Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Monitor Light Bars

BenQ ScreenBar vs BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

BenQ ScreenBar comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about professionals needing high-quality directional lighting with accurate color reproduction — read the strengths below before deciding.

BenQ ScreenBar
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Monitor Light Bars
BenQ ScreenBar
$139as of Jul 9

The BenQ ScreenBar Pro delivers exceptional lighting performance with its 500lx+ output and 1,000lx around keyboard/mouse area. Reviewers praised its directional light design that prevents display spill and eye strain, with a CRI over 95 for accurate color rendering. The Pro model offers 8 temperature and 16 brightness levels with USB-C power and touch controls. While some users noted minor issues with the light sensor and camera mounting interference, most found it a worthwhile investment for desk lighting. It's ideal for users seeking high-quality monitor lighting without desk clutter.

Strengths
  • Exceptional light engineering with 500lx+ output and 1,000lx around keyboard/mouse area
  • Color rendering index (CRI) greater than 95 for accurate color representation
  • Directional lighting design prevents spill onto display and avoids direct eye exposure
Watch-outs
  • Light sensor may not adjust accurately in all environments
  • Front lip design can interfere with camera mounting on certain monitors
  • Touch controls require reaching up to adjust during use
BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2
Ranked #2 in Best Monitor Light Bars
BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2
$199as of Jul 9

Tom's Guide and YouTube reviewers praised the BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 for its premium build quality and versatility across different monitor types, including curved and thick models. The wireless control puck is highlighted as a standout feature, offering convenient adjustment of lighting and color temperature with long battery life. However, reviewers noted the fixed 150 cm cable length and regional power plug limitations as drawbacks. This product is ideal for users seeking a high-end, adjustable monitor light bar but may not suit those needing extended cables or global compatibility.

Strengths
  • Works with virtually any monitor including curved and bulge-back models
  • Includes wireless control puck with USB-C charging that lasts up to three months on a single charge
  • Provides both front and back lighting with adjustable color temperature
Watch-outs
  • The wireless controller is slow to wake and prone to fingerprints
  • The wireless controller lacks a USB-C charging cable

How they stack up

BenQ ScreenBar

The BenQ ScreenBar Pro outperforms the Quntis models in terms of light output and directional design, preventing screen spill and eye strain. While the Xiaomi Mi Computer Light Bar offers a sleeker design and magnetic mounting, it lacks the high CRI (95+) and precise 24° angle adjustment that the BenQ Pro provides. The Baseus model is more affordable but doesn't match the BenQ's accuracy in color rendering or glare reduction.

BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2

The BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 stands out with its wireless control puck, a feature not found in competitors like the Quntis or Baseus models. While the Razer Aether offers RGB lighting, it lacks the universal compatibility with curved monitors that the Halo 2 provides. However, its fixed 150 cm cable length and regional power plug limitations make it less flexible than the Quntis curved monitor light bar, which offers more adaptable mounting for various screen types.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBenQ ScreenBarBenQ ScreenBar Halo 2
Brightness500lx+Center illuminance 1000lux
Color Temperature2700~6500K
Power SourceUSB-CUSB-C, 5V/3A
Light Length45" x 23"At nearly 20 inches wide
CRIgreater than 95
Mountingclampweighted, adjustable connector
Dimensions5.31"D x 19.68"W x 3.62"H5.6"D x 19.7"W x 4.3"H
Control MethodWireless puck with USB-C charging
Monitor CompatibilityFlats, curved (up to 1,800 radius), bulge-back
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