Customer Ratings & Reviews

I can't explain why, but we own both the standard and mini portal. We have so many connection issues with the mini, and it's not related to the internet speed.

These are ok. Not the greatest. A laptop would prolly be as good and the Facebook functioning is a bit of a hindrance and contacts who don’t use Facebook can’t be reached.

Overall, I ended up liking this product way more than I expected. I had read various reviews on the internet of other Portal products and most were lackluster. After playing with this for a few days with an out of state relative who has an identical product, I have realized this could be a game changer for me! Read below for a detailed review. Unboxing: The package for this 8” version comes in a box that is barely bigger than the product. Inside there is the Portal, a kickstand, the cord and AC adapter. Other than that, there is not much to it! The packaging is good quality and explains most of the features. Set up: It was easier than expected. I was dreading typing in my Facebook password, Pandora password, Spotify password which is always annoying on touch screens. Instead, you will be directed to a Facebook page which just asks you to enter the code displayed on screen which links it to your account. This also works for Spotify if you have Facebook login enabled. Pandora did require me to type in my password, but it was minimally intrusive. Wi-Fi set up was straight forward and connected properly the first time followed by a day one update which took around 10 minutes to apply. Initial use: Upon setup, I called a family member who set his up earlier in the day. A simple command such as “Hey Portal, call xxxxx” will dial the person for a video chat. As soon as they answer, the video looks flawless so far as I can tell. Both of us have internet that is high speed but, on most services,, we usually see artifacts, lighting issues and more… on the Portal, there was zero issues I could see, video and audio were crystal clear and loud in both bright back light and dark settings. A great feature of the video calling is that the video will zoom and pan around the room within the camera’s field of view if the caller moves. Keep in mind the camera is fixed in place, but it is wide enough that there is room to move when utilizing this feature. If the person on the other end does not answer, you can leave a quick video message which they can see on their portal or on their phone with Messenger. Features: After playing with the device a little more and messing with settings, I discovered many more ways this device can easily integrate in my life. I am used to smart speakers and have various brands around the house, but this one is different… in a good way. First, there is a great story time app. It shows an interactive video of a story using the camera to place your child in the story book while you read to them. Next, audio is mainly featured through Pandora and Spotify, audio quality is loud and clear with plenty of range on all ends. It is by no means a large speaker so there will be limits but I have found it better quality overall compared to similar devices. Second, there is full Amazon Alexa support if you enable it, this greatly increases the usefulness of this device to the full range of Amazon skills. The built-in app store in the device has a small selection but most of the ones available are very useful, it appears Facebook put more effort on quality instead of quantity. Third, the screen is limited to 1280x900 resolution, but you would never know. You can prop it up in landscape or horizontal display which will stream photos from Facebook and Instagram (if linked) when idle. It looks amazing. Misc: The Portal supports integration from Messenger (best option), Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Pandora, Spotify to name a few. I did not test Whatsapp. For those concerned with privacy, there is a toggle on the top of the device to turn off the audio and video. Families will love this thing to stay connected to other family members, I recommend buy a pair and send one to Grandma and Grandpa or anyone out of state! During my testing I had zero issues with the device hearing me from across the room and accurately doing the proper command. Summary: I really can’t think of anything I would knock this device for. I didn’t want to love it, but it ended up as my favorite smart device in the house. Mainly due to its amazing call/video quality to stay in touch with loved ones, the great speaker and the integration of Alexa. If I had to knock it for anything, I would only say that the Pandora login is a little difficult since the text on screen seems small and not adjusted for the resolution of the screen, but this was only with that one app. Everything else worked like a charm!

Pros: Good features, great call quality. Cons: Weak build, hangs easily when logged into facebook.. 10 inch and above are pricey..

With so many other ways of connecting via video call, this was an extra device that didn't prove to be useful. Brought it back.

I thought we could do Facebook in an app on this portal but it goes to a web site with difficult to navigate options. Otherwise video chat is good.

Let me open with, “I LOVE IT!” This is a super user-friendly gadget that is perfect for communicating with Facebook friends. I have a friend, who recently located to Michigan and I truly miss him, as such I chose him to receive this device in order for us to video conference. We video conferenced on Monday night as the unit arrived for me late evening and our experience was great as the video was clear in clarity, audio, and overall communications. I did not experience any drop communications, black outs, or bad audio. I truly enjoyed seeing him and communicating with him via video. Setup of the unit was user-friendly as the device firstly did a firmware update that took approximately 15 minutes. Thereafter, I did not experience any problems when logging into my Facebook account and from there the device uploaded all of my pictures and contacts successfully. There isn’t a lot of variety as the device has Pandora, Spotify and IHeart Radio, all of which I have accounts, despite such, I am pleased with the limited choices. The only app that is not working properly is the “Story Time” for children, for some odd reason, it sets up as if it’s going to play, but it just buffers and will not play. I am hoping a future firmware update will correct this. Also, I am hoping that some more fun apps will be added in the near future. All in all, I am pleased with this device as it is doing what it’s supposed to do and that is video conference with Facebook friends impressively well!

Wish it ere possible to reach geek squad without going thru 15 min of recorded messages. So much for customer service!!!!!

It’s a good product but you mind as well get Nest or echo show. Because Facebook is a 3rd device

Facebook's Portal Mini is a sleek smart display that handles video chat very well with family and friends. But with features including AR games, Story Time, web and app access, picture display, and a robust speaker for music and other audio, the Portal Mini is more than just a chat device. The device will attract the eye of anyone in the room. The 8" screen looks like a classic picture frame with a very solid build and weight to it. The power supply acts as a stand that allows for vertical and horizontal staging, although I'm surprised the device isn't wire-free and requires this cord plugged in at all times. Ideally, this device could be mounted on a wall like an actual picture frame and removed as needed for portable use. Maybe next version? The circular speaker takes up most of the device real estate on the back, jutting out slightly. The sound definitely stands out in comparison to smart speaker devices. Voice quality is loud and clear while background noise is reduced during video chat. Connecting to Spotify is easy and sharing the music with your messaging partners is a plus. On the smart side of things, the Portal Mini connects with Amazon's Alexa and is responsive to requests. The device also lets you browse the web and has access to a growing library of apps to add to its myriad of functions. Standard video chat is fine and all, but the device allows for fun interactions with messaging partners through AR effects both passive and interactive. Some effects alter your appearance and voice, while others place cats on your head. Lots of fun to be had here while chatting. Plus, there are a selection of built-in games you can play with your chat buddy. These were entertaining especially for my kids, although I wonder how long before the novelty wears out as the options are very limited. Another interesting feature was Story Time, in which you are tasked with narrating and performing stories that are being played out on the screen for your chat partner. While I did not test this with my children, I can see this being a favorite for the young ones. Overall, the video messaging on the Portal Mini is top-notch, and the added bonuses of interactive AR, excellent speaker, and smart capabilities through Portal and Alexa make this a well-rounded smart device. While the cord requirement is a turn-off, the display itself is attractive and a centerpiece in any room. The Portal Mini has some room to grow, but this offering is a great start and worth a buy. Full disclosure, I received this product for my honest, unbiased review.

Bad camera quality whatsApp calling integration is not good.

Overall the product was okay. But i didn't feel worth the money I paid.

Great for talking to distant family members. Tracking camera is a good feature

So I bought this for my 93 year old Father in-law so that we could keep in touch by video. HOWEVER you need a Facebook account so when I went to create one. I got this message; You Can't Use Facebook Right Now We're currently reviewing your submission. We're always looking out for the security of our community, so until then you won't be able to use Facebook.

Just from Facebook’s adds you can tell who this is designed for. This things screams Grandma. If you are looking for a way to see kids or grand kids this is exactly what you need. It couldn’t be easier to video call someone than with the portal. What I Like: Facebook hit the nail on the head with the main feature of this device. Video calling works great and is super easy. Just connect Facebook or WhatsApp and you’re good to go. You can even put favorites on your home screen and start calling instantly. The camera looks great and the face tracking feature is really cool, it will follow you around the room to keep you center frame during a call. Apparently Facebook isn’t saving your face or anything, just following you on the call but, I’ll let you be the judge there. You can also setup a digital picture frame to use Facebook or instragram photos. I didn’t think I’d like this as much as I did but, given that the Portal looks like a picture frame it actually works well. The speaker is also nice to listen to music, though the music services supported are sparse. What’s OK Alexa is there. This is my first Alexa device and while it supports all the voice features, I find it less accurate and useful than some of the other voice assists. There are apps, though I’m not really sure who would be using apps on a big bulky picture frame. This definitely seems more like a voice controlled device. What I don’t like The stand for the device is very weird. It works most of the time but, if you use the portal in portrait mode, it is less than stable if you’re tapping near the top of the screen. I actually knocked mine off the table the first day and chipped the bezel of the Portal. No YouTube or YouTube Music support. This was a big one for me given This device seems perfect for YouTube and I use YouTube music almost exclusively. There is a shutter that physically obstructs the camera, which is great for privacy. But, it also keeps the Portal from picking up movement so once the screen times out and goes to sleep, the only way to get it back on is to tap the screen. Which makes the digital picture frame less appealing. And since there isn’t an option to turn off sleep mode (max is 1 hour on) your only option is to leave the camera uncovered, which is not ideal. Overall it’s a niche product. If you have a need for video calling and use Facebook Messenger this is a good product for you. I wouldn’t recommend for Alexa or the apps though as you’ll have much better options for that.

In order to use the portal I had to sign-up with Face Book. That was okay for about a minute until Face Book locked me out. then, trying to fix the problem, there is no one to call and the online was not helpful at all. I tried several times to re-instate mu Face Book account but nothing worked. I am still locked out and cannot use the Portal. I will be bringing both portals back for refund.

too much money foe the same usage my apple phone Average

Convenience, connectivity, and communication all in one package. The Facebook Portal makes connecting with your friends and family so much easier. Whether you connect via Facebook or WhatsApp, the Facebook portal has you covered. The initial setup for the device is a breeze. Follow the setup instructions when you first Tuen the Portal on, and you will be up and running in no time. This includes connecting the device via WiFi, linking your Facebook and WhatsApp accounts, Pandora and Spotify, and even link your phone to the device and create a photo display directly to the Facebook Portal. This device comes equipped with many features. One of my favorite features is the auto focusing camera. It is great for when connecting with family and friends. Another great feature is the speaker. It sounds great! To top things off, it has Alexa built in so you you have voice command! Just ask Alexa to call one of your contacts or turn some music on, and you’re on with your day. Not only is the Facebook portal great for connecting with friends and family, but with Alexa built in, you have the ability to start your very own smart home with Alexa compatible devices. The Facebook portal is definitely a great device for your home. With the holidays right around the corner, the Facebook Portal makes for the perfect gift.

I am pleased with it. I would reccomend it to anyone.

This device has really surprised me. It really is a Alexa device designed for Facebook Messenger video chat. Rather than saying "Alexa" you say "Hey Portal" and what you want. We use this to chat with the mother-in-law when she is at home and not staying with us. Also to see and talk with our little nieces. Audio is quite good, mostly depending on what the person on the other end is using. If they have a portal, it sounds good. If they are on a phone, that can be iffy depending on phone quality and health. PC/Chromebook work as well as the mic on them will allow. This doubles as a photo frame that you can select albums on FB to use for the source material. There are some apps available, nothing mind blowing, but something to play with. The phone app lets you configure some things and call the portal. One thing that would be nice, and hopefully future portals will have or have as a add on...batteries. I can understand no battery on the one attached to the TV, but having a battery on something this small would make it a portable portal. You don't always want to stay in the same room when doing a call. The camera does a good job tracking you. We try and see if we can confuse it by walking in opposite directions while both talking. Overall, I am really happy with this. Add a battery or the ability to hook up to a battery pack and this is close to 5 star. If you use FB Messenger for video calls, this is for you.