The Tools, Gear & Equipment You Need for Online Teaching in 2025
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The Tools, Gear & Equipment You Need for Online Teaching in 2025

Teaching online in 2025 requires more than just a laptop. From stable internet and high-quality microphones to drawing tablets, webcams, and software — here’s the essential gear for a professional online classroom setup.

Sep 22, 2025

Introduction

I started online teaching with a PC and a drawing pad but Online teaching has transformed in 2025. What once felt like a compromise — low-quality audio, fuzzy video, and awkward setups — can now feel just as effective and engaging as an in-person classroom with the right equipment.

But with so many laptops, webcams, microphones, headsets, and teaching tools available, choosing the right setup can feel overwhelming. The wrong choice can hurt both your teaching quality and your budget.

This guide breaks down the essential tools, gear, and equipment every online teacher should consider — from core devices like laptops and monitors to productivity enhancers like stream decks and drawing tablets.

By the end, you’ll know exactly which investments to prioritize so you can run smooth, professional, and engaging virtual classes in 2025.

1. Apple 2025 MacBook Air

Apple 2025 MacBook Air

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air blends ultra-portability with power, making it perfect for students, creatives, and professionals who are always on the move.

With its sleek design and lightweight body, it slips effortlessly into a backpack or tote, so you can work, study, or create from anywhere.

The new Apple silicon chip delivers smooth performance for multitasking, streaming, and productivity apps, without draining the battery.

Its high-resolution Retina display makes photos, videos, and documents look crisp and vibrant, enhancing both work and entertainment experiences.

The improved keyboard and responsive trackpad make typing and navigation intuitive, while macOS ensures a seamless, secure computing environment.

Overall, the 2025 MacBook Air balances style, performance, and battery life, giving users a reliable laptop for daily tasks and creative projects.

  • Price: $1320

2. Refurbished 2020 Apple MacBook Air

Refurbished 2020 Apple MacBook Air

The Refurbished 2020 MacBook Air is an excellent choice for those who want the Apple experience without paying full price.

It combines a compact, lightweight design with reliable performance, making it ideal for students, remote work, and everyday tasks.

Powered by Apple’s M1 chip, it handles productivity apps, video calls, and web browsing smoothly while keeping battery life impressive.

The Retina display ensures text is sharp and visuals are clear, which is perfect for reading, editing, or watching content.

With a refurbished model, you get a thoroughly tested and certified laptop that feels almost new, at a fraction of the cost.

For anyone who wants portability, performance, and the Apple ecosystem without breaking the bank, this MacBook Air remains a strong contender.

  • Price: $330

3. Apple 2024 MacBook Pro

Apple 2024 MacBook Pro

The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro is designed for users who need serious power in a sleek, professional package.

With the latest Apple M3 Pro/Max chip options, it handles demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and software development effortlessly.

The Liquid Retina XDR display ensures vivid colors, deep blacks, and high brightness — perfect for creative work or immersive media consumption.

Despite its high performance, the laptop maintains excellent battery life, so you can work unplugged for hours without compromise.

Ports have been thoughtfully included for professional workflows, from Thunderbolt to HDMI, making connectivity easier than ever.

If you want a machine that combines cutting-edge performance, a stunning display, and portability, the 2024 MacBook Pro is built to exceed expectations.

  • Price: $3230

4. Dell XPS 13 AI PC Laptop

Dell XPS 13 AI PC Laptop

The Dell XPS 13 AI Laptop is designed for users who want a compact machine without compromising performance.

Its 13-inch InfinityEdge display provides crisp visuals in a near-borderless design, perfect for productivity, browsing, or streaming.

Powered by the latest Intel processors and AI-assisted features, it adapts to your workflow, optimizing battery life and performance based on your usage.

Lightweight yet durable, the XPS 13 slips easily into a backpack or briefcase, making it ideal for professionals on the move.

With a comfortable keyboard, precise trackpad, and versatile connectivity options, it’s a balanced choice for work, study, and creative tasks.

For those who want a blend of style, portability, and responsive computing, the Dell XPS 13 AI Laptop quietly delivers day after day.

  • Price: $1400

5. Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Business Laptop

Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 Business Laptop

The Lenovo ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 is built with professionals in mind, delivering reliability and performance in a sleek business laptop.

Its 16-inch display offers ample screen space for multitasking, spreadsheets, and presentations without feeling cramped.

Equipped with Intel’s latest processors and robust RAM options, it handles day-to-day office work, video calls, and moderate multitasking with ease.

The full-sized keyboard and comfortable trackpad maintain ThinkPad’s reputation for typing comfort and precision, ideal for long work sessions.

Durable build quality, extensive connectivity ports, and long battery life make this laptop a dependable companion for home, office, or on-the-go work.

For business users looking for practicality, performance, and reliability without unnecessary extras, the ThinkPad E16 Gen 1 hits the sweet spot.

  • Price: $645

6. Asus Zenbook

Asus Zenbook

The Asus Zenbook is designed for users who want a balance of style, performance, and portability in a sleek ultrabook.

Its lightweight design and compact chassis make it easy to carry around, perfect for working from cafes, offices, or while traveling.

Despite its slim profile, the Zenbook packs capable processors and solid RAM options, handling multitasking, browsing, and content creation smoothly.

The high-resolution display offers crisp visuals, vibrant colors, and wide viewing angles, enhancing work and entertainment experiences alike.

Battery life is dependable for a full day of work, and fast charging ensures minimal downtime between sessions.

For those who want a stylish, portable, and reliable laptop without compromise, the Asus Zenbook delivers exactly that.

  • Price: $880

7. Dell XPS Series

Dell XPS Series

The Dell XPS series has long been known for combining premium design with powerful performance, and the latest models continue that tradition.

With an edge-to-edge display and slim bezels, every task—from document editing to streaming videos—feels immersive and visually satisfying.

Inside, the XPS packs capable processors and enough RAM to handle multitasking effortlessly, whether you’re working on spreadsheets, coding, or managing multiple apps at once.

Its solid build quality, lightweight chassis, and comfortable keyboard make it ideal for professionals and students who are always on the move.

Battery life keeps up with long work sessions, and fast charging means you can quickly get back to your projects without interruption.

For anyone seeking a reliable, stylish, and high-performing laptop that looks as good as it works, the Dell XPS series remains a top choice.

  • Price: $565

8. 14.2" Laptop Screen Extender

14.2" Laptop Screen Extender

Sometimes one screen just isn’t enough, especially when you’re juggling multiple windows or research materials. That’s where a laptop screen extender comes in.

This 14.2" extender is lightweight and portable, so it’s easy to set up anywhere—whether at a desk, a café, or even a small home office.

Once connected, it provides extra screen real estate, making it easier to compare documents, monitor video calls while working, or keep an eye on reference materials without constantly switching tabs.

Its adjustable angle and secure attachment mean you can position it perfectly for comfort, reducing neck strain and improving your workflow.

For anyone looking to be more productive and organized without carrying a bulky second monitor, this laptop screen extender is a simple but effective upgrade.

  • Price: $140

9. Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet

Wacom Intuos Small Graphics Drawing Tablet

Whether you’re taking notes, sketching diagrams, or adding annotations to your lessons, a drawing tablet can transform how you interact with your screen.

The Wacom Intuos Small offers a compact and responsive surface, making it easy to draw or write naturally without taking up much desk space.

Its pressure-sensitive stylus gives precise control over strokes, which is perfect for highlighting, sketching, or creating digital content for presentations and online classes.

Setup is straightforward, and it works seamlessly with most operating systems and software, so you can start using it right away without a steep learning curve.

For anyone who wants a more interactive and flexible teaching or creative experience, this small tablet brings precision and ease together in one lightweight package.

  • Price: $40

10. Shure MV7+ Podcast Dynamic Microphone

Shure MV7+ Podcast Dynamic Microphone

Good audio quality can make or break an online lesson, meeting, or recording, and the right microphone can elevate your content effortlessly.

The Shure MV7+ is designed to capture clear, natural voice tones while minimizing background noise, making your speech sound professional even from a home setup.

Its hybrid USB/XLR connectivity offers flexibility — plug directly into your computer for easy setup, or use with a mixer for more advanced recording environments.

Built-in touch controls let you adjust gain, monitor volume, and mute without opening software, keeping your focus on teaching or recording.

For anyone serious about delivering content that’s easy to listen to, this microphone offers a reliable, polished audio experience without extra hassle.

  • Price: $300

11. RØDE PodMic USB Versatile Dynamic Broadcast Microphone

RØDE PodMic USB Versatile Dynamic Broadcast Microphone

When your voice is the main tool in your online classes or recordings, a microphone that captures it accurately makes all the difference.

The RØDE PodMic USB is designed to deliver rich, clear sound while keeping unwanted background noise to a minimum, making your lessons more professional without complicated setups.

Its USB plug-and-play design means you can start recording or teaching almost instantly, and it works seamlessly with most streaming and recording software.

Built for reliability, it maintains consistent audio quality over long sessions, so you don’t have to worry about your voice sounding different halfway through a lecture or podcast.

For educators or content creators looking for a dependable mic that simply works and sounds great, the RØDE PodMic USB is a practical and effective choice.

  • Price: $210

12. Sony INZONE H9 II Wireless Noise Canceling Headset

Sony INZONE H9 II Wireless Noise Canceling Headset

Clear sound can transform the way you teach, stream, or focus during long online sessions, and the right headset makes it effortless.

The Sony INZONE H9 II delivers rich, immersive audio with active noise cancellation, helping you stay focused even in busy environments.

Its wireless design keeps your desk clutter-free and allows freedom of movement without interrupting your workflow.

Soft, comfortable ear cushions mean long teaching sessions or recording streams don’t become tiring, while the precise microphone captures your voice clearly for listeners.

For anyone looking for a headset that combines comfort, professional sound, and noise control, the Sony INZONE H9 II is a practical companion for online teaching and content creation.

  • Price: $359

13. Logitech C920S HD Pro Webcam

Logitech C920S HD Pro Webcam

A clear, sharp video feed makes every online session feel more personal and professional, and having the right webcam is key.

The Logitech C920S HD Pro Webcam delivers full HD 1080p video with crisp detail, ensuring your students or audience see you clearly.

Automatic light correction adjusts to your environment, so whether it’s a bright morning or a dim evening, your image stays balanced and natural.

The built-in privacy shutter provides peace of mind when the webcam isn’t in use, blending security with convenience.

Whether you’re teaching, streaming, or recording content, the C920S keeps your video quality professional without any complicated setup.

  • Price: $90

14. Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K

Logitech MX Brio Ultra HD 4K

When video quality matters, a standard webcam just won’t do. The MX Brio Ultra HD 4K raises the bar for clarity and detail in every frame.

It captures ultra-sharp 4K video, delivering a crisp, lifelike image that ensures your audience sees you exactly as you intend.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) balances light and shadow, so even challenging lighting conditions—like a bright window behind you—won’t ruin the shot.

Multiple field-of-view options let you focus tightly on yourself or show more of your environment, making it versatile for teaching or streaming.

With the MX Brio, professional-grade video quality is effortless, helping you maintain a polished, confident presence online.

  • Price: $195

15. OBSBOT Tiny 2

OBSBOT Tiny 2

The OBSBOT Tiny 2 isn’t just another webcam—it’s smart enough to follow you around the room, keeping you centered during video calls or streaming sessions.

With AI-powered auto-tracking, you can move naturally without worrying about stepping out of frame, creating a more engaging experience for viewers or students.

Its compact design and plug-and-play setup make it easy to integrate into any workspace, whether it’s a home office or a studio setup.

Even in lower light, the Tiny 2 adjusts to maintain clarity, ensuring your presence is always sharp and professional.

For anyone teaching, streaming, or presenting, it removes the friction of staying visible, letting you focus entirely on the content you’re sharing.

  • Price: $160

16. Elgato Stream Deck MK.2

Elgato Stream Deck MK.2

The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 is more than just a collection of buttons—it’s a way to simplify and speed up your workflow, whether you’re teaching online, streaming, or running presentations.

Each key can be customized with icons and actions, letting you launch apps, switch scenes, or trigger multimedia instantly without breaking your focus.

Its compact footprint and tactile buttons mean it sits neatly on your desk and feels natural under your fingers, reducing the stress of juggling multiple tasks at once.

Over time, these small efficiencies add up, saving precious minutes and keeping your sessions smooth, professional, and engaging.

If you want to stay in control without constantly moving your hands between devices or windows, the Stream Deck MK.2 quietly transforms your setup into a highly efficient command center.

  • Price: $129

17. OpenBoard

OpenBoard

OpenBoard is a simple yet powerful digital whiteboard designed for educators and content creators who want to bring lessons to life without overcomplicating their setup.

It supports drawing, writing, and annotating in real time, so you can explain concepts clearly while keeping your students engaged.

Because it’s open-source and free, it fits neatly into any teaching environment without adding extra cost or requiring expensive software licenses.

Its intuitive interface means you can focus on the lesson, not the software, making your online teaching feel natural and smooth.

For anyone who wants a reliable, easy-to-use whiteboard for virtual classrooms, OpenBoard delivers the essentials without distraction.

  • Price: Free

18. OBS Studio

OBS Studio

OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a versatile tool for streaming and recording your screen, perfect for educators, content creators, and presenters who want professional results without the fuss.

It allows you to capture video, audio, and even multiple sources at once, so your lessons, tutorials, or live streams look polished and clear.

Being open-source and free, OBS fits into any budget while offering powerful customization options for layouts, scenes, and transitions.

Once you set it up, you can focus on delivering engaging content rather than worrying about technical glitches or limitations.

For anyone teaching or creating content online, OBS provides a reliable, professional-grade solution without overwhelming complexity.

  • Price: Free

19. Google Meet

Google Meet

Google Meet is a simple, reliable video conferencing tool that makes online teaching or virtual meetings effortless.

With seamless integration into Google Workspace, you can schedule, join, and manage meetings without jumping between apps.

It offers clear video and audio quality, screen sharing, and live captions, helping both teachers and students stay connected and engaged.

Whether you’re conducting a class, hosting a workshop, or collaborating with colleagues, Google Meet provides a smooth, professional experience every time.

Its mix of free and premium features ensures flexibility — you get a robust platform that scales with your teaching or content needs.

  • Price: Free / Premium

Tips

  • Prioritize audio quality — clear sound is more important than HD video for teaching online.
  • Use a dual-screen setup if possible: one display for lesson material, another for student interactions.
  • Choose wired internet (Ethernet) over Wi-Fi for maximum stability during live classes.

Conclusion

Teaching online in 2025 demands more than a reliable laptop. To create a truly professional and engaging experience, you need a setup that covers the essentials: clear audio, quality video, stable internet, and interactive teaching tools.

Start by investing in a good microphone and webcam, then enhance your setup with productivity gear like drawing tablets, dual monitors, and a stream deck for seamless class management.

With the right tools, your online classroom won’t just function — it will thrive, offering students a distraction-free, engaging, and effective learning environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a second monitor for teaching online?

Not mandatory, but it improves workflow — one screen can display slides or content, while the other manages chat, student video feeds, or notes.

What’s the best microphone for teachers on a budget?

The RØDE PodMic USB offers excellent clarity at a fair price. If you want more professional sound and flexibility, the Shure MV7+ is a solid upgrade.

Are drawing tablets only useful for art teachers?

No. They’re great for math equations, diagrams, annotating slides, or live explanations — useful for many subjects, not just art.