DO NOT Buy a Monitor Light Bar Until You Watch This

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I have been using monitor light bars for about six months now. They are super easy to set up and sit on top of your monitor. Compared to a typical task lamp or table lamp, light bars take up significantly less space on your desks surface.
But even though a monitor light bar seems like a perfect solution to your lighting needs, they aren’t perfect and do have some shortcomings. Let’s take a closer look at the 7 most common light bar problems.
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0:00 Intro
0:47 Limited Color Customization
1:19 Brightness Issues
1:54 Monitor Fit
2:24 Webcam Fit
2:46 Monitor Glare
3:23 Physical Buttons vs Touch Sensors
3:47 Multiple Monitor Fit
4:27 Bonus
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[@btodtv]

Watch Next: DO NOT Buy a Monitor Light Bar Until You've Watched This kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2rKkIx7lLeGpdU (UPDATED)

[@listenkids]

Could we get less of the obnoxious titles

[@MattThatMatters]

I mean..... It got you here....

[@notd0ll109]

DO NOT ASK FOR LESS OBNOXIOUS TITLES UNTIL YOU SEE THIS….

[@mrcvry]

DO NOT Buy a Monitor Light Bar Until You Have Bought A Monitor!

[@Tressie13]

Yeah I hate them.

[@the_irav]

The first light bar should be your last light bar. No need to buy and buy crap you don't need and throw away perfectly good stuff because you just don't like it anymore or got a better one. (Naturally, sell them so someone else can keep on using it). LED these days are rated for thousands of hours. So whatever light you buy it should last some good 10 years, probably more. If the BenQ is the most expensive at $200 including shipping or any other minor costs, then at 10 years we could say it's $20 per year. -- That's like 4 less coffees you'd be having a year. Yes, the cheaper ones would then translate to maybe $2 or $4 a year, (half a coffee or 1 coffee), but then they might not have the right fit for the monitor (curved?), or different lighting temp, etc. When you buy top-down, you can't really go wrong because things will tend to last longer, be built better, probably have more and/or better features and be an overall better product. But when you buy bottom-up, you'll likely end up 'upgrading', spending as much, if not more, money that you would've otherwise on the more 'premium' product. (Buy cheap, buy twice) Plus, the more often you upgrade, it means more browsing time and less time for doing what you really want to do. Lastly, it's obvious that not everyone needs a ferrari and not everyone can afford it, but everyone decides for themselves according to their needs. Just don't generate more unnecessary garbage. (Particularly e-waste) Good luck...

[@somestuff8127]

Question.. I recently bought one, does it usually releases these high pitch noise?

[@Versado7]

Does lightbar reduce the ips glow and backlight bleeding in dark room ? I have Dell g2422hs and playing during the day or when the lights are ON there is no issue at all only in dark room

[@gppg6290]

The most serious issue that you didn't touch is what if you have a curved monitor - that's the real challenge for lightbars.

[@mp-sv2cp]

People still use the gimmicky curved monitor?

[@gppg6290]

@@mp-sv2cp Yes because it's 2023 not 2013 in case you didn't notice

[@Long_May_They_Raine]

There are curved light bars!

[@user-hp4vs7uh1t]

@@mp-sv2cp How is it gimmicky lol

[@samuelblake]

@@mp-sv2cp Once you get past 30" monitors (doesn't matter the aspect ratio), to view the complete screen without having to rotate your neck, you have to be at least 3 feet away (measured at the center of the monitor). If using a flat panel monitor, at this distance the left and right sides of the LCD panel are almost 4 feet away from your eyes. With a curved monitor (30" and above), you can move that monitor closer, and the sides of the lcd are the same distance from your eyes as the center of the LCD. Just my humble experience and $0.02. ;)

[@JustkickinitG]

Regarding the webcam, I put my webcam on top of the light bar in the middle. Works pretty well.

[@btodtv]

Why didn’t I try that? Solid tip. Thanks! -GK

[@px0736]

Didn't expect so useful and concise info, great video!

[@adayf]

Thank you! Off topic question: which monitor stand are you using for your vertical screen? I can see at 1:02 it looks like a stand rather than monitor arm

[@jcramz7967]

Very nice video! Where did you order those Polo Shirt they look amazing!

[@TheNeoEdits]

so if you have a dual monitor setup you are stuck with the option having 2 light bars at the same time or none? Like you said a single light bar on one of the montiors looks just odd. The single light bar solution that can be clamped to the desk aint working either if you already have a symetrical monitor arm in the middle...bruh what should i do :D

[@RoiPourpre]

Hello, do you think its ok if the light bar is not centered ? My monitor is too tick in the middle so i have no choice to place it to the left or the right, thanks for your answer !

[@DiamondDaGamer]

Yeah it should be okay

[@talhashah]

Nice video and thanks for sharing your experience with us. It would be great to have some recommendations based on different budgets at the end. I know you recommended BenQ, but that is the most expensive lightbar in the market and by a huge margin.

[@btodtv]

Yes, I plan to do a video on the best I've tried, over all the price points. I still love the BenQ, but there are other options that will work just fine for people -GK

[@El3andro]

Please, what's the background light you use at 1:04 ??

[@devincampbell5007]

Would any lightbars plus a webcam work with 2 49 inch ultrawide Samsung G9s stacked?

[@btodtv]

I started putting the webcam on top of my light bar and there is plenty of room now. I currently use a 42" oled display on a monitor arm no problem -GK

[@Ai_Falcon]

what about curved monitors? would a normal lightbar work fine?

[@RyeRyeL]

I just got the Benq and the bulge on the back of my LG monitor makes it really awkward and I already have to keep re-mounting. For £89, it's not great. Debating giving up and sending it back.

[@hittahitta819]

Which light bar would fit an m9 Sony display?

[@zerotactix5739]

Thank you for your inputs. I was going to buy the Baseus light bar, but now I"m wondering if I should get the Benq even though it costs 3 times as much. And I am on a budget so I"m confused.

[@addytheundefeatable]

get the benq one , baseus and the MI one are trash (low quality control the MI one stopped working after 2 months)

[@gregorymoore2877]

If cost is an issue, you should probably get the BenQ first. It will be less expensive than buying the Baseus; figuring out it's trash; and then buying the BenQ anyway.

[@Snoboi]

very comprehensive review!

[@WalkMrJ]

The Oowolf light bar is the best one I've used. Same light quality as the Benq at $35.

[@TDgg123]

I got the oowolf light bar today. The light bar is great, but I did notice there is a crazy high pitch humming noise when I adjust the brightness all the way to max. I used a decibel app and it picks up crazy high frequency in Hz (15000hz ish)... Do you have this same issue? otherwise I might consider sending it back for a replacement because high frequency noise will give you a long term hearing loss...

[@Viewer13128]

@@TDgg123 which decibel app did you use?

[@jeruttewa]

does putting light bar on the monitor reduces ips glow?

[@hokytuyen]

Lovely little lamp 😍 I would need this

[@freetotalktruth3508]

1:30 What is that long light bar? i'd like to buy it

[@jassenjj]

For me Mi Computer Monitor Light Bar is the best product without buttons on the bar and great performance - a huge brightness range and good range of warm and cold light settings.

[@HaohmaruHL]

I had no idea these even exist

[@haunter4764]

What’s the monitor you’re are using.

[@andrewSC]

what about blitzwolf lightbar?

[@nithia]

The best light bar is... proper room lighting. What are you doing sitting in a dark room and needing to use a light bar. Either you are going for the low light for a game or watching something for entertainment, or you are working on something and should have proper room lighting. I just dont understand the light bar or even the task light at a computer desk. The only exception I can give is if your computer is set up in a room that just has bad lighting to begin with. No natural light, no over head light, limited to floor lamps only for some reason. And if you are streaming you are likely using a ring light or a diffusion light.

[@29champracer]

Is there any lamp that are actually light bottom of monitor? I find it more easy to see when the lamp is bottom not top of the monitor.

[@nemolovesy0u]

I have a large one that clamps onto the back of my desk. Entirely gets rid of fit issues, potentially breaking my monitor, AND having my webcam on the top of monitor. Plus it also plugs into the wall so I dont have to worry about using a usb slot. Getting one that doesnt attach to the monitor itself solved all my issues

[@alejandroperez5368]

What model is it?

[@ROHITMALLIA]

Hi, My monitor screen is of 27". What size should I buy the light bar?

[@btodtv]

The standard size from most of these brands will be perfect. What was your budget? -GK

[@ROHITMALLIA]

@@btodtv What is the standard size? My budget is around 60USD. That said, I am from India, there are very limited options. The BenQ one is very expensive here.

[@Micha-bp5om]

@@ROHITMALLIA I have mi computer light bar, was 50€ in Germany. It is great

[@limpei94]

can i use light bar on my bezel less monitor?

[@mikanamendez4349]

same question

[@neofaktion]

@BTODtv can you tell me more about this light you have on the wall, and the decoration?

[@aurelia8028]

No. Because that's not what this video is about. wtf dude

[@neofaktion]

@@aurelia8028 ????

[@David__F_]

What keyboard are you using on 0:23?? @BTODtv

[@andreimozn2k]

Keychron K4 Keyboard: amzn.to/31z1mLL Is mentioned in video description

[@teabagNBG]

i want to get me one but im scared they reflect the light from the mirror

[@danchung7721]

I have both the old version and the new version of Xiaomi Mi light bars with wireless remote control. If you don't need IoT control option, a more affordable old version will be O.K.

[@btodtv]

Just received the new one. Excited to try it -GK

[@bachtin1]

@@btodtv Hi. What are your thoughts on the Xiaomi Light bar vs BENQ?

[@MrEye4get]

I bought the XIAOMI Mi Computer Monitor Light bar and the light holder blocks the camera (when centered) on the Studio Camera! It triggers anyone's OCD since the light sits about 1 inch to the right or left of the monitor!

[@danieljennagrouse]

BenQ and Xiaomi both have models that have a wireless puck for controls and that's imo the best solution.

[@nestcast48]

I have a Xiaomi, and I can’t imagine having one without a wireless control.

[@danieljennagrouse]

@@nestcast48 Same. I wish the angle of the light it produces was slightly narrower because it’s pretty difficult finding a position in which it doesn’t cause glare on my screen or shine into my eyes, but other than that I’m very happy with it.

[@beesknees123]

10/10, so quick, but so much covered.

[@Awfulspider]

Now it has some foldable options.

[@maytoh2427]

hi, what are light bars for? is there something i'm missing out? i dont really understand the need for them. i'm on ips screens and tilt the monitors a little bit upwards with room ceiling lights. any on desk work can be lighted better with a desk lamp. i do have some lights at the back of the monitors as i find it reduces eyestrain somewhat.

[@WhiTeyFU]

I've done the lights behind the monitor thing for years, but honestly, after finally trying a light bar, it's a lot better in terms of reducing eye fatigue.

[@alejandroperez5368]

@@WhiTeyFU it's not better, it's complementary to indirect lighting. So you should have both.

[@sherryreese3576]

The world needs more KZbinrs like you. Not a wasted second in this one.

[@magicpoopfart8363]

I use the Xiaomi light bar and it's great (magnetic setup, nice color range, wireless remote), but it doesn't work for thicc monitor such as LG 27gp950-b so I had to mod it and use zipties.

[@saeednrzadeh4754]

i have the same issue with 27gl850, there is no way to fix this thing

[@magicpoopfart8363]

@@saeednrzadeh4754 actually, there is a very simple fix.

[@tjcullen]

@@magicpoopfart8363 What’s the fix then?

[@juozasadomaitis4796]

@@magicpoopfart8363 what you fix to this problem? I have LG 27gp850 and im wondering if its worth to buy this led bar

[@Micha-bp5om]

@@saeednrzadeh4754 the flix is to stick 3M 7mm thick sticker and fix the lightbar over it instead of the edge of the monitor

[@TK-wh9mh]

could this eliminate/minimise light glare from the sun whilst using indoors?

[@alejandroperez5368]

no

[@notioncreanga]

reflection/refraction doesn't work that way

[@okandegirmenci7285]

Please try Xiaomi monitor light bar.

[@SoftwareManiacLSM]

I liked BENQ so much I bought three of them. Hands down, the best quality.

[@btodtv]

Which ones? Wireless? -GK

[@SoftwareManiacLSM]

@@btodtv wired.

[@coopers1716]

Since our monitors should be about head height anyways I can't figure out why companies aren't doing under monitor lights.

[@viperaiion]

tbh they are a weird trend for me and wouldn't use one personaly

[@btodtv]

Are you using any type of task light ? -GK

[@viperaiion]

@@btodtv only using the celling lights which are led with brightness adjustment. It is a small room

[@alexworm1707]

@@viperaiion ceiling light alone is not good enough if you read/right/task (manual labor) at your desk. If you only game/work at the computer its enough.

[@viperaiion]

@@alexworm1707 maybe thats why i find it not for me since i don't do work where the desk needs to be very well lit

[@alexworm1707]

@@viperaiion its usefull if you like working in the dark too.

[@Greg-xj3kb]

Monitor bars don't have the power of a wall plug in task lamp; I use both; the daylight company makes amazing lamps well worth the premium price

[@btodtv]

I use both at my office, but for home it’s only the light bar. Honestly, the BenQ does plenty with the overhead lighting I have in the home office. I will check out the task light company -GK

[@Greg-xj3kb]

​@@btodtv I agree the benq is bright enough if just doing pc work

[@johnknightiii1351]

Title should be "Why you NEED a monitor Light Bar"

[@MikhailRU]

Xiaomi lamp bar does brrr

[@supernehc]

benq halo is nice~~~

[@btodtv]

Super nice -GK

[@UploadsUnlimited]

The monitor comes with its own light. So what's that for?

[@xvnbm]

Not to light your desk in front of it, but to show images to you.

[@UploadsUnlimited]

@@xvnbm Not sure what you mean.

[@btodtv]

Your monitor lights up to display what is on the screen. Not to put proper lighting down on your desk surface to read or view items on your desk surface -Greg

[@UploadsUnlimited]

@@btodtv Ok, thank you

[@thatguybun]

I use the Xiaomi one

[@user-yc5fq9bv3u]

I just put a long LED light on the ceiling above my desk.

[@georgepierre3594]

my webcam has a ringlight that is super bright

[@arterius169]

why the hell do you even need one

[@jebbo-c1l]

makes me feel like im a fish in an aquarium

[@CarAudioInc]

I don't get it lol

[@ArtDAg05]

Honestly, I am tired of listening to advertisements. It’s hard in our time to find real review for of something.

[@andr101]

You know the rule. Clickbait title = Dislike button hit with extreme prejudice without even watching a single second of the video.

[@keis2046]

Light bar is not a replacement of desk lamp, it is a work tool for color matching in product design, the most important specifications is the white point and the color rendering index. BenQ is the only one that usable out of 5.

[@khj5582]

Why can't it replace a desk lamp?

[@sourandbitter3062]

I hate these kinds of video titles. What it really tells me is "do not" watch videos by BTODtv.

[@dcolum23]

Where's your content so we can compare

[@telmaaan]

Too nerdy

[@zerotactix5739]

Dumb comment. It's a product review.

[@dcolum23]

What a dumb comment

[@InconspicuousStranger]

So pretty much this dude is just bitching about the fact that he bought a light bar he’s not happy with. I literally have a multicolor light bar with 10 brightness settings. $20 from Amazon. Comes with a remote and phone app.

[@btodtv]

Lol, not quite -Greg

[@gbxgbxgbx]

Why would you want to cast light on your monitor's surface? Just funny....

[@btodtv]

That's not their purpose. They are meant to give you more lighting for your desk surface and/or keyboard. -RB

[@gbxgbxgbx]

@@btodtv I just think there would be better ways to add light to a desk, without it shining on the actual monitor surface (You have to admit it does lit up the monitor in most cases). Other than that it looks cool - like an aquarium ;)

[@btodtv]

Did you watch the video? Greg talks about all of this. -RB

[@gbxgbxgbx]

@@btodtv I did watch it, but it barely addresses it, and I would think it's the main issue with this device. It's not only a small glare. Maybe it should be placed a bit behind the monitor, like over the top to avoid it, although then it could also hit your eyes. A high lamp moved over and behind monitor would be better.

[@recreationalplutonium]

wtf do you need a light bar for? to see the keys on your keyboard? this reeks of the newest consoomer rip off

[@btodtv]

I disagree, but would have likely sided with you prior to using them for the past 8 months -GK

[@fhoulbr]

Light bar is a replacement as a top down light in my office. Especially when gaming or watching movies, the ceiling lights are really an issue. Other desks lamps are reflecting generally in the screen or are too far from you. Light ONLY behind your screen is making it tiring. Both a soft light behind the screen and the light in front gives you a nice contrast so your eyes tire a lot less. As both a self-employed developer and a gamer, I find it really really enjoyable.

[@zerotactix5739]

@@fhoulbr Thank you for sharing this wisdom. I'll try this.

[@fhoulbr]

@@zerotactix5739 I don't know about any wisdom in that but I'm happy to be of service.

[@JOHNKLERK69]

i must now have lights front of u ....u will get eyes issues