Staring at the monitor or computer screen for prolonged periods– especially in the dark, is a consistent way to induce headaches and a disruptive eye strain episode. Hence, tools like monitor light bars can and will help against eye strain.
These are horizontal LED lamps that you attach to the top of the monitor. It mostly illuminates the keyboard area and thus reduces the glare since the monitor isn’t the only light source anymore, assuming your room lights are turned off. Some people prefer room lights off while working at home, of course, since this can improve focus.
Monitor light bars help you get the best of both worlds, reducing glare and eyestrain while letting you comfortably work in the dark. Take your pick among these best monitor light bars available in the market right now.
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Xiaomi Mi Computer Monitor Light Bar
PROS
- Comes with a wireless control puck
- Design guarantees no screen reflection
- Magnetic attachment which can be rotated
- Sleek design
CONS
- A bit expensive
- Short
- Clip hinge has a narrow angle, not ideal for thick monitors
Specs:
- Length: 18 inches / 45 cm
- Color Temperature: Adjustable
- Ideal Screen Thickness: 1–3.2 cm
Leave it to Xiaomi to have just about every electronic available under their brand name. Their Mi Monitor Light Bar is one of their products and it has some nifty and useful features compared to other light bars.
For starters, the whole bulb itself is magnetically attached to the clip, so it’s easy to remove for cleaning, no need to unclip the whole setup from your monitor. Other than that, the Mi light bar comes with a highly convenient puck that lets you adjust the light intensity, color temperature, and even power.
It’s a feature you never knew you needed and it’s quite hard to go back to other monitor light bars after experiencing this wireless control puck.
Xiaomi Mi Computer Monitor Light Bar
BenQ ScreenBar Monitor Light
PROS
- Longer/wider than most other light bars
- Comes with a wireless control puck with profile saving
- Wide hinge angle for thicker monitors
- Comes with back lighting for reduced glare
- Also compatible with curved monitors
- Design guarantees no screen reflection
CONS
- Expensive
Specs:
- Length: 20 inches / 51 cm
- Color Temperature: Adjustable
- Ideal Screen Thickness: 0.7 to 6 cm
If your monitor has a refresh rate higher than 60Hz and a resolution higher than 1080p, then there’s a big chance that it’s quite thick and comes with a protruding back. This might cause problems in fitting monitor light bars intended for thinner screens.
Your safest option, if you’re unsure about your monitor’s thickness, would be BenQ’s ScreenBar. BenQ claims that the deal monitor thickness for this light bar is 6 cm (60 mm) thanks to its wider hinge angle. It also comes with a control puck for those who prefer to adjust their light source without raising their arms.
BenQ ScreenBar Monitor Light
MELIFO Curved Monitor Light Bar
PROS
- Good curvature compatibility
- No glare or reflection
- Memory function for ease of use
- Affordable
CONS
- Adjustment buttons are neither tactile nor illuminated
Specs:
- Length: 22 cm / 8.66 inches (curved)
- Color Temperature: Adjustable
- Ideal Screen Thickness: Unspecified
Of course, a straight light bar on a curved monitor just doesn’t sit right and won’t shine the light perfectly. Some of it might even go to the back of the monitor, depending on the curvature. For that matter, the MELIFO curved monitor light bar might be a more ideal option.
The curvature is for monitors with more than 1000R, meaning it fits a variety of models out there. The switch or control is sadly mechanical though at its price point, you really can’t expect many quality-of-life features.
MELIFO Curved Monitor Light Bar
Quntis Computer Monitor Lamp
PROS
- Affordable
- No glare
- Memory function
- Auto-dimming key
- Wide hinge angle
CONS
- Short
- Buttons aren't illuminated
Specs:
- Length: 16 inches / 41 cm
- Color Temperature: Adjustable
- Ideal Screen Thickness: 0.7 to 3.5 cm
If you just want a simple monitor light bar that just fits for your simple work monitor or laptop, then this option might be more viable. The Quntis or ScreenLinear Pro light bar won’t break the bank and isn’t as expensive as a computer component.
Of course, the downside is the lack of comfort features such as the control puck and the shorter length but everything else is intact here from adjustable lighting to an accommodating hinge angle. It even comes with a memory function to help you reduce the hassle of light adjustment.
Quntis Computer Monitor Lamp
Kary LED Desk Lamp
PROS
- Sturdy and it won't shake along with the monitor
- Flexible and independent height adjustment
- Lengthy, nearly three feet long
- Comes in white or black
CONS
- A bit pricey
- Consumes more power compared to minimalistic lamps
Specs:
- Length: 31.5 inches / 80 cm
- Color Temperature: Adjustable
- Ideal Screen Thickness: None, it’s a standing lamp
You could always just go for the more conventional and bulkier option, which is a fully-fledged lamp. It sits high above the monitor, which still gives the monitor enough clearance for height adjustment.
The angle and height of the bulb are also adjustable thanks to the clamp design. Thus, it’s not just built for monitors, but also for reading or other activities involving desks. One of the few glaring downsides is that the lamp consumes more electricity compared to the simpler and more minimalistic light bars.
Kary LED Desk Lamp
Frequently Asked Questions
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Will monitor light bars ruin the screen's contrast?
The cheap ones do introduce some kind of glare on the bezels but due to the angle of the bulb, most of them don't affect the screen's contrast at all. -
Do monitor light bars help with eye strain?
Yes, they do. By illuminating the surrounding areas of the screen, glare and eye strain is reduced since there are multiple sources of light.