Sceptre 24-inch Prime Monitor Thin 1080p LED Monitor 99% sRGB 2x HDMI VGA Build-in Speakers, Machine Black (E248W-19203R 2025 Series)
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AI Verdict
This is a dirt-cheap 1080p monitor with a surprisingly smooth 100Hz refresh rate, perfect for a basic home office or secondary display if you can overlook its flaws.
This monitor is a strong fit only if your top priority is getting a 100Hz refresh rate for the lowest possible price. Its value is severely undercut by a wobbly stand, terrible speakers, and a glossy screen that's problematic in bright rooms. It's best used with a separate VESA mount and external speakers.
If you need a monitor for fast-paced gaming, look for a model with a 144Hz or higher refresh rate and a 1ms GtG (Gray-to-Gray) response time.
Regret Score™
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Issues discovered after purchase
Critically weak dimension
Amazon rating vs actual quality
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Pros
- 100Hz refresh rate provides noticeably smoother motion than typical 60/75Hz budget monitors.
- Features two HDMI ports and one VGA port, offering good connectivity for multiple devices.
- VESA 100x100mm mountable, allowing you to replace the flimsy included stand with a proper arm.
- Thin bezels give it a more modern look than many other entry-level screens.
- 99% sRGB coverage delivers decent color for web browsing and general use.
Cons
- The included stand is extremely wobbly and only offers a -5° to +15° tilt adjustment.
- Built-in speakers are incredibly quiet and tinny, making them unusable for anything beyond basic system sounds.
- The glossy screen surface creates significant reflections in brightly lit rooms.
- Multiple users report dead or stuck pixels right out of the box.
- Uses an external power brick which can be bulky and inconvenient for cable management.
Dimension Scores
The 99% sRGB coverage is good for a budget panel, but the glossy finish and low 250-nit peak brightness hold it back.
100Hz is well above average for this price, but users report noticeable motion blur, making it unsuitable for competitive gaming.
Two HDMI ports and a VGA port provide excellent flexibility for connecting modern and older devices.
The stand is extremely wobbly and only offers tilt; the saving grace is the inclusion of a VESA mount.
Best For
- A budget dual-monitor setup using a VESA desk mount.
- Secondary screen for displaying Discord, Spotify, or system stats.
- Basic home office work involving documents, email, and web browsing.
- Upgrading from an old 60Hz monitor on an extremely tight budget.
Not Recommended For
- Serious or competitive gaming due to motion blur and response time.
- Color-critical work like photo or video editing.
- Use in a room with a bright window or light source directly behind the user.
Watch Out For
- The built-in speakers are frequently described as useless, with many users stating their phone is louder and clearer.
- The stand is notoriously flimsy and will shake from simple desk vibrations like typing.
- Sceptre's warranty requires a minimum of three stuck pixels before a monitor is considered defective, so you may be stuck with one or two.
- The glossy screen acts like a mirror, which can be highly distracting if you have any light sources behind you.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0773ZY26F |
| Brand | Sceptre |
| Color | Machine Black |
| Series | E248W-19203R |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
| Resolution | FHD 1080p |
| Item Weight | 5.77 pounds |
| Screen Size | 24 Inches |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Manufacturer | e-Sceptre |
| Item model number | E248W-19203R |
| Screen Resolution | 1920x1080 |
| Product Dimensions | 7.03 x 21.25 x 15.53 inches |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 7.03 x 21.25 x 15.53 inches |
| Screen Surface Description | Glossy |
| Standing screen display size | 24 Inches |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
The most shocking thing about this monitor is the 100Hz refresh rate for under $100, which makes basic desktop use feel much smoother than you'd expect. The colors are surprisingly decent for the price, covering 99% of the sRGB space. However, the cost savings are immediately apparent in the build quality. The stand is so wobbly that it shakes when you type, and the built-in speakers are practically useless. The glossy screen is also a major point of contention; it can make images look vibrant in a dark room but turns into a mirror with any light behind you. You're essentially buying a decent panel attached to a terrible stand and speakers.
“i mean for the price its a steal, yeah the stand is total garbage and the speakers are a joke but i threw it on a vesa arm and the picture is way smoother than my old monitor, cant complain for what i paid.”
Common Praise
- The 100Hz refresh rate is a huge step up from 60Hz/75Hz for general smoothness.
- Picture quality and colors are better than expected for the price.
- Very thin bezels make it look sleek and great for multi-monitor setups.
- Plug-and-play setup is incredibly easy.
- Excellent value for a secondary or tertiary monitor.
Common Complaints
- The stand is incredibly unstable and shakes with the slightest desk movement.
- Built-in speakers are far too quiet and sound tinny.
- Glossy screen causes major glare and reflections.
- Some units arrive with dead or stuck pixels.
- The control buttons are awkwardly placed on the back and difficult to use.
Ownership Tips
- After a few weeks, you'll really start to notice the motion smearing when scrolling text or in fast-moving games.
- The bright blue power LED on the bottom bezel can be distracting in a dark room.
- The glossy screen shows every single fingerprint and speck of dust.
- You'll quickly learn to hate the external power brick when trying to do any cable management.
- The VESA mount placement is a bit high, so it might not line up perfectly with other monitors on a dual mount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it come with an HDMI cable?
Yes, it typically comes with one HDMI cable included in the box.
Can I mount this on a monitor arm?
Yes, it has a standard 100mm x 100mm VESA mounting pattern on the back.
Are the built-in speakers any good?
No, user reviews consistently state the speakers are very quiet and have poor sound quality. You will need external speakers or headphones.
Is the screen glossy or matte?
The screen has a glossy surface, which makes colors pop but can cause distracting reflections.
What is the actual refresh rate?
This model (E248W-19203R 2025 Series) has a 100Hz refresh rate. Older versions or similar models may be 75Hz, so check the model number carefully.
Will this work with a PlayStation 5 or Xbox?
Yes, it will work with consoles via HDMI, but you'll be limited to 1080p resolution.
How do I adjust the settings?
The control buttons are located on the back of the monitor, which can be hard to reach.
Buying Guide
When you're buying a monitor this cheap, you're paying for the screen panel and not much else. Expect corners to be cut on everything else. The stand will be bad, the speakers will be an afterthought, and the build will feel plasticky. The key is to make sure the money was spent on the right spec, which in this case is the 100Hz refresh rate. Plan on buying a separate VESA monitor arm to salvage the ergonomics.
100Hz Refresh Rate
This means the image on the screen refreshes 100 times per second, versus the 60 or 75 on most cheap monitors. It makes everything from moving your mouse to scrolling web pages look and feel noticeably smoother.
Glossy Screen
Think of it like the difference between a glossy photo and a matte one. Glossy screens make colors look more vibrant but act like a mirror in bright rooms. If your desk faces a window, this will be a problem.
VESA 100x100mm Mount
This is a standard screw pattern on the back that lets you attach the monitor to a universal arm or wall mount. For this monitor, it's almost a required upgrade because the included stand is so flimsy.
Built-in Speakers
On budget monitors, these are almost always terrible. They're only good for basic Windows notifications. Don't buy this thinking you can use them for music, movies, or gaming; you will need separate speakers or headphones.
Alternatives
If this monitor isn't for you, look for a model with a matte (or anti-glare) screen to avoid reflections. If you're a gamer, prioritize a higher refresh rate like 144Hz and a faster response time, and look for an IPS panel instead of VA for better colors at the cost of contrast.
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