7 Digital Signage Tools for Windows Devices
You don't need fancy hardware or smart TVs to use digital signage for your business. You can turn any computer monitor that runs on Windows into an attractive digital sign.
Digital signage is popular for restaurant menus, university and school notice boards, office announcements, digital advertisements, retail videos, medical office entertainment, and many other use cases.
How to turn any Windows device into a digital sign
So long as your Windows device can run a modern, up-to-date web browser, then you can use it for digital signage. The web browser you need depends on which digital signage platform you choose (keep scrolling for our list of the best tools). Most digital signage tools require an up-to-date Chrome browser.
Then, all you have to do is open up the Chrome browser and launch the digital signage website or browser extension to convert your Windows device into a digital sign.
What are the benefits of using a Windows device for a digital sign?
When you use a Windows device for digital signage, you can put an existing device to use. You might have an existing Windows desktop monitor or all-in-one that would work just as well as a smart TV.
You might also be able to save on the monthly costs of digital signage software, because you can use browser-based software, instead of having to pay for hardware that might otherwise be required to convert a smart TV into a digital sign.
What kind of Windows device can you use for digital signage?
As long as your Windows device can run the appropriate web browser required by your signage software, you're in the clear.
The most common Windows devices to use for digital signage include all-in-ones, desktop monitors, and tablets.
What version of Windows do you need?
To run a modern browser, you might need Windows 10 or higher. That depends on the tool you choose. You might be able to use Windows 8, but most devices should have already been updated to Windows 10 or 11.
Top 7 digital signage tools for Windows
To use a Windows device for digital signage, you'll need the right software.
Digital signage tools allow you to design the look of your sign and manage the content from a central CMS and remotely change the content on your signs. Many digital signage platforms also offer integrations with other apps and services so that you can embed content, such as your social media feeds or a weather widget.
These are the best digital signage tools to use with a Windows device, as they all offer a browser-based media player so you don't have to purchase separate hardware.
1. Juuno
Juuno is a digital signage tool that focuses on beautifully simple designs and features. Unlike many other outdated digital signage platforms, this tool is easy to learn and use. You can pre-schedule content playlists to show the right images and announcements at the right times.
Top features:
- Social media integrations with Twitter, Instagram, and more
- Supports multimedia content like video, images, and Canva designs
- Content scheduling
- CMS for managing multiple signs and content types
- RSS feed
- Slack integration
Pricing:
Juuno costs $20 per screen per month.
How to use Juuno on a Windows device:
Juuno works with any modern web browser, such as Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. So all you need is an up-to-date Windows device, and you'll be able to navigate to Juuno.co on your web browser and deploy your digital signage.
2. truDigital
Top features:
- CMS for managing signs and content
- Social media integrations
- Klipfolio integration for data dashboards
Pricing:
For basic features, you'll pay $29 per month per player, and for advanced features, you'll pay $49 per month per player.
How to use truDigital on a Windows device:
You will need to purchase truDigital's hardware. Their digital signage player costs $249 as a one-time fee (on top of the monthly cost). To install the player, you'll need to make sure that your device has an HDMI port. Most Windows desktop computers and monitors have HDMI ports, but you won't be able to use a smaller device such as a tablet.
3. Aerva
Aerva is a digital signage platform with many enterprise customers such as Taco Bell and BP. The platform offers a variety of hardware and software options depending on your needs, whether that's a digital billboard or a restaurant menu.
Top features:
- CMS for managing content remotely
- Hardware or browser-based
- Can work for large displays (such as in Times Square)
Pricing:
As an enterprise-grade solution, Aerva doesn't publish their pricing online, so you'll need to get in touch with them.
How to use Aerva on a Windows device:
Aerva works on any web browser, including Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. This means you can use just about any Windows device to deploy the platforms.
Keep in mind that while Aerva does have a browser-based player that works for Windows, this solution is designed for enterprises and likely costs thousands of dollars per month. If you're looking to cover just a few screens, you might want something simpler like Juuno.
4. Play Signage
Top features:
- Cloud-based design editor
- Supports animation and videos
- Social media integrations
- Weather widget
- Content tags
Pricing:
Play Signage costs $18 per screen per month.
How to use Play Signage on a Windows device:
To use Play Signage, you need to download their app. It works not only for Windows devices, but also Mac, Android, Amazon, Chrome, Linux, and Samsung devices.
5. NowSignage
With NowSignage, you can get some enterprise-grade features at a more affordable cost. For example, you can use the content triggers to play the right content based on viewers' gender, age, and other criteria (using AI to identify these). Keep in mind that for most businesses, this platform will be overly complex.
Top features:
- CMS for managing content
- Hardware or browser-based
- RSS feeds
- Microsoft Power BI integration for data dashboards
Pricing:
NowSignage costs $20 per month per screen.
How to use NowSignage on a Windows device:
With NowSignage's HTML5 browser application, you can use this on any modern, up-to-date web browser. This means you can use it for just about any Windows device.
6. ScreenCloud
ScreenCloud offers plans and features that could work for small businesses or large enterprises. They offer several different content integrations, which is useful if you're planning to add widgets to your signage. The company does recommend that you purchase hardware to get the most out of their platform, but if you want to use it for Windows, all you have to do is download their app.
Top features:
- CMS for managing content
- Enterprise-grade security monitoring
- Works with Google Chromecast and Amazon Fire Stick
- Integrations for weather, news, and social media
Pricing:
For their most popular plan, you'll pay $30 per screen per month. Or choose the enterprise plan for advanced features and pay $40 per screen per month.
How to use ScreenCloud on a Windows device:
You can download the ScreenCloud app on your Windows all-in-one computer, desktop computer, or tablet.
7. Scala
Scala is an enterprise signage solution. It can be used for not only digital signs for customers, but also warehouses as well. One of the top use cases is smart pickup shelving, where shelf screens display pickup names or order numbers. The platform can also be used for lift and learn self-guided product tours, meaning when a customer lifts an item from a display, the product tour will play automatically.
Top features:
- Content designer
- Remote CMS to manage all screens
- Support for multimedia content
- Transition effects
Pricing:
Scala doesn't publish their pricing online, so you'll need to contact their team for a custom quote. The company only offers enterprise plans.
How to use Scala on a Windows device:
You will need to purchase Scala's media player, which is compatible with both Windows and Linux devices. The player will allow you to stream videos on your Windows device, display menus, or share announcements.
How to choose the right signage platform for Windows
If you're looking for a digital signage tool for billboards, Aerva will likely be the right solution. If you want to use digital signage for lift and learn product tours, then Scala will be the best fit.
However, if you're looking for a simple solution that will be easy to learn and affordable, then Juuno will be your best bet. It's the perfect fit for restaurants, offices, and schools looking to share content via widgets, videos, slide shows, and static screens.