Question 1

How do I know which filter size to buy for my monitor?

Accepted Answer

Measure the visible screen area diagonally and confirm your aspect ratio — don't rely on the monitor's marketing name alone. A 24" monitor can be either 16:9 or 16:10, and these require different filters with different physical dimensions. Check your monitor's spec sheet (usually available on the manufacturer's website) for the exact screen size and aspect ratio before purchasing. Getting this wrong is the most common and most avoidable mistake in this category.

Question 2

Do anti-blue light filters actually reduce eye strain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but with caveats. Filters that block 50–75% of blue light do reduce the stimulating effect of screen light, which is particularly relevant for evening use and for people who experience headaches or disrupted sleep after prolonged screen time. However, the evidence for dramatic improvements in daytime eye strain is more mixed — screen brightness, refresh rate, and viewing distance often matter more. Ocushield's products are calibrated to optometric standards and are among the more credible options in this catalogue if eye health is a primary concern.

Question 3

Can I use a screen filter on a touchscreen monitor?

Accepted Answer

Only if the filter is specifically designed for touchscreen use — most standard clip-on or adhesive filters will interfere with touch sensitivity. Check the product listing carefully; very few filters in this category are touch-compatible. If you have a touchscreen monitor, a software-based blue light filter (built into Windows and macOS) is usually the more practical solution.

Question 4

Are cheap monitor filters worth buying, or should I avoid them?

Accepted Answer

Filters priced below 30 £ are generally adequate for basic glare reduction but tend to use lower-grade film polymers that reduce brightness significantly and may introduce a slight colour cast. For a secondary monitor or occasional use, they're fine. For a primary work screen used six or more hours a day, the optical quality difference between a budget filter and a mid-range Kensington or 3M product is noticeable enough to justify spending more. We'd avoid the very cheapest options for daily professional use.

Question 5

What's the difference between a privacy filter and an anti-glare filter?

Accepted Answer

Privacy filters restrict the viewing angle so that only the person directly in front of the screen can see the content — they're designed to prevent visual eavesdropping in public spaces or open-plan offices. Anti-glare filters reduce reflections and, in many cases, filter blue light, but don't restrict viewing angles. Some products combine both functions, but they're distinct categories. If you need privacy protection, our Display Privacy Filters section has a much larger dedicated range.

Question 6

Is a monitor light bar better than a desk lamp for reducing eye strain?

Accepted Answer

For most desk setups, yes. A monitor light bar like the ASUS ALB01 is positioned to illuminate the desk surface without creating reflections on the screen — something a standard desk lamp almost always does. The result is a more even contrast between the screen and the surrounding environment, which is a significant contributor to eye fatigue. That said, at around 69 £, it's a meaningful purchase; a well-positioned desk lamp with a diffused shade can achieve a similar effect at a fraction of the cost.

Question 7

Do I need a TAA-compliant filter for my office?

Accepted Answer

Only if your organisation's procurement policy specifically requires it — TAA (Trade Agreements Act) compliance is primarily a US federal government requirement, but it's increasingly used as a quality and supply-chain transparency signal in UK public sector and enterprise procurement. StarTech.com's filters in this catalogue explicitly carry TAA compliance. For home users and most private businesses, it's irrelevant to the buying decision.

Monitor Accessories Price Comparison

Philips Client mounting bracket BS7B2224B/00

Philips Client mounting bracket BS6B2234B/00

Monitor Accessories Price Comparison

Monitor Accessories price comparison UK

Philips Client mounting bracket BS7B2224B/00

Philips Client mounting bracket BS6B2234B/00