Monitor backlights, often referred to as bias lighting, can enhance your viewing experience and provide several benefits. Whether they are worth it depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some key points to consider:

Benefits of Monitor Backlights

1. Reduced Eye Strain: Bias lighting can reduce the contrast between the bright monitor and the darker surrounding environment, which helps minimize eye strain, especially during extended use.
2. Improved Perceived Contrast: Adding a soft light behind your monitor can enhance the perceived contrast and black levels on your screen, making the picture appear sharper and more vibrant.
3. Enhanced Aesthetics: Backlights can add a modern and stylish look to your setup, with customizable colors and effects that can complement your workspace or gaming area.
4. Better Ambiance: Bias lighting can contribute to the overall ambiance of a room, making it more comfortable and visually appealing.

Considerations

1. Quality of Lighting: The quality and color accuracy of the backlight can affect its effectiveness. Look for backlights with adjustable brightness and color settings.
2. Installation: Some backlighting solutions are easier to install than others. Strip lights with adhesive backing are typically straightforward, while more complex setups might require additional effort.
3. Cost: While some bias lighting solutions are affordable, higher-end options with advanced features (like synchronization with screen content) can be more expensive. Determine your budget and what features are most important to you.
4. Compatibility: Ensure the backlight system is compatible with your monitor size and setup. Some systems are designed for specific monitor sizes or types.

Types of Monitor Backlights

1. LED Strip Lights: These are the most common and versatile option. They can be easily attached to the back of your monitor with adhesive and often come with remote controls for adjusting colors and brightness.
2. Integrated Monitor Backlights: Some high-end monitors come with built-in bias lighting. These are usually more seamlessly integrated and can offer advanced features like dynamic lighting that matches on-screen content.
3. Smart Lighting Systems: Systems like Philips Hue can sync with your monitor and other smart home devices to create an immersive lighting experience. These usually require additional hardware and a higher investment.

Conclusion

Monitor backlights can be worth it if you spend a lot of time in front of your screen and want to enhance both the visual experience and comfort. They offer tangible benefits like reduced eye strain and improved contrast, along with aesthetic improvements to your setup. However, the value you get will depend on the quality of the lighting system and how well it fits your specific needs and budget.