Introduction

Choosing between Aura Frame and Skylight can be difficult. Both brands offer great digital photo frames. I tested them for over a month to see how they perform beyond just technical specs. Digital photo frames aren’t just for older generations; they’re suitable for everyone. Let’s explore which frame might be the best fit for your home.

Testing Aura and Skylight Frames

Aura and Skylight offer several digital frames. I tested Aura Aspen and Skylight Frame 2. These models are similar in size, price, and functionality. I placed both frames in my home for about a month, focusing on setup, interface, design, and picture quality. Additional testing was done by former NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider and NBC Select social editorial assistant Caitlin Cusack, with Schneider trying the Skylight and Cusack the Aura.

Our Findings on Aura and Skylight

Both Aura and Skylight frames are excellent. They offer easy-to-use designs, fitting well into any home setting. However, some differences might lead you to prefer one frame over the other.

Setup

Aura

The Aura Aspen is extremely easy to set up, taking less than five minutes. Setup is entirely through your phone using the Aura app. You pair your frame, connect it to Wi-Fi, and upload photos. If gifting, you can set it up virtually through a QR code included on the packaging. This is convenient for non-tech savvy recipients.

Skylight

The Skylight Frame 2 also offers a simple setup. You download the Skylight app and interact with both the app and its touchscreen. Unlike Aura, you need to manually enter your Wi-Fi password. Setting up an email address for sharing photos is required, although Aura doesn’t mandate this during setup.

Result: Aura

Aura wins for setup because it streamlines the process slightly more than Skylight, which has some additional steps.

Design

Aura

The Aura Aspen has a sleek, subtle appearance that fits easily into most decors. It features touch bars to swipe through photos or adjust settings, but these bars were noted to be very sensitive, leading some to prefer physical buttons. It’s available in limited styles and colors, with a blocky power supply including a built-in cord.

Skylight

The Skylight Frame 2 is also sleek and customizable with 10 styles and colors, including faux frame mat options. It’s controlled via touchscreen, which invites fingerprints. Some settings are only accessible on the frame unless you subscribe to Skylight Plus. The power cord is shorter, limiting placement options.

Result: Draw

Preference varies between Aura Aspen’s design and Skylight Frame 2’s touchscreen simplicity. Both fit well into most spaces.

Ease of Use

Aura

The Aura app is user-friendly and controls everything from photo uploads to frame settings. It’s highly intuitive, allowing easy sharing with family members. The app-first approach simplifies user interaction.

Skylight

Skylight’s ease of use is apparent but comes with an extra step in tasks compared to Aura. The app is busier, with more menus. With Skylight Plus, users can access additional features, but this is optional. Skylight’s built-in storage allows it to display photos even without Wi-Fi, offering a unique advantage.

Result: Aura

Aura’s intuitive app makes it easier to use, though Skylight presents more flexibility for off-grid use.

Picture Quality

Aura

Aura Aspen’s photos look true to life with a 1600-by-1200-pixel resolution. Its 4:3 aspect ratio suits smartphone pictures well. Brightness is automatic and adapts to ambient lighting.

Skylight

Skylight Frame 2 offers higher resolution but often crops or adds borders due to its 16:9 aspect ratio. Brightness is adjustable to suit personal preferences.

Result: Aura

Aura’s picture quality is slightly favored because of its aspect ratio, offering a better fit for smartphone photos.

Conclusion

Overall, Aura Aspen stands out as a more traditional digital frame, while Skylight Frame 2 offers modern features for those who desire them. It depends on what you value more: simplicity or connectivity.