Aura vs Skylight: Comparing Two Leading Digital Photo Frames

Understanding Aura and Skylight Digital Frames

Aura and Skylight are renowned brands for digital photo frames. Deciding between them based on specifications alone can be difficult. I tested these frames side-by-side for over a month to gain practical insights beyond technical details. Digital photo frames can fit into any household, making them excellent gifts.

Method of Evaluation

I focused on the Aura Aspen and Skylight Frame 2 due to their similar size, price, and features. These frames were subjected to various tests in my home, including setup, interface, design, and picture quality. I enlisted former NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider and NBC Select social editorial assistant Caitlin Cusack to assist in the evaluation.

Setup

Aura

The Aura Aspen’s setup is straightforward, taking less than five minutes. This process occurs entirely through the Aura app, where you pair the frame, connect to Wi-Fi, and upload photos. Gifting an Aura frame is simple; a QR code under the packaging allows for virtual setup. This option is convenient for non-technical users.

Skylight

The Skylight Frame 2 also features an easy setup, though slightly more complex than Aura’s. It requires both app interaction and touchscreen input during setup, such as typing in the Wi-Fi password directly on the frame. An email option for photo sharing must be set up. Skylight allows virtual gifting, providing a gift code the recipient uses upon unboxing.

Setup Winner: Aura. Aura’s setup is somewhat simpler, saving a few steps compared to Skylight.

Design

Aura

The Aura Aspen boasts a sleek and analog appearance, blending well with most décor. It features touch bars on the sides for control. Though the swipe bar is sensitive and not favored by everyone, its simplicity is notable. However, the power supply lacks modern compactness, being bulky with a built-in cord.

Skylight

The Skylight Frame 2 offers a stylish design with 10 styles and colors available. Its touchscreen is user-friendly yet prone to fingerprints, complicating certain settings that are frame-exclusive unless using Skylight Plus. Its power supply shares similar bulkiness but poses a short cord issue.

Design Verdict: Draw. Both frames present appealing designs, albeit with personal preferences differing regarding touch controls.

Ease of Use

Aura

Aura’s ease of use shines through its app-based control. Uploading photos, inviting others to share, and adjusting slideshow settings are intuitive. This approach negates the need for frame adjustments, akin to a traditional photo frame.

Skylight

Skylight, while easy to use, requires additional steps for tasks. The app feels busier, with controls split between the app and frame. Skylight Plus offers more features for $39 annually, including cross-device photo management.

Ease of Use Winner: Aura. The Aura app is more straightforward. Skylight requires a subscription for full app control, though its local storage is suitable for non-Wi-Fi areas.

Picture Quality

Aura

Aura Aspen’s 1600×1200 resolution offers lifelike pictures with a 4:3 aspect ratio matching phones. The automatic brightness adjustment can be an initial concern but works well for photo clarity.

Skylight

The Skylight Frame 2’s higher resolution is appealing, though often results in cropped images due to its 16:9 ratio. Manual brightness control helps, but requires tweaking for optimal viewing.

Picture Quality Winner: Aura. While differences may be subtle, Aura’s 4:3 aspect ratio provides a better fit for smartphone photos.

Final Thoughts on Aura vs Skylight

The Aura Aspen feels more like a classic photo frame, with a simpler design beneficial for general users. Skylight holds an edge in connectivity options, useful where Wi-Fi isn’t feasible.

About NBC Select Testing

As an NBC Select reporter, my expertise includes technology and photography tools. This analysis of Aura and Skylight frames involved thorough testing over a month, offering readers an informed choice.