ConsFirst / Desk lamps & monitor light bars / Compare
BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 Monitor Light Bar vs BenQ ScreenBar (e-Reading) Monitor Light Bar
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 Monitor Light Bar ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on light quality (no glare, cri), adjustability & reach, controls.
The biggest complaint about the BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 Monitor Light Bar is expensive; for the BenQ ScreenBar (e-Reading) Monitor Light Bar it's mixed fit on curved monitors. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 Monitor Light Bar | BenQ ScreenBar (e-Reading) Monitor Light Bar | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in desk lamps & monitor light bars | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Monitor light bar | Monitor light bar |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 2% | 2% |
| Overall score | 4.3 | 3.6 |
| Light quality (no glare, CRI) | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Adjustability & reach | 3.5 | 3.0 |
| Controls | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| No flicker or hum | 4.0 | — |
| Build & reliability | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $50 · $$ $50–150 · $$$ over $150. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 Monitor Light Bar
- Expensive
Notebookcheck lists the price ($199 list) as its main con compared with ordinary LED desk lamps. Tom's Guide calls it the most expensive monitor light bar you can buy at $179 and suggests trying a cheaper one first. Amazon's review summary says opinions on value are mixed.
- Can sit loosely on smooth monitors
Notebookcheck lists 'a bit wobbly on smooth screens' as a con. It sat securely in the groove of a BenQ monitor but only somewhat loosely on a smooth 27-inch Samsung.
Source: Notebookcheck review - Almost everything runs through the puck
The bar itself has only an on/off switch; all other functions are on the wireless controller. The bar tilts only slightly forward or back, which Notebookcheck notes is meant to prevent glare.
Source: Notebookcheck review
BenQ ScreenBar (e-Reading) Monitor Light Bar
- Mixed fit on curved monitors
How-To Geek lists 'mixed results on compatibility with curved monitors' as a con and notes some curved-monitor users reported problems.
Source: How-To Geek - Pricey for a basic bar
How-To Geek lists 'pricey compared to similar light bars' as a con ($109 at the time).
Source: How-To Geek - Narrow monitor-thickness range
How-To Geek says it fits flat or curved monitors 0.4 to 1.2 inches thick, narrower than the newer Pro (0.17-2.56 in per XDA).
Who should pick which
Pick the BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 Monitor Light Bar if
Lighting a desk without glare on the screen
Night work in a dark room (front light plus backlight)
Webcam users (mount included)
Skip it if: You've never tried a light bar (start cheaper); Your monitor has a very smooth, flat top edge; You'd rather spend under $100
Pick the BenQ ScreenBar (e-Reading) Monitor Light Bar if
Flat monitors 0.4-1.2 in thick
People who like buttons on the bar itself
A proven, long-selling model
Skip it if: You have a curved or very thick monitor; You want a remote or backlight; You're on a tight budget
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