Aura Frames Review, Pricing & Features

Aura Frames sells WiFi digital picture frames with free unlimited photo and video storage. Compare Carver, Aspen, Walden, and Ink prices and features for 2026.

Category
Productivity
Pricing
custom, from $149 (Carver 10-inch frame)
Verified
Not yet
Last updated
July 19, 2026
Founded
2012
Headquarters
New York, NY, USA

What Is Aura Frames

Aura Frames, made by New York-based Pushd Inc, is a line of WiFi-connected digital picture frames paired with a free companion mobile app that lets family and friends share photos and videos directly to a frame from anywhere. The company was founded in 2012 by Abdur Chowdhury, formerly Twitter's chief scientist, and CTO Eric Jensen, and has raised roughly 46.9 million dollars in venture funding from investors including Spark Capital, SV Angel, Betaworks, and DCVC.

By late 2022 the company reported nearing 3 million app users and over a million frames sold, reflecting steady growth in the connected digital photo frame category.

Key Features and Product Lineup

Aura's frame lineup spans several sizes and price points: the Carver, its most popular and affordable model, starts at 149 dollars for the base 10-inch version; the Mason is a smaller 9-inch freestanding, dual-orientation frame; the Aspen is a 12-inch HD frame priced around 229 dollars; and the Walden is a larger 15-inch frame priced around 299 dollars. In late 2025, Aura launched Ink, its first cordless color e-paper frame using Spectra 6 e-ink technology, priced at 499 dollars, with up to three months of battery life on a single charge.

Every frame connects to the free Aura app, which supports free and unlimited photo and video storage, with content added via the app, email, a web uploader, an in-app document scanner for printed photos, or direct sharing from a phone's camera roll.

Several models, including Smith, Walden, Mason, Sawyer, and Carver, include touch bar controls for swiping between photos or reacting to a shared photo, plus a built-in motion sensor for gesture-based navigation.

Pricing

Aura frames are sold as one-time hardware purchases ranging from around 149 dollars for the entry-level Carver up to 499 dollars for the cordless Ink e-paper frame, with the Aspen and Walden models priced in between.

Unlike some competing digital frame brands, Aura does not charge a recurring subscription fee for core use. Unlimited cloud photo and video storage and regular software updates are included free with every frame.

Key Features

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • No subscription fee for unlimited photo and video storage
  • Wide range of frame sizes and price points to fit different budgets
  • Simple, multi-channel photo uploading including email and app sharing
  • Well-funded, established company with a large existing user base
  • Touch bar and gesture controls add a polished physical interaction layer

Cons

  • Upfront hardware cost is higher than many non-connected picture frames
  • Requires WiFi connectivity and ongoing app usage to get full value
  • Premium models like Ink cost as much as 499 dollars
  • Frame functionality depends on Aura's cloud service remaining operational
  • Company size and detailed financials are not publicly disclosed

Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Aura Frames charge a monthly subscription

No. Aura frames include free, unlimited photo and video storage with no recurring subscription fee for core use.

What is the cheapest Aura frame

The Carver, Aura's most popular model, starts at 149 dollars for the base 10-inch version.

What is Aura Ink

Ink is Aura's cordless, color e-paper digital frame launched in late 2025, priced at 499 dollars, with up to three months of battery life using Spectra 6 e-ink technology.

How do I add photos to an Aura frame

Photos and videos can be added through the Aura mobile app, email, a web uploader, an in-app scanner for printed photos, or directly from a phone's camera roll.

Who founded Aura Frames

Aura Frames was founded in 2012 by Abdur Chowdhury, formerly Twitter's chief scientist, and CTO Eric Jensen.

How does Aura compare to Skylight

Both are WiFi digital picture frame brands; Aura differentiates itself with free unlimited storage included on every frame, while some competitors charge separate subscription fees for storage or extra features.

Do Aura frames support video, not just photos

Yes, Aura frames support sharing and displaying short videos in addition to photos.

Where is Aura Frames headquartered

Aura Frames is headquartered in New York, NY, USA.

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