Sceptre M25 165Hz Monitor: Ultimate Budget Gaming Display

If you are searching for the sceptre m25 165hz monitor, there is one important naming detail to know before buying: Sceptre’s official catalog lists models such as the E255B-1658A and its 2024 revision, rather than an exact model called M25. The closest verified match is a 24.5-inch Full HD gaming monitor with a maximum 165Hz refresh rate. This roundup compares that Sceptre model with five alternatives that offer different combinations of image quality, competitive gaming performance, connectivity, and ergonomic adjustments.

Quick verdict: Which 165Hz gaming monitor should you choose?

The Sceptre E255B-1658A family remains worth considering if you specifically want a straightforward 24.5-inch, 1080p monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync support, built-in speakers, and multiple video inputs. Its limitations include a tilt-only stand, a small VESA mounting pattern, and uncertainty about the exact revision and current retailer availability.

For a more balanced gaming and everyday computing experience, the LG UltraGear 24GS65F-B is a strong alternative. Its IPS panel, 180Hz refresh rate, and adjustable stand make it more versatile for gaming, browsing, and work.

The Dell SE2426HGS is a better fit for gamers who want a faster 240Hz display. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3A and AOC 24G4EM offer 180Hz IPS panels for those who want smooth gameplay without jumping to a premium esports display.

At the other end, the BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X offers 360Hz gaming and 1440p resolution for serious competitive players. It is a substantially different class of monitor, however, and not necessarily the best purchase for someone who simply needs an affordable 165Hz screen.

The recommendations below rely on published specifications and available independent testing. They are not based on detailed research of these monitors by this article’s author.

Quick comparison table

The table lists manufacturer-advertised maximum refresh rates. Actual operation depends on the supported input, cable, graphics hardware, resolution, and selected display mode.

How we selected these gaming monitors

The shortlist starts with the Sceptre model family most closely matching the supplied keyword. Sceptre’s current product page identifies the updated monitor as E255B-1658A1 in the URL and title, while the page heading and body use E255B-1658A for the 2024 version. That discrepancy makes checking the exact SKU important.

The alternatives were chosen to represent useful differences rather than six monitors with nearly identical specifications. These differences include IPS versus TN panel technology, 165Hz versus 180Hz and 240Hz refresh rates, adjustable stands, and the jump to 1440p and 360Hz.

Manufacturer specifications establish the basic features of each monitor. For the LG, Dell, and BenQ models, current RTINGS coverage also provides independent testing context. The ASUS and AOC selections are supported primarily by their manufacturers’ published specifications in this research.

No monitor receives a value award based solely on price because a reliable, comparable set of current US retail prices was not established for every exact model. Likewise, an advertised 1ms response time is not treated as proof of independently measured response performance.

The six best monitors to consider

Sceptre E255B-1658A1: Best match for the original 165Hz search

The Sceptre E255B-1658A1 is the closest verified match for shoppers searching for the Sceptre 25-inch 165Hz monitor. The manufacturer’s listing describes a 24.5-inch Full HD display with a native resolution of 1920 × 1080, an advertised 165Hz maximum refresh rate, and a 1ms gray-to-gray response time.

The display supports AMD FreeSync Premium according to Sceptre’s product description. This technology synchronizes the monitor’s refresh behavior with supported graphics hardware to reduce tearing when frame rates fluctuate. The monitor also includes FPS and RTS picture presets, blue-light adjustment, anti-flicker functionality, and two 2W speakers.

Connectivity is a useful part of its appeal. The updated listing specifies three HDMI inputs and one DisplayPort input. However, not every HDMI input supports the full refresh rate. Sceptre lists up to 165Hz over DisplayPort and the primary HDMI input, while its other two HDMI inputs are limited to 120Hz at 1080p.

The stand is less flexible than those supplied with several alternatives. It offers tilt adjustment but no listed height or swivel adjustment. The monitor uses a 75 × 75mm VESA mounting pattern, so a replacement arm must support that size rather than automatically assuming the more common 100 × 100mm layout.

There is another detail to check before ordering: Sceptre’s updated product page does not clearly identify the panel technology in its accessible display specifications. The older E255B-1658A listing identifies a TN panel, but that specification should not automatically be transferred to every revision.

Buy this monitor if the exact Sceptre model is available at a competitive current price and its basic feature set matches your needs. Skip it if you need a height-adjustable stand, verified panel characteristics for a particular revision, or stronger evidence of current retail availability.

LG UltraGear 24GS65F-B: Best balanced alternative

The LG UltraGear 24GS65F-B is a sensible alternative for someone considering Sceptre’s 165Hz monitor but willing to look beyond the original specification. It has a 23.8-inch IPS panel, 1920 × 1080 resolution, and a maximum refresh rate of 180Hz.

The refresh-rate difference is modest compared with the Sceptre, but the panel and stand make the comparison more interesting. IPS technology generally provides more consistent colors when viewed off-center than traditional TN technology. That can be useful when you alternate between competitive games, videos, web browsing, and office applications.

LG advertises a 1ms gray-to-gray response time, HDR10 support, up to 99% sRGB coverage, NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility, and AMD FreeSync support. These are published specifications and feature claims; HDR support by itself does not mean that the display delivers the contrast or brightness of a premium HDR monitor.

The stand supports tilt, height, and pivot adjustments. That gives the LG an ergonomic advantage over the Sceptre’s tilt-only stand, particularly if you spend long periods at your desk or sometimes use the screen in portrait orientation for documents and code.

The LG remains a Full HD monitor, so its native resolution is not an upgrade over Sceptre’s. Moving from 165Hz to 180Hz also provides a smaller practical difference than moving from 60Hz to a high-refresh display in the first place.

RTINGS includes the 24GS65F-B among its budget-oriented 24-inch gaming recommendations. Its published comparison notes that the monitor balances gaming capability with broader day-to-day usability.

Buy the LG if you want a more versatile monitor for gaming and productivity without moving to a more expensive esports category. Skip it if your main goal is substantially higher refresh rates or sharper 1440p resolution.

Dell SE2426HGS: Best for stepping up to 240Hz

The Dell SE2426HGS is the stronger option for players who want to move beyond 165Hz without changing to a larger monitor. Dell specifies a 23.8-inch Full HD IPS display with a maximum refresh rate of 240Hz.

At 240Hz, the monitor can refresh the image significantly more often than a 165Hz model. This can make motion easier to follow when the PC consistently produces high frame rates. However, the size of the improvement depends on the game, the graphics card, the monitor’s response behavior, and individual sensitivity to motion.

Dell lists AMD FreeSync Premium support, HDMI 2.1 inputs, and a DisplayPort 1.4 connection. Its specifications also identify a 99% sRGB color gamut and 300-nit typical brightness. Those features cover the basics for a compact gaming monitor without adding a USB hub or USB-C docking functionality.

One advantage over the Sceptre is the included adjustable stand on the SE2426HGS configuration. Dell specifies height, swivel, and tilt adjustments, giving you more ways to align the panel with your seating position.

Independent testing adds useful context. RTINGS reviewed the SE2426HGS in 2026 and describes it as an entry-level gaming monitor with a fast IPS panel and a 240Hz refresh rate. Its comparison notes that it favors gaming speed over some of the convenience features found on more general-purpose displays.

This is not a compelling upgrade for someone whose games rarely exceed 100 to 120 FPS. The higher refresh-rate ceiling is most useful when both your system and the games you play can take advantage of it.

Buy the Dell if high-refresh-rate gaming is your primary goal. Skip it if you need built-in USB connectivity or prefer to allocate more of your budget to resolution or image-quality improvements.

ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3A: Best for everyday gaming features

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3A offers another route to 180Hz gaming in a compact format. Its 23.8-inch IPS panel has a native resolution of 1920 × 1080 and a maximum refresh rate of 180Hz.

ASUS advertises a 1ms gray-to-gray response time, 99% sRGB coverage, and AMD FreeSync Premium support. It also includes Extreme Low Motion Blur technology, GamePlus tools, GameVisual picture modes, and Shadow Boost for adjusting visibility in darker game scenes.

Those additional gaming features can make configuration more convenient, particularly for players who switch between shooters and other genres. They do not replace good underlying panel performance, but they add flexibility without requiring third-party software for every adjustment.

Connectivity includes two HDMI 2.0 inputs, one DisplayPort 1.2 input, and a headphone jack. ASUS also lists two 2W speakers, which can handle basic system audio when external speakers or a headset are unavailable.

Compared with the Sceptre, the ASUS offers an IPS panel with a clearly documented specification and a familiar collection of gaming features. Its 180Hz refresh rate is only slightly higher than Sceptre’s advertised 165Hz, so the main reason to choose it is the combination of panel technology, features, and ergonomics rather than refresh rate alone.

The limitation is resolution. At 1080p, the monitor is well suited to gaming systems that prioritize high frame rates rather than detailed 1440p imagery. The manufacturer’s specification page should be checked for the exact supported refresh modes when planning a multi-platform setup.

Buy the ASUS if you want a straightforward gaming display with useful on-screen tools and adaptive sync. Skip it if you already have a satisfactory 165Hz IPS monitor and want a meaningful upgrade rather than a small refresh-rate increase.

AOC 24G4EM: Best alternative for a simple IPS gaming setup

The AOC 24G4EM is a 23.8-inch Full HD gaming monitor designed around a Fast IPS panel and a maximum refresh rate of 180Hz. It is worth considering for buyers who want a higher-refresh IPS screen without moving to an enthusiast-class esports model.

AOC advertises a 1ms gray-to-gray response time, Adaptive-Sync, G-SYNC compatibility, and HDR10 support. The 1920 × 1080 resolution keeps GPU demands relatively manageable, which can be helpful if your PC uses a mainstream graphics card rather than a high-end model.

The Fast IPS panel is the main selling point compared with a monitor whose panel type is uncertain or whose older revision uses TN technology. IPS is generally more convenient for mixed use because image appearance is more stable when viewed from different positions. It can also be useful when you have someone looking at the display beside you.

AOC’s product description emphasizes gaming performance and a three-sided frameless design. The thin borders can make a dual-monitor setup feel less visually interrupted, although the physical stand, port selection, and exact mounting arrangement should be checked against the specific retail model you intend to buy.

This is an important model-variant consideration: AOC uses closely related model names across different markets and configurations. Confirm that the listing says 24G4EM rather than assuming every monitor with a similar 24G4 name has identical connectivity or ergonomic features.

The AOC is a reasonable alternative when your priority is a simple IPS gaming monitor with adaptive sync and 180Hz operation. It is not automatically the best choice for someone who wants a height-adjustable stand, USB-C, or advanced connectivity without verifying the exact configuration.

Buy the AOC if its verified local specification and current price are competitive. Skip it if the retailer’s listing does not clearly identify the complete model suffix or if a better-documented alternative is available at a comparable price.

BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X: Best for competitive esports

The BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X is the most performance-focused monitor in this roundup. It uses a 24.1-inch TN panel with a native resolution of 2560 × 1440 and a maximum refresh rate of 360Hz.

The move to 1440p improves the amount of detail available compared with the 1080p Sceptre. At the same time, the 360Hz refresh rate places this monitor in a more specialized category for competitive games where high frame rates and clear motion are particularly important.

BenQ includes DyAc 3 technology, designed to reduce perceived motion blur through backlight-based blur reduction. The monitor also offers gaming-focused settings and ZOWIE Sync support. These features target players who want to fine-tune the display around specific competitive titles rather than simply use the factory defaults.

There are meaningful trade-offs. A 360Hz monitor is most useful when your computer can regularly render frames at very high rates. Competitive titles may make better use of it than demanding single-player games running at maximum graphics settings. A powerful GPU and a suitably fast CPU matter if you want to exploit the monitor’s full refresh capability.

TN technology also places greater emphasis on motion performance than viewing-angle consistency. RTINGS’ independent review notes that the monitor handles motion well at high refresh rates but has limited picture quality compared with more general-purpose displays. Black levels can look gray, and the image becomes less consistent when viewed from an angle. It also lacks HDR support.

Compared with the Sceptre, this is not a small incremental upgrade. It brings higher resolution, much higher refresh rate, and specialized esports features, but it also requires a larger investment in the display and potentially in the rest of the PC.

Buy the BenQ if competitive gaming is a high priority and you have the hardware to sustain very high frame rates. Skip it if you mostly play casual games, need strong viewing angles for general work, or simply want a sensible 165Hz monitor.

How to choose the right alternative

Decide whether 165Hz is actually enough

For many gamers, 165Hz is already a worthwhile step up from a standard 60Hz monitor. It can produce smoother motion and make mouse movement feel more immediate when the game runs at high frame rates.

Moving from 165Hz to 180Hz is a relatively small change. Moving to 240Hz or 360Hz offers more headroom, but the benefit depends on the types of games you play and how consistently your PC renders frames.

If you mainly play single-player titles at high visual settings, choosing a display with good image quality and a manageable resolution may be more useful than chasing the highest refresh rate. Competitive shooter players have a stronger reason to consider the faster Dell or BenQ models.

Choose panel technology for your actual use

IPS is a versatile choice for people who use the same monitor for games, work, streaming, and general browsing. Its viewing-angle consistency is particularly useful when you do not always sit perfectly centered in front of the panel.

TN remains relevant in displays designed around competitive motion performance, but its viewing-angle and contrast limitations matter for general-purpose use. VA can also be useful in gaming monitors, although it is not the panel technology identified in the updated Sceptre specification discussed here.

Do not treat a manufacturer’s response-time figure as a universal performance measurement. A stated 1ms response time does not prove that every pixel transition is equally fast or that the monitor has exceptionally low measured input lag.

Check resolution and GPU capability

The Sceptre, LG, Dell, ASUS, and AOC monitors in this roundup use 1920 × 1080 resolution. This format is relatively easy to drive at high frame rates and suits compact gaming setups.

The BenQ’s 2560 × 1440 resolution offers more detail but requires the GPU to render more pixels per frame. A monitor may support 360Hz without every game reaching 360 FPS on your PC.

Before buying, review performance expectations for your own graphics card and games. A lower refresh rate that your system can sustain is often more useful than a very high advertised maximum that it rarely reaches.

Inspect stand adjustment and mounting compatibility

The Sceptre’s tilt-only stand and 75 × 75mm VESA pattern make it important to check whether the monitor will fit your desk and preferred mounting arrangement.

If you work at your desk for several hours every day, a stand with height adjustment can make positioning easier. The LG and Dell have useful adjustment options that may justify choosing them over a monitor with a more basic stand.

Do not buy a monitor arm based only on the screen’s diagonal measurement. Check the monitor’s exact VESA pattern, supported mounting hardware, and weight without the stand.

Verify the exact model and current price

Model suffixes can identify revisions with different port layouts, features, or availability. In the Sceptre case, the difference between E255B-1658A and E255B-1658A1 should be resolved before ordering.

Check the exact listing, return policy, warranty terms, and seller before paying. The manufacturer page’s displayed price does not establish the current market price, and a product that appears in a manufacturer’s catalog is not necessarily available from a reliable US retailer.

Compare current prices only for products that meet the same basic requirements. A 240Hz IPS monitor may justify paying more than a 165Hz model for competitive gaming, but not necessarily for casual use. Similarly, the BenQ’s 1440p and 360Hz specifications are valuable only if you plan to use them.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sceptre M25 165Hz monitor a real model?

I could not verify an official Sceptre product with the exact name M25. The closest confirmed match is the E255B-1658A family, including a 2024 revision listed as E255B-1658A1 in its product URL and title. Verify the full model number before purchasing.

Is a 165Hz monitor good for gaming?

Yes. A 165Hz monitor can provide smooth motion for competitive and casual gaming. Its benefits are most apparent when your computer can deliver high frame rates. Moving from 165Hz to 180Hz is a smaller change than upgrading from a conventional 60Hz display.

Is IPS better than TN for gaming?

Neither technology is universally better. IPS generally offers more consistent viewing angles and works well for mixed use. TN can be attractive for specialized competitive displays that emphasize motion performance, but viewing-angle consistency and contrast can be weaker.

Can a 165Hz monitor work with a gaming console?

It can connect to a console through a compatible HDMI input, but console output is limited by the console’s supported resolutions and refresh rates. A monitor’s 165Hz maximum does not mean a console will output 165 FPS. Check the exact display and console compatibility details before buying.

Should you upgrade from Sceptre 165Hz to 240Hz?

Upgrade if you play competitive games, your PC produces high frame rates, and independent testing or specifications support the performance improvement you need. If you are satisfied with your existing image quality and frame rates, replacing the monitor simply for a higher refresh-rate number may not be worthwhile.

Final verdict

For someone searching for the Sceptre M25 165Hz monitor, the first step is confirming the intended model: the official Sceptre catalog points to the E255B-1658A family rather than an exact M25 product name.

The LG UltraGear 24GS65F-B is the best balanced alternative here, while the Dell SE2426HGS is worth considering for 240Hz gaming. The ASUS TUF Gaming VG249Q3A and AOC 24G4EM provide other 180Hz IPS options, and the BenQ ZOWIE XQ2566X is the specialist choice for players who can take advantage of 360Hz and 1440p.

Choose based on the exact model, your PC’s capabilities, the stand and connection features you need, and the current verified price—not just the refresh-rate number.fied offers for every exact variant were not established. The article makes no claim of firsthand testing and does not invent performance measurements or user-review consensus.