Sceptre 24-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor Review: Budget 1080p Display with Built-in Speakers
In the rapidly evolving world of gaming technology, a high-quality display can make all the difference between victory and defeat. The Sceptre 24-Inch Curved Gaming Monitor stands out as an affordable yet feature-rich option for gamers seeking an immersive experience without breaking the bank. With a combination of a 1080p resolution, a curved screen design, and built-in speakers, this monitor aims to deliver both visual clarity and convenience for casual and competitive gamers alike. As of 2025, the market for gaming monitors continues to expand, with consumers increasingly valuing features such as refresh rate, response time, and ergonomic design. This review explores every aspect of the Sceptre 24-inch curved monitor to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your gaming setup.
Design and Build Quality
The Sceptre 24-inch curved gaming monitor boasts a sleek, modern aesthetic with a matte black finish that minimizes glare and reflections. Its 1500R curvature provides an immersive viewing experience, wrapping the display around your field of vision to enhance depth perception and reduce eye strain during extended gaming sessions. The monitor’s slim bezels, measuring approximately 3mm on the sides, offer a near-borderless experience, especially advantageous for multi-monitor setups or immersive single-screen gaming.
Constructed with durable materials, the stand provides stability and adjustable tilt options, typically ranging from -5° to +15°, allowing users to customize their viewing angle. The overall build quality feels solid, with no noticeable flex or creaking when adjusted. The monitor’s compact footprint is suitable for desks with limited space, making it an excellent choice for both home and professional gaming stations.
Display Performance
Resolution and Screen Size
The core feature of the Sceptre 24-inch monitor is its 1920×1080 Full HD resolution, which offers crisp visuals and detailed imagery suitable for most gaming genres. The 24-inch size strikes a balance between immersion and practicality, fitting comfortably on most desks. While higher resolutions like 1440p or 4K are available in premium models, 1080p remains a popular choice for budget-conscious gamers seeking smooth performance.
Curvature and Viewing Angles
The 1500R curvature enhances the sense of immersion, especially in first-person shooters, racing games, and open-world adventures. The curve reduces peripheral distortion and provides consistent image quality across the screen. The monitor’s VA panel technology offers wide viewing angles, typically around 178°, ensuring that visuals stay vibrant from various positions.
Refresh Rate and Response Time
One of the standout features of the Sceptre 24-inch monitor is its 165Hz refresh rate, which exceeds the standard 60Hz found in typical office monitors. Higher refresh rates result in smoother motion, reducing motion blur and tearing, especially in fast-paced games. Coupled with a 1ms MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time), gamers can expect quick, responsive gameplay.
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Response Time: 1ms MPRT
This combination significantly enhances gameplay fluidity and responsiveness, crucial for competitive gaming scenarios. For comparison, most budget monitors in 2025 still operate at 60Hz or 75Hz, making the Sceptre model a compelling choice for performance-oriented users.
Color and Image Quality
While the monitor’s VA panel provides good contrast ratios—often around 3000:1—it’s essential to recognize its limitations in color accuracy compared to IPS panels. The color gamut covers approximately 85% of sRGB, which is sufficient for gaming but less ideal for professional color grading or photo editing. The monitor supports HDR10, allowing for enhanced contrast and color depth in compatible games and multimedia content.
Color reproduction is vibrant, with deep blacks and bright highlights, which contribute to immersive gaming experiences. The monitor’s factory calibration is generally acceptable out of the box, but enthusiasts can fine-tune settings via the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu for optimal results.
Connectivity and Features
Input Options
The Sceptre 24-inch curved monitor supports multiple input sources, including:
Input Type | Details |
---|---|
HDMI | 2 ports (HDMI 1.4/2.0) |
DisplayPort | 1.4 version, enabling higher bandwidth and refresh rates |
VGA | Not supported in this model |
Built-in Speakers | 2W stereo speakers |
Audio and Additional Features
The inclusion of built-in speakers offers convenience for casual gaming and multimedia consumption, though audiophiles may prefer external speakers for better sound quality. The monitor also features a headphone jack, allowing private listening. Other notable features include:
- VESA Mount Compatibility (100mm x 100mm)
- Game Mode presets for optimized visuals
- Blue Light Shift technology to reduce eye strain
Ergonomics and User Experience
Ergonomic adjustments are limited to tilt, but the VESA compatibility allows for height adjustment and arm mounting options, enhancing comfort during long gaming sessions. The curved design naturally aligns with the human eye’s curvature, reducing fatigue. The monitor’s matte finish minimizes reflections, even in brightly lit rooms, contributing to an overall comfortable viewing experience.
Performance and Gaming Experience
In real-world scenarios, the Sceptre 24-inch monitor performs admirably, delivering fluid motion thanks to its 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. The response time ensures minimal ghosting and motion blur, crucial in fast-paced titles such as first-person shooters and racing games. The curved display immerses players, giving a competitive edge in multiplayer scenarios and enhancing single-player experiences by providing a more natural field of view.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High refresh rate (165Hz) for smooth gameplay
- 1ms response time minimizes motion blur
- Affordable price point in 2025
- Curved VA panel for immersive viewing
- Built-in stereo speakers for convenience
- VESA compatibility for ergonomic flexibility
Cons
- Limited color accuracy compared to IPS panels
- No height adjustment on the included stand
- HDR support is basic and may not satisfy HDR enthusiasts
- Design may lack premium feel compared to higher-end models
Market Position and Price
As of 2025, the Sceptre 24-inch curved gaming monitor is priced around $220–$250, making it one of the most budget-friendly options with high refresh rate capabilities. Its combination of performance and affordability appeals to casual gamers, students, and those new to gaming who want a decent experience without investing in a high-end display. For comparison, similar models from brands like AOC, ASUS, and MSI offer comparable features but often at a slightly higher price point.
Useful Links and Resources
- Official Sceptre Product Page
- RTINGS Review and Calibration Data
- Best Budget Gaming Monitors 2025
- TechRadar Review
Final Thoughts
The Sceptre 24-inch Curved Gaming Monitor remains a compelling choice for gamers seeking an immersive, high-refresh-rate display at an accessible price point in 2025. Its combination of a curved VA panel, 165Hz refresh rate, and responsive response time offers a smooth gaming experience that rivals more expensive models. While it does have some limitations in color accuracy and ergonomic adjustments, its overall performance and value make it a standout option in the budget segment. For gamers looking to upgrade their setup without overspending, this monitor provides a balanced compromise between performance, design, and affordability.