The best work-friendly cafés in Singapore with Wi-Fi

What is it? Homegrown music retailer Swee Lee's new experience store is located in a former warehouse in Clarke Quay (which fittingly has a long history of live music offerings).

Why we love it: Here, you'll find an artist lounge, creator corner, and vinyl listening stations, but you can also get hours of focus in at the café. Plonk yourself down on a comfy couch or sit at the bar counter, while sipping on coffee (from $4.50), or one of the specialty drinks ranging from the pandan and jasmine-based Kaya Cloud ($9) or the Kopiccino with warm oat milk, chocolate, and Baileys ($11.50).

Time Out tip: Need a breather? Decompress with some tunes at the vinyl listening stations ($10 per hour). 

Address: Blk 3B River Valley Rd, Clarke Quay, #01-06, Singapore 179021
Opening hours:  Mon-Fri noon-9pm; Sat-Sun 10.30am-10pm

What is it? The first floor at Monk's Brew Club acts as a chill place to hang out with your friends, while the second floor serves as a communal working space where you can have a productive session.

Why we love it: Instead of having to buy a drink every few hours to ensure you won’t get kicked out by the staff, you can book a seat at the communal working space starting from $10 for a half-day session. The coworking area is well-equipped with power sockets and high-speed WiFi to ensure that you can go about your work day without any worries.

Time Out tip: Each session comes with a free coffee or tea, excluding special brews and filtered coffees. 

Address: 57 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428773
Opening hours: Mon-Tue 8am-5pm; Wed-Sun 8am-10.30pm

What is it? Well Collective is the perfect place to get some work done, as its space was meticulously designed with gatherings and productivity in mind.

Why we love it: Complete with power sockets and complimentary Wi–Fi, Well Collective also has a large communal table for you to concentrate on your work with others who are also studying. If you’re feeling peckish, try the Shibuya toast ($18), a dessert that consists of a thick, fluffy toast and three different flavours – chocolate hazelnut, earl grey orange, and crème brûlée – for you to choose from. 

Time Out tip: Well Collective is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry pal along if you don’t want to leave them alone at home.

Address: Blk 418 Northshore Drive 02-11/12, Northshore Plaza II, Singapore 820418
Opening hours: Mon-Thu noon-10pm; Fri-Sun 10am-10pm

What is it? Elephant Grounds is the Hong Kong equivalent of Tiong Bahru Bakery, PS. Cafe or Common Man Coffee Roasters in Singapore.

Why we love it: Sandwiched in between office buildings, the joint sees plenty of working professionals in the day, sipping on an afternoon cuppa with laptops out. The house blend is sourced from Ijen Lestari in East Java and locally roasted, served in the chain's iconic orange paper cups with its logo. Plus points go to the pastries that are freshly baked in-house daily.

Time Out tip: Those who want something apart from the usual coffee selection can try one of its special beverages, whether it's a rich coconut oil and butter-infused coffee called Bulletproof, or a micro-aerated iced Americo that doesn't use milk.

Address: 124 Beach Rd, Guoco Midtown II, #01-04, Singapore 189771
Opening hours: Daily 8am-8pm

What is it? Located a short walk from Redhill MRT, Postboy Coffee sits on the second floor of i'mable Collective Space, a recently added block within the Enabling Village compound. 

Why we love it: The space has a clean, modern and bright layout, with pops of cobalt blue. It's relatively empty on weekdays for now, with the occasional guest working on their laptop – there are plenty of power sockets around if you're planning a quick work sesh. The beverage menu is pretty varied, with the usual espresso-based blends, as well as variations like Spanish latte, white mocha, filtered coffee, matcha white chocolate and more. 

Time Out tip: You can pick up postcards designed by artists with disabilities, pen a letter to yourself and slip it into one of the mailboxes in the café, labelled by month.

Address: 20 Lengkok Bahru, #02-01, Singapore 159053
Opening hours: Daily 10am-6pm

What is it? Snug like a living room, Book Cafe has long been the go-to for a quiet catch-up with a book or a comfy spot to bang out a bit of work.

Why we love it: Lounge around in one of the sofas, or find a seat next to the windows to get some deep work done. For sustenance throughout your work session, look to its extensive menu, with all-day breakfast options like pancakes with eggs and bacon ($16.95), eggs benedict ($20.95), or French toast with fruits and maple syrup ($15.95).

Time Out tip: Premium teas are from Tea Forte ($8.50 per pot), which are worth considering swapping your usual coffee for.

Address: 20 Martin Rd, Seng Kee Building, #01-02, Singapore 239070
Opening hours: Mon-Tue 8.30am-5.30pm; Wed-Sun 8.30am-9.30pm

What is it? This café can be found along Stevens Road and Bukit Timah, and is located within a condominium complex.

Why we love it: Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a resident to enter the café, but its location is what makes The Ritual the perfect quiet spot for studying. There are counter seats for those who prefer working alone and plenty of tables with plush seats for a comfortable work session. You can get an espresso starting from $4 or opt for one of its cold brews (from $7) with oat milk, or even a tea-based one with rose and honey.

Time Out tip: If you’re not a fan of coffee, The Ritual also offers cold-pressed juices and kombucha ($9).

Address: 383 Bukit Timah Rd, Alocassia Apartments, #01-09B, Singapore 259727
Opening hours: Daily 8am-6.30pm

What is it? This well-kept secret is a day spot tailored for budding entrepreneurs, digital nomads, hot deskers, students or even folks who just want a quick, healthy pick-me-up.

Why we love it: Anchoring itself to the bright modern interiors is a long communal table that is perfect for groups that are brainstorming for your next winning idea. Those looking to put in a session of deep focus work can seek respite in the cosy side alcove tucked away in privacy.

Time Out tip: Peckish? Enjoy cleaner options of healthy cold-pressed juices and hearty salads jam-packed with superfood ingredients. Or snack on pastries like a maple pecan danish ($4.25) or apple turnover ($4.25), along with coffee (from $4.50).

Address: 10 Farrer Park Station Rd, Holiday Inn Singapore, Level 1, Singapore 217564
Opening hours: Daily 8am-9pm

What is it? Huge, airy and sunlight-drenched, Working Title is an undeniably popular café in Lasalle College of the Arts by The Black Hole Group.

Why we love it: There's another branch in Kallang Riverside Condominium, but this laidback and trendy café is a hideout for students, serving a range of burgers, all-day breakfast plates, and sides for light snacking. Its burger stacks consist of daily ground Angus beef patties, smashed on the plancha before stuffed between artisanal brioche buns. Choose from 10 options including one with both pulled beef and a beef patty ($18), and one with grilled king oyster mushrooms ($14).

Time Out tip: Stop by weekday set lunches (from $13.90) and show your student pass for an even better deal.

Address: 1 McNally St, LASALLE College of the Arts, Block D, #01-01, Singapore 187940
Opening hours: Daily 9am-9pm

What is it? Those who enjoy a good playlist to accompany them as they get along with their work, head over to Choice Cuts.

Why we love it: Here, pizza, coffee, beers, and funk and soul tunes will accompany you as you crank out some work. This laidback café sells New York-style pizza and bagels on the first floor, which you can bring up to the record shop and co-working space on the second floor. Gobble up pizzas by the slice (from $7 for the classic cheese to $14 for the Sicilian thick-crust pepperoni), or share a hefty 18-inch pie with a friend (from $38).

Time Out tip: Treat yourself to the house-favourite triple-decker tiramisu too ($10).

Address: 446 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427659
Opening hours: Tue-Sun noon-10pm

What is it? Tucked away along the quaint stretch of Wilkie Road, this work-friendly café boasts a bright and airy space with plenty of natural light.

Why we love it: It's pretty spacious, housing a good mix of large tables for group projects and small ones for the solo digital nomads. Park yourself at the right spot and you'll find the power plugs for juice. At the coffee bar, affordably-priced coffees start from just $4.90 for a shot of espresso. Other beverage options include fresh juices, cold-brewed tea, smoothies and milkshakes.

Time Out tip: To refuel, the café serves up a hearty brunch menu that headlines Western classics and Asian rice bowls, from egg benny ($19) to kimchi beef rice bowls ($16).

Address: 28 Wilkie Rd, #01-02/03/04, Singapore 228051
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7.30am-4.30pm; Sat-Sun 8am-4.30pm

What is it? Tucked below a HDB block in Waterloo Centre, Clap Café is a cosy joint with excellent coffee, decent bakes, and a calming ambience that's just right for the remote worker.

Why we love it: The space isn't huge, but it isn't pocket-sized either, and there should be ample seats on the average weekday afternoon. Try the warming toffee nut latte ($7) for light caffeine kick, or the creamy cremé brulée latte ($7). If you're craving a bite, you can try the basque burnt cheesecake ($8) — more reminiscent of a Japanese cheesecake, we think — or the maple pecan pie ($9).

Time Out tip: Still peckish? Munch on the simple chicken ham and cheese sandwich ($4.80) to fill yourself up.

Address: Blk 261, Waterloo St, #01-28, Singapore 180261
Opening hours: Daily 8.30am-7pm

What is it? Cafés are always nice to work at, but when it gets a bit crowded, the noise makes it difficult to get any work done. That’s why Acoustics Coffee Bar’s interior design incorporates acoustic panels in order to minimise echo and absorb noise. 

Why we love it: Its latest outlet at Owen Road consists of two storeys, with the first floor designated as a work-friendly space equipped with power sockets and Wi-Fi. The menu also features recipes by Masterchef finalist Mandy Kee, such as a pandan tiramisu and kerabu salad.

Time Out tip: As for coffees, try the signature cloud coffees (from $8), which is milk topped with a hand-beaten caffeine mixture such as matcha or houjicha.

Address: 2 Owen Rd, #01-02, Singapore 218842
Opening hours: Mon-Thu 8.30am-5.30pm; Fri-Sun 8am-9pm

What is it? This popular café at Owen Road has swapped out its minimalistic white interiors and harsh white lighting for a more muted, light wooden palette.

Why we love it: The space is sleek and modern, equipped with power sockets, complimentary Wi-Fi, and comfortably lit areas to get into the zone. Load up on brunch fare like the ever-popular mentaiko scallop linguine ($27) or carbonara udon ($22) which sells out pretty quickly. There's also the kani crab sando encased in shokupan slices ($22). Kickstart your productive session with a cuppa (from $4.50) or one of the drinks off its signature cold foam series (from $7).

Time Out tip: Note that there's a dining limit of 70 minutes during peak periods.

Address: 79 Owen Rd, Singapore 218895
Opening hours: Daily 9am-6pm