Best Monitor Light Bars of 2026

They may look funny, but monitor light bars are surprisingly functional desk accessories, and once you try one, you won’t want to go back to traditional lighting. Sure, they help you light up your desk while maximizing your desk space, but they also improve the feeling, comfort, and performance of your entire work area – all important traits of an effective home office setup.

How does a tiny light bar offer such massive benefits, and which light bars are best?

I’m a home-office designer specializing in WFH setups. I have learned the benefits of monitor light bars firsthand. I break down the best models on the market today and what makes light bars different from traditional desk lamps. After reading this article, you’ll have what you need to choose the right option.

Let’s dive in!

MY TOP PICKS

What is a Monitor Light Bar?

A monitor light bar is a horizontal light that mounts to the top of a monitor. It disperses light evenly across your workspace without cluttering your desk. It also offers other benefits like blue light protection, professional-level screen color viewing, and colored ambient light for comfortable working.

The benefits are so profound that I cover them in more detail in the section toward the end titled “Are Light Bars Better Than Desk Lamps?”

Before You Buy…

Here are some factors worth knowing:

Your monitor thickness: Each light bar indicates the sizes and types of monitors it fits.

Your monitor edge style: Is your monitor frame square or curved? Is the frame thick or thin? Not all light bars work with all monitor designs. I indicate the monitor types that work best in each light’s features section.

Your monitor size: Knowing the size will help you find a light bar that looks best and casts the most light across your screen.

5 Best Monitor Light Bars of 2024

1. Xiaomi Mi Computer Monitor Light Bar

Best Overall Monitor Light Bar

Features

• Compatible with: monitor thicknesses from 0.39 to 1.26 inches
• Size: 17.6″D x 0.9″W x 0.9″H
• Color: black
• Lighting coverage: unlisted
• ANSI compliant: unlisted
• Color rendering index: ≤Ra95
• Light brightness and temperature options: yes
• Secondary rear light: no
• Remote controller: yes
• Remote power supply: N/A
• Screen glare: none
• Auto-dimming: no
• Blue light protection: unlisted
• Preset computer modes: yes
• Power supply: USB
• Auto turn on/off with monitor: yes
• Price: $70

What I Think

The fact that this company makes such a quality product for the price makes the Xiaomi Mi light bar number one on my list. The price also made it easy to step into owning a light bar. I use this as my daily light bar and find the light and controller clean, well-designed, and simpler to use than other light bars.

My desklight

To operate, simply push the knob on and off, turn the dial for brightness, and press down and turn for color temperature ranging from cool to warm light. I find it so intuitive that I don’t need a digital screen.

The black color and clean design of the monitor light bar and wireless knob make it an attractive addition to your monitor and desk, though removing the knob would be cleaner. The bar’s magnetic attachment to the base makes it easy to adjust. The design also prevents light from reflecting off the monitor screen.

This light sits snugly, and the base has some heft, so you can trust it to stay put. That said, you’ll have trouble with it on monitors less than 0.39 inches. This light is not recommended for laptops.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Clean black design that matches most monitors
• Easy to install
• Magnetic light adjustment is smooth and easy to use
• The remote controller allows for easy brightness and color changes
• Lower price than all BenQ light bars

Cons

• No rear lighting behind the monitor
• Jiggles a bit with ultra-thin monitors
• Not recommended for laptops
• The controller adds clutter to the desk

2. BenQ Screenbar Halo 2

Best Blend of Features and Durability

Features

• Price: $199
• Compatible with: square, tapered, curved, and dual monitors
• Size: 50 cm W, between 7.9 and 10.2 cm high, 7.4cm cylinder diameter
• Color: gray and black
• Lighting coverage: 33.5* x 17″
• ANSI compliant: yes
• Color rendering index: Ra≥95
• Light brightness and temperature options: up to 4000K for the 60cm version, 6500K for the 65cm version
• Secondary rear light: yes
• Remote controller: yes
• Screen glare: none
• Real-time auto dimming: Yes
• Blue light protection: yes
• Preset computer modes: yes
• Auto turn on/off with monitor: yes

What I Think

BenQ is known for offering quality monitor light bars, and Halo 2, their next generation of the Halo, is their top-tier selection. I agree that the quality is excellent, but it comes with features you don’t need that are factored into the price.

The brand does have some serious benefits over other light bars. BenQ lights feature auto-dimming technology that reads surrounding light and adjusts to ensure you get the recommended amount of light, as dictated by ANSI. It also offers ample brightness and color options, ranging from cool to warm light.

In terms of looks, the bar has the sleekest design. The light also has two lighting areas: a front light and a second rear light to brighten the area behind the monitor for comfortable screen viewing. Each light can be operated independently.

As for the issues, two lights in one monitor light bar seemed like a major plus, but the rear light sits high on the wall rather than midway down the monitor. A cheap lighting strip attached to the monitor is sufficient and provides better light. But the Halo 2 turns off when you turn off the monitor, which is actually very convenient.

Another issue for me is the remote controller. Overall, the range of lighting and preset options is fantastic, and this new model offers precise readings so you can set it the way you like, but I do find the presets on other remote-controlled lighting work fine.

Some users find the light too bright at its lowest setting, but I am fine with it.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent quality
• Dual lighting options
• Clean, minimalist design
• Ample lighting features in terms of brightness and color-changing
• No glare on the screen
• USB plug
• Turns on and off automatically with your monitor

Cons

• The remote controller is overly precise
• The lowest setting may be too bright for you
• It is a higher-priced light on this list
• The controller adds clutter to the desk

3. BenQ Screenbar

Best Monitor Light Bar Without a Remote Controller

Features

• Compatible with: square, tapered, curved, and dual monitors. Here is a list of monitors that don’t work with this product.
• Size: 45cm W x 3cm H above screen. Max distance behind screen: 6.2 cm
• Color: black
• Lighting coverage: 60cm*30cm, >500 lux
• ANSI compliant: yes
• Color rendering index: Ra≥95
• Light brightness and temperature options: yes
• Secondary rear light: no
• Remote controller: no
• Remote power supply: N/A
• Screen glare: none
• Auto-dimming: yes
• Blue light protection: yes
• Preset computer modes: yes
• Power supply: USB
• Auto turn on/off with monitor: TBD
• Price: $109

What I Think

This monitor light bar offers the same quality lighting as the BenQ Screenbar Halo but has some serious advantages:

• It is black, which means it matches your monitor.
• It costs less because it excludes the remote.
• The patented clamp design makes it easy to control the light on the bar.

Note that this light is 5cm shorter than the Halo and not as sleek-looking, but it is still attractive.

Pros

• Excellent build quality and performance
• Same tech as the Halo
• Avoids the drawbacks of the remote controller
• Lower price than the Halo

Cons

• No remote controller
• 5cm shorter than the Halo
• Not as clean a design as the Halo

4. Quntis Light Bar Pro +

Most Versatile Low-Priced Monitor Light Bar

Features

• Compatible with: Flat and curved monitors with thicknesses ranging from 0.12″ to 2.36″
• Size: 20.08″D x 0.79″W x 0.79″H
• Color: black
• Lighting coverage: unlisted
• ANSI compliant: unlisted
• Color rendering index: Ra95, ≥1200lux
• Light brightness and temperature: 3000K-6500K
• Secondary rear light: no
• Remote control: yes
• Remote power supply: unlisted
• Screen glare: none
• Auto-dimming: yes
• Blue light protection: yes
• Preset computer modes: yes
• Power supply: USB
• Auto turn on/off with monitor: unlisted
• Price: $69

What I Think

This Quntis computer monitor lamp has many features similar to the BenQ, but it is significantly cheaper. That makes it a close contender to Xiaomi, but a few features set this monitor light bar apart.

Benefits include:

• It easily fits extra-thin and extra-thick monitors, making it a safe choice.
• It clamps snugly in place for easy on-the-fly adjustments, and the remote control also allows touchless operation. The controller is as easy to use as the Xiaomi.
• It offers ambient light adjustment for more comfortable viewing at varying times of the day.
• It has a two-hour timer that turns the light off, reminding you to step away from your desk.
• It is also anti-blue light certified and one of the few on the list that dims enough to be truly comfortable.
• Unlike its previous versions, this light also features a 45-degree adjustable rotation for improved light angles. It is a bit unique in that you tighten it with a hex key.

In terms of drawbacks:

• The Quntis computer monitor lamp hangs a bit lower than others, and it’s recommended for monitors with a bezel of less than 1/3 of an inch. Otherwise, it will dip into the viewing area and damage the monitor.
• The build quality isn’t as high as BenQ, but it offers similar benefits for less than a third of the price.
• Some users find the remote controller difficult to use, but unlike other lights, you can also operate it on the bar.

Outside of that, this is an excellent light for the price.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fits all monitor sizes and flat or curved options
• Affordable remote control option
• Blue light prevention
• Intuitive dual controls on the bar and remote controller
• Auto-dimming when clicking the remote twice
• Shuts off after 2 hours, reminding you to take a break

Cons

• Dips into the viewing area for monitors with thin frames.
• Build quality is less than a similar BenQ
• Requires a hex key for firm positioning
• Best for monitors with a bezel of 1/3 of an inch or thicker

ONWAY Curved Monitor Light Bar

Best Light Bar for Curved Monitors

Features

• Price: $59
• Compatible with: most curved monitors
• Size: 16.5″ x 12.7″ x 1.9″H
• Color: Dark gray (matte)
• Lighting coverage: Not listed
• ANSI compliant: Not listed
• Color rendering index: Not listed
• Light brightness and temperature: Not listed
• Secondary rear light: No
• Remote control: Yes
• Remote power supply: Yes, chargeable
• Screen glare: None
• Auto-dimming: Yes
• Blue light protection: Yes
• Preset computer modes:
• Power supply: Corded electric via USB
• Auto turn on/off with monitor:

What I Think

If you want a curved monitor light bar, this is a strong option for you, and not just for the obvious reason. This camera comes with a built-in camera base on the top to hold your favorite camera – a nice feature because typically monitor light bars are a barrier to easy camera mounting. Of course, the camera sits high on the monitor, making direct eye contact less than ideal, but it’s still extremely clean and simple to use.

It also has a setting that works alongside your audio, a nice feature if you are a gamer.

The light bar matches the angle of most curved monitors on the market. It also has an adjustable clip that allows for thicknesses ranging from 0.12 inches to 2.36 inches- a helpful trait with curved monitor designs.

You also get features like auto-dimming and a remote control, all at an insanely low price.

Though the lighting coverage data isn’t provided, you still get ample light coverage for your keyboard, mouse, and notepad. You get good coverage, plus design benefits like auto-dimming.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Curved design that mimics most curved monitors in the market
• Camera mount for your favorite camera
• It can be operated with a USB plug, adapter, or data cable
• 40 RGB lamp beads for smooth distribution of light
• Sound recognition for immersive gaming
• Music sync mode

Cons

• Best suited for curved monitors
• No lighting range data provided

Are Light Bars Better Than Desk Lamps?

If you aren’t sure if you like the look of a monitor light bar above your screen, you aren’t alone. I was hesitant before buying mine. Once I installed it, I wasn’t surprised to find it awkward and bulky, but that didn’t last long. At first, my minimalist desk felt crowded when staring at my screen, but over time that changed. I got used to it and now understand why many other people use it as an alternative to a desk lamp for home office lighting.

Here are some of the biggest plusses I found.

Even light distribution

Because it sits in the middle of your workspace and is wider than most desk lamps, the monitor light bar blankets your work area evenly for shadowless work, whether you are left- or right-handed.

Improved Screen Viewing

For creative professionals, adequate lighting is crucial for the most accurate color representation on the screen, especially in graphic design, video editing, and photo editing.

Monitor light bars allow for faithful, photographer-level color viewing. Natural light has an Ra of 100, and these lights get very close (95 in most cases). They also cast ambient light around and behind the monitor. This reduces the contrast between the monitor and the darker surroundings, a trait called bias lighting. You maintain consistently perceived screen contrast, ensuring you see images and videos as intended without excessive brightness skewing perception.

Healthy Lighting

Bias lighting reduces screen glare that causes eye fatigue. You also get adequate light for comfortable working. Many light bars comply with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Some lights also offer protection against blue light.

Color Temperature Control

The LED lighting offers varying color temperatures to improve alertness and cognitive function. Yellow colors create a relaxed feel, while bluer tones improve your efficiency.

Energy Efficiency

A monitor light bar is an affordable lighting solution, and the LED design is more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs.

A Cleaner, Less Unobstructed Desk Space

Monitor light bars declutter your desk space for a larger, unobstructed work area. Most also plug into the monitor itself, reducing cord clutter. These traits make them perfect for minimalistic desk setups and dual monitor desks.

This video shows the benefits of a light bar in action. As you can see, it is a simple, yet effective addition to a minimalist home office.

Low Cost

Like any lighting selection, it ranges in price. Many are quite reasonable, which is why I include it in my list of office gifts. Keep in mind that the light covers the entire desk, so you can reduce your lighting needs and keep costs down further.

Monitor Light Bars: Set the Bar for Desk Lighting

The lamps above, and the overall benefits of monitor light bars, show how useful this compact lighting solution is for today’s workspaces. Since each light also brings unique benefits, you can easily find the best option. Just make sure you have the right monitor for your light bar to ensure it fits snugly.

FAQs

What is a Monitor Light Bar for Gaming?

A gaming light bar provides dynamic lighting that works with your play for a more immersive gaming experience.