Virtual Electric Fireplaces: How They Work and Which to Buy in 2026

A virtual electric fireplace plays a recording of a real fire. Instead of building a flame out of light, it shows filmed wood or gas flames on a display inside the firebox. Logs or media sit in front, and the ember bed glows underneath. The result moves the way fire actually moves, which is why people who dislike most electric fireplaces often change their mind in front of one. You will also see them called digital or LCD fireplaces. Browse the virtual fireplaces we carry, or read on for how they work, how they install, and which models are worth a look.

What is a Virtual Fireplace?

A virtual fireplace is an electric fireplace whose flame is video of a real fire. Most play it on a high-definition screen, which is why the name LCD fireplace stuck. The Modern Flames Nova Clear uses laser projection instead, onto a transparent display you can see through.

Why do Virtual Fireplaces Look so Realistic?

Because the flame was filmed, not drawn. The good ones add a few things around it:

1. A high-definition display set back in the firebox for depth.
2. Footage of real fires, often in several styles such as wood or gas.
3. Crackling sound on many models.
4. Physical media in front of the flame, like logs, glass or rocks.
5. Ember bed lighting and downlights that glow with the fire.

Not every model has all five, so check for them when you shop.

Virtual Fireplaces vs LED Electric Fireplaces

The difference is how the flame is made. A virtual fireplace plays a recording of fire. An LED fireplace builds a flame pattern out of light, so there is no image of a real fire anywhere in it. Almost everything else, from installation to heat, works the same way.

An LED flame (left) next to a virtual flame (right).

Where Virtual and LED Fireplaces Differ

1. The flame. Set both to plain orange and watch for a minute. A virtual flame looks like fire because it is fire on film: irregular, never quite repeating. An LED flame looks cleaner and more regular than real fire, and it cycles. Judge this on video or in person, since a still photo flatters both. Color is not a tell, because both offer multi-color flames.
2. New flame styles. Some virtual models add styles after you buy them. The Modern Flames Orion Multi V2 gets new styles and themes through the Modern Flames+ app.
3. Cost. A virtual fireplace usually costs more than an LED model of the same size, because you are paying for the display.

What Virtual and LED Fireplaces Have in Common

1. The heater runs separately from the flame, so you can enjoy the fire year-round without heat.
2. Supplemental heat for the room you are in, not the whole house.
3. Electric only. No venting, gas line or chimney. They plug in or hardwire, and the manual says whether a model needs its own circuit.
4. Little upkeep. No ash, soot or annual chimney sweep.
5. No combustion, so no fumes, and the glass stays far cooler than a gas fireplace's. The heater outlet does get warm.
6. Controls that vary by model: remote, touch panel, app, voice assistant, thermostat and sleep timer.

Types of Virtual Electric Fireplaces: Wall-Mounted & Inserts

Installing a virtual fireplace is simpler than installing a gas or wood fireplace. There's no need for venting or special insulation. You can install these fireplaces directly into drywall or cabinetry with minimal clearances.

To install a virtual fireplace, all you need is an electrical connection on a dedicated circuit. It can either be an outlet or a hardwired connection. Most run on a standard 120V circuit, and some can be hardwired to 240V for more heat.

1. Built-in Installation

Most virtual fireplaces are built into the wall.

With this type of installation, you either create an opening in the drywall and frame it to support the fireplace or build out a bump-out to accommodate the fireplace. Some virtual fireplaces can fit into 2x6 walls while others require a bump-out. Make sure to check the depth of the fireplace and framing dimensions when you're shopping.

Please note that there are 3 types of built-in installation:

1. Fully recessed "clean face". With this installation, the fireplace doesn't need a trim, and the drywall or other finishing materials can be brought all the way to the glass face of the fireplace. This is a popular look for modern interiors. Although, not all virtual fireplaces can be installed this way. If this is the installation you are looking for, pay attention to the frame when you look at the photos of different fireplaces. The fireplaces that don't show a frame in the photo or have a 3-sided installation option are the ones that can usually be fully recessed with "clean face" look.
2. Fully recessed with trim. This installation will have you slide the fireplace in after the wall is ready and add a trim to finish it off. Many virtual and LED electric fireplaces are installed this way. 
3. Partially recessed into a 2"x4" wall. This allows you to install a 10" deep fireplace into a 2"x4" wall for example. However, you need to be mindful of the way it will look. You will need to make other design adjustments to make sure the fireplace looks good installed this way. Not all models can be installed this way, so pay attention to installation options listed on the product page.

2. Wall Mounted Installation

Wall mounted installation is when you hang your fireplace on a wall without creating any openings, just like how you would mount a flat screen TV.  The Modern Flames Orion Multi is built for it.

To wall mount it, add the Floating Mantel Set. It covers the internals and the cord, and it saves you from framing a bump-out.

3. Fireplace Insert

A virtual electric fireplace insert is a simple way to convert an existing wood-burning or gas fireplace into a modern, fireless focal point.

Virtual Fireplaces inserts are designed to be installed in retrofit wood or gas fireplaces to convert them to electric. They usually have the same proportions and sizes as traditional fireplaces to make it easier for them to fit into existing openings. However, this is not the only way virtual fireplace inserts can be installed.

In photo: Modern Flames Orion Traditional Virtual Electric Fireplace Insert

They can be built into drywall or cabinetry just like other linear virtual fireplaces. The difference is depth. Inserts are usually deeper, so you will need to build more depth into the wall, and they look more traditional. 

Virtual Fireplaces Worth Considering

Every model below plays a recording of real fire. We checked each one against the manufacturer's description of its flame, and left out the LED models that are sometimes sold as virtual.

• Modern Flames Orion Multi: a linear unit that installs in a corner or 3-sided, fits a 2x4 wall, and can hang on the wall with its Floating Mantel Set.
• Modern Flames Orion Slim: a linear unit sized to fit inside a 2x6 wall.
• Modern Flames Orion Traditional: traditional proportions, made to slide into a new or existing fireplace opening.
• Modern Flames Nova Clear: a see-through unit that projects its flame onto a transparent display with a laser, for room dividers and islands.
• Napoleon Luminex: installs 1-, 2- or 3-sided, with gas, wood and dancing flame styles.
• Napoleon Elevation X: a single-sided built-in with wood and gas flame styles and a built-in sound system for crackling audio.
• Solution Fires TrueFlame 150 3DX: a 4K display with kits to convert from single-sided to corner or 3-sided.

Want to see the flame before you choose? Our conversation with the founder of Modern Flames, below, shows the Orion series running.

Deeper Dive Into Virtual Fireplaces

If you want to learn more about virtual fireplaces, I invite you to check out my conversation with Kris Richardson, the founder of Modern Flames.

We cover the common questions and walk through the Orion series, including DIY installation options for the Orion Multi and Orion Slim.

In Conclusion

A virtual electric fireplace shows you real fire on film. Everything else works like any electric fireplace: easy installation, low upkeep and a heater you can switch off. You pay a little more for the display, and the place to judge it is in motion, set to a plain orange flame.

Ready to compare? Shop our virtual fireplaces.

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