There's no shortage of apps and gadgets marketed at remote workers. Most of it is optional. A small set of tools covers almost everything.
Communication
Whatever your team uses — Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Chat — the tool matters less than how you use it. Set clear status so people know when you're focused versus available, and get comfortable with async updates that don't require everyone to be online at once.
Video calls
Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams cover almost every use case. The meaningful upgrade isn't the software — it's a decent pair of headphones with a built-in mic, which does more for call quality than any webcam.
Task and project tracking
Something simple beats something elaborate that nobody maintains. Trello, Asana, Notion, or even a shared doc all work if you actually use them consistently. The goal is that anyone on the team can see what you're working on without having to ask.
A password manager
Working across multiple company systems means more logins, often with no IT department resetting things for you in person. A password manager (1Password, Bitwarden) removes a recurring point of friction and is genuinely one of the higher-value tools for anyone working remotely.
Time tracking, if your role needs it
Freelancers and contractors in particular benefit from lightweight time tracking (Toggl and similar) — both for billing accuracy and for noticing where your own time actually goes.
A second monitor, if your budget allows it
Not essential, but the single physical upgrade most remote workers notice the most once they have it. A secondhand monitor is often enough — this doesn't need to be a new purchase to make a difference.
What you can skip
Productivity apps that track your keystrokes for your own benefit, elaborate note-taking systems you won't maintain, and most "remote work" branded gadgets. Pick a small set of tools, use them consistently, and resist the urge to keep adding more.