ConsFirst / Desk lamps & monitor light bars / Compare
BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 Monitor Light Bar vs Honeywell 01A Precision Spotlight Desk Lamp
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 #3 of 8) and scores better on controls. Honeywell 01A Precision Spotlight Desk Lamp wins on adjustability & reach, no flicker or hum, build & reliability.
The biggest complaint about the BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 Monitor Light Bar is expensive; for the Honeywell 01A Precision Spotlight Desk Lamp it's one button does everything. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 Monitor Light Bar | Honeywell 01A Precision Spotlight Desk Lamp | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in desk lamps & monitor light bars | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Monitor light bar | Desk lamp |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 2% | — |
| Overall score | 4.3 | 4.2 |
| Light quality (no glare, CRI) | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Adjustability & reach | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Controls | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| No flicker or hum | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Build & reliability | 4.0 | 4.5 |
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
Honeywell 01A Precision Spotlight Desk Lamp
- One button does everything
Tap for on/off and hold to cycle brightness; after a few days Wirecutter wished for a tap-to-dim option instead of the long press.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Stiff joints need two hands
The head adjusts with one hand, but lifting the arm takes both hands because of the tight joint between the arm and stem (Wirecutter).
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Pricey, fixed color, stock varies
Wirecutter lists it at $210 (Amazon) to $281 (Home Depot) with a 'may be out of stock' warning. The light is fixed at 4,000 K.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
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 Honeywell 01A Precision Spotlight Desk Lamp if
Color-critical work (CRI 95+)
A lamp that won't wobble or walk
Buyers who keep a lamp for years
Skip it if: You want adjustable color temperature; You want quick one-hand adjustments; You're on a budget
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