Monitor light bars are clip-on desk lamps that sit on top of a monitor and light the desk without throwing glare onto the screen. Our range suits home office workers, students and anyone who spends long hours at a computer, and it currently consists of BenQ light bars.
How to choose a monitor light bar
Brightness. Luminous flux, measured in lumens, shows how much light the lamp produces. Models in our range offer 930 lm and 1000 lm, which is enough to light a typical desk for reading and writing. Look for a model with adjustable brightness so you can lower it in the evening.
Mounting and monitor fit. Light bars clip onto the top edge of the display, so check the thickness and shape of your monitor first. Curved screens and very thin frames can be awkward for some clips, so confirm compatibility in the manufacturer's specifications before buying.
Glare control. A good monitor light bar directs light down onto the desk and keyboard rather than towards the screen. This keeps reflections off the display and reduces the contrast between a bright screen and a dark room. Check that the product describes how its optics direct the light.
Colour temperature and controls. Warmer light suits evenings, while cooler light is often preferred for daytime work. A lamp that lets you change both colour temperature and brightness, either by touch controls or a separate dial, is easier to live with through the day.
Power and cabling. Current ratings of 1 A and 1.7 A appear in our range, which tells you how much the lamp draws. Check how it is powered, whether from a USB port or a separate adapter, and make sure the cable is long enough to reach your power source neatly.
Monitor light bar brands we carry
- BenQ: known for its ScreenBar monitor lamps, which use an asymmetric optical design to light the desk instead of the screen. Some of the models in our range have a black housing that blends in with most monitors.
Monitor light bar FAQ
Do monitor light bars reduce eye strain?
They can help by reducing the contrast between a bright screen and a dark room, which many people find tiring. A light bar does not replace regular breaks or a correctly positioned screen. Treat it as one part of a comfortable workspace.
How many lumens does a monitor light bar need?
For general desk work, around 900 to 1000 lumens is usually sufficient. The light bars in our range offer 930 lm and 1000 lm. Adjustable brightness matters as much as the maximum figure, because you will often want less light than the lamp can deliver.
Will a monitor light bar fit a curved or thin monitor?
It depends on the model. Most light bars use a clip that rests on the top of the display, so very thin frames or strongly curved screens can be a problem. Check the supported monitor thickness and curvature in the product specifications.
Does a monitor light bar cause glare on the screen?
A well-designed one should not. Light bars like the BenQ models in our range aim the light at the desk and away from the display. Placing the lamp centrally on top of the monitor and keeping the screen free of dust helps prevent stray reflections.
