The 6 Best Digital Frames of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
Digital photo frames are a great way to spark joy in your home by displaying not just one special memory but many. But how do you know which digital frame is right for you? We asked a professional photographer for a full breakdown.
Jennie Andrews
Tested by Jennie Andrews
Digital frames are a smart and fun alternative to printed, framed photos. Instead of a traditional frame displaying only one special memory, digital frames can hold hundreds (or even thousands) of special memories, both photo and video. Displayed on a wall or on a table, digital frames add a bit of fun and whimsy to any space and make a perfect gift for many people on your list, especially grandparents. Studies show that being surrounded by photos of happy memories can uplift mood and foster a sense of joy and connection.
Our Top Digital Frame Picks
Some of the frames we tested, geared towards being gifted, come with beautiful packaging and allow you to pre-load them without opening the box. Digital frames come in many different sizes and some even have a variety of bonus features, including audio and/or music, the ability to create custom slideshows, weather updates, alarms and calendars. Some digital frames allow you to configure your photo display's brightness, settings, orientation and speed.
How We Tested
To find the best digital photo frames, we compared 14 options with positive customer reviews from various brands. Each frame was tested for ease of use and set-up, the visual attractiveness and material, screen brightness and quality, screen resolution, ability to rotate, ease of uploading and sharing photos, plus other features such as auto-shut off or sleep mode, compatibility, and ease of operation. We also took into consideration any bonus features as well as the packaging because these frames are often gifted.
To test each frame, we unpacked it, downloaded the applicable app, set it up in a variety of lighting situations, uploaded photos, explored the extra features, and compared the screen quality to that of the other frames.
- Attractive
- Great for multiple uploaders
- Wi-Fi free mode
- Expensive
- No USB or SD slot
The Skylight Frame may just be the best-looking frame on the market. Skylight comes in a variety of colors and styles, each including a built-in mat. We think the mat is key to making a digital frame look like a traditional frame. It also adds to the overall dimensions of the frame, making it look more substantial. All of Skylight's frame designs are sleek, allowing the photos to be the star of the show. The frame can be oriented either horizontally or vertically and can be hung on a wall or placed on a table. The frame is not only beautiful, but it is also a joy to use and view. Setup is easy enough for those with limited tech skills. When powered up, the frame walks you through the whole process. Their proprietary app is very intuitive and the touchscreen is responsive. While the Skylight doesn't allow for direct uploads through a USB or SD Card port, adding photos on the go or from multiple people is a breeze. Simply email photos to an email you create upon setup and they are automatically loaded onto the frame. Share the email with others to allow them to send photos.
As a gift, this digital frame keeps on giving; when it receives new photos, it shows an alert on the screen, letting your family know new memories have arrived. The display on the Skylight is also excellent. The screen is bright and sharp, the color is true and it is easy to view from any angle and in any light conditions. The biggest downside to the Skylight is that access to some extra features such as unlimited cloud storage and custom slideshows, is limited to those who upgrade to the premium version of the app. However, basic preference settings, including brightness, slideshow speed and shuffle settings are available on the free app.
- Screen size and resolution 10" screen — 1280x800 resolution
- Aspect ratio 16:9
- How to upload photos App, email
- Storage 16GB internal storage
- Touchscreen Yes
- Orientation Horizontal or vertical
- Multiple style options
- Upload remotely or via USB
- Calendar
- No auto-off setting
The Dragon Touch 10.1" frame is a crowd favorite on Amazon with an average of 4.8 stars. We found this to be one of the easier frames to set up — when powered up, it gives you a QR code to aid in downloading the app and connecting the frame. The Vtouch app is intuitive and simple to use. The Dragon Touch also has many features of its much more expensive counterparts, including the ability to upload via email, 16 GB of internal storage, music, as well as the ability to play videos and create custom slideshows. Further, the app can send photos to multiple frames at a time, making this an excellent option for families.
For one of the least expensive options on the list, the quality of the image was astounding. The colors were true with nice saturation and the brightness and clarity were both perfect in a variety of lighting conditions. We appreciated the multiple style options, especially the extra-thin, modern frame. Though the Dragon Touch does have a sleep timer, it doesn't have a sensor for auto-off. It is also made of a lighterweight plastic and doesn't look or feel quite as substantial as some higher-priced models when placed in a side-by-side comparison. Despite these few negatives, Dragon Frame certainly stands up to its competitors and is a great option for those on a budget or looking to give multiple frames as gifts.
- Screen size and resolution 10.1" screen — 1080x800 resolution
- Aspect ratio 16:9
- How to upload photos USB, TF card, app, email
- Storage 16GB internal storage
- Touchscreen Yes
- Orientation Horizontal or vertical
- Attractive
- Free unlimited cloud storage
- Wi-Fi connection necessary
- No internal storage
- No wall mount
From the beautiful product packaging to the ability to preload the frame with photos and/or videos and a special gift message, the Aura Carver Wi-Fi Digital Frame is made for gifting. Between Amazon and the Aura website, the Carver has well over 15,000 positive reviews. Upon unpacking the Aura Carver, the frame is noticeably more sturdy than other digital frames, and instead of a separate photo stand, the Aura is molded to sit upright. This makes the Aura Carver significantly more stable than some other brands. While this gives the Aura Carver a more modern vibe, it does prevent the frame from being stood up in portrait orientation or hung on the wall. Though the Carver can only sit in landscape position, vertical photos can be displayed side by side in related pairs with the "photo match" setting.
The Carver digital frame is one of the few frames without a touchscreen, so any settings (brightness, slideshow speed or transitions) need to be made in the app. The Aura Carver also has no internal storage, but does include unlimited cloud storage for both photos and videos. The lack of internal storage means the frame must stay connected to Wi-Fi to work. The Aura Carver makes it super easy for friends and family to upload through either the app (which is very intuitive and user-friendly), via a web browser, or by emailing photos to an email address linked to the frame. Photos can be captioned in the app during upload, another way to share fun memories with loved ones. The beautiful display is 1280p with nice color balance and saturation. The Aura also has a built-in sensor that automatically adjusts brightness to the room and also acts as an auto-off when the room is empty.
- Overall Dimensions 10.5" x 7.3" x 2.1"
- Screen Size and Resolution 10.1" 1280x800
- Aspect Ratio 16:10
- How to Upload Photos App, Email, Web Browser
- Storage No Internal Storage, Free Unlimited Cloud Storage
- Touchscreen No
- Orientation Horizontal
- Voice control
- High-quality speaker
- Integrates with other apps
- Horizontal orientation only
- Bulky
- Screen defaults to Amazon ads
The Echo Show is less digital frame and more fully-integrated smart home hub with a slideshow feature. The screen is only 8 inches, but the HD screen with a resolution of 1280px800 is the best of the pack. Colors are vibrant, images are crystal clear and a built-in sensor automatically adjusts the screen's brightness to an optimal level for the ambient light in the room. The Echo has a lot of features in a small package, though its photo display features are somewhat limited. The Echo is limited to landscape orientation, but vertical photos are auto-rotated and displayed with a matching blurred background. The Echo Show has no internal photo storage and requires the Amazon Photo app coupled with Wi-Fi to display photos. Amazon offers unlimited photo storage for Prime subscribers and Amazon Photo can be set up to back up photos from your camera roll automatically. We also loved being able to organize photos into collections to display on the Echo.
The Amazon Echo shows photos in tandem with other homescreen content, including news and ads for Amazon, with no ability to change transitions or slideshow speed. With the Echo's "wake word technology," you simply say "Alexa, start photo frame" to begin the show. The real benefits of the Echo go far beyond a digital frame. The Echo has incredible-sounding 2"x2" neodymium stereo speakers with a passive bass radiator. It integrates with music apps like Amazon Music and Spotify to keep the whole family dancing. The Echo can also play Netflix shows, news coverage and YouTube videos. The Echo has a built-in smart home hub and can be integrated with smart home devices such as lights, alarms, thermostats and more. The Echo can also make video calls with its built-in camera. All of these features (and its small size) make the Echo Show an excellent choice for creating a home hub in a kitchen or office that not only makes running a household easy but also adds a splash of joy by displaying fun memories.
- Screen size and resolution 8.0" screen — 1280x800 resolution
- Aspect ratio 16:10
- How to upload photos Through Amazon Photo subscription
- Storage No internal storage, free unlimited cloud storage with Amazon Prime
- Touchscreen Yes
- Orientation Horizontal
- Anti-glare screen
- Easy set-up
- 32GB of internal storage
- Limited color options
- Thinner mat
The Pexar by Lexar digital frame has one key feature other frames lack, an anti-glare screen, making it a perfect option for light-filled rooms. The display is sharp, the 1280p resolution makes photos look clear and crisp, and the color and saturation are both on point. The screen brightness can be adjusted for your space and the anti-glare screen looks great even in a window-filled room. The Pexar uses the Frameo app (multiple frame companies use this app) and it is simple and straightforward to use. Set-up is easy, the frame walks you through the process and the touchscreen is intuitive and responsive. While the Pexar is a simple device, it does include some extras like time, weather, a sleep timer and the ability to play movies with or without sound. This frame can be displayed in portrait or landscape mode with auto-rotation and is wall-mountable. The Pexar also boasts 32GB of internal storage, the most of any frame we tested, as well as the ability to expand the storage up to 1TB by docking an external storage source. The Pexar is one of only a couple frames that support both USB-A and USB-C for uploading images. Cloud storage is available by upgrading to the premium version of the app. Friends and family can easily send photos as well by simply downloading the app and entering the frame code. Multiple frames across various companies can be controlled from the same app. The Frameo app also has fun frames you can add to photos to send birthday or happy wishes.
The biggest negative for us is the upload limit of 10 photos at a time via the app. While this doesn't create too much hassle after the initial upload, it does make the initial setup frustrating. We worked around this issue by uploading our first huge batch of photos via USB and then using the app to send photos on the go. The premium app allows uploads of 100 photos at a time and 2-minute videos (the basic, free app allows for only 15-second videos). The 10-inch Pexar only comes in one color combo (black with a white mat), but it is one of the better-looking frames. Pexar, however, does also makes an 11-inch version of this frame with 2k resolution. Often, the price is nearly the same or only slightly more expensive. When we tested, one of the 11-inch colors (there are 2) was on sale for less than the price of the 10-inch, so the upgrade may well be worth it.
- Screen size and resolution 10.1" screen — 1280x800 resolution
- Aspect ratio 16:10
- How to upload photos App, USB type A or C
- Storage 32GB internal storage
- Touchscreen Yes
- Orientation Horizontal or vertical
- 32GB internal storage
- Wood-grained frame
- Customizable slideshows
- Can only transfer 10 photos at once
- Limited color options
Kodak's digital picture frame is a great middle-of-the-road option. It has similar specs to both more expensive and less expensive options. It comes with 32GB of internal storage, a 1280x800p IPS touch screen that is sharp and bright. The frame can be displayed in both portrait and landscape positions and images are auto-rotated. The app allows for the setup of custom slideshows and the Kodak can also be linked to an Amazon Alexa to operate under voice command.
The set-up is easy (it uses a QR code to connect the app to the specific frame) and Kodak's proprietary app is intuitive. The Kodak can also be set up without Wi-Fi by simply connecting a USB device to transfer photos. The size and style of the Kodak are what set it apart for us from other options. At 11 inches, the Kodak is almost an inch larger than the next largest unit. We liked the look of this larger frame for wall-mounted applications. While the frame and mat are still made of plastic, the Kodak features a molded woodgrain frame that would work well in more rustic or traditional homes.
- Screen size and resolution 10" screen — 1280x800 resolution
- Aspect ratio 16:9
- How to upload photos USB, app
- Storage 32GB internal storage
- Touchscreen Yes
- Orientation Horizontal or vertical
What To Look For in a Digital Frame:
- Ease of setup and use. Technology can be tricky, so it’s important to find a device with a user-friendly interface. While most of the frames we tested are easy enough for anyone with even the most basic tech skills, most do require a smartphone and an app to set up. If you are a person with extremely limited tech skills or no smart device, finding a frame that allows for manual uploads from a USB port might be a good option.
- Attractiveness/Aesthetics. While all of these digital frames are made primarily of plastic, the similarity ends there. There is a wide range of styles and qualities among the frames we tested. The frames made from heavier material tended to look the best. We preferred frames with the built-in plastic mats as opposed to only the frame and screen. The mat increases the overall frame dimensions, and while the screen itself is no larger, the frame feels more substantial and looks nicer and more like a traditional frame. There are certainly frames to fit any style and space. For example, some frames can be wall-mounted, some have more modern vibes and some are made to resemble a rustic wood finish. Some frames come in only one or two color options, while some have multiple styles available, so you are sure to find the right fit for your space.
- Picture Quality. Almost every frame on our list has the same (or very similar) resolution, so don’t put too much weight on that specification. The difference in display quality instead lies in the color representation, brightness, saturation and ability to view from any angle. Overall, I was very pleased and surprised by the quality of the image on almost every frame. For a photographer, true color representation and saturation are extremely important. I want the photo on display to be the exact color and brightness as the one I edited on my computer. I’m perhaps a little pickier here than the average consumer, but certainly, big shifts in color are noticeable by nearly anyone and can make or break your viewing experience.
- Shareability. Digital frames make great gifts, and the most giftable frames were those that made it easy for multiple people to upload. Some frames require all uploaders to download an app and connect it to a specific frame, but even easier, some allow photo uploads by emailing photos directly to the frame. We loved the frames that had an alert when new photos were received. These frames are truly a gift that keeps giving and delighting. There are also frames that allow for a “closed box” set-up —The Aura, Skylight and Nixplay — allowing you to gift the frame pre-loaded with photos. Some of these, geared toward gifting, also have really beautiful packaging that makes them feel extra special.
- Display options. Most frames we tested had at least some ability to control the way the photos are displayed. Most had auto-rotate and a shuffle setting. Some allow you much more control, including the ability to make custom slideshows, adjust brightness, change transition style, change the slideshow speed, and crop or smart crop photos to fill the frame. Auto-off or a built-in sleep timer are also helpful and desired features to look for.
- Storage. Storage for photos on these frames varied widely, from almost no internal storage up to 32 GB. Some frames come with free unlimited cloud storage, while some require a subscription beyond an allotted amount. Because the frames are simply a way to display photos and shouldn’t necessarily be used as a storage solution, I didn’t think this was too big of an issue. Even the frames with only 8 GB of storage can hold thousands of photos. Keep in mind, however, for devices with storage only on the cloud, a Wi-Fi connection is necessary for operation, while devices with internal storage can still show photos without connectivity.
Other Frames We Tested
The Pixstar Digital Frame, while similar in screen quality and resolution to some of our favorite models, doesn't come with a touchscreen. Relying on a remote control certainly made set-up more clunky and difficult. This was also one of the more expensive frames on the list. I was willing to sacrifice a touchscreen, but certainly not unless the price was significantly lower.
The Brookstone PhoShare Smart Frame was, on first look, an attractive option. The packaging was lovely and the frame was high-quality and large, with a mat. The set-up was easy and utilized Bluetooth technology and photos could be uploaded through USB, SD card or via an app. However, uploading through the app was frustrating. The app only showed my camera roll (instead of giving me the option to select a gallery). As someone with thousands of photos, this meant it took me way too long to search out photos I wanted to transfer. The screen was also much dimmer than any other frames.
The Nixplay Digital Photo Frame is super user-friendly and has one of our favorite features, a sensor to automatically turn off the device when the room is empty. The Nixplay also integrates with other apps, like Alexa, Google Drive and Dropbox. The Nixplay, however is missing a USB slot and for the price, the 720p screen resolution was way behind the pack.
The TOLOVE Digital Frame is another great budget option. The least expensive option on the list, it still boasts 1280p resolution, instant or timed messages, sleep mode, an alarm clock mode, multiple clock templates, adjustable slideshow time, adjustable brightness, built in manual setup, music, auto rotate and wall mount. The only reason this one didn't make our favorites list is the smaller size seemed flimsy and the frame looked a bit dated for our taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aspect Ratio?
This set of numbers refers to the width and height of an image. Cameras (digital and film) are normally 16:9 and smart phones are 4:3. Even if you take most of your photos on your phone, a 16:9 frame will work fine. There may be some slight pillarboxing on the sides of the image, but your image should still fit the frame nicely.
What is Pillarboxing/Letterboxing?
This is the term for the black space that appears on the sides of a vertical image or video when it is displayed in a horizontal frame. Or when the image’s exact ratio doesn’t match the aspect ratio of the frame. Some frames, like the Aura Carver can display two vertical images side by side to avoid pillarboxing.
To prevent pillarboxing —black spaces on the sides of a vertical image — many frames will display two vertical images side by side.
What is Resolution?
Resolution is basically the number of pixels on the screen — the higher the number, the better the picture. You’ll want at least 1024x600 pixels for good quality. With the exception of our budget pick, all our top picks are 1280x800 which provides sharper, more vibrant images. There are frames with higher resolutions – 2k or 2048. For the tabletop-size frames we tested that bigger size might be overkill. If you’re considering a bigger digital frame, you may want to think about a higher resolution.
What File Format do Digital Frames Use?
All of the frames we tested support HEI, HEIF, jpg and MP4, which are the common formats used on Apple and Android devices. Many of the frames will support other formats such as PNG, TIFF, BMP and MPEGS and AVI. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to find out.
Why You Should Trust Our Tester
This article was written by Jennie Andrews, a professional photographer, writer and product tester with over 15 years of experience shooting everything from weddings to home improvement projects for HGTV articles. For this list of the best digital frames, she tested 14 models from online retailers like Amazon, exploring products ranging in price, style, storage capacity, and image quality. She evaluated each digital frame for functionality, ease of setup, brightness, and color accuracy, as well as price point and overall value, noting her likes and dislikes to determine the overall winners we think you’ll love.
Why You Should Trust HGTV Shopping Experts
HGTV Shopping Experts believe the best method for testing products is based on how our fans will use them in the real world. In each of our Tested and Reviewed stories, products are not tested in sterile laboratory settings that don't mimic real life. Instead, we test products in real homes that reflect our readers' real lives, which may also include pets, kids, partners and more. We follow rigorous testing rubrics designed by our expert editors and take copious notes during the testing process. When choosing our top picks, we evaluate all of our testing data and take into consideration many factors, including ease of use, price, product availability and practicality. Our goal is to choose the best products for our fans.
