BenQ ScreenBar Max: Premium dual-monitor lighting arrives at a premium price
The new device combines bias lighting and a desk lamp with mmWave presence sensing, offering studio-grade colour rendering for multi-screen setups.
BenQ has launched the ScreenBar Max, a premium monitor light bar specifically engineered for dual-monitor configurations. The device merges a bias light, which illuminates the wall behind screens to reduce eye strain, with a functional desk lamp. It is the most expensive product in BenQ’s ScreenBar lineup to date, priced at US$289, with an optional stand available for an additional US$39.
The primary innovation in the ScreenBar Max is its presence sensing capability, powered by high-frequency mmWave technology. This sensor automatically activates the lighting as the user approaches the workstation, a feature that performed reliably during testing without false triggers from doorways or chair movement. The light rises in luminance gradually rather than switching on abruptly, providing a seamless transition into the work environment.
In terms of optical performance, BenQ rates the device’s colour rendering index (CRI) at Ra ≥95, Rf >96, and Rg ~100, a specification the company describes as studio-grade. The colour temperature range is fixed at 2,700 to 6,000 Kelvin across both light sources, although brightness levels can be adjusted independently. The unit also includes an auto-dim shortcut for 700 lux ambient brightness and a monitor reading mode set to 4,000 Kelvin.
Installation is handled via a twist-down C-clamp, though the design offers limited adjustability for certain desk configurations. The reviewer noted that the light bar could not be positioned far enough backward for wall-mounted monitors and required installation on a monitor riser due to a cable management box. Despite these constraints, the device illuminated a large desk surface without casting glare on the connected displays.
Testing was conducted over five days using a 27-inch ASUS IPS monitor and a 14.6-inch Samsung OLED tablet. The ScreenBar Max successfully illuminated the entire workspace, with only a minor reflection observed on the aluminum rail of the tablet. The combination of precise lighting and automatic activation positions the device as a high-end peripheral for professionals and creatives who spend significant time in front of multiple screens.
While the ScreenBar Max offers superior build quality and features compared to cheaper alternatives, its price point remains a significant barrier for individual consumers. The device is best suited for those who can expense the cost or for users who prioritise premium lighting quality and automated convenience over budget considerations.
