Emma Frost is a transmorph capable of accessing both a human form with telepathic abilities honed to brutal precision, or an organic diamond form with enhanced strength and durability. Since her introduction, Frost has displayed the telepathic standards of broadcasting and receiving thoughts, mind control, altering perceptions and memories, astral projection, etc. She is highly skilled at creating electronic devices that amplify/block/engage psionic powers, as well as exploiting flaws in most electronic equipment.

Frost is also very adept at performing 'psychic surgery': the utilization of pin-pointed psionic energy to exert absolute control over individual brain functions such that the physical form can be manipulated (i.e., injuries healed, disabilities repaired, stimulation or retardation of growth and aging, etc). This is an unusual feat for even the most powerful of telepaths, but one that Frost is keen to utilize whenever the occasion suits her. She is a "Psi of High Order", and capable of defeating telepaths with much more raw power than herself.

Frost developed a secondary mutation: the ability to transform herself into a perfectly smooth, flexible, translucent diamond-like substance. Her abilities have been inconsistent in this form. Although initially only her skin turns into diamond, she was shattered by a diamond bullet, indicating that her entire body turns into organic diamond. Frost is virtually impervious to all forms of physical damage and can use her indestructible body to support incredible amounts of weight. She cannot access her telepathy in diamond form, nor can she be influenced by psis.

Throughout the years, it has been strongly hinted that Frost is also a latent telekinetic.