ConsFirst / Digital photo frames
Digital photo frames: the downsides, first
Digital photo frames get few 1–2 star Amazon ratings (4–11% for the models we checked), but the catch is often in the fine print: some lock useful features behind a yearly plan, and all three Aura frames need Wi-Fi to work at all. Here are the most popular digital photo frames in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared18 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 digital photo frames, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Aura
$$Wi-Fi app frameScore 4.6/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Pooled listing: the same 13,960 ratings appear on the Carver and Aspen variants, so this covers several Aura frames.Wirecutter's top pick: the easiest frame to set up, with a vivid screen and no subscription. Photos live on Aura's servers, so it needs Wi-Fi, and Amazon and Walmart owners report units that stop connecting or stop working.
Subscription: None required: Aura's cloud storage is free and unlimited, but the frame needs Wi-Fi to work (Wirecutter, PCMag)
Top complaints
- Wi-Fi drops and units that stop workingMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says reliability is mixed, with some units working well and others stopping. Several 1-star Walmart reviews say the frame wouldn't stay on or reconnect to Wi-Fi, even after troubleshooting with support, and one reports the Aura logo burned into the screen within two years.
- Useless without Wi-Fi and Aura's cloudMentioned often
Wirecutter notes that all Aura frames need a Wi-Fi connection to function. A 1-star Walmart reviewer objected that their photo library ended up on Aura's servers.
- Wide screen boxes in single portraitsMentioned often
Wirecutter says the 16:10 screen shows large black bars beside solo portrait photos if you turn off the side-by-side Photo Match mode. It also notes the touch strips need a slow, patient swipe. Amazon's summary says some buyers feel it isn't worth the price.
What owners love
- Simplest setup tested
Wirecutter found Aura setup simpler than any other frame it tried: you pair and connect everything from the phone app, with no remote. Amazon owners call it easy to set up and use.
- Vivid, natural-looking photos
Wirecutter says the screen is sharp with excellent contrast and none of the blue tint common on other frames, and the light sensor adjusts brightness well. Amazon shoppers call the display crystal clear.
- Built for gifting and family sharing
You can scan the box's QR code to preload photos and invite relatives before the recipient plugs it in. Wirecutter also praises Aura's privacy practices, smart cropping and video with sound that never plays unexpectedly.
Skip it if…- The home has no reliable Wi-Fi
- You don't want photos stored in a company's cloud
- You mostly shoot single portrait photos and dislike black bars
Good for- Gifting to grandparents (preload photos before it's unboxed)
- No monthly fees
- Families who all want to add photos
Scores (tap for why)
- Screen quality4.5
Why 4.5?
Sharp, high-contrast and color-accurate in Wirecutter's tests. Its 1280x800 resolution is lower than the Aspen and Walden, but Wirecutter saw no obvious drop in quality. - App & sharing5.0
Why 5.0?
Free iOS and Android app plus a web uploader, invites by text, gift preloading, and Live Photos and video support (Wirecutter). Amazon owners find sending photos simple. - Easy setup (for older relatives)5.0
Why 5.0?
The simplest setup Wirecutter tested, with no remote, and the giver can set it up remotely. The recipient only needs Wi-Fi. - No hidden costs5.0
Why 5.0?
No subscription; Aura's cloud storage is free and unlimited (PCMag, Wirecutter). - Reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
Low 1-2 star share on Amazon, but Amazon's summary calls reliability mixed, and Walmart 1-star reviews cite Wi-Fi drops and dead units.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick (updated 2026-09-28), the best frame it has used. Its flaws are the non-4:3 screen, black bars on solo portraits and the need for Wi-Fi.
- ZDNET: Picks the 9-inch Aura Mason as its splurge frame for unlimited free storage and natural color, which shows the same Aura platform rates well elsewhere.
#2
Aura
$$Wi-Fi app frameScore 4.6/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Pooled listing: shows the same 13,960 ratings and histogram as the Carver, so this isn't Aspen-specific.PCMag's best frame overall and a Wirecutter pick: a 12-inch 4:3 matte screen that makes photos look like prints, with no subscription. You can't set the brightness yourself, it can't hang on a wall, and like all Auras it needs Wi-Fi.
Subscription: None required: free unlimited cloud storage, but the frame needs an internet connection to work (PCMag)
Top complaints
- No manual brightness or picture controlsMentioned often
PCMag says there are no brightness, color or framing controls on the frame. Brightness is fully automatic and the screen switches off in a dark room, which PCMag calls a nuisance.
- Needs Wi-Fi and the cloudMentioned often
PCMag and Wirecutter both note it relies entirely on cloud storage and won't work without an internet connection. Amazon's summary for Aura frames calls reliability mixed, with some units stopping working.
- Cropping and app quirksMentioned often
Off-ratio photos are cropped automatically, and you must set each one individually to show the whole image (PCMag, Wirecutter). PCMag's Google Photos albums didn't appear in the app, videos are trimmed to 30 seconds, and the frame has no wall-hanging hardware.
What owners love
- Gorgeous, print-like screen
PCMag says the 1600x1200 screen's color rivals high-end phones, and its anti-glare finish makes images look like prints. Wirecutter says photos look especially great in portrait orientation.
- Easy to set up or gift
PCMag says setup is easy whether it's for you or a gift, with preloading by QR code or a code you send. Wirecutter calls it just as easy to use as the Carver.
- Slim, stable, frame-like design
PCMag notes it's under an inch deep and that the metal foot makes it more stable than the Aura Mason. Wirecutter says the textured mat mimics real mat board.
Skip it if…- You want to adjust brightness manually
- You want to hang it on a wall
- The home has no Wi-Fi
Good for- The most print-like picture
- Portrait photos from phones (4:3 screen)
- Tabletop or shelf display
Scores (tap for why)
- Screen quality5.0
Why 5.0?
PCMag's best overall for its wide, accurate color and anti-glare 4:3 screen. Brightness can't be set manually. - App & sharing4.5
Why 4.5?
Unlimited sharing from phone, iCloud, Google Photos, the web or email (PCMag), but PCMag's Google Photos albums didn't show up and per-photo crop settings are tedious. - Easy setup (for older relatives)5.0
Why 5.0?
Easy self or gift setup through the app (PCMag, Wirecutter), and the lack of on-frame settings stops recipients from changing things by accident. - No hidden costs5.0
Why 5.0?
Unlimited cloud storage with no subscription (PCMag). - Reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
Solid metal stand (PCMag), but the pooled Aura Amazon listing reports mixed reliability, and it needs constant Wi-Fi.
What experts say
- PCMag: 4.0/5, Editors' Choice and Best Digital Picture Frame Overall (updated 2026-10-06). The cons are that it needs internet and has no manual brightness or color controls.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best for larger images on a flat surface. Its flaws are the need for Wi-Fi and a size that may be too big for some spaces.
#3
Aura
$$$Wi-Fi app frameScore 4.5/5
4%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Very small sample: 147 ratings.Wirecutter's pick for a large wall frame: a sharp 15-inch 4:3 screen, solid build and the same easy Aura setup. It's big, pillarboxes portraits when hung horizontally, and needs a nearby outlet and Wi-Fi.
Subscription: None required: Aura storage is free and unlimited; Wi-Fi is required (Wirecutter, PCMag)
Top complaints
- Big, with a visible power cordMentioned often
Wirecutter says it takes up a lot of space, reaching just past 20 inches diagonally with the mat. Its 9.6-foot cord means an outlet must be nearby, and the only way to hide the wire is through the wall. Amazon's summary says reactions to the screen size are mixed.
- Pillarboxing and per-photo croppingMentioned often
Wirecutter says portraits are noticeably pillarboxed when it hangs horizontally. Showing the whole image means changing each photo in the app, which can be time-consuming, so it suggests dedicating the frame to one orientation.
- Needs Wi-FiMentioned often
Like all Aura frames, it won't function without a Wi-Fi connection (Wirecutter).
What owners love
- Large but still sharp
Wirecutter says the 1600x1200 screen shows plenty of detail even from a foot away. Amazon shoppers praise the vibrant picture.
- Solid, stylish build
Wirecutter says the 3 lb 11 oz frame doesn't feel cheap or flex, and its floating faux mat looks sophisticated. It comes with a stand plus a nail and hook for the wall.
- Same easy Aura sharing
Setup and controls match the Carver (Wirecutter). Amazon shoppers say it's easy to invite family to add photos and that it went over well as a gift.
Skip it if…- You don't have wall space and a nearby outlet
- You want to mix portrait and landscape photos
- You want the lowest price
Good for- Hanging on a wall (hook and stand included)
- A big, short slideshow of favorite shots
- No-subscription families
Scores (tap for why)
- Screen quality4.5
Why 4.5?
Sharp 1600x1200 4:3 screen (Wirecutter), but portraits pillarbox when it's horizontal. - App & sharing4.5
Why 4.5?
Same free Aura app and invites (Wirecutter, Amazon), but showing whole photos means per-photo app changes. - Easy setup (for older relatives)4.5
Why 4.5?
As simple to set up as other Auras, but hanging it and finding an outlet within 9.6 feet takes planning (Wirecutter). - No hidden costs5.0
Why 5.0?
No subscription; Aura storage is free (Wirecutter, PCMag). - Reliability4.0
Why 4.0?
Solid feel with no flex (Wirecutter) and few low ratings on Amazon, though the sample is tiny.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Best for displaying larger images on a wall. It needs Wi-Fi, takes up a lot of space and needs an outlet close by.
#4
Skylight
$$Wi-Fi app frameScore 3.6/5
4%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Pooled listing: 27,590 ratings shared with the original Skylight Frame (a top review is tagged '10" Skylight Frame - Black').PCMag's most customizable frame, with a sharper 1920x1200 touchscreen than the original and swappable frame designs. Grandparents find it simple, but buyers keep running into the $39-a-year Skylight Plus upsell.
Subscription: Optional: Skylight Plus is $39/yr (covers all your frames). Owners and Wirecutter say key extras such as app uploads, video or albums sit behind it, though Skylight's own page lists photo and video sending as free
Top complaints
- Skylight Plus paywallVery common
A highly rated Amazon review calls the Skylight Plus fee a hidden cost: without $39 a year, the frame is basically an email photo viewer, and app uploads, videos and captions need the plan. Wirecutter, testing the original Frame, says it prompts you to upgrade at nearly every step. ZDNET lists 'need subscription to unlock all capabilities' as a con.
- Pillarboxing and a bulky frame (original model)Mentioned often
Wirecutter found the original 10-inch Skylight landscape-only, with big black bars on portrait photos and a frame that brings it to 14 inches overall. PCMag says the Frame 2 improves resolution and design, but Wirecutter hasn't retested it.
- Price feels high to someOccasional
Amazon's review summary says some owners consider it overpriced. One 1-star Walmart review of the Frame 2 says manual brightness changes blanked the screen until it was tapped.
What owners love
- Grandparent-friendly touchscreen
Amazon shoppers call it easy to use and a great gift for grandparents, and like that anyone can add photos from anywhere. Wirecutter says the touchscreen makes setup a snap.
- Sharper screen, offline storage
PCMag says the Frame 2 moves to 1920x1200 resolution and doubles internal storage for offline use. Amazon shoppers praise the display quality.
- Swappable frame designs
PCMag picks it as the most customizable frame: you can switch among four designs, including wood and shadow-box looks, and buy extra frames.
Skip it if…- You don't want an annual add-on fee
- You show many portrait photos on a landscape frame
- You want the most compact frame
Good for- Grandparents who like a touchscreen
- Emailing photos straight to the frame
- Matching room decor with swappable frames
Scores (tap for why)
- Screen quality4.0
Why 4.0?
1920x1200 on the Frame 2 (PCMag), and Amazon owners praise the display. Wirecutter found heavy pillarboxing on the original. - App & sharing3.0
Why 3.0?
Emailing photos is free and easy, but owners and Wirecutter say the app, video and albums push you toward Skylight Plus. - Easy setup (for older relatives)4.5
Why 4.5?
The touchscreen makes setup a snap (Wirecutter), and Amazon owners say non-tech-savvy grandparents manage it easily. - No hidden costs2.5
Why 2.5?
Skylight Plus costs $39 a year, and buyers describe it as a hidden cost for features they expected. - Reliability4.0
Why 4.0?
One of the lowest 1-2 star shares here on a large (pooled) sample.
What experts say
- PCMag: Best Customizable Picture Frame (added 2026-10-06, unrated). It praises the higher resolution, extra storage and swappable designs.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Calls the original Skylight Frame a mixed bag because of pillarboxing, its large size and constant upsells to the roughly $40-a-year plan. The Frame 2 hasn't been tested.
- ZDNET: Best large frame (original Skylight): vibrant and easy to use, but you need a subscription to unlock all capabilities.
#5
Pexar (Lexar)
$$Frameo budget frameScore 3.6/5
9%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 363 ratings.PCMag's pick for using without Wi-Fi: a sharp 2K anti-glare screen, 32GB built in and USB or microSD loading. Wirecutter liked the screen but objects that the Frameo app charges for basic remote control, and Amazon owners call the app basic.
Subscription: Optional, but Wirecutter found key remote features need Frameo+ ($2/mo or $17/yr), such as seeing from your phone which photos are on the frame
Top complaints
- Frameo+ fee for remote featuresMentioned often
Wirecutter was disappointed that features it would use regularly, such as seeing which images are on the frame from your phone, require a Frameo+ subscription at $2 a month or $17 a year.
- Basic app and 10-photo upload limitMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says some owners find the app basic and note it lets you upload only ten photos at a time. Opinions on file transfer are split.
- Mixed reliabilityMentioned often
Amazon's summary says customers disagree on reliability, and about 9% of its ratings are 1 or 2 stars.
What owners love
- Sharp 2K, anti-glare screen
Wirecutter says its 2000x1200 screen did a great job with test images. Amazon shoppers describe a vibrant, crisp display with an anti-glare finish.
- Works without Wi-Fi or the cloud
PCMag says its 32GB of built-in storage is massive for a frame, expandable with microSD or USB, and suits low-tech or privacy-minded owners.
- Easy setup, flexible placement
PCMag says it's easy to hang and its movable stand works in portrait or landscape. Amazon shoppers find it easy to set up and good value.
Skip it if…- You want full remote control without a fee
- You need to send big batches of photos from your phone
- You want a long track record (small review base)
Good for- Offline or privacy-minded households
- A sharper 2K screen
- Loading photos by USB drive or microSD
Scores (tap for why)
- Screen quality4.5
Why 4.5?
A 2000x1200 screen that did a great job in Wirecutter's tests, with an anti-glare finish Amazon owners like. - App & sharing3.0
Why 3.0?
Owners call the Frameo-based app basic, uploads are limited to 10 at a time (Amazon), and remote management needs Frameo+ (Wirecutter). - Easy setup (for older relatives)4.0
Why 4.0?
PCMag recommends it for low-tech users who want easy setup, and Amazon owners agree. You can skip Wi-Fi entirely. - No hidden costs3.0
Why 3.0?
It runs free, but Wirecutter says useful remote features need Frameo+ at $17 a year. - Reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
Customers disagree on reliability (Amazon), and the sample is small at a 9% 1-2 star share.
What experts say
- PCMag: Best for Using Without Wi-Fi (added 2026-10-06, unrated). Good for privacy-minded or low-tech owners.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not a pick: a great screen and nice mat, but Wirecutter doesn't think you should have to pay Frameo+ to run your frame remotely.
#6
AEEZO
$Wi-Fi app frameScore 3.4/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)A popular sub-$100 touchscreen frame that ZDNET lists as an alternative, with 9,000+ Amazon ratings praising easy setup and instant phone uploads. No major outlet has tested it in depth, the 1280x800 screen is basic, owners report Wi-Fi trouble, and listings disagree on which app it uses.
Subscription: None advertised: the current Amazon listing describes free photo sharing through the AiMOR app; no expert checked for paid tiers
Top complaints
- Wi-Fi connection issuesMentioned often
Amazon's review summary says experiences with connectivity are mixed, with several owners reporting trouble connecting to Wi-Fi.
- App confusion between listingsOccasional
The current Amazon listing says it sets up through the AiMOR app. A 1-star Walmart review says a frame advertised for the Frameo app didn't use Frameo, so the buyer returned it.
- No in-depth expert testingOccasional
ZDNET lists it only as an alternative, noting its touchscreen, storage and auto-rotation. None of the outlets checked measured its screen or reliability.
What owners love
- Easy setup and instant uploads
Amazon's summary says owners find it easy to set up and navigate, and they can upload photos instantly from their phones. Walmart reviewers set it up in 5 to 10 minutes.
- Looks like a frame, not a TV
Amazon shoppers say it looks more like a traditional picture frame than a screen, and they praise its display quality and value as a gift.
- Touchscreen, storage, auto-rotate
ZDNET notes the touchscreen, built-in storage and automatic rotation. The current listing says 32GB.
Skip it if…- You want expert-tested picture quality
- You need a specific app such as Frameo
- The frame will sit far from the router
Good for- Lowest price with an app
- A quick touchscreen setup
- Uploading from a phone
Scores (tap for why)
- Screen quality3.0
Why 3.0?
A basic 1280x800 IPS panel. Amazon owners praise it, but no outlet has tested it. - App & sharing3.5
Why 3.5?
Owners find the app user-friendly with instant uploads (Amazon), but listings disagree on the app (AiMOR vs Frameo). - Easy setup (for older relatives)4.0
Why 4.0?
Owners on Amazon and Walmart describe a quick, easy setup. - Reliability3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners report mixed Wi-Fi connectivity.
What experts say
- ZDNET: Listed as an alternative worth considering (about $70), with no full review.
#7
Nixplay
$$Wi-Fi app frameScore 3.4/5
8%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Listing (21,397 ratings) may pool sizes or finishes; a top review on it discusses the 15-inch model.ZDNET's best frame overall, with easy setup, shareable playlists and a motion sensor. The free plan is stingy, Wirecutter found a Nixplay screen skewed blue, and Amazon owners report Wi-Fi trouble.
Subscription: Optional: free Basic plan has only 500 MB of cloud photo storage, 1 connected album and 15-second videos; Nixplay Plus is $29.99/yr for unlimited photos and 50 GB of video
Top complaints
- Wi-Fi and upload problemsVery common
Amazon's review summary says owners report Wi-Fi connectivity issues, and some say it doesn't work at all. A highlighted Amazon review calls uploading from the phone app a terrible experience, and a Walmart reviewer says uploads sometimes just stop.
- Small free planMentioned often
Nixplay's plan page shows the free Basic tier has 500 MB of photo storage, one connected album and 15-second video clips. Unlimited photo storage needs Nixplay Plus at $29.99 a year. Amazon's summary says value-for-money opinions are divided.
- Color and sharpnessMentioned often
ZDNET says horizontal or square photos appear less clear and in focus. Wirecutter found the screen on Nixplay's 10-inch matted touch frame skewed blue, which it calls very bad for skin tones.
What owners love
- Easy setup and playlists
ZDNET says it's easy to set up, and you can invite friends and family to add to playlists even if they don't own a Nixplay. Amazon shoppers call it well suited as a gift for older adults.
- Vivid picture
ZDNET lists vivid picture quality as a pro, and Amazon shoppers praise the clear display.
- Handy extras
ZDNET highlights the motion sensor that wakes the frame when you enter the room, Google Photos uploads and printing from the app. Wirecutter found the matted Nixplay's base stable.
Skip it if…- You don't want to pay $30 a year for storage
- Accurate skin tones matter most
- The frame's Wi-Fi spot is weak
Good for- Shared family playlists
- Motion sensor that turns the screen on and off
- Printing photos from the app
Scores (tap for why)
- Screen quality3.5
Why 3.5?
Vivid according to ZDNET and Amazon owners, but ZDNET notes softer horizontal photos and Wirecutter found a blue cast on a Nixplay 10-inch. - App & sharing3.5
Why 3.5?
Shared playlists and Google Photos support (ZDNET), but Amazon and Walmart owners describe flaky phone uploads. - Easy setup (for older relatives)4.0
Why 4.0?
Easy setup (ZDNET), and it supports preloading gifted frames (Nixplay). One Walmart owner found the instructions lacking. - No hidden costs3.0
Why 3.0?
It works on the free plan, but 500 MB of storage fills fast. Unlimited storage costs $29.99 a year. - Reliability3.0
Why 3.0?
Amazon owners report Wi-Fi connectivity problems and some dead units, and the 1-2 star share is higher than Aura's or Skylight's.
What experts say
- ZDNET: Best digital picture frame overall, with vivid pictures, app printing and shared playlists. The con is that horizontal or square photos look less clear.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Not a pick: the matted Nixplay 10-inch touch frame is 'solid enough' with a stable base, but its blue-skewed screen hurts skin tones.
#8
Amazon
$$$Smart displayScore 3.4/5
11%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Listing pools the 15-inch and 21-inch (Echo Show 21) sizes.PCMag's best smart display for photos: a bright 15.6-inch 1080p screen made to hang like a picture, plus Alexa and Fire TV. But it comes without a table stand ($100 extra), Wirecutter says dedicated frames have better screens, and it has the highest 1-2 star share in this group.
Subscription: None required for the device; photos come from Amazon Photos or Facebook, and Prime adds unlimited photo storage (ZDNET, on the Echo Show line)
Top complaints
- No table stand includedVery common
PCMag says the Echo Show 15 ships with wall-mounting hardware only. Putting it on a counter means a $100 Amazon stand, which makes an already pricey display much more expensive.
- A worse photo frame than a real frameMentioned often
Wirecutter says its frame picks all have higher-quality screens than smart displays, and most people don't find smart displays easier for uploading photos. The rotating home screen also shows shopping suggestions, news and Alexa tips unless you switch them off (PCMag).
- Mediocre sound and more 1-2 star ratingsMentioned often
PCMag lists mediocre audio quality as a con. About 11% of Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars, the highest of the frames compared here.
What owners love
- Bright, vivid, picture-like screen
PCMag says it works very well as a digital picture frame, with a bright, vivid 15.6-inch 1080p screen, a white mat and a framed design.
- A whole-home hub
PCMag praises Alexa, the widgets, shared calendars and lists, smart home control and built-in Fire TV with a remote.
- Better camera for calls
The 13MP camera with auto-framing is a big upgrade for video calls, with a physical privacy shutter (PCMag).
Skip it if…- You just want a photo frame
- You don't use Amazon Photos or Alexa
- You need it on a table (stand costs extra)
Good for- Alexa homes that want a wall-mounted hub
- Family calendar plus photos
- Streaming video in the kitchen
Scores (tap for why)
- Screen quality4.0
Why 4.0?
Bright and vivid for a smart display (PCMag), but Wirecutter rates dedicated frames' screens higher. - App & sharing3.0
Why 3.0?
Photos come through Amazon Photos or Facebook (ZDNET on the Echo Show line), and Wirecutter says smart displays aren't easier to upload to than frames. - Easy setup (for older relatives)3.0
Why 3.0?
Designed for wall mounting, so a table spot needs a $100 stand. Its interface does much more than a frame, which can confuse a photo-only user (PCMag). - No hidden costs3.5
Why 3.5?
No subscription is needed, but the optional $100 stand adds cost (PCMag), and Prime unlocks unlimited Amazon Photos storage (ZDNET). - Reliability3.5
Why 3.5?
About 11% of Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars, the highest here, though this is a pooled listing.
What experts say
- PCMag: 3.5/5, Best Smart Display for Photos. The cons are mediocre audio and no table stand.
- Wirecutter (NYT): General advice: smart displays like the Echo Show have smaller, dimmer or lower-quality screens than its frame picks, and aren't easier to upload to.