:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/JuliaFields-54a1bbe7012645f5912e85df4a83af4c.jpg){kind=small}
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/JuliaFields-54a1bbe7012645f5912e85df4a83af4c.jpg)
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Home-best-digital-picture-frames-5221594-8dadbfa04dfc4c22906d1aff0bb50b47.jpg)
The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang
When a few traditional picture frames are not enough, a digital 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 gigabytes of memory, motion detection, and video and photo sharing capabilities.
Here are the best digital picture frames.
Best Overall: Pix-Star Easy Digital Photo Frame
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pixstar-2eb023ed702d4238823a3827f7875059.jpg)
Pix-Star
Motion sensor
Can connect up to 25 frames
Easy to upload and share photos
Remote control can lag
Web interface could be more intuitive
No touchscreen
The Pix-Star Easy Digital Photo Frame makes sharing photos with friends and loved ones across states or all over the world simple. This frame comes in two sizes (10 and 15 inches), and the setup is fast, thanks to built-in Wi-Fi. Once activated, you can connect up to 25 frames on one single account and display photos from your smartphone with the compatible app or upload images from USB drives or memory cards.
While the online portal allows you to organize and upload photos as well, it could be more intuitive. Whichever method you use to upload your photos allows you to display pictures easily on connected frames. 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, it can be prone to lagging. This frame also lacks touchscreen convenience. Still, the Pix-Star is an excellent choice for displaying clear pictures and sharing important memories with family near and far.
Best Budget: Aluratek Aluratek LCD Digital Photo Frame
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/alutatekdigitalAMAZON-8995a86d81314835a7d6b78370cc849d.jpg)
Amazon
Automatic slideshow
Easy to use
USB or memory card upload
Lacks app
Lacks onboard storage
No Wi-Fi
For an option that won't break the bank and is straightforward to operate, look to the Aluratek LCD Digital Photo Frame. The high-quality wood frame has easy-to-use controls, and the photo slideshow automatically begins when you turn on the device.
Connect a USB flash drive or secure digital (SD) memory card to start viewing your photos either vertically or horizontally, depending on your preference. This digital photo frame isn't the most high-tech option; it lacks Wi-Fi, an app, and any storage. However, it displays crisp pictures at a low cost on a space-saving 8-inch display. Overall, this is a great starter frame for those interested in displaying photos digitally with ease.
Best Splurge: Meural Canvas II
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MeuralCanvasII-45029daa880f4ea5b6421294b9a2dc22.jpeg)
Best Buy
Designed to hang on the wall
Can display digital art
Four color options
Art options require membership
Only 4GB of storage for non-members
If you have a bigger budget, consider this Meural Canvas frame, designed to hang 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, download the Meural app to add your own pictures, adjust settings, create playlists, and more.
One of the unique features of the Meural Canvas is the available Meural Marketplace Art Membership. When enrolled, your frame can display non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and digital art as trends evolve. Membership also gives you access to a library of some of the most famous art pieces. While the membership unlocks the most features, the Meural Canvas offers a sophisticated way to showcase personal artwork and photography, too.
Best for Videos: PhotoSpring Digital Picture Frame
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/photospring-edd15d93631543c59299e27e6715f320.jpg)
PhotoSpring
Removable frames
User-friendly touchscreen
Multiple ways to share
Long charging time
No adjustable brightness
The PhotoSpring Digital Picture Frame combines beautiful pictures with the ease of a touchscreen for a user-friendly experience. While it lacks certain advanced features, such as brightness settings, what makes this pick unique is the ability to display videos up to five minutes long via email, a compatible app, or a web browser.
This 10-inch frame has enough room for over 10,000 photos and videos, allowing you to easily share videos of dance recitals or sports practice or create photo albums from vacations or holidays to show family all over the world. You can even customize the design by switching between black and white frames depending on the day and enjoy cord-free viewing for about four hours.
Best for Grandparents: The Skylight Frame
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/51nRgSxxaL._SL1147_-65d5d3b40ae74df29dbe94e5a3913f47.jpg)
Amazon
User-friendly
Touchscreen
Easy to set up
No brightness settings
Could be a bit too technical
A digital photo frame is a perfect gift for sharing special family memories with grandparents, especially if they live in another city or state. The 10-inch display on the Skylight Frame offers crisp picture quality and a large screen for easy viewing. While it could be a bit technically advanced for some, overall, it's relatively straightforward to use.
All grandma or grandpa has to do is plug in the touchscreen frame, create a unique email address, and start sharing and receiving photos, which appear almost instantly (in less than 60 seconds). Share the email address with family and friends to view everyone's pictures effortlessly.
Best Non-Wi-Fi: NIX 10.1 inch Widescreen Digital Photo Frame
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nix-daf50c37b40d4fda8d67ac55cbd50622.jpg)
NIX
Energy-saving mode
Built-in clock and calendar
No touchscreen
Limited smartphone connectivity
You can use and enjoy the NIX Widescreen Digital Photo Frame anywhere—no Wi-Fi required. Connect your USB drive to view photos and videos with the built-in stereo speakers and clear display. Then customize your slideshow with different transitions or shuffle all your memories for a new surprise each time.
One significant drawback is that smartphone connectivity is more difficult since this frame doesn't have Wi-Fi. However, it has several other great features, including 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. You can also mount it on a wall or keep it on the mantel and control the slideshow with the included remote for hours of reminiscing.
Best Large Screen: Feelcare WiFi Picture Frame
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/feelcare-652f004071564729a5c76e2bdfa56ec5.jpg)
Feelcare
Large screen
Adjustable brightness and sleep mode
Mountable frame
Can only upload 10 pictures at a time
No rechargeable battery
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. You can also adjust the brightness at any point on the touchscreen or have it change to 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. However, you're limited to uploading 10 images at a time. If you want to upload pictures in bulk, you can connect a USB or SD card for more effortless file transfer. 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
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/nixplay-20c0cb4264a54c0ab914a33f187b2020.jpg)
Nixplay
One-year subscription to Nixplay Plus
Automatic rotation
Mounting available
May have to pay for additional storage
One-year warranty without subscription
If you want a digital frame with display and orientation flexibility, consider the 10.1-inch Nixplay Smart Digital Photo Frame. It can be mounted on the wall or stand alone on a coffee table with automatic rotation from portrait to landscape and vice versa.
Another feature that sets this frame apart from others is the optional Nixplay Plus subscription, which includes print discounts, more cloud storage (50 gigabytes versus the standard 10 gigabytes), unlimited playlists, extended video play (up to 1 minute), up to 10 connected frames, and a lifetime warranty. While these benefits cost extra, they could make this pick perfect for large families spread across a state or country.
Best Customization: Dragon Touch Classic 10
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/DragonTouchClassic10-7c61f1ed88074c3f88b1f119a9c26782.jpg)
Amazon
Touchscreen
Classy appearance
Various photo and slideshow options
Only two frame color options
Captions don't display
The 10-inch Dragon Touch Digital Picture Frame combines numerous features for a customizable experience. This model offers a sleep mode to conserve energy and auto-rotate settings in a stylish frame. Add photos easily through various methods, including the compatible phone app, email, USB or SD cards, or directly from your computer through a file transfer protocol (FTP) server.
Beyond the sharing options, this Dragon Touch frame includes the option to set an alarm, adjust the brightness, and choose your slideshow mode with different transitions for personalized viewing. One downside is that image captions don't display automatically. However, you can also share and play 30-second video clips.
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 prices 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 around 8 inches, with some picks over 15 inches. When choosing the best size, 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, purchasing a larger option for a bigger, clearer, and crisper image could be better.
Compatibility
Wi-Fi connectivity is a top consideration for uploading and sharing photos. Wi-Fi frames allow you to send photos through a special email address. These models also connect right to your smartphone through a compatible app where you can upload and transfer all of your pictures to the frame effortlessly. Most non-Wi-Fi digital picture frames offer onboard storage and the option to upload files from a USB flash drive or SD memory card from a camera. However, sharing photos with loved ones on these frames is less immediate without a Wi-Fi connection.
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 of anywhere from 15 seconds to 5 minutes, so look into this before taking the plunge.
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 how many photos that equates to. This figure could be more important for frames with Wi-Fi, where the pictures are coming directly from an app or smartphone. If a frame has physical storage, look into the maximum storage size that can be uploaded into the frame at one time.
-
Do digital frames need Wi-Fi?
Some digital picture frames do require Wi-Fi, while others do not—just check the specifications of your product. Usually, frames that allow you to upload photos through a smartphone app or email will require Wi-Fi, while those that only use USB drives and SD cards will not.
-
How long do digital picture frames last?
According to Pix-Star, most digital picture frames can display photos continuously for about 1,000 hours before any screen damage. This duration varies 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. For extra assurance, keep your frame away from direct sunlight and in a place where it cannot easily fall or break.
-
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 if a frame offers cloud storage and app and email sharing. If you want the option to use a memory card in addition to other means of uploading photos, such as USB flash drives or uploading from your computer, refer to the manufacturer's guidance about compatibility.
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.
:strip_icc()/best-smart-lamps-6740683-73708fd9cc2d41dfa493fbe0b958c1cb.jpg)
:strip_icc()/Best-outdoor-projectors-5271446-6eee14dc94564d59bdb8ebf851568bf6.jpg)
:strip_icc()/Best-Picture-Frames-4164410-e09b0319f5b54bd9ae8dd31df55abdec.jpg)
:strip_icc()/usa--new-jersey--jersey-city--young-woman-setting-air-conditioning-156854462-5b4fa85846e0fb00376e5afa.jpg)
:strip_icc()/woman-unlocking-smart-lock-with-phone-f121e3f0cd9842749a35a6812f44464b.jpg)
:strip_icc()/pexels-ann-poan-5797904-5a11719a0add40f591d31db4af5e4eaf.jpg)
:strip_icc()/how-to-install-security-cameras-5074424-13-6d9f2f978f8a4bd29f462cbcc5302f04.jpg)
:strip_icc()/Best-Programmable-Thermostats-4584175-cd5d881d8ed64e6292d8f5d75acb0fef.jpg)
:strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-6-best-keyless-entry-system-4154523-final-01-a45fd31fcbad4babae422a4cb1a8bb93.jpg)
:strip_icc()/the-best-smart-plugs-5225486-537a19b649924c0fab6884b511b0f7b4.jpg)
:strip_icc()/best-smart-switches-5271009-63515b651007402f8334af0330920b4e.jpg)
:strip_icc()/best-doorbell-cameras-4147384-3c48c5a6b6854d7295af432537727acd.png)
:strip_icc()/Best-ereaders-5084876-eed0dce42d8e422498f09286b3f9352b.jpg)
:strip_icc()/SPR-Home-best-gifts-for-the-whole-family-4172734-final-f162751f7f144db39f78179f4b841041.jpg)
:strip_icc()/GettyImages-1048094480-984c0a6830c84982ab682ad93cf11dea.jpg)
:strip_icc()/modern-home-smart-automation-system-bbdefd86c931407c96d385d73b1929f6.jpg)