Best Monitor Light Bars Of 2023
Editors Rating: 5.0 /5
Best Value
Editors Rating: 4.6 /5
Best RGB
Editors Rating: 4.2 /5
Welcome to the world of computer monitor light bars – the perfect solution for your home office or long hours of gaming.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve experienced the discomfort of working in a poorly lit room for hours. You know, the itchy eyes and a general feeling of eye fatigue.
This all changed after I bought a monitor light bar, which I still use to this day and honestly can’t live without.
These little minimalist LED lights attach to the top of your monitor setup and shine seemingly natural desk light, without any of the nasty screen glare.
Be prepared to enjoy a customizable source of soft, warm light that’s easy on the eyes and perfect for any task during the night.
With one of the best monitor light bars for your desk setup, you’ll enjoy a comfortable, well-lit workspace that makes it easier than ever to get things done!
What I look For In A Monitor Light bar
| Screen Glare | Does the light beam completely avoid the screen? Is it ergonomic? |
| Adjustable Light | Stepless dimming to adjust brightness, colors and light temperature? |
| Stability | Does it sit firmly on the monitor? Works with a webcam? |
| Build Quality | Premium feel? Good material? Long lasting product? |
| Ease of use | Is it easy to use from day to day? Included wireless controller? |
Summary Of The Best Monitor light Bars
- Best Overall – BenQ ScreenBar Halo
- Best Value – Xiaomi Mi Monitor Lamp
- Best RGB – Yeelight Monitor Light Bar
- Best Curved – Melifo Curved Light Bar
- Blue Light Reducer – Oowolf Monitor Light Bar
- Best Budget – Quntis Computer Monitor Lamp
- Best For The Office – Vivo Light Bar
The Best Monitor Light Bars Compared
| Monitor Light Bar | Avg. Price | Supports Curved Screens | Controller Type | Power Source | Dimensions (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BenQ Halo (Review) | $179 | 1000R | Remote Control | USB | 19.69 x 3.74 x 3.82 |
| Xiaomi Mi | $69 | 1500R | Remote Control | USB | 17.6 x 3 x 4 |
| Yeelight | $99 | 1500R | Remote Control | USB | 19 x 3.8 x 3.2 |
| Oowolf Pro Plus | $49 | – | Remote Control | USB | 16 in length |
| Quntis | $39 | – | Touch buttons | USB | 15.7 in length |
| Vivo | $39 | – | Touch buttons | USB | 17.6 x 3.3 x 1 |
| Melifo Curved Pro | $119 | 1000R | Remote Control | USB | 21.6 x 5.7 x 1.18 |
Detailed List Of The Best Monitor Light Bars
These are my top picks for the best screen light bars on the market.
1. BenQ ScreenBar Halo – Best Overall
Editors Rating: 5.0 /5
Why I Picked It
Most of us work in poorly lit environments with fluorescent lights that hurt our eyes after hours of staring at computer screens, which poses a problem.
The BenQ ScreenBar Halo is an elegant solution for bad room lighting, and this monitor light bar provides a clear and comfortable light.
I can personally attest to the quality of this monitor light bar, as I have one sitting on top of my screen as I’m working on this article 🙂
Not only does it save space and declutters your gaming station, but it also looks fantastic, stylish, and aesthetically pleasing!
BenQ is a trusted brand that you can count on when it comes to quality.
- Premium feel and zero screen glare
- Bright enough to light up my entire desk space
- Wireless desktop dial looks stunning in the dark
- Memory function for personalized settings
- Adjustable color settings from white, warm, and cool light
- Space saving design with decently long USB cable
- Premium product that also comes with a premium price
A Fantastic Light Source
The hardware is especially great while gaming late into the night, working remotely at home during the day, or for the long winter months.
Its eye-protecting technology and hue adjustment keep you immersed and relieve eye strain simultaneously, which is a win-win!
The warm light emitted from this computer monitor lamp is bright enough for any desk setup in low-light conditions, and it just feels off not to have it lit once you get used to it.
Easy And Secure Mounting
This LED monitor lamp attaches easily to the top of any screen without blocking the view or limiting access to buttons, as other monitor lights do.
And the slim design blends in with your desk setup effortlessly, and you even get accessories for more stability on curved monitor displays.
Just plug the light bar into a free USB port behind your monitor, start the illumination with the controller, and you’re all set.
📦 Shop now at Amazon
2. Xiaomi Mi Monitor Lamp – Best Value
Editors Rating: 4.6 /5
Why I Picked It
Traditional desk lamps take up a lot of space around your keyboard and can be a nuisance when trying to work.
The Xiaomi Mi Monitor Lamp is an excellent solution to that problem and for a lower price than the BenQ ScreenBar Halo.
This stylish light bar attaches easily to the top of computer displays and doesn’t take up any space at all!
- Wireless remote control
- Magnetic rotation system on top of your monitor screen
- Creates nice and warm lighting effects for your desk space
- Good features and build quality at a more reasonable price
- No screen reflection (glare) at all
- The remote control puck shows fingerprints easily
- The mounts work well on flat screens, but not so well on curved backs
It turns on automatically when your computer is turned on, so you don’t have to worry about fumbling around in the dark looking for a light switch.
The Xiaomi Mi light bar is in close competition with the BenQ ScreenBar as it’s a bit cheaper, and you also get a remote control with this product!
It has almost all of the same features as the BenQ but lacks stability when attached to your computer monitor screen due to the clip not being as sturdy.
With that being said, this light bar shines and is a great overall monitor light bar.
3. Yeelight Monitor Light Bar – Best RGB
Editors Rating: 4.2 /5
Why I Picked It
The Yeelight monitor light bar is the perfect addition to your gaming desk setup!
It’s a smart light bar with an intuitive remote control, so you can adjust your lighting without getting up from your chair.
It also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control, so you can change the brightness or turn it on and off without even taking your hands off the keyboard, super neat!
And if you’re into customizing your light bar’s color, Yeelight offers 16 million different options—and they’re all available in Razer Chroma Studio.
- The light bar has great, bright and non-reflecting lighting
- RGB! Choose from 16 million colors.
- It fits most monitors out of the box
- Expensive compared to other options on Amazon
- Alexa can only control the main light but not RGB lights
- The app is difficult to set up with poor in-app controls
You can sync your lights up with any game that supports Razer Synapse 3, so as soon as things get intense in Overwatch or Fortnite, you’ll know right away!
The Yeelight monitor light bar is also tunable white, meaning it can be set between 2700K (6500K) and natural light sources like daylight.
The lamp also comes with a weighted clip that gently rests on nearly any monitor with thickness from 0.4″ to 1.25″ (1 to 3.2 cm). It works perfectly on monitors with bezels wider than 0.32” (0.8cm).
Even though this lamp is so customizable it’s still easy to use.
4. Melifo – Best Curved Monitor Light Bar
Editors Rating: 4.0 /5
Why I Picked It
What sets this monitor light bar apart is its innovative curved design that fits seamlessly onto the top of most curved computer monitor screens (>1000R).
It provides soft, adjustable lighting that enhances your work experience, reduces eye strain and improves visibility in low-light conditions.
With the pro version you get a wireless remote, allowing you to customize the color temperature and dimming according to your needs, which is perfect for both bright and dimly lit spaces.
- Wireless remote control
- 3 modes of RGB backlight, perfect for gamers
- Great steepless dimming
- Expensive compared to other options on Amazon
- The light bar does not stay in place when adjusting the angle
- The remote control can feel sluggish and not very responsive
What’s also a nice addition is the built-in RGB backlight with 40 RGB lamp beads, which really sets the ambiance when watching movies, playing games or even listening to music.
Choose among three lighting modes – light on, breathing light, and “phonoreception” mode. It’s just a fancy word for saying that it can sync the lights to your music.
The best thing is still no reflective disturbances thanks to its neat and easy-to-fix design that perfectly follows the curvature of your monitor screen.
5. Oowolf Pro Plus – Blue Light Reducer
Editors Rating: 3.8 /5
Why I Picked It
If you’re looking for a bright lamp that will provide excellent reading conditions and help with visual fatigue, the OOWOLF LED monitor lamp is a runner up choice!
It offers natural light colors and two special rear ambient lights behind the monitor to reduce pressure and irritation from dark surroundings.
Plus, its anti blue light neutralizing technology helps to safeguard your eyes from blue light without the need of special glasses, or so they claim.
It’s a neat eye caring technology that’s still new, so take it with a grain of salt.
- Easy to setup
- Offers adjustable brightness and temperature settings
- The main light has enough power to cast a good glow
- Affordable and gets the job done nicely
- Questionable long-term quality from this brand
- There have been some issues with the responsiveness of the buttons
- The backlight may not offer much light depending on your setup
You can adjust this monitor lamp according to your preferences with three color modes and 10 brightness levels — all of which can be saved with its dimming memory function after disconnecting power.
Enjoy worry-free use for long periods of time thanks to its 35,000-hour lifespan.
6. Quntis Computer Monitor Lamp – Best Budget
Editors Rating: 3.6 /5
Why I Picked It
You love your new monitor, but the standard desk lamp doesn’t look right and you could use some more effective lighting for your work area.
The Quntis computer monitor lamp attaches directly to your monitor and provides bright, even light that is perfect for working, just as the Baseus.
- Good brightness levels for its price
- Touch controls on the monitor light bar works ok
- Auto-dimming feature
- Stepless hue adjustment
- USB-powered
- It’s well built, solid and sturdy
- It works on various monitors but is still not optimal for curved displays
- There’s some dimming issues compared to other similar products
This sleek computer monitor lamp works ok with irregularly shaped monitors and provides plenty of light.
It has various brightness options to customize it to your needs without taking up any extra space on your desk.
7. Vivo Light Bar – Best For The Office
Editors Rating: 3.2 /5
Why I Picked It
Many light bars on the market are cheaply made and don’t last long, and you end up wasting your money and time.
The Vivo Light Bar is a great alternative because it’s super bright, easy to install on a standard monitor, and offers adjustable brightness controls.
- Plug-and-play USB connection
- Very bright monitor light bar, which is great for the office
- Fits most standard monitors on the market
- Inexpensive yet effective solution
- Unfortunately produces some screen glare
- Not the most modern design, looks bulky
With a 3-year manufacturer warranty plus five adjustment levels for the light, you get excellent brightness for your needs.
The only downside is that it’s bulky when sitting on your monitor and not as streamlined as the other light bars on this list.
What Is a Monitor Light Bar?
A computer monitor light is a device that sits on top of your computer screen and provides additional lighting to help you see better in darker environments.
It’s an alternative to the traditional table lamp models as it doesn’t take up any space or create clutter like other regular lights.
It also offers more adjustment options than most desk lamps would provide, like an auto-dimming mode, brightness levels, and hue adjustments.
The most significant difference is how the screen bar lights up your desk environment, as the light is not reflected on your screen, otherwise known as reflective glare.
The light travels in an asymmetric direction, reducing glare that doesn’t impact your screen’s brightness, color representation, and reflection, making the overall lighting conditions much better.
Why Use A Monitor Light Bar?
Lighting can be a pain, but it doesn’t have to be.
Monitor light bars are incredibly useful for people who work from home or use their computer for extended periods of time, which is virtually everyone today.
Combine these bad boys with some incredible hexagon light panels on your wall and you’ll have a fantastic desk setup, an environment made for spending time in style!
But the most significant selling points of a pc lighting solution like these over traditional light bulbs are the following.
Effective and Comfortable Lighting
Monitor light bars offer several advantages when it comes to lighting effectiveness and comfortability.
The dimmable brightness levels allow you to customize the level of illumination in your workspace for maximum productivity.
Some models even come with a built-in ambient light sensor that adjusts the brightness automatically, super cool.
Additionally, they come with multiple color temperature settings that help reduce eye strain while working on the computer for extended periods of time.
And the best feature of all is of course that the light is flicker-free, glare-free, with no screen glare whatsoever. The light actually never the screen to begin with due to the technology and direction of the light.
This makes them ideal for people who spend long hours in front of their computers or laptops, like gamers and entrepreneurs.
Easy And Clutter-Free Setup
Another great thing about monitor light bars is how easy they are to set up and customize according to your needs.
All you need is a USB-C port on your device and you’re good to go, no charger needed.
Of course most of these come with an adapter for regular USB ports as well, or vice versa if it’s predominantly USB-C.
I’ve hooked up my BenQ ScreenBar Halo directly to the back of my flat monitor using a free USB slot, and it works great without using any energy from my MacBook.
The only thing you need to check for extra time is if the monitor light bar fits curved screens, luckily for you my top picks does just that. As for dual monitor desks, you’ll only need one of these for a desk setup.
Compared with Other Lighting Solutions
When compared with other lighting solutions like desk lamps or overhead fixtures, monitor light bars provide more flexibility due to their slim design!
This allows them to fit almost anywhere without taking up any space at all – perfect for those who have limited room available, or just love minimalism.
Furthermore, since most models are powered by USB ports instead of electricity cords; this means less clutter around your desk as well.
Setting Up Your Monitor Light Bar
If you have decided that investing in one or more monitor light bars is worth it, here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of them:
First, make sure that whatever model(s) you choose come equipped with adjustable brightness levels, and most actually do.
So no matter what kind of task requires extra focus during certain times, there won’t be any issues finding suitable illumination settings accordingly.
Also, try experimenting with different color temperatures until settling on one that feels comfortable enough while working long hours at night without causing too much strain on eyesight over time either.
I actually like a warmer tone on the light similar to what you would get if you used blue light blocking glasses.
A monitor light bar is a great way to create an optimal work environment and increase productivity.
With different lighting modes and features, you can customize your workspace for maximum comfort and efficiency.
Monitor Light Bar FAQs
Are Monitor Lights Any Good?
They really are! Monitor lighting is one of the best new technologies in recent years.
It’s practical and easy for any computer user and gives excellent lighting options.
If you love working at your desk late into the night, these light bars will keep you fresh even when your eyes start to feel tired or sore.
What Kind Of Light Does A Light Bar Produce?
Most lamp brands use LED to provide white light that simulates natural daylight while also providing different lights (warm/cool).
This makes for easier reading on the screen, reducing eye strain during long periods spent in front of the monitor.
Are Monitor Light Bars Good For Gaming?
Yes! These lamps can improve your visual acuity and reduce glare which is especially useful during long periods spent playing games on your PC or laptop.
I’ve had one installed at my desk since last year, and so far, it has made a massive difference to how comfortable I feel when gaming late at night, and I love the ambient light.
What Are Some Other Benefits Offered By Using A Monitor Light?
The main benefits of using a monitor light bar are:
Reduced eye strain (reduced fatigue)
Improved sleep quality
Better moods & concentration levels
Easier e-reading on-screen
Easy installation options
Bright USB-powered lamp (no power bank) with even light distribution across the desk
What Are Some Excellent Brands Offering This Type Of Product?
The best monitor light bar brands are either BenQ or Xiaomi.
Wrap Up
In addition to using monitor light bars as lighting options, there are a few ways that you can reduce your eye strain and fatigue from staring at screens all day.
For example: taking regular breaks by getting up for a quick walk or going on a short vacation outside is exceptionally effective.
This gives your eyes a chance to refocus and rest up.
Also, ensure you’re sitting at the correct distance from your screen (especially if it’s ultra-wide curved monitors).
This helps reduce eye strain because you won’t be straining them as much by moving closer or further away.
Using glasses that block blue light is also helpful for reducing eye strain.
Monitor light bars make a difference, and you’ll notice that, too, in a few days of use.
Try one; they’re relatively cheap!
BenQ ScreenBar Halo – Best Overall
Editors Rating: 5.0 /5
About the author, Chris