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How to Choose the Best Monitor Light Bar

BenQ

2025/04/28

CRI Illuminance Flicker-free Eye strain Desk Lamp Monitor Light Bar Laptop Light

Hey there, tech enthusiasts! Ever found yourself squinting at your computer screen late at night or struggling to read documents in dim light? Well, it’s time to shed some light on a solution you might not have considered yet – the mighty monitor light bar. This nifty gadget isn’t just another desk accessory; it's a game-changer for your workspace. From reducing eye strain to saving desk space, monitor light bars offer a bundle of benefits that can make your screen time much more comfortable. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can illuminate your work (or play) in the best possible way!

Table of Contents

What is a Monitor Light Bar?
What are Benefits of Using a Monitor Light Bar?

Key Considerations before Buying a Monitor Light Bar
1. Is your environment dim or poorly lit?
2. Does your lighting change throughout the day?
3. Do you frequently change your sitting posture?
4. Do you experience screen glare?

How to Pick a Monitor Light Bar that Fits Your Setup
1. What’s the thickness of your monitor?
2. What type of monitor do you have?
3. How large is your desk surface
4. Where is your monitor placed?
5. How many monitors do you use?

How to Install a Monitor Light Bar
Conclusion

What is a Monitor Light Bar?

A monitor light bar is a lighting accessory that attaches to the top of a computer monitor, providing targeted illumination for the desk area. It aims to reduce eye strain by up to 60%, as found in studies conducted by the American Optometric Association, and improve visibility, especially in low-light conditions.

As we delve deeper into the benefits of monitor light bars, it becomes clear why many professionals are choosing this innovative lighting solution.

What are the benefits of using a monitor light bar?

Reduced Eye Strain
Monitor light bars provide uniform lighting on the desk surface, reducing eye strain by up to 60%. This is supported by the Vision Council, which states that reducing contrast between the screen and surrounding area can alleviate eye discomfort.

Improved Visibility
Monitor light bars enhance desk illumination by up to 150 lux, making it easier to view documents, keyboards, and other materials. Increased task lighting improves productivity and reduces errors, as found by the Illuminating Engineering Society.

Space-Saving Design
By attaching to the top of the monitor, monitor light bars save up to 30% of desk space compared to traditional desk lamps, according to studies by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Glare Reduction
Asymmetrical optical design minimizes reflections and glare on the monitor screen by up to 90%, crucial for maintaining screen clarity and reducing visual distractions.

Understanding the myriad benefits of monitor light bars helps us appreciate their value. But who exactly stands to gain the most from using them? Let's explore the various groups of people who can benefit from monitor light bars.

Key Considerations Before Buying a Monitor Light Bar

Before jumping into a purchase, it’s important to evaluate your actual needs. While monitor light bars offer great benefits, choosing the right one depends on your personal environment and usage habits. Here are four key questions to help guide your decision:

1. Is your environment dim or poorly lit?

If your workspace lacks ambient lighting—especially at night or in enclosed spaces—a monitor light bar can provide consistent lighting to reduce eye strain.

2. Does your lighting change throughout the day?

If natural or artificial light in your room fluctuates, look for a light bar with adjustable temperature or auto-dimming to maintain visual comfort.

3. Do you frequently change your sitting posture?

Posture shifts can cause regular lamps to shine into your eyes. A monitor light bar with an adjustable angle keeps lighting comfortable and consistent, no matter how you sit.

4. Do you experience screen glare?

Unlike many traditional lamps, monitor light bars use asymmetrical lighting that not only prevents screen reflections but also avoids shining directly into your eyes—reducing glare and improving visual comfort during long hours of work.

By considering these questions, you'll be better equipped to choose a light bar that enhances both your comfort and productivity.

How to Pick a Monitor Light Bar That Fits Your Setup

Choosing the right monitor light bar isn’t just about brightness—it’s also about compatibility with your setup. Here are four key questions to help you select the best model based on your screen, desk space, and usage scenario:

1. What’s the thickness of your monitor?

Not all monitor light bars fit every monitor. The clamp mechanism of each model supports different thickness ranges. Use the method shown below to check your monitor’s thickness before choosing a light bar.

Monitor Thickness	Recommended Model
Monitor Thickness 0.39" - 1.18"	Recommended Model ScreenBar
Monitor Thickness Flat: 0.3''- 2.4'' Curved: 0.6" - 1.5"	Recommended Model ScreenBar Halo
Monitor Thickness Flat / Curved: 0.17” - 2.56”	Recommended Model ScreenBar Pro

2. What type of monitor do you have?

The curvature of your monitor matters. Flat and curved monitors reflect light differently, so choosing a light bar that aligns with your screen’s shape ensures more balanced and comfortable lighting.

Type of Monitor	Recommended Model
Type of Monitor ≧ 1500R Monitor (Including Flat Monitor	Recommended Model ScreenBar ScreenBar Halo ScreenBar Pro
Type of Monitor 1000-1800R Curved Monitor	Recommended Model ScreenBar Halo ScreenBar Pro

* Note: To properly mount the ScreenBar Halo on a 1800R curved monitor, the included curved monitor accessory must be used.

* Note: Even if the monitor type matches, make sure to double-check the monitor’s thickness to ensure proper compatibility with the light bar clip.

3. How large is your desk surface?

Desk size affects how much lighting coverage you need. A larger workspace typically benefits from wider lighting, so it’s important to match the size of the light bar to your desk dimensions.

Desk Size (W x D)	Recommended Model
Desk Size (W x D) Around 23.6" x 11.8"	Recommended Model ScreenBar
Desk Size (W x D) Around 25.6" x 15.7"	Recommended Model ScreenBar Halo
Desk Size (W x D) Around 35.5" x 19.7"	Recommended Model ScreenBar Pro

4. Where is your monitor placed?

Your monitor’s position can affect how light is reflected in your space. If it’s placed against a wall, you might benefit from a backlight feature. If it’s free-standing, a standard light bar will work just fine.

Desk Size (W x D)	Recommended Model	Reason
Desk Size (W x D) Against a wall	Recommended Model ScreenBar Halo	Reason Built-in backlight offers ambient glow against the wall
Desk Size (W x D) Not against a wall	Recommended Model ScreenBar ScreenBar Pro	Reason Focused lighting without need for backlight

5. How many monitors do you use?

Multi-monitor setups often need broader light coverage. While one light bar is sufficient for a single monitor, larger setups benefit from more powerful or wider light bars.

Numbers of Monitors	Recommended Model
Numbers of Monitors One Monitor	Recommended Model ScreenBar ScreenBar Halo
Numbers of Monitors More than one monitor	Recommended Model ScreenBar Pro

By answering these simple questions, you’ll find the ideal monitor light bar to optimize both your workspace and lighting. A well-matched light bar doesn’t just improve visibility—it streamlines your workflow, minimizes distractions, and helps you stay focused, ultimately boosting overall productivity.

How to Install Monitor Light Bars?

Just three easy steps to set up your monitor light bar:

Monitor light bars can be attached at the top or bottom of your monitor, which will keep a steady light on it and make it easier for you to see what's happening on the screen.

Conclusion

From reducing eye strain to freeing up precious desk space, the monitor light bar proves to be more than just a stylish accessory—it’s a smart upgrade for anyone spending hours in front of a screen. By now, you’ve seen how this simple device can significantly improve comfort, visibility, and overall workspace efficiency.

Whether you're a late-night worker, a gamer, a designer, or someone just looking to improve their lighting setup, there’s a ScreenBar that fits your needs. Just remember to consider your monitor size, desk layout, and lighting conditions before picking the perfect model.

Ready to give your eyes (and your desk) a well-deserved glow-up? It’s time to light up your workspace the right way—with a monitor light bar built for you.