Why use a monitor light bar?
- Lights your keyboard and desk without glare on the screen.
- Takes up no desk space, unlike a desk lamp.
- Less contrast between a bright screen and a dark room, which many people find more comfortable at night.
- Most run off a single USB port on your monitor or PC.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Best for | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|
| BenQ ScreenBar Halo | Best overall | Wireless dial + backlight |
| BenQ ScreenBar | Most people | Auto-dimming sensor |
| Quntis monitor light bar | Budget | Low price, touch controls |
| Xiaomi Mi Computer Monitor Light Bar | Minimal setups | Clean design, remote dial |
The best monitor light bars
Best for: Best overall
BenQ ScreenBar Halo
BenQ's premium light bar adds a soft rear backlight to cut harsh contrast behind your screen, and a wireless desk dial makes brightness changes easy.
- Front light + rear ambient backlight
- Wireless control dial
- Fits curved monitors
- Expensive for a light
- Dial needs batteries
Best for: Most people
BenQ ScreenBar
The original ScreenBar is still the safe choice: even lighting, an auto-dimming sensor and adjustable color temperature, powered by USB.
- Auto-brightness sensor
- Warm to cool color adjustment
- Proven, reliable design
- Touch buttons on the bar itself
- No backlight
Best for: Budget pick
Quntis Monitor Light Bar
A popular low-cost option that gets most of the benefit for a fraction of the price. Good enough for most desks.
- Very affordable
- Touch controls and dimming
- USB powered
- Build feels lighter
- Less even light at the edges
Best for: Minimal setups
Xiaomi Mi Computer Monitor Light Bar
A slim, clean-looking bar with a wireless remote dial. A strong middle ground between budget bars and BenQ.
- Wireless dial
- Slim aluminum design
- Asymmetric light avoids glare
- Clamp can be tight on thick monitors
What to look for
- Asymmetric light: points down at the desk, not at the screen.
- Color temperature control: warmer light for night sessions.
- Monitor fit: check the clamp if your screen is curved or has a thin bezel with a webcam on top.
- Power: most need a USB-A port; a USB hub helps if you're short on ports.
Pair a light bar with a bias lighting LED strip behind your monitor for a softer look in a dark room. Still choosing the screen itself? See our best budget 1440p gaming monitors, then finish the desk with a mechanical keyboard and gaming mouse.
FAQ
Do monitor light bars reduce eye strain?
Many people find them more comfortable because they reduce contrast between the screen and a dark room without adding glare.
Do they work with curved monitors?
Some do. The BenQ ScreenBar Halo supports curved screens; check the clamp specs for others.
Will a light bar block my webcam?
It can. Mount the webcam on the light bar if it has a flat top, or use a separate webcam stand.