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When a few traditional frames are not enough, a digital picture frame is a perfect way to showcase all your core memories in one place. We spent hours researching the top digital frames available online, evaluating storage size, display type, device compatibility, and value.
Our favorite, the Pix-Star Easy Digital Photo Frame, is a Wi-Fi-enabled frame with 8 gigs of memory, motion detection, and iOS/Android compatible video and photo sharing capabilities.
Here are the best digital picture frames.
Best Overall : Pix-Star Easy Digital Photo Frame
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Pix-Star
Motion sensored
Can connect up to 25 frames
Easy to upload and share photos
Remote control is not user-friendly
Display photos easily from your Android or iPhone device with our best overall pick, the Pix-Star Easy Digital Photo Frame. Simply connect your frame to WiFi, then add in your photos using a USB Stick, SDHC or SDXC Cards. Or, transfer them directly from your phone with the compatible app.
With this pick, you can share photos with loved ones all over the world and connect up to 25 frames all in one single account. Another great feature is the motion sensor, which turns the frame on when you walk into the room, so your favorite memories are always ready to go.
Users love that you can transition between pictures easily with the included remote control. However, there are no words on the remote, which can make it difficult to operate at first. Still, this frame is a great choice for displaying clear pictures and sharing important memories with family.
Best Budget : Aluratek Aluratek LCD Digital Photo Frame
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Photo courtesy of Amazon
Automatic slideshow
Easy-to-use
Affordable
Not as many features as more expensive options
For an option that won't break the bank, look to the Aluratek LCD Digital Photo Frame. The high-quality wood frame has easy-to-use controls, and the photo slideshow will begin automatically when the frame is turned on. Connect a USB flash drive or SD card to start viewing your photos either vertically or horizontally, depending on your preference.
This digital photo frame definitely not the most high-tech option, but it displays crisp pictures at a low cost. Plus, the screen size is perfect for small spaces. This is a great starter-frame that can eventually be upgraded for more storage and viewing options.
Best Splurge : Meural Canvas II
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Best Buy
Designed to hang on the wall
Art subscription available
Four color options
Expensive
If you have a bit more doe to spend, consider this Meural Canvas frame, designed to be hung like a piece of art or part of a gallery wall. Choose from two sizes, four colors, and two different mounts for the perfect fit for your wall decor. Then, simply download the Meural app to add in your own pictures, adjust settings, create playlists, and more.
One of the unique features of the Meural Canvas is the available art membership. With Async Art, your frame will display new NFT's and digital art everyday as trends evolve. This is a more sophisticated option if you are not looking to share personal photos, but still want a digital technologically-advanced option.
Best for Videos: PhotoSpring Digital Picture Frame
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PhotoSpring
Removable frames
User-friendly touchscreen
Multiple ways to share
Long charging time
The PhotoSpring Digital Picture Frame combines beautiful pictures with the ease of a touchscreen for a user-friendly experience. You can even customize the design by switching between black and white frames depending on the day.
What makes this pick special is the ability to display videos up to five minutes long via email, the compatible app, or web browser. Now, you can share videos of dance recitals or sports practice easily or create photo albums from vacations or holidays to show family all over the world.
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User-friendly
Touchscreen
Easy to set up
No brightness settings
A digital photo frame is the perfect gift for grandparents to share pictures of grandchildren and special family memories, especially if they live in another city or state. This option needs to be user-friendly and extremely easy-to-use while also having a lot of storage and a clear display. The 10-inch display from Skylight offers crisp picture quality and a large screen for easy viewing.
All grandma or grandpa has to do is plug in the touchscreen frame and email their photos, and they will appear instantly. Share the email address with family and friends to view everyone's pictures effortlessly. While still advanced, this option won't confuse grandparents, but rather put a smile on their faces everyday.
Best Non-WiFi: NIX 10.1 inch Widescreen Digital Photo Frame
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NIX
Energy-saving mode
Built-in clock and calendar
No WiFi required
Not as easy to connect to smart phones as other options
The NIX Widescreen Digital Photo Frame can be used anywhere—no WiFi required! Connect your USB stick to view photos and videos with the built-in stereo speakers and clear display. Customize your slideshow with different transitions or shuffle all your memories for a new surprise each time.
Other great features of this frame include a built-in clock and calendar, and an energy-saving sensor that turns the frame off automatically when not in use after a certain amount of time. Mount on a wall or keep on the mantel and control the slideshow with the included remote for hours of reminiscing.
Best Large Screen : Feelcare WiFi Picture Frame
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Feelcare
Large screen
Adjustable brightness and sleep-mode
Mountable frame
Can only upload 10 pictures at a time
Perfect for sensitive eyes, the Feelcare Picture Frame has a large 15.6-inch screen to view family photos and videos up to 15 seconds long with ease. Also, you can adjust the brightness at any point on the touchscreen or have it change into sleep-mode during the night to save energy.
The free app allows for stress-free photo sharing from anywhere in the world, without needing users to make an account. You can even connect a USB or SD card if you prefer. You can also detach the frame rack to view photos in either landscape or portrait mode for the ideal viewing experience each time.
Best Rotating: Nixplay 10.1 inch Smart Digital Photo Frame
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Nixplay
One-year subscription to Nixplay Plus
Automatic rotation
Mounting available
May have to pay for additional storage
Founder and CEO, Mark Palfreeman, designed this Nixplay frame with families in mind, creating a new way for members to stay connected all over the world. This 10.1-inch frame can be mounted on the wall or standalone on a coffee table with automatic rotation from portrait to landscape and vice versa.
What sets this apart from other frames is the included one-year subscription to Nixplay Plus, which includes print discounts, family-sized storage, private grouped playlists, extended video play (up to 1 minute), up to 10 connected frames, and a lifetime warranty. All of these benefits make this pick perfect for large families spread across a state or country. Keep this in mind when choosing a gift for any occasions from Mother's Day to birthdays and holidays.
Best for Videos: Dragon Touch Classic 10
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Amazon
Touchscreen
Classy appearance
Various photo and slideshow options
May have to pay for additional storage
A touchscreen adds to the experience of any digital picture frame, including this one with an impressive 10-inch display. The Dragon Touch Digital Picture Frame features sleep mode and auto-rotate settings in a stylish chocolate brown frame. Add photos easily through various methods, including the compatible phone App, email, or turning the frame to be a local FTP server.
There are various features included in the touchscreen that make this pick worth the price. Set an alarm, adjust the brightness, choose your slideshow mode with different transitions, and more all with a few touches for a completely custom experience designed for your life and your memories. You can even play videos up to one minute long with an impressive sound system.
The Pix-Star Easy Digital Photo Frame is our best overall pick for a digital picture frame. This pick makes it easy to share crisp photos with family all over the world by connecting up to 25 frames that automatically turn on when you enter the room. For a more budget-friendly option, we love the Aluratek LCD Digital Photo Frame. The design is stylish and extremely user-friendly for uploading photos from a flash drive or memory card.
What to Look For in a Digital Picture Frame
Price
As with other tech gadgets, the more you spend, the more features and storage you get. Luckily, there are variously priced options for every budget, and some even offer price for additional storage or features, so you can adjust your purchase accordingly. But, with a lot of storage and high-quality materials, you won't need to repurchase a new frame anytime soon.
Size
Digital picture frames come in various sizes usually starting around eight inches with some picks over 15 inches. Consider where your photo frame will live. Odds are, you already have a traditional picture frame lying around that is a similar size to a digital one. Use this as a prop to find which size will look best on your side table, mantel, or nightstand.
Another thing to consider is your recipient and if they have poor eyesight. In this case, it'd be better to purchase a larger option for a bigger, clearer, and crisper image.
Compatibility
Most options have space for a USB flash drive as well as an SD card from a camera. Others allow you to send photos through a special email address. Others still connect right to your smart phone through a compatible app where you can upload and transfer all of your pictures to the frame effortlessly.
Also, consider if your frame is compatible with videos and if this is important to you or your recipient. Most picks have a video length limit anywhere from 15 seconds to five minutes, so look into this before taking the plunge.
The last thing to consider is whether your photo frame is compatible with WiFi or not. This will determine where you can (and can't) use your digital frame.
Storage
If you are someone who is always taking pictures, you will want a digital picture frame with a high storage capacity. Most options will share their included storage and about how many photos that equates to. This is more important for frames with WiFi, where the pictures are coming directly from an app or smartphone. For USBs or SD cards, look into the maximum storage size that can be uploaded into the frame at one time. Luckily, most frames allow you to purchase more storage if you run out.
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Do digital frames need WiFi?
Some digital picture frames do require WiFi while others do not—just check the specifications of your product. Usually, frames that allow you to upload photos through a smart phone app or email will require WiFi, while those that only use USB drives and SD cards will not.
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How long do digital picture frames last?
According to Pix-Star, most digital picture frames can display photos continuously for about 1000 hours before any screen damage. This will vary by brand, product, and how often you use your frame. Many picks feature energy-saving modes and automatic shut-off features that will increase the longevity of your gadget. Typically, more expensive and technologically-advanced options will last longer than more affordable ones. Also, many brands have warranties that allow you to replace your frame in case anything happens. Be sure to keep your frame away from direct sunlight and in a place where it cannot easily fall or break.
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Do you need a memory card for a digital picture frame?
Most digital frames allow you to upload photos through a memory card, but this is not always necessary. This is why you need to pay attention to the compatibility means for your product. Other means of uploading photos include USB flash drives, smart phone apps, Google Photos, cloud services, email, and more.
Why Trust the Spruce?
This article was written by Julia Fields a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more.
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