ScreenBar Halo 2 Monitor Light Bar, Front & Back Light, Auto On/Off

I hesitated at full price, but when the BenQ ScreenBar Halo dropped to £125, it felt worth a try. After a few weeks of use, I’m glad I picked it up. Fit was my first concern. I’m using it on a Samsung Odyssey G9, and it clamps securely without putting pressure on the screen or interfering with the curve. Setup took minutes. The lighting itself is excellent. It does a great job of evenly lighting the desk without glare on the screen. The control wheel is intuitive, letting you quickly adjust brightness and colour temperature from cool white to warm white, with plenty of range at both ends. Small changes are easy to dial in, which makes a difference during long work sessions. One feature I didn’t expect to care about, but now really like, is the motion sensor. Walking up to the desk and having the light turn on feels oddly satisfying and genuinely useful. You can also control the rear ambient light and the downward desk light independently, so you can run either one on its own or both together depending on the mood or time of day. Overall, the BenQ ScreenBar Halo brought a noticeable quality-of-life improvement to my setup. It’s not cheap, but if you spend a lot of time at your desk and can grab it on a deal, it feels like money well spent.

This is a classic example of a device where it matters who the manufacturer is. I owned an original ScreenBar for years, then switched to the Halo 2 after a couple of non-BenQ duds. Setup is easy - take the H2 out of the well-packed box, hang it on the top of a monitor (no issue with the 27" standard format and 34" wide monitors I have here), plug the cable into a USB-C socket or into the mains adapter plug supplied, then switch on via the puck (see later). Compared with the original the H2 is shorter, better finished (grey rather than black and the matte finish is superior) has a better quality fixed USB-C cable and offers a host of enhancements - an improved frontlight, the diffused backlight, presence control and the "puck" controller. There is also a detachable bracket to hold a camera, but the flat middle of the H2 is bigger and I find that my (Logitech Brio) camera can lie on it with its mount stretched out and no need for the bracket. As ever, it is near-impossible to articulate why the frontlight is superior to that of the original ScreenBar and the failed upgrades, but it ... just is. The backlight is new, and from a diffuser about the size of a matchbox casts an even glow over the wall behind the monitor. Like the frontlight, its colour temperature and brightness can be controlled, the first from yellow-orange to pure white (in 25 Kelvin increments) and the second from barely on to bright, to the extent that the fairly large room it is in doesn't need any more lighting. Auto-sensing (setting brightness depending on the ambient light) is available, as with the frontlight. The orange tint doesn't go too far down (lowest 2700K - below that is too orange in my experience). Presence control is via a small round sensor on the underside of the mount and is highly effective - it slowly turns the light(s) on when you are near it/them, then turns it/them off after you are away for 5 minutes (default - it can be changed to 3, 5, 10 or 15 minutes away). The puck (remote control) is the highlight. It is glass and metal, with silicone strips on the bottom so it won't scratch a table, and is enviably weighty and solid. There is a touch screen on the top, with white on black OLED display, to pick/show values, then rotating the base changes them. As well as controlling colour temperature and brightness, there is a switch between front, back and both lights on, a favourites button (hold for 3 seconds to save the current settings), a switch to turn presence detection on or off, and a general on/off. The only slight awkwardness is that, with both lights on, neither colour temperature nor brightness can be set; they must be switched to and set individually, then switched back to both lights on. However, there is no other obvious way that could be done. The puck is recharged using USB-C and, when doing so, there is a tiny red light on the screen when charging and a green light when charged. There is no downloadable software on BenQ's site, which suggests that the puck doesn't have updatable firmware. However, as far as I can determine there is nothing which requires updates. As suggested at the start, I conclude "excellent value for money despite the expense" as the H2 is nearly perfect. BenQ clearly knows about lighting to the extent that I am considering buying one of their professional monitors after having been Dell Man for years.

Quite expensive, but you do get what you pay for. Very well built, great features with ample amount of light. The light hitting from the back of the screen, is very pleasing and helps for those extended computer sessions. I would say, the downside is the "claw" that grabs the monitor. I think the mechanism's grip strength can be further improved upon. If I rest the webcam on top of the screenbar, as recommended in the manual, it seems that the whole bar could slide forward very easily. Hasn't happened, yet. But it isn't very confidence inducing. All things considered, this is a must!

Very easy to fit / clip onto the top of my 27" monitor, and runs either off of the monitor USB-C port or the included USB-C transformer. So far it seems very secure, I've seen no movement despite having a slightly wobbly desk. The fully independently adjustable front and rear lights, both for colour/temperature and brightness are great. I have a bright cool light on the front illuminating the desk and a warmer back light onto the wall behind my screen. There is no glare on the screen and I find it much better than having a room or desk light on. I'm really impressed with this light and love the presence sensor that turns it on and off automatically when you're away from your desk. I work from home and spend about 6 - 8 hours a day at the screen, this has made a difference to my work day and both I and my eyes seem to be less tired at the end of the dull winter day. It seems expensive for a light when there are so many cheaper "goose neck" options available that clamp to the desk. Having tried several of those I find the BenQ to be by far the best, especially the adjustable front and back light brightness. Recommended

so far. I wasn't sure whether to buy a cheap, knock off version of this but glad I got the Benq after discovering and using all its features. It mounts securely but gently to the top of my 32" monitor and can be adjusted easily so there's no glare. I wasn't sure about paying extra for a remote but I love it. It feels a quality bit of kit and robust with a simple, functional display. Brightness levels are great and can be increased from 1% to 100% in 1% increments. There's an auto-dimming mode but I don't use it. Colour temperature adjustments range between 2700K to 6500K in 25K increments. The Presence Detector is virtually instant once you're detected and can be set to power off the light(s) at 3, 5, 10 or 15 minutes intervals when you move away from the screen. It has the option of using just the main front light, just the back (ambient) light or both. Once you've found a favourite setting of all the features they can be saved and called up by a simple tap. I'm now think of getting one for my other system. Update June 2026 - I still love this light but knocked off a star. I don't know why this happens but twice now the sensor fails to automatically turn off after I've set it to do so. The only fix I've found is to pair the light with the remote again which is a pain as you have to cover the sensor while turning off the power (under the desk) and manipulate the remote for which you need 3 long arms. As I say, a pain, but I still love it.

This is a great piece of kit. Other monitor-based light bars are available, but having had another brand (Quntis) that failed after only seven months I decided to go for the more expensive but top-rated brand (Benq) and have not been disappointed. The light is solidly built, easy to fit, and highly adjustable. (There are so many possible adjustments that you'll need to allow for a bit of time getting everything set to match your preferences.) As well as the powerful front light there is a rearward-facing smaller one, offering some useful room lighting and saving on having to have the room lights on so much., as well as providing some useful backlight when when watching films or TV. The rechargable (via USB) puck-like remote control is neatly designed and pleasingly weighty. Overall, this is one of those pieces of equipment you probably didn't even known you needed at all until you start using it - at which point it becomes indispensible.

Had this screen bar for some months now, and been very happy with it. Only had to charge the controller once, seems to last a very long time. Definitely have noticed less eye strain so it’s doing its job. Made very well, and would imagine it will last a long time too as it’s made of good quality materials Fits on the back of an Alienware 360hz monitor without issues, the way it attaches is very flexible so I can’t imagine you’d ever have much of a problem attaching it It’s plenty bright in the day and night, with loads of options to adjust how you’d like it - but automatic mode handles it mostly! Little bit pricey but well worth it in my opinion

I love it, why? Primarily it's build quality is very good, but the lights, it is a game changer. I have a 34inch curved wide screen monitor for work. The Screen bar has two lights, one to illuminate behind the monitor on the wall, and a front bar light to illuminate the desk infront of the monitor. By considered, the easy set up and control of the two light sources by the dial controller, i can perfectly set the light levels not for aesthetics reasons to look good, but to eradicate eye strain. No matter if I am sat in my home office during the day-which has large windows to my side-or working late into the evening, the significant variance in light conditions is not a problem. With this single light, i never become distracted by changing light conditions i need to adjust for, and I can seemlessly work for hours and suddenly realise it is has gone dark outside. The rear light reflecting of the wall behind the monitor comes into it own when working at night as the light dark contrast of the monitor screen vs the wall is totally softened. And the front light allows me to see the keys on the keyboard, read my notes, and does not shine onto the screen. All of which can be automatically or manually adjusted. In short, this light lets you focus on work, and practically eliminates eye strain as can control your surrounding light conditions. A nice little design aspect, can easily sit a desktop camera on top of the light as has a built in flat platform.

Ok, I had to ask myself, why is this light bar so expensive compared to the other light bars available on Amazon. I couldn't justify the price, so I bought a ~$80 light bar, and I felt that was the right move. When the more affordable light bar arrived, I set it up, but was largely disappointed. It had some nice features and it was fine. But it was difficult to adjust, either too much glare on the screen or too much glare in my eyes. The temperature adjustments were a bit crude, too yellow to too white. The brightness was not low enough or too bright. Build quality wasn't something that concerned me at the time because it was my first light bar and I had no benchmark. After a day or two of struggling with the cheaper light bar, I decided to return it and get the BenQ ScreenBar. And when I say the quality and features of this light are night and day from the $80 model, I'm underselling it. They don't even compare, approach/away light features, precise colour temperature, a wide range of brightness, and the light angle is precision when it comes to adjustment. Big bonus, easy to add a webcam on top and even comes with a mounting bracket for the camera (but I didn't need it). Major consideration, the remote is boss and rechargeable! All usb-c powered and it was worth every dollar. This is THE light bar, also works incredibly well on curved monitors, just need to spend some time centring it properly on the display. If you have the cheese, spend it here.

Très franchement, la BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 est un des meilleurs achats que j’ai faits pour mon bureau. Dès l’installation, ça a rendu mon setup beaucoup plus beau, plus propre et plus “premium”. Ça apporte une vraie ambiance, surtout le soir, sans avoir besoin d’allumer une grosse lampe qui casse tout. Au quotidien, c’est aussi ultra pratique pour bosser : • la lumière éclaire parfaitement le bureau sans éblouir • ça évite les reflets sur l’écran • ça fatigue beaucoup moins les yeux qu’un éclairage classique • tu gardes ton bureau clean parce que ça ne prend zéro place La qualité est au rendez-vous : finitions solides, lumière homogène, réglages simples, et le fait d’avoir une lumière “focus” sur le bureau fait une vraie différence pour lire, écrire, travailler sur un clavier, etc. Bref : ça améliore le confort + ça rend le setup beaucoup plus stylé. Je recommande à 100% si tu passes beaucoup de temps sur ton PC.

Amazing product

Once you try this, you’ll realize just how helpful it is. It makes a noticeable difference when working at your desk, especially for your eyes during longer sessions. The build quality is excellent, and the wireless controls make it incredibly seamless and easy to use. Yes, it’s expensive, but honestly, it’s one of those products that’s completely worth the price. Highly recommend!

I wish I had discovered these ages ago. A very effective light that can be programmed to your liking. My most liked feature is that you never need to turn it off. After a couple of minutes or so of leaving your desk, it turns itself off. As soon as you come back, it turns itself on again.