you’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. This 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 for Amazon Prime Day a