Buying guide for Best Sceptre TVs
At the heart of any home entertainment center is the television. A TV provides a hub for the content you wish to access, whether it’s from a streaming service, video game console, or cable box. Sceptre offers popular TVs of various sizes and resolutions and at more budget-friendly prices than many competitors.
Sceptre TVs best serve those who prize functionality over higher-end features like striking contrasts and deep blacks. These televisions are accessible and come in a range of sizes, making them worthy investments for any location in your house. Most Sceptre TVs, however, are not smart-equipped, meaning in order to access your favorite streaming services and apps you’ll need an external connection or device. Still, such devices are readily available and inexpensive, allowing you to easily personalize your Sceptre TV.
Our buying guide will take you through the basics of Sceptre TVs. When you’re ready to buy, check out our top picks for the best TVs from Sceptre on the market.
Key considerations
Resolution
The first aspect to consider when buying a Sceptre TV, or any TV for that matter, is resolution. Sceptre offers HD TVs as well as Ultra HD options.
- HD: Some smaller Sceptre TVs feature HD resolution, which is 1,280 x 720 pixels. This is the lowest-quality resolution available but certainly adequate for older content or when used in smaller spaces. Standard definition, which is even less sharp, is mostly obsolete among TVs at this point.
- Full HD: High-definition content features 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, which amounts to over two million pixels in total. Full HD is a popular option for watching just about any TV show or movie. You can find Sceptre full HD TVs of all sizes, and they are among the cheaper options available.
- 4K: 4K TVs are growing in popularity and becoming more commonplace as more shows and movies are presented in 4K. Big-budget films and many premium TV series are shot in 4K. This resolution, also referred to as ultra HD, boasts eight million pixels. These options are pricier than HD TVs.
- 8K: While some competitors are advancing 8K TVs, Sceptre does not offer any at the moment. As it is, there isn’t much content yet that’s shot in 8K.
Size
A TV’s size is measured diagonally from one corner to the other. Smaller options range from 20 to 30 inches, suitable for bedrooms or kitchens, while Sceptre’s largest options reach up to 75 and even 85 inches.
In most cases, a 50- or 60-inch TV will suffice as an entertainment room centerpiece. When considering size, assess how much space you have available. You want the TV to be centrally located in the room and high enough off the ground to maximize the viewing area. Smaller spaces may be overwhelmed by larger TVs, while more open areas may call for bigger TVs, especially if more people are watching from various distances.
Note that bigger isn’t always better. Sceptre TVs have a low refresh rate, meaning that you may notice some motion blur if you’re watching live content, particularly sports and video games. As Sceptre TVs aren’t the most powerful options on the market, there is the chance some content won’t show up as well on the largest sizes.
Smart functions
Most Sceptre TVs do not come with smart capabilities like their competitors. That allows a drop in price, but it also means that you will need to acquire an external streaming device to make your TV smart. Once set up, you’ll be able to access streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.
For those who enjoy a cable subscription, Sceptre TVs may be a wise investment. However, if you’re a cord-cutter and want streaming services, you’ll need to make additional purchases to access the content you desire.
Ports
A TV’s inputs allow you to hook up your devices. Most Sceptre TVs have at least two HDMI ports, which are the popular mode of connection for most cable boxes, video game consoles, and soundbars. Some TVs may feature up to four HDMI ports, offering more accessibility and convenience, especially if you have a multitude of devices.
You may also want to take note of USB ports, which power certain devices and allow you to view compatible files such as pictures from the drive on the TV. Sceptre TVs also boast an audio jack so you can listen to what you’re watching or playing on headphones without disturbing others.
Did You Know?
Sceptre may not have the brand recognition of some of their competitors, but this U.S.-based company has been around for 30 years, specializing in TVs and monitors.
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Features
Android TV
While most Sceptre TVs aren’t smart, some models feature Android TV, essentially making the TV smart by incorporating Google Chromecast. These Sceptre TVs come with popular apps built in, like Netflix and YouTube, and the ability to download more apps, like Spotify and Prime, from the Google Play Store. You can also download games to play and enjoy live TV. With Chromecast, you can cast content from your compatible smartphone or tablet. Android TV also works with Google Assistant, which allows for voice operation.
Currently, Sceptre Android TVs come in a smaller range of sizes than the brand’s other options, with the smallest at around 30 inches and the largest topping out at 65 inches.
Wall mounting
You will have the option of mounting your Sceptre TV, which may offer an easier viewing position than a TV stand or entertainment center. Wall mounting requires careful installation for secure support and comes at an additional price. While wall mounting may forgo the need for an appropriately sized stand, keep in mind that connected consoles will need to be positioned nearby and the hanging cables can be unsightly.
Built-in DVD player
Some Sceptre models feature a built-in DVD player. Even if you already own a DVD player, this option saves on both space and cables.
Portability
A few Sceptre TVs are particularly small, allowing for easy portability. They can be taken with you while traveling, and some can even be used in transit. That’s because some small Sceptre TVs come with a car adapter so that passengers can enjoy watching content on the road.
For eco-friendly consumers, be sure to check out Sceptre’s smaller TVs. They’ve been rated as among the most energy-efficient TVs by Energy Star.
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Accessories
Soundbars: Sony HT-S350 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
Complement your new, impressive visuals with high-quality audio. We recommend this Sony soundbar-plus-subwoofer combo that operates wirelessly and comes at a decent price.
TV stands: Monarch Specialities TV Stand
A TV stand is a useful piece of furniture to support your TV as well as associated devices and media. We like this functional and aesthetic option from Monarch Specialities.
Did You Know?
Sceptre TVs may not offer the best visuals and playback for gamers, especially for newer consoles. But Sceptre does offer a line of monitors designed specifically for gaming.
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Sceptre TV prices
Inexpensive
You can find a variety of Sceptre TVs for under $400. While most will be of the full HD variety, some will be 4K. Most TVs in this price range will be small to medium in size.
Mid-range
The majority of Sceptre TVs, including both full HD and 4K options, cost between $400 and $800. Android TV options are also available in this price range.
High-end
A handful of the largest full HD and 4K Sceptre TVs cost more than $800. These are newer models with multiple ports.
Tips
- Consider audio. Sceptre TVs offer adequate sound, but in order to experience high-end audio you may want to incorporate a soundbar or speaker system.
- Position your TV carefully. Where the TV is situated, including its height, creates the viewing area and acceptable angles. Sceptre TVs may not have as wide a viewing range as other models, so take time to find the right location.
- Invest in quality cables. Be sure to buy quality connection cables, particularly HDMI cables, to allow for the best transfer of data and content between devices.
- Adjust the settings. Your new Sceptre TV may not come preset with your ideal viewing specifications. Adjust brightness, contrast, and other parameters when you first turn on the TV.
FAQ
Q. Does owning a 4K TV mean I’ll have 4K content?
A. Owning a 4K TV is only one component to enjoying 4K content. You also need to find content that’s available in 4K. As it’s a relatively recent innovation, older content may not be available in 4K unless it’s been remastered or upscaled, at which point it will come close to 4K but won’t be true 4K. In the case of streaming services, you’ll need a subscription to the 4K tier, if available. For Blu-ray, you’ll need a 4K version of the disc as well as a 4K Blu-ray player. Similar requirements apply to video game consoles as well. Finally, if using a player or console, the connection between the TV and that console will need to support 4K-quality transmission.
Q. How do I maintain my Sceptre TV?
A. Regularly dust the screen by using a microfiber cloth or other soft material to gently wipe the screen. Do not use water or any other liquids or cleaners as these can damage the screen quality. Be sure to keep any moisture, such as that from a humidifier, or heat, like that from a candle, away from the TV.
Q. How long do Sceptre TVs last?
A. You can expect a Sceptre TV to last on average around four to five years. As TV innovation continues to quickly evolve and new technologies are emerging every year, you’re likely to want to upgrade your TV in that time range anyway.
