Comparing Aura and Skylight Digital Photo Frames

Aura Frame and Skylight are leading brands in the digital photo frame market. Selecting between them based on specifications is difficult. I tested both for over a month to gain insights beyond the typical specs. These frames offer more than just the ability to display cherished photos; they streamline the process compared to searching through a phone’s photo gallery. They also feature distinct advantages that make them ideal gifts for any household.

Testing Aura and Skylight Frames

Aura and Skylight provide a selection of digital photo frames. I tested the Aura Aspen and Skylight Frame 2 due to their similarities in size, price, and functionality. I placed both in my home for about a month, assessing their setup, interface, design, and picture quality. Additional testers included former NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider and social editorial assistant Caitlin Cusack, who evaluated the Skylight and Aura respectively.

Our Experience with Aura and Skylight

Both Aura and Skylight frames excel as digital photo frames, with user-friendly features that enhance home environments. Preference between the frames hinges on certain differences, though overall, we favored the Aura frame. Yet, the Skylight frame may suit other situations better. Read on to discover the differences.

Setup

Aura

The Aura Aspen setup is straightforward, taking less than five minutes. The entire process occurs through a smartphone. Download the Aura app, link the frame, connect to Wi-Fi, and upload photos. You can set up a gifted Aura frame virtually or through a QR code on the packaging. The QR code setup is a good option for gifting to those less tech-savvy.

Skylight

The Skylight Frame 2’s setup is simple but involves more steps than Aura. You’ll download the Skylight app and interact with the Frame 2’s touchscreen during the process. You must manually input your Wi-Fi password on the frame, unlike Aura, which automatically syncs Wi-Fi through your phone. Also, an email address setup for photo sharing is mandatory, unlike Aura.

Winner: Aura. Both frames are quick to set up, with Aura having a slight edge for its simplified process.

Design

The Aura Aspen and Skylight Frame 2 have similar physical sizes.

Aura

The Aura Aspen showcases a sleek, minimal design with analog appeal, easily blending with various home décors. Touch bars on its sides allow photo swipes and settings control. This feature requires adjustment for some users. The Aspen is available in two colors but has a blocky power supply with a non-USB-C power cord.

Skylight

The Skylight Frame 2 also presents a sleek appearance, but with ten style and color options, including frames with faux mats. This diversity allows for better décor matching compared to Aura. It features a touchscreen, which while intuitive, attracts fingerprints. The power supply is similar to Aura’s but with a shorter cord, limiting placement options.

Winner: Draw. Preferences vary; some prefer the understated Aura design while others favor Skylight’s touchscreen.

Ease of Use

The Aura app is minimalistic and straightforward.

Aura

Aura frames are user-friendly, controlled entirely via the Aura app. Users can upload photos, invite others for sharing, and manage slideshows seamlessly. Cusack’s family could add photos quickly using the app. This approach ideally replicates traditional photo frame usage, minimizing unnecessary adjustments.

Skylight

Skylight’s operation is easy, yet involves extra steps for tasks like photo uploads. The app lacks Aura’s simplification, offering additional menus and functions. Functions split between Skylight app and frame. Skylight Plus is an optional service for additional device connectivity and settings, yet its necessity is debatable for a device meant for simplicity.

Skylight boasts built-in storage, allowing standalone operation without Wi-Fi—an advantage in Wi-Fi dead zones or for off-grid use.

Winner: Aura. Aura’s app-centric design eases usability while Skylight’s mixed interface complicates operations without Skylight Plus. Skylight’s local storage is beneficial for limited connectivity.

Picture Quality

Both frames deliver quality images; however, close examination reveals Aura’s edge.

Aura

The Aura Aspen offers true-to-life images with its 1600-by-1200-resolution screen. Its 4:3 aspect ratio aligns with that of most smartphones, ensuring full-frame images without cropping. The ambient light sensor adjusts brightness automatically.

Skylight

Similarly, the Skylight Frame 2 provides appealing visuals with higher resolution, though often resulting in cropped images due to its 16:9 aspect ratio. Screen brightness is adjustable, although initial brightness may appear excessive.

Winner: Aura. Aura’s image quality benefits from its aspect ratio, providing a better match for smartphone photos.

Aura vs Skylight: The Final Verdict

The Aura Aspen is favored for its straightforward and frame-like operation. Despite possessing fewer features than Skylight, this simplicity is a strength, as a digital photo frame should mimic traditional frames rather than functioning as a tablet.

While Aura is preferable for most, Skylight’s advantages, such as offline photo viewing, could appeal depending on user needs.