Wired tester names Birdfy and Kiwibit the best discounted bird feeder gifts

Early Black Friday discounts have lowered the price of smart bird feeders from Birdfy and Kiwibit. The deals, which started this week, reduce the cost of solar-powered models by roughly 29 percent. A Wired reviewer who has tested these devices for several years says the current pricing makes them strong candidates for holiday gifts or personal use.

The top recommendation is the original Birdfy feeder with a solar panel, now listed at $127. This represents a 29 percent discount, but it applies only to the blue version. The yellow model costs $13 more. The reviewer notes that while other brands like Camojojo offer higher-resolution cameras, they often come with expensive price tags or unreliable software. Birdfy remains the best choice for those wanting a dependable device with an easy-to-use app and no major features locked behind a subscription.

Buyers can also get the Birdfy without the solar panel for $110. However, the reviewer advises paying the extra $17 for the solar version. The panels have proven reliable in testing, which saves owners the trouble of bringing the feeder indoors to recharge. The device supports only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and comes with a two-year warranty. Most smart feeders on the market now include high-resolution cameras and 4K video recording with accurate AI bird identification. Setup is straightforward, though users should follow the 5-7-9 rule for pole mounts to keep squirrels away.

The Kiwibit Feeder 2 with a solar roof is available for $170, also a 29 percent discount. This is not Kiwibit's newest model, as the Feeder 2 Pro costs $220, but the reviewer calls the standard version exceedingly well designed. They say this is the lowest price they have seen for it. The feeder features a 1.5-liter seed hopper that splits to hold two types of feed. The hopper lifts out of the body via a top handle, eliminating the need to remove the whole unit for refilling.

The Feeder 2 captures 8-megapixel photos and 4K video, which the reviewer rates as top-tier for the price. The solar roof maintained a charge in all weather conditions during testing. The app functions without a Kiwibit Plus subscription, though the reviewer notes that more features are moving behind the paywall. This model also works only on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and carries a one-year warranty.

A third option is the Kiwibit 4K Feeder with auxiliary solar, priced at $140 after a 26 percent discount. It uses the same camera and hardware as the Feeder 2 but lacks the built-in solar roof. The included 3-watt solar panel mounts easily on the back of the wall bracket. This configuration allows buyers to save $30 while retaining Kiwibit's build quality and image resolution.