Best Digital Picture Frame of 2021 (Pricing & Features)
To make it easier to find the best digital picture frame, consider this convenient comparison chart. Most people won’t need all the features in the table, but it helps to see different products and traits side by side.
Provider | Price | Best for | Cloud Services | Display | Music | Remote Control | Resolution | SD Slot | Storage | Touch Screen | Video |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Aura Mason | $180 | Basics | Yes | 9” | No | No | 1600X800 | No | N/A | No | No |
2. Pix-Star | $154 | Wi-Fi | No | 10” | No | Yes | 1024X768 | No | 8GB | No | No |
3. Nest Hub | $90 | Compact | Yes | 7” | Yes | Yes | 1024X600 | No | No | Yes | Yes |
4. FB Portal | $169 | Video Calling | Yes | 10” | Yes | No | 1280X900 | Yes | N/A | Yes | Yes |
5. Echo Show 8 | $105 | Remote Control | Yes | 8” | Yes | Yes | 1280X800 | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
6. Nix Play Adv. | $260 | Display size | Yes | 13.3” | Yes | Yes | 1920X1080 | No | 10GB | No | Yes |
7. NIX Advance | $60 | Size | No | 8” | No | Yes | 1280X800 | Yes | N/A | No | Yes |
8. Sky Light | $159 | Ease of use | No | 10” | No | Yes | 1280X800 | No | N/A | Yes | No |
9. Aluratek | $38 | Price | No | 8” | No | No | 800×600 | Yes | N/A | No | No |
10. Dragon Touch | $130 | Internal Storage | Yes | 10” | No | No | 1280X800 | Yes | 16GB | Yes | Yes |
Digital Home Photo Frame Shopping Guide
While customers can’t go wrong with one of the models in the chart, they will enjoy the experience more if they know what to look for. These are the top tips for finding the most suitable frame, even for those on a budget.
Display
Along with size, the display quality is crucial. Most digital picture frame models (and all of the options in this review) show HD images. Yet some products are now available and show pictures in 2K resolution.
Consider where the frame will go, too, because if it's on a faraway shelf, the high definition will be important.
Size
Size is more personal because different people have specific preferences. For example, an older consumer may need a larger screen. The good news is that digital frames can be as big as 21 inches. For those who want something smaller, many compact digital picture frame models don’t skimp on image quality.
Memory
Memory is something that people didn’t have to worry about with traditional albums. However, it’s a critical component of a great digital frame.
The more memory space it has, the more images one can load onto it. For reference, 4 gigabytes can hold about 2,000 pictures.
Photo-Sharing Functionality
Another thing to consider with a digital frame is how to get the images onto the device. Depending on the model, there are different ways to do this. Some products allow users to upload photos from social media or Dropbox. Others require individuals to log in to their email account and get the pictures that way.
Cloud Capabilities
The more technologically advanced frames will automatically sync to the home’s Wi-Fi for better easy access. This feature makes it a lot easier to transfer images from one device to another.
Other models may have an accompanying mobile app so individuals can access the files on their phones and put them in the digital album.
Ease of Use
Finally, consider who the digital frame is for. A younger person may take to this new-fangled technology much better than an elderly relative. Consumers should remember that they may need to help their older loved one get used to the device. It’s worth it, though.
Three Other Ways to Display Digital Photos
Whether they don’t have the money for a high-tech frame, or they simply don’t want one, there are other ways to display family photos. Check out three suitable alternatives below.
Smart Displays
A voice assistant or smart hub like Amazon Alexa or Echo can be a wonderful alternative to a digital album. These intelligent devices have loads of features, including the ability to display different media. It can be as simple as saying, "Alexa, show me my photos".
Tablets
Those who already have a tablet are ahead of the game. That's because they can let this convenient accessory show off their favorite pictures. Plus, there are tons of different tablets that have this functionality.
The only trouble may be figuring out how to support it, so it's free-standing.
TVs
Finally, homes that have smart TV can integrate this device to showcase family portraits and vacation pictures. The process isn’t as straightforward, but if they plug a USB drive into the television, they can access the images. One of the most popular models with this functionality is Samsung Frame TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How Does a Digital Frame Work?
To put it in simple terms, these devices work in much the same way as a computer. Usually, they have a CPU processor, a predetermined amount of memory, a USB port, and a display screen. Users can plug a flash drive into the frame, or sync their phone, to upload images.
-
What is the Best Digital Photo Frame?
Any of the options on the top ten list above will be a great choice for individuals or families. The devices are simple, provide a beautiful photo quality, and can hold thousands of images.
Consumers can determine which model is best for them by looking at their budget and the specific features they want.
-
How Do You Transfer Photos to a Digital Photo Frame?
The process varies depending on the type of frame.
Even so, the steps are quite similar.
- First, make sure the images are in a universal format, such as JPG.
- If the device has a USB port, plug in a flash drive. Otherwise, users may need to log into their email account on the photo frame or the accompanying mobile app.
- Select which pictures to upload to the digital frame and wait for them to finish transferring.
-
How Many Photos Can a Digital Frame Hold?
According to reviews, the smallest amount of memory these photo frames will have is 4 gigabytes, which can hold 2,000 photos. That said, some models go up to 8, 16, 32, or even 64 gigabytes. For reference, 64GB of memory can hold around 20,000 images.
-
Can You Leave a Digital Photo Frame on All the Time?
Typically, the best digital photo frame can stay on for an extended period of time, but not forever. The product will eventually run out of juice, and they will have to charge it.
In most cases, individuals can leave their frames, running a slideshow for a few hours because they need to plug it in again.
Keep Family Memories Going Strong
While it’s true that digital frames have been around for years, they have become much more accessible recently. This is good news for families that want to preserve their memories without the extra clutter. A digital picture album is a minimalist way to hold on to special moments. Plus, there are more than enough varieties available today, so there is something out there for everyone.
Hopefully, this guide helps individuals find a photo frame in their budget that they can cherish for years to come. If you have a digital album, let us know how you like it in the comments below.