The Smart Bird Feeders Everyone’s Talking About (and Actually Buying) (2026)

Kat MerckGearApr 26, 2026 7:04 AMThe Best Smart Bird Feeders for Backyard BirdingThese bird feeders with cameras and connected apps let you see and learn about the birds in your neighborhood.Courtesy of BirdfyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyCommentLoaderSave StorySave this storyyou’ve probably seen a smart bird feeder or know someone who has one. They’re recognizable with their clear housing, cameras, and solar panels, and perhaps a friend or family member has sent you a photo or video of a bright goldfinch or handsome woodpecker (guilty). The question at this point, then, is whether these feeders are really worth their $100-plus price tag. Are they actually durable? And what about the squirrel problem?Lucky for you, I’ve been testing the most popular smart bird feeders, including Netvue’s original Birdfy Lite Feeder and Birdbuddy's Pro, for almost two years—in rain, snow, and heat, and in a yard with persistent squirrels. I’ve explored the apps and notification settings, examined the photo and video quality, noted which features are hidden behind a subscription paywall, and used Cornell Lab’s All About Birds—as well as Google Lens and my own expertise—to verify the accuracy of AI identifications. The recommendations below are what I would buy with my own money, having tested dozens of brands and models for a minimum of four weeks each.Updated April 2026: I’ve added the Birdfy Metal 2 4K, Birdfy Nest Duo, and CoolFly Aura smart feeders. I've also added a section on why most feeders run on 2.4-GHz Wi-Fi and have ensured up-to-date links and prices.Featured in this articleBest OverallNetvue Birdfy Lite Smart Bird FeederJump to review$154 $136 (12% off) Amazon (Lifetime AI + Solar)Best UpgradeBirdfy Metal 2 4K Smart Bird FeederJump to review$300 $230 (23% off) Birdfy (AI lifetime)Highest-Resolution PhotosCamojojo Hibird ProJump to review$170 $144 (15% off) AmazonAnother Seed Feeder I LikeKiwibit Bird Feeder 2Jump to review$270 $180 (33% off) Amazon (With Solar)Jump to SectionAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronOthers TestedWhat to Look for When Buying a Smart Bird FeederHow Does WIRED Test Bird Feeders?What Do I Need to Know Before Setting Up a Smart Feeder?Why Do Most Smart Feeders Use 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi?What About Squirrels?Best OverallPhotograph: Kat Merck<video autoplay="" class="responsive-clip__video" loop="" muted=""></video>Video: Kat MerckChevronChevronSave to wishlistSave to wishlistNetvueBirdfy Lite Smart Bird Feeder$154 $136 (12% off) Amazon (Lifetime AI + Solar)$230 $140 (39% off) Amazon (With Solar)$200 $120 (40% off) Birdfy (No Solar)$230 $130 (43% off) Birdfy (Lifetime AI)WIRED/TIREDAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronWIREDReliable and easy to set upUser-friendly appDecently wide field of viewTIREDNot the best video resolutionLightweight constructionThis cheery blue- or yellow-roofed feeder, from security company Netvue, is the first smart feeder WIRED tested, back in 2022. At that time, we gave it a 6/10 rating for its high price and wonky AI. Both metrics have improved dramatically since then—Birdfy's app is now the second-most user-friendly on the market, behind only Birdbuddy, and this feeder is often on sale for $150 or less. If you pay $20 more, you get a lifetime subscription for AI identification, which is a solid deal, especially since the AI's success rate is fairly decent. Without it, it'll cost you $5 a month, but it's not required to get plenty of enjoyment. As a bonus, this feeder is often discounted…

This excerpt is published under fair use for community discussion. Read the full article at WIRED.