BenQ ScreenBar Plus Monitor Light vs Elgato Ring Light 18" Premium Studio Light (2026)
Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.
BenQ ScreenBar Plus Monitor Light
Asymmetric optical design. Auto-dimming. Wireless dial controller. Zero screen glare.
Full Review
Elgato Ring Light 18" Premium Studio Light
18-inch ring, 2900K-7000K, app control, stand included. Professional video call lighting.
Full ReviewAt a Glance
| BenQ ScreenBar Plus Monitor Light | Elgato Ring Light 18" Premium Studio Light | |
|---|---|---|
| 247Verdict Score | 9.2/10 | 8.9/10 |
| Owner Rating | 4.6★ (16,800) | 4.5★ (6,800) |
| Verdict | Excellent | Great |
| Control | Wireless dial | App (desktop + mobile) |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
Quick Verdict
Both are strong choices, but the BenQ ScreenBar Plus Monitor Light edges ahead with a 9.2/10 vs 8.9/10. Asymmetric optical design. Auto-dimming. Wireless dial controller. Zero screen glare. That said, the Elgato Ring Light 18" Premium Studio Light is worth considering if 18-inch ring, 2900K-7000K, app control, stand included. Professional video call lighting. Check the current price on Amazon →
Pros & Cons Side by Side
BenQ ScreenBar Plus Monitor Light
- Asymmetric optical design illuminates desk without any light on screen — eliminates glare completely
- Auto-dimming sensor adjusts brightness based on ambient light automatically
- Wireless dial controller for brightness and colour temperature without touching the bar
- No driver installation — powers via USB-A, works with any monitor
- Dual colour temperature modes (warm/cool/auto) for day/night comfort
- Premium pricing for a monitor light
- Wireless controller requires AAA batteries
- Clamp may not fit monitors with very thick bezels
Elgato Ring Light 18" Premium Studio Light
- 18-inch ring creates even, flattering circular catchlights in eyes — the professional YouTube look
- 2900K-7000K colour temperature range covers warm portraits to clinical product shots
- App control adjusts brightness and temperature from phone or desktop
- Adjustable stand positions light at any height from 60cm to 200cm
- Diffuser fabric included softens light for natural skin tones
- Large footprint — 18-inch stand takes floor space vs Key Light Air's desk mount
- More expensive than Key Light Air for equivalent brightness
- Ring light style creates circular reflections in glasses
FAQ
Which is better, BenQ ScreenBar Plus or Elgato Ring Light 18" Premium?
Both are strong choices, but the BenQ ScreenBar Plus Monitor Light edges ahead with a 9.2/10 vs 8.9/10. Asymmetric optical design. Auto-dimming. Wireless dial controller. Zero screen glare. That said, the Elgato Ring Light 18" Premium Studio Light is worth considering if 18-inch ring, 2900K-7000K, app control, stand included. Professional video call lighting.
Is the BenQ ScreenBar Plus worth the extra cost?
Yes — BenQ ScreenBar Plus Monitor Light scores higher at 9.2/10 vs 8.9/10.
Who is the BenQ ScreenBar Plus best suited to?
Asymmetric optical design. Auto-dimming. Wireless dial controller. Zero screen glare.
Who is the Elgato Ring Light 18" Premium best suited to?
18-inch ring, 2900K-7000K, app control, stand included. Professional video call lighting.
What are the main downsides of each?
BenQ ScreenBar Plus Monitor Light: Premium pricing for a monitor light; Wireless controller requires AAA batteries. Elgato Ring Light 18" Premium Studio Light: Large footprint — 18-inch stand takes floor space vs Key Light Air's desk mount; More expensive than Key Light Air for equivalent brightness.
Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?
Largely, yes — BenQ ScreenBar Plus Monitor Light sits at 4.6★ from 16,800 verified Amazon owners, and Elgato Ring Light 18" Premium Studio Light at 4.5★ from 6,800.
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Elgato Key Light Air
1400 lumens, app-controlled, eliminates shadows on video calls. The streamer's key light standard.
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