Why choosing the right monitor light bar matters [Setups]

A good external monitor like Apple’s Studio Display is an important part of a computer setup. But what about the monitor light bar that sits on top of it? They’re not all the same and they can hugely impact your workspace.

Today’s MacBook Pro setup boasts a Studio Display, and on top sits a fairly pricey BenQ monitor light. Read on the find out why the user says it’s worth every penny.

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MacBook Pro and Studio Display setup benefits from BenQ monitor light bar

Redditor comacow02 (“Cow”) showcased the setup in a post entitled, “Added a BenQ Screen Bar To My Apple Studio Display.” A monitor light bar, or screen bar, illuminates the desktop in front of the display, eases glare and eye strain, and saves the space a desk lamp would take up. A while back I wrote more about the benefits of monitor light bars.

Cow’s MacBook Pro is tucked under a Grovemade desk shelf. On the shelf sits the 27-inch, 5K Studio Display with a BenQ Screenbar Halo LED Monitor Light resting on top. You can see its wireless controller in the upper right-hand corner of the Grovemade desk pad.

Some monitor lights cost as little as $25. BenQ’s Halo goes for around $180.

“Super happy with this addition,” Cow said of the light. “It was expensive but worth it IMO,”

User’s monitor light likes and dislikes

Cow made helpful lists of likes and dislikes regarding the BenQ Halo:

Likes:

• Works great in terms of its intended purpose (more visibility, less eye strain).
• Has front and rear lights.
• Will stay powered if the monitor/computer is in sleep mode.
• Can adjust color temp and brightness.
• Can turn on/off front/rear lights independently.
• It can be easily angled/modified so as not to block the webcam.
• The wireless controller is great.

Dislikes:

• Can’t adjust light temp/brightness of front/rear individually.
• I don’t like the color — wish it came in black/silver.
• Don’t like that the cord is built in.
• Wish it was USB-C, not USB-A.
• Wish the [minimum] brightness was lower
• Wish it was cheaper.

Commenters divided on choice of monitor light

Commenters had questions for Cow about the monitor light. Some made practical inquiries. Others claimed cheaper options are fine.

“On your first picture, is the screen bar blocking the camera?” a commenter asked.

Here’s Cow’s answer:

No, it’s not blocking the webcam. You can basically cover the top half of the camera lens and you still get a clear unobstructed picture. It just needs a tiny adjustment and you wouldn’t notice it unless looking at it up close. Because there’s a wireless controller you don’t have to ever touch it, so short of an earthquake there’s no scenario where it would move on its own.

You can also put something underneath it to raise that area more permanently but I didn’t have anything on hand at the moment. Might add a small piece of rubber or some felt tape there in the future.

Edit: just added some rubber I took off the curved monitor adapter they included. Works perfectly.

The commenter said they might have to upgrade to the BenQ, to which Cow replied:

I think it’s worth it. Really nice to just tap on the Auto or Favorite preset on the remote and get the light I want instantly without needing to reach over and tap the lightbar itself. Everything looks and feels premium as well which is nice when the rest of your desk is comprised of quality stuff. Nothing ruins the aesthetic more than a $20 desk accessory.

‘Cheaper yes, better no’

But not everyone was sold on the fancy light bar.

“You can get a much cheaper/better one from Xiaomi and have enough left over for a better mouse,” another commenter claimed.

“Cheaper yes, better no,” Cow replied. “I wanted a premium look and feel and this is hands down the better product of the two. I read reviews comparing both products and ordered it to see for myself and came to the same conclusion.”

Another commenter chimed in, saying, “I have similar setup but i have to put my BenqQ closer to the right side so that it doesn’t block the Studio Display mic.”

But Cow doesn’t seem to have that issue, either.

“I haven’t had any call quality issues with the light mounted where it is,” they replied. “I tested this by recording myself in Photobooth with and without the light bar mounted and it sounded identical.”

“Also, if you add a small piece of rubber to the base of the light it will raise it a tad and won’t block the camera and light,” they added. “I just took that off the curved monitor adapter they included.”

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If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected]. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.