The Best Hummingbird Feeders, According to Our Testing

By Mark Wolfe, Debbie Wolfe

Updated on May 23, 2024 5:56 AM EDT

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Hummingbirds add a fun, sometimes comical element to a landscape with their high-speed aerial acrobatics. And because bird-watching can be a peaceful pastime, it’s no wonder that feeding hummingbirds is immensely popular. But if you want to attract hummingbirds, you’ll need to use a hummingbird feeder that works.

Hummingbird feeders come in all shapes and sizes, and it can be challenging to know which one is the best. Since hummingbirds are highly mobile, curious birds, a suitable hummingbird feeder should be attractive and functional. It also has to withstand the elements, hold plenty of nectar, and fit the allotted space. We’ve tested some of the best hummingbird feeders on the market, and you’ll get a chance to see reviews of some top picks. Keep reading to learn what characteristics make up the best hummingbird feeders.

We tested each hummingbird feeder according to established rubrics that included capacity, materials, color, extra features, ease of cleaning and filling, and how well it attracted hummingbirds. We rated each feeder based on these rubrics on a scale between 0 and 5 to determine their score.

We first determined how easy it was to fill and clean the feeders. Next, we examined the feeder’s hanging mechanism and sturdiness. Lastly, we mounted each feeder and observed how well it attracted hummingbirds and how easy it was for the birds to feed.

We have reviewed and tested the most popular hummingbird feeders on the market by the biggest brands in bird feeding. We pored over styles, sizes, materials, and other features to find some of the best hummingbird feeders to bring birds to your yard.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5

Aspects HummZinger Highview feeder is a dish-style hummingbird feeder made of unbreakable polycarbonate. Polycarbonate resists temperature and weather extremes and holds up to impact that would break glass.

The bright red cover on the Aspects HummZinger Highview feeder attracts hummingbirds from a distance and is easily removed for quick, thorough cleaning. The reservoir holds plenty of nectar to feed hummingbirds for 2 to 4 days. Four feeding ports allow multiple birds to feed at once. A high perch invites birds to rest comfortably as they feed and offers an unobstructed view of the birds. The built-in ant moat and bee-resistant design protect the nectar from spoilage.

In testing, we found that this feeder was small enough to use in a balcony container garden or a large backyard bird habitat. The feeder slid open easily, giving us easy access to the reservoir to fill with nectar or clean. The hummingbirds perched on the side with no issues. We loved the Aspects HummZinger’s simple design and durable and lightweight construction. It was the most popular hummingbird feeder in our yard, making it our top pick.

Get the Aspects hummingbird feeder at Amazon, Target, or Walmart.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 4/5; Value 5/5

Perky-Pet’s glass feeder is a no-frills way to feed hummingbirds. The time-tested design and durable glass reservoir should last for many years. The red hanger and feeding port cover are designed to attract all the hummingbirds in the neighborhood. They will have plenty of room to feed comfortably from the six feeding ports as they rest on wraparound perches.

This feeder holds up to 30 ounces of nectar. The built-in bee guards and ant moats provide excellent insect protection. The clear, upright, wide-mouth reservoir jar is simple to monitor and fill with nectar. The entire feeder comes apart for easy cleaning. Just hand-wash it with warm, soapy water.

When we used the Perky-Pet glass feeder we found that it was a simple, functional product —an excellent choice for someone who just wants to feed the birds. It did have a couple of minor drawbacks though. First, we noticed that a full jar of nectar required sturdy support like a shepherd’s hook. We thought a flexible tree branch may not be strong enough to support this feeder. Second, the perch felt flimsy, which was surprising since the body was made of thick glass. Still, the hummingbirds seemed to like it, as it provided ample space for several to feed.

Get the Perky-Pet glass hummingbird feeder at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 4/5; Value 4.5/5

Grateful Gnome Hand Blown Glass feeders are individually handmade and unique. It takes a team of talented artisans working together to make each one. They incorporate beautiful colors that attract hummingbirds. The handblown glass is sturdy, thick, and durable. The color is embedded in two layers of glass and will not fade or scratch.

The Grateful Gnome hummingbird feeder holds 26 ounces of nectar. A rubber seal ring prevents leakage between the reservoir and the feeder base. Four flower-feeding ports and a round perch allow hummers to feed comfortably. The feeder’s design makes it simple to refill but does require hand-washing.

The Grateful Gnome mushroom-shaped feeder was a beautiful work of art, and it instantly added beauty and functionality to our landscape. This feeder came with a bottle brush for easy clean-up, and it also came with a double-hook ant moat that made hanging it much easier. The only con we found was that this feeder was less attractive to hummingbirds when other brightly colored feeders were around. The red flowers on the dish were small and got lost among the metal and brightly colored glass. However, put in the right environment, it did attract hummingbirds.

Get the Grateful Gnome hummingbird feeder at Amazon, or Walmart.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.7/5

Perky Pet’s Antique Bottle hummingbird feeder features an elegant style that adds a functional decorative accent to any garden. This antique green glass bottle includes a brushed nickel base that makes it a perfect fit for a cottage-style garden or a home with farmhouse decor. The feeder offers a 10-ounce capacity and comes with an integrated metal hanger for easy installation. It has four red, flower-shaped feeding ports to attract hummingbirds. The bottle is easy to unscrew from the base for easy filling and cleaning.

In testing, we found that the bottle was easy to hang, fill, and clean. We did not like that it did not have a perch as it made it harder to observe the hummingbirds. Although it did not have an ant moat or bee guard, we did not find that the feeder attracted any extra insects. It was an attractive feeder that would add a decorative element to the landscape, but we did find that hummingbirds tended to skip this feeder given other feeding options.

Get the Perky-Pet bottle hummingbird feeder at Amazon or Ace Hardware.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.7/5

Keeping up with hummingbird feeders is a challenge when the migration season begins. The More Birds 40-ounce feeder is the choice model if you have lots of hummingbirds to feed. This glass bottle hummingbird feeder holds plenty of nectar and is a cinch to monitor, fill, and clean.

The More Birds Big Gulp Hummingbird Feeder features five flower-shaped feeding ports with individual perches to comfortably accommodate multiple birds. The built-in ant moat and bee-resistant design stop bugs in their tracks, preventing them from reaching the nectar. The red top and base attract hummingbirds from a distance.

In our testing, we liked how easy the Big Gulp was to fill, clean, and mount. However, we noticed that this feeder’s large size and glass body required a secure mount, like a shepherd’s hook or an S-hook on a sturdy branch. When full, it was very heavy, and we found that it did cause our shepherd’s hook to lean. Also, the feeder was hand-wash only, but we did not feel like that was a game-changer since we hand-wash all our hummingbird feeders anyway.

Get the More Birds Big Gulp hummingbird feeder at Amazon or Walmart.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5

The More Birds Garnet feeder is a classic glass bottle feeder with a modern hourglass shape. The clear glass makes it easy to monitor and fill the nectar, and it cleans up simply.

The 20-ounce reservoir holds plenty of nectar, without adding a lot of weight. The red top and red base attract hummingbirds from far away. Five flower-shaped ports with individual perches offer plenty of space for multiple birds to feed comfortably. The built-in ant moat and bee-resistant design keep the nectar fresh for the birds. This feeder is a great choice for year-round use.

We found that this feeder was small enough to use in patio gardens but large enough to support significant populations of hummers. It held plenty of nectar to feed hungry birds for 3 to 6 days. We loved how simple it was to fill and clean. The only con we found was that it was heavy when full and needed a sturdy support to hang.

Get the More Birds Garnet hummingbird feeder at Amazon, or Best Nest.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4/5

The 8-ounce Sherwoodbase Cuboid feeder is a 2-in-1 dish feeder that can be mounted to a window by suction cups or hung from a chain anywhere in the garden. The body features a durable polycarbonate plastic that resists heat, cold, and impact. It will last for years.

The convenient dish shape maximizes viewing opportunities and is naturally bee resistant. The Sherwoodbase Cuboid is designed with an integrated ant moat to protect against insects. It also features five feeding ports and plenty of perch space for multiple birds to feed simultaneously. This hand-wash-only hummingbird feeder is great for small homes, intimate garden spaces, and classrooms.

In our testing, we found that it was a little tricky to get a secure mount with the suction cups. We also thought installing the chain and hook option was tedious, and it felt flimsy and thin. However, once installed, it attracted hummingbirds, and it was fun to view them up close. We thought it would make for a fun feeder for young birdwatchers.

Get the Sherwoodbase hummingbird feeder at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Effectiveness 4/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.5/5

Hand-feeding hummingbirds is an enchanting experience for any birder. Feeding hummingbirds by hand takes time, practice, and the right tools. The Zummr Hummingbird Ring Feeder provides a simple platform to get started with hand-feeding hummingbirds.

The ring feeder is constructed from sturdy BPA-free and fade-resistant plastic. It features a brightly colored removable petal top over a small nectar reservoir (less than an ounce capacity). It’s available in seven colors. This dishwasher-safe ring feeder is simple and intended for novelty use and does not feed many hummingbirds with each use.

The Zummr Hummingbird Ring Feeder ring performed as described by the manufacturer. The only con we had was that the ring was not adjustable. The ring also runs large, so users with small fingers would have to wear it on their thumbs. However, we found that it was sturdy, and would make a fun, novelty gift for hummingbird lovers.

Get the Zummr Hummingbird Ring Feeder at Amazon or Walmart.

There are hummingbird feeders of all shapes and sizes. Some are beautiful but not functional due to the difficulty of cleaning or filling them. Others may simply not capture the attention of hummingbirds. The best hummingbird feeders attract hummingbirds, hold plenty of nectar without leaking, provide a place for hummers to perch as they feed, protect the nectar from invading insects, and are simple to fill and clean.

Hummingbird feeders come in two standard forms: bottle feeders and dish feeders. Both types are popular with birdwatchers, and both are great options. Read on to learn the difference between bottle- and dish-style hummingbird feeders and determine which would be best for you.

Bottle hummingbird feeders, also called inverted feeders, are essentially inverted bottles with a feeding port at the bottom. Nectar is held inside the container by the vacuum created by trapped air. These feeders come in an endless assortment of styles, from basic nuts-and-bolts functionality to high-end art.

Bottle feeders have relatively large nectar reservoirs compared with other feeder types, making them an excellent choice where large flocks of hummingbirds gather ahead of migration. It is easy to see from a distance when you need to refill the feeder because of its design. Depending on the particular style and materials, upright bottle feeders are more difficult to clean than basic dish-type feeders. If a tiny crack develops in the feeder, it may break the vacuum seal, causing a leak to develop. Extra protection may also be required to prevent bees from feeding on bottle feeders.

Dish-style hummingbird feeders are also called saucer feeders or tray feeders. They hold the nectar in a shallow bowl-shaped reservoir. Hummingbirds feed through ports in the cover.

Most dish feeders have an ant moat incorporated into the design, reducing the likelihood of pest problems. The simple design is easy to clean and fill, resists bees, is unlikely to leak, and provides an open view of the hummingbirds as they feed. But since they have a smaller capacity than bottle feeders, they need to be refilled more often.

Feeder size affects how often you will need to refill the container and how many hummingbirds can feed. There are a few ways to think about this. You should change the nectar every three to four days, to avoid spoilage. To avoid waste, the nectar should be nearly empty when it’s time to refill it. Also consider that hummingbirds can be quite protective of feeders, chasing away rivals, so to some extent, the more feeders available, the more hummingbirds you’ll get.

If your goal is to simply see a few hummingbirds throughout the summer, the smallest feeder filled regularly can make that happen. The most popular feeders are in the 16- to 32-ounce size range. Feeders of this size offer plenty of nectar for several days with little waste. Plus, it is an adequate size to purchase for multiple feeding stations. Feeders larger than 32 ounces help satisfy the appetites of larger hummingbird populations.

Hummingbird feeders are made of either glass or plastic because these materials do not corrode. Additionally, they are durable, affordable, and easy to clean. Plastic hummingbird feeders are lightweight and inexpensive. They are a great choice for those new to feeding hummingbirds, those with strength or mobility impairments, classrooms, and children’s gardens. They resist cracking, but the material may fade, warp, or crack after several seasons due to UV exposure.

Glass hummingbird feeders are more substantial and more durable than plastic over the long term, although some glass feeders include plastic components like perches, covers, or feeding ports as well. Glass feeders can also be easier to clean than plastic and offer a greater diversity of aesthetics.

Hummingbirds are highly color-sensitive. In nature, they are attracted to brightly colored pink, orange, yellow, and purple flowers. These colors would also be suitable for feeders, but they are especially attracted to red, making red the best color for hummingbird feeders.

While the color of the feeder is essential, the color of the nectar is not. Most natural flower nectar is colorless. There is no reason to use red-dyed nectar or to add food coloring to homemade nectar. Instead, use the feeder itself to provide a splash of red to attract the birds. The whole feeder does not need to be red, just the parts around the feeding ports.

One of the amazing characteristics of hummingbirds is their ability to do just about anything while in flight. Indeed they often feed while hovering in front of a flower or feeder. Perches are not necessary, but there are benefits to offering a feeder with a place to perch.

Hummingbirds need a place to rest, and if you provide a perch, they will use it. Some of the best views of hummingbirds are when they relax on a feeder perch. The feeder may also attract other birds like chickadees, goldfinches, orioles, or warblers if it includes a perch. If these added benefits are unimportant to you, a feeder without perches will work just fine.

Ants and other insects are attracted to the sugary nectar as well and will invade the feeder if given a chance. Ant moats prevent crawling insects from accessing the feeder by using a water barrier that they can’t cross. Simply fill the small reservoir with water, and they cannot pass it to feed on or contaminate the nectar.

Some hummingbird feeders have ant moats incorporated into the feeder body. Ant moats are also sold separately, for feeders made without them. Either way, using an ant moat is a good way to protect the nectar for the hummingbirds’ exclusive use.

Bees love nectar too. Bottle feeders are susceptible to bee invasions, while most dish feeders are bee resistant. Bee guards create air space that prevents bees from feeding on the nectar inside a hummingbird feeder while still allowing hummingbirds to reach the nectar with their long tongues. Many of the susceptible feeders come with bee guards, but some do not.

Now that you’ve had a chance to shop for the best hummingbird feeders, you may still have a few questions. Continue reading for answers to some frequently asked questions about feeding hummingbirds.

Glass hummingbird feeders are generally easy to clean and very durable. Plastic hummingbird feeders are subject to warping or cracking over time but are comparatively inexpensive. Both are acceptable to hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds are highly attracted to red and yellow. Either or both colors are good choices for hummingbird feeders.

Hummingbirds prefer feeders near sheltered places like trees, shrubs, or even tall perennials, where they can scavenge for other foods like spiders and natural nectar. Placing the feeder in a shaded location helps to reduce spoilage of the nectar.

Once or twice per week, clean your hummingbird feeder with hot, soapy water. Liquid dish detergent works well. Rinse with cold water and allow to air dry before refilling.

Make your hummingbird nectar by mixing one part sugar with four parts water. Heat the water to boiling, then stir in the sugar. Turn off the heat and stir the water until the sugar completely dissolves. Allow the nectar to cool, then fill the hummingbird feeder. Do not add red dye or food coloring. Store extra hummingbird nectar in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Debbie Wolfe is a photographer, author, and freelance writer in various niches. She has contributed hundreds of home, garden, and crafting articles and DIY tutorials for leading media outlets and retailers, including HGTV, Real Simple, Forbes Advisor, The Spruce, The Home Depot, Walmart, and Mother Earth News. She is the author of two DIY books: Do-It-Yourself Garden Projects and Crafts and Crafting with Herbs from Skyhorse Publishing. Her testing approach is straightforward and budget-minded.

Staff Writer

Mark Wolfe is a second-career freelance writer based in Georgia and has an extensive background in the horticulture industry. Since 2020, he has contributed numerous gardening and home improvement articles to BobVila.com, along with a variety of consumer product reviews.

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