Whether at work or home, spending long hours on the computer is becoming a necessity. Everything from work to taking online classes and video calls with loved ones, adds to your screen time.
Most users spend a colossal amount of money getting ergonomic paraphernalia to ease their physical stress. One tends to forget or ignore their eyes only to cause problems like severe eye strain, headache, or migraines.
This can cost you endless hours of recovery. Often at the cost of work or, more importantly, spending time with your loved ones. Not to mention costly visits to the doctor’s clinic.
The stress caused to the eye has multiple reasons. Chief among them is poor lighting at the workstation. A dimly lit keyboard and work desk can cause equal eye strain as an unfiltered monitor screen.
Fortunately, there is a cost-effective solution that can save you from these problems and many more.
A Monitor Light Bar is an inexpensive device that you can use to light up your workstation. These devices offer customizable hues and brightness settings to make you comfortable. They use features like auto-dimming that measures the ambient light and automatically adjusts the lamp’s lumens.
An ordinary desk lamp cannot do the job as well as a monitor light. The main drawback is that it lights up a far greater area. Unfortunately, this includes direct light falling on your eyes.
The design of the monitor light bar ensures no light falls directly on your eyes. Further, it also ensures that no glare comes off the monitor screen.
Thus, you save yourself considerable physical stress by choosing the right lighting.
We bring you some of the Best Monitor Light Bars available in the market. In this article, you will find reviews of such monitor lights. We will discuss their key features, pros, and cons. Finally, we will highlight some of the vital parameters you should consider when buying a monitor light. To close, we will address some frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
Comparison of the Best Monitor Light Bars
| Image | Product | Details | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | BenQ ScreenBar Halo | Brightness Adjustment: Yes, Stepless Auto-Dimming: Yes Hue Control: Yes Color Temperatures: 8 (2700K-6500K) RGB Lighting: No Controls: Wireless Dial Power: USB-A 5V/1.2A | Check on Amazon |
 | BenQ Screenbar Monitor Light | Brightness Adjustment: Yes, 15 Levels Auto-Dimming: Yes Hue Control: Yes Color Temperatures: 8 (2700K-6500K) RGB Lighting: No Controls: Feather Touch Buttons Power: USB-C to USB-A 5V/1A | Check on Amazon |
 | MELIFO Curved Monitor Light Bar | Brightness Adjustment: Yes, Stepless Auto-Dimming: No Hue Control: Yes Color Temperatures: 3 (3000K-6000K) RGB Lighting: Yes Controls: Wireless Remote Power: USB-C to USB-A 5V/2A | Check on Amazon |
 | ANSCHE Monitor Light Bar | Brightness Adjustment: Yes, Stepless Auto-Dimming: No Hue Control: Yes Color Temperatures: 5 (2700K-7500K) RGB Lighting: Yes Controls: Touch Control Power: USB-C to USB-A 5V/1A | Check on Amazon |
 | Quntis Monitor Light Bar | Brightness Adjustment: Yes, Stepless Auto-Dimming: Yes Hue Control: Yes Color Temperatures: Stepless (3000K-6500K) RGB Lighting: No Controls: Touch Control Power: USB-C to USB-A 5V/1A | Check on Amazon |
 | Baseus Monitor Light Bar | Brightness Adjustment: Yes, Stepless Auto-Dimming: No Hue Control: Yes Color Temperatures: 3 (2800K-5500K) RGB Lighting: No Controls: Touch Control Power: USB-C to USB-A 5V/1A | Check on Amazon |
| YEELIGHT Monitor Light Bar | Brightness Adjustment: Yes, Stepless Auto-Dimming: No Hue Control: Yes Color Temperatures: Stepless (2700K-6500K) RGB Lighting: Yes Controls: Wireless Remote, Mobile App, and Smart Assistant Power: USB-C to USB-A 5V/1A | Check on Amazon | |
 | Lofter Monitor Light Bar | Brightness Adjustment: Yes, 10 Level Auto-Dimming: No Hue Control: Yes Color Temperatures: 3 (3000K-6000K) RGB Lighting: No Controls: In-Line Remote Power: USB-C to USB-A 5V/1A | Check on Amazon |
 | TORCHSTAR Computer Monitor Light | Brightness Adjustment: Yes, 4 Levels Auto-Dimming: Yes Hue Control: Yes Color Temperatures: 4 (3000K-6000K) RGB Lighting: No Controls: Feather Touch Buttons Power: USB-C to USB-A 5V/1A | Check on Amazon |
Best Monitor Light Bar – Our Picks
1. BenQ ScreenBar Halo Monitor Light – Monitor Light Bar with Back Light Eye Care Mode
The BenQ Halo couples care and flexibility. It does this by offering what they call “Eye Care”.
The BenQ Halo features a unique dual-lighting mode. This means that in addition to illuminating your workstation it also lights up the back of your monitor, thus reducing the contrast and creating ambient light to reduce the stress on your eyes. You have the flexibility to choose between three lighting modes. This includes individual modes for front and back and the third one is a combination of both.
Further, the BenQ Halo offers a step-less control for brightness and color temperature selection. Thus, you can play around with the settings and arrive at one that suits you the best.
Alternately, if you find that you are better off without these adjustment options, switch the device to Auto-Dimming mode. BenQ equips the device with a light sensor and you get to avail the pre-programmed logic that selects the brightness levels for you.
Finally, instead of the feather touch buttons, you get a controller to make the adjustment you want. The controller is wireless and it uses three AAA size batteries to power it, these come included with the device.
Key Features
- Stepless Brightness and Color Temperature controller
- Auto-Dimming
- Three mode Eye Care with backlighting option
The backlighting option reduces eye stress and helps when you have to work long hours
- Compatible with both regular and curved monitors with 1000R-1800R curvature
- Stepless color temperature selection helps you select the perfect colored light
- The auto-dimming feature suggests the appropriate brightness level keeping the ambient light in mind
- The wireless controller makes the bar easy to use
- Excellent build quality
- Premium product price range
2. BenQ ScreenBar Monitor Light – Monitor Light Bar for Ultrawide Monitors
The BenQ ScreenBar is amongst the most popular choice of lights in the market. There is a good reason for it too. It is one of the few that adhere to the American National Standard’s recommendation for office lighting at 500 lux. Thus, making it a superb choice even if you use an Ultrawide Monitor.
Yes, the device does not offer step-less brightness or light temperature control. However, it more than makes up for it with its generous pre-set offering. With this light, you get a device that offers you 15 levels of brightness. Also, you get eight color hues to choose from, ranging between 2700K and 6500K.
This enables you to customize the intensity and the color temperature extensively. Thus, you can select the appropriate setting that ensures minimal eye strain for you. Else, you can choose the auto-dimming feature and let the device do the job for you.
The light bar uses a USB-C-to-USB-A cable and requires 5V/1A of power that it can draw from any USB port.
Key Features
- Adheres to the American National Standard recommendation for office lighting
- 15 Brightness Levels and 8 Hues
- Auto-Dimming
- The 500 lux and 18-inches width mean you can use this with Ultrawide Monitors
- 15 brightness levels and eight hues allow you to customize the intensity
- The auto-dimming feature provides for easy use
- It uses USB power; hence you do not need an additional power source
- The aluminum body protects the device from an accidental fall
- Remote control comes at an extra cost
- Pre-set brightness levels and hue control means you cannot perfect the intensity.
- No RGB lighting on offer for gamers.
- Pricey as compared to similar devices from other manufacturers.
3. MELIFO Curved Monitor Light Bar – Monitor Light Bar for 49” Samsung G9 Ultrawide Monitor
This light bar from Melifo features a unique curved design. Thus, making it the ideal choice if you have a curved monitor. Further, the 21.5-inches width ensures that it becomes the perfect Monitor Light Bar for a 49” Samsung G9 Ultrawide monitor.
The light offers you a Stepless brightness control to tweak the brightness to a perfect level. Unfortunately, the hue control offers only three per-set hues. You can choose between 3000K, 4000K, or 6000K. While adequate, users looking for the perfect hue may find it restrictive.
The light comes in a Basic variant that offers a significant price advantage. The low price comes at the cost of considerable features. Users looking for a monitor light bar to get their office work done should consider it.
However, if you are looking for something more, the Pro model is worth considering. It offers you an eye-catching RGB lighting experience. This includes three modes and a sound-activated mode that delivers an immersive gaming experience. Also, you get a wireless remote that you can use to control the lighting.
Be warned that these features come at a considerable price premium. The Pro model also lacks an Auto-Dimming feature. Additionally, the wireless remote is unconventional and takes some getting used to.
Key Feature
- Design is suited for curved monitor screen
- RGB lighting with a sound response
- Stepless brightness control with three hues to (3000K to 6000K)
- Curve design suitable for Ultrawide and Curved Monitors
- RGB lighting ensures an immersive gaming experience
- Stepless brightness control allows you to get the perfect brightness level
- Easy to operate with wireless remote
- Wireless remote has an unconventional design that takes getting used to.
- No Auto-Dimming feature to adjust the brightness automatically
- There is a considerable difference between the Basic and Pro variants
4. ANSCHE Monitor Light Bar – Monitor Light Bar for Home Use
The Monitor Light Bar from Ansche gives you Stepless brightness control, five hues setting, and RGB light. Thus, you get a little bit of everything, making it ideal for everyday home use.
The Ansche Monitor Light Bar lacks an Auto-Dimming feature. Hence, you will have to use the touch control on the side panels of the light. The right-hand side controls are dedicated to RGB lighting, while the left panel controls the brightness and hues.
The brightness control is Stepless; hence you can attain the perfect level with the 5% to 100% level. You also get five pre-set hues ranging between 2700K and 7500K. Thus, you cannot tweak the hues. However, the five shades on offer are more than enough. Further, the memory function allows you to save the setting that suits you best. You can tap the left panel to recall this setting from memory conveniently.
The device offers a 25-degree swivel angle so that you can adjust the light. This helps to reduce eye strain by blocking any light that directly falls on your eyes. Further, the light comes with a blue light filter that additionally helps to reduce eye strain. Thus, you can comfortably work or browse the internet for endless hours at a stretch.
Key Feature
- Stepless Brightness control and five hues to customize the intensity of the light
- RGB lighting to use while gaming
- Magnetic mouth secures the light installation
- 5% to 100% brightness control that customizes the light intensity results in reduced eye strain
- A Blue-Ray filter ensure better care for your eyes
- RGB lighting for an immersive gaming experience
- The magnetic mount keeps the light in place securely
- You cannot customize the hue of the light to suit your requirement
- No Auto-Dimming feature to adjust the brightness automatically
- You cannot use it with a curved or ultrawide monitor due to its size
5. Quntis Monitor Light Bar – Monitor Light Bar for Office
The Quntis Monitor Light is among the few lights that allow step-less brightness and Stepless hue control. This flexibility makes it the perfect light for your office.
The flexibility allows for countless permutations and combinations to choose from. Hence, you can tweak the light as much as you like to attain the perfect setting.
If you are looking for a more straightforward operation, you have the option to use the device in auto-dimming mode too. The light sensor on the top panel kicks into action, and the device adjusts to the recommended setting in under ten seconds.
The Quntis Monitor light does away with the RGB lighting. This is good because it would feel out of place in an office setting.
Key Features
- Stepless Brightness and Hues control ranging from 3000K to 6500K
- Auto-dimming
- Adheres to the American National Standard recommendation for office lighting
- Stepless Brightness control from 0% to 100% allows you to control the intensity.
- Stepless Hue control from 3000K to 6500K allows you to select the perfect hue.
- The auto-dimming feature allows you to automate the device’s operations
- The aluminum body protects the device from an accidental fall
- Adheres to the American National Standard recommendation for office lighting and offers up to 700 Lux.
- No remote to control the device operations
- You cannot use it for curved monitor screens
- No memory feature to save the ideal setting makes it inconvenient for office workstations.
6. Baseus Monitor Light Bar – Budget Monitor Light Bar
If you have never used a monitor light bar, this light is an excellent starting point. It comes at a low price, which means that you get limited functionality.
The Baseus Monitor Light Bar offers you Stepless brightness control. This means you have complete control over the intensity of the light. However, there are only three hues ranging between 2800K and 5500K.
The device does not offer any RGB lighting. There is no provision for auto-dimming to adjust the light’s brightness automatically. Further, the device also does away with the remote option. The absence of all of these features helps to keep the cost down.
This does not mean that you get a cheap and useless device. The build quality is excellent, and the device uses an aluminum body to protect it from damage. You even get a memory option that remembers the last use setting of the device. This is helpful as you do not have to adjust the setting each time you use it.
Key Features
- Stepless Brightness control and three hues to choose from
- Aluminum body
- Touch controls
- Stepless Brightness controls the intensity of the light
- The aluminum body protects the light from damage
- Memory function retains the last know setting for easy operation
- It uses USB power; hence you do not need an additional power source
- Economically priced
- Not suitable for curved monitor screen
- Only three hues mean you cannot customize the light
- No auto-dimming feature to automatically adjust the brightness
- No RGB lighting to enhance ambient lighting and gaming experience
7. YEELIGHT Monitor Light Bar – Monitor Light Bar for Curved Monitor
Although the form factor of this light is straight, Yeelight facilitates its use with a 1500R Curved Monitor or higher.
The Monitor light from Yeelight comes with Stepless brightness and hue control. The brightness control allows you to control intensity from 0% to 100%. And, the hue control offers you a range from 2700K to 6500K.
The Yeelight offers these control via multiple controller options. For instance, you can hook it up with smart assistance like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, or Mijia. You also get the option to use it with the mobile app that Yeelight offers. And, if that wasn’t enough, Yeelight also gives you a wireless remote to control the device.
Finally, the light also offers you the option of RGB lighting. When you use this with the mobile app, you can set modes. These modes allow you to switch between pre-defined light configurations with the help of just one click.
Key Features
- Control the light using Smart Assistants, Mobile app, or a wireless remote
- Stepless brightness and hue control
- RGB lighting for gaming and ambient lighting
- Stepless brightness and hue control ensure the perfect working light to suit your need.
- Multiple control options offer significant utility and flexibility to customize the light.
- You can use it with a curved monitor with 1500R curvature or higher.
- One-key switch mode to switch between pre-defined light configurations
- No auto-dimming means you have to change the light settings manually
- Price
- Too many control options can be overwhelming for some users.
8. Lofter Monitor Light Bar – Aesthetic Monitor Light Bar
This Monitor Light Bar from Lofter offers you all the essential features you expect from such a light. It differentiates itself from the rest of the field by providing pleasing aesthetics and two options in colors to choose from.
If you are one to pay attention to the aesthetic of your workstation, you must consider this light from Lofter. Lofter offers this device in an elegant silver finish that stands apart from the rest.
Of course, you also get the ten levels of brightness and three hues to choose from. Unfortunately, these are pre-set, and you may miss the Stepless nature of this particular feature.
You may also miss the auto-dimming feature that this device lacks. Nonetheless, you get enough to select a good light setting.
Key Features
- Aluminum body
- Ten levels of brightness and three hues
- In-line remote to control light setting
- Ten Brightness settings to control the intensity of the light
- The aluminum body protects the device from damages caused by accidental falls
- Memory function retains the last know setting for easy operation
- It uses USB power; hence you do not need an additional power source
- No auto-dimming means you have to change the light settings manually
- No Stepless settings to select the perfect light setting
- Limited hues mean you may not get the ideal light color
9. TORCHSTAR Computer Monitor Light – Monitor Light for 21” to 32” Screens
Torchstar offers this Monitor Light Bar with all the essentials. You get Auto-dimming, brightness, and hue control.
Both brightness and hue control offer four pre-sets each. You can set brightness to 5%-30%-60%-100%. The four hues range from 3000K to 6000K. These are very few compared to what similar products have to offer.
Even when comparing the prices with other similar devices the Torchstar loses, similar products come at better price points.
Instead, this Monitor Light Bar focuses on compatibility. The light is compatible with most monitors, mainly ranging from 21” to 32” screen size. Additionally, you can easily install the device on irregularly shaped monitors.
Key Features
- Four levels of Brightness and Hues
- Auto-dimming
- Aluminum Body
- The aluminum body protects the device from damages caused by accidental falls.
- The auto-dimming feature allows you to automate the device’s operations
- Memory function retains the last know setting for easy operation
- It uses USB power; hence you do not need an additional power source
- Limited level of pre-set brightness and hues give inadequate flexibility
- Not suited for curved and ultrawide monitors
- Expensive considering the limited number of features it offers
Best Monitor Light Bar – Our Buying Guide
Monitor Light Bar are simple devices. The essentials include a light with several brightness options and hue options. However, some devices offer vital features that can deliver a far better experience. Let’s have a look.
Monitor Type
The Monitor Light Bar you use extensively depends on the monitor you use. Not all Monitor Light Bar can be used with all monitors.
The light from BenQ is excellent if you use an Ultrawide Monitor. Alternatively, Melifo or Yeelight are great options if you use a curved monitor.
Stepless Controls
Stepless controls for brightness and hues allow you to perfect the color and the intensity to suit your needs. Of course, devices that offer a pre-set level will enable you to do the same. However, if you want the flexibility to choose the perfect setting, select one that offers step-less control for both.
The devices from Yeelight and Quntis are clear winners. The device from BenQ needs a special mention as it offers the maximum pre-set levels compared to others.
Auto-Dimming
This feature comes in handy when you lack time to fiddle around to attain the ideal setting. Switch to the auto-dimming mode; the device measures the ambient light and adjusts the Monitor Light Bar accordingly.
The devices from BenQ, Quntis, and Torchstar offer auto-dimming.
RGB Lighting
Monitor Light Bars also offer RGB lighting to enhance your gaming experience. You get to choose from pre-programmed light displays to sound-activated displays.
Melifo, Ansche, and Yeelight offer RGB lighting. However, the device from Melifo is the clear winner because it provides sound-activated lights which deliver a visual treat.
Best Monitor Light Bar – Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Monitor Light Bar do?
A Monitor Light Bar lights up the work area in front of you. Settings like large offices or home offices may not always be designed to give you ample light. Hence, you can enhance the lighting by using a monitor light bar. Thus, reducing eye fatigue caused by prolonged use of computers.
How are Monitor Light Bars better than reading lamps?
Reading lamps can emit extremely bright lights and can cover a greater area. This is not necessarily a good thing. A lamp generates enough light that falls on your eyes and can cause severe eye strain. The design of a Monitor Light Bar focuses the light on your work area. It does not allow any light to fall on your eye directly. Further, it does not allow the glare to come off the monitor screen either.
How do you use a Monitor Light Bar?
A monitor light bar uses power drawn from a USB port. Installation is easy. It usually involves clipping the device to the top of your screen. Next, you need to give it a power supply from the USB port.
You can power on the device and adjust the light to a suitable setting with the installation done.
