Digital picture frames are a wonderful and cost-effective way to display your treasured family photos without the ongoing cost and hassle of printing hard copies of photographs. Available in a multitude of sizes to suit any space, they make a thoughtful gift idea for yourself or someone special.
Finding the best digital picture frame for your home means reading reviews, studying product features, and diving into the ins and outs of available sizes and configurations. With the right digital picture frame, displaying your precious family photos can become a quick, over-and-done with task.
We reviewed dozens of digital picture frames to identify the best of the best, based on Amazon reviews, how well they performed in tests, cost, and other considerations. We narrowed our search down to 5 of the top-rated digital picture frames people can purchase to proudly display their favorite photos.
We’ve identified Nixplay Smart Digital Photo Frame as the best digital picture frame out there. With the ability to instantly share special moments to multiple frames at once, this digital picture frame is one that will keep your family’s memories up to date. These benefits allow you to easily share special moments and stay connected with the most important people in your life.
The 5 Top-Rated Digital Picture Frames
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Digital Picture Frame Overall | Nixplay Smart Digital Photo Frame | 4.6 |
| Best WiFi Digital Photo Frame | Skylight WiFi Digital Picture Frame | 4.7 |
| Best Budget Digital Picture Frame | Aluratek 7 Inch Digital Photo Frame | 4.3 |
| Best Large Digital Picture Frame | Pix-Star WiFi Cloud Digital Photo Frame | 4.4 |
| Best Digital Picture Frame with SD/USB Storage | Atatat Digital Picture Frame | 4.3 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Digital Picture Frame Overall: Nixplay Smart Digital Photo Frame
The Nixplay Smart Digital Photo Frame took the top spot on our list of the best digital picture frames, and offers the ability to instantly share special moments to multiple frames at once, via the intuitive app. Photos can also be sent via email for added convenience. This frame is available in a variety of sizes and finishes designed to suit nearly any decor, and comes complete with an integrated stand which can be used to display images in either portrait or landscape. Customer service is always available through phone, email, or live chat.
Those who purchased and reviewed this digital picture frame appreciated that it offered a variety of connection options and photo upload sources, including Google Photos, Dropbox, Facebook, and Instagram. They also liked that its sleek and modern design could be used with the integrated stand or wall-mounted for ease of placement. Many users liked the functionality of the mobile app and included remote.
With a price tag of about $153, it doesn’t come cheap, but the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has consistently high ratings and reviews from many websites and stores, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the investment.
Nixplay Smart Digital Photo Frame Key Features:
- Combine with an Alexa device for voice control
- 1280×800 HD IPS display with 16:10 aspect ratio
- Power-saving motion sensor
Best WiFi Digital Photo Frame: Skylight WiFi Digital Picture Frame
The Skylight WiFi Digital Picture Frame took the runner-up spot on our list of the best digital picture frames, and offers users the ability to email photos directly to the frame from anywhere. It boasts a 10” color display with 1280×800 resolution, and features a touchscreen for ease of control. A visual notification alerts you to newly added photos, while the “heart” button on the touchscreen lets you notify the photo’s sender that you like the newly received pic.
Those who purchased and reviewed this digital picture frame appreciated that the photo display could be adjusted from 5 to 240 seconds, so they could view photos for longer. Many reviewers commented on the user-friendly interface, saying that it was especially great for older family members to navigate.
At a cost of around $159, it doesn’t come cheap, but the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has consistently high ratings across a number of sources, with thousands of people recommending this frame for its ease of use.
Skylight WiFi Digital Picture Frame Key Features:
- Includes a 100% satisfaction guarantee for added peace of mind
- Plug-and-play installation for ease of setup
- USB and micro-USB ports on the back of the frame
Best Budget Digital Picture Frame: Aluratek 7 Inch Digital Photo Frame
The Aluratek 7 Inch Digital Photo Frame is an excellent choice for those looking for a digital picture frame that won’t break the bank. It boasts a 7” TFT true color LCD display with 800×600 resolution and a 4:3 aspect ratio. While it doesn’t have a lot of the bells and whistles of the other digital picture frames on our list — battery, onboard storage, or remote control — it displays photos from an external storage source well, and at a highly affordable price point.
Those who purchased and reviewed this digital picture frame appreciated that it was easy to use and set up, and liked the integrated stand, as well as the ability to wall-mount this frame. People did find it on the smaller side of digital picture frames, but said the wood frame offered a sleek and stylish option for displaying their favorite photos.
With a cost of approximately $31, this digital picture frame is a solid choice for those looking for a digital picture frame option on a budget. It has consistently high ratings from thousands of reviewers, which we think goes a long way in convincing people that this budget-friendly pick is just as good at displaying their photos as its more expensive counterparts.
Aluratek 7 Inch Digital Photo Frame Key Features:
- Adjustable for portrait and landscape display
- Photo slideshows can be configured to play in various display and transition modes
- Compatible with USB 2.0, SD/SDHC cards up to 32GB
Best Large Digital Picture Frame: Pix-Star WiFi Cloud Digital Photo Frame
For those who prefer a larger-sized digital picture frame, the Pix-Star 15 Inch WiFi Cloud Digital Photo Frame is an excellent option. It boasts a 15” 1024×768 display with 4:3 aspect ratio. Users can conveniently add photos via email, online providers, and the free companion iPhone and Android app. Up to 25 frames can be connected from a single account, so you can send pictures to multiple frames in the home (or family members) with ease. It includes 8GB of internal memory, which allows you to display approximately 30,000 pictures, and can be expanded via USB stick, SDHC, or SDXC cards. There is a motion sensor which helps save power by automatically turning the screen on and off when you enter and exit the room.
Those who purchased and reviewed this digital picture frame appreciated that the picture quality was very good, and that the frame was easy for older persons to set up and operate. People liked the various connection options, and the ability to send photos to various frames and family members at the same time.
With a price tag of about $200, it doesn’t come cheap, but the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the generous size more than justifies that price. It has consistently high ratings with thousands of people reviewing it, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the investment.
Pix-Star 15 Inch WiFi Cloud Digital Photo Frame Key Features:
- Includes lifetime support and a 2-year warranty
- Photo and video compatible
- Remote control included for ease of operation
Best Digital Picture Frame with SD/USB Storage: Atatat Digital Picture Frame
The Atatat Digital Picture Frame is a solid choice for those looking for a digital picture frame with SD/USB storage, and is available in a number of size and color options to suit nearly any home decor. It boasts an IPS screen with 1920×1080 HD resolution, and a 178-degree wide viewing angle. It features plug-and-play installation that can be wall-mounted or used with the included stand, and comes complete with a remote control and onboard control buttons. It offers SD card support of up to 128GB for adding music to the slideshows.
Those who purchased and reviewed this digital picture frame appreciated that there was an image preview function which allowed them to find a specific photo out of many. They also liked the ability to display up to four photos at a time, and the ability to play randomly or sequentially. People also liked the timer function on this frame.
At a cost of around $68, it’s not overly expensive, and the quality craftsmanship associated with the brand, as well as the ease of setup and use more than justifies that price. It has consistently high ratings from hundreds of people, which we think goes a long way in convincing homeowners to make the investment.
Atatat Digital Picture Frame Key Features:
- Portrait and landscape auto-rotation
- Multifunction design with integrated clock, alarm clock, calendar
- Support for 1080P video in addition to photographs
Who Should Buy a Digital Picture Frame
A digital picture frame is an ideal choice for those who have a lot of photos they want to display, but don’t necessarily have the wall space for a gallery wall. A digital photo frame allows you to quickly and easily change up which photos you choose to display, with minimal effort. Rather than having one photo per frame, you can easily have thousands of pictures displayed via a single digital picture frame. This convenience is one of the biggest reasons that digital picture frames are so popular.
Digital photo frames are also ideal for people who don’t have access to a printing house for traditional photos. With the increasing use of technology, it’s become difficult to find places to print hard copies of photographs, and it is also becoming expensive. A digital picture frame is a single investment with long-term return on enjoyment.
Digital picture frames are also a wonderful gift idea for family and loved ones. They allow people to stay connected by remotely adding photos to their loved ones’ frames at any time.
And if you’re looking for information on other electronic products, such as finding the best digital cameras for kids, the best wearable tech devices, the best waterproof digital cameras, or the best electronic gifts for men, we have in-depth buying guides that can help make your decision easier.
Important Features to Consider
Not all digital picture frames are created equal. A digital picture frame should have a crisp, clear display and be easy to update. Here’s what to consider when evaluating the options in search of the best digital picture frame for your photo display needs:
- Size. Arguably the most important feature when shopping for a digital picture frame is the size. You want a frame that isn’t so small that you’ll have trouble viewing the photos, but you also want a frame that isn’t so large it is hard to find a spot for it. Generally speaking, a frame of about 9”-10” is a good starting size for most people. For those who prefer a compact frame, 7” is a good choice, with 15” and larger a good option for those who want a large picture frame option.
- Display. The next thing to consider when buying a digital picture frame is the display resolution. This is what is going to make the photo appear clear and crisp on the frame. A display resolution should be a minimum of 800×600, and even higher if you plan on displaying HD quality photos or videos on your frame.
- Aspect ratio. Another factor that affects the display of your photos (and possibly videos) is the aspect ratio of a frame. Many frames feature a 4:3 or 3:2 aspect ratio, which is what determines the relationship between the height and width of the image. The more closely the aspect ratio matches the original image, the more it will fill the screen. If you plan on using your digital frame for videos, look for ones that have a 16:9 aspect ratio for best results.
- Connectivity. Another important factor when picking a digital photo frame is connectivity, or how you upload photos to it. There are digital photo frames which only have a USB port/SD slot and require the use of an external memory device in order to display photos on the frame. They tend to be more budget-friendly than “smart” frames. There are other digital picture frames, however, that allow for photos to be uploaded via email, app, or other source using WiFi connectivity. They tend to be more expensive than their low-tech counterparts, but are much more convenient for updating.
- Storage. Also related to connectivity is how much storage a frame has. Those with onboard storage are often available in sizes of 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB. A frame with 16GB of storage can display about 2,000 photos. Some frames also include the option for external storage, up to a certain size (usually 32GB). Finally, there are frames that only have the option of displaying photos via external storage, again, often to a maximum size.
- Frame style. While less important than the other features on this list, the style of the digital picture frame you choose is also something to keep in mind. There are frames available with a plastic or wood grain finish, those in white or black, as well as metal or other options. Consider the aesthetic of where you plan on placing the frame when choosing a unit. Also consider whether you want a frame that can be wall-mounted, or whether you’re just going to display it standing. Frames with auto-rotation will allow you to install them either horizontally or vertically without having to change the display settings.
- Video or audio. The most basic digital picture frames simply display your photos, but there are others that allow you to display video, or include audio to accompany the images.
- Price point. Finally, consider how much you are willing to spend on a digital picture frame. Digital picture frames vary in price from $30-$500 or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a digital picture frame and how does it work?
A digital picture frame is a type of electronic device that allows the display of digital photographs, video, and/or audio. It is similar in appearance to a regular photo frame, as well as a small, LCD monitor. A digital picture frame works by displaying digital images from either an internal or external memory source, changing at regular intervals. In this regard, it is like a digital slideshow or digital photo album.
How do you put pictures on a digital photo frame?
You put pictures on a digital photo frame via either an internal or external memory source. Frames that use external memory sources such as SD cards or USB devices require you to upload the desired images from your computer or directly from the camera, and then plug it into the frame. Images are then displayed from the external memory source. In order to update photos on an external memory device, you will have to remove it from the frame and add the files to the storage device.
Alternatively, digital picture frames with internal or onboard memory allow you to upload image and/or video files directly to the frame. This can be done in a number of ways, depending on the frame’s capabilities. Some frames allow for images to be uploaded via email, some by mobile app via WiFi, and other still allow for images to be added to the frame from social media accounts.
Can you play video on a digital picture frame?
In order to play video on a digital picture frame, you will need to ensure that the frame is compatible with video file formats. If your frame can play videos, then it is simply a matter of uploading the video file onto the frame. Depending on the frame’s settings, it will either cycle through the files and automatically play the video file when it comes around to it, or you can search the frame for the video file and select it in order to play it.
Can you leave a digital photo frame on all the time?
You can leave a digital photo frame on all the time, however, keep in mind that doing so uses electricity, which will certainly add up on your electric bill. If you’d rather not run your digital photo frame while no one is in the room, you can look for units with an automatic on/off function that turns the frame off after a certain amount of time without sensing motion in front of the device. You can also program some digital photo frames so that they only run during certain time periods throughout the day.
Other Digital Picture Frames We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other digital picture frames. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best digital picture frames list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for displaying your photos. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
WiFi Digital Photo Frame
Nixplay Seed 10 Inch WiFi Digital Photo Frame
This WiFi digital photo frame boasts the ability to upload photos via app or email, and features a 16:10 aspect ratio display with 1280×800 resolution that automatically adjusts to portrait or landscape placement.
Key Features:
- Available in a choice of sizes
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa
- iOS and Android compatible
Cost: $163
Dragon Touch WiFi Digital Picture Frame
This WiFi digital photo frame boasts a 10.1” touchscreen with native 1920×1200 full HD resolution. It automatically adjusts to portrait or landscape placement for added versatility.
Key Features:
- Works standing or hanging
- Add photos via pp, email, or computer
- 16GB onboard memory
Cost: $150
SimplySmart Home PhotoShare Friends and Family Smart Frame
This WiFi digital photo frame boasts the ability to add photos by email, Google Photos, Facebook, or native app, and includes 8GB of onboard storage.
Key Features:
- Available in a choice of sizes
- Available in a choice of colors
- Portrait and landscape auto-rotation
Cost: $100
PhotoSpring WiFi Cloud Digital Picture Frame
This WiFi digital photo frame boasts a 1280×800 high pixel density screen, and comes complete with a stand for convenient placement. It displays both photos and videos.
Key Features:
- Available in a choice of sizes
- Available in a choice of colors
- Choice of multiple memory sizes
Cost: $160
Feelcare Smart WiFi Digital Picture Frame
This WiFi digital photo frame boasts high definition IPS LCD panel and touchscreen, and comes complete with 16GB of onboard memory for storing your favorite photos.
Key Features:
- Available in a choice of sizes
- App is iOS and Android compatible
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $100
Hantwin Scishion WiFi Digital Photo Frame
This WiFi digital photo frame boasts a high definition 1280×800 IPS display, and comes complete with 16GB of onboard memory.
Key Features:
- Supports a 32GB memory card
- App is iOS and Android compatible
- Supports captions
Cost: $119
Dhwazz WiFi Digital Photo Frame
This WiFi digital photo frame boasts a 800×1280 high resolution IPS panel, and comes complete with 16GB of onboard memory. Secure Device Grid technology keeps your photos secure.
Key Features:
- Portrait and landscape auto-rotation
- USB/SD expandable
- App is iOS and Android compatible
Large Digital Picture Frame
Feelcare Smart WiFi Digital Picture Frame
This large digital photo frame boasts a 15.6” screen, with FHD 1920×1080 IPS display. It comes complete with 16GB of internal storage, and is wall mountable for added versatility.
Key Features:
- Available in a choice of sizes
- App is iOS and Android compatible
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $210
MRQ Full HD Digital Photo Frame
This large digital photo frame boasts a 14” display with 1920×1080 high-resolution IPS screen. It features a USB, SD and 3.5 mm earphone slot, and provides support for videos as well.
Key Features:
- Includes professional 24-hour after-sales service
- Portrait and landscape auto-rotation
- Power-saving motion sensor
Cost: $96
This large digital photo frame boasts a 17.3” screen with 1920×1080 HD display, and comes complete with a 32GB SD card for storing all your favorite snaps.
Key Features:
- Available in a choice of sizes
- Available in a choice of colors
- Wall mounted or stand
Cost: $180
This large digital photo frame boasts a 17.3” 1920×1080 16:9 HD screen, and features video support in addition to photos. It can be wall-mounted or used with the included stand for added placement options.
Key Features:
- Available in a choice of sizes
- Available in a choice of colors
- Includes a 32GB SD card
Cost: $180
Meural Canvas – Smart Digital Frame
This large digital photo frame boasts the ability to render lifelike, textured images, making it ideal for use with photos and also art images such as paintings. It features a glare-free finish and auto-dimming function for improved quality.
Key Features:
- Available in a choice of colors
- 27” HD display
- App is iOS and Android compatible, with Alexa integration
Digital Picture Frame with SD/USB Storage
DBPOWER Advanced Digital Picture Frame
This digital photo frame with SD/USB storage boasts a 1280×800 IPS HD display which also support 1080P videos in addition to photos.
Key Features:
- Portrait and landscape auto-rotation
- Supports USB drives, MMC, SD, MS, and SDHC up to 32GB
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $70
This digital photo frame with SD/USB storage boasts an 8” screen with 1080P resolution, which supports both photos and videos. It also plays MP3 audio files.
Key Features:
- Energy-saving timer
- Includes a 1-year warranty
- Ergonomic remote included
Cost: $55
Sylvania Wood Finished Digital Photo Frame
This digital photo frame with SD/USB storage boasts a 10” screen with stylish wooden frame. It offers a 16:9 aspect ratio with high resolution display.
Key Features:
- Includes 2GB onboard memory
- Remote control included
- Contrast ratio of 400:1 for rich, vibrant colors
Cost: $40
LOVCUBE 8-Inch Digital Photo Frame
This digital photo frame with SD/USB storage boasts an 8” screen with 1024×768 HD display, and comes complete with a remote control for ease of use. It also supports MP3 music and HD video.
Key Features:
- Available in a choice of sizes
- Includes a 1-year warranty
- Portrait and landscape auto-rotation
Cost: $50
This digital photo frame with SD/USB storage boasts a high resolution 1024×768, 8-inch display, and features a power-saving built-in motion sensor. It supports external storage devices up to 32GB.
Key Features:
- Available in a choice of sizes
- 24/7 technical support
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $53
Crosstour Digital Picture Frame
This digital photo frame with SD/USB storage boasts a high-resolution 1280×800 IPS display, and can be wall-mounted or used with the integrated stand.
Key Features:
- Portrait and landscape auto-rotation
- Multifunction design with integrated clock, alarm clock, calendar
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $50
This digital photo frame with SD/USB storage boasts a 10.1” HD 1280×800 IPS screen, and comes complete with an intuitive remote control. It supports external storage devices up to 32GB.
Key Features:
- Multifunction design with integrated clock, alarm clock, calendar
- Wall-mount or use with integrated stand
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $70
NIX Advance USB Digital Photo Frame
This digital photo frame with SD/USB storage boasts a 10” HD IPS display, and offers portrait and landscape auto-rotation. It features plug-and-play setup, with USB drive/SD/SDHC storage options.
Key Features:
- Available in a choice of sizes
- Remote control included
- Includes a 1-year warranty
Cost: $90
