(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 included
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.
Source: PCMag review, PCMag - A worse photo frame than a real frame
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).
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), PCMag review - Mediocre sound and more 1-2 star ratings
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.
Source: PCMag review, Amazon.com product page
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.
Source: PCMag review - A whole-home hub
PCMag praises Alexa, the widgets, shared calendars and lists, smart home control and built-in Fire TV with a remote.
Source: PCMag review - Better camera for calls
The 13MP camera with auto-framing is a big upgrade for video calls, with a physical privacy shutter (PCMag).
Source: PCMag review
- You just want a photo frame
- You don't use Amazon Photos or Alexa
- You need it on a table (stand costs extra)
- Alexa homes that want a wall-mounted hub
- Family calendar plus photos
- Streaming video in the kitchen
Scores (tap for why)
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.