Best of the Best

NETVUE Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder Camera

Bottom Line: A popular smart bird feeder that looks great and features an outstanding camera and AI technology for bird identification.

Pros: Pairs with a smartphone to identify up to 6,000 different types of birds. Alerts when squirrels visit a feeder and allows you to use the microphone to scare them away. The camera features night vision and produces crisp, vivid image quality. Attractive design.

Cons: The app can be quirky. Bird recognition features doesn’t always label birds correctly.

Check Price: NETVUE Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder Camera

Best Bang for the Buck

Gyozol Smart Bird Feeder with Camera

Bottom Line: This smart bird feeder features a solar-powered 2K HD camera and connects via WiFi; it also makes a great last-minute gift and it’s on sale right now!

Pros: Motion detection alerts you when birds are using the feeder, and the camera automatically records activity. AI helps identify various different bird species. Customers are impressed with the camera quality.

Cons: The bird identification feature is not always perfect.

Check Price: Gyozol Smart Bird Feeder with Camera

Also Great

NETVUE Birdy Lite Smart Bird Feeder Camera

Bottom Line: A smaller, more affordable smart bird feeder by one of the most trusted manufacturers of products in this class.

Pros: Boasts a good-looking design that is also appealing to birds. Camera produces vivid images, even in low-light conditions. Straightforward to set up and operate. More affordable than NETVUE models with AI technology.

Cons: Rare reports of issues such as faulty cameras or connectivity problems that were missed by quality control.

Check Price: NETVUE Birdy Lite Smart Bird Feeder Camera

Also Great

Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder with Solar Roof

Bottom Line: Using AI to identify the types of birds at your feeder, the Bird Buddy tells you when you have visitors and provides fun facts about them via the app.

Pros: This smart feeder can capture all the action with vivid 2K video and 5 MP photos. Use the app’s “Name That Bird” feature to give your favorite birds a nickname. The solar roof keeps it charged. The camera detaches and rotates 180 degrees, so you can get just the right angle.

Cons: The perch is on the small side, so birds as large as mourning doves will likely have trouble using it.

Check Price: Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder with Solar Roof

Buying guide for best smart bird feeders

Ready to buy now? Shop the best:

These days, you don’t need to invest in a fancy pair of binoculars to take your bird-watching to the next level. With the best smart bird feeder, you can get up close and personal with plenty of birds without leaving your home. 

Unlike basic bird feeders, a smart bird feeder has a camera attached that captures images of the birds that stop by to feast, taking photos and videos for you to enjoy. You’ll usually get an alert from the feeder’s connected app that lets you know when there’s action around your feeder. Some models feature artificial intelligence technology that can actually identify the types of birds that visit, so you know exactly what species frequent your yard.

Most smart bird feeders feature rechargeable batteries, giving them a cordless design that allows you to install them nearly anywhere you’d like. But some also have solar panels, which enable them to charge constantly, so you don’t have to worry about any interruptions to your bird-watching activities. 

After researching and evaluating the most popular smart bird feeders on the market, our favorite is the Netvue by Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder with Camera. It has an advanced 1080p HD camera that captures beautiful photos and crystal-clear videos even in low lighting. Plus, its AI-powered app can identify thousands of bird species and even other wildlife that might raid the feeder. 

Which smart bird feeder is best?

Netvue by Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder with Camera

The Netvue by Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder with Camera records images and videos of your avian friends day and night.

Best of the Best 

Camera Quality: 1080p | Power Source: Battery-Powered | AI Bird Recognition: Yes | App Integration: Yes | Seed Capacity: 1.5 L

Netvue may be known for its security cameras and products, but it’s no surprise that the brand also makes one of the top smart bird feeders. The Netvue by Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder with Camera lets you check out the birds in your yard at any time with its camera that auto-captures all visitors. The connected app then sends a notification to your phone and provides close-up images that let you examine your feathered friends in precise detail without disturbing them. 

The camera boasts 1080p HD resolution, which provides clear, vivid images and videos. You’ll see even the smallest details, such as feather texture and color, because it offers up to eight times magnification. Plus, its color-night-vision feature allows you to bird-watch even after dark. 

The connected app is a game changer for birders. It uses AI technology to identify more than 6,000 birds species based on appearance and behavior. The app also allows you to store videos and images for up to 30 days. You can pay for a subscription to extend the storage time or add a separately purchased SD card to the camera if you want to keep your photos and videos longer. Best of all, you can share your feed with up to 20 guests, so your friends and family can also enjoy your local birds. 

When it comes to design, Netvue thought of everything. Its IP65 weatherproof and waterproof design means it should last for years while also keeping mold at bay. For your convenience, the food compartment holds up to 1.5 liters, cutting down on how often you need to refill the birdseed. And forget about squirrels making off with all your birds’ food. The feeder has a flashlight, siren and even a microphone that you can use to scare off would-be seed thieves. 

Gyozol Smart Bird Feeder with Camera

The Gyozol Smart Bird Feeder with Camera features a mic that lets you hear the birds at the feeder.

Best Bang for the Buck

Camera Quality: 1080p/2K HD | Power Source: Battery-Powered with Solar Panel | AI Bird Recognition: Yes | App Integration: Yes | Seed Capacity: 1.3 L

At nearly a third of the cost of higher-end smart bird feeders, the Gyozol Smart Bird Feeder with Camera provides exceptional value for bird-watchers. Despite its affordable price, it offers many of the same features as premium models. Its camera captures images and videos in 2K HD. It even has night-vision capabilities, so you can check out birds who visit the feeder after dark. 

Just like higher-end smart feeders, the Gyozol Smart Bird Feeder has a connected app. With a subscription, you can use the app’s AI identification technology, which Gyozol claims can identify more than 10,000 bird species based on appearance and behavior (to access this, you’ll need to choose the basic cloud subscription for $3 a month). You can save photos and videos of your favorite birds, too. The app provides up to three days’ worth of storage for free, but you can extend your storage time with a paid subscription. Additionally, the Gyozol feeder has a slot for an SD card, enabling you to store your images and video locally if you prefer. 

The microphone is another fun extra feature, allowing you to listen to the birds’ vocalizations when they visit the feeder. The feeder itself has a transparent design that lets you see at a glance when it’s time to replace the seeds. It also comes apart easily for cleaning. The included solar panel extends the camera’s battery life, too, because it allows for continuous charging on sunny days. 

The Gyozol Smart Bird Feeder also offers versatility when it comes to mounting. It includes mounting hardware that lets you mount the feeder on a wall, fence or pole, depending on your yard’s layout. Or you can attach it to a tree with the included Velcro strap. 

Netvue by Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder

The Netvue by Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder boasts a rechargeable battery that can last up to six months on a single charge.

Trusted Brand 

Camera Quality: 1080p  | Power Source: Battery Powered | AI Bird Recognition: Yes | App Integration: Yes | Seed Capacity: 1.5 L

Like the other Netvue model on our list, the Netvue by Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder has a premium camera with 1080p color night vision, allowing it to capture top-notch photos and videos of birds even in low lighting. It can also magnify details like feather color and texture to give you a more precise look at your favorite birds. You don’t have to worry about the camera losing its connection, either, because its 5 dBi antenna maintains a highly stable 2.4-gigahertz Wi-Fi connection.

In addition to its premium camera, the Netvue by Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder has a durable, easy-to-clean design. It has an IP65 rating, making it weatherproof in rain and snow. The material is mold-resistant, too. The feeder itself is large enough to hold up to 1.5 liters of food, reducing the need for frequent refills. It’s easy to fill, though, because the roof is removable, so you only have to pour in the seeds and refasten it. 

Like the other smart bird feeders on our list, the Netvue by Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder is powered by a rechargeable battery. Its long-lasting battery can run for up to six months on a single charge and can be paired with a separately purchased solar panel for even less frequent recharging. 

It offers some versatility in terms of storage, too. It comes with up to 30 days of cloud storage for photos and videos, but it’s also compatible with an SD card if you prefer.

Bird Buddy Original Smart Bird Feeder

Featuring a cheerful design, the Bird Buddy Original Smart Bird Feeder has solar panels for continuous charging on sunny days.

Best App

Camera Quality: 1080p/2K | Power Source: Battery Powered with Solar Panel Roof | AI Bird Recognition: Yes | App Integration: Yes | Seed Capacity: 1 L

While nearly all smart bird feeders have a connected app, few models have an app that is as comprehensive and user-friendly as the Bird Buddy Original Smart Bird Feeder. Since Bird Buddy is the first brand to make smart bird feeders so popular, it’s no surprise that its AI-powered app is so top-notch. 

This smart bird feeder can identify both general species and individual birds and can detect any signs of illness. It also provides fun and interesting facts about the birds in your yard, so you can wow friends and family with your avian knowledge while enjoying visit alerts and free live streams. Plus, it can tell you what other types of critters might be visiting your feeder, such as squirrels or raccoons. (Note that to access its more advanced AI features, you will need a Family Premium subscription. It is $90 a year, but you can try it for one month for free to see if you like it.) 

Once you charge the camera and download the app, the Bird Buddy Original Smart Bird Feeder is extremely easy to set up. It comes with a metal hanger that can be hung from a tree branch or mounted on a pole, though you must purchase the pole separately. You won’t need to recharge the camera too often, either. The feeder’s roof has solar panels that allow the battery to charge continuously on sunny days. 

If there are other bird-watchers among your loved ones, the Bird Buddy Original Smart Bird Feeder’s app lets you share your feed with up to 10 guests. You can also access Bird Buddy’s global network of feeders worldwide, and through the brand’s partnership with the National Audubon Society, even help with bird conversation efforts by sharing your own bird-watching data. 

Fazoxo Bird Feeder with Camera 

The Fazoxo Bird Feeder with Camera provides you with clear 2K high–resolution images and videos.

Easy Installation

Camera Quality: 2K | Power Source: Battery Powered with Solar Panel | AI Bird Recognition: Yes | App Integration: Yes | Seed Capacity: 1.3 L

For anyone concerned about the difficulty of setting up a smart bird feeder, the Fazoxo Bird Feeder with Camera is the perfect option. It’s extremely easy to install, thanks to its user-friendly app that walks you through the process. The Fazoxo Bird Feeder also offers multiple mounting options, including hanging from a tree branch, mounting on a wall or mounting on a stake. 

Its camera offers 2K high-resolution video and images, as well as night vision to ensure a clear view of your bird visitors even in low lighting. The 160-degree field of view provides an up-close look at the birds, and the integrated microphone and speaker allow you to hear all of their vocalizations, too. 

With a subscription, the connected app can also use AI technology to identify species, so you don’t have to guess what types of birds visit your yard. If you prefer to save your images and videos, the feeder provides a free month trial of cloud storage and can also hold an SD card for local storage. But after that, you will have to pay for a subscription. To get the bird AI recognition feature plus a basic cloud subscription costs $3 a month. 

Like the other smart bird feeders on our list, the Fazoxo Bird Feeder with Camera has a rechargeable battery, so you don’t have to worry about any cords. It also includes a solar panel that lets you continuously charge the camera on sunny days, so there aren’t any interruptions to your bird-watching. Compatible with 2.4-gigahertz Wi-Fi, it provides a stable connection that ensures reliable performance.

Harymor Bird Feeder with Camera

The Harymor Bird Feeder with Camera lets you share images of your favorite birds via its app.

Large Capacity

Camera Quality: 1080p | Power Source: Battery Powered with Dual Solar Panels | AI Bird Recognition: Yes | App Integration: Yes | Seed Capacity: 2 L

The Harymor Bird Feeder with Camera may be the perfect smart feeder for you if your yard sees heavy bird traffic. That’s because it can hold up to 2 liters of birdseed, so you don’t need to constantly refill it to keep your feathered friends visiting. The design also allows for one-handed refills, making the process quick and easy. 

With its 1080p resolution and 120-degree wide-angle lens, the Harymor’s camera delivers clear, detailed images. In fact, it has built-in three-times magnification, which allows it to capture precise details, such as feather colors. 

The feeder also makes it easy to share images of your favorite birds with family and friends and even across social media through its connected app. You can save videos and photos for up to three days on the cloud, but you can get extended storage through a subscription or the addition of an SD card. 

If you’re new to bird-watching, a subscription ($3 a month) to the Harymor app provides access to its AI identification technology that can identify more than 10,000 bird species. Even without a subscription, you’ll get real-time alerts when birds visit the feeder. And if you want to attract a wider variety of birds to your yard, you can use add-ons like a hummingbird feeder or a fruit holder for greater diversity. 

There’s no need to fuss with cords, either. The camera has a rechargeable battery paired with dual solar panels, including a built-in panel and an external panel, that allow for continuous charging in sunny weather. It also offers a highly reliable connection because its 5 dB external antenna supports 2.5-gigahertz Wi-Fi. 

Bird Buddy Pro Solar Bird Feeder

The Bird Buddy Pro Solar Bird Feeder has an especially wide field of view so you don’t miss any of the action.

Convenient Image Sharing 

Camera Quality: 2K | Power Source: Battery-Powered with Solar Roof | AI Bird Recognition: Yes | App Integration: Yes | Seed Capacity: 1 L

The Bird Buddy brand has the distinction of launching the first-ever AI-powered smart bird feeder, but since its first product in 2020, it has continually worked to improve its bird-watching experience. The Bird Buddy Pro Solar Bird Feeder is the brand’s best birdfeeder to date because its sensor is two times larger than the one found in previous models, allowing it to provide 2K video resolution and stunning photos. It also has a wider field of view than Bird Buddy’s original feeder and can capture birds in slow motion for even more detailed looks at your feathered friends. 

If you’re new to bird-watching, the Bird Buddy Pro makes it easy to learn about your local bird population. The connected Bird Buddy app uses AI to identify bird species, so you know what birds are in your area. The feeder also sends real-time alerts when birds appear and even allows you to share your discoveries with other bird enthusiasts in your area through the app. You can save photos of your favorite birds in the Bird Buddy app, too. (Just like the other Bird Buddy feeder on our list, to access its advanced AI features you will need to spend an extra $90 a year on a subscription.) 

While keeping track of the birds in your yard, the Bird Buddy Pro’s camera still prioritizes privacy. It is designed to capture only images of the birds at your feeder, not the wider surrounding area. The images are all processed on the device, so you have complete control over your data. 

You don’t have to remember to recharge your Bird Buddy Pro Solar Bird Feeder, either. It has a solar roof that allows for the camera to continuously charge on sunny days. The solar panel is detachable and rotates 180 degrees, making it easy to choose the best position for optimal sun exposure. 

Soliom BF08 Metal Solar Bird Feeder

The Soliom BFO8 Metal Solar Bird Feeder features an advanced AI algorithm that can identify more than 10,000 bird species.

Stylish Design

Camera Quality: 1080p | Power Source: Battery Powered with Solar Panel | AI Bird Recognition: Yes | App Integration: Yes | Seed Capacity: 2.7 L

When it comes to smart bird feeders, the Soliom BF08 Metal Solar Bird Feeder is the perfect combination of form and function. Unlike most other models on the market, it’s made of durable metal, giving it a sleek, stylish look. It also has an IP65 rating, making it weatherproof even in rain and snow. You don’t have to worry about your birdseed getting soggy, either — there are drainage holes in the bottom of the tray to keep the food dry. 

The feeder’s camera auto-captures and records videos of all the birds that visit. Even better, it then provides real-time notifications so you check them out as they arrive. Its advanced AI algorithm can also identify more than 10,000 bird species, providing valuable educational insights for novice and experienced bird-watchers alike. (Note that a basic cloud service subscription is needed for the birds AI service and costs $3 a month.) The feeder even boasts two-way audio that lets you enjoy the birds’ vocalizations and scare away unwanted guests like squirrels that might steal the birds’ food. 

The Soliom’s camera runs on a 5,000 mAh rechargeable battery, but it’s outfitted with a 5-watt solar panel. Because the panel allows for constant charging, you won’t have to remove the battery for recharging as often. It’s especially helpful if you get frequent feathered visitors because it enables the camera to stay charged even with heavy action. 

How to buy the best smart bird feeder

Are smart bird feeders worth the money? 

If you already have a traditional bird feeder, you might be wondering if a smart feeder is worth the added expense. It depends on your interests and preferences. Some of the benefits of a smart bird feeder include:

  • It alerts you when birds are at the feeder, so you’ll never miss a visit.
  • It lets you see what type of seeds certain bird species prefer so you can attract the birds to your yard.
  • It makes it easier to observe the birds in greater detail without disturbing them. 
  • It lets you check if the feeder needs refilling or cleaning without going outside. 

Power source

Nearly all smart bird feeders are powered by batteries, so you don’t have to deal with annoying wires or cables when installing your feeder. Not all feeders use the same type of battery or provide the same battery life, though, so it’s important to consider how often you’re willing to recharge or replace your feeder’s power source.

Rechargeable or replaceable batteries

Some smart bird feeders use replaceable batteries, such as AA or C. You can easily find replacements at various retailers, but you’ll have the added expense of purchasing new batteries periodically.

However, the majority of high-end smart feeders have rechargeable batteries. Instead of buying new batteries each time the power runs out, you simply have to recharge the existing battery via a USB cable that comes with the feeder. The only downside to rechargeable batteries is that you won’t be able to use your feeder while waiting for its battery to recharge. 

Solar power

Some high-end smart feeders feature built-in solar panels that allow their batteries to continuously charge in sunny weather. That means less downtime for the feeder because you’ll need to manually charge the battery less often. However, solar-powered feeders must be positioned in a sunny area, and they might not have enough energy to operate on overcast or cloudy days.

Battery life

As with any rechargeable battery, the battery life that a smart bird feeder offers varies from model to model. Some feeders can go for weeks on a single charge, while others only make it a few days before they require recharging. 

In most cases, the amount of activity that your feeder receives affects how quickly its battery drains, but the best models can run for several months before you need to recharge. To keep track of your feeder’s power, opt for one with an app that clearly displays its battery life.

Our top picks: Power source

  • Netvue by Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder with Camera: Many users praise the long battery life, especially when paired with the separately purchased solar panel. However, there are some reports of faulty batteries that drain quickly. 
  • Gyozol Smart Bird Feeder: Users are pleased with how well the solar panel keeps this feeder’s battery charged. The app also makes it clear how much battery life is left, so you aren’t caught unaware.
  • Netvue by Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder: Some users complain the battery drains quickly if you have birds that linger at the feeder for long periods, so adding a solar panel is advised. 
  • Bird Buddy Original Smart Bird Feeder: Reviews find that the solar panel roof is highly convenient for reducing frequent recharging. However, the panel is only on one side, so finding the proper placement for full sun may be tricky in some yards.
  • Fazoxo Bird Feeder with Camera: Most users find that the solar panel keeps the feeder charged, but some reviews complain that it is difficult to charge with the included cord on cloudy days. 

Camera quality

A smart bird feeder is only as good as its camera, so you definitely want a model with a high-quality camera that has several key features.

Resolution

The best smart bird feeders have a high-resolution camera that offers at least 1080p or full HD images and videos. A camera with a higher resolution provides more detailed views of the birds that visit your yard, so you can distinguish between different feather colors and textures. 

Night vision

Some bird feeders have night vision that allows you to see bird activity in low-light conditions, making them ideal for tracking birds that visit after dark. If you really want to monitor your feathered visitors 24/7, consider a feeder with an infrared or low-light camera. 

Field of view

A camera with a wider field of view lets you see more of the feeder and the surrounding area, so you can see the birds from different angles. Some cameras also offer a zoom function that lets you get up and close personal with your avian friends’ most precise details. 

Our top picks: Camera quality

  • Netvue by Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder with Camera: Users are highly impressed with the feeder’s camera quality, especially how well it captures images in low light. 
  • Gyozol Smart Bird Feeder: Despite its affordable price, this smart feeder’s camera quality impressed nearly all its users. It manages to capture even small details like feather texture. 
  • Netvue by Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder: The camera’s 180-degree view gives you an excellent look at birds as they visit, but the eight-times magnification allows users to see the precise details they’re interested in. 
  • Bird Buddy Original Smart Bird Feeder: Users appreciate its solid image quality, but some reviews claim the Bird Buddy Pro offers sharper, more detailed photos and videos. 
  • Fazoxo Bird Feeder with Camera: This feeder’s camera captures clear, high-definition images that allow users to see intricate details of birds that visit. 

Durability and weather resistance

Because your smart bird feeder will be outside, you want to be sure that it’s durable enough to stand up to the elements and other factors that might damage it. 

Weatherproof design

To ensure it can hold up in even extreme weather, look for a smart feeder made of durable, weather-resistant materials like metal or premium plastic. They should be designed to withstand rain, snow and UV exposure without any damage. 

You can get a better idea of how weatherproof a feeder is by checking its Ingress Protection (IP) rating, which tells you how waterproof and dustproof a device is. An IP rating consists of two numbers: the first indicates how dustproof your feeder is, and the second expresses how waterproof it is. The higher these numbers, the more weatherproof a feeder is. Stick to models rated IP65 or higher to get the best protection. 

Sturdy construction

The best smart feeders are built well enough to not only stand up to the weather but also the weight of birds and other wildlife resting upon them. They are usually constructed in a way that deters larger animals like squirrels from stealing food or damaging the feeder in their attempts to swipe the birdseed.

Squirrel-proof features

If you’ve struggled in the past with squirrels feasting on your bird feeder’s bounty, you may want to look for a smart model with squirrel-proof design elements. These can include a cage around the food, weight-sensitive perches or slick surfaces that prevent non-bird visitors from getting at the food. You can also find some smart feeders with a microphone and speaker that allows you to shout at squirrels and other wildlife to scare them off if you see them on your live feed.

Our top picks: Durability and weather resistance

  • Netvue by Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder with Camera: Its durable weatherproof design allows it to perform well in all seasons, including cold and snow. 
  • Gyozol Smart Bird Feeder: Its materials and construction are designed with durability in mind, so users find that it holds up well in all weather. 
  • Netvue by Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder: This feeder’s durability impresses most users, including those who find it can survive minor falls without any issues. 
  • Bird Buddy Original Smart Bird Feeder: It performs well in all types of weather, and users find its materials and overall construction to be extremely sturdy.  
  • Fazoxo Bird Feeder with Camera: Users are impressed by how well this feeder withstands various weather conditions, as well as the overall build quality. 

Features to look for in smart bird feeders

Connectivity and mobile app design

Smart bird feeders rely on a Wi-Fi connection and a mobile app to provide you with images and video of the birds that visit your yard on your smartphone, tablet or other device. You want to ensure that your feeder’s connection is stable and the app provides all the features you want. 

Wi-Fi connectivity

Your smart feeder should easily connect to your home Wi-Fi network, so you can receive real-time updates and monitor the action around it via the connected mobile app. That means you want to choose a model with a large enough range to reach your router

For most feeders, the range is approximately 40 to 100 feet, so consider how far from your home you plan to place your feeder to ensure it can connect to your Wi-Fi.

Mobile app integration

Most smart bird feeders have a connected app for iOS and Android, so you can enjoy the bird activity in your yard via your mobile device. In most cases, the app allows you to: 

  • View live or recorded video feeds
  • Receive real-time alerts when birds visit
  • Store and organize photos and videos of your favorite birds
  • Share content on social media with other bird enthusiasts

Some apps also provide AI-powered bird identification that can be especially helpful if you’re new to bird-watching or are unfamiliar with the species in your area. The app may also provide fun facts and educational insights about the birds that frequent your yard. 

Cloud storage

Many smart feeders provide cloud storage for video recordings, so you can rewatch images from previous bird visits. In some cases, you’ll need to pay a subscription fee to access cloud storage. 

Additionally, some models have an SD card slot that lets you add a memory card for local storage on your device. As with cloud storage, you can save videos of the birds that visit your yard to show them to friends and family or on social media with other bird-watchers. However, you may prefer local storage because you have direct control over your photos and videos. 

Our top picks: Connectivity and mobile app features

  • Netvue by Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder with Camera: Users love how easy the app is to use and how straightforward it is to connect the feeder to Wi-Fi.
  • Gyozol Smart Bird Feeder: Its connected app is highly intuitive and easy to use, but it can sometimes be tricky to find a location for the feeder within your Wi-Fi range. 
  • Netvue by Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder: The connected app is easy to use and allows for plenty of customization that users appreciate. However, some reviews mention that it can be difficult to connect to Wi-Fi.
  • Bird Buddy Original Smart Bird Feeder: Users are fans of the app and its social media-like feed but are especially pleased with the AI bird identification feature.
  • Fazoxo Bird Feeder with Camera: Most users find setting up the app straightforward, but there can sometimes be issues with getting a strong enough Wi-Fi signal for the feeder to connect. 

Ease of installation and maintenance

The best smart feeders are easy to install, so you can enjoy your feathered visitors as quickly as possible. They should also be easy to maintain to prevent interruptions to your bird-watching. 

Mounting options

A bird feeder is usually easier to install if it allows for multiple mounting options. Many feeders are compatible with more than one mounting style, such as wall mounting, pole mounting, tree strapping or hanging attachments. You’ll have much less trouble finding a spot to set up the feeder in your yard if you can choose from different installation spots. 

Easy to clean

In wet weather, moisture can often get to a feeder’s food compartment, leading to bacteria growth that can pose a hygiene risk to the birds. You’ll have an easier time cleaning the feeder if it disassembles. It’s especially helpful to choose a model with a camera that pops out, so you don’t have to worry about damaging it while cleaning.

Our top picks: Ease of installation and maintenance

  • Netvue by Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder with Camera: This feeder allows for multiple mounting options, but users find it easy to install in all styles. It also disassembles into four pieces, making cleaning it a breeze.
  • Gyozol Smart Bird Feeder: The feeder is simple and straightforward to install, with several mounting options to choose from. Users also like that the camera pops out to make cleaning the feeder easier. 
  • Netvue by Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder: It offers multiple installation options, so you can attach it to a porch railing or wall or use the included strap to attach it to a tree trunk. However, users complain that the camera can’t be removed for cleaning. 
  • Bird Buddy Original Smart Bird Feeder: It is a breeze to install and also easy to clean because the design keeps the seed dry, so it doesn’t stick to the feeder.  
  • Fazoxo Bird Feeder with Camera: The setup and installation is fairly easy, taking approximately 30 minutes. The camera pops out, and the feeder detaches from the mounting hardware, so it’s also one of the easiest feeders to clean.

Capacity

Most smart feeders hold less birdseed than traditional feeders, but there is some variation between models. If you don’t want to constantly refill the feeder, choose a larger model that can hold plenty of seed. Look for a model that holds at least 1.5 liters of seed to reduce the frequency of refills and make it more convenient to maintain. 

You may also want to look for a feeder with compartments for different types of bird food, such as seeds, nuts or suet. You can even find some feeders with space for hummingbird nectar or a fruit holder, so you can attract a wider variety of birds to your yard.

Our top picks: Capacity

  • Netvue by Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder with Camera: Users find its capacity to be fairly average, with a full container of food lasting approximately three to five days. 
  • Gyozol Smart Bird Feeder: The feeder’s food capacity isn’t very high, but it is extremely easy to refill. 
  • Netvue by Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder: Its capacity is fairly average, so most users find they need to refill it every few days. 
  • Bird Buddy Original Smart Bird Feeder: Reviews cite its lack of capacity as one of this feeder’s few downsides, with some users wishing it could hold double the amount of birdseed that it does.  
  • Fazoxo Bird Feeder with Camera: While not the smallest-capacity feeder on our list, users are frustrated by the limited amount of seed that it holds. 

Bird identification

If you take bird-watching seriously, you don’t just want to see images of the pretty birds that come to your feeder. You’ll also want to know what species they are. Some feeders help take the guesswork out of identification and expand your avian knowledge, so you don’t have to spend time researching. 

AI bird identification

Advanced bird feeders use AI to identify bird species based on their appearance, behavior and vocalizations. This feature is especially appealing to bird enthusiasts and those new to bird-watching who want to learn more about their local bird population. 

Species database

Some feeders offer an integrated bird database with thousands of species that they are trained to recognize. The more species that a feeder’s database has, the more accurate its identification feature will be. 

Visitor analytics

If you want a detailed picture of your area’s bird population, look for a smart feeder that tracks and analyzes visitation patterns. This data usually includes the frequency and types of birds that visit your feeder, so you can better understand your local bird population and activity.

Our top picks: Bird identification

  • Netvue by Birdfy AI Smart Bird Feeder with Camera: Users says the AI identification isn’t perfect but winds up being pretty accurate most of the time. 
  • Gyozol Smart Bird Feeder: While some users are fans of the educational aspect of the bird-identification feature, others find it to be very hit-or-miss.
  • Netvue by Birdfy Smart Bird Feeder: Users find its identification feature is often wrong but appreciate that the app allows you to send in corrections. 
  • Bird Buddy Original Smart Bird Feeder: The AI bird identification is a favorite feature for many users, but it occasionally misidentifies a bird. 
  • Fazoxo Bird Feeder with Camera: In addition to identifying species, its AI identification feature provides valuable information about the birds that can aid in conservation efforts. 

Subscription

While most smart feeders have apps with free features, such as live feeds of birds and real-time alerts, some models require a subscription to access certain premium features. In most cases, you’ll need a monthly or annual subscription to use a feeder’s AI bird identification feature, cloud storage or visitor analytics. 

For some bird-watchers, these specialty features are worth the added expense. However, it’s important to factor a monthly fee into the overall price when evaluating the cost of a feeder. 

Accessories for a smart bird feeder

Bird bath

Putting a bird bath in your yard is another effective way to attract birds. Not only does it help the bird population, but it also adds a striking decorative element to your garden. You can choose from many styles and materials to find the perfect option for your home. 

Bird nests 

Bird nests can provide nesting birds with a comfortable spot to raise their young and make your yard even more friendly to your avian friends. Make sure that any nest you buy is meant for outdoor use and will stand up to the elements. 

Tips

  • Refill the feeder regularly. If your feeder remains empty for several days, the birds might stop returning to your yard.
  • Don’t use cheap birdseed in your feeder. Inexpensive birdseed can be full of fillers like oats, wheat and cracked corn, which many birds don’t like. They tend to toss it on the ground and make a mess in your yard.
  • Protect your feeder from other wildlife. Squirrels, rats, raccoons, deer and bears are known to raid bird feeders and do damage in the process. Take measures to ensure that the feeder is in a location where it isn’t easy for other wildlife to access.
  • Clean the feeder regularly. Birds can get sick from a dirty feeder and spread disease to others in the flock. Clean your feeder every two to three weeks to make sure it’s free of bacteria and germs. 

FAQ

Q. Do I need a Wi-Fi connection to use a smart bird feeder? 

A. A smart bird feeder does require a Wi-Fi connection. It uses the connection to send the video from the feeder to the connected app so you can check out the birds on your smartphone or other device. 

Q. Do smart bird feeders record sound? 

A. Some do record audio so you can hear the birds chirp or sing. However, many are video-only. If hearing the birds that visit your home is important to you, make sure to check the product description for any model you’re considering to make sure it provides audio. 

Q. Should I leave a smart bird feeder out in extreme weather?

A. Smart feeders are weatherproof, but the IP rating varies from model to model. No matter how protected your feeder is, it’s usually a good idea to bring it inside in extreme weather. If the forecast calls for a severe storm like a hurricane or heavy snow, you’ll likely want to store your feeder indoors to keep it safe. 

Our expertise

Jennifer Blair has covered home and garden products for BestReviews since 2017. She has written over 100 articles on small kitchen appliances, vacuum cleaners, landscape tools, garden seeds and more. In her yard, she has a traditional bird feeder with seeds and a suet cage that she can’t seem to keep the squirrels out of.