Monitor light bars are LED lights that attach to the top of computer monitors. LED lights that attach to the top of computer monitors. They’re thought to provide ambient lighting that reduces eye strain.
Demand for these light bars is growing mainly because they provide ambient lighting to reduce eye strain. Specifically, the brightness and color of the light bar can be adjusted to match the content on the screen.
Interest in this product category is also growing largely due to a company called BenQ.
Searches for BenQ’s monitor light bar have increased by 1100% over the past five years.
BenQ’s monitor light bar brings in approximately $26K/month on Amazon.
What’s Next
Monitor light bars are part of the TechTok meta trend.
The #techtok hashtag has over 34 billion views on TikTok.
PS5 wall mount is an example of a TechTok trending product. Searches for PS5 wall mounts have increased by 4600% over the past five years.
Coiled cables are designed to stretch and retract like a spring. Videos about coiled cables have over 418 million views on TikTok.
Remote power buttons are another tech product that’s trending primarily due to TikTok. Searches for the product have increased by 65% over the past five years.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Question: What is a monitor light bar?
Answer: A monitor light bar is a device that attaches to the top of a computer monitor and provides illumination for the desk area without causing glare or eye strain. A monitor light bar can help improve the lighting conditions of your workspace, especially if you work in a dark or dim environment. A monitor light bar can also save space on your desk, as it does not require a separate lamp or power outlet.
Question: How does a monitor light bar work?
Answer: A monitor light bar works by providing additional lighting for your workspace. It attaches to the top of your computer monitor and illuminates your desk area. This can help reduce eye strain and improve visibility.
Question: What is a monitor light bar, and how does it enhance the viewing experience?
Answer: A monitor light bar is an LED light strip or bar designed to be attached to the back of a computer monitor. Its primary purpose is to provide ambient lighting in the viewing area. The light bar’s soft glow helps reduce eye strain and enhances the overall viewing experience, especially in low-light environments. By reducing the contrast between the bright screen and the dark surroundings, a monitor light bar can make on-screen content more comfortable to look at for extended periods. Some advanced models even offer customizable colors and brightness levels to match users’ preferences and the room’s lighting conditions.
Question: What are the different types of monitor light bars?
Answer: There are several different types of monitor light bars available, including those that attach directly to your monitor, those that clip onto your desk, and those that are freestanding. They also come in different sizes and colors.
Question: Is a monitor light bar worth it?
Answer: While some people debate its necessity, eye discomfort from insufficient lighting can remind us about the importance of proper illumination. Therefore, a monitor light bar can be seen as a worthy investment, especially if you’re someone who spends a lot of time on the computer, be it for work or gaming.
Question: What are the benefits of using a monitor light bar?
Answer: Using a monitor light bar can have several benefits for your health, productivity, and comfort. Some of the benefits are:
- It can reduce eye fatigue and headaches by providing a soft and even light that does not flicker or reflect off the screen.
- It can enhance your mood and concentration by allowing you to adjust the color temperature and brightness of the light according to your preference and the time of day.
- It can improve your video call quality by providing proper lighting for your face and background, making you look more professional and clear.
- It can save energy and money by using LED lights that are more efficient and durable than traditional bulbs.
- It saves space on your desk by eliminating the need for a traditional lamp or other light sources.
- It enhances your vision and productivity by providing optimal brightness and color temperature for different tasks and preferences.
- It alleviates eye strain and dryness by preventing excessive contrast and blue light exposure from your screen.
- It adds style and ambiance to your setup by offering various design and color options.
Question: How to choose the best monitor light bar for your needs?
Answer: There are many factors to consider when choosing the best monitor light bar for your needs, such as:
- The size and shape of your monitor: You should choose a monitor light bar that fits well on your monitor and does not block any part of the screen or interfere with the webcam. Some monitor light bars are designed for straight or curved screens, while others are adjustable to fit different monitors.
- The features and functions of the monitor light bar: You should look for a monitor light bar that offers various options for adjusting the color temperature, brightness, and modes of the light. Some monitor light bars have touch controls, while others have wireless remotes or knobs. Some also have auto-dimming or hue adjustment features that can automatically adapt to the ambient light.
- The brightness and color temperature of the light bar. You should choose a light bar that has adjustable brightness and color temperature settings, so you can customize the light according to your preferences and different scenarios.
- The installation and operation of the light bar. You should choose a light bar that is easy to install and operate, preferably with a USB power supply and a touch control panel.
- The quality and performance of the monitor light bar: You should check the reviews and ratings of the monitor light bar to see how well it works and how durable it is. You should also look for a monitor light bar that has a warranty or guarantee from the manufacturer or seller.
- The power source and connection: You should look for a light bar that can be powered by a USB port or an outlet, depending on your convenience and availability. You should also check the compatibility and stability of the connection with your device.
Question: How to compare different monitor light bars and find the best one for you?
Answer: Comparing different monitor light bars can be tricky, as they may have different features, functions, prices, and reviews. However, you can use some criteria to help you narrow down your choices and find the best one for you, such as:
- Your budget. You should set a reasonable budget for your monitor light bar and look for the ones that fit within your range. You should also compare the value for money of different light bars and see which one offers the most benefits for the least cost.
- Your needs. You should identify your specific needs for your monitor light bar and look for the ones that meet or exceed them. You should also consider your personal preferences and tastes for the style, design, and color of your light bar.
- Your reviews. You should read some online reviews from other customers who have bought and used different monitor light bars and see what they have to say about their experiences. You should also check some ratings, rankings, or awards from reputable sources or experts in the field.
Question: How to install and use a monitor light bar?
Answer: Installing and using a monitor light bar is usually easy and simple. Most monitor light bars come with a clip or mount that can be attached to the top of the monitor without any tools or screws. Some also have magnets or suction cups that can stick to the monitor. Once you attach the monitor light bar, you can plug it into a USB port on your computer or a power adapter. Then, you can turn on the monitor light bar and adjust the settings according to your preference using the touch controls, remote, or knob.
To install and use a monitor light bar, you should follow these steps:
- Attach the light bar to your monitor using the clip or clamp mechanism provided by the product. Make sure it is secure and stable.
- Connect the light bar to a power source using the USB cable or adapter provided by the product. Make sure it is compatible and safe.
- Turn on the light bar using the switch, button, or touch sensor on the device or the remote control if available.
- Adjust the brightness, color temperature, and direction of the light according to your preference and task using the controls on the device or the remote control if available.
Question: Does a monitor light bar reduce eye strain?
Answer: Yes, a significant benefit of using a monitor light bar is reducing eye strain. The lighting is designed to be easy on the eyes to prevent fatigue.
Question: How do I adjust the brightness of my monitor light bar?
Answer: Most monitor light bars come with adjustable brightness settings. You can usually adjust the brightness using buttons on the device itself or through software on your computer.
Question: How do I choose the right size monitor light bar?
Answer: The right size for your monitor light bar will depend on the size of your computer monitor and the amount of lighting you need. You should choose a model that is large enough to provide adequate lighting for your workspace.
Question: What color temperature should I choose for my monitor light bar?
Answer: The color temperature you choose for your monitor light bar will depend on your personal preference. Some people prefer cooler temperatures (around 6500K), while others prefer warmer temperatures (around 2700K).
Question: What is an asymmetrical optical design?
Answer: An asymmetrical optical design is a type of design that helps reduce glare on your screen by directing light away from it. This can help reduce eye strain and improve visibility.
Question: What is real-time auto dimming?
Answer: Real-time auto dimming is a feature found on some monitor light bars that automatically adjusts the brightness of the device based on ambient lighting conditions.
Question: How long do monitor light bars last?
Answer: The lifespan of a monitor light bar depends on several factors, including usage patterns and build quality. Most high-quality models are designed to last for several years with regular use.
Question: How much does a monitor light bar cost?
Answer: The price of a monitor light bar can vary depending on the brand, model, features, and quality of the product. Generally, you can expect to pay between $20 to $100 for a decent monitor light bar. However, you can also find cheaper or more expensive options depending on your budget and needs.
Question: What are some of the best monitor light bars available in the market?
Answer: Some of the best monitor light bars available in the market are:
- Baseus Monitor Light Bar: This is a sleek and stylish monitor light bar that offers a dimmable brightness, a three-color temperature mode, a gravity sensor switch, and a magnetic clip design. It is compatible with most monitors and USB ports.
- Ampper Monitor Light Bar: This is a budget-friendly and versatile monitor light bar that provides a stepless dimming function, a three-color temperature mode, a memory function, a touch control, and an adjustable clip design. It is compatible with most monitors and USB ports.
- BenQ ScreenBar Plus. This is a premium monitor light bar that has a patented design, a high-quality LED, and a smart dial controller. It can automatically adjust the brightness and color temperature to the optimal level for your screen and environment. It also has a dimming function, a memory function, and a timer function. It is compatible with most monitors and has a sleek and elegant appearance.
- TaoTronics TT-DL072. This is a budget-friendly monitor light bar that has a simple design, a durable LED, and a touch control panel. It can manually adjust the brightness and color temperature to your preference and different scenarios. It also has a dimming function, a memory function, and a smart mode. It is easy to install and operate and has a compact and minimalist design.
- Lepro Monitor Light Bar. This is a versatile monitor light bar that has a flexible design, a bright LED, and a remote control. It can adjust the brightness and color temperature to your liking and various situations. It also has a dimming function, a memory function, and a smart mode. It can fit different sizes and shapes of monitors and has a modern and stylish design.
Question: How do I clean and maintain my monitor light bar?
Answer: To clean and maintain your monitor light bar, you should follow these tips:
- Turn off and unplug your light bar before cleaning it.
- Use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth to wipe off any dust or dirt from the surface of the device. Do not use any abrasive or wet materials that may damage the device.
- Avoid exposing your light bar to direct sunlight, high temperature, high humidity, or water that may affect its performance or lifespan.
- Store your light bar in a cool, dry, and safe place when not in use.
Question: What are some common problems or issues with monitor light bars and how to solve them?
Answer: Monitor light bars are generally reliable and durable devices, but they may encounter some problems or issues from time to time. Some of the common problems or issues are:
- The light bar does not turn on or off. This may be caused by a loose connection, a faulty power supply, or a defective touch control panel or remote control. You can try to check and fix the connection, replace the power supply, or contact the customer service for assistance.
- The light bar does not adjust to the screen content. This may be caused by an obstructed sensor, an incorrect setting, or an incompatible screen mode. You can try to clean the sensor, reset the setting, or change the screen mode to solve this problem.
- The light bar flickers or dims randomly. This may be caused by a low voltage, an unstable power source, or an overheated device. You can try to use another power source, avoid using other high-power devices on the same outlet, or let the device cool down for a while.
Question: How do I troubleshoot my monitor light bar?
Answer: If you encounter any problems with your monitor light bar, you should try these solutions:
- If your light bar does not turn on or off properly, check if it is connected to a power source correctly and securely. Try using a different USB port or adapter if possible.
- If your light bar does not adjust the brightness or color temperature properly, check if it is in the auto-dimming mode or the manual mode. Try using the controls on the device or the remote control if available to change the settings.
- If your light bar flickers or dims randomly, check if it is affected by any external light sources or interference. Try moving your light bar to a different location or angle if possible.
- If your light bar does not respond to the touch control or the remote control, check if it is in the lock mode or the unlock mode. Try using the switch, button, or touch sensor on the device to change the mode.
- If none of the above solutions work, contact the customer service or support of the product for further assistance.
Question: What are some of the safety precautions for using a monitor light bar?
Answer: To use a monitor light bar safely, you should follow these precautions:
- Do not look directly at the light source or place it too close to your eyes that may cause eye discomfort or damage.
- Do not modify, disassemble, or repair your light bar by yourself that may cause electric shock, fire, or injury.
- Do not use your light bar in a wet, flammable, or explosive environment that may cause electric shock, fire, or injury.
- Do not place any heavy or sharp objects on your light bar that may damage or break it.
- Do not use your light bar for any other purposes than intended that may affect its performance or safety.
Question: How do I recycle or dispose of my monitor light bar?
Answer: To recycle or dispose of your monitor light bar, you should follow these steps:
- Check if your light bar has any recyclable materials or components that can be separated and collected for recycling. Refer to the product manual or label for more information.
- Check if your local area has any recycling programs or facilities that accept electronic waste or LED products. Contact them for more information and instructions.
- If recycling is not available or feasible, dispose of your light bar in an environmentally friendly way. Follow the local regulations and guidelines for electronic waste disposal. Do not throw your light bar in the regular trash bin that may cause pollution or harm.
Question: Where can I find more information or resources about monitor light bars?
Answer: To find more information or resources about monitor light bars, you can:
- Visit the official website or social media pages of the product or brand you are interested in or using. You can find product details, specifications, features, reviews, tutorials, FAQs, and more.
- Search online for articles, blogs, videos, podcasts, forums, and other media that cover topics related to monitor light bars. You can find tips, tricks, recommendations, comparisons, opinions, and more.
- Ask online communities, groups, experts, or users that are interested in or experienced with monitor light bars. You can find answers, feedback, suggestions, and more.
Question: How does a monitor light bar help with eye fatigue and eye strain?
Answer: Monitor light bars can help reduce eye fatigue and strain by creating a more balanced and comfortable lighting environment around the screen. When using a computer monitor in a dark room, the bright screen can cause a significant contrast between the display and the surrounding darkness. This contrast can lead to a phenomenon called “visual discomfort,” resulting in eye strain and fatigue.
A monitor light bar provides soft, indirect lighting that complements the monitor’s brightness, reducing the contrast and minimizing the impact of visual discomfort. The gentle, uniform illumination helps prevent eye strain, dryness, and headaches, making it more comfortable to work or play for extended periods.
Question: Are monitor light bars compatible with all types and sizes of monitors?
Answer: In general, monitor light bars are designed to be compatible with a wide range of monitors. Most light bars come with adhesive or magnetic mounting options, allowing them to be easily attached to the back of monitors of different sizes and shapes. They are versatile enough to fit on monitors ranging from small laptops to large desktop displays. However, it is always a good idea to check the product specifications or consult with the manufacturer to ensure compatibility with your specific monitor model before making a purchase.
Question: Can monitor light bars be controlled and customized?
Answer: Yes, many modern monitor light bars come with advanced control options and customization features. Some models offer built-in controls with buttons or touch-sensitive panels to adjust brightness levels, color temperatures, and lighting effects. Additionally, several monitor light bars can be controlled using dedicated software or through smartphone apps, allowing users to fine-tune the lighting settings according to their preferences. Customization options often include selecting from a wide range of colors, setting dynamic lighting effects, and even syncing the lighting with on-screen content or music.
Question: How do monitor light bars enhance the gaming experience?
Answer: Monitor light bars can enhance the gaming experience in several ways:
- Immersive Ambience: By adding ambient lighting to the gaming setup, monitor light bars create a more immersive gaming environment, especially in dark gaming rooms.
- Reduced Eye Strain: The soft glow of the light bar helps reduce eye strain during extended gaming sessions, enabling gamers to play comfortably for longer periods.
- Visual Enhancements: Some gaming light bars offer dynamic lighting effects that can sync with in-game events or on-screen content, adding an extra layer of visual excitement to the gaming experience.
- Customizable Lighting: Gamers can customize the light bar’s color and brightness to match the aesthetics of their gaming setup or their favorite game themes.
Question: Do monitor light bars have an impact on color accuracy and content creation?
Answer: Monitor light bars are designed to provide ambient lighting rather than direct illumination of the screen. As a result, they generally do not have a significant impact on color accuracy or content creation. The light emitted by the light bar is positioned behind the monitor and does not interfere with the monitor’s display panel. When used appropriately, a monitor light bar can improve the overall viewing experience without altering the color accuracy or affecting content creation tasks that require precise color representation.
Question: Can monitor light bars be synchronized with other RGB peripherals?
Answer: Yes, many monitor light bars support synchronization with other RGB peripherals. This capability is commonly achieved through RGB lighting ecosystems and software protocols like Aura Sync (ASUS), Mystic Light (MSI), RGB Fusion (GIGABYTE), or iCUE (Corsair). When using compatible components and peripherals from the same brand or supporting the same RGB standard, users can synchronize the lighting effects across their entire setup. This synchronization creates a unified and visually appealing RGB lighting experience across the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other RGB-enabled devices.
Question: Do monitor light bars remove blue light?
Answer: Advanced models like the BenQ monitor light bar implement low blue light technology to minimize the emission of blue light, which is considered harmful for eyes upon prolonged exposure.
Question: How are monitor light bars powered, and do they consume a lot of energy?
Answer: Monitor light bars are usually powered through USB connections. They can be plugged directly into a USB port on the monitor or a nearby computer. Some models may also have their power adapters if they require higher power output or additional features like dynamic lighting effects.
In terms of energy consumption, monitor light bars are generally designed to be energy-efficient. They utilize LED technology, which consumes significantly less power compared to traditional lighting sources. The power consumption of a monitor light bar is typically low, making it an energy-conscious accessory for users concerned about energy efficiency.
Question: Can monitor light bars be used in well-lit rooms, or are they most effective in dark environments?
Answer: Monitor light bars can be used in both well-lit rooms and dark environments, but their effectiveness may vary. In dark environments, monitor light bars are most noticeable and impactful, as they create a pleasant contrast between the bright monitor display and the dark surroundings, reducing eye strain and discomfort.
In well-lit rooms, the effect of a monitor light bar may be less pronounced, but it can still provide subtle ambient lighting to enhance the viewing experience. Users in well-lit environments may prefer lower brightness settings on the light bar to prevent glare and maintain a comfortable balance of lighting.
Question: How do I install and set up a monitor light bar?
Answer: Installing and setting up a monitor light bar is generally a straightforward process:
- Check Compatibility: Ensure the monitor light bar is compatible with your monitor’s size and model.
- Clean Monitor Surface: Clean the back of your monitor to ensure proper adhesion if the light bar uses adhesive mounting.
- Attach the Light Bar: Carefully attach the light bar to the back of the monitor using either the adhesive or magnetic mounting option.
- Connect to Power: Plug the USB cable of the light bar into a USB port on the monitor or computer.
- Control and Customize: If applicable, use the built-in controls, dedicated software, or smartphone app to control and customize the light bar’s settings according to your preferences.
- Adjust Brightness: Adjust the brightness levels as needed to achieve a comfortable viewing experience.
Once properly set up, your monitor light bar is ready to enhance your viewing experience and reduce eye strain during computer use.
Question: How to measure the effectiveness or performance of your monitor light bar?
Answer: Measuring the effectiveness or performance of your monitor light bar can be subjective, as it may depend on your personal satisfaction and feedback. However, you can use some indicators to help you evaluate your monitor light bar objectively, such as:
- The quality of the light. You can check if the light from your monitor light bar is bright enough, clear enough, consistent enough, and accurate enough for your screen content and environment.
- The comfort of your eyes. You can check if your eyes feel less strained, tired, dry, or irritated after using your monitor light bar for a long time.
- The improvement of your productivity or entertainment. You can check if you can work more efficiently or enjoy more fully with your monitor light bar on.
Question: How to optimize or enhance your experience with your monitor light bar?
Answer: Optimizing or enhancing your experience with your monitor light bar can be fun and rewarding, as it can make your screen time more enjoyable and comfortable. Here are some tips to help you optimize or enhance your experience with your monitor light bar:
- Experiment with different settings. You can try different combinations of brightness and color temperature settings for your monitor light bar and see which one works best for you in different situations.
- Adjust your screen settings. You can also adjust some settings on your screen, such as the brightness, contrast, resolution, or mode, to match or complement your monitor light bar settings.
- Add some accessories or decorations. You can also add some accessories or decorations to your monitor or desk area, such as stickers, magnets, plants, or photos, to create a more personalized and cozy space for yourself.