S for this Kensington SlimBlade Pro Trackball. I'm still getting used to it. My wrist was hurting, and this should help. I'd love to have a white one, but unfortunately they only ship the glossy black in the EU.
I use these headphones to cancel out everyone near me. They're comfortable, have great sound, a good battery life, and great to cancel out the surrounding noise.
After great experiences with the built-in database plugin in GoLand, I bought DataGrip as a standalone app. Having it on its own is absolutely worth it: focused database tooling for all storage engines I use (such as ClickHouse, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, SQLite, DynamoDB, Redis), all in one app.
I use Figma for all of my design work. It's a great tool, and it's free for personal use.
I've been using Fish shell for a while now, and I love it. It's fast, has great auto-completion, and it's easy to configure. I'm using the Starship prompt, which is a great addition.
I'm using GoLand to enjoy all the features of WebStorm, but with additional support for Go, and the Database explorer (built-in DataGrip). Check WebStorm below for why I love JetBrains products. Regarding the upgrade from WebStorm, DataGrip alone is worth it!
Quokka.js is a great tool to get immediate feedback on your code. It's a great tool to try out new ideas, or to quickly test a regular expression.
I use Typora for all of my (markdown) writing. It's by far the best markdown editor available. I don't want to think about formatting when writing, and Typora makes that possible.
Wallaby.js is a test runner that runs your tests as you type. It's a great tool to get immediate feedback on your code. It's a paid tool, but it's worth every penny.
I've been using WebStorm for years, and I love it. It's a great IDE for JavaScript / TypeScript. It's fast, has great refactoring tools, and the built-in debugger is amazing.
Centered.app helps me to stay focused. By breaking my workday in 25 minute blocks, and forcing me to take breaks, I'm able to get more done in less time.
Niagara Launcher is an Android launcher that helps me to stay focused. Only a few select apps are listed on the homescreen, and allowed to send notifications. All other apps are hidden in an alphabetical list and their notifications are grouped and released at specific times during the day in the form of summaries.
Raycast is a great tool to quickly access all of your tools. It's a great alternative to Alfred, and it's free.
I love this watch. It's a hybrid smartwatch, which means it looks like a regular watch, but it has a small screen that shows notifications, and tracks my health. It's a great watch, and I love their Body Battery feature.
I use these earbuds when I'm on the go. They're good for phone calls, and have great noise cancellation. They're not as comfortable as the Sony headphones, but they're much easier to carry around.
I use this mobile router when I'm abroad. It's basically a powerbank that can create a hotspot from a SIM card, existing WiFi, UTP or USB. It should be able to host a network drive as well, though I haven't tried that yet.