In today’s world, we spend a significant portion of our lives in front of screens. Whether it be for work, gaming or surfing the web, the average person clocks in almost 7 hours of screen time per day.
Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it?
However, after all this exposure our eyes start to feel tired and strained.
That’s where monitor light bars come in.
These provide the ideal lighting condition that helps reduce eye fatigue among other benefits. And I must say, they’re my favorite desk accessory.
But here’s the million-dollar question – are monitor light bars actually worth it or just another tech gimmick?
Well, good lighting is crucial for our vision as well as concentration and even sleep patterns so it’s worth looking into it further.
We’ve tested out different types of monitor light bars to see if they really do what they claim to do.
Read on to find out what we discovered…
In This Article
What is a Monitor Light Bar?
A monitor light bar is a sleek modern lighting device that attaches to the top of your computer screen. It casts light directly onto the desk and keyboard, illuminating your workspace without creating glare or reflection like traditional desk lamps might do.
By doing so, it helps lessen eye strain and improve visual clarity during prolonged screen use.
One thing these light bars have that sets them apart from others is their adjustability. You can control how bright or dim they shine depending on your preference – even change colors!
This means you can set it according to what feels most comfortable for your eyes whether you’re working during daylight hours or burning midnight oil.
Not only does this contribute towards creating a more comfortable and focused working environment but also saves precious space on desks making them practical additions to any workstation.
Benefits of Using Monitor Light Bars
Reduce Eye Strain
Sitting in a dim or poorly lit room, straining to focus on a bright computer screen, can quickly lead to eye fatigue, blurring the line between productivity and discomfort. This mismatch forces our eyes to constantly adjust to contrasting light levels. A struggle that often results in annoying headaches and eye strain.
This is something many of us can relate to, especially with the rise of remote work. You might think turning on a light in the room would solve the problem. But it’s not always as simple as that.
That’s where monitor light bars come in — most of them are made with non-flicker and anti-blue light technology, which tackles exactly these issues.
Honestly, I was skeptical at first too — until it worked for me. I used to spend hours upon hours in front of my computer screen every day. Consequently, my eyes would get so tired and I’d have terrible headaches as a result. So, I didn’t really believe that a light bar could help much at all.
But let me tell you — once I added this little gadget onto my desk setup. It was a complete game-changer. It started making things better instantly.
A small bar of light saved them from getting tired due to direct exposure to harsh light emitted by monitors which in turn boosted productivity.
Doesn’t Take Up Any Desk Space
If you work on a small desk like mine, you know the struggle for space is real. Trying to fit a monitor, keyboard, and all the accessories can be like playing Tetris.
But with a monitor light bar, you won’t have to sacrifice any valuable desk space. Unlike a traditional desk lamp that takes up its own real estate, this attaches to your monitor and frees up valuable space on your desk. This feature is especially useful for people working in smaller areas because it saves every inch possible.
Not only does it give you more room by not needing another lamp, but it also keeps things neater and more organized around your workspace.
It’s such an easy upgrade but makes such a difference – suddenly everything feels so much more open!
Light Exactly Where You Need It
Most desk lamps sit on one side of your desk, which means the light is always coming from one direction. This can lead to uneven lighting across your workspace, requiring frequent adjustments to your lamp to avoid glare or shadows.
It’s a small but constant distraction that can disrupt your focus and productivity.
A monitor light bar, on the other hand, offers a solution to this problem by providing even lighting across your entire screen.
This means you can say goodbye to the hassle of constantly repositioning yourself or your screen to escape the glare.
Instead, you enjoy a steady, consistent light source that illuminates precisely where you need it. Ensuring a comfortable and productive workspace without any adjustments needed.
Adjustable Brightness
We all know how frustrating it can be when you’re trying to focus, but the lighting is either too harsh or too dim. Isn’t it?
With a monitor light bar, you have the option to adjust the brightness according to your needs.
Imagine this – you’re working late into the night, and you need a softer light to avoid straining your eyes, or it’s a dreary day outside, and you require that extra brightness to keep you alert.
With just a simple touch, you can adjust the light bar to provide the perfect illumination for any situation.
And here’s where it gets even better: high-end models can even automatically adjust the brightness and color temperature to suit your environment. This makes your workspace not only comfortable but also intelligently adaptive. Isn’t that quite something?
Adjustable Light Temperature
I’m a big fan of adjustable light temperature in monitor light bars, and I think it’s one feature that definitely needs to be highlighted.
Don’t you just think warm light is friendly? It’s gentle on the eyes because it does not have much blue light spectrum that strains our eyes — I really appreciate this aspect.
Some people say that whiter and cooler lights make them feel more focused but honestly speaking, I don’t find myself getting any less concentrated at work because of a warm light.
That’s not to say that other opinions don’t matter; we all have our preferences, and that is precisely why adjustable light temperature is such a great feature.
Traditional desk lamps can’t beat the ability of monitor light bars to adjust between various shades with such ease.
Whether you prefer crisp cool whites or cozy glows from soft yellows or oranges, being able to set up your own workspace so that everything feels comfortable visually as well as physically is really important for us all I think.
No Screen Glare or Reflections
When I switched to a monitor light bar I wasn’t expecting to notice a significant difference in terms of glare, but it’s safe to say that I was proven wrong.
Conventional desk lamps can cause light to reflect off your computer screen or create glare depending on where the light source is positioned and its angle. This can be quite annoying when you’re trying to concentrate on something or watch a video without any interruptions.
A monitor light bar, however, has the light source placed directly above the monitor which means there’s no way for reflections or glare to occur. This not only improves comfortability and enjoyment of watching but also prevents eye fatigue.
Aesthetic Appeal
There’s more to monitor light bars than just their practical benefits. The aesthetic appeal they add to a desk setup cannot be overstated.
Having scrolled through countless Instagram posts of desk setups, one thing becomes abundantly clear – a setup hardly seems complete without a monitor light bar adding that subtle, yet impactful, final touch.
The sleek design and minimal footprint of these light bars integrate seamlessly with any desk aesthetic, from the ultra-modern to the comfortably traditional.
It’s not just about the light they provide but how they enhance the overall look of the space.
They bring a sense of sophistication and professional flair that’s hard to achieve with a standard desk lamp.
The way these light bars cast an even, soft glow over your workspace not only illuminates your tasks but also highlights the personal touches and gadgets that make your desk uniquely yours.
In an age where desk setups are not just functional spaces but a part of our personal brand and style, monitor light bars offer that extra layer of visual appeal that makes your setup stand out. It’s no wonder that they seem to be a staple in the Instagram-worthy desks we all admire.
Control with a Single Touch
Nothing is quite as convenient as having a wireless puck to control your lights. You can easily adjust brightness, temperature and even turn on/off light with a simple touch.
No more fumbling around with many switches or tweaking settings on every single light source. These intuitive controls make it easy to personalize lighting however you want — whether that means needing brighter illumination while working on projects or desiring softer glows for more relaxed atmospheres during breaks.
Some Drawbacks
Keyboard Glare
Now talking about some downsides, and one of them is keyboard glare. This might be something you’ve come across or maybe have not noticed yet. This happens when the light bar is positioned in such a way that the light bounces off your keyboard and straight into your eyes.
This glare can be quite uncomfortable and irritating, making it difficult to focus on your work.
However, whether or not this becomes an issue really depends on a few things.
These include the angle of your keyboard, how high you’re sitting, and how far your monitor (and the attached light bar) is from you.
Because of all these variables, it’s hard to say definitively whether keyboard glare will be an annoyance for you. It’s not something to dismiss, but it’s also not a deal-breaker for most people.
Light Bars and Webcams
Once you have decided to include a monitor light bar in your set-up, you need to think about how it will work with other equipment, specifically webcams.
The problem is that these bars usually take up valuable space on top of your monitor which is exactly where a webcam would typically be placed.
So here’s the thing: if you insist on using both then you’re faced with a choice between precariously balancing your camera on the narrow edge of the light bar (which isn’t the most stable arrangement, let’s be honest) or taking off the light bar every time you want to make a video call – neither of which are great options.
But it’s not all bad news. There are ways around this.
For those committed to this particular lighting set-up, some manufacturers have acknowledged the problem and provided fixes.
One example is the BenQ ScreenBar Halo, which smartly features an optional webcam attachment.
This neat little add-on lets you perch your camera securely above the light bar – it’s almost like getting two for one; you still get the sleek lighting but don’t have to sacrifice those face-to-face online chats.
However, there is a catch.
To get this smooth integration, you would need to purchase both the BenQ ScreenBar Halo and the BenQ IdeaCam – which could be an added expense if you already have a perfectly functioning webcam.
In this case, You could consider mounting your webcam on a separate stand or tripod, freeing up space on your monitor for the light bar.
But overall this is something to keep in mind when choosing a monitor light bar – will it work with your current equipment, or do you need to make adjustments?
Some Considerations Before Purchasing
Space and Setup
Take a minute to look around your workplace before buying a monitor light bar.
Is it cluttered or clean?
The amount of space you have and how your desk is arranged can greatly impact the experience with a light bar. You want something that fits well without creating more problems or requiring constant adjustment.
Think about how the light bar will fit into your current setup, especially if you are short on space or using multiple monitors.
Compatibility
While most of the monitor light bars on the market are designed to be universal, there are still some compatibility concerns to keep in mind.
For instance, certain light bars may only work with specific sizes or types of monitors so it is crucial that you look at specifications before buying.
If you have a webcam or other accessories attached to your monitor already, make sure the light bar will not get in their way.
Look at the mounting mechanism. Some light bars use clips or brackets that might not fit on every type of monitor which means finding one that can attach securely is important to avoid any precarious balancing acts.
Lighting Needs
What do you need it for? General illumination, reducing eye strain while working late nights, or perhaps video calls? Different models come with different features such as backlights, wireless controls, or RGB lighting options.
Consider what features are important to you and if they align with your needs. If you primarily use your monitor for work, a simple light bar with adjustable brightness should suffice. However, if you frequently make video calls or stream content, a light bar with color options and remote control may be more suitable.
Budget Considerations
Lastly, consider your budget. The price range for monitor light bars can vary widely, with some models offering basic features at a lower price point, and others boasting advanced functionalities but at a higher cost.
Decide how much you’re willing to invest and what features are non-negotiable for you.
Remember, the most expensive option isn’t always the best for your particular needs.
So all in all, a little bit of research and consideration can go a long way in ensuring you pick a monitor light bar that enhances your workspace without breaking the bank or causing unnecessary complications.
Personal Experience and Recommendations
With all of that being said about what to look for in a monitor light bar, I am now going to talk about my own experience and give you some recommendations.
Since I work from home and spend most of my day looking at a computer screen, a light bar has been a complete game-changer for me.
The Xiaomi Monitor Light Bar is the one I got and it’s been perfect. It’s not too expensive but still feels premium quality-wise. It also has different brightness/temperature settings so you can adjust it based on what you’re doing or how much natural light is in your room.
After using this product for months, there have been zero issues with it.
For those who are new to monitor light bars or don’t know where to start, the Xiaomi Monitor Light Bar would be my top recommendation.
However, if you want something more high-end, check out the BenQ Halo. This one has extra lighting behind the monitor as well and offers more customization options.
It is on the pricier side, but definitely worth it for those who want more advanced features.
If you’re on the more affordable side, I’d advise not to go for the cheapest option available as it may lack in quality and most of the features you’d want. And you’ll end up replacing it sooner rather than later.
Are Monitor Light Bars Really Worth It?
Given the amount of time, many of us spend in front of our computers, whether it’s for gaming, remote work, or even just regular browsing, the question of whether monitor light bars are worth it comes up quite a bit.
The short answer? Absolutely yes!
If you’re someone who spends hours staring at a screen, a monitor light bar can significantly reduce eye strain and improve your overall comfort. This is essential, not just for your productivity, but for your health too.
And then there’s the aesthetic aspect – a well-chosen light bar can really make your setup stand out, adding a modern, sleek touch that elevates the look of your workspace.
Sure, it might seem like a small addition, but the difference it makes can be quite substantial.
And there’s a wide range of options available to suit different needs and budgets, from basic models to high-end ones with advanced features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do Light Bars Actually Work?
Yes, light bars do work – and very well too! They’re designed to light up your workspace without reflecting on the computer screen that often happens when we use normal desk lamps. Besides this fact alone they also relieve eye strain by giving off a consistent source of soft lighting which is much easier on our eyes during those long hours spent in front of PCs whether gaming or working.
Yes, a light bar can certainly make your experience more comfortable whether gaming or working and yes again – it does not just make things look better (although that’s definitely nice), but actually takes care of our visual health making them less tired over time thus improving quality overall.
What’s the Point of a Monitor Light Bar?
At its core, the point of a monitor light bar is pretty simple – it’s all about making your time in front of the screen as comfortable and productive as possible.
Think of it like this: when your eyes are less tired, you can focus better and for longer periods, which means you’re going to get more done, whether that’s work, gaming, or just surfing the web.
Plus, it adds a little flair to your setup, making your desk a place you actually want to sit at. It’s not just a gadget; it’s a small change that can make a big difference in how you feel and work every day.
What’s The Purpose of a Monitor Light Bar?
The main purpose of a monitor light bar is to keep you comfortable while you’re in front of your computer.
Imagine you’re working, gaming, or just watching videos for hours. Without good lighting, your eyes might start feeling tired or strained, which isn’t fun at all.
A light bar helps by shining a soft, even light over your keyboard and desk, without making your screen hard to see. This means less squinting and more doing what you enjoy or need to get done. It’s a simple tool, but it really does make a big difference by making your screen time more pleasant.
