The best smart bird feeders in 2025, tested and reviewed

Bird feeders have long been a favorite way for backyard birders to attract and observe their avian visitors, and new high-tech models can enhance the experience. The best smart bird feeders combine bird-friendly design and safety with up-close camera views and other smart features.

With built-in cameras and connected apps, these smart bird feeders send high-definition photos and videos straight to your phone, letting you appreciate your feathered friends up close. Many even use AI to identify bird species and provide insights about their feeding habits and behaviors, much like some of the details you'll find in a pocket bird guide.

As an admirer of the sparrows, goldfinches, and doves that visit my Los Angeles backyard, I was eager to see how well these smart bird feeders perform. To better understand what features are most important for both bird well-being and human user experience, I consulted experts from the Cornell Ornithological Society and the National Audubon Society. This helped me develop a thorough testing protocol to evaluate five popular smart birdfeeders in my own backyard.

After two months of testing and hundreds of recorded bird visits, one model stood out above the rest: the Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro. It has an intuitive app, clear video quality, and a bird-friendly design.

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Our top picks for the best smart bird feeders

Best overall: Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro With Solar Roof - See at Chewy

Best budget: NetvueBirdfy Feeder 1 - See at Chewy

Best for videos: Netvue Birdfy Feeder 2 Duo - See at Chewy

Best overall

The Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro was a breeze to set up and connect to its companion app, thanks to a straightforward instruction manual and intuitive app prompts.Once I filled it with the best bird seed and hung it from a tree in my backyard, its well-designed perch quickly attracted a variety of species. Despite its relatively small size, the perch accommodated several birds at once.

The Bird Buddy app did a fantastic job of presenting curated "postcards" on the main dashboard, showcasing only the clearest, best-quality images. Although its 122-degree field of view was slightly narrower than other models I tested, the impressive 2K video quality more than made up for it. The sharp focus and high frame rate let me to observe the small details and personalities of these curious little creatures, from their search for specific seeds in the tray to subtle head movements as they interacted with each other.

The AI identification wasn't always accurate. It sometimes identified birds based on partial images, and I couldn't confirm them with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Merlin Bird ID Wizard App. Still, its accuracy was on par with other smart feeders I tested. All of the Bird Buddy app's features are available without a subscription, but the Premium plan ($6 monthly or $60 annually) offers 2K Ultra image resolution, access to remote feeders from around the globe, and unlimited cloud storage. I tested the 2K Ultra setting, but didn't see much of a difference from the 2K setting.

I encountered only a few issues. The small, awkwardly placed filling hatch made it tricky to fill without spilling seed, even with the included seed pourer. The metal hanger was also slightly too thick for the mounting holes, so I had to force it through the holes. I initially had trouble connecting to the live camera feed and receiving postcards, but customer service was helpful. They advised me to reset the camera and download an update, and everything started working smoothly.

The Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro is available with or without a solar roof. As long as you place the feeder in direct sunlight, the solar roof continuously charges the camera battery, although its performance can vary depending on your climate. The feeder is also easy to take apart› for hassle-free cleaning.

Best budget

While not as sleek or polished as the Bird Buddy, the Birdfy Feeder 1 still stood out as one of the best smart bird feeders, offering many of the same features at a much lower price. Its flip-top roof made refilling easy, and I appreciated the variety of mounting options. I used the strap-and-bracket system to secure the feeder to a tree trunk. Not only did it provide excellent stability, but the hanging bracket allowed for quick and easy dismounting for refilling and cleaning.

The 1080p videos were clear and detailed, though not quite as sharp as the Bird Buddy's 2K video, and the extra-wide 135-degree field of view captured full-body shots and birds perched around the edges of the tray. Thanks to the wide-open seed tray and dual perch design, I witnessed several instances of multiple birds wandering the tray while others fed from the perch without crowding.

Unlike the Bird Buddy, the Birdfy Feeder 1 requires either a $5 monthly subscription or a one-time $30 fee to access its AI recognition software. The Birdfy app isn't as streamlined, and its feed can get cluttered with dozens of clips on busy days. However, the Highlight feature does a great job of generating daily visitor summaries, organizing clips by species, and flagging "first-time visitors" for easy viewing. Like other feeders, the AI was accurate for the most part, though it occasionally misidentified a bird when I cross-checked with the Merlin Bird ID Wizard App.

You can purchase this feeder with or without a solar panel. The 5000mAh rechargeable battery has exceptional longevity. After two months of testing, the battery was at 30%, making the brand's six-month battery life claim fairly accurate. While the brand offers a seed guard and a shield to deter squirrels, neither fared well in my testing. They cracked and pieces broke off, likely due to chewing.

Best for videos

If you want highly detailed videos of visiting birds and don't mind spending more, the Netvue Birdfy Feeder 2 Duo is my recommendation. Along with a standard front-facing camera, it features a side-mounted camera that captures each bird from beak to tail, along with their unique colorways and distinctive markings.

Both cameras deliver crisp 1080p video, and an additional 2K lens on the front-facing camera automatically tracks and zooms in on individual birds to capture sharp, detailed images. When a bird visits, the app generates a mix of 20-second video clips and photos from different angles — including front, wide-angle, and side views — giving you a comprehensive look at your feathered visitor.

The Birdfy's AI identification is included with your purchase. I do wish the app combined all these clips in a single feed. Instead, you have to watch each angle separately. It's not a major issue, but I had to spend some time searching through the feeds to find all the footage from an event.

Beyond its camera features, the feeder's expansive perch and large feeding tray are impressive and attracted plenty of birds during my testing. The semi-covered tray makes it easy for birds to access seed while minimizing spillage. Because there's no platform to perch on, it was also less inviting to squirrels.

A solar panel is included, but it's somewhat inconvenient since it's not built into the feeder's roof. You have to mount it separately on a wall or pole, which adds an extra step to the setup process.

What else we tested

While the two feeders below didn't perform as well as our picks for the best smart bird feeders, they offer some noteworthy benefits. Depending on your specific needs, you still might find them worthwhile.

FeatherSnap Scout Smart Bird Feeder: This feeder has a solid, durable build, extra-large seed capacity, and an extendable perch that birds love to congregate on. However, its companion app could be more user-friendly. The bird identification process involves several extra steps, and unlike other apps that automatically display videos, you have to request each video. That said, I appreciated the app's "bird book" feature, which organizes your content and highlights facts about visiting species, such as their preferred seeds and region-specific information.

Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera Case: Unlike most smart bird feeders with built-in cameras, this model requires you to supply your own. It may be a practical option if you already have one of the seven compatible Wyze, Ring, or Blink cameras and don't need bird identification features. For testing, I paired it with the Ring Stick-Up Cam. While it's a solid motion-activated security camera, it was a poor choice for capturing birds. The footage was often blurry and out of focus, likely because the camera is designed for monitoring from more of a distance rather than close-up. Still, I appreciated the Ring app's customization options and its color night vision capabilities.

What to look for in a smart bird feeder

To help make your decision easier and differentiate between the best smart bird feeders on the market, I interviewed two experts on the subject of feeding birds: Chad Witko, an ornithologist and specialist in avian biology at the National Audubon Society, and David N. Bonter, an avian ecologist and Arthur A. Allen director of citizen science at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Drawing on their insights, I compiled this list of key features to look for in a smart bird feeder.

App features: Smart bird feeder apps vary widely, so it's important to choose one that best matches your preferences. If AI identification is a priority, look for an app that not only identifies species but also provides educational insights or the ability to recognize and nickname specific birds. If you enjoy interacting with other birders, consider apps that allow you to share clips with a built-in social platform or invite friends and family to view your feed. Other features to consider include data storage limits, slow-motion settings, and safety alerts, such as notifications if a cat is nearby.

Ease of cleaning: A dirty feeder isn't just an eyesore; it can also harm visiting birds. "Feeders rapidly become soiled, and various diseases can be transmitted via feeders," Bonter says. Because regular cleaning is essential, he recommends choosing plastic feeders that are easy to take apart. In my experience, feeders with lots of nooks and crannies and ones that cannot be disassembled take much longer to clean. You'll need a long-handled brush to reach every spot. Wet and spoiled birdseed poses another health risk for birds, so Witko recommends feeders with drainage holes to discourage harmful mold growth.

Convenient filling: Since you'll be refilling your feeder often, convenience is key. Look for feeders with wide, easily accessible seed tray openings, ideally ones with roofs that lift or tilt out of the way so you can quickly fill and remount the feeder without spilling seed. Large-capacity feeders reduce the frequency of refills, while feeders that are easy to remove and reattach to the mounting hardware also streamline the process.

Power: All smart bird feeders run on rechargeable batteries, and how long they last depends on their capacity and the amount of activity at your feeder. To avoid the hassle of bringing the camera indoors to recharge, Witko recommends feeders with solar-powered batteries. Solar panels integrated into the feeder's roof or mounted separately keep the battery charged continuously. In especially cloudy regions, solar charging might not be as efficient. However, feeders with various power modes can help extend battery life, like BirdBuddy's power saver mode.

Bird safety: Whether traditional or smart, the best bird feeders should prioritize the safety of visiting birds, a point both Bonter and Witko emphasize. Beyond preventing bacteria and mold growth, Bonter says you should also ensure your feeder can't trap or otherwise harm birds. Placement is also key to bird safety. "As a general rule, avoid placing feeders within 10 feet of any area that could conceal a predator, such as a cat, or act as a launch point for squirrels," Witko says. To reduce the risk of window collisions, position your feeder either more than 10 feet away from a building or closer than 3 feet.

Mounting options: Since appropriate feeder placement is essential for bird safety, Witko recommends feeders that are easy to mount in various locations, such as on a tree trunk, branch, porch, or hook. Look for models that include a strap for tree mounting, screws and other hardware for wall installation, and hangers for suspending the feeder from a branch or hook. Witko also recommends pole systems with baffles for added protection from mammals that otherwise could climb or jump onto the feeder. Keep in mind that not all smart bird feeders are compatible with pole mounts, so double-check a feeder's specs before buying.

Subscription: Most smart bird feeders offer essential functionality without a subscription, but premium plans often unlock advanced bird identification, expanded storage, and higher-resolution images. When comparing models, factor in not just the upfront cost but also recurring subscription fees, especially if premium AI identification features are important to you. Fortunately, many brands offer free trials, so you can explore premium features before committing to a subscription.

Warranty: Smart bird feeders aren't exactly cheap, so a comprehensive warranty provides valuable peace of mind, especially for a device exposed to the elements year-round. Most feeders I tested offer warranties lasting from three months to two years, typically covering manufacturing defects and electronic issues. Look for warranties that cover weatherproofing failures, camera issues, and solar panel performance, as these components are most vulnerable to environmental damage. Also check for warranty exclusions related to wildlife damage, particularly squirrels, as some policies don't cover these common incidents.

How we tested the best smart bird feeders

To narrow down the best smart bird feeders, I combined expert advice with in-depth research to create a comprehensive testing methodology. I then tested five popular models in my Los Angeles backyard from December through February, evaluating each one across several key criteria.

Ease of assembly and setup: I assessed how easy each feeder was to assemble and connect to its smartphone app, noting any extra steps or tools required. I also assessed the usefulness of any included instruction manuals. After setup, I filled each feeder with seed and mounted it according to the instructions. First, I mounted each feeder on the second-story exterior of my building, then on a large tree in my backyard with enough foliage to provide adequate protection so birds would not feel too vulnerable to predators. I also evaluated how convenient it was to fill each seed compartment without spilling and whether the included mounting hardware felt sturdy and secure or flimsy and unstable.

Image and video quality: To compare video and photo quality and viewing angle, I compared video clips and snapshots to observe differences in clarity, focus, and how well the cameras captured bird details. I also noted any extra features, such as slow-motion or zoom capabilities.

App: For each feeder's smartphone app, I assessed how easy it was to view content and adjust settings and notifications. I evaluated each app's features, including sharing options, notification customization, cloud storage, social integration, and privacy protections.

Bird identification and accuracy: While assessing each camera's AI identification features, I noted how often it correctly identified species and when it failed to identify a certain species. To verify accuracy, I cross-checked a day's worth of identification results against the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Merlin Bird ID Wizard App.

Power source: I also evaluated each feeder's power setup, comparing battery capacity, runtime, and whether solar charging was supported. For models without a solar panel, I checked to see if one could be purchased separately.

Durability: During assembly and mounting, I evaluated each feeder's overall durability by feeling whether its components were thick and sturdy or thin and flimsy. Throughout testing, I monitored for signs of aesthetic or functional damage caused by birds or squirrels. I inspected the platform for cracks or chips and the condition of the camera and mounting hardware. I also took into account each feeder's stated temperature range to gauge its overall durability.

Ease of cleaning: Since a clean feeder is essential for bird safety, I cleaned each feeder regularly, noting how easy it was to disassemble and whether there was dirt and debris buildup. I also noted whether the materials were easy to wipe and scrub, if there were nooks and crannies where grime accumulated, and whether the birdseed inside remained dry.

Bird-friendly design and safety: I assessed each feeder's design with a focus on bird safety, looking for features like awkward perches that could trap or injure birds. I also observed whether the placement of cameras appeared to bother or discourage visitors.

Seed capacity and ease of filling: I compared each feeder's seed container size to its actual capacity to see how often refills were needed. I also evaluated how easy it was to refill the seed without spilling.

Night vision: While not an essential feature, some smart bird feeders include night vision. When available, I evaluated whether it enhanced my overall experience.

Squirrel-proofing: Because smart bird feeders aren't intended for squirrels, I evaluated how well each model deterred unwanted visitors. I noted whether the feeders offered multiple mounting options for squirrel-proof placement and evaluated any built-in deterrents, such as cages, sirens, or strobe lights.

Accessories: I considered whether extra accessories, such as water dishes, perch extenders, or seed guards, enhanced the feeding experience.

Cost: To assess overall value, I factored in not just the feeder's upfront price, but also any subscription fees and included paid features.

Warranty and return policy: I compared the length and terms of each feeder's warranty and return policy.

Smart bird feeder FAQs

Are smart bird feeders worth it?

Whether a smart bird feeder is worth it depends on your budget and what you hope to get out of it. While they can be pricey, smart feeders are a great investment if you enjoy birdwatching and want a closer look at the birds in your backyard. To get the most value, think about which features would be most beneficial to you and whether they're offered in the model you're considering. Keep in mind that some features, like AI bird identification or extra video storage, may require a monthly subscription.

That said, a smart feeder isn't the only way to enjoy backyard birding. A traditional bird feeder, a pair of binoculars, and a bird guide can offer just as much enjoyment and may provide an even more educational experience.

How accurate are smart bird feeders?

The best smart bird feeders use AI to identify and label visiting birds, and while the results are often impressive, none of the models I tested were completely accurate. Most had no trouble identifying species that were directly facing the camera or when a clear, full-body profile was captured, but sometimes they struggled with partial images or when birds were facing away from the camera.

Witko says even the most advanced bird ID apps developed by leading ornithological institutions occasionally get it wrong. Given this, a small margin of error seems acceptable with a smart bird feeder. "It's important to view these AI tools as fun and educational aids that, while often accurate, aren't infallible," Witko says. "Managing your expectations will lead to a more enjoyable experience with the technology."

How do you clean a smart bird feeder?

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology recommends cleaning your smart bird feeder at least every two weeks to prevent debris or mold that could make birds sick. Start by taking the feeder apart as much as possible, removing any visible debris, and then scrubbing all surfaces and components with soap and boiling water. You can use a bottle brush to access seed trays and other tight spots. If your feeder requires a deeper cleaning, Cornell recommends soaking it in a diluted bleach solution for 10 minutes after scrubbing. Once clean, rinse and allow it to dry completely before filling.

Each smart bird feeder has its own specific instructions for handling cameras during cleaning. Some need to be removed, while others have silicone covers to protect against water, so be sure to read the user manual carefully.

Can smart bird feeders work in any weather?

While smart feeders are designed for outdoor use and feature waterproof housings and covers to protect cameras from moisture damage, extreme temperatures can still affect performance. Fortunately, most feeders list the temperature range their cameras can handle, so you can choose one that's best suited to your climate.

Do all smart bird feeders require a subscription?

No. Not all smart bird feeders require a subscription, and most offer plenty of functionality without one. However, certain features or upgrades, like AI bird identification or expanded storage, may only be available through a paid plan. That's why it's important to know which features matter most to you and whether you're comfortable with any recurring costs. For example, while AI identification is useful, you can achieve the same results, and probably learn more, by using an app like Merlin Bird ID Wizard to analyze screenshots of your › visitors. Keep in mind that even if a feeder includes AI identification without a subscription, that cost is likely baked into the price. In some cases, a more affordable version of the same model is available without those built-in extras.

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