The BenQ ScreenBar Pro is a high-end light bar designed to improve your comfort while working in front of a screen. As a reminder, a screen bar reduces eye fatigue by providing soft, even light across the entire desktop, while minimizing reflections on the screen. With its sleek design and impressive lighting performance, it sets a benchmark on the market. But is its high price justified? Let’s find out together in this test.
From the first glance, the ScreenBar Pro seduces with its elegant and discreet look. Its clean lines and brushed aluminum will fit perfectly into your setup, whether you have an iMac, a Pro Display XDR or a PC monitor.
As seen during the test of its predecessor, the Screenbar Plus, the manufacturing quality is there, with noble materials such as aluminum alloy which ensure excellent durability. We particularly appreciate the smart and secure fixing system, which allows you to install the bar in the blink of an eye without risking damaging your precious screen. BenQ also sells a holder for inserting a webcam.
The ScreenBar Pro is sold with a 1.8 meter flat USB-C cable and a 15W power adapter; so don’t expect to plug it into your Mac because the power will not be sufficient or intermittent. It is entirely possible to use another adapter provided you respect the 15W minimum power, otherwise it is not possible to achieve maximum brightness. We just regret the cable is not removable and soldered to the ScreenBar Pro.
Top power and light coverage
With its 1000 lux maximum brightness, the ScreenBar Pro is among the most powerful light bars on the market. Enough to effectively illuminate your work surface, even in a dark room. Coverage is also generous, with an even lighting area of up to 85 x 60 cm. In short, the promises are respected and the bar is very effective.
No more eye fatigue during your long work or gaming sessions! The diffused light is soft and non-glaring, preserving your visual comfort. And with Low Blue Light and Flicker-Free certification, your eyes are protected from harmful blue light and flicker — although these claims are difficult to verify.
Well-thought-out features, despite some shortcomings
The ScreenBar Pro integrates features that are welcome in everyday life, such as the motion sensor which automatically turns the bar on/off when you stand in front of it, or even automatic adjustment of the brightness depending on the ambient light. Color temperature (2700 to 6500K) and intensity adjustments are made via touch controls directly on the bar.
Unfortunately, the color temperature setting is never remembered so you have to reselect it each time the brightness changes automatically. We also regret the absence of a remote control, which would have been appreciated at this level of range to adjust the lighting remotely. Points which tarnish the user experience a little, even if they are far from being prohibitive.
A high price, main weak point
Sold for around €140, the ScreenBar Pro is clearly not cheap. Although it offers high-end services, we can question its quality-price ratio compared to alternatives that are certainly less efficient, but two to three times less expensive.
A price positioning which reserves it for the most demanding users, ready to pay the price to afford the ultimate. Others will have to settle for more affordable models, even if it means sacrificing a little power or finish. In any case, it is a product that is durable and BenQ is known for its after-sales service; as with Apple products, you are buying an excellent product that will last.
Verdict: an excellent light bar, for those who can afford it
The BenQ ScreenBar Pro is undoubtedly an excellent light bar, which will be perfect for both Mac and PC users. Its design, performance and manufacturing quality make it one of the best references on the market, if not the best.
But its high price is a major obstacle which will limit its adoption. It’s difficult to recommend it with your eyes closed when you find models that are certainly less successful, but with much more interesting value for money. If you can afford it, go for it.
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