Affiliate Disclosure: This review contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I bought this chair with my own money and these opinions are genuinely mine.
The Night My Eyes Finally Gave Up
I remember the exact moment I realized something had to change.
It was around 11 PM on a Thursday. I'd been staring at code for probably nine hours with only a coffee break and a sad desk lunch to break things up. My desk lamp—one of those classic architect-style lamps you see in every "productivity setup" photo—was doing its job. The problem? Its job included bouncing a nice bright glare right off my monitor and straight into my retinas.
I'd developed this unconscious habit of tilting my head at weird angles trying to avoid the worst of the reflection. My neck hurt. My eyes felt like they'd been sandblasted. And I still had two hours of work left before I could reasonably call it a night.
The kicker? I'd tried fixing this months ago. I repositioned the lamp. Then repositioned it again. I bought a different bulb. I angled my monitor. I moved my whole desk. Nothing worked because the fundamental problem remained: traditional desk lamps illuminate everything—including the one surface you don't want lit up, which is your screen.
That night, scrolling through Reddit in frustration (great decision-making when your eyes already hurt), I stumbled across someone's battlestation photo. Their desk looked impossibly clean. No lamp. Just this sleek bar thing mounted to the top of their monitor, casting a perfect pool of light on the desk below with zero glare on the screen.
I thought it was Photoshopped or some kind of custom build. Turns out it was the BenQ ScreenBar Plus.
Six months later, this thing has become so essential to my setup that I genuinely forget it's there—which is exactly the point.
What You're Actually Getting
The Product Basics
The BenQ ScreenBar Plus (around $109 when I bought mine) is BenQ's mid-tier monitor light. It's not their cheapest option (that's the standard ScreenBar), and it's not their most feature-loaded (that's the ScreenBar Halo with backlighting). It's the "just right" option for most people.
Here's what arrives in the surprisingly Apple-esque packaging:
Physical Components:
- 18-inch aluminum LED light bar
- Weighted counterbalance clip/mount
- Desktop dial controller (wired)
- USB-A power cable (60 inches)
- Micro-USB cable connecting controller to light
- Y-splitter cable junction
Light Specifications:
- 500 lux brightness coverage (23.6" × 11.8" area)
- 14 levels of brightness adjustment
- 8 color temperature settings (2700K warm to 6500K cool)
- 95+ Color Rendering Index (CRI)
- Asymmetrical lighting design (no screen glare)
- 50,000-hour LED lifespan (that's 24 years at 40 hours/week)
- Auto-dimming light sensor
- USB powered (5V/1A, around 4.5W consumption)
Controller Features:
- Rotary dial for adjustments
- Dedicated brightness button
- Dedicated color temperature button
- Auto-dimming toggle
- Power button
- Tactile, satisfying clicks
Compatibility:
- Works with monitors 0.4-1.2 inches thick
- Fits 20-27 inch displays optimally
- Curved monitors 1800R or flatter
- No adhesives or permanent mounting
The setup takes maybe two minutes. The counterweight clip slides over the top of your monitor and the light bar clips into it. Plug the controller into the splitter, plug the splitter into the light and into USB power, and you're done. The weighted design means it just... hangs there. Securely. No tools, no clamps that scratch your screen, no stress.
The build quality immediately signals this isn't Amazon basics territory. The aluminum feels substantial. The cables are thick and well-shielded. The desktop dial has this perfect resistance when you rotate it—not too loose, not too stiff. You can feel the quality.
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Six Months of Daily Use
Week 1: The "Oh, This Is Different" Phase
The first thing you notice isn't the light itself—it's the absence of glare. I turned it on for the first time and just sat there blinking at my screen like an idiot, waiting for the reflection that never came.
BenQ calls this "asymmetrical lighting design," which sounds like marketing speak but actually describes real engineering. The LEDs are positioned and angled so light projects downward and forward onto your desk, not at your monitor. The beam deliberately stops short of your screen.
Does it work? Absurdly well.
My desk was perfectly illuminated. My keyboard, mouse, notebook, coffee cup—everything I needed to see was clearly visible. My monitor? Not even a hint of reflection. I could see the screen itself, obviously, but there was no overlay of light washing out the image.
The desktop dial controller took about five minutes to understand. Press the brightness button, rotate the dial to adjust brightness. Press the color temp button, rotate to adjust warmth. Press the auto button and it adjusts itself based on the light sensor on top of the bar.
I spent that first week constantly fiddling with settings. Morning? Cool 6500K white light to wake up. Afternoon? Neutral 4500K for accurate color work. Evening? Warm 2700K so my eyes could actually relax. The 8-step color adjustment range meant I could dial in exactly what I wanted.
Here's something I didn't expect: the light made my desk look... cleaner? The focused illumination created this defined workspace glow that made everything outside that pool of light fade into the background. My monitor became a workstation instead of just a desk with stuff on it.
Weeks 2-8: The Reality of Daily Workflow
Around week three, I stopped adjusting the settings constantly. I found my sweet spot—brightness level 10 out of 14, color temp around 4000K—and just left it there. The controller started living in my desk drawer since I wasn't using it much.
That's when the cables became annoying.
BenQ's marketing photos show this pristine setup with barely visible cables. The reality? You've got a controller cable running to a Y-splitter, which splits into the USB power cable going one direction and the micro-USB cable draped over your monitor going to the light bar. It's a cable management challenge.
I eventually solved this with some adhesive cable clips and 15 minutes of patience, but it's more involved than "plug and forget." If you're particular about cable aesthetics (and if you're buying a ScreenBar Plus, you probably are), factor in time for proper routing.
The auto-dimming feature... I tried to love it. The light sensor on top of the bar measures ambient light and adjusts brightness to maintain optimal working levels. Sounds perfect. In practice, I found it a bit too aggressive—it would brighten too much during overcast days and dim too much in the evening. I ended up turning it off and just using manual control.
But here's what I did love: the eye strain reduction was real. After about two weeks, I realized I wasn't rubbing my eyes constantly during late-night sessions. The 3 PM headache I'd accepted as part of desk work? Gone. Not completely eliminated every single day, but drastically reduced.
I integrated this with my ergonomic office chair and monitor setup, creating a workspace that actually supported long coding sessions instead of fighting against them.
Long-term: Six Months In
The ScreenBar Plus has become invisible in the best possible way. It turns on when I sit down (because my monitor turns on), it lights my desk, and I don't think about it.
The LEDs haven't degraded noticeably. Still the same brightness as day one. The controller still clicks satisfyingly. The mount hasn't budged a millimeter. The cables are organized and forgotten.
One thing worth noting: I replaced the original 60-inch USB cable with a longer one because I needed to route it differently for my setup. The included cable was just barely long enough to reach my monitor's USB port. If your PC is on the floor or you need extra routing distance, plan on buying a longer cable.
The 20-degree tilt adjustment on the light bar itself lets you aim the beam exactly where you need it. I angled mine slightly forward to maximize desk coverage. Some people tilt it back for less direct illumination. It's subtle but makes a difference.
Has it completely eliminated eye strain? No. I still take breaks, still do eye exercises, still follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds). But it's removed one major contributing factor, which is huge.
What Actually Works
1. Zero Screen Glare Is Real
This isn't hyperbole—the asymmetrical lighting design genuinely prevents screen reflection. Even at maximum brightness, even at the coolest color temp, I've never seen glare on my monitor. The beam just stops before it reaches the screen surface.
For anyone who's spent years repositioning desk lamps trying to find the magical angle where you can see both your desk and your monitor, this alone justifies the purchase.
2. Desk Space Savings Are Significant
My old architect lamp had a base that took up roughly 6" × 6" of premium desk real estate. The ScreenBar Plus takes up exactly zero desk space. It lives above your monitor, completely out of the way.
For small desks or multi-monitor setups, this is transformative. You gain back space for a notebook, a second keyboard, a coffee cup, whatever you actually need to work.
3. Color Temperature Range Actually Matters
I was skeptical about needing 8 different color temps. Turns out the adjustment from warm 2700K to cool 6500K makes a real difference in how your eyes feel throughout the day.
Cool white in the morning helps with alertness. Neutral during the day maintains color accuracy for design work. Warm in the evening reduces blue light exposure before bed. Having granular control means you can match lighting to your circadian rhythm.
4. The Desktop Dial Is Superior to Touch Controls
The standard ScreenBar has touch-sensitive buttons on top of the light bar itself. You have to reach up and long-press to adjust settings. The Plus model's desktop dial is dramatically easier to use.
Want it brighter? Grab the dial, press the brightness button, rotate. Done in two seconds without reaching, without looking. This seems minor until you're adjusting lighting multiple times a day—then it's essential.
5. Build Quality Exceeds Price Point
At around $109, this sits in an awkward price bracket—expensive for a "desk lamp" but cheap for premium gear. The build quality leans premium. Aluminum construction, quality cables, precise engineering. This feels like it'll last years, not months.
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The Problems Nobody Mentions
Let me be honest about what's frustrating, because these issues are real.
1. Cable Management Is a Nightmare
BenQ's product photos lie. They show clean setups with barely visible cables. Reality check: you've got three cables and a splitter to manage. The controller cable runs across your desk. The USB power cable needs routing. The micro-USB to the light bar drapes over your monitor.
Yes, you can organize this with cable clips and patience. But out of the box, it's messy. For a product positioned around clean aesthetics, the cable situation feels overlooked.
2. The Controller Takes Up Desk Space (Ironically)
The whole pitch is "save desk space by mounting light to your monitor." Then they give you a desktop controller that... takes up desk space. It's not huge (around 3" diameter), but it's there. On your desk. Defeating part of the purpose.
The standard ScreenBar has controls on the light itself for a reason. If you truly want zero desk footprint, that might be the better choice despite the less convenient controls.
3. USB Cable Is Too Short for Many Setups
The 60-inch USB power cable assumes your USB port is relatively close to your monitor. If your PC is on the floor, or if you're routing through a hub that's not right by your desk, you'll need an extension.
I had to buy a 10-foot USB extension cable on day three. Not expensive, but annoying. BenQ should include at least 6-8 feet of cable length.
4. Auto-Dimming Is Too Aggressive
The light sensor that enables auto-brightness adjustment is positioned on top of the bar. It measures ambient light and adjusts accordingly. Sounds smart. In practice, it over-corrects.
Cloud passes by outside? It brightens significantly. Evening approaches? It dims more than I want. I found manual control more predictable and just left auto-dimming off.
5. No Webcam Compatibility (Kind Of)
The mounting clip sits right where many people mount webcams—on top of the monitor. You can't have both without buying BenQ's optional webcam mount accessory (sold separately, of course).
If you do video calls regularly, this is a genuine problem. You either need to mount your webcam elsewhere or spend extra money on BenQ's adapter. For a product at this price point, that adapter should be included.
6. Curved Monitor Compatibility Is Limited
BenQ says this works with curved monitors up to 1800R curvature. If your monitor is more aggressively curved, the light bar won't sit properly. The newer ScreenBar Halo includes a curved monitor adapter; the Plus doesn't.
Most people with standard curved monitors (1800R or flatter) will be fine. But if you've got a tight-curve ultrawide, check compatibility carefully.
7. Controller Requires Desk Surface
Some desks have limited front-edge space due to monitor stands or other equipment. The wired controller needs to sit somewhere on your desk surface. If you're working with a small desk or cluttered setup, finding a good spot for it can be tricky.
8. Price Makes You Question the Value
Around $109 for a desk lamp—even a clever one—makes you pause. You can get the standard ScreenBar for around $99, or generic monitor lights for under $50. The Plus charges about $10 more for the desktop controller.
Is the controller worth around $10? In my opinion, yes. But is the entire concept worth 2-3x the price of generic alternatives? That's more debatable and depends heavily on how much you value build quality and design.
Comparing the Competition
vs. BenQ ScreenBar Standard (around $99)
The Standard model is around $10 cheaper and nearly identical in light output. The difference: touch controls on the light bar itself instead of a desktop controller.
If you don't mind reaching up to adjust settings and want to save desk space, get the Standard. If you adjust lighting frequently and want quick access, the Plus is worth the extra money.
vs. BenQ ScreenBar Halo (around $169)
The Halo costs about $60 more and adds backlight illumination behind your monitor (bias lighting), a wireless controller, and curved monitor compatibility.
For most WFH setups, the backlight isn't necessary. If your desk is against a wall (most are), illuminating the space behind your monitor doesn't add much value. The wireless controller is nice but not essential. Save the $60 unless you specifically need those features.
vs. Quntis Monitor Light Bar (around $43)
Quntis makes budget monitor lights with similar features: adjustable brightness, color temperature, and USB power. At around half the price, they're tempting.
The difference is build quality and longevity. The Quntis feels plasticky and cheaper. Multiple reviewers report them breaking within 6-12 months. The BenQ feels premium and is rated for 50,000 hours. You're paying more for a product that'll actually last.
vs. Traditional Desk Lamps (around $30-80)
Regular desk lamps are cheaper and work fine if glare doesn't bother you. But they take up desk space, cause screen reflections, and don't offer the same focused illumination.
If you've never had glare issues and have plenty of desk space, save your money and stick with a traditional lamp. If screen reflections drive you crazy and space is tight, the ScreenBar's design advantages justify the premium.
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Who Should (and Shouldn't) Buy This
Buy It If You:
- Work at a computer 6+ hours daily
- Struggle with desk lamp glare on your monitor
- Have limited desk space for traditional lamps
- Experience eye strain during long work sessions
- Value build quality and long-term durability
- Adjust lighting settings throughout the day
- Want focused desk illumination without ambient room lighting
- Use a monitor between 0.4-1.2 inches thick
- Have around $100-120 budget for lighting
Skip It If You:
- Have plenty of desk space and no glare issues
- Rarely adjust lighting once it's set
- Need webcam mounting in the same spot
- Have an aggressively curved monitor (tighter than 1800R)
- Work primarily in well-lit rooms and don't need desk lighting
- Want completely wireless cable-free setup
- Need bias lighting behind your monitor (get the Halo instead)
- Are on a tight budget (consider generic alternatives)
The Honest Verdict
Here's what matters after six months: the BenQ ScreenBar Plus solved the specific problem I had—desk lamp glare ruining my screen visibility and contributing to eye strain.
Is it perfect? No. The cables are annoying. The controller defeats part of the space-saving pitch. The price makes you question whether a "fancy desk lamp" is worth it. These are legitimate drawbacks.
But the core functionality—mounting a glare-free light source to your monitor that illuminates your desk perfectly—works exactly as promised. I turn it on every morning and forget it exists for the rest of the day, which is the ultimate compliment for a tool.
The quality feels premium enough that I believe the 50,000-hour LED lifespan claim. This seems like a "buy once" purchase, not a "replace every couple years" thing.
For me, the value proposition worked out. I spend 8-10 hours daily at this desk. Reducing eye strain and eliminating glare improves my work quality and comfort. Around $109 for something I'll use for potentially a decade? The math makes sense.
This fits naturally into a complete ergonomic workspace setup focused on reducing strain during long work sessions.
Final Rating: 4.3/5 stars
Recommendation: If screen glare bothers you and desk space is limited, this is an excellent investment. The asymmetrical lighting design works as advertised, and build quality supports years of daily use. Just be prepared for some cable management work upfront.
Practical Buying Guide
Where to Buy:
- Amazon: Around $109-119, fast shipping, easy returns
- BenQ Direct: Sometimes on sale, bundles available
- B&H Photo: Good for business purchases
- Check multiple sources—prices fluctuate by around $10-20
What Comes in the Box:
- LED light bar (18 inches)
- Counterweight mount
- Desktop dial controller
- USB-A power cable (60 inches)
- Micro-USB cable for light
- Y-splitter junction
- User manual
Setup Tips:
- Test the mount position before cable routing—you might want to adjust angle
- Plan cable management before plugging everything in
- Use adhesive cable clips along monitor back to keep things tidy
- Position controller within easy reach but out of your main work area
- If USB cable is too short, get a quality 10-foot extension
Optimal Settings (In My Experience):
- Brightness: Level 10-12 out of 14 for typical office lighting
- Color Temp: 4000-4500K during day, 2700-3000K evening
- Auto-dimming: Try it, but don't be surprised if manual works better
- Angle: Slight forward tilt maximizes desk coverage
Maintenance:
- Wipe aluminum bar with microfiber cloth monthly
- Check mount security every few months (mine has never loosened)
- Update controller firmware if BenQ releases any (rare)
- No bulbs to replace—LEDs are rated for 50,000 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this work with ultrawide monitors?
The 18-inch light bar works best with 20-27 inch displays. For ultrawides (34"+ ), it won't cover the full width. You'd need two ScreenBars or consider BenQ's longer models. The light still helps but won't illuminate edges of very wide monitors.
Q: Can I use this with a laptop?
Not really. It's designed for monitors with flat top bezels. Laptop screens are angled and move with the lid, so the mount won't work properly. BenQ makes the ScreenBar Lite specifically for laptops.
Q: Will this work with my webcam?
Depends where your webcam mounts. If it clips to the top center of your monitor, you'll have a conflict. Solutions: (1) buy BenQ's webcam mount accessory, (2) mount webcam elsewhere, or (3) get a different monitor light design.
Q: How does it compare to generic Amazon brands?
Generic lights (Quntis, etc.) cost around half as much and offer similar features. The difference is build quality and longevity. BenQ uses aluminum vs plastic, better LEDs, thicker cables. You're paying more for a product rated for 50,000 hours vs one that might break in a year.
Q: Does this reduce blue light?
Yes and no. You can set the color temperature to warm (2700K) which naturally contains less blue light than cool white (6500K). But it doesn't have a dedicated blue light filter mode like some monitors. Warm settings in evening help reduce blue light exposure.
Q: What if my monitor is too thick or thin?
The mount accommodates 0.4-1.2 inch thick monitors. Most modern displays fall in this range. Very thin monitors (under 0.4") might not have enough grip. Thick bezels (over 1.2") won't fit. Measure before buying if you're unsure.
Q: Can I power it from my monitor's USB port?
If your monitor has USB ports and they provide at least 5V/1A power, yes. Many monitors have USB hubs built in. Just plug the ScreenBar into those ports instead of your PC. Makes cable management cleaner.
Q: Does the light flicker?
No. I tested with a high-speed camera and couldn't detect any flicker across all brightness levels. BenQ uses proper LED drivers that prevent the flickering some cheap lights have. This matters for eye comfort during long use.
Q: How long does it actually last?
BenQ rates the LEDs at 50,000 hours. At 8 hours/day, that's 17+ years. At 40 hours/week (full work week), it's around 24 years. I can't verify this personally (I've only had mine 6 months), but nothing has degraded so far.
Six Months Later: Long-Term Reality
The novelty has completely worn off. The ScreenBar Plus is now just... my light. The thing that illuminates my desk when I'm working.
And that's genuinely the highest praise I can give.
I don't fiddle with settings anymore. I don't think about glare. I don't adjust the angle. It just works, every day, exactly as it should. The desk lamp problem I'd been tolerating for years—the glare, the space consumption, the awkward positioning—is solved.
Would I buy it again? Yes, immediately. The around $109 felt steep initially but over six months of daily use, it's averaged to around $0.60 per day. For something that reduces eye strain and improves my workspace, that's completely reasonable.
Would I recommend it to others? With caveats. If you don't have glare issues or don't spend long hours at a computer, you probably don't need this. But if screen reflections drive you crazy and eye strain is a problem, this is one of the better solutions available.
The BenQ ScreenBar Plus isn't going to change your life. But it will stop your lighting from actively making your life worse, which turns out to be exactly what most of us need.
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Last Updated: December 2025
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