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No—not for every way of displaying art. On supported Samsung TVs, you can use personal photos and select free artwork without paying; a subscription unlocks the wider premium Art Store catalog. Other brands set their own terms: LG describes Gallery+ as subscription-based, and its availability depends on the TV, software and country. So whether you need to pay depends on what you want to display and which TV you own.
What a subscription pays for—and what it does not
An art TV’s display mode and its artwork catalog are separate things. The display mode lets the television show images when you want it to function as a picture display. A subscription, when offered, generally concerns access to a particular manufacturer’s curated or licensed catalog. That distinction matters: a catalog membership may be optional even when a manufacturer sells one as part of its art-TV experience.
There are usually three questions to sort out: whether the TV can show images without a membership, whether your own pictures are supported, and whether the particular catalog artwork you want is behind a paywall. The answers vary by brand, model, software version and country. The available details for Samsung and LG illustrate why “art TV” does not have one universal subscription rule.
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Samsung’s US Art TV page says compatible TVs can browse Art Store artwork, upload personal photos and select free collections. Samsung states: “You can use your own photos and access select free artwork without paying.” A paid membership is for access to the premium Art Store catalog; the free selections are not a promise that every work in the store is included at no cost.
#1 Best Overall
- DESIGNED TO LOOK LIKE A PICTURE FRAME: Looks like real art with a slim design that mounts flush to the wall, customizable bezels* to match your style, and an external hub that connects the TV to power and your devices with a single wire.
- YOUR PERSONAL ART GALLERY ON YOUR TV: When you're not watching TV, the Frame transforms into art**. Access a curated collection from the Art Store*** or upload your own photos****. Finish the look with various mat styles and colors.
- LIFELIKE PICTURE WHEN IT’S ON, MUSEUM-WORTHY WHEN IT’S OFF: Enjoy stunning colors when you're watching TV and admire lifelike artwork when you're not. Discover subtle details and bold colors and appreciate art as if you were in a gallery.
- THE NEXT BIG THING IN TELEVISION: TV, tailored to you with AI-enhanced***** picture & sound plus revolutionary personalized experiences that let you engage more deeply with your content.
- MAKES ART LOOK LIKE REAL ART WITH A PRINT-LIKE FINISH: See your favorite works like you're seeing them hanging in a gallery or museum. The virtually glare-free screen has subtle, matte texture, making art look like a real print.
Samsung’s page lists more than 5,000 works and a US membership price of $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year. Those are the figures Samsung listed on its US page as accessed October 12, 2026—not a worldwide price guarantee or a promise that the catalog size and terms will remain unchanged. Samsung says Art Mode is available on The Frame and OLED S95H, with availability varying by model year and region. Check the service page shown for your TV and country for current eligibility, price and catalog terms.
Adding your own images
Samsung support describes two ways to add personal images to The Frame: through the SmartThings app or by USB. The precise options can depend on the TV’s model and software, so use the current on-screen instructions for your set. The support guidance documents image transfer; it does not establish that every model or software version has identical slideshow or collection controls.
To find out whether a membership is necessary for your intended use, try the non-subscription route first:
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Rank #2
- DESIGNED TO LOOK LIKE A PICTURE FRAME: Looks like real art with a slim design that mounts flush to the wall, customizable bezels* to match your style, and an external hub that connects the TV to power and your devices with a single wire.
- YOUR PERSONAL ART GALLERY ON YOUR TV: When you're not watching TV, the Frame transforms into art**. Access a curated collection from the Art Store*** or upload your own photos****. Finish the look with various mat styles and colors.
- LIFELIKE PICTURE WHEN IT’S ON, MUSEUM-WORTHY WHEN IT’S OFF: Enjoy stunning colors when you're watching TV and admire lifelike artwork when you're not. Discover subtle details and bold colors and appreciate art as if you were in a gallery.
- THE NEXT BIG THING IN TELEVISION: TV, tailored to you with AI-enhanced***** picture & sound plus revolutionary personalized experiences that let you engage more deeply with your content.
- MAKES ART LOOK LIKE REAL ART WITH A PRINT-LIKE FINISH: See your favorite works like you're seeing them hanging in a gallery or museum. The virtually glare-free screen has subtle, matte texture, making art look like a real print.
- Check the TV’s art service. Open Art Store or Art Mode and look for artwork explicitly identified as free. The exact menu wording and selection can vary.
- Try a personal-image transfer. For a supported Samsung Frame, use the SmartThings app or USB instructions in Samsung support. Confirm the image appears in the TV’s art display.
- Check the specific work you want. If it is marked as premium or membership-only, a free collection or your own image will not provide access to that licensed work.
- Review the TV’s membership page before subscribing. Samsung support says membership can be started on the TV by opening Art Store and selecting Membership. Confirm the displayed price and terms for your region before proceeding.
LG: Gallery+ is subscription-based, but compatibility and image sources matter
LG describes Gallery+ as a service that supports photos from external devices, connected mobile devices through LG ThinQ, or Google Photos. Its US service page advertises a one-month free trial for subscription customers. A trial is not the same as permanent free access: check the local offer and its terms before relying on it.
In a corporate announcement dated May 18, 2026, LG described Gallery+ as subscription-based on LG Smart TVs running webOS 25 and above, including older TVs upgraded to webOS 25. The announcement describes more than 5,000 curated artworks and names LG’s 2026 art-TV lineup. Availability and terms depend on the country and compatible TV or software.
These details do not establish that every LG model can use Gallery+ without paying merely because the service accepts personal photos. If you own an LG TV and want to display your own pictures without a subscription, check the Gallery+ terms and the TV’s current menus for your specific model and country. The available service descriptions establish photo-source support and subscription access, but do not establish a universal no-cost personal-photo route across LG models.
Rank #3
- SPECTACULAR MINI LED-POWERED GLARE-FREE PICTURE: Experience bold contrast in both dark and bright scenes with precise mini LED lighting that reveals hidden details. When you're not watching shows, our best Art TV picture delivers spectacular 4K visuals that reveal masterpieces to rival those in museums and galleries. The matte display both enhances the texture of your favorite artworks and virtually eliminates distracting reflections — so you can fully enjoy your favorite True Crime series, Cubist masterpiece from MoMA, or both
- A PICTURE FRAME AESTHETIC WITH WIRELESS CONNECTION HUB¹: Cutting-edge tech meets contemporary design to elevate your viewing experience. This masterpiece features customizable bezels² to complement your personal aesthetic, transforming your television into a sophisticated work of art that blends into your decor. Say goodbye to tangled wires¹ and hello to endless possibilities for mounting options. Let this TV become the focal point of your home, with TV when it's on and art when it's off
- TURN YOUR TV INTO A MASTERPIECE: Enjoy a personal art gallery at home with Art Mode.³ Transform your TV into one of over 5,000 Art Store⁴ pieces from renowned artists like Salvador Dali and museums such as The Met and MoMA. Adaptive brightness, motion sensors and a matte finish recreate the look of real canvas, while customizable layouts let you refresh your space for any occasion
- EXPERT-VALIDATED COLOR FOR LIFELIKE VIEWING: Immerse yourself in stunningly accurate colors and breathtaking skin tones, expertly validated by the renowned Pantone professionals. As the leading authorities on color fidelity, Pantone guarantees that every hue and tone you see on screen is a true-to-life representation. This enhances your viewing experience, whether you're captivated by your favorite True Crime series or admiring a magnificent masterpiece from MoMA. Indulge in a world of vibrant visuals that elevate every moment
- HANGS LIKE A PICTURE: Mount The Frame flush against the wall, just like a picture, to create the illusion of an actual piece of art. With a minimal gap between the TV and the wall, it blends seamlessly with your art collection and paintings. Plus, it keeps the design uncluttered since there’s just one sleek cable connected to it
Samsung and LG terms are not interchangeable
The most useful comparison is not simply “which art TV has a subscription?” It is what remains available without one on the exact television you own. The table separates established details from points that vary or are not established by the manufacturers’ cited service information.
| Question | Samsung Art Store / Art Mode | LG Gallery+ |
|---|---|---|
| Can personal photos be used? | Yes, on compatible TVs; Samsung support describes SmartThings and USB transfer methods. (Samsung US Art TV page and support guidance.) | Gallery+ supports photos from external devices, LG ThinQ-connected mobile devices and Google Photos. Whether that use is free without a subscription is not established universally. (LG service page and May 18, 2026 announcement.) |
| Is there artwork available without paying? | Samsung says select free artwork is available on compatible TVs. Premium Art Store content may require membership. (Samsung US Art TV page.) | Gallery+ is described as subscription-based; a generally available free artwork tier is not stated. (LG, May 18, 2026.) |
| What catalog size is stated? | More than 5,000 works on Samsung’s US page, accessed October 12, 2026. Catalog size may change. | More than 5,000 curated artworks in LG’s May 18, 2026 announcement. |
| What price or trial is stated? | Samsung’s US page lists $4.99 monthly or $49.99 yearly, accessed October 12, 2026. Local price may differ or change. | LG’s US service page advertises a one-month free trial for subscription customers, accessed October 12, 2026. Trial availability and terms may vary. |
| What compatibility limits are stated? | Art Mode availability varies by model year and region; the US page names The Frame and OLED S95H. | LG says Gallery+ is for Smart TVs running webOS 25 and above, including older models upgraded to webOS 25; country and model availability still matter. |
How to decide whether you personally need to subscribe
You only want your own photos on screen
On a compatible Samsung setup, Samsung says personal photos can be used without payment, so a catalog membership is not necessary for that purpose. For LG, verify whether your specific model and Gallery+ terms allow your intended personal-photo use without an active subscription; photo-source support alone does not answer the billing question.
You want a small selection of ready-made artwork
Samsung’s select free artwork may be enough if you are content with the works currently offered for free. Check the TV itself, since the free selection can change and is not equivalent to the entire premium catalog. For LG Gallery+, the available manufacturer information describes a subscription-based service and does not establish a comparable, permanent free artwork selection.
Rank #4
- GLARE FREE WITH NEO QLED: With mini LEDs for precision lighting, our best Art TV picture delivers spectacular and immersive viewing. Enjoy your favorite shows without distracting reflections, allowing you to immerse yourself in the content—whether the sun is streaming through your windows or that one lamp is on while watching the latest thriller.
- MODERN FRAME DESIGN WITH WIRELESS ONE CONNECT: Elevate any room with this stunning fusion of technology and artistry. Customizable bezels* let you choose your style, while the revolutionary wireless connection hub**, allows for flexibility in mounting options, free from unsightly cords and clutter.
- ART MODE / ART STORE: Enjoy a personal art gallery at home with access to over 5,000 artworks* from iconic museums and artists worldwide, available through the Art Store** and the innovative technology of Art Mode, which features adaptive brightness, a matte finish, and motion sensors that transform your space into a true-to-life gallery experience.
- PANTONE VALIDATED ARTFULCOLOR: Enjoy stunning colors whether you're watching TV or admiring lifelike works of art. Pantone Validated ArtfulColor brings your favorite artwork to life for a realistic, museum-like viewing experience.
- SLIM FIT WALL MOUNT INCLUDED: The Frame looks like art for many reasons. When mounted flush against the wall, the gap between the TV and the wall is minimal, creating the illusion of a genuine piece of art.
You want access to a broad curated catalog or a particular licensed piece
Expect that membership may be required for premium works. Before paying, identify the exact artwork or catalog access you want and confirm that it is available in your country, on your model and under the displayed plan. Catalog totals describe the size advertised by the manufacturer; they do not mean every listed piece is included in every region or tier.
You are considering a free trial
LG’s US Gallery+ page advertises a one-month trial for subscription customers. Because trial eligibility and terms may vary, read the offer shown for your account and country before starting. Do not treat a trial as proof that the service remains free after the trial period.
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What to verify before paying
- Exact model and software: Art features may be limited by model year or software version; LG’s stated Gallery+ compatibility begins with webOS 25 and above.
- Country: A US price or trial is not necessarily available elsewhere. Check the TV’s local service page.
- Free versus premium labels: Confirm that the artwork you want is included without payment, not simply visible in a catalog preview.
- Personal-image workflow: Confirm how your model accepts images and whether it offers the display controls you want. Transfer support does not guarantee identical slideshow behavior on every version.
- Current terms: Catalogs, prices and trial offers can change. Use the membership details displayed by the TV or its official local service page rather than relying on an old price or offer.
Bottom line for art-TV owners
You do not automatically need a subscription just because you own an art TV. A compatible Samsung can display personal photos and select free artwork without payment, while membership opens its premium catalog. LG Gallery+ is described as subscription-based, and its model, software and country requirements should be checked individually. If your goal is your own photos or a few free pieces, test those options before subscribing; pay only if the catalog access you want is worth the local price and terms.
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