$35 vs. $110 Monitor Light Bar | Must Have Computer Desk Accessories

Рет қаралды 3,651,861

Күн бұрын

Monitor Light Bars are one of my must have Computer Desk Accessories. They are a clean and modern way to light up my desk and help minimize eye strain at night. But they can be pretty expensive, so is it worth just to get a cheap one instead?
BenQ ScreenBar
amzn.to/30BmdKI (US)
amzn.to/3BkCZyJ (CA)
amzn.to/3cs6brO (UK)
Quntis Monitor Light
amzn.to/3t82gr1 (US)
amzn.to/3cDh1vt (CA)
amzn.to/3rKbDNe (UK)
Xiaomi Mijia Light Bar
bit.ly/3crL215 (AliExpress)
BenQ ScreenBar Plus with Desktop Dial
amzn.to/38uuZOE (US)
amzn.to/3ePjJRe (CA)
amzn.to/3qEpm74 (UK)
Phive Task Lamp
amzn.to/3bBPlrg (US)
amzn.to/3eA5Y8H (CA)
amzn.to/30CS0uK (UK)
0:00 - What does it do?
0:31 - It doesn't do this...
1:03 - I'm a rationale person.
1:24 - 90% the same for 1/3 the price
2:59 - The main benefit with the expensive one
3:56 - What to watch out for with others cheap models
4:21 - Alternatives to consider
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Пікірлер: 922

@HelloDavid 3 жыл бұрын

Some Additional Notes: *1. Alternative mount method on the Quntis:* Another way to mount on rounded/curved screens is like this, i.imgur.com/HMBP9wx.jpg. But as mentioned, the counterbalance is very light, so it may or may not be super stable unless you weigh it down with the USB cable this way. And it doesn't work on my thicker monitors. *2) Are these Flicker-Free?* In short, I don't think flicker is an issue on either of these specific models. But other models may differ. Long answer; The marketing label "flicker free" LEDs is a bit of a misnomer. It usually only means no "perceivable" flicker, sometimes in the range as high as 10,000Hz+ (source needed). That said, I don't have proper testing equipment to conclude this but on the Quntis at its lowest brightness, at 1/16,000 shutter speed on my camera, you can just "barely" see some ultra high frequency flicker. *3) Asymmetric light path on other cheap models:* As mentioned, both of these specific models tested do a good enough job to reduce light glare in my opinion. But I have seen some options do a much worse job at this. So it's just something else to potentially consider on alternatives.

@GreasyFox 3 жыл бұрын

Hi there. I am curious, which monitor do you used in the video?

@migojolo2933 3 жыл бұрын

Do you really need that big monitor on your desk?

@tsumsnoel8159 3 жыл бұрын

What’s your monitor name

@AindriuMacGiollaEoin 3 жыл бұрын

I know what to do

@metalgeartech 3 жыл бұрын

@@GreasyFox its a TV LG maybe 40 inch?

@excessorizeme 3 жыл бұрын

I've had the BenQ for years and just learned what the other buttons do after watching this.

@Goonqq 3 жыл бұрын

@user-if1tt3iw4j 3 жыл бұрын

@jeffrielly 3 жыл бұрын

@hanielbomb 3 жыл бұрын

Farted liquid.

@elaygaming 3 жыл бұрын

@@hanielbomb ok

@nominalvelocity 3 жыл бұрын

Dang it, I didn't even know this existed, now I NEED it!

@2sean123 3 жыл бұрын

I never knew I needed this until now.

@Username-or9nr 3 жыл бұрын

@D R shut up and take my money

@Username-or9nr 3 жыл бұрын

@@laurabrown8917 stfu spammer

@churblefurbles 3 жыл бұрын

You don't, point sources of light shouldn't be anywhere near your line of vision. Get an ikea grono or two, put it behind your monitor so its hidden, get par upfiring led projector bulbs using e12 to e26 adapters and it will add glow while bouncing light off the ceiling to provide a glare free lighting solution.

@danlightened 3 жыл бұрын

@@churblefurbles I don't get the point of that thing. Also my monitor is matte finish, if glare is the main concern.

@FallenLight0 2 жыл бұрын

@@churblefurbles Why it shouldn't? Is it good to let a light source behind me pointed to the desk? I would like to understand which way is healthier to the eyes.

@marcelo.vargas 3 жыл бұрын

And in this new episode of things I never new existed but now need to buy...

@ttbro29 3 жыл бұрын

Same here

@MaartenHeilbron 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this - you're timing is excellent, was just considering this option. You do always provide excellent detail with honest and realistic comments.

@zidliym9702 3 жыл бұрын

We did not ask for this LAURA

@DannyBloomfieldBK 3 жыл бұрын

What'd you go with?

@impulsiveurge5837 2 жыл бұрын

Your

@NguyenJulian 3 жыл бұрын

This video is exactly what I was looking for. I see everyone with a Light Bar, but could never understand exactly why or what purpose did it serve other than for aesthetics. Thanks, David!

@hxpers 3 жыл бұрын

ive had the BenQ screenbar for over a year now and its honestly worth at least looking into. Its made working at my desk so much easier in general on top of helping eye strain while gaming.

@kuyajochi 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this review! I was almost about to buy a desk lamp and I never thought of something like this. I might have to buy one as well. Keeps the desk clutter free.

@rolfathan 3 жыл бұрын

I did uniform lighting on the back of the panel, and it helped me loads. I tried placing it somewhat like these, but honestly, it made no difference for me, except having the light behind the panel was less distracting. The other perk is that since you are using something else to adhere it to the back, you don't have to worry much about the shape of your panel.

@elwiken00 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome vid! For the cheaper model, a cool thing you can do is remove that rubber part from the clamp, and simply tilt the back to hold it in place. That way it works with wider/any shape, similar to the BenQ. Only downside is no spring support if you do that but not a huge deal when you're saving almost $100

@Yousef-eb4od Жыл бұрын

This problem occurs when instead of focusing on collecting complete and correct information, you focus on the camera angle and the nice editing of your video, and as it is known, unfortunately, you get more views this way.

@Elijah._.7 3 жыл бұрын

I've been looking all over for ways to light up my desk area and this fits the bill perfectly, thanks!

@josegoncalvesdias3242 3 жыл бұрын

What I have used with these light bars was to use it turned to the wall as a kind of bias lighting. This way it helps my eyes and I have no glare in the screen or my face

@JRBeckford 3 жыл бұрын

This video is clutch! Been waiting for someone to do this comparison!

@doodleesq 3 жыл бұрын

I've got the benq model and it's great. £80 seems a lot for a lamp but it's def worth the money. I use it all the time even in the day n makes a whole world of difference. Its very well balanced to sit on my 43inch monitor too and the light spread is excellent.

@dannyjuang 3 жыл бұрын

been using a light bar for a year and can honestly say its one of my fav de-clutter purchases

@170makes9 3 жыл бұрын

One of the most underrated tech youtubers. Keep doing what youre doing!

@tk-qg5mm 3 жыл бұрын

Indeed

@seanz2337 3 жыл бұрын

agreeeeeeee

@EagleFPV43 3 жыл бұрын

I don't need it... I don't need it... I NEED IT!!

@EagleFPV43 3 жыл бұрын

@Laura Brown uhh what? I don't rlly care lol

@winnerbytes5898 3 жыл бұрын

I didn't know I wanted this. Thanks for helping me consoom.

@DubbleD69 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review. I purchased the BenQ and couldn't be happier.

@sumatralex250 3 жыл бұрын

This is so practical though it looks like ambient lights on the street. A nice way to secure more room around desks.

@billyleecw 3 жыл бұрын

I got my monitor light bar a few days ago. Now I can’t live without it!! The xiaomi lightbar is a good compromise between the two

@chubbyBunny94 3 жыл бұрын

I don’t get it, what does it help with

@thebigcheese4453 3 жыл бұрын

@@chubbyBunny94 desk work, to illuminate papers or other stuff. You would get it if you'd prefer less clutter than a lamp.

@BlossomVibes 3 жыл бұрын

Wow didn't even know these existed and your setup is 🔥

@bradle4162 3 жыл бұрын

They're definitely my favorite accessory 🙂. I got a cheap one as a Christmas gift and now I really want to invest in a premium one!

@aaronworsnop 3 жыл бұрын

here's another cool monitor lamp that i reckon might even be better, the lamp is controlled with a wireless knob and looks clean as on any setup kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Y9Glg7uInMzWcZ8.html

@NWGR 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks David! I've had my eyes on that benq for a while now. I think I'll finally grab it.

@cooluser23 2 жыл бұрын

I have the Xiaomi. It's amazing! Works on a thick monitor as well. And I love the easy to use remote. The only thing I'm missing is an ambient light sensor. But that's not common among other brands as well.

@EvgBond007 3 жыл бұрын

I would also suggest putting the lamp so it would face the monitor's back. Sometimes it might be too much when a lot of light faces you: both lamp and monitor. In such a case, it would be reasonable to light up the back of the monitor to reduce your eye strain, especially when you don't need to read or write anything on the table. Even if the lamp stays that way, you should get enough light from it to see things on the table. Another note: it might be individual for everyone, but it's great to see a lamp with yellow color light. Another superb way to reduce eye strain ;))

@DG-ej5nz 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to hear you include the clamp could damage bezeless displays.

@saintatwar 3 жыл бұрын

I have the Xiaomi Light bar and its awesome. The wireless control is simple and the bar is actually magnetically attached to the counter weight. The weight plugs into a type c and the light is powered through pins.

@rickyzeng2055 3 жыл бұрын

I have actually been trying to pick between the two light bars so this is the exact video I was looking for! I will most likely get the Quintis following your comparison. Keep up the great content!

@SoleEpiphany 3 жыл бұрын

He didn’t remove the removable thickness part for the clamp, it comes with two so his talking about the clamping was not entirely accurate. Use one or the other or neither.

@rolandaustria7926 3 жыл бұрын

@@SoleEpiphany true, he didn’t know how to properly attach it. I have a round-edge monitor and the Quntis bar fits perfectly. If he read the instruction with the Quntis, he would’ve found out that the square thing can be removed and adjusted, so that it’ll clamp just like the BenQ lightbar.

@arda_ 3 жыл бұрын

I always thought these were a stupid idea but with my latest desk setup I might actually need this. It definitely takes less space than a tabletop lamp. Let’s see how good it works.

@xvnbm Жыл бұрын

Why would it be a stupid idea? Benefit is quite obvious.

@trisha4829 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for including Canadian links too! This was a very informative video.

@shonmorgun2029 3 жыл бұрын

Your contents and video quality are always high and so consistent. Well done David!

@celeschil007 3 жыл бұрын

I'm thrilled every time you upload a new video, feel like zen is coming!

@daxidkim 3 жыл бұрын

wow, i was just looking for monitor lamps and you were in my subscription feed!

@LonelyRavenProductio Жыл бұрын

Great video work on this one! Using the paper to highlight the light patterns and color temps was a great idea!

@algonzalez5144 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video. I ordered the Quantis to try out. Fantastic addition to my setup. Appreciate your videos.

@wsant2872 3 жыл бұрын

Your voice is so soothing and calming. Can you read me a bedtime story? 🥰

@tanamimuller7724 2 жыл бұрын

it sounds like someone that really loves the sound of their own voice

@takemetoyonk 2 жыл бұрын

@@tanamimuller7724 What does that entail?

@dhruvmini01 3 жыл бұрын

The Baseus 40cm light bar is actually really great. I have one that has a similar counter weight to the benQ. However it has a scroll to change brightness and a side button to change temperatures.

@epistarter1136 10 ай бұрын

Does baseus have something similar to the xiaomi where you get that circle thing that you can use to adjust the light?

@dhruvmini01 10 ай бұрын

@@epistarter1136 yeah it has a rotating knob on the end that changes 15-100% brightness and then a button on the end to toggle through color temperature and long press for on/off. Still loving mine for $36

@eleh1337 8 ай бұрын

@@dhruvmini01it sound cool. I have to check it out.

@mopnem 3 жыл бұрын

This chanel has some of the best clear presentations & helpful tech tips

@doodlemcgee 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this, was on the fence about buying either so this video really helped

@jinbaee 3 жыл бұрын

I have the xiaomi one and I its great! The dial feels really premium and makes it so convenient. As you mentioned, the clamp is bit flimsy so the lamp leans towards the display a bit making a small glare which I don't notice too much. Great video as usual!

@MrWanted000 3 жыл бұрын

Isn’t the clamp adjustable? I am considering buying that xiaomi light bar

@alexworm1707 3 жыл бұрын

Yep, you notice and you don't like it we all know.

@epistarter1136 9 ай бұрын

What monitor do you use so I can get an idea on how far the lamp will lean towards the screen

@yoshi4279 3 жыл бұрын

I love my xiaomi one, wireless control is seamless and i cant imagine having to reach over to tap and hold/continuously tap the bar ti change the lighting settings. Although you are correct in the fact that it wont fit thicker monitors, but most avg consumers wont have a super thick 40+ inch display and if they do, they most likely can afford the benq lightbar.

@krisstone5078 3 жыл бұрын

I can vouch for the Xiaomi one. Desk based ring control and light /build quality are great

@eliadbu 3 жыл бұрын

I've never seen one before, it might be useful for me in some situations. I guess I will have to check few models, thanks for sharing reviewing.

@GreenPenguinSliding 3 жыл бұрын

Your voice is so clear and soft, I LOVE IT

@jeus_saaa 3 жыл бұрын

Light bars that can tilt all the way up I think are better alternatives compared to those big square diffused lights used for streaming that requires a stand for itself. Was about to buy myself one when I realized my light bar is more than enough for that.

@yiyang4445 3 жыл бұрын

Been using Xiaomi for a year, really good and really satisfying control knob!

@juanriquelme8006 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this review, David :D. I just bought (the day before yesterday) the Quntis one here... and I returned it yesterday, just because of the counterbalance being very light, like you mention here. I was hesitating about other models with similar system, but looking at your video, the Benq model looks pretty solid, I will give it a try, it looks pretty promising (for that price range, it should).

@afnannazri1691 3 жыл бұрын

If anyone looking for a cheap alternative, I would suggest Baseus monitor lamp. It have adjustment wheel for how bright you want it to be. The mounting system is wayyy better than the Benq one. It also have 3 lighting option. Been using it for few months and i have nothing to complain about it. Nice review btw. So 🔥🔥🔥

@epistarter1136 10 ай бұрын

Hows it going now? Edit: also is the adjustment wheel on the light itself?

@afnannazri1691 10 ай бұрын

@@epistarter1136 Still going strong. Yes the wheel is on the lightbar itself. I think theres a new model with wireless knob for easier reach.

@iplayonmyxbox 3 жыл бұрын

Didn't know I needed one of these until now ♥

@Rayden440 3 жыл бұрын

I’m unlucky enough to get the smallest room in the house. So I was forced to do some creative space management. I bought a bunk bed kinda thing but without the bottom bed, I sleep up top and the bottom space is used for my desk. It is pretty dark down below and I got one of those under cabinet lights to illuminate up my desk. The glare is pretty bad and it also shines directly in my face at times. I never knew these existed, now I know what I should be buying, thanks!

@AKatz17 3 жыл бұрын

A pro that some might view as a con: I got a BenQ nearly a year ago and it had a quirk I didn't know was a malfunction. After months of dealing with it turning on its auto-dimmer itself and then fading off, I bothered to ask their support about it and they offered to replace it then and there. Such a great support system, just my idiocy that kept me from contacting them sooner.

@LumpyHippo 3 жыл бұрын

If you're really cheap grab a 9 dollar led lamp from ikea and bounce it off the ceiling.

@Mmvexxx 2 жыл бұрын

i bounced it off the ceiling and now the lamp is broken 😭

@Sparkrdom 3 жыл бұрын

I found these a few months ago when I was trying to find a desk light. I didn't like the idea of having another thing on my desk, or clamped to it, so finding this was wonderful!

@alphadream953 2 жыл бұрын

i just have 2 desklamps on a shelf above my monitor, they have arms that extend to the middle of the desk, quite perfect

@robbysipahutar944 3 жыл бұрын

Ok but where do you put your 4k Brio webcam?

@jassenjj 2 жыл бұрын

The Xiaomi Mijia is a great lamp too, the clamp is spring-loaded with counter weight and works with a wide variety of monitor shapes and thicknesses. What you see on the picture is the position in which it is stored. The remote control is really comfortable and the light is flicker-free.

@GokulRG 2 жыл бұрын

Love your content. Especially since I'm also going to use the C1 OLED as my primary productivity and gaming monitor

@XxMsrSzprzxX 3 жыл бұрын

I guess this is like the desktop equivalent of my ThinkPad's built-in ThinkLight.

@xxxjmgxxx 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review David! As always - great content! I actually bought a pair of Baseus light bars for my 49" ultrawide Dell screen - to put one on each half of the screen. The problem, as you mentioned - is with the clamping capabilities. The left one seem to sit perfectly while the right one keeps sliding down. It seems like the spring loaded mechanism is too strong. It would be interesting to hear if the Benq clamping mechanism is good for placing the light-bar when the edge of the bar is parallel to the screen edge? Would really like to hear your thoughts after you try this on your 49" screen (if you still have it).

@HelloDavid 3 жыл бұрын

At 3:15 in the video I have it on my Dell 49inch ultrawide. Could you clarify what you mean by "parallel to the screen edge." It does work perfectly whether I mount it in the center or off to the side to fit a pair of them side by side, if that's what you mean.

@xxxjmgxxx 3 жыл бұрын

I thought I recognized these grills on top :)) So BenQ does work good for side by side placement on the 49 Dell? Is there a spring loaded mechanism in the BenQ? or is it just resting on the screen using its own weight?

@xxxjmgxxx 3 жыл бұрын

@@HelloDavid OK - I can actually see now on 4:04 my version of the light bar. It still kinda works, but far from perfect. Maybe I will consider the expensive BenQ version down the road, although I'm not entirely sure it's "reasonable" to invest over 200$+shipping for two of these...

@HelloDavid 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah side by side placement would work fine. But I find these bright enough that a single one works fine. Like you said in your other comment, $200+ sounds excessive, even for me. lol. There is a spring mechanism on the BenQ but it's subtle but is helpful for keeping the stickypad on the weight in place on smaller displays. But loose enough for thicker displays that I'm not worried about damage like on the Quntis.

@xxxjmgxxx 3 жыл бұрын

@@HelloDavid I assume the single light would also be enough for me, but I actually have a large digital clock placed in the middle of the screen, and the two light-bars set from each side. Also - having 2 bars spread the light better over the long desk surface and IMO more aesthetically appealing... But 200$+ tho... HAHA. (I have a strong feeling that my OCD for perfection would eventually drag me towards these BenQ's... LOL) Thanks a lot for the elaborate details!! Really appreciate your attention to details.

@noodlezz1174 2 жыл бұрын

The Xiaomi lightbar has been great so far, picked it up in store last December.

@pedrosilvamusician 2 жыл бұрын

I have the Xiaomi Mijia, I use it with a curved Ultrawide and it works flawlessly. I use it every day and I think it suits my needs. The wheel is really handy since my desk is wide and I don't need to stretch my arms

@pingshunhuangalex 3 жыл бұрын

What's the wallpaper used in this video? I've been looking for its dark version for quite a while now. Thanks.

@HelloDavid 3 жыл бұрын

drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YcVkyLQ-q-ogXJNwR8Fk0aJ6iOvq5O1H

@MeneerSpaghetti 3 жыл бұрын

Sweet! Now I just need to figure out where to put my webcam instead.

@fanaliys5005 3 жыл бұрын

I stack it on top of my screen bar. But my screen bar doesn't have a touch button in the middle section. Another option is to buy a tripod.

@MarlonKingShow 3 жыл бұрын

Great review. Exactly what I was after. Thank you.