TL;DR
Wired tested several popular smart bird feeders over more than a year in varied weather and in a yard with persistent squirrels, comparing camera quality, app features, solar options and subscription paywalls. Top picks include Netvue's Birdfy, Kiwibit's Beako (now with a solar roof), Camojojo's Hibird Pro and Birdbuddy's Pro hummingbird feeder.
What happened
Wired spent over a year evaluating leading smart bird feeders—exposing units to rain, snow and heat, and placing them in a yard with persistent squirrels—to judge durability, image quality, app experience and AI identification accuracy. Testers examined notification settings, photo and video capture, cleaning and refill convenience, and which capabilities are gated behind subscriptions. Identification claims from device AI were cross-checked using Cornell Lab’s All About Birds, Google Lens and local expertise. The review highlights multiple models: Netvue’s Birdfy is recommended as a reliable, easy-to-use pick with a wide-angle 1080p camera and optional lifetime AI plan, Kiwibit’s Beako (new solar-roof edition) offers 8 MP photos and 4K video with removable dual hoppers, Camojojo’s Hibird Pro supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi and records 4K video, and Birdbuddy’s Pro hummingbird feeder integrates a solar roof and includes 2K video and 5 MP photos. The article was updated in January 2026 to add the Beako solar-roof model, new notes on Birdbuddy units, an added Detiko feeder in others tested, and mention of a modular Coolfly Aura shown at CES.
Why it matters
- Smart feeders make backyard birding more accessible by recording and identifying visits, but AI ID accuracy and feature access vary by model.
- Solar-charging options and IP-rated construction affect long-term reliability and whether a feeder needs frequent manual charging or maintenance.
- Connectivity limitations (most feeders are 2.4 GHz only) and subscription paywalls can restrict how useful a device is day to day.
- Ease of cleaning and refill design matters for hummingbird feeders because regular maintenance affects bird health and feeder longevity.
Key facts
- Wired tested popular smart feeders for over a year in different weather conditions and in a yard with persistent squirrels.
- Netvue Birdfy: 1080p camera, 155-degree field of view, color night vision, IP65 plastic body, 50-ounce seed reservoir; lifetime AI identification can be added for about $20 or $5/month without it.
- Kiwibit Beako (solar-roof version): 8 MP photos, 4K HD video, removable 1.5 L dual hoppers, IP65 plastic, built-in solar roof performed well in six-week testing; Kiwibit Plus subscription is $4/month or $47/year for extended features like 60-day storage and up to three-minute recordings.
- Camojojo Hibird Pro: supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi‑Fi, records 4K Ultra HD video, includes built-in solar panels and a 128 GB SD card, but is heavier (about 5 pounds when filled); a subscription is now required for all features and limits such as 5 GB cloud storage over 60 days apply without paid options.
- Birdbuddy Pro Hummingbird Feeder: built-in solar panel, 5 MP photos, 2K HD video with slo-mo, bottom-removable reservoir holding about 1.75 cups, app is usable without subscribing though optional upgrades exist.
- Some earlier external solar panels (on certain feeders) showed charging issues in prior tests, prompting manufacturers to offer built-in solar roofs in newer versions.
- App quality and user experience varied: Birdfy and Birdbuddy ranked highly for app usability, while some apps were less streamlined and offered more limited or paid features.
- AI identification accuracy ranged from decent to inconsistent; reviewers verified IDs against Cornell Lab’s All About Birds, Google Lens and local expertise.
What to watch next
- Coolfly Aura, a feeder with a modular camera system, debuted at CES and is next in Wired’s testing pipeline.
- The growing trend of features behind subscription paywalls and how that changes the long-term cost of ownership for smart feeders.
- Solar charging reliability and battery longevity, after earlier tests where separate external panels sometimes failed within weeks.
Quick glossary
- AI identification: Software that analyzes images or video to suggest a likely bird species based on visual patterns; accuracy varies by model and dataset.
- IP rating (e.g., IP65, IP66): Ingress Protection rating that indicates a device’s resistance to dust and water; higher numbers generally mean better protection in outdoor conditions.
- 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz Wi‑Fi: Two common wireless frequency bands: 2.4 GHz offers longer range and better penetration through obstacles, while 5 GHz can deliver faster speeds but shorter range.
- Hopper / reservoir: The container on a feeder that holds seed or nectar; removable hoppers simplify refilling and cleaning.
- Cloud storage / subscription: Remote storage and advanced features provided by a manufacturer’s service, often requiring a paid subscription to access extended video storage, sharing or AI tools.
Reader FAQ
Do smart bird feeders need a subscription to work?
It depends on the model: some feeders are usable out of the box but reserve features like extended storage, longer recordings or advanced search behind paid subscriptions; specifics vary by brand.
Will these feeders keep squirrels away?
Not guaranteed. Wired tested feeders in a yard with persistent squirrels; some units experienced chewing but many held up, so results depend on model construction and local wildlife pressure.
Do smart feeders require 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi?
Most smart feeders use 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi, though Camojojo’s Hibird Pro supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz according to the review.
Are the AI identifications reliable?
Accuracy ranged from decent to inconsistent; Wired cross-checked AI IDs using Cornell Lab’s All About Birds, Google Lens and local expertise to verify results.
Is the Coolfly Aura available now?
not confirmed in the source
KAT MERCK GEAR JAN 8, 2026 2:33 PM The Best Smart Bird Feeders for Backyard Birding These bird feeders with cameras and connected apps let you see and learn about…
Sources
- Best Bird Feeders With Cameras, Tested and Reviewed (2026)
- The Best Smart Bird Feeders – The New York Times
- The best smart bird feeders in 2026, tried and tested
- The Best Smart Bird Feeders of 2026
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