@3:20 No. LEDs do not have to flicker. There are three reasons they typically do, and all of them are because it’s cheaper to make them that way: 1. Using AC power directly. Since AC goes through a cycle 50 or 60 times per second, cheap LEDs will flicker 50 or 60 times per second*. 2. If an LED is off half the time it uses half the power*. Whether that’s to meet standards, put some marketing on the box, or to save battery power: Flickering can save energy 3. For dimming. The cheapest way to dim is through Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM). Better lights will use PWM frequencies of 5000 times per second or even 25000+ if you’re lucky, but it’s still the cheaper way. It takes more parts and more circuitry to do variable voltage or variable amperage but both of those have Zero flicker. *There are some edge cases (as there always are) where that’s not strictly true
I've been using my benq plus for over a year now and its the best accessory that I never knew that I needed. I'm also a software dev and this has truly been a huge quality of life improvement.
I've got the Quntis and use it a lot and it's great. However, I haven't compared it to a higher end one because of the prices. Based on the reviews that I read and my experience, it's perfect for me and have no issues with it at all. I could honestly never justify buying a $100 light bar when this works so well as is.
The Xiaomi is really solid. Can just recommend them. They turn on when the display is active and they also have a wireless remote. Was thinking about getting the BenQ before but the price and the fact that I want to test it before paying a lot, made me buy the cheaper product.
I've been using Xiamoi Mi light bar for over a year and it's been doing really great considering it's a budget one. The light trajectory is actually asymmetric unlike the other light bar within similar price range. One downside is that the wireless controller is a bit finicky. The rest is great.
i have the same light bar, i find that pressing the remote with 2 finger on the edge works better. Apart from that its great and for the price i dont have much complain.
I love your content, Alex! You're doing all developers and future developers out there a service when it comes to software development content and the tools for development. Keep up the good work!
I’ve been using the Quntis bar since December and it’s held up pretty well - definitely worth the price and it shows 0 signs of breaking. Only problem I had is with thicker monitors (old Acer Z35) where I had to use command strips to actually attach the light bar.
One thing to note is not to install the screenbar too tight on your monitor because it will make it bleed for a longer use, especially with the cheaper screen bar. A lot of users having this problem, so be careful.
Recently started working remote and have been looking into ways to optimize my desk for health and long-term productivity. This may be my next addition as we head into winter and the days get shorter.
I actually thought about getting a monitor light like this but didn't think it was worth it considering my keyboard is backlit and my monitor can easily illuminate my desk too. Thanks for showing these light bars and going into the details (didn't know there was such a thing as flickering on LEDs). Great video, Alex!
Have the Quantis and its excellent. Turns on when my macbook turns on. Light temps and brighness are in 4 steps when tapping or gradual when holding for precise adjustment. Metal construction and also has a light sensor that I have disabled. I can recommend it.
I actually thought about getting a monitor light like this. Thanks for showing these light bars and going into the details (didn't know there was such a thing as flickering on LEDs).
I have one of the inexpensive ones (bought mine at Costco - not sure the brand). Not a lot of control, but works fine. One thing I ended up using them for is for video calls for remote meetings. I tilt it a bit towards my face and it makes a difference, specially since I have a window behind me so I would previously show up as a silhouette.
Thumbs up for low light coding environment! I thought I was the crazy guy in our office that wanted to have a dark corner with no lights at all, cause as I was telling them, lights are a distraction. The only light I want to have is the one coming from my monitor. Kinda like when you drive at night and have the cabin dark and you can see outside? Yeah, like that
I have the Screenbar, had it for 4 month now and I'm really happy with it. The only thing I had to get used to is the light reflection in the keys of keyboard.
I never really got the point of these lights but you made some good points there. I normally just dim my lights but this could be a sneaky way to get more work done at night without having light bleeds from under the door to give you away.
Well that was just what I needed to know. Didn't know a monitor light would make that much difference, but I see how the focus of light on the desk will take a lot of strain off of my eyes. Great insightful reviews. BTW... The dark low light background makes for a more dramatic video, I'd go with that. Thanks.
its great to have such lights above the desk! And you are right with saving spaces. i use 4 lights from different sources to fill my desk with light! so i am thinking now to switch and buy a lightbar
I bought a cheap light bar of amazon a few months ago and feel it has made a massive difference if I’m on the pc for a few hours. Whilst it’s not as good as the Benq (a great brand who’s monitors I tend to buy) it was about a fifth of the price and based on your comparisons not a bad compromise. Thanks for mentioning about the led flicker as although I don’t get it on my light bar, I had noticed this on my Razor keyboard and thought I was going mad as it’s only ever out of the corner of my eye that I’d notice. Another great review and really enjoying your channel since discovering it a couple of months ago.
Perfect moment! Just wanted to get a light bar. Nice to know, that the cheap ones would do fine, if you can't afford the more expensive ones. But having a desk lamp behind my monitor right now, I can only suggest buying a bar with a backlight. It's really a relieve for your eyes.
I've looked at adding a light bar since working from home but I use an external logitech web cam for meetings that is mounted on my monitor. Not sure how a light bar would work with that. Thanks for all the great videos!
I got baseus white. Only downside that dust are easily visible. And also button illumination are kind of bright, so i taped them with a piece of black paper. Usb c cable was kind of long, so i replaced it. Default cable are 5V only without data lines. On max it uses 1.3A@5V.
It's nice to see you reviewing some tech products especially that relates to developers. Just sharing that I just graduated college and will be starting my job soon as a software engineer. Thanks for the videos about developing using the m1 macs, helped me made a decision on what device will I invest on to code and stuff. Anyways, have a blessed day!
I think LED lights only flicker if they are PWM controlled. I've been enjoying your videos. I just transitioned from IT specializing in Macs to a web developer.
I was looking for one of them as I have some problems adjusting my vision to different illuminations (specially when things are dark). So I'm really happy for this review! Thanks as always Alex.
I've been using Quntis for over a year and I don't see any problems with it.. it fits well on LG 34 ultrawide, will try on 38 AW shortly. It's simply hard to justify BenQ price tag for more or less same product.
After seeing the difference in your video between a session on the computer in the evening with and without these lights, I am reconsidering getting such lights :D
I wonder if the difference in quality between the BenQ and the cheaper ones are worth it. My experience with my BenQ monitor leads me to believe it could be. Keep up the good work, love your channel!
I have the BenQ Screenbar standard, owned it for about 5 months now. I was completely skeptical but like you tend to have my workspace dark. Switching back from terminal screens, to browsers to word processors etc... Within only a few days I began noticing reduced eye strain... after a few weeks there was no going back and now I'm looking to buy another for my gaming PC in another room. Why someone didn't come up with these years ago is beyond me. I want the Halo but it's quite expensive, may try the plus though.
I've been watching your reviews on the M1 Max vs M1 Ultra for development. Good stuff. I just bought the M1 Max Mac Studio and a LG monitor a few days ago. Big upgrade over my previous iMac. The BenQ ScreenBar'a are pretty nice.
Love the video! Have been considering getting something like this as I'm getting back to school soon and they'd be useful for eye relief during late night bug hunting sessions in my code.
Another illuminating video Alex! 💡 Using a regular desk lamp with a lightbulb and a lamp on the ceiling, so one of these would be quite an improvement for me.
Great video, never thought about a light bar, but after the video it makes a lot of sense now. Why didn’t I consider this earlier, I’ll never know. Keep up the great work.
The flicker you're referencing is called PWM, or Pulse Width Modulation. Most non-dirt tier lights, lamps, and backlit screens don't use it below a certain threshold anymore because there is a portion of the population that are much more sensitive to PWM. It will cause headaches and nausea if you are sensitive (and it sounds like you might be).
Really good review Alex. The BenQ lights are expensive but seem to be well-made. The XIAOMI Mi light bar appears to be very well priced and well built, that could be a good alternative to the BenQ.
Really informative review, thank you. I was pondering switching from desk lamp to a monitor lamp and now, when I saw these BenQ ones in action I do want it even more. Although, I'm using a MacBook Pro right in front of the monitor and I'm afraid that the laptops screen with glare coating might reflect the light too much. :/
Never thought about having this kind of monitor light bar, I usually just have my lamp on my desk. Otherwise nice review! Would like to see more in the future, especially if it can improve our development environment :)
Ive been seeing more and more people using these lights over their monitors but I havent yet really gave a big look into them. I hope I win so I can experience this myself. Great channel btw :)
I have also been using the Quntis light bar for a while and it works very well and it is still pretty much in as new condition. It is a lot cheaper than the Benq models but it does not feel "cheap".
These lights are cool. I sure would like to have one of my own. Reminds me of the ThinkPad light at the top of the screen to illuminate the keyboard from above.
i just found your channel through this review. super relevant because i'm in a similar boat, and was wondering whether or not there is much difference in quality between the price differences. So thanks for the video, it's very helpful, and cool that you're even doing a giveaway, too many people keep the stuff and don't disclose what kind of agreements they have with the manufacturer.
Great review Alex, and much appreciated as many reviews don’t cover the finer aspects of the quality of the light and the holding mechanism. Only thing I’d ask if you have time is to share your thoughts on using a web camera with these light bars. My issue is that if it’s a pain to do so, perhaps the light bar I need is the type that clamps onto your desk and hangs well above the monitor vs laying along the top of the monitor. 🤷🏽
![BenQ Screenbar BUYER GUIDE [Standard, Plus & Halo]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3IUd29UYr3g/mqdefault.jpg)
@3:20 No. LEDs do not have to flicker.
There are three reasons they typically do, and all of them are because it’s cheaper to make them that way:
1. Using AC power directly. Since AC goes through a cycle 50 or 60 times per second, cheap LEDs will flicker 50 or 60 times per second*.
2. If an LED is off half the time it uses half the power*. Whether that’s to meet standards, put some marketing on the box, or to save battery power: Flickering can save energy
3. For dimming. The cheapest way to dim is through Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM). Better lights will use PWM frequencies of 5000 times per second or even 25000+ if you’re lucky, but it’s still the cheaper way. It takes more parts and more circuitry to do variable voltage or variable amperage but both of those have Zero flicker.
*There are some edge cases (as there always are) where that’s not strictly true
I was thinking that same and it was weird that he says that leds flickr and then talk about these lightbars which are leds.
I've been using my benq plus for over a year now and its the best accessory that I never knew that I needed. I'm also a software dev and this has truly been a huge quality of life improvement.
I've got the Quntis and use it a lot and it's great. However, I haven't compared it to a higher end one because of the prices. Based on the reviews that I read and my experience, it's perfect for me and have no issues with it at all. I could honestly never justify buying a $100 light bar when this works so well as is.
Same here. Have the Quntis for several months now and love it.
The Xiaomi is really solid. Can just recommend them.
They turn on when the display is active and they also have a wireless remote.
Was thinking about getting the BenQ before but the price and the fact that I want to test it before paying a lot, made me buy the cheaper product.
I've been using Xiamoi Mi light bar for over a year and it's been doing really great considering it's a budget one. The light trajectory is actually asymmetric unlike the other light bar within similar price range. One downside is that the wireless controller is a bit finicky. The rest is great.
i have the same light bar, i find that pressing the remote with 2 finger on the edge works better. Apart from that its great and for the price i dont have much complain.
Worth it's price. IT's doing the job great.
Never thought I will do this, but imma buy the BenQ Halo. Love that wireless control!
Fuck my country.. the Halo is not available here
I love your content, Alex!
You're doing all developers and future developers out there a service when it comes to software development content and the tools for development.
Keep up the good work!
I’ve been using the Quntis bar since December and it’s held up pretty well - definitely worth the price and it shows 0 signs of breaking.
Only problem I had is with thicker monitors (old Acer Z35) where I had to use command strips to actually attach the light bar.
One thing to note is not to install the screenbar too tight on your monitor because it will make it bleed for a longer use, especially with the cheaper screen bar. A lot of users having this problem, so be careful.
good to know thanks
I was sceptical whether the monitor lights are worth it, thanks for clarifying it out.
Recently started working remote and have been looking into ways to optimize my desk for health and long-term productivity. This may be my next addition as we head into winter and the days get shorter.
After Watching over 20 videos I choose Benq Halo, Thanks for the video
Watching this with my BenQ halo light lol. The price is worth it due to the quality. The wireless remote is also really convenient.
You know you're doing a great job on content when companies start sending you their products!
You know companies are well aware of how easily youtubers push products, when they send their products to so many youtubers for 'review' for 'free'
I actually thought about getting a monitor light like this but didn't think it was worth it considering my keyboard is backlit and my monitor can easily illuminate my desk too. Thanks for showing these light bars and going into the details (didn't know there was such a thing as flickering on LEDs). Great video, Alex!
Have the Quantis and its excellent. Turns on when my macbook turns on. Light temps and brighness are in 4 steps when tapping or gradual when holding for precise adjustment. Metal construction and also has a light sensor that I have disabled. I can recommend it.
I currently have an Ignyte desk light bar which made a huge difference when I need to write or read a book!
I have the BenQ Screenbar Plus because of a happy accident and it's really cool. It lights up my keyboard and not the whole room. I recommend it.
Hmm, now I need to consider buying the BenQ lights. I normally use a map that comes out from under my monitor but having it in the way is a pain.
I’ve been using the Quntis bar on my M1 24" iMac and it fits perfectly on the square edged iMac. Love it well worth the money.
I actually thought about getting a monitor light like this. Thanks for showing these light bars and going into the details (didn't know there was such a thing as flickering on LEDs).
I have one of the inexpensive ones (bought mine at Costco - not sure the brand). Not a lot of control, but works fine.
One thing I ended up using them for is for video calls for remote meetings. I tilt it a bit towards my face and it makes a difference, specially since I have a window behind me so I would previously show up as a silhouette.
I always have a dark room with a lamp over the desk. Never heard of this lights and now I’m very interested.
I've been looking into monitor lights recently, so I'm glad you did this review!
Thumbs up for low light coding environment! I thought I was the crazy guy in our office that wanted to have a dark corner with no lights at all, cause as I was telling them, lights are a distraction. The only light I want to have is the one coming from my monitor. Kinda like when you drive at night and have the cabin dark and you can see outside? Yeah, like that
I’ve been looking at these light bars for a few months now. Thanks for making an in depth review.
I have the Screenbar, had it for 4 month now and I'm really happy with it. The only thing I had to get used to is the light reflection in the keys of keyboard.
I never really got the point of these lights but you made some good points there. I normally just dim my lights but this could be a sneaky way to get more work done at night without having light bleeds from under the door to give you away.
Well that was just what I needed to know. Didn't know a monitor light would make that much difference, but I see how the focus of light on the desk will take a lot of strain off of my eyes. Great insightful reviews. BTW... The dark low light background makes for a more dramatic video, I'd go with that. Thanks.
Never thought of things like that. Always used desktop lamps or smth. But the idea looks interesting. Curious how to combine it with a web cam.
Superb - thanks Alex, I’ve since bought the plus model and wow what a difference to working from home!
Alex has to be my most favorite find on UA-cam. I liked the mac information, but he does an awesome job on other tech products. Cheers!
its great to have such lights above the desk! And you are right with saving spaces. i use 4 lights from different sources to fill my desk with light! so i am thinking now to switch and buy a lightbar
I bought a cheap light bar of amazon a few months ago and feel it has made a massive difference if I’m on the pc for a few hours. Whilst it’s not as good as the Benq (a great brand who’s monitors I tend to buy) it was about a fifth of the price and based on your comparisons not a bad compromise. Thanks for mentioning about the led flicker as although I don’t get it on my light bar, I had noticed this on my Razor keyboard and thought I was going mad as it’s only ever out of the corner of my eye that I’d notice.
Another great review and really enjoying your channel since discovering it a couple of months ago.
Perfect moment! Just wanted to get a light bar. Nice to know, that the cheap ones would do fine, if you can't afford the more expensive ones. But having a desk lamp behind my monitor right now, I can only suggest buying a bar with a backlight. It's really a relieve for your eyes.
Definitely a must for dark environment coders
I have used monitors with the cheaper BenQ bar. The light went exactly where you need it. I need to get a few of these for my home rigs.
I've looked at adding a light bar since working from home but I use an external logitech web cam for meetings that is mounted on my monitor. Not sure how a light bar would work with that. Thanks for all the great videos!
I got baseus white. Only downside that dust are easily visible. And also button illumination are kind of bright, so i taped them with a piece of black paper. Usb c cable was kind of long, so i replaced it. Default cable are 5V only without data lines. On max it uses 1.3A@5V.
I’m looking at desk lamps for college and I think this may be the direction I go in
I love your videos. They are really useful for programmers.
It's nice to see you reviewing some tech products especially that relates to developers. Just sharing that I just graduated college and will be starting my job soon as a software engineer. Thanks for the videos about developing using the m1 macs, helped me made a decision on what device will I invest on to code and stuff. Anyways, have a blessed day!
Very useful showcasing especially on the light flickering part, hope to get one of those cool looking screenbar!
What a timing... I was looking for renewing my lighting from my room! Thanks Alex
I use a sun backlight bulb at my room so I don't feel dizzy at the end of the day. Interesting review and nice video dude!
I need to try one of those lights, I like to work with my white light LED bulb (regular light) but this bars looks like a nice option
Thanks for a video. Did you order 24gb air? If yes- when it will come?
I'd love to get one! Definitely will help my eye strain from studying late into the night
I think LED lights only flicker if they are PWM controlled. I've been enjoying your videos. I just transitioned from IT specializing in Macs to a web developer.
I was looking for one of them as I have some problems adjusting my vision to different illuminations (specially when things are dark). So I'm really happy for this review! Thanks as always Alex.
I need to replace my light bars one of them is dead. the benQ would be a sweet upgrade. So if not too late I am up for the win !
I've been using Quntis for over a year and I don't see any problems with it.. it fits well on LG 34 ultrawide, will try on 38 AW shortly. It's simply hard to justify BenQ price tag for more or less same product.
After seeing the difference in your video between a session on the computer in the evening with and without these lights, I am reconsidering getting such lights :D
I think BenQ is the way forward for me. Liked the greater level lighting across the desk. Appreciate the video.
I wonder if the difference in quality between the BenQ and the cheaper ones are worth it. My experience with my BenQ monitor leads me to believe it could be. Keep up the good work, love your channel!
Hey, Alex! Could you also check and tell if the benq's sit comfortable on the MacBooks as well?
Since my eyes rapidly got worse, I‘ve started looking for lights a few weeks ago.
Getting one would be great 🤞🏼
Keep up the good job!
I have the BenQ Screenbar standard, owned it for about 5 months now. I was completely skeptical but like you tend to have my workspace dark. Switching back from terminal screens, to browsers to word processors etc... Within only a few days I began noticing reduced eye strain... after a few weeks there was no going back and now I'm looking to buy another for my gaming PC in another room. Why someone didn't come up with these years ago is beyond me. I want the Halo but it's quite expensive, may try the plus though.
been using the qunatis one for a couple of years now, super worth it, its cheap and does the job.
Perfect timing! I’m just doing my own research about the desk lights. Thanks for the inputs!
I've been watching your reviews on the M1 Max vs M1 Ultra for development. Good stuff. I just bought the M1 Max Mac Studio and a LG monitor a few days ago. Big upgrade over my previous iMac. The BenQ ScreenBar'a are pretty nice.
Love the video! Have been considering getting something like this as I'm getting back to school soon and they'd be useful for eye relief during late night bug hunting sessions in my code.
Another illuminating video Alex! 💡
Using a regular desk lamp with a lightbulb and a lamp on the ceiling, so one of these would be quite an improvement for me.
😂
Thats really usefull for my programming works. I used to work in dark like you so this product will be very helpful for me
Thanks for the candid review, very apt comparision between benq and affordable alternatives.
I have the exact same one you bought cheap in Amazon, and I love it.
That bleep cracked me up. Appreciate your sense of humor man.
Glad you enjoyed
Yes shoot in the dark looks much cooler with a few more colored leds in the back
Love your videos, new to the channel. Really honest reviews!!
Great video, never thought about a light bar, but after the video it makes a lot of sense now. Why didn’t I consider this earlier, I’ll never know. Keep up the great work.
I recently got the BenQ monitor and these lights seem to be a great complimentary accessory. Thanks for an “illuminating” review!! 🤩😊🤩
Which slomo mode was used in the video? I tried HD 240. Should it be enough to see the flicker? Great video as always!
The flicker you're referencing is called PWM, or Pulse Width Modulation. Most non-dirt tier lights, lamps, and backlit screens don't use it below a certain threshold anymore because there is a portion of the population that are much more sensitive to PWM. It will cause headaches and nausea if you are sensitive (and it sounds like you might be).
Thanks for the review, that would be great for my desk when I am working early in the morning.
Been considering one of these for my set up… Are the capacitive buttons on the halo any good?
Love this one :) Have a good night, Alex and folks!
Thanks, you too!
I sometime work in the dark too, so I've been wondering if I should get one. But those BenQ ones are pretty expensive. But thanks for your reviews.
My wife has been using the Plus for a few months now and I’m getting jealous enough to buy one for myself :)
Really good review Alex. The BenQ lights are expensive but seem to be well-made. The XIAOMI Mi light bar appears to be very well priced and well built, that could be a good alternative to the BenQ.
Just discovered you a day or two ago and really like your videos. Good job man :)
thanks! welcome
Your content is great! Congratz!
Really informative review, thank you.
I was pondering switching from desk lamp to a monitor lamp and now, when I saw these BenQ ones in action I do want it even more.
Although, I'm using a MacBook Pro right in front of the monitor and I'm afraid that the laptops screen with glare coating might reflect the light too much. :/
Never thought about having this kind of monitor light bar, I usually just have my lamp on my desk.
Otherwise nice review! Would like to see more in the future, especially if it can improve our development environment :)
We've converted our entire home to LED and we learned about flicker rate very quickly. The school of hard knocks is a tough task master 😎
Thanks for clarifying these lights benefits
Ive been seeing more and more people using these lights over their monitors but I havent yet really gave a big look into them. I hope I win so I can experience this myself. Great channel btw :)
Great! I don’t have a led bar for my monitor but I’ll consider buying it in the future after this video
Just was looking to get one. Cheaper one will do a job too.
Great video, Alex!
Hey, Alex! Can you please provide a link for the USB hub as well? Please....
Great review! I am a software developer myself and I really enjoyed your video contents. Thanks a lot of making them!
I have also been using the Quntis light bar for a while and it works very well and it is still pretty much in as new condition. It is a lot cheaper than the Benq models but it does not feel "cheap".
Thanks for the video. Was torn between the plus and the Halo and this video helped!
These lights are cool. I sure would like to have one of my own. Reminds me of the ThinkPad light at the top of the screen to illuminate the keyboard from above.
Nice honest review -- very much refreshing. I'm going to look into light bars and will try to hit up your affiliate link if I decide to purchase!
i just found your channel through this review. super relevant because i'm in a similar boat, and was wondering whether or not there is much difference in quality between the price differences. So thanks for the video, it's very helpful, and cool that you're even doing a giveaway, too many people keep the stuff and don't disclose what kind of agreements they have with the manufacturer.
great reviews, you use a lot of machines, do you use something to automate setups?
You are great with these reviews. You should do more of them.
Interesting video. I was thinking of purchasing one of these lights, but you've pushed me over the edge.
Great review Alex, and much appreciated as many reviews don’t cover the finer aspects of the quality of the light and the holding mechanism.
Only thing I’d ask if you have time is to share your thoughts on using a web camera with these light bars. My issue is that if it’s a pain to do so, perhaps the light bar I need is the type that clamps onto your desk and hangs well above the monitor vs laying along the top of the monitor. 🤷🏽
Really need those lights. Been working everyday morning till night and now my eyesight is getting bad.