ConsFirst / Digital photo frames

Aura

Aura Walden (15-inch): the downsides first

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#3 of 8
$$$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 cord

    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.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Pillarboxing and per-photo cropping

    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.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Needs Wi-Fi

    Like all Aura frames, it won't function without a Wi-Fi connection (Wirecutter).

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)

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.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • 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.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • 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.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
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.
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • App & sharing4.5
    Why 4.5?Same free Aura app and invites (Wirecutter, Amazon), but showing whole photos means per-photo app changes.
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Amazon.com product page
  • 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).
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • No hidden costs5.0
    Why 5.0?No subscription; Aura storage is free (Wirecutter, PCMag).
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), PCMag Aura Aspen review
  • Reliability4.0
    Why 4.0?Solid feel with no flex (Wirecutter) and few low ratings on Amazon, though the sample is tiny.
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Amazon.com product page

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.
Check price on AmazonWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked digital photo frames whose biggest complaint is something else.

#1 in digital photo framesAura Carver (10.1-inch)

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.

Its catch: wi-fi drops and units that stop working#2 in digital photo framesAura Aspen (12-inch)

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.

Its catch: no manual brightness or picture controls#4 in digital photo framesSkylight Frame 2 (10-inch)

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.

Its catch: skylight plus paywall

Head-to-head

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