I bought the BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2.
At around $199 USD, it is honestly a very expensive monitor light.
There are plenty of cheaper desk lamps and monitor light alternatives out there.
So naturally, I was curious.
Is it really worth the price?
After using it for three months, I want to share my honest thoughts.
What Is the BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2?
The BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 is a monitor light designed to sit on top of your display and illuminate your desk area.
Unlike a traditional desk lamp, it attaches directly to the monitor, which means it takes up almost no desk space.
One of its biggest features is BenQ’s asymmetric optical design.
It reduces glare and screen reflections while lighting only the area you need, creating a more comfortable setup for long hours of computer work.
Key Features of the BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2
Space-Saving Design That Mounts on Your Monitor
The ScreenBar Halo 2 is a slim LED light bar that simply clips onto the top of your monitor.
Because it does not require a stand, it keeps your desk clean and uncluttered.
The setup is simple and requires no tools.
It also supports curved monitors.
Dual Lighting for Both Your Desk and Workspace
The Halo 2 uses a dual-light design with both front and rear lighting.
The front light illuminates your desk, while the rear light softly reflects onto the wall behind your monitor.
This helps reduce harsh contrast and creates a more balanced lighting environment.
It feels less like a desk lamp and more like improving the atmosphere of your entire workspace.
Improved Wireless Controller
The updated wireless controller now uses USB-C charging, so there is no need to replace batteries.
The touch-sensitive dial makes it easy to adjust brightness and color temperature.
Compared to the previous version, the controls feel smoother and more responsive.
Auto On and Auto Off
The Halo 2 includes a motion sensor.
It turns on automatically when you sit down and turns off after you leave.
Honestly, I did not care much about this feature before buying it.
But after using it, I found it surprisingly convenient.
Auto Dimming Function
The ScreenBar Halo 2 can automatically adjust brightness based on the surrounding environment.
With one button, the built-in sensor measures ambient light and keeps the brightness at a comfortable level.
This turned out to be one of its most useful features.
People who spend long hours at their desk will probably appreciate it the most.
Why I Bought the BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2
My reason was simple.
I wanted better lighting on my desk.
But I did not want a desk lamp taking up space.
That made me wonder if a monitor light could replace a desk lamp entirely.
For that to work, though, it needed two things:
Enough brightness.
And lighting comfortable enough for long hours of use.
That is why I decided to try the BenQ, even though it was expensive.
Since I use my desk every day, I felt this was not something I wanted to compromise on.
What I Liked After 3 Months
My Desk Feels More Open
This was one of the biggest improvements.
I used to keep a desk lamp on the edge of my desk, and it created more visual clutter than I realized.
Because the Halo 2 mounts directly to the monitor, that entire space is freed up.
A spacious desk feels surprisingly good to work on.
And when you use it every day, that difference matters.
Easier on My Eyes
I spend long hours looking at screens for video editing and graphic design work.
The auto-dimming feature turned out to be genuinely useful.
My desk is near a window, so lighting changes throughout the day.
Morning and evening require very different brightness levels.
I would not normally bother adjusting the light every time, so having it do that automatically feels quietly helpful.
It is not flashy, but it works.
Auto On Was More Useful Than Expected
This one surprised me.
Before buying it, I thought this feature was unnecessary.
But sitting down and having the light turn on automatically feels incredibly natural.
Pressing a switch is not difficult.
But removing even that small step makes it easier to get into work mode.
That convenience adds up more than I expected.
What I Did Not Like
The Price
The biggest downside is still the price.
At $199, this is undeniably expensive for a monitor light.
There are many cheaper alternatives available.
So I cannot say it is for everyone.
That said, I personally do not regret buying it.
The reason is simple.
I use it every day.
And it directly affects how comfortable my workspace feels.
Long hours in front of a screen create more fatigue than we sometimes realize.
Eye strain can affect concentration and even contribute to shoulder tension.
Of course, this light will not improve your eyesight.
But as an investment in a better daily work environment, I think the price makes sense.
Final Thoughts
The BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 is expensive.
There is no getting around that.
But I see it less as a gadget and more as a tool for improving my daily workspace.
If you want a cleaner desk setup, spend long hours at your computer, or care about creating a more comfortable lighting environment, I think it is a very satisfying product.
If you’re interested, here it is.
This is the model I use
Check current price on Amazon
