Choosing a coworking space can have a big impact on how productive, comfortable and motivated you feel during the working day. The right space can give you structure, reliable facilities and a professional environment, while the wrong one can quickly become an expensive distraction.
Coworking spaces vary widely. Some are quiet and focused, while others are built around networking, events and collaboration. Some offer flexible day passes, while others are designed for long-term members who attend every day.
Before signing up, it is worth looking beyond the stylish furniture and free coffee. Here are ten important things to check before choosing a coworking space.
1. Location and Travel Time
The first thing to consider is whether the coworking space is genuinely convenient for you.
A space may look perfect online, but a long or difficult journey can make it less appealing after a few weeks. Check how long it takes to reach by car, public transport, bicycle or on foot.
You should also consider practical details such as:
- Nearby parking
- Public transport links
- Bicycle storage
- Traffic during busy periods
- Walking distance from your home or accommodation
If you regularly meet clients, think about whether the location will also be convenient and professional for them.
A slightly more expensive coworking space close to home may offer better value than a cheaper option that adds a lengthy commute to your day.
2. Opening Hours and Access
Not everyone works from nine to five, so check when you can actually use the space.
Some coworking spaces operate during standard office hours, while others provide early morning, evening, weekend or 24-hour access. Access may also depend on your membership level.
Think about your normal working routine. Do you start early? Work late? Need occasional weekend access? Support clients in different time zones?
You should also ask how access works. Some spaces use keys, access cards or mobile apps, while others require staff to be present.
Make sure the opening hours match the way you genuinely work, rather than the routine you hope to follow.
3. Internet Speed and Reliability
Reliable internet is one of the most important features of any coworking space.
Do not simply assume that the Wi-Fi will be fast because the space describes itself as professional. Ask about the internet connection, typical speeds and whether a backup connection is available if the main service fails.
This is particularly important if your work involves:
- Video calls
- Uploading large files
- Cloud-based software
- Software development
- Streaming
- Online demonstrations
- Remote desktop access
It is also worth asking whether there are wired network connections available.
A good coworking space should be able to explain how it manages internet reliability, security and demand during busy periods.
4. Noise Levels and Working Atmosphere
Coworking spaces can feel very different from one another.
Some are quiet, library-style environments where people work independently. Others have a lively, social atmosphere with regular conversations, phone calls and music.
Neither approach is necessarily better, but it needs to suit your working style.
Visit during a normal working day and listen to the noise levels. Check whether people regularly take calls from their desks and whether there are quiet areas for focused work.
You may also want to look for:
- Private phone booths
- Quiet zones
- Separate collaboration areas
- Rules around calls and meetings
- Background music
- Acoustic panels or soundproofing
The atmosphere shown in marketing photographs may be very different from the space when it is full.
5. Desk and Seating Options
Comfort matters, especially if you plan to spend several hours at a time in the space.
Check the size of the desks, the quality of the chairs and whether there is enough room for your equipment. A small table may be fine for occasional laptop use, but less suitable if you need an external monitor, notebook, tablet or other equipment.
Coworking spaces may offer several types of seating, including:
- Hot desks
- Dedicated desks
- Standing desks
- Lounge seating
- Private offices
- Shared team areas
A hot desk usually means choosing any available workspace when you arrive. A dedicated desk gives you a permanent space and may allow you to leave equipment securely.
Try the chairs and desks before committing. A visually impressive workspace is not much use if you are uncomfortable after an hour.
6. Meeting Rooms and Private Call Areas
If you regularly attend video calls or meet clients, check what private facilities are available.
Some coworking memberships include meeting-room access, while others charge separately. There may also be restrictions on how far in advance you can book or how many hours you can use each month.
Ask about:
- Meeting-room prices
- Booking limits
- Cancellation rules
- Video-conferencing equipment
- Screens and presentation facilities
- Private phone booths
- Guest access
You should also check whether there are enough rooms for the number of members. A coworking space may advertise meeting facilities, but they may be difficult to book during popular times.
Private call areas can be particularly important if you discuss confidential client, employee or financial information.
7. Membership Prices and Additional Charges
Coworking prices can initially appear straightforward, but additional fees may increase the real cost.
Look carefully at what is included in the membership. Some spaces offer simple all-inclusive pricing, while others charge separately for meeting rooms, printing, lockers, refreshments, parking or guest access.
Common membership options include:
- Day passes
- Part-time memberships
- Monthly hot-desk memberships
- Dedicated desks
- Private offices
- Team memberships
Check whether prices include VAT and whether there is a minimum contract period, joining fee, deposit or notice requirement.
The cheapest membership is not always the best value. Compare the total cost based on the facilities you will actually use.
8. Facilities and Everyday Essentials
Small practical details can make a big difference to your working day.
Before joining, check which facilities are available and whether they are included in the price. Depending on your needs, this could include:
- Tea and coffee
- Kitchen facilities
- Drinking water
- Printing and scanning
- Lockers
- Showers
- Secure bicycle storage
- Phone charging points
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Accessible toilets
- Mail handling
- Reception services
Also look at the cleanliness and condition of shared areas. Kitchens, toilets and communal spaces can tell you a lot about how well the coworking space is managed.
Think about what you use during a typical day and make sure the space supports that routine.
9. Community, Events and Networking
For many people, the community is one of the main benefits of joining a coworking space.
Working remotely or running a small business can sometimes feel isolating. A good coworking environment can provide opportunities to meet other professionals, share ideas and build useful connections.
However, the level of community involvement varies. Some spaces run regular workshops, social events and networking sessions, while others provide a quiet place to work with very little organised activity.
Ask whether events are included and whether attendance is optional. You should not feel pressured to participate if you prefer to focus on your work.
It may also help to find out who normally uses the space. A mix of freelancers, employees, entrepreneurs and small businesses can create a varied and interesting community.
10. Flexibility and Trial Options
Your needs may change, so check how flexible the membership is.
You may initially need only one or two days per week, but later want a dedicated desk or private office. Alternatively, you may discover that you use the space less often than expected.
Ask whether you can:
- Change membership levels
- Pause your membership
- Cancel monthly
- Add extra days
- Upgrade to a private office
- Use other locations
- Bring guests
- Book occasional day passes
A trial day is one of the best ways to decide whether a coworking space is right for you. Spend a normal working day there rather than taking only a short tour.
Test the Wi-Fi, take a call, use the kitchen and see how the space feels when people are working. This will give you a much clearer picture than a brochure or website.
Questions to Ask During a Coworking Space Tour
Before visiting, prepare a few questions so that you can compare spaces fairly.
Useful questions include:
- What is included in the membership price?
- Are there any additional fees?
- How often are meeting rooms available?
- Can I take calls from my desk?
- Is there a backup internet connection?
- Can I bring visitors or clients?
- What is the cancellation period?
- Are there quiet areas?
- Is parking available?
- Can I try the space before joining?
It may also be useful to visit more than one location. Features that initially seem unimportant may become easier to compare once you have experienced different spaces.
Final Thoughts
The best coworking space is not necessarily the largest, newest or most expensive. It is the one that supports the way you work.
Before joining, think carefully about your daily routine, the facilities you need and the type of atmosphere in which you are most productive. Check the practical details, understand the full cost and spend some time in the space before making a decision.
A well-chosen coworking space can give you the focus of an office, the flexibility of remote work and the opportunity to become part of a professional community.
Taking the time to compare your options can help you find a space that feels comfortable, practical and worth returning to.