Working from your garden, balcony or a sun-soaked park sounds like the ultimate remote-working perk, especially when British summertime pops up for a delightful week or two. A bit of fresh air, your laptop, maybe a cold drink - and boom, you’re living the dream.
But in reality? The sun hits your screen at just the wrong angle, your laptop starts sounding like a jet engine and suddenly you’re juggling sunburn, glare and a dodgy WiFi signal while trying to look composed on a Zoom call.
Still, don’t give up on the al fresco office just yet. With the right setup, working outside can be genuinely enjoyable - and way more productive than you'd think.
We’ve rounded up some clever kit to help you turn any outdoor spot into a summer-ready workspace. Think: laptop shades to stop the squinting, cooling fans to save your tech (and your face) and even a portable misting fan with an impressive battery life. There are folding desks for small spaces, blue light screen protectors to save your eyes and parasols that look like they’ve come straight from a boutique hotel.
Whether you’re dipping a toe into the garden WFH life or planning to move your office outside for the whole summer, these finds will help you stay cool, stay focused and avoid chucking your laptop across the lawn.
So grab your iced coffee, pick your sun spot and scroll down: we've rounded up all of the best products to help you work outside in the sun.
ReFind Computer Shade for Portable Anti-Glare Protection
Working outside sounds idyllic - until the sun hits your screen and you’re squinting at your inbox. That’s where this ReFind computer shade comes in. Designed to shield your laptop from glare, it creates a shaded, focused space so you can actually see what you’re doing. It’s compatible with most laptops, folds down flat for easy transport and even has airflow panels to stop your machine overheating.
At under £30, it’s a surprisingly affordable way to turn your outdoor setup into a semi-private office. Other reviewers rave about the difference it makes on bright days - especially if you’re fed up of using your hand as a sunshield.
Buy now £27.99, Amazon
Trust GXT1125 QUNO Laptop Cooling Stand
Sunshine is great for your mood, but not so much for your laptop’s fan. The Trust GXT1125 QUNO cooling stand helps you avoid mid-meeting meltdowns by keeping your device cool, stable and at the perfect angle for typing. With five height settings and a built-in metal mesh plate, it circulates air efficiently - ideal if you’re working from the garden or balcony and your laptop tends to overheat.
It’s USB powered and even comes with RGB lighting if you want to jazz up your setup. It’s a favourite for gamers, but equally brilliant for anyone working long hours outdoors.
Buy now, Argos
Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo Misting Fan FA050UK
Forget basic desk fans - this Shark FlexBreeze is the Rolls-Royce of portable cooling. It works as both a fan and a misting unit, letting you switch between breeze and ultra-fine mist depending on how much the heat’s getting to you. Completely cordless when used with the battery pack, it’s ideal for garden offices, patios or even park sessions.
The adjustable head and five speeds mean you can fine-tune your cool-down, while its smart design lets you use it standing, clipped or mounted. Yes, it’s a splurge - but it’s a game-changer during heatwaves or when the UK’s weather gets unexpectedly Mediterranean.
Buy now £99.00, Shark
UE MEGABOOM 4
One of the best things about working outside? Swapping office background noise for your favourite playlists. The UE MEGABOOM 4 is a wireless speaker that delivers 360-degree sound - loud enough to power through keyboard clacks and lawnmowers without distortion.
It’s fully waterproof, drop-proof and built for the outdoors, with a 32-hour battery life that means you won’t be running for a charger mid-afternoon. Whether you’re co-working on a terrace or just vibing solo in the sun, it brings the energy.
Buy now £160.00, Amazon
Logi Keys-To-Go
Tapping away on your laptop keyboard in the heat isn’t always the most ergonomic experience, especially if you’ve propped it up for better airflow. Enter the Logi Keys-To-Go: a super slim, spill-proof, wireless keyboard that pairs instantly via Bluetooth to all of your apple devices at once and works just as well on your lap as it does on a garden table.
It’s incredibly lightweight and fits easily into a tote or backpack, making it perfect for portable productivity. The scissor keys offer satisfying feedback, and it’s surprisingly quiet too - ideal if you’re working in shared outdoor spaces. If you're building a streamlined, mobile setup, this is a must-have accessory.
Buy now £55.00, Amazon
PYS 2 Pack Blue Light Screen Protector Laptop
Working outside doesn’t mean you can skip screen time - and that’s where blue light protection still matters. This 2-pack of PYS screen protectors doesn’t just cut down on glare, it also helps filter out harsh blue light, reducing eye strain over long hours.
Designed to stick smoothly to most 13–15.6” laptops, these ultra-thin sheets are ideal if you’re working on documents or jumping between tabs all day. They’re easy to apply, don’t interfere with your touchscreen and help add a layer of privacy too.
Buy now £13.59, Amazon
Apple AirPods 4 and Active Noise Cancelling
Nature sounds are great - until your neighbours start mowing the lawn or your kids are kicking footballs nearby. Apple’s AirPods Pro (4th Gen) are a sleek solution, with powerful active noise cancelling that adapts in real time to your environment.
Whether you’re on a Zoom call or deep into your inbox, they help keep distractions at bay without cutting you off completely, thanks to the clever transparency mode. The fit is snug but comfy (great for longer stints), and the sound quality is impressively sharp for both work and playlists. They’re hard to beat for work-from-anywhere focus.
Buy now £179.00, AO
Purple Leaf 3x3 Metre Garden Cantilever Parasol
Shade is essential when you’re working outside for more than an hour or two and this premium cantilever parasol offers plenty of it. The 3x3 metre canopy provides wide, adjustable cover without a central pole getting in your way, making it ideal for garden desks or shared seating areas.
It’s built from UV-resistant fabric and has a smooth crank system so you can tilt or rotate it throughout the day. It’s an investment, yes, but one that transforms your outdoor space into a sun-smart workspace. We love its quality and sturdiness, especially compared to flimsier alternatives that struggle on breezy days.
Buy now £349.00, Amazon
GreenForest Small Folding Desk with Storage Shelf
Not everyone has space for a full garden office, which is where this clever folding desk comes into its own. Compact but sturdy, it offers just enough room for your laptop, notebook and coffee cup - with a handy bottom shelf for extras.
It folds completely flat when not in use, making it ideal for balconies, patios or small garden corners. We love how quick it is to set up, and at just under £50, it’s one of the most affordable ways to create a temporary workstation outdoors. Bonus: the rustic wood finish actually looks nice, which can’t be said for most pop-up desks.
Buy now £59.00, Amazon
PRO ELEC PELB1942 4 Gang Switched Surge Protected Extension Lead White, 10m
Your outdoor office isn’t complete without power - and this 10-metre extension lead gives you the freedom to plug in wherever you’re most comfortable. With four individually switched sockets and full surge protection, it’s ideal for powering laptops, fans and speakers while keeping your tech safe.
The long cable means you won’t be tied to the nearest door or socket, and the flat plug fits neatly through small gaps or window frames. At just over £15, it’s an easy upgrade that makes a big difference to your setup, especially if you’re planning to stay outside for more than just a lunch break.
Buy now £15.12, Amazon
Verdict
If you only buy one thing for working outside, make it the ReFind computer shade. A game-changer for screen visibility, it blocks glare, folds flat, fits most laptops and keeps things cool - literally. At under £30, it’s a no-brainer for turning any sunny spot into a usable workspace.
