A monitor light bar sits on top of your screen and lights your desk without shining on the display or into your eyes. The BenQ ScreenBar Halo is one of the best-known premium models, adding a wireless dial controller and a rear backlight that softens the contrast between a bright screen and a dark wall. This review looks at what it does, how it compares with cheaper light bars, and whether it’s worth the premium — based on specifications and common owner feedback.
Verdict
Worth it if you work late, use a curved monitor or want the most polished controls. Get a budget light bar if you just need basic desk lighting — the core benefit is similar for much less money. BenQ has also released a Halo 2; compare both before buying.
Why a light bar instead of a desk lamp?
- No screen glare: an asymmetric optical design aims light at the desk, not the monitor.
- No desk space used: it clamps on the monitor.
- Even light across your keyboard, notebook and documents.
- Less eye strain from the contrast of a bright screen in a dark room.
Key features
| Front light | Asymmetric design lights the desk while avoiding reflections on the screen |
| Backlight | Soft rear light on the wall behind the monitor for ambient lighting |
| Controller | Wireless desktop dial for brightness, color temperature and backlight |
| Auto-dimming | Built-in sensor adjusts brightness to room light |
| Color temperature | Adjustable from warm to cool white |
| Mounting | Clip fits flat and curved monitors (check your monitor’s curvature and bezel thickness) |
| Power | USB — from the monitor, a computer or a USB charger |
Pros and cons
- Excellent glare control
- Wireless dial is convenient and satisfying
- Backlight improves comfort in dark rooms
- Works with curved monitors
- Auto-dimming is useful throughout the day
- Costs several times more than basic light bars
- Controller uses batteries
- Can conflict with a webcam mounted on the monitor
- Very thin-bezel or unusual monitors may not clamp well
Webcam tip
Light bars and webcams compete for the top of the monitor. Place the webcam slightly off-center, use a small tripod behind the monitor or choose a laptop-style webcam mount that sits in front of the bar. For better video lighting, see our desk lighting guide and webcam picks.
Alternatives
- BenQ ScreenBar (standard) or ScreenBar Plus: same core lighting with simpler controls.
- Budget light bars (Quntis, Xiaomi and others): much cheaper; check glare control and USB power requirements in reviews.