Art lovers! These e-ink photo frames actually look like art (and they're on sale)

A digital art picture frame
InkPoster Tela (Image credit: Future)

E-ink has revolutionised how we display memories and artwork at home, combining the warmth of traditional prints with digital convenience. Unlike conventional digital photo frames or frame TVs, with their glaring screens, e-ink frames use the same paper-like display technology found in e-readers.

The result? Images that look genuinely printed, with no backlight or glare, and battery life measured in months rather than hours. So whether you're seeking something for your gallery wall or a cordless solution for your photos, e-ink frames offer the perfect blend of innovation and aesthetics.

Aluratek ePaper Wi-Fi Digital Photo Frame (13.3")
Save $70
Aluratek ePaper Wi-Fi Digital Photo Frame (13.3") : was $329.99 now $259.99 at BHPhoto

This color ePaper frame displays images that look authentically printed, without backlighting for a traditional aesthetic. The 13.3-inch display includes interchangeable white and black mats to complement your décor, whilst automatic rotation adapts to horizontal or vertical hanging.

Aura Ink 13"
Save $50
Aura Ink 13": was $499 now $449 at Aura Home

This gallery-worthy frame uses proprietary E Ink Spectra 6 technology with six ink color dots to reproduce warm, vintage-toned images. You get up to three months of battery life on a single charge, whilst automatic brightness adjustment and dark-mode shutoff maximise efficiency.

Reflection Frame Classic Black (Revised Edition)
Reflection Frame Classic Black (Revised Edition): $349.99 at reflectionframe.com

Buy two, save $50!
Featuring tap-to-print technology and an E Ink Spectra 6 display, this 13.3-inch frame offers truly cord-free operation with two years of battery life based on three daily updates. Use the app to send photos directly from your phone.

InkPoster Tela
InkPoster Tela: $1,699 at Amazon

The InkPoster Tela is expensive but worth it. A premium, 31.5-inch frame offering stunning, glare-free visuals that genuinely mimic printed artwork. Running up to one year on a single charge, this cordless frame features an elegant black aluminum frame with white passe-partout.

What does e-ink mean?

E-ink (electronic ink) is the display technology used in e-readers like Kindle. Rather than emitting light like traditional screens, e-ink displays use tiny pigment capsules that physically shift position to create images. This means they only consume power when changing the displayed image, not while showing it; so battery life tends to run into the months, if not years. Most importantly, e-ink displays have no backlight, so they look like printed paper and remain perfectly visible in bright sunlight without glare.

Do e-ink frames require subscriptions?

Most e-ink photo frames don't require subscriptions, which mean you own the device outright and transfer photos directly from your phone via app. Some frames, such as the InkPoster and Aura above, offer optional curated art libraries with thousands of artworks included at no additional cost. However, always check before purchasing, as policies can vary by region, manufacturer and model.

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Tom May
Freelance journalist and editor

Tom May is an award-winning journalist specialising in art, design, photography and technology. His latest book, The 50 Greatest Designers (Arcturus Publishing), was published this June. He's also author of Great TED Talks: Creativity (Pavilion Books). Tom was previously editor of Professional Photography magazine, associate editor at Creative Bloq, and deputy editor at net magazine. 

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