Buying guide for Best Sceptre monitors
Sceptre is best known for producing 4K, LCD, and LED monitors at affordable prices. Stand-alone monitors are becoming increasingly popular because of their ability to function not only as computer or peripheral monitors, but also as high-definition TV displays.
They tend to be less bulky than traditional flat-screen TV monitors and are simplified to work well for desktop entertainment systems and home offices.
Sceptre produces a wide variety of monitors that range in size, style, and built-in features.
Key considerations
To find the perfect Sceptre monitor to fit all of your display needs within your price range, you may need to consider more than just size and style. A monitor’s maximum refresh rate, as well as its allotted inputs and outputs, should be considered to ensure you’re buying the right monitor for your set up. You’ll also want to keep in mind that while some monitors have bases that are removable and frames that can be wall-mounted, not all do.
Size
One of the main things that separates TV displays from monitors like Sceptre is ultimately their size. While brands will push the limits, most Scepter monitors will fall between 19 to 32 inches in screen size.
Style
The two main monitor styles to choose from are LED and curved.
LED: Light-emitting diode (LED) monitors are still the most common type of Sceptre display because they are typically cooler, more energy efficient, and thinner than liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors. Visually, LEDs work great in supporting 4K resolution and perform well with smaller screens. Typically they won’t exceed 27 inches in size.
Curved: The curved monitor design is meant to allow for better viewing, especially near the screen edges and when seen from the side. These monitors excel in bigger sizes, as a curved display allows for slightly more content on the screen while also eliminating distortion, reflections, and glare. They also add depth to a display, relieving some stress on the eyes and giving the viewer a more realistic picture.
Desktop (base) or wall-mountable (frame)
Two additional style elements to consider when shopping for a Sceptre monitor are its base and frame. Some Sceptre monitors are designed to give users the flexibility of easily removing the base and mounting the frame on a wall using electronics-industry-standard VESA mounting measurements, which determine the distance in millimeters between the four mounting holes on the back of the monitor.
Refresh rate
Your monitor’s refresh rate is essentially the number of times it refreshes the image it shows every second. The higher the refresh rate, the better the monitor is at handling the motion on your screen. This is particularly important for gamers looking for the smoothest and most visually appealing gameplay, or high-definition (HD) enthusiasts who are sticklers about how a video’s frame rate translates onto their monitor.
Additional inputs and outputs
All Sceptre monitors will feature at least one of the essential inputs and outputs, such as HDMI for your main audio and video, a 3.5mm jack for headphones or external speakers, and a DisplayPort input for a computer connection. While these ports are standard, certain models may include more than one, giving users even more flexibility and connectivity. Additional inputs that may be also be found on specific Sceptre monitors are a DVI input and a VGA input.
Features
Aside from the crisp HD image and LED or curved display, Sceptre monitors can boast numerous other features that address a specific need or simply set them apart from other models.
Built-in speakers
There are a few monitors within the Sceptre family that feature their own set of built-in speakers. These are low-wattage, low-profile speakers that fit nicely into the frame’s design.
Edgeless display
Edgeless display attempts to give viewers as much screen as possible by stretching it to the farthest edge of the monitor’s frame. Sceptre’s curved monitors typically tend to incorporate this feature.
AMD FreeSync
AMD FreeSync is added software that ensures viewers are getting the smoothest visual experience possible. It essentially adapts the monitor’s refresh rate to match the video’s frame rate. This is most effective when rendering gaming content and the lower frame rates still commonly displayed by a lot of fixed video content.
Sceptre monitor prices
Inexpensive
You’ll find basic LED monitors in the $50 to $100 range. While you’ll still be able to enjoy HD resolution and multiple input options, size options will be limited and it’s not likely that you’ll be able to do any wall mounting. This is a great range if you’re seeking a low-cost solution for HD or flat-screen monitoring.
Mid-range
Many of the high-quality curved Sceptre monitors can be found for $100 to $200. You’ll also notice that monitors in this range will offer more flexibility with additional inputs and mounting options.
Expensive
If you’re looking for a Sceptre monitor that’s bigger than 27 inches, expect to pay $200 and above. Models in this range will also boast the most features, sport the best resolution, and be the most compatible with other input devices.
Tips
If possible, take advantage of your monitor’s power-saving features to not only conserve energy, but to also extend the life of your display device.
If you’re interested in getting a curved display, go big (at least 30 inches). Anything smaller may minimize the desired effects of curved screens.
Go with curved monitors if you’re looking for increased immersion. Because the edges of the screen are slightly bent towards the viewer, the wrap effect attempts to fill the peripheral vision while at the same time focusing the image in front of your eyes. This can lead to a more enjoyable viewing experience, especially while watching movies or playing games.
FAQ
Q. Do Sceptre monitors work as second screens for laptops or PCs?
A. Yes, they can. It really comes down to what inputs are available on your particular monitor and if you have the proper cables to extend your monitor setup.
Q. Do monitors work with gaming consoles such as Xbox or PS4?
A. Yes, most of the newer game consoles connect via HDMI, so you’ll be all set. If you’ve got an older console that uses an RCA connection, you’ll need an adaptor.
Q. Will Sceptre monitors work with Mac computers?
A. Yes. If you can connect your Mac via HDMI or DisplayPort, then you’ll be able to use your Sceptre monitor with it.
