A monitor light bar makes long working hours and late-night gaming sessions comfortable by projecting light where it’s needed and helps lessen screen glare that causes eye fatigue.
Best Overall Monitor Light Bar: BenQ ScreenBar
Curved monitors are generally thicker than those with a flat panel display, so finding a compatible monitor light bar with a broad clip can be challenging. The BenQ ScreenBar is an excellent pick since it features a clip large enough to fit your monitor if it has a curvature of 1500R or a thickness between 0.4 and 1.2 inches.
Another standout feature is the auto-dimming mode, which adjusts the light to match your surroundings. You can also change the temperature of the light to achieve your desired ambiance, whether you want to enhance concentration with a cool light, relax with a warm one, or reduce fatigue when gaming with the brightness set to 6,500K.
BenQ ScreenBar
The BenQ ScreenBar ups productivity even in the wee hours of the night. Whether you need more light for work-from-home video meetings or a way to save desk space (say goodbye to your old lamp), the ScreenBar has you covered.
- Space-saving design
- Easy to install
- Adjustable brightness levels
- Suitable for curved monitors
- Not a great pick for small monitors
Best Budget Monitor Light Bar: WILLED Light Bar
The WILLED Light Bar attaches to your monitor via its stick magnet mount. You can also stick it to non-metallic surfaces using the included 3M adhesive tape. This makes it suitable for various settings, including desktop monitors. In addition to its easy installation, you can adjust the light angle to suit your needs.
Aside from its highly affordable price tag, what sets this light bar apart is its built-in 2,000mAh rechargeable battery. When fully charged, it can last up to 50 hours. For extra convenience, you can fully recharge it with the included USB-C cable in just 30 minutes.
This light bar has a 200-lumen output. If that’s not quite illuminating enough, a 350-lumen version is also available at a slightly higher price.
WILLED Light Bar
If you can't stand the plastic clips most light bars and webcams use, take a look at the WILLED Light Bar. Using magnetic adhesion, WILLED's Light Bar sits atop your monitor or wherever else you'd like to position it and provides the incandescence you and your work need.
- Adjustable angles
- Versatile application
- Wireless and portable design
- Stepless dimming up to 4,500K
- No RGB lighting for gamers
Best Monitor Light Bar With Auto-Dimming: Quntis ScreenLinear Pro
If you want to stay productive in the dark, the Quntis ScreenLinear Pro light bar is an excellent solution. You only need to press the auto-dimming key, and the monitor light will change to the brightest level within eight seconds to allow you to see every detail as you type.
With a 3,000K to 6,500K temperature adjustment range, you can relax or concentrate on your work by setting the most comfortable light condition. Better still, you don’t need to reset because the memory function will remember your last setting. The only downside is that this model isn’t compatible with curved monitors. For this, you need the ScreenLinear Pro+.
Quntis ScreenLinear Pro
Significantly cheaper than a lot of the competition, this model is a great alternative if one of your top priorities is an auto-dimming mode. It features an ambient light sensor that adjusts the brightness to match the surrounding light, eliminating eye fatigue.
- Great for medium-sized monitors
- Adjustable brightness
- Durable
- Not suitable for ultra-wide monitors
Best Monitor Light Bar for Curved Monitors: MELIFO Curved Monitor Light Bar
While getting hold of a monitor light bar for non-curved monitors is easy, it proves a little more tricky when you have a curved one in your setup. However, the MELIFO Curved Monitor Light Bar is ideal.
It boasts step-less dimming and three color temperature modes. Simply press the key for three seconds to choose your ideal color temperature. You can adjust the brightness with ease, too, from five to 100 percent. So, if you're looking for a curved monitor light bar that won't add reflections or glare, this one is a great choice.
MELIFO Curved Monitor Light Bar
The MELIFO Curved Monitor Light Bar isn't just a curved novelty. It also features warm and cool lighting, a memory function to save your lighting preferences, and an easy-to-use USB power cable.
- Stylish design
- USB is convenient
- Stepless dimming and memory function
- No blue light
- Eliminates glare and reflections
- Other models have brighter lights
Best Monitor Light Bar for Multiple Monitors: LYMAX Light Bar
No matter whether you have a desktop PC monitor or laptop, the LYMAX Light Bar can be used on both. It might be a little bit more expensive than similar competitor models, but it is more versatile thanks to its design.
Using the wireless remote, you can easily control the LYMAX Light Bar, or multiple lights, which is especially useful if you have a dual-monitor setup. The 4.9-foot USB cord also comes in handy, offering more freedom when placing the light bar.
If you prefer one with touch control at a similar price or a pricier RGB version for gaming, options compatible with flat and curved screens are available.
LYMAX Light Bar
The LYMAX Light Bar is perfect for those who want to add some light to their laptop or dual-monitor desktop setup. Its versatility and remote control make it an outstanding choice for improving your efficiency during late-night remote work sessions.
- Long USB cable
- 6000K color temperature
- Different versions available
- More expensive than some similar competitor models
FAQ
Q: Are Monitor Light Bars Worth Buying?
Monitor light bars are great for adding some flair to your workspace and also help reduce eye strain. Most feature an asymmetric forward projection style that lights up your desk area instead of your screen to prevent glare. They also have a swivel head to help you direct light where you need it more for maximum productivity.
Unlike typical lamps, these light bars are mounted on top of the screen, which is a great way to save space.
Q: Can Gamers Use Monitor Light Bars?
Yes, they can, and it’s best to choose one with RGB lighting.
Avid gamers spend a lot of time staring at the screen, so they’re more likely to experience eye fatigue. These panels combat poor lighting conditions in your gaming space, freeing you from constant distractions, eye strain, and headaches.
The sleek design also complements your gaming room while allowing you to concentrate on gaming.
Q: Can I Repair A Damaged Monitor Light Bar?
If your light bar isn’t working, there could be faulty wires. Fixing the internal cables requires some technical know-how, so if you don’t have the right skills, consider visiting a technician.
LEDs on the light panel are long-lasting, but that varies with different models. If they fail to light up, it’s best to replace the light bar since the repair process can be challenging.
Q: What is the difference between a desk light and a monitor light?
Desk lights are generally designed for desk tasks, such as reading or writing. They illuminate wider areas than monitor lights and come in various styles.
Monitor lights are sleek and elongated by design. You usually place them above or sometimes behind your monitor, and they focus light on your working area and minimize spillover into the room.
Monitor lights are valuable because they reduce screen glare, eye strain, and shadows around your workstation. Some also offer adjustable color temperature and brightness to help you find the right comfort level and ambiance.
Q: Do monitor lights help with eye strain?
A good monitor light should reduce eye strain. They are not all created equally, but with the right features, your eyes can relax more while you game or work. Monitor lights reduce screen glare by casting directly onto your desk surface away from your screen. This helps you to say goodbye to eye strain, as well as dry eyes and headaches.
You can also get a monitor light with adjustable color temperature. This feature allows you to create the right ambiance for your tasks. If you want to relax your eyes more, you can set the light to a warmer color. A cooler color can keep your mind sharp if you need more focus.
Monitor lights also reduce shadow in your desk space, which can help you see more clearly. You may also want to look out for features like flicker-free technology and blue-light reduction for the ultimate eye relief.
Q: How do I install a monitor light?
Most monitor lights are generally pretty easy to set up. They usually come with a simple clip that you can attach to the top bezel of your monitor. This type is the easiest to install.
However, some light bars have a clamp that you attach to the monitor’s stand. They offer more security and are a good choice if you don’t want to clip directly onto your monitor’s bezel. They are often the best choice for curved monitors, too. You can also find wall-mounted options where you must mount a wall bracket.