Ask HN: Best Anti-Glare Solution for 32-Inch Monitor?

by dsr12 on 8/29/2024, 8:13:10 PM with 5 comments
Looking for recommendations on effective anti-glare screens or filters for a 32-inch monitor. I’m dealing with significant glare from sunlight coming through windows, which is causing headaches. The office setup is such that I can’t change the monitor's position. While blackout curtains help, I prefer to work in a natural light environment. Open to buying a new monitor if it has a good built-in anti-glare solution. Please provide some solutions.

  • by hollerith on 8/30/2024, 7:02:41 PM

    I'm pretty sure that there is no solution that is anywhere nearly as good a keeping everything you can see reflected in the monitor (or more precisely, would be reflected if the monitor were a mirror) darker than the monitor itself.

  • by solardev on 8/30/2024, 6:58:16 PM

    I had a similar problem, trying to make my Macbooks less glare-y outdoors. I tried a variety of solutions (like sunbrellas and screen enclosures) but they didn't work very well.

    Having tried various no-name anti-glare protectors off Amazon that didn't work very well, eventually I found a small US-based company that does custom-cut anti-glare protectors with actual optical analyses: https://www.photodon.com/

    They primarily sell industrial, I think, but also will cut a sheet for you to spec. They have common device types/sizes listed, or you can provide detailed measurements and they'll do a special cut for you, including for curved monitors.

    There's a video showing their different types (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhIZPO9oMGY) and a quick comparison sheet (https://www.photodon.com/Film-Comparison-Print.pdf), or you can order a sample kit to try different kinds (https://www.photodon.com/p/sample-screen-protector-privacy-f...) to see what suits your needs the best.

    Personally I got the MXG 85% glare reduction film (https://www.photodon.com/Anti-Glare-Screen-Protector-Specs-M...), and it's worked VERY well on both laptops it's installed on, with minimal change in clarity (it's hardly even noticeable, but really really helps with glare and specular lighting). I notice that it's not immediately available on their website; maybe they replaced it with a similar material but with blue-light blocking (AGB)?

    Their support is US-based and very helpful, if you have any pre-purchase questions.

    I'm not affiliated with the company, just a very happy customer who's grateful to have found them.

  • by foxyv on 8/29/2024, 9:00:10 PM

    Anything that diffuses point sources of light will help a lot with glare. I personally like sheer curtains and strategically placed plants. Another option is to buy tinting for your windows. It allows you to suppress the light from them while maintaining a natural light environment.