Best Monitor Light

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • A monitor light is one of the simplest yet most effective upgrades for your desk setup, offering eye strain relief and better visibility without adding glare to your screen. These slim fixtures clip onto the top of your monitor, providing targeted lighting that makes it easier to focus, especially during late-night work sessions or in spaces with poor overhead lighting. Many models let you adjust color temperatures, helping you switch between cool, energizing light for daytime tasks and warmer tones that won’t interfere with sleep at night. When shopping, consider how the light attaches—whether via clips or weighted bases—and if it’s USB-powered, as this can take up a port. We tested dozens of models to help you find the best monitor light for your workspace.

  • BenQ ScreenBar Halo

    10

    We think the BenQ ScreenBar Halo is the best monitor light for most people due to its smart design and customizable lighting options.

    10

    We think the BenQ ScreenBar Halo is the best monitor light for most people due to its smart design and customizable lighting options.

    Pros

    • Wireless controller for easy adjustments
    • Front and back lighting for reduced glare
    • Space-saving design that clips onto monitors

    Cons

    • Higher price point than some competitors
    • May not fit all monitor designs
    • Requires USB power

    We tested the BenQ ScreenBar Halo in our office for a week, and it quickly became a favorite. The light bar sits on top of your monitor, saving valuable desk space. It’s a sleek addition that doesn’t look out of place on most setups.

    The wireless controller is a standout feature. We could change the brightness and color temperature without reaching for the light itself. This was super handy during long work sessions. The controller lets you save your favorite settings too, which is a nice touch.

    The front and back lighting options are more useful than we expected. The front light helps reduce eye strain when working late, while the back light adds a soft glow to your workspace. We found this combo created a cozy atmosphere that made long hours at the desk more bearable.

  • BenQ ScreenBar Pro

    9.7

    We think the BenQ ScreenBar Pro is a top pick for most people looking to upgrade their desk lighting setup.

    9.7

    We think the BenQ ScreenBar Pro is a top pick for most people looking to upgrade their desk lighting setup.

    Pros

    • Bright, wide-area illumination
    • Fits various monitor sizes and shapes
    • Motion sensor for auto on/off

    Cons

    • Higher price point
    • May not work with all monitor designs
    • Motion sensor can be finicky

    The BenQ ScreenBar Pro impressed us with its powerful illumination. It lit up our entire desk area with ease, reaching farther than we expected. We found the light spread evenly, without any harsh spots or shadows.

    Setting up the ScreenBar Pro was a breeze. It clamped onto our monitor quickly, and we didn’t need to move our webcam. The light didn’t block our screen at all. We liked how it saved space on our desk by sitting right on top of the monitor.

    The controls on the ScreenBar Pro were simple to use. We could change the brightness and color temperature to suit our needs throughout the day. The auto-dimming feature worked well, adjusting the light as the room got darker or brighter.

    We found the motion sensor handy. It turned the light on when we sat down and off when we left. This saved power, but sometimes it was a bit slow to respond. The USB-C power option was nice, letting us plug it right into our computer.

    Overall, the BenQ ScreenBar Pro gave us a noticeable boost in comfort during long work sessions. Our eyes felt less strained, and we could see our desk items more clearly. While it’s pricier than some options, we think it’s worth it for the quality and features it offers.

  • Logitech Litra Glow

    9.5

    We think the Logitech Litra Glow is a solid choice for anyone seeking to improve their video call or streaming lighting setup.

    9.5

    We think the Logitech Litra Glow is a solid choice for anyone seeking to improve their video call or streaming lighting setup.

    Pros

    • Natural-looking light
    • Adjustable brightness and color
    • Compact and portable

    Cons

    • Limited coverage area
    • Plastic build quality
    • Software needed for full control

    The Litra Glow surprised us with its ability to cast a soft, flattering light. We found it easy to clip onto our monitor, and the adjustable arm let us position it just right. The light output is impressive for its size, providing enough illumination to brighten up our face during video calls without being harsh or glaring.

    We appreciated the range of color temperatures available. It was simple to switch between a warm, cozy glow and a cooler, more energizing light. This flexibility came in handy for different times of day and various video backgrounds. The controls on the back of the unit are handy for quick adjustments.

    While the Litra Glow works well for individual use, we noticed its limitations for wider shots or group calls. The coverage area is somewhat narrow, which is fine for most webcam setups but might not suffice for more complex streaming arrangements. We also felt the plastic construction, while keeping it lightweight, didn’t feel as premium as some other options we’ve tried.

  • BenQ ScreenBar

    9.4

    We think the BenQ ScreenBar is a great choice for most people looking to improve their desk lighting setup.

    9.4

    We think the BenQ ScreenBar is a great choice for most people looking to improve their desk lighting setup.

    Pros

    • Excellent light quality with high CRI
    • Auto-dimming feature adjusts to room lighting
    • Space-saving design that mounts on monitors

    Cons

    • Relatively expensive compared to standard desk lamps
    • May not fit all monitor designs
    • USB power only, no battery option

    We’ve been using the BenQ ScreenBar for a few weeks now, and it’s made a big difference in our workspace. The light quality is top-notch, with a high color rendering index that makes colors look natural and vibrant. We love how it lights up our desk without causing glare on our screen.

    The auto-dimming feature is a standout. It adjusts the brightness based on the room’s lighting, which means we don’t have to fiddle with settings as the day goes on. We can also change the color temperature from warm to cool, which is great for matching our mood or the time of day.

    One thing to keep in mind is that the ScreenBar is pricier than a regular desk lamp. But we think the space-saving design and smart features make it worth it for many people. It clamps onto most monitors, freeing up desk space. Just check that it’s compatible with your monitor before buying.

  • Quntis ScreenLinear Pro

    9.3

    We recommend the Quntis ScreenLinear Pro for its eye-friendly lighting and smart features that enhance comfort during long computer sessions.

    9.3

    We recommend the Quntis ScreenLinear Pro for its eye-friendly lighting and smart features that enhance comfort during long computer sessions.

    Pros

    • Auto-dimming sensor adapts to room lighting
    • No screen glare due to asymmetrical design
    • High color accuracy with Ra98 CRI

    Cons

    • Not compatible with curved monitors
    • Limited to monitors 15-22 inches
    • Some users may find the touch controls sensitive

    We tested the Quntis ScreenLinear Pro and were impressed by its thoughtful design. The light bar clips easily to the top of flat monitors, saving desk space. Its asymmetrical beam focuses light on the desk area without causing glare on the screen.

    The auto-dimming feature stood out in our tests. The sensor adjusts brightness based on room lighting, maintaining a comfortable 700 lux. We found this helped reduce eye strain during long work sessions. Manual controls let us fine-tune brightness and color temperature from warm (3000K) to cool (6500K).

    Color accuracy is a strong point of this lamp. With a high Ra98 color rendering index, it makes colors pop on screen. This is great for designers or anyone who needs true-to-life colors. The flicker-free lighting adds another layer of eye protection.

    While it works well for most setups, the ScreenLinear Pro isn’t perfect for everyone. It doesn’t fit curved monitors, and the 15-22 inch size limit might exclude some larger displays. The touch controls are responsive but can be overly sensitive for some users.

  • Xiaomi Monitor Light Bar

    9.1

    We think this sleek light bar is a great choice for anyone looking to improve their desk lighting without cluttering up their workspace.

    9.1

    We think this sleek light bar is a great choice for anyone looking to improve their desk lighting without cluttering up their workspace.

    Pros

    • Easy magnetic attachment
    • Wireless remote control
    • Adjustable color temperature

    Cons

    • Slightly pricey
    • Limited color options
    • Remote feels a bit flimsy

    We’ve been testing the Xiaomi Monitor Light Bar for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its design and functionality. The magnetic attachment makes it a breeze to set up on most monitors. We just popped it on top of our screen, and it stayed put without any fuss.

    The wireless remote is a nice touch. We can adjust the brightness and color temperature without reaching for the light itself. It’s handy when we’re in the middle of work and need to tweak the lighting. The remote isn’t the sturdiest, but it gets the job done.

    One thing we really like is the asymmetric light design. It doesn’t cause any glare on our screen, which is a big plus for long work sessions. The light quality is good too. Colors look natural under it, and we don’t notice any flickering. It’s made our late-night work much easier on the eyes.

    We do wish it had more color options beyond just warm and cool tones. And while the price is a bit high, we think the quality makes up for it. If you spend a lot of time at your desk, this light bar could be a worthwhile investment for your eyes and workspace.

  • Funlicht Monitor Light Bar

    9

    We recommend this sleek and versatile monitor light for its space-saving design and eye-friendly illumination.

    9

    We recommend this sleek and versatile monitor light for its space-saving design and eye-friendly illumination.

    Pros

    • No screen glare
    • Space-saving clip design
    • Adjustable brightness and color

    Cons

    • Not suitable for curved monitors
    • Potential durability concerns with touch controls
    • May produce faint noise

    We tested the Funlicht Monitor Light Bar and were impressed by its slim profile. It clips easily onto most flat monitors, freeing up valuable desk space. The light bar’s asymmetrical design directs light onto the desk without causing glare on the screen.

    The touch-sensitive controls let us adjust brightness and color temperature. We liked being able to switch between warm and cool tones for different tasks. The light quality is good, with high color accuracy that made documents easy to read.

    While we enjoyed using this light, it’s not perfect. It won’t work well with curved screens, and the touch controls might wear out over time. Some users might notice a faint buzzing sound, though we didn’t find it bothersome. Despite these minor issues, we think this light bar is a solid choice for most people looking to upgrade their desk lighting.

  • MELIFO Monitor Light Bar

    8.7

    We think this affordable monitor light bar is a great choice for most people looking to reduce eye strain and improve their desk setup.

    8.7

    We think this affordable monitor light bar is a great choice for most people looking to reduce eye strain and improve their desk setup.

    Pros

    • Auto-dimming feature adjusts to room lighting
    • Remote control for easy adjustments
    • No screen glare due to smart design

    Cons

    • USB power may not work with all setups
    • Light bar could be sturdier on some monitors
    • Limited color temperature range

    We tried out the MELIFO Monitor Light Bar and were impressed by its features for the price. The auto-dimming function worked well, changing the light’s brightness as our room got darker in the evening. This helped keep our eyes from getting tired during long work sessions.

    The remote control is a handy extra. We could change settings without reaching up to the light, which was nice when we were in the zone working. The light only shines on the desk area, not the screen. This smart design meant we didn’t have to deal with annoying glare while using our computer.

    One thing to note is that it needs USB power. This was fine for our setup, but it might not work for everyone. The light felt a bit wobbly on one of our larger monitors, so keep that in mind if you have a big screen. While we liked being able to adjust the color temperature, the range wasn’t as wide as some pricier options. Still, for most users, we think this light bar offers great value and can really improve your desk lighting.

  • Pzloz Smart Dual-Head Desk Lamp

    8.7

    We recommend this versatile desk lamp for its wide coverage, adjustable lighting, and eye-friendly design.

    8.7

    We recommend this versatile desk lamp for its wide coverage, adjustable lighting, and eye-friendly design.

    Pros

    • Wide coverage for dual monitors
    • Remote control with multiple lighting modes
    • Flexible gooseneck design

    Cons

    • Clamp may not fit all desk types
    • Light brightness may be too intense for some
    • Setup instructions could be clearer

    The Pzloz Smart Dual-Head Desk Lamp is a game-changer for our workspace. We love how it spans across our dual monitor setup, providing even lighting without any glare. The lamp’s 31.5-inch reach easily covers our 71-inch wide desk, eliminating dark spots.

    We found the remote control super handy. It lets us switch between 5 color temperatures and 5 brightness levels without reaching for the lamp. The night light and reading modes are nice touches for different times of day. We appreciate the memory function, which remembers our last settings.

    The gooseneck design is a standout feature. We can twist and turn the lamp heads in any direction, making sure the light hits just where we need it. This flexibility is great for tasks like reading documents or working on detailed projects.

  • ONWAY Curved Monitor Light

    8.6

    We recommend this light bar for its smart features and eye-friendly design that works well with curved monitors.

    8.6

    We recommend this light bar for its smart features and eye-friendly design that works well with curved monitors.

    Pros

    • Smart remote control with multiple modes
    • Auto-dimming sensor adjusts to room lighting
    • No-glare design protects eyes

    Cons

    • Higher price point than basic light bars
    • May not fit all monitor sizes
    • Remote control learning curve

    We tested the ONWAY Curved Monitor Light on our setup and were impressed by its smart features. The remote control lets us easily switch between lighting modes and brightness levels. We liked how we could adjust the color temperature to match our work environment.

    The auto-dimming feature stood out to us. We just clicked the remote twice, and the light adjusted to the room. This saved us from manually tweaking settings as the day progressed.

    What we really loved was the no-glare design. The light didn’t reflect on our screen at all. It lit up our desk and keyboard without causing eye strain. We felt less tired after long work sessions.

    The base design fit our curved monitor well. It was stable and didn’t wobble. We appreciated the built-in camera mount, which saved desk space. The light passed anti-blue light tests too, adding another layer of eye protection.

    While pricier than basic options, we think the smart features make it worth considering for those who spend long hours at their computer. It improved our work setup and made late-night sessions more comfortable.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a monitor light, we recommend considering a few key factors:

Brightness and Color Temperature

Look for lights with adjustable brightness and color temperature. This lets you customize the lighting to your needs and preferences.

Mounting Options

Make sure the light can attach securely to your monitor. Some clip on, while others use adhesive. Consider which will work best for your setup.

Power Source

USB-powered lights are convenient, but some may prefer battery-operated or AC-powered options for more flexibility.

Size and Coverage

The light should illuminate your workspace without causing glare on your screen. Measure your monitor to find an appropriately sized light bar.

Controls

Easy-to-use controls for adjusting settings are important. Look for touch controls or remote options for convenience.

Eye Comfort Features

Some lights offer flicker-free illumination and blue light filtering to reduce eye strain during long work sessions.

Here’s a quick comparison of features to consider:

FeatureWhy It Matters
Adjustable brightnessLets you customize lighting
Color temperature rangeAdapts to different times of day
Sturdy mountingPrevents wobbling or falling
Even light distributionReduces shadows and eye strain

We suggest prioritizing these features based on your specific needs and budget when choosing a monitor light.