$35 vs. $110 Monitor Light Bar | Must Have Computer Desk Accessories

Monitor Light Bars are one of my must have Computer Desk Accessories. They are a clean and modern way to light up my desk and help minimize eye strain at night. But they can be pretty expensive, so is it worth just to get a cheap one instead?

BenQ ScreenBar

Quntis Monitor Light

Xiaomi Mijia Light Bar

BenQ ScreenBar Plus with Desktop Dial

Phive Task Lamp

0:00 - What does it do?
0:31 - It doesn't do this...
1:03 - I'm a rationale person.
1:24 - 90% the same for 1/3 the price
2:59 - The main benefit with the expensive one
3:56 - What to watch out for with others cheap models
4:21 - Alternatives to consider

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Disclaimers:
Not sponsored. I purchased these both.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Music Credits:
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Thumbnail Wallpaper Credit:

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[HelloDavid]

Some Additional Notes:
*2) Are these Flicker-Free?* In short, I don't think flicker is an issue on either of these specific models. But other models may differ. Long answer; The marketing label "flicker free" LEDs is a bit of a misnomer. It usually only means no "perceivable" flicker, sometimes in the range as high as 10, 000Hz+ (source needed). That said, I don't have proper testing equipment to conclude this but on the Quntis at its lowest brightness, at 1/16, 000 shutter speed on my camera, you can just "barely" see some ultra high frequency flicker.
*3) Asymmetric light path on other cheap models:* As mentioned, both of these specific models tested do a good enough job to reduce light glare in my opinion. But I have seen some options do a much worse job at this. So it's just something else to potentially consider on alternatives.

[excessorizeme]

I've had the BenQ for years and just learned what the other buttons do after watching this.

[nominalvelocity]

Dang it, I didn't even know this existed, now I NEED it!

[marcelo.vargas]

And in this new episode of things I never new existed but now need to buy...

[MaartenHeilbron]

Thanks for this - you're timing is excellent, was just considering this option. You do always provide excellent detail with honest and realistic comments.

[elwiken]

Awesome vid! For the cheaper model, a cool thing you can do is remove that rubber part from the clamp, and simply tilt the back to hold it in place. That way it works with wider/any shape, similar to the BenQ. Only downside is no spring support if you do that but not a huge deal when you're saving almost $100

[billyleecw]

I got my monitor light bar a few days ago. Now I can’t live without it!! The xiaomi lightbar is a good compromise between the two

[EagleFPV]

I don't need it...
I don't need it...
I NEED IT!!

[makes]

One of the most underrated tech youtubers. Keep doing what youre doing!

[BlossomVibes]

Wow didn't even know these existed and your setup is 🔥

[ErlingGrey]

Why does every tech youtuber talk the same?

[rolfathan]

I did uniform lighting on the back of the panel, and it helped me loads. I tried placing it somewhat like these, but honestly, it made no difference for me, except having the light behind the panel was less distracting. The other perk is that since you are using something else to adhere it to the back, you don't have to worry much about the shape of your panel.

[josegoncalvesdias]

What I have used with these light bars was to use it turned to the wall as a kind of bias lighting. This way it helps my eyes and I have no glare in the screen or my face

[doodleesq]

I've got the benq model and it's great. £80 seems a lot for a lamp but it's def worth the money. I use it all the time even in the day n makes a whole world of difference. Its very well balanced to sit on my 43inch monitor too and the light spread is excellent.

[dhruvmini]

The Baseus 40cm light bar is actually really great. I have one that has a similar counter weight to the benQ. However it has a scroll to change brightness and a side button to change temperatures.

[hxpers]

ive had the BenQ screenbar for over a year now and its honestly worth at least looking into. Its made working at my desk so much easier in general on top of helping eye strain while gaming.

[jinbaee]

I have the xiaomi one and I its great! The dial feels really premium and makes it so convenient. As you mentioned, the clamp is bit flimsy so the lamp leans towards the display a bit making a small glare which I don't notice too much. Great video as usual!

[NguyenJulian]

This video is exactly what I was looking for. I see everyone with a Light Bar, but could never understand exactly why or what purpose did it serve other than for aesthetics. Thanks, David!

[wsant]

Your voice is so soothing and calming. Can you read me a bedtime story? 🥰

[pedrosilvaproductions]

I have the Xiaomi Mijia, I use it with a curved Ultrawide and it works flawlessly. I use it every day and I think it suits my needs. The wheel is really handy since my desk is wide and I don't need to stretch my arms