The 3 best smart bird feeders of 2025, tested and reviewed

Business Insider

24-04-2025

Bird feeders have long been a great way for backyard birders to attract and observe their avian neighbors, but new high-tech versions can make the experience even more enjoyable. The best smart bird feeders are designed with the birds' comfort and safety in mind, blending smart features with thoughtful, bird-friendly design.
Equipped with built-in cameras and connected apps, smart bird feeders deliver high-definition photos and videos straight to your phone, so you can appreciate your feathered friends up close. Many models even feature AI technology that can identify specific species and provide information on their feeding habits and behavior, similar to some of the details you'd find in a bird guide.
As an admirer of the sparrows, goldfinches, and doves that frequent my backyard in Los Angeles, I've been curious to see how well these smart bird feeders perform. To get a deeper understanding of what features truly matter for both bird health and user experience, I spoke with experts from the Cornell Ornithological Society and the National Audubon Society. Their insights, combined with my own in-depth research, helped me develop a thorough testing protocol, which I used to evaluate and compare five popular models in my own backyard. After two months of testing and capturing hundreds of bird visits, the Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro stood out as the best overall model thanks to its intuitive app, clear video quality, and bird-friendly design.
Our top picks for the best smart bird feeders
Best overall: Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro With Solar Roof - See at Chewy
Best overall
Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro With Solar Roof
With its bird-friendly design, sharp video quality, and exceptionally user-friendly app, the Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro outperformed the other feeders in almost every category.
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What we like
Clean, user-friendly app and curated feed
Offers 2K video quality without a subscription
Solar roof provides long battery life
Easy to take apart for cleaning
Attracts a wide variety of bird species
Specifics
Camera resolution:720p, 1080p, 2K, 2K Ultra available with Pro subscription
Mounting options:Metal hanger, universal bottom mount for pole; wall mount available for an additional $29
Seed capacity:0.9 liters
App features:Curated feed of best images and videos, live camera view, save postcards and videos, view publicly shared content from other feeders, follow and receive postcards from select feeders worldwide
Return and warranty policies:Full refund within 90 days; 2-year warranty from date of purchase applies to feeder and any add-ons
The Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro was a breeze to set up and connect to the Bird Buddy app, with a straightforward instruction manual and easy-to-follow app prompts. Once filled with the best bird seed and hung from a tree in my backyard, its well-designed perch quickly drew a variety of different species. Despite its relatively small size, the perch accommodated several birds at once.
The Bird Buddy did a fantastic job of presenting curated "postcards" on the app's main dashboard, showcasing only the clearest and best quality images captured by the camera.
While the 122-degree field of view was slightly narrower than other feeders I tested, the impressive 2K video quality more than made up for it. The sharp focus and high frame rate allowed me to admire the small details and personalities of these curious little creatures, such as their search for specific seeds in the tray and subtle head movements as they interacted with fellow feeders.
The AI identification wasn't always accurate. It occasionally identified birds based on partial images that I couldn't confirm with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Merlin Bird ID Wizard App. However, I found similar accuracy levels across other feeders I tested. All of the app features are available without a subscription, but a Premium plan ($6 monthly or $60 annually) offers 2K Ultra image resolution along with access to remote feeders from around the globe and unlimited cloud storage. While I tested the 2K Ultra camera setting, I wasn't able to discern much of a difference between it and the 2K setting.
I only had a few practical issues with the feeder. The small size and awkward position of the filling hatch made it tricky to fill without spilling seed, even when I used the included seed pourer. The diameter of the metal hanger was slightly too large, so I had to really force it into the mounting holes. I also experienced some initial connection problems and couldn't access the live camera feed or receive postcards. However, after some back-and-forth with helpful customer service representatives, I was able to reset the camera and download an update. Everything started working smoothly, and I didn't encounter those issues again.
You can purchase the Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro with or without a solar roof. As long as you keep the feeder in direct sunlight, the solar roof keeps the camera battery continuously charged — though its performance may vary depending on your climate. The feeder is also easy to take apart, making cleaning simple.
Best budget
Netvue Birdfy Feeder 1
With its safe, inviting bird-friendly design, variety of user-friendly features, and durable construction, this Netvue Birdfy Feeder 1 offers excellent value for the price.
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What we like
Simple to assemble and set up
Multiple mounting options
Large perch provides plenty of space for birds
Long battery life
Wide 135-degree viewing angle
While it's 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 point. The flip-top roof made it easy to refill seed, 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 when it was time to refill or clean the feeder.
The 1080P videos provide clear, detailed footage of visiting birds (though not quite as sharp as the Bird Buddy's 2K camera), and the extra-wide 135-degree field of view does a great job capturing 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 subscription ($5 monthly) or a one-time purchase ($30) to access its AI recognition software. The Birdfy app isn't as streamlined compared to the Bird Buddy, and its feed can get cluttered with dozens of clips on a busy day. However, the Birdfy Highlight feature does a great job of generating a daily summary of your feeder's visitors, organizing clips by species, and flagging "first-time visitors" for easy viewing. While this AI was accurate for the most part, like other feeders, occasionally I found it had misidentified a bird when I cross-checked against the Merlin Bird ID Wizard App.
You can purchase this feeder with or without a solar panel, but the 5000mAh rechargeable battery has exceptional life. Based on my Birdfy's 30% battery level after two months of testing, I consider its 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. I found they cracked and pieces broke off of them, likely a result of chewing.
Best for videos
Netvue Birdfy Feeder 2 Duo
Featuring two high-definition cameras, this feeder provides more video coverage than other models, and its large perch comfortably accommodates several birds at once.
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What we like
Dual cameras provide multiple viewing angles
Wide perch provides plenty of room for multiple birds
Disassembles for easy cleaning
Sturdy, durable construction
Semi-enclosed seed tray less inviting to squirrels
What we don't like
Expensive
Bulky size is less convenient to mount and carry
Solar panel must be mounted separately
More attractive to squirrels
Specifics
Camera resolution:Front-facing camera: 1080p lens, 2K lens on top that rotates and tracks movements, 1080p lens on the bottom to capture a wide-angle, fixed view. Side-mounted camera: 1080p
Mounting options:Bracket and screws for wall mounting, hose clips for pole mounting, strap and hanging bracket for tree mounting
Seed capacity:1.25 liters
App features:Collection page for saved events, highlight page with daily species breakdown (with app subscription), feed can be shared with up to 20 users, community social platform, species label links to Wikipedia page
Return and warranty policies:30-day return policy for items in new, unused condition; 2-year warranty from date of purchase
If your priority is capturing highly detailed videos of visiting birds and you can invest a bit more, the Netvue Birdfy Feeder 2 Duo is my recommendation. In addition to the standard front-facing camera found on smart bird feeders, the Netvue Birdfy Feeder 2 Duo also includes a side-mounted camera. This second camera offers a more complete view of each bird, capturing their full profile 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, capturing sharp, detailed images of each event. 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, so you won't need to pay for a subscription. I do wish the app would combine all these clips into a single feed. Instead, you have to watch each angle separately. It's not a major issue, but I had to spend some time jumping around the feeds to find all of the footage from an event.
In addition to the camera benefits, another highlight of this feeder is its wide, expansive perch and large feeding tray, which attracted a ton of birds during my testing. The semi-covered tray makes it easy for birds to access the seed while minimizing spillage. I also found this design less inviting to squirrels, as there's no platform for them to perch on.
A solar panel is included, but given that it's not built into the feeder's roof, it's somewhat inconvenient. It has to be mounted separately on a wall or pole, which adds an extra step to the setup process.
What else we tested
While these two feeders didn't perform as well as our picks for the best smart bird feeders, they still offer some noteworthy benefits. Depending on your specific needs and setup, you might find them to be useful options.
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 wasn't as user-friendly as others I tested. The bird identification process involves several extra steps, and unlike other apps that automatically show bird videos, the FeatherSnap app requires you to request each video individually. That said, I appreciated the app's "bird book" feature, which organizes your content and provides facts about visiting species, from its preferred seeds to region-specific information.
Wasserstein Bird Feeder Camera Case: Unlike most smart bird feeders that come with a built-in camera, this one requires you to supply your own. This could be a practical option if you already have one of the seven compatible Wyze, Ring, or Blink models on hand and you don't mind going without bird identification features. For testing, I used 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 just inches in front of the camera. However, I appreciated the customization options available in the Ring app, along with 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 senior coordinator of 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. With their insights, I put together the following list of things to look for in a smart bird feeder.
App features: App functionality can vary widely from one smart bird feeder to another, so it's important to choose one that best matches your preferences. If AI identification is your priority, look for an app that not only identifies the species, but also provides extra details like educational links, or the ability to recognize and nickname specific birds. If you enjoy interacting with other birders, look for apps that allow you to share your videos with a built-in social platform or invite friends and family to access your feed. Other functions to consider are data storage limits, slow-motion settings, and safety alerts like notifications if a cat is detected.
Ease of cleaning: A dirty bird feeder isn't just an eyesore, it's also harmful to visiting birds. "Feeders rapidly become soiled, and various diseases can be transmitted via feeders," says Bonter. Since regular cleaning is so important, Bonter recommends plastic feeders that are easy to take apart. In my experience, feeders that cannot be disassembled or have lots of nooks and crannies take substantially longer to clean and require a long-handled brush to get the job done right. Wet and spoiled birdseed poses another health risk for birds, so Witko recommends looking for a feeder with drainage holes to discourage harmful mold growth.
Convenient filling: Since you'll be refilling your feeder regularly, the best smart bird feeders make this process as convenient and hassle-free as possible. Wide seed tray openings that are easy to access, either by removing or tilting the roof out of the way, allow you to quickly fill and remount the feeder without spilling. Large-capacity feeders reduce the frequency of refills altogether. Similarly, a feeder that's easy to remove and reattach to the mounting hardware also streamlines the process.
Power: All smart bird feeders run on rechargeable batteries, and their rate of depletion depends on their capacity and the amount of activity at your feeder. To avoid the hassle of unplugging your camera and bringing it indoors to recharge, Witko recommends feeders with solar-powered batteries. Solar panels integrated into the roof of the feeder or mounted separately alongside continuously recharge the battery. In especially cloudy regions, solar charging might not be as efficient. However, you can help mitigate this with a feeder that has various power modes, such as the BirdBuddy's power saver mode.
Bird safety: The best bird feeders, whether they're traditional or smart versions, should prioritize the safety of visiting birds. Both Bonter and Witko emphasized this point. In addition to reducing the risk of bacteria or mold growth, Bonter says you should also make sure your feeder can't entrap or otherwise harm birds. The location of the feeder should prioritize bird safety as well. "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 help prevent window collisions, you'll need to position your feeder either more than 10 feet away from a building or closer than 3 feet.
Mounting options: Given how important feeder placement is for bird safety, Witko recommends feeders that can be easily mounted in various locations, such as a tree, branch, off of a porch, or on a hook. Look for feeders 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 if this is a feature you're interested in.
Subscription: While most smart bird feeders offer essential functionality without a subscription, premium plans often unlock advanced bird identification, expanded photo and video storage, and higher-resolution images. As you compare different feeders, be sure to factor in not just the upfront cost of the feeder, but also any ongoing subscription fees, particularly if premium AI identification features are important to your birding experience. Fortunately, many brands include a free trial, so you can explore those upgraded features before committing to a subscription.
Warranty: Smart bird feeders aren't exactly cheap, so a comprehensive warranty offers valuable peace of mind, especially for a product exposed to year-round outdoor conditions. Most of the feeders I tested offered warranties ranging from three months to two years, typically covering manufacturing defects and electronic malfunctions. Look for warranties that specifically address weatherproofing failures, camera issues, and solar panel performance, as these components are most vulnerable to environmental damage. Also, keep an eye out for warranty exclusions related to wildlife damage, particularly squirrels, as some policies exclude these common incidents.
How we tested the best smart bird feeders
To narrow down the best smart bird feeders, I started by combining expert advice with insights from 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 evaluation points.
Ease of assembly and setup: I assessed how easy it was to assemble each feeder and connect to its smartphone app, noting if it required extra steps or tools that other feeders did not. I also compared the usefulness of any included instruction manuals. Once I'd completed setup, I filled each feeder with seed and mounted it according to the instructions. I mounted each feeder onto the second-story exterior of my building and then on a large tree in my backyard with enough surrounding foliage to provide adequate protection without birds feeling too vulnerable to predators. I also evaluated how convenient the seed compartment was to fill without spilling, and whether the included mounting hardware provided a secure and sturdy hold, or if it felt flimsy and unstable.
Image and video quality: To evaluate each feeder's video and photo quality, including picture quality and viewing angle, I compared video clips and snapshots from all the models, looking for differences in clarity, focus, and how well the cameras captured bird details. I also noted any additional camera features, such as slow-motion or zoom capabilities.
App: I compared each feeder's smartphone app to see how easy it was to view content and adjust settings and notifications. I assessed the specific features offered by each app, such as sharing options, the type and customization of notifications, 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 instances when it was stumped and unable to determine a certain species. To verify the accuracy, I cross-checked one day's worth of identification results using the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Merlin Bird ID Wizard App.
Power source: I also evaluated how each feeder was powered, comparing battery capacity, runtime, and whether solar charging was supported. If a feeder didn't include a solar panel, I checked to see if one could be purchased separately.
Durability: During assembly and mounting, I assessed each feeder's overall durability by feeling whether its components were thick and sturdy or thin and flimsy. Throughout my testing, I kept an eye out for any signs of aesthetic or functional damage caused by birds or squirrels. I inspected the platform for cracks or chips during cleaning and observed the condition of the camera and mounting hardware. I also took into account each feeder's stated temperature range to better determine 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 take apart, and how the design of the feeder and platform affected dirt and debris buildup. I also considered whether the material was easy to wipe and scrub, if there were lots of nooks and crannies for grime to hide, and whether the birdseed inside remained dry.
Bird-friendly design and safety: I evaluated each feeder's design with bird safety in mind, looking for design features like awkward perches that could trap or injure birds. I also observed whether the feeder's cameras seemed to bother or discourage birds from visiting.
Seed capacity and ease of filling: I compared the size of each feeder's seed container to the amount of seed it could hold, thereby reducing the frequency of refills. I also evaluated how easy each one was to refill without spilling.
Night vision: While not essential, some smart bird feeders come with night vision capabilities. When available, I noted if and what they added to my overall experience.
Squirrel-proofing: Since smart bird feeders aren't meant for squirrels, I evaluated how well each model deterred unwanted visitors. I looked at whether the feeders offered multiple mounting options to help with squirrel-proof placement, as well as any built-in deterrents like cages, alarm 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 get a clearer picture of overall value, I factored in not just the feeder's upfront price, but also any subscription fees and the paid features included.
Warranty and return policy: I compared the length and terms of each feeder's warranty and return policies.
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're hoping to get out of the device. They're not exactly cheap, but if you enjoy birdwatching and want a closer look at your backyard birds, a smart feeder can be a worthwhile investment. To ensure that you're getting the most value, consider which features would be most beneficial and whether they are 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 can be 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, with the main goal of removing debris or mold that could make birds sick. First, take the feeder apart as much as you can, remove any visible debris, and then scrub all surfaces and components with soap and boiling water. You can use a bottle brush to access seed trays or other nooks and crannies. If your feeder requires a more thorough 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 will have specific instructions for handling cameras during cleaning. Some need to be removed, while others use silicone covers to keep water out, 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 use waterproof housings and protective covers to prevent moisture damage to their cameras, extreme temperatures can affect performance. Fortunately, most smart bird feeders provide the temperature range their cameras can function within, 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 models still provide 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 beyond your initial purchase. 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 bird 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.