While a picture is worth a thousand words, you probably have more than one meaningful photo you want to showcase in your home or office. Instead of just placing one or two photos in a frame, a digital photo frame cycles through all of your photos, so you can relive your most memorable moments over and over.
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Digital picture frames shuffle your photos into a slideshow, so those wedding photos have a permanent place to live, and you don't have to choose just one. Although smart displays can do the same thing, you may prefer a digital photo frame because you can set it and forget, and not have to deal with a voice assistant. They often have more design options available, which is nice if you want a photo frame for its beauty and not just its tech.
Digital picture frames have been around for a while, but that just means they've had time to get better and smarter. And there are plenty to choose from. I've rounded up the best digital picture frames (both Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi) to help you showcase photos. These were hand-picked based on my own testing and the opinions of photographers and other ZDNET editors.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Vivid picture quality
- Print photos right from the Nixplay app
- Friends and family can add photos or videos to your playlists
Cons
- Some reviewers complain of connectivity issues with Wi-Fi, and the app
More Details
Features: 10.1-inch touchscreen | 1280 x 800 resolution | Wi-Fi connectivity
The Nixplay Touch 10 Smart Frame has great features to showcase your memories, and after trying it out myself, it is my top pick for the best digital photo frame.
It's easy to set up for anyone, and the accompanying app gives you unlimited photo storage, the ability to upload photos and videos from your smartphone or through a cloud service like Google Photos, and the ability to invite your friends and family to add photos to your playlists.
Adam Khan, a photographer and founder of his company, WeShootYou, agreed with me in that the Nixplay photo frame is a good choice for most consumers.
"It has a high-resolution screen (1280x800) which is great for displaying more pixels so images appear sharper and cleaner," he said. "It also supports multiple image formats including JPEG, PNG, and TIFF (for you photoshop fanatics), and offers features such as motion sensors and cloud connectivity."
Read the review:This digital photo frame is actually pretty sweet (and not just for boomers)
Kahn noted that Nixplay has a good balance of storage and ease of use, especially with its touchscreen.
One bonus is that this digital photo frame also has a motion sensor that wakes up the frame when you are in the room and turns it off when you're not. In addition, the company promises all your data is encrypted, so your photos and videos are secured.
Note: The Nixplay Touch 10 Smart Frame is currently up $70 off on Amazon and Best Buy.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Super easy for anyone to use
- Touchscreen display
- Can play video clips up to 5 minutes long
Cons
- Customer service could be better
More Details
Features: 10.1 inch | 1080p resolution | 16GB of storage
If you want to forgo uploading photos to a cloud and connecting to your email, the Loop Digital Picture Frame makes it super easy to add photos to the frame. All you have to do is text an image or video to a number, and it automatically adds your photos instantly. In addition, with this frame, you can add video clips up to five minutes long.
This digital frame has a touchscreen display that can shuffle photo albums, add transition times, and even automatically dim at night. While the Loop frame requires Wi-Fi to receive new photos, play videos or video chat, you can still view photos without a Wi-Fi connection.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Inexpensive price
- Included remote
Cons
- Resolution isn't as crisp as other options
- No photo rotation -- best for horizontal photos
More Details
Features: 10 inch | 1024 x 600 resolution | 4 GB memory
For a more budget-friendly price, this digital picture frame still has great features like a built-in clock and calendar, an included remote to control it from afar, and the ability to add music to your photo slideshow.
If you're especially concerned about privacy, this frame also forgoes Wi-Fi and allows you to add photos via a USB flash drive or an SD card up to 32GB. However, while it has true-digital LCD panels to display your favorite memories, the resolution isn't as crisp as the pricier options on this list.
more buying choices
Features: 1600 x 1200 resolution | 9-inch screen | Dual orientation
If you're looking for a more stylish design, the Aura Mason is carved from natural stone like white quartz or graphite. It has a resolution of 1600 x 1200 with 224 pixels per inch, making your photos look sharp and detailed.
Professional photographer Kevin Merciersaid this frame stands above other digital photo frames he has used to display his work.
"I found the 4:3 screen aspect display perfect for adding some color to my room with my photos and getting an up-close look at them as well," he said. "The color is natural-looking and well-saturated as well, so I can be sure that I see a fair representation of the photos that I fling its way.
Like other digital photo frames on this list, you can invite friends and family to send photos to the frame.
"Everyone in this inner Aura circle can like and comment on the photos, creating a cozy and private social network," Mercier added.
With unlimited storage, you can store endless amounts of memories on the Aura Mason frame.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Smart display that can act as an assistant or can display favorite photos
- Auto-framing camera to always keep you centered in the frame
- Adaptive color for photos
Cons
- Need to have Amazon Photos or Facebook to use photo display feature
More Details
Features: 8-inch touchscreen | 13 MP camera with built-in shutter and auto-framing | 1280 x 800 resolution
If you do prefer a digital picture frame with more bells and whistles, the Amazon Echo Show 8 is the perfect all-in-one display. It serves as a smart home assistant, a way to make video calls, and, of course, as a digital frame to show off your favorite photos. It has an adaptative color display to show your photos in their true colors, and Amazon Prime members even get unlimited cloud photo storage.
You can also get calendar reminders, traffic updates, set timers, or even enjoy your favorite playlist via Spotify. There is even access to streaming services like Prime Video and Netflix. And as an Alexa device, the Echo Show can control other smart devices in your home.
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ZDNET managing editors Elyse Betters Picaro and Alyson Windsor both use the Amazon Echo Show 8 to rotate family photos in their homes.
"My Echo Shows all display photos from my Prime photo storage when not in use," Windsor said. "I like that I can customize which photos each device shows based on folders I create."
What is the best digital picture frame?
The Nixplay Touch 10 Smart Frame is my top pick for the best digital photo frame. It's turned me into a fan of digital picture frames, and I love how easy it is to use and add photos to. However, I spoke to a few photographers and experts to come up with fantastic alternative options for you to also consider.
Digital picture frame | Price | Resolution | Storage |
Nixplay Touch 10 | $170 | 1280 x 800 | Unlimited |
Loop Frame | $169 | 1080p | 16GB |
Aluratek Frame | $70 | 1024 x 600 | 4GB |
Aura Mason | $200 | 1600 x 1200 | Unlimited |
Amazon Echo Show 8 | $130 | 1280 x 800 | Prime members get unlimited cloud photo storage |
Which digital picture frame is right for you?
While all of these digital picture frames are great, it ultimately comes down to how you want to upload your photos, the amount of storage you want, and what you're willing to spend.
Choose this digital photo frame... | If you want... |
Nixplay Touch 10 | The best overall option. |
Loop Frame | An easy-to-use digital photo frame. |
Aluratek Frame | A digital picture frame that is budget-friendly. |
Aura Mason | A splurge-worthy digital photo frame with high resolution. |
Amazon Echo Show 8 | An all-in-one smart home device that can display your photos. |
How did we choose these best digital picture frames?
I considered my own experiences in using some of these digital picture frames, as well as the reviews of other ZDNET writers and editors. I also researched the top digital picture frames from renowned brands and paid attention to features like customer reviews, storage, photo resolution, and pricing. Finally, I reached out to professional photographers for their takes on which digital photo frames are best and what features are most important to them.
What features to look for in a digital photo frame?
Photographers like Mercier and Kahn agree that display quality is perhaps the No. 1 most important feature for digital photo frames. Mercier said that frames with an IPS (In-Plane Switching) display are ideal, as it allows for wider viewing angles and more accurate colors.
"If you plan to use the frame in a bright room or in direct sunlight, look for one with a high luminance rating to ensure that your photos are visible," Kahn adds.
Other important features include image format support, frame size, and how easy the frame and accompanying app are to use and add photos to.
What is the ideal aspect ratio for a digital photo frame?
The ideal aspect range for a digital photo frame varies on what you intend to use it for. Mercier said that for most people, an aspect ratio of 4:3 is ideal for digital photo frames.
"Most digital cameras and smartphones capture photos in a 3:2 or 4:3 aspect ratio, while some newer devices have a 16:9 aspect ratio," he said. "I believe a 4:3 aspect ratio frame is ideal, as it displays most photos without any distortion or cropping, while a 16:9 frame might require some cropping of photos taken in the 4:3 aspect ratio."
However, Kahn adds that 16:9 ratio is good if you're looking to use a mix of video content and photogtaphy.
Do you need Wi-Fi to use a digital picture frame?
Although most digital picture frames require Wi-Fi to connect to services like Google Photos or Dropbox, there are some products available that don't need Wi-Fi. Instead, they use a USB or an SD card to showcase photos and videos.
The non-Wi-Fi digital photo frames on this list are the Loop frame and the Aluratek frame.
Are there alternative digital picture frames worth considering?
There are a lot of digital picture frames available on the market today. While I think the above are the best digital photo frames, here are a few other options to look into so you can display photos.
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FAQs
The best digital picture frames of 2023: Expert reviews? ›
The best digital frames are the larger sized ones that have frame sizes of up to 7 inch and 8 inch. Like televisions and computer monitors, LCD photo frames are measured diagonally. So a 7 inch to 9 inch digital photo album matches the standard photo print size 4 x 6 or 5 x 7.
How do I choose a good digital photo frame? ›The best digital frames are the larger sized ones that have frame sizes of up to 7 inch and 8 inch. Like televisions and computer monitors, LCD photo frames are measured diagonally. So a 7 inch to 9 inch digital photo album matches the standard photo print size 4 x 6 or 5 x 7.
What is the best digital picture frame without Wi-Fi? ›Dhwazz 10.1 Inch USB Digital Picture Frame
The Dhwazz Digital Photo Frame has most of the bells and whistles you might want in a digital photo frame—without the need for Wi-Fi. This offline digital photo frame can display all of your memories when you plug in a 32-gigabyte USB stick or SD card.
Digital photo frames use a 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio. 4:3 is the ideal aspect ratio for displaying photos taken with smartphones and cameras. If you want to display a good mix of photo and video memories, then 16:9 aspect ratio can be a good compromise for you.
What color picture frames are best? ›Placing your photo in a solid-colored frame, like black or white, can truly accentuate the beauty when used appropriately. Black frames offer an elegant, formal look, while white frames tend to be more casual and eclectic in nature. Both black and white frames carry a modern feel and streamlined appearance.
What are the picture frame trends for 2023? ›One of the biggest picture framing trends for 2023 is the use of bold and vibrant colors. This includes using bright colors to make a statement and create contrast, as well as incorporating more unusual color combinations.
How long do digital picture frames last? ›How long do digital photo frames last? This depends on how you use your digital photo frame. Most good digital photo frames can continuously display the same picture for ~1,000 hours before any screen burn-in or damage to the LCD takes place.
Are digital photo frames outdated? ›Are the best digital photo frames of 2021 outdated? It's a common misconception that digital photo frames are outdated in 2021. While it's true that the majority of cheap and mid-range digital frames aren't very useful – many of the top frames are exceptionally versatile.
What is a high quality digital photo? ›A high-resolution JPEG is an image that is typically 300 DPI (dots per inch) or higher. While its file size may be larger, it can be ideal for those wanting to save a photograph or art piece and retain detail and quality.
What is the most popular picture frame size? ›Traditionally, the most common frame sizes have been 4x6, 5x7 and 8x10. These look great in any room in your house or office! Recently, however, 5x5 picture frames have become really popular.
Should I buy a frame bigger than the picture? ›
Often times the standard rule is to select a frame that is an inch wider and taller than the print, or poster. The frame shouldn't be any bigger than the standard as it will make the picture or print look odd.
What is the difference between digital picture frame Wi-Fi and no Wi-Fi? ›Do you need Wi-Fi to use a digital picture frame? Although most digital picture frames require Wi-Fi to connect to services like Google Photos or Dropbox, there are some products available that don't need Wi-Fi. Instead, they use a USB or an SD card to showcase photos and videos.
Does Apple make a digital frame? ›Pix-Star's frames offer immersive slideshows that use the full display (4:3 aspect ratio). Apple digital frames often just run the photos as backgrounds, so you have to deal with all the clutter such as clocks, app tiles, widgets, etc.
What is the difference between Wi-Fi and non Wi-Fi digital photo frame? ›Non-Wi-Fi digital picture frames are very simple, though very limited. On the other hand, Wi-Fi digital picture frames are feature-rich, letting you share photos from your phone or computer wirelessly. You can remotely control your frames, adjust their settings, start slideshows, manage cloud and local storage, etc.
What frame is best for photo prints? ›If you're looking for a classic, luxe option that will make your print look like it's popping off the wall, then a black frame will be your best friend. In most cases we can't argue with a black frame—it's simple, sleek and neutral, which means it goes with most everything.
What is the best aspect ratio for digital frames? ›A display's aspect ratio is important to consider. For example, 16:9 frames are often too narrow to show most digital photos without pillarboxing the image (adding black bars to either side). A 4:3 ratio is the ideal ratio that we looked for in frames.
Do all digital photo frames have to be plugged in? ›Since the digital photo frame doesn't run on batteries, it needs to be plugged into an energy source at all times.
What color frames make you look younger? ›Generally, warm-colored frames can make you appear younger. Warm tones suit most faces, especially browns, burgundies, berry tones, and jewel tones. Of course, you should choose a color that suits your skin tone. It can also be helpful to choose shinier materials to give your eyes an extra sparkle.
What color frames go with everything? ›The best rule of thumb is matching your glasses to your outfit to avoid clashing colors; fortunately, the most common frame colors for glasses are black, white, grey, and silver, which go with just about everything, so you may not need to think too deeply about matching your glasses to most outfits.
Should a picture frame match the picture or the room? ›As to whether the frames should match the art or your decor, it depends. So you and your husband are both right. An easy compromise is to choose a dark neutral color for the picture frames that will coordinate with your decor for at least each room, and the art.
What is the next big design trend for 2023? ›
One of the biggest graphic design trends for 2023 is foil printing. While gradients have been making a comeback in recent years, foils offer a unique way to add that extra bit of luxury and style to your print materials.
What are the popular frame colors in 2023? ›Retro, 1970s-inspired tinted lenses will be popular in 2023, especially lenses in red, orange, and yellow, which have been spotted by trendsetters at Coachella. It's being called the “new retro.” Metallic frames paired with tinted lenses will also trend next year, as well as aviator-style frames.
What is the most popular decorating style for 2023? ›Coming first on the list is Scandinavian interior design, with over 700,000 pins. A minimalist style, “Scandi” decor is marked by clean lines, neutrals with the occasional pop of color, and soft textures like linen and wood. Second place goes to Art Deco, with over 568,000 pins.
How many pixels is a good quality photo? ›In many cases, the best resolution for printing is 300 PPI. At 300 pixels per inch (which roughly translates to 300 DPI, or dots per inch, on a printing press), an image will appear sharp and crisp. These are considered to be high resolution, or high-res, images.
What image type is best for high quality? ›TIFF — Tagged Image File Format
TIFF is the workhorse format for high-resolution printing, including art photography and other fine artwork. It's a lossless image file format that retains extremely high photographic quality for scanning and printing.
This is the largest and most detailed photo ever taken of a work of art. It is 717 gigapixels, or 717,000,000,000 pixels, in size. The distance between two pixels is 5 micrometres (0.005 millimetre), which means that one pixel is smaller than a human red blood cell.
What size frame should I get for a 16x20 picture? ›What Size Frame for a 16 x 20 Print? You would need a 20 x 24 size frame.
How big should a picture be on a wall? ›1) Wall art should take up 60%- 75% of the available wall space, i.e wall space that isn't covered by furniture or moldings. Start by measuring the width and height of your wall and then multiply them by both 0.60 and 0.75.
What size frame do I need for a 24x36 poster? ›A: A 24x36 poster will need a 24x36 frame. All of our frames are listed and described according to industry standard, which is by the size print that they will hold (inside dimensions).
What size frame do I need for a 30x40 picture? ›All frames are measured using the inside dimensions, height and width. So if you have a 30x40cm image, you need to order a 30x40cm frame.
Why are large picture frames so expensive? ›
Size. All things being equal – the larger the frame the more expensive it will be. This is mainly down to the amount of the material required to produce the item. More meters of moulding are used to complete the perimeter of the frame, and the amount of glazing and backing board needed increases too.
Why do picture frames cost so much money? ›One of the key factors that contributes to the cost of framing is the use of high-quality materials. A quality frame requires top-notch materials such as solid wood, acid-free mat boards, and UV-resistant glass or acrylic to ensure that your artwork or photo is protected from damage over time.
Do you need a memory card for a digital photo frame? ›Does the Digital Picture Frame have built-in memory? No. The Digital Picture Frame does not have any internal memory to store your files. You must use a compatible memory card to play your Media files.
Why does a digital picture frame need Wi-Fi? ›Many digital frames require an internet connection to receive photos, so if you are buying a gift for someone who doesn't have access to the internet at home, you'll want to choose one that is usable without Wi-Fi.
Can I transfer pictures from my iPhone to a digital picture frame? ›- Download the Pix-Star Snap Mobile App. ...
- Capture New Pictures Directly Inside the App. ...
- Select Pictures from Your iPhone's Gallery. ...
- View the Pictures in a Slideshow on Your Pix-Star Frame.
Frameo is an easy way to share your photos with the people you love. Send photos directly from your smartphone to a Frameo WiFi digital photo frame and allow friends and family to enjoy your best moments. Add a caption to the photo to fully portray your experience!
What is the best digital frame that doesn t require internet? ›Dhwazz 10.1 Inch USB Digital Picture Frame
The Dhwazz Digital Photo Frame has most of the bells and whistles you might want in a digital photo frame—without the need for Wi-Fi. This offline digital photo frame can display all of your memories when you plug in a 32-gigabyte USB stick or SD card.
It's a common misconception that digital photo frames are outdated in 2021. While it's true that the majority of cheap and mid-range digital frames aren't very useful – many of the top frames are exceptionally versatile.
Is there a digital picture frame that you can send pictures to? ›Best overall digital picture frame
The Aura Mason doesn't have any built-in storage, but you can upload unlimited photos to the frame using its dedicated app, link the frame to a Google Photos or Apple iCloud account, send photos to the frame's unique email address, or use Aura's web uploader.
Digital photo frames should stay connected to power all the time so that they can sync and receive all the latest photos and updates. Even if the display is off, most good digital frames will still be able to send and receive media.
Should I buy a digital photo frame? ›
Digital photo frames are a great way to display the hundreds of photos you take every year with your camera or smartphone. Let's face it; most just end up clogging up your storage or sitting in an online gallery that no-one ever visits.
Why are digital photo frames so expensive now? ›A quality digital photo frame costs more than most smart displays, and the big reason is that frames have higher-resolution screens, which translate to crisper images, and better colors and brightness.
How long do digital images last? ›Digital files do not degrade or fade over time and will, if backed up properly, last indefinitely. The most likely problem with digital images is that they will be lost due to technical issues such as a hard drive crashing, a smartphone lost or damaged, or the online storage service going out of business.
What are the security concerns of digital photo frame? ›Picture frames that are digital and allow you to scroll through photos or change an art display with the swipe of a hand are vulnerable. If your frame becomes hacked, a thief can discern non-active times in your home by the frame's ambient light sensors and can plan a robbery while you are away.
Can you transfer photos to phone to digital frame? ›For Android devices: From the main menu (the page with the four icons), select the “Histo & Cam” option. This will open your frame's camera. Here you can capture a new photo (or select photos from your gallery).
How many photos can a digital photo frame hold? ›As many as you can put on the memory card or memory stick, which depends on the size of the image files and the size of the memory device. With my camera I take pictures that are 3648x2736 and create jpegs at around 3MB each. With a 8GB SD card I can have about 2666 pictures displayed on the Digital Photo Frame.
Does Apple make a digital photo frame? ›Keep adding as many and as often as you need to keep your Apple iCloud digital photo frame updated for you and your family to enjoy.
How many photos can 16GB digital photo frame hold? ›| DSLR (Standard) | DSLR (RAW) | |
|---|---|---|
| 16GB | 1638 | 400-810 |
Do you need Wi-Fi to use a digital picture frame? Although most digital picture frames require Wi-Fi to connect to services like Google Photos or Dropbox, there are some products available that don't need Wi-Fi. Instead, they use a USB or an SD card to showcase photos and videos.
How can I store my digital photos forever? ›- Use External Hard Drives to Store Digital Photos.
- Save Digital Photos with USB Flash Drive.
- Save Photos to an SSD for Long-term Protection.
- Store Photos to the Cloud Drive.
- Run Backup and Recovery Software.
- Print These Photos to Save Them.
Are digital picture frames good for people with dementia? ›
Digital Photo Frame: Digital photo frames are a fun way to have good memories on display in your loved one's home. The NixPlay photo frame allows friends and relatives to directly upload photos and videos to your loved one's frame from wherever they are. The frame updates in real-time with WiFi connection.