Which smart bird feeder is best for you?
You don’t need a camera crew or a trip to the rainforest to capture wildlife in action. With a little bit of patience, smart bird feeders can turn your backyard into a nature documentary, complete with HD video, AI-bird recognition and real-time updates each time a feathered creature stops by.
The BestReviews Testing Lab put some of the top-rated smart bird feeders to the test in different climates on the East Coast and the West Coast. We evaluated camera performance, AI bird recognition, solar charging, battery life, app performance and design. We also looked at how well they kept out moisture and whether they were easy to clean and maintain.
Not all smart feeders are the same. This guide breaks down what to look for, based on your backyard, and which ones are actually worth the investment.
In this article: Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro, NETVUE Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder and Bird Buddy Smart Solar Pro Hummingbird Feeder
AI has entered the chat, and we’re impressed
Today’s smart bird feeders don’t just keep your backyard birds fed, they’re using built-in AI capability to recognize bird species, snap photos and send real-time “postcards” to your phone. Some feeders offer AI recognition from the start, while others hide it behind a sneaky paywall.
The Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro was our favorite thanks to its upgraded 2K camera quality, free AI recognition and weather-resistant design. The built-in solar roof kept the battery fully charged during weeks of testing, and its 0.9-liter seed capacity was more than enough for frequent visitors. If you upgrade to Bird Buddy Premium, you unlock extras like a texting feature that answers questions about each bird, plus advanced insights and unlimited postcard storage.
Another strong choice for smart birding is the NETVUE Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder. It’s ideal if your backyard tends to attract squirrels, thanks to a built-in alarm system that helps scare them off with sound. AI bird recognition is also built into the app and is free to use, but the experience felt a bit clunky. You have to manually upload bird photos for identification, unlike Bird Buddy’s seamless real-time notifications. That said, the app does offer fun extras like customizable bird postcards, letting you add paint, text, stickers and filters.
The solar panel isn’t built into the roof, so you’ll need to mount it separately, but once it’s installed, battery life stays strong. We also appreciated the extra-large 1.5-liter seed container, which means far fewer refills, even with daily drop-ins from birds (and the occasional squirrel).
Caught on camera
If your goal is to turn birdwatching into a nature documentary, both feeders deliver. The Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro features a 2K camera and 5MP photos, capturing crisp footage and even slow-motion capability.
The NETVUE Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder records in 1080p HD, which is slightly less sharp, but you can’t really tell from your phone. Its app also stands out for how you can edit and customize your birding videos. The camera also offers color night vision, letting you see bird visitors even in the middle of the night. Choosing between the two feeders comes down to preference.
Our favorite smart feeder for hummingbirds
If you want to attract hummingbirds, you’ll need a feeder designed specifically for them. The Bird Buddy Smart Solar Pro Hummingbird Feeder includes bird-safe ports that protect delicate beaks and make feeding easy. It comes with a mix of open and closed flower-shaped ports that guide hummingbirds to the center, setting up a perfect, center-stage shot
While the built-in solar panel kept the battery fully charged throughout testing, you’ll need to clean this feeder every few days to keep nectar fresh and ants away. The nectar base twists off smoothly for quick refills, and a metal hanger is included for simple setup.
Best smart bird feeder accessories
Bird Buddy’s 3-in-1 Nutrition Set
Let’s be honest, birds deserve a little luxury. With a fruit spike, jelly tray and water fountain, we saw firsthand how this Bird Buddy accessory attracts a wide variety of birds. It snaps on easily to the feeder and is simple to clean.
Bird Buddy Blue Perch Extender
This weatherproof perch extender gives larger birds more room to land and feed, encouraging a wider variety of species. It also makes it easier to capture “postcards.”
Birdfy Bird Seed Guard
Birdfy offers a wide range of accessories, including mounts and extension products. If your backyard attracts squirrels, consider the Birdfy Bird Seed Guard, a foolproof add-on that helps prevent waste and keeps sneaky creatures from stealing seed.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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