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Head-to-head · Best Monitor Light Bars

BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 vs Razer Aether Monitor light bar

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 Halo 2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about users seeking wireless control with universal monitor compatibility — read the strengths below before deciding.

BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2
Higher ratedRanked #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
$199 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Razer Aether Monitor light bar
Ranked #6 in Best Monitor Light Bars
Razer Aether Monitor light bar
$79as of Jul 9

The Razer Aether Monitor Light delivers a premium RGB lighting experience with dual illumination capabilities, blending practicality with aesthetic design. CGMagazine praised its sleek form factor and integration with Razer Synapse software for unified lighting control. While reviewers appreciated the extensive color customization and smart voice assistant compatibility, some noted concerns about webcam placement in office environments. This light bar suits gamers seeking immersive RGB setups but may not be optimal for remote workers requiring flexible monitor accessories.

Strengths
  • — Features dual lighting with front monitor illumination and rear RGB mood lighting
  • — Equipped with Razer Chroma RGB technology offering over 16.8 million color options
  • — Includes touch-sensitive controls for quick adjustments of brightness, color, and effects
Watch-outs
  • — Light placement on top of monitor may interfere with webcam positioning
  • — Not ideal for office setups where webcam placement is critical
$79 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

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.

Razer Aether Monitor light bar

The Razer Aether Monitor light bar excels in RGB customization and smart assistant integration, features absent in the BenQ ScreenBar Pro, which focuses more on directional lighting. Unlike the Baseus model, it doesn't suffer from asymmetrical light bleed but has a design that may interfere with webcam positioning, a drawback not present in the Meichoon or Xiaomi models that are more compact and less intrusive.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBenQ ScreenBar Halo 2Razer Aether Monitor light bar
BrightnessCenter illuminance 1000lux900 Lux
Control MethodWireless puck with USB-C chargingTouch-sensitive
Monitor CompatibilityFlats, curved (up to 1,800 radius), bulge-backRazer Chroma, Alexa, Google Assistant
Power SourceUSB-C, 5V/3AUSB-C
Light LengthAt nearly 20 inches wide17.8 inches
Mountingweighted, adjustable connectorclamp mechanism
Dimensions5.6"D x 19.7"W x 4.3"H451 mm long
Color Temperature—2700K – 6500K
CRI—95
Material—Aluminum, Polycarbonate
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