For freelancers and digital nomads, working outside the home often comes down to two options: the buzzing coffee shops or the professional coworking spaces. Both have their appeal and their downsides.
At first glance, a café seems like the obvious budget-friendly choice. No contracts. No commitments. Just order a drink and settle in. But the true cost of working from cafés goes beyond the price of a flat white. Productivity, consistency, and professionalism are all on the line.
Let’s break down the differences – including the often-overlooked hidden costs – and explore why coworking spaces are increasingly becoming the preferred choice for serious independent workers.
| Facilities/Amenities | Cafes | Other Coworking Spaces | The Workplace |
| Guaranteed desks and ergonomic chairs | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Unlimited barista coffee | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Reliable WiFi | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Pastries and lunch options to purchase | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ (But we have Cake Wednesday) |
| 24/7 access | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Work environment | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Networking opportunities | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Coffee Shops
Pros
- Low commitment: No memberships, no recurring fees.
- Atmosphere: The ambient hum of conversation can be energizing.
- Location variety: Work from a different café every day if you want.
- Great for informal chats: Meet a friend or long-time client to chat over croissants and coffee.
Cons (and Hidden Costs)
- Inconsistent WiFi and power: Not all cafés are remote work–friendly. A weak connection or no power outlet can quickly derail your day.
- Laptop bans: Some cafes don’t allow you to work on your laptop in order to increase customer turn-over.
- Noise levels vary: One day it’s peaceful. The next, there’s a screaming toddler or a barista blending smoothies.
- Soft time limits: You’re technically a customer, not a guest. Nursing a coffee for 4 hours can wear thin with staff.
- Posture problems: Low chairs, tiny tables, and no ergonomic support aren’t built for long work sessions.
- Privacy issues: Need to take a client call? Hope they don’t mind background chatter, music, or the clatter of cups.
- Costs add up: Even modest café spending – say, £8 per visit, three times a week – totals over £100/month.
In short, cafés feel inexpensive, but they can cost you more than you think -especially in lost focus and time.
Coworking Spaces
Pros
- Reliable workspace: Strong WiFi, desks with reliable power, comfortable chairs, and clean, quiet surroundings.
- Professional image: Video calls, client meetings, or presentations are easier in a proper office setting.
- Amenities included: Many coworking spaces offer coffee, meeting rooms, and printing already bundled into your membership.
- Less friction, more focus: You don’t have to “earn your seat” with a latte. Just show up and get to work.
- Community: Being around other driven people (without the distractions of home or a café) can improve motivation and open networking doors.
Cons
- Monthly fee: It’s a fixed cost, and not always low – though day passes and flexible memberships can help.
- Not 100% quiet: Open-plan coworking areas still have background noise, but far less than a café.
- You have to leave the house: Though this might be a benefit depending on your view of working in pyjamas.
The Value-for-Money Equation
A coworking membership might feel like a bigger commitment up front. But when you factor in:
- Improved productivity
- Fewer distractions
- Better work-life separation
- Less aches and strains
- Networking and growth potential
…coworking often ends up saving you time, energy, and money.
Which One Is Right for You?
Coffee shops are great for when you want:
- To stick to a tight budget
- A short stay between errands
- A 1-2 hour power session
- To work with friends
- A little pastry-coffee-work morning
But coworking spaces are better for when you…
- Work 4-6 hours at a time
- Take regular or client calls
- Work with sensitive information
- Want focus and community
For many freelancers, the most sustainable solution is hybrid working: using a trusted coworking space as your primary base, and cafés for occasional variety or quick drop-ins.
Ready to Upgrade Your Workday?
If you’ve been chasing sockets in busy cafés or struggling to stay focused at your kitchen table, it might be time to level up your routine.
The Workplace offers quiet, flexible coworking space designed with freelancers in mind. Whether you need a few days a week, a full-time desk, or just a place to take calls and recharge between meetings – we’ve got you covered with:
- Ergonomic desks
- Reliable WiFi
- Phone booths for calls
- Unlimited barista coffee
- Flexible plans and no tie-ins
Book a free trial day and see the difference real workspace makes.