BenQ ScreenBar Review
The BenQ ScreenBar sits on top of your monitor, lights your desk, and claims to reduce eye strain. At ~£180 it’s not cheap. Is it worth it?
Short answer: If you work evenings, yes. This is one of those products you don’t know you need until you use it.
What It Is
The ScreenBar is an LED desk lamp that clips onto the top of your monitor. It lights your keyboard and desk area without shining light at your screen — eliminating screen glare entirely.
It has:
- Auto-dimming (adjusts to ambient light)
- Adjustable colour temperature (2700K–6500K)
- Touch controls on the lamp body
- USB powered (no separate power brick needed)
What We Like
The glare elimination is real
This is the main event. Normal desk lamps point light at your screen, causing glare. The ScreenBar angles light downward and reflects it off the wall behind your monitor. No glare. No reflections. Your eyes notice immediately.
Auto-dimming actually works
The ambient light sensor adjusts brightness intelligently. It’s not a gimmick — it genuinely keeps your desk at a consistent, comfortable light level as the room gets darker.
No power brick
It draws power from your monitor’s USB port. One less plug on your power strip, and it turns on/off with your monitor.
What We Don’t Like
Price
£180 is a lot for a lamp. But compared to a decent desk lamp (£60-80) that causes glare, it’s genuinely worth considering as an investment in your eyes.
Compatibility
Works best with flat monitors 1–4cm thick. Ultrawide monitors or curved screens can be tricky — check the compatibility list.
No smart home integration
Petty, but at this price point it’d be nice to have it turn on automatically with your morning routine.
Who It’s For
If you work from home in the evenings and have a dedicated desk, the ScreenBar is one of the best upgrades you can make. The reduction in eye strain is noticeable within the first hour.
If you work in a bright office during the day, it’s less critical — but still a quality-of-life improvement.
Verdict
| Score | |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness | 9/10 |
| Build quality | 8/10 |
| Value for money | 7/10 |
| Overall | 8/10 |
Buy it if: You work evenings and care about eye strain. Skip it if: You only work in bright daylight and don’t notice eye fatigue.
Last updated: March 2026