ConsFirst / Digital photo frames / Compare
Aura Carver (10.1-inch) vs Aura Aspen (12-inch)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Aura Carver (10.1-inch) ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on app & sharing. Aura Aspen (12-inch) wins on screen quality.
The biggest complaint about the Aura Carver (10.1-inch) is wi-fi drops and units that stop working; for the Aura Aspen (12-inch) it's no manual brightness or picture controls. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Aura Carver (10.1-inch) | Aura Aspen (12-inch) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in digital photo frames | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Wi-Fi app frame | Wi-Fi app frame |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 5% | 5% |
| Overall score | 4.6 | 4.6 |
| Screen quality | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| App & sharing | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Easy setup (for older relatives) | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| No hidden costs | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Reliability | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–250 · $$$ over $250. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Aura Carver (10.1-inch)
- Wi-Fi drops and units that stop working
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 cloud
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 portraits
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.
Aura Aspen (12-inch)
- No manual brightness or picture controls
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.
Source: PCMag review - Needs Wi-Fi and the cloud
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 quirks
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.
Source: PCMag review, Wirecutter (NYT)
Who should pick which
Pick the Aura Carver (10.1-inch) if
Gifting to grandparents (preload photos before it's unboxed)
No monthly fees
Families who all want to add photos
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
Pick the Aura Aspen (12-inch) if
The most print-like picture
Portrait photos from phones (4:3 screen)
Tabletop or shelf display
Skip it if: You want to adjust brightness manually; You want to hang it on a wall; The home has no Wi-Fi
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.