About a year ago, I did a review of the BenQ ScreenBar which is an LED lamp that attaches to the top of your computer monitor. Its unique design and ability to light up your desktop earned it 4.4 stars in my review. It was so nice, my wife threatened to take it from my desk. So, I reached out to BendQ and they kindly supplied me with their upgraded version, the BenQ ScreenBar Plus which, in my mind, is even better than the version I have. I decided to do a video review of this upgraded LED desktop lamp. (*Disclosure below.)
Updated 1/17/19: I have updated the rating for the price as the listing on Amazon was incorrect (and in fact, much lower). New (lower) pricing is reflected at the end of the article.
The BenQ ScreenBar Plus picks up in functionality where the original ScreenBar stops. Both products provide a zero-footprint solution for desktop lighting as well as the ability to manually control brightness and color temperature of the LED lights. Both ScreenBars also have the ability to automatically control the lighting brightness based on the ambient light through a light sensor. If you want to learn more about the original BenQ ScreenBar, be sure to read my review.
The biggest difference between the ScreenBar and the ScreenBar plus is the introduction of the control dial. This dial allows for the removal of the soft-touch buttons on the top of the original ScreenBar, and puts all of that functionality onto a dial which can sit on your desktop.
Video Review of BenQ ScreenBar Plus
In my video review, I walk through the features and functionality of the BenQ ScreenBar Plus e-Reading Lamp, show what is included in the box, demonstrate the literally 30-second setup, and show how to use the ScreenBar Plus.
Quick Thoughts on ScreenBar Plus
Both BenQ ScreenBars prevent glare on your computer screen because of the unique way it attaches to the top of a monitor. As a result, there is no reflection from the light when you are working unlike traditional lamps that not only take up space on your desk, but also have to be positioned to prevent any type of glare.
But with this improved (and better, in my opinion) functionality does come a price increase. The BenQ ScreenBar without the dial retails for $99 (available on Amazon for $99) and the BenQ ScreenBar Plus that does have the control dial retails for around $129-150 (also it’s currently available on Amazon for $141.99). Again though, both offer the same lighting technology and features. You just need to decide if having a dial controller is worth the slight increase in price.
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BenQ ScreenBar Plus desk light$129.00 -
BenQ ScreenBar Lite$99.00
Regardless, either version definitely runs circles around other desktop LED lighting solutions. The ScreenBar blends into the top of your monitor and at times you almost forget that it is there ready to light your desk. And the ability to choose the warm or cool lighting truly creates a perfect ambiance for your day or nighttime work!
Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and write this content. I was/am not expected to return this item after my review period. All opinions within this article are my own and are typically not subject to editorial review from any 3rd party. Also, some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate” or “advertising” links. These may be automatically created or placed by me manually. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item (sometimes but not necessarily the product or service being reviewed), I will receive a small affiliate or advertising commission. More information can be found on my About page.
HTD says: Getting the perfect lighting for your desktop environment is quite important. The BenQ ScreenBar Plus allows for easy customization of brightness and color temperature, all without taking up space on your desktop!
HighTechDad's Ratings
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Summary
Getting the perfect lighting for your desktop environment is quite important. The BenQ ScreenBar Plus allows for easy customization of brightness and color temperature, all without taking up space on your desktop! There are only 3 items in the box, the light, the unique monitor clamp, and the dial (which is unique to the ScreenBar plus). Installation takes literally just a few seconds…it couldn’t be easier. Having a physical dial to control the brightness and the color temperature definitely makes this the “plus” version compared to the original BenQ ScreenBar. Because of the almost $200 price difference, I lowered my rating of the price, but if you can afford the Plus version, I highly recommend it.
Updated 1/17/19: I have updated the rating for the price as the listing on Amazon was incorrect (and in fact, much lower). It’s a great deal!
Pros
- Literally 30-seconds to install
- Does not take up desktop space
- Easy control of brightness & color temperature
Cons
- Price point is a bit high
