Do I need a frother for latte art?

True latte art requires fine microfoam. Specialist communities note that automatic frothers like the DREO BaristaMaker get close but reviewers on r/espresso say the foam "stiffens up quickly" and isn't always micro enough. Handheld stepless-speed frothers can produce silkier texture in skilled hands, but a proper steam wand remains the gold standard.