Chances are when you snap a photo, you do one of three things: let it sit untouched on your device's hard drive, share it on social media, or maybe even print it. But a digital picture frame is what best puts your treasured photos to use for you to enjoy on a daily basis because they ensure that your favorite memories are always on display, not just sitting idle and unseen on your smartphone or camera's memory card.
We combed through over 25 digital picture frames and narrowed down our list to the seven best that are worth your investment. Our picks range from affordable to luxurious, but all are easy to operate and will fit any home décor — not to mention will make you want to display all of your photos. Some of our picks also let you conveniently send photos directly to them from your smartphone, computer, or even over email. While we know you're going to want one for yourself, digital picture frames are an excellent gift for family members, too.
Naturally, when choosing a digital picture frame, size should be considered. The two main types of digital picture frames are upright frames one would typically place on a desk or end table and wall-mounted frames. In both cases, you should consider the space you intend to place them in; not just the obvious “Will this fit?” in terms of size, but also aesthetics. Will this upright frame get lost in the clutter of the desk? Will this wall-mounted frame end up dominating the room instead of complimenting it?
Another key element to consider is what you're hoping for from your photo library on the frame. Is this a gift where you simply want to load some precious memories onto an SD card for a special someone? Or is this something you want to auto-sync with your personal digital photo library? Many of these frames connect to Wi-Fi, though not all, and some can sync directly with your library, while others require a subscription to a cloud storage server.
Digital picture frames offer an opportunity to turn a single space on a wall or desk into a living gallery. As a gift or just a piece of personal decor, the offer a way to change how we think of pictures, where instead of a single static image frozen in a moment, we can watch as time moves forwards or backwards, curating the images we see to different seasons, holidays or even just moods. Whether you're looking to liven up a wall in your living space, or want a little frame for your dorm or office to remind you of home, here are the best digital picture frames for any space.
Key Specs: Size: 7 x 11 x 2 inches Storage: 10GB free
The 10.1-inch Nixplay Smart digital photo frame has an HD IPS display with a detailed resolution of 1,280 by 800 pixels and Wi-Fi connectivity. The latter allows you to sync your favorite images from Facebook, Dropbox, and Google Photos (among others) from anywhere in the world.
It even syncs with your smart speaker for playing custom playlists of all your photos, meaning you can ask Alexa to play specific slideshows for whatever occasion — whether it be photos of vacations, holidays, or family get-togethers.
Key Specs: Size: 10.7 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches Storage: 10GB
Thanks to its easy-to-set-up touchscreen display and a feature that allows you to upload new photos via email, this digital picture frame is the perfect gift for a parent or grandparent.
You can even send a thank you note to the person who emailed you a photo straight from it. The frame has enough storage capacity for 8,000 photos and is equipped with a gorgeous 10-inch 1024x600 resolution screen.
Key Specs: Size:1.42 x 9.92 x 15.2 inches Storage: Requires a USB stick or memory card
As cool and convenient as digital picture frames are, aesthetically speaking, they stand out. NIX's Lux series helps put an end to that. It features a thin frame that's made from exotic rosewood veneer or brushed acetate film for its metal variant. It's wall-mountable, has built-in speakers, and can also serve as a calendar or clock.
We appreciate its sharp, high-resolution display, support for video playback, and memory card/USB slots. Our only complaint is that despite its price, this option is not Wi-Fi-connected.
If you want smart features, Nixplay's 2K Smart Digital Picture Frame is also available in metal and faux-wood finishes but typically at a higher price point. Regardless, this non-smart offering is an attractive-looking model in many sizes that's easy to use and is backed by a 1-year warranty.
Key Specs: Size: 9.7 x 7.6 x 2 inches Storage: Unlimited, syncs with photo library
The Aura Digital Photo Frame offers incredibly sharp and detailed image quality in an attractive 9-inch black frame that's sure to match any decor.
Compared to our best overall pick, the Nixplay Smart, Aura's frame does offer a more impressive image quality in higher resolution. However, the Aura Mason is more difficult when it comes to retrieving photos from online sources like social media, so we recommend uploading directly from your device.
Other key features for this frame include a slideshow function, a motion sensor, and a “smart select” mode that skips low-resolution and blurry photos or ones that contain nudity.
Key Specs: Size: 16 x 24 x 2 inches Storage: 4GB, with optional cloud storage
The Meural II 27-inch Smart Frame has a stunning HD display panel, so it'll be able to showcase your artwork with incredible detail. You can upload images via a Wi-Fi connection, and a $70 annual membership gives you access to over 30,000 works of art, from classic to contemporary.
With just a wave of your hand, you can change whatever is displayed on the screen. Even alternate between vertical and horizontal art by mounting it with the swivel mount, sold separately, to really spice up your space.
Key Specs: Size: 1.18 x 5.83 x 8.35 inches Storage: Requires a USB stick or memory card
This affordable digital picture frame by Nixplay has an 8-inch display with 1,280 by 800 pixels and a 16:10 aspect ratio. In addition to showcasing images, the frame can also play 720p video footage that is saved in the MP4 format.
Key features of the gadget include an SD card and USB slots for loading images or video, a built-in motion sensor, and stereo speakers. Nixplay offers the frame in multiple sizes and price points, which range from 8 to 15 inches.
Key Specs: Size: 9 x 44.3 x 26.7 inches Storage: 16GB
Mounting neatly on the wall like a picture frame, the Samsung Frame is actually a 4K HDR Smart TV ideal for watching movies, gaming, and streaming your favorite shows (it's even compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home). When not in use, it enters Art Mode, displaying works from the expansive Samsung Art Store Collection, or even your curated personal photos uploaded through Smart View app.
Since this frame allows you to condense the bulk of your screen needs to a single device, it serves as so much more than a digital picture frame, which justifies its steep price tag.
Michael NataleCommerce EditorMichael Natale is the commerce editor for Best Products, covering a wide range of topics like gift guides, kitchen appliances, lifestyle products, and more.
Brandon CarteSenior Electronics EditorBrandon Carte has been the technology editor at BestProducts.com since 2017, where he's been covering the latest gadgets and scouring the internet for the greatest deals; His tech reporting has been featured on TopTenReviews.com and USA Today.
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