Which is better for office work?

The Dell Pro 20. Its 100Hz refresh, DisplayPort, HDCP and blue-light reduction suit long desk sessions, and Dell's business line is built for daily office use. The Sceptre works for basic tasks but offers less.

Which has better picture quality?

The Sceptre's IPS panel keeps colors steadier from the side, which matters if several people view the screen. The Dell's TN panel is fine head-on but shifts color at an angle. Both are 1600 x 900, so sharpness is similar.

Do I need speakers in the monitor?

Only the Sceptre has them. If you want audio without separate speakers, it saves desk space. The Dell has no speakers, so plan on headphones or desktop speakers.

Dell's business monitors are widely reported to hold up over years of daily use, and Dell backs them with business support. The Sceptre is a budget model with a shorter track record. Either can last, but the Dell is the safer bet for heavy use.

Is the Dell worth stepping up to?

Yes if you use DisplayPort, want 100Hz, or stare at the screen all day. The Sceptre makes more sense for a secondary screen or a tight desk where built-in speakers help.

Can either handle gaming?

Only casually. The Sceptre's 75Hz and Adaptive Sync and the Dell's 100Hz both smooth motion, but 1600 x 900 and 5ms response put both below dedicated gaming monitors.

Sceptre E205W-16003RTT 20" Monitor vs Dell Pro 20 E2026H Monitor

The Dell Pro 20 E2026H is the better-built choice for desk work: it adds DisplayPort, HDCP, a 100Hz refresh and Dell's eye-comfort tuning, and Dell's business monitors are widely reported to hold up over years of daily use. The Sceptre is the pick for tight budgets and small desks, since it includes built-in speakers and an IPS panel with wider viewing angles. Neither is a gaming monitor; both are 1600 x 900 panels, so expect HD+ sharpness, not full HD.

Choose the Sceptre if you want built-in speakers, an IPS panel with wide viewing angles, and a compact screen for a small desk or a secondary display.
Choose the Dell Pro 20 if you want DisplayPort, HDCP, a 100Hz refresh, and a business-grade monitor with eye-comfort features for long workdays.

Prices

Sceptre E205W-16003RTT 20" Monitor: $68.97 at Walmart (last seen Nov 13)