ASUS ZenScreen MB169CK vs BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2
Comparing ASUS ZenScreen MB169CK (a slim 15.6-inch portable monitor that adds a second screen to your laptop with one usb-c cable) with BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 (a monitor light bar that lights your desk and the wall behind your screen without glare on the display). Here's how they stack up on price, features and user ratings.
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ASUS ZenScreen MB169CK
Rated0.0out of 5(0)A slim 15.6-inch portable monitor that adds a second screen to your laptop with one USB-C cable
Read the full ASUS ZenScreen MB169CK review →BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2
Rated0.0out of 5(0)A monitor light bar that lights your desk and the wall behind your screen without glare on the display
Read the full BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 review →At a glance
| Attribute | ASUS ZenScreen MB169CK | BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | Rated0.0out of 5(0) | Rated0.0out of 5(0) |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | Free | Free |
| Category | Work from anywhere | Desk setup |
| Best deal | — | — |
| Plans | — | — |
ASUS ZenScreen MB169CK features
- 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS panel with an anti-glare finish
- Two USB-C ports (DisplayPort Alt Mode) and one mini HDMI port
- One USB-C cable carries power and video from a compatible laptop
- Detachable 360° kickstand for landscape or portrait
- Built-in 1/4-inch tripod socket
- Auto-rotates between landscape and portrait with ASUS DisplayWidget Center
- TÜV-certified flicker-free and low blue light, with four blue light filter levels
- 0.47 in thick and 1.72 lb without the stand
- Sleeve, USB-C cable and mini HDMI to HDMI cable in the box (varies by region)
Pros
- One USB-C cable does power and video on laptops that support DisplayPort Alt Mode
- Mini HDMI port as a backup for laptops that don't
- Works in portrait or landscape, with automatic rotation
- Thin and light enough to slip into a laptop bag
- Comes with a sleeve and both cables
Cons
- 1080p and 60Hz only, so text is less sharp than on many laptop screens
- 250-nit typical brightness, which may struggle in bright rooms
- No built-in speakers
- No built-in battery; phones and consoles need a separate power source
- Your laptop's USB-C port must support DisplayPort Alt Mode for one-cable use
BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 features
- Front light plus a tri-zone backlight that lights the wall behind your monitor
- Front light covers an 85 x 50 cm (33.5 x 19.7 in) area at 500 lux
- Stepless brightness on both lights; 2700K to 6500K color temperature
- Rechargeable wireless controller that BenQ says lasts up to 3 months per charge
- One controller can run two Halo 2 light bars
- Presence sensor turns the light on when you sit down and off when you leave
- Auto-dimming to a recommended 500 lux
- Clamp fits flat and curved monitors 0.43 to 6 cm thick, curves from 1000R to 1800R
- Webcam accessory included; powered over USB-C
Pros
- Backlight eases the contrast between a bright screen and a dark room
- Works on curved monitors as well as flat ones
- Wireless controller with a numeric display for exact settings
- Takes no desk space, unlike a regular lamp
- Webcam accessory in the box so your camera can sit above the bar
Cons
- Premium-priced compared with basic monitor light bars
- Needs its own USB-C power source, using the included adapter or a port
- The controller is one more thing to keep charged
- Presence sensor may switch the light off if you sit very still for 5 minutes
- Overkill if your room is already well lit
The verdict
ASUS ZenScreen MB169CK edges ahead with a 0.0/5 rating from 0 reviews. Choose ASUS ZenScreen MB169CK if you value: one usb-c cable does power and video on laptops that support displayport alt mode. Choose BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 if you value: backlight eases the contrast between a bright screen and a dark room.