BenQ Expands ScreenBar Line with iScreenBar and ScreenBar Max for Evolving Desk Setups

The first ScreenBar, released in 2017, moved the lamp base from the desk to above the monitor and used an asymmetric optical path to illuminate the work surface while avoiding screen glare, creating the world's first monitor light bar. Over the next decade, BenQ refined the design with lighter lamp heads, wider compatibility, and added intelligent features such as wireless controls, auto-dimming, color temperature adjustment, and presence sensors.

The new iScreenBar attaches magnetically to iMac, blending with its design and avoiding the camera, microphone, and speaker openings. It uses BenQ's third-generation ASYM-Light asymmetric optics to focus light on the keyboard and desktop while minimizing screen reflection. The light integrates with macOS through a companion app, allowing it to power on and off with the computer, and can save different lighting settings for different software, such as a video-call fill light mode.

The ScreenBar Max, in contrast, leaves the monitor behind. It mounts via a desk clamp or optional base and features an 85cm wide lamp head on an independent arm, allowing it to span dual monitors or reach across other setups. The arm offers height adjustment of 55-71cm and front-back travel of 17.5-28cm. It introduces a new ASYM-TriZone panoramic asymmetric light distribution, extending illumination across two screens and reducing shadows by staggering the LED layout. A controller with a display provides access to brightness, color temperature, auto-dimming, and presence sensing.

According to BenQ, the two products share mature optical, structural, and smart experiences developed over the past decade but serve different scenarios. The iScreenBar is specifically designed for iMac, while the ScreenBar Max targets expanding workstations with multiple displays, including vertical and ultrawide monitors. Existing ScreenBar models remain suitable for standard single-monitor setups.