The 10 Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders of 2024

Best Overall

Brome Squirrel Buster Plus

$112 At Amazon

The Brome Squirrel Buster Plus Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder is one of the most versatile bird feeders on the market, making it our top choice. This feeder has weight-activated perches that will close the seed openings when a heavier pest like a squirrel or crow tries to land on it. In addition to having six perches around the bottom of this feeder, it also comes with a cardinal ring, which is designed to make feeding easier since they cannot turn their heads as easily as other birds. 

This feeder comes ready to hang, but you can also purchase it with a pole-mount adaptor if you don’t want to hang it directly on a tree. We also love that you can buy a baffle ring—that further deters squirrels—if you do plan to use this feeder on a pole.

During testing, we encountered some initial hiccups with setup, and we had to troubleshoot some of the pieces to get it up and running. But, once we had it in our preferred spot, we saw regular bird activity, and not once did we see any squirrels successfully access it.

The other minor complaint is this feeder is not designed for all birds, such as woodpeckers and nuthatches, that prefer to cling while they eat. A clinging bird can perch on a tree upright, and even upside down, so they prefer bird feeders that have a wire cage surrounding them rather than just perches. However, we still love the thoughtful design of this feeder and think it will easily attract a variety of songbirds to your yard.

_{Type: Tube | Material: Polycarbonate | Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 23 inches | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Feed Capacity: 5.1 pounds | Number of Ports: 6}

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Perky-Pet Squirrel-Be-Gone Bird Feeder

$41 At Amazon

Although almost all of the bird feeders in our list can be hung on a tree or hook, we wanted to highlight this particular design because it has a locking top, which prevents feed from coming out if it is knocked down. We tested this bird feeder at home and witnessed lots of bird activity, as well as a squirrel attempting to reach the bird feeder without success. Just like other feeders in our list, this design is weight-activated to seal the ports when a squirrel or even a raccoon tries to access the feed.

In addition to the locking top, we also love that this bird feeder has Perky Pet’s trademarked “flexports,” which further limit the amount of seed that falls out of the ports. Birds can still comfortably feed from the ports while conserving the amount of feed that ends up on the ground. 

The larger perches also ensure a variety of birds come to enjoy the feeder. The flip-down design means that their perches can also be pushed up, which was initially a concern because that would limit a bird's ability to access seeds. However, the perches have all remained in place in our weeks of usage. No matter your concern—weather-related or pest-related—this bird feeder is a great, extra-durable option to keep your feed in the tube and your feathered friends happy.

_{Type: Tube | Material: Metal | Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 17.5 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Feed Capacity: 4 pounds | Number of Ports: 4}

Best Budget

Brome Squirrel Buster Mini

$36 At Amazon

If your yard doesn’t typically attract many birds or you’ve never owned a bird feeder before, we recommend the Squirrel Buster Mini Squirrel-Proof Feeder. We tested this bird feeder in our home in New York and were pleasantly impressed with its durability, even in the face of strong winds and rain.

While this feeder’s capacity is the smallest on our list (just 0.98 pounds of feed), we think it’s a great compromise compared to the larger bird feeders on our list, which may require more frequent cleanings. We tied the bird feeder with a wire and a triangular hanger to our tree and found that within several hours, about a dozen tiny birds flew over to it.

Similar to our best overall pick, this feeder also has weight-activated perches that close the ports when a heavy pest lands on them. The wire mesh grid is also much smaller compared to other feeder designs that still allow squirrel paws to grab seeds. We did notice that bird seed occasionally falls to the ground, which could entice squirrels, however, we didn't see any.

The metal construction also ensures this feeder lasts several seasons if you properly wash it and ensure the feed doesn’t become overly saturated from rain or winter weather. All in all, you’re getting a secure feeder that will attract a variety of birds while keeping furry wildlife away.

_{Type: Tube | Material: Metal | Dimensions: 4.13 x 4.13 x 12.38 inches | Weight: 1 pound | Feed Capacity: 0.98 pounds | Number of Ports: 4}

Best Splurge

Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder

$147 At Amazon $178 At Wayfair

With the Droll Yankees Yankee Flipper, your backyard birds will enjoy dinner and a show. This unique bird feeder has a weight-activated motor that spins the bird perch around when heavier pests land on it. Squirrels will learn their lesson quickly once they’ve been flung off this feeder. Four larger feed ports allow songbirds to easily gather on the circular perch, which is also accommodating to cardinals who cannot turn their heads to feed. 

If you notice the motor starting to wear down on this feeder, you can recharge it overnight (the user manual says at least 14 hours) to have your squirrel defense ready to go again. Plus, the motor and battery charger come with a one-year warranty (and a lifetime warranty for the feeder body) in case you run into any issues. You can also purchase a replacement motor separately once you’re past the warranty timeline.

Our only concern with this bird feeder design is the security of its feed cover. The flip-top design makes it very easy to refill, but we wish it had a twist-on or locking mechanism to ensure feed wouldn’t fall out if a particularly creative rodent did manage to knock it off its hanging perch. Despite this concern, we love the ingenuity behind this feeder’s design, and its large 5-pound feed capacity is also a wonderful bonus.

_{Type: Tube | Material: Metal and polycarbonate | Dimensions: 8.25 x 8.25 x 29.5 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Feed Capacity: 5 pounds | Number of Ports: 4}

Best for Small Birds

Brome Squirrel Solution200 Bird Feeder

$86 At Amazon $90 At Walmart

We had the opportunity to test this particular bird feeder in the real world and found that it lives up to all of the expectations it sets as a squirrel-proof feeder. We love its attractive design, which is a step above the other more utilitarian picks on our list. It's built with petite perches, so will attract small birds.

Thanks to the wire mesh on the outside of the feed tube, it is also ideal for perching and clinging birds. When a squirrel lands on this feeder, its weight pulls the entire wire grid down, and the leaves cover the feed ports, making the seeds inside inaccessible. A funnel is also included, so we had no issues refilling this feeder.

_{Type: Tube | Material: Powder-coated metal and plastic | Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 x 24 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Feed Capacity: 3.4 pounds | Number of Ports: 6}

Best Platform

Duncraft Squirrel-Resistant Platform Feeder

$90 At duncraft.com

Although some may argue this platform feeder isn’t completely squirrel-proof, we think it’s ideal for a backyard that doesn’t witness as many pesky critters. Plus, this platform feeder would do best installed under a covered porch or patio, so squirrels shouldn’t frequent the area as much to begin with.

This feeder has a grid barrier that keeps some of the seed out of reach of squirrel paws. The top grid has 1-inch diameter openings so birds with larger beaks, like cardinals and grosbeaks, can reach the seeds. Then a second layer has half-inch openings to restrict what squirrels can grab. 

It’s recommended to use a bottom layer of black oil sunflower seeds because they’re too large to pass through the grid (for squirrels). We recommend keeping a close eye on the amount of seeds left in the bottom tray since the capacity is lower for this tray. Be sure to also check the seeds for moisture if you live in a particularly wet climate, or opt to install this feeder in an uncovered area.

There are drainage holes in the tray, but if it's crowded with seeds, the seeds may not completely dry, which could lead to mold growth. Despite not being completely squirrel-proof, we love this platform feeder for its accessibility and squirrel-resistant design.

_{Type: Platform | Material: Recycled plastic | Dimensions: 14.125 x 11.75 x 2.625 inches | Weight: Not listed | Feed Capacity: 1.5 pounds | Number of Ports: Not applicable}

Best Feeder with Baffle

Droll Yankees Big Top Bird Feeder

$73 At Amazon $90 At Wayfair $80 At Walmart

A baffle makes it hard for squirrels to grip onto a bird feeder, and we like that this one, in particular, is a slick, domed polycarbonate that squirrels may not be able to grip. This feeder doesn’t have any weight-activated traps, but you can adjust the height of the baffle to keep larger birds like crows out of the feed. The open top of the feed dish and six ports make it easy for a variety of birds to access the feed. 

We also love that you can easily view any birds that come to the feeder thanks to its clear construction. This also makes it easy to monitor how much feed is left in the dish. You could even fill this dish with fruit or different types of birdseed to attract different bird species to your yard. We just recommend cleaning the dish sooner if you do leave fruit or something else sticky in it. The only downside of this feeder is that it’s not completely waterproof.

The dome certainly protects a majority of the feed, but any high winds could cause it to swing and lose seed or become wet. Nevertheless, this dish is a great deterrent for squirrels and allows you to see the full display of your yard’s birds.

_{Type: Dish | Material: Brass and polycarbonate | Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 18 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Feed Capacity: 3 pounds | Number of Ports: 6}

Best Pole-Mounted

Nature Products Green Classic Pole Mount Bird Feeder

$90 At Amazon $90 At Wayfair $90 At Walmart

If you have a yard that lacks trees for a hanging feeder, a pole-mounted feeder, like the Bird’s Choice NP431 Classic feeder is a great design that keeps squirrels away. The baffle attached to the bottom of the feeder prevents squirrels from climbing higher and reaching the bird perches.

Thanks to its clear construction, you can easily monitor the seed level in this feeder, and we love that it has such a large capacity for over a gallon of seed. Plus, the polycarbonate feeder tube is said to be UV resistant and won’t yellow over time. While this feeder isn’t the best for birds that prefer to cling while eating (since it has a slick exterior and no cage to cling to), plenty of songbirds will frequent this feeder.

You also won’t have to worry about larger birds like crows because the perches aren’t large enough for them. Although you may notice that cardinals won't be as frequent at this feeder because they cannot turn their heads to feed like smaller songbirds. We think this feeder is still a worthy choice if you don’t want to worry about a feeder swinging around during high winds.

_{Type: Tube | Material: Polycarbonate and aluminum | Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 20 inches (feeder); 6 x 12 x 23 inches (with baffle) | Weight: 5 pounds | Feed Capacity: 1.2 gallons | Number of Ports: 4}

Best Suet Feeder

Mosloly Caged Double Suet Feeders

$44 At Amazon

A suet feeder can be especially useful for birds in the winter because suet is a hardened cake made from a mixture of fat and seed, serving as a quick source of energy for particularly active birds. This bird feeder allows you to place two cakes in the cages, and you won’t have to worry about squirrels reaching them.

The cage grid measures just over 1 inch wide and tall, so even medium-sized birds should be able to access the suet. However, we think smaller squirrels could possibly still reach the cage, but the width of the cage should make it more difficult for them to actually access the suet. 

Unlike a feeder with ports, this design doesn’t limit the number of birds that can access the cakes at once thanks to the grid design. Plus, it’s easy to monitor how much of the suet is left from a window in your home. The cover ensures the cakes stay dry during winter weather, but the drainage holes on the bottom tray are slightly small, so it might be best to drill large ones if you live in an especially wet area.

_{Type: Suet cage | Material: Metal | Dimensions: 12 x 10.5 x 11 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Feed Capacity: 2 suet cakes | Number of Ports: Not applicable}

Best Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder Pole

Squirrel Stopper Deluxe Squirrel Proof Pole System with Baffle

View On Amazon $197 At Etsy

Rather than replacing your entire set of birdhouses and feeders, you could always try a pole that keeps the squirrels away. This pole from Squirrel Stopper has room for eight separate feeders (or a combination of feeders, bird houses, wind chimes, baskets, or other pieces of decor). The spring-loaded baffle moves up and down and sways side to side when squirrels land on it or climb on it, so they really aren’t a match against the erratic motion. 

This lower section of this feeding station comes with an auger to easily drive it into the ground before screwing on the pole extensions. We also love that this 2-inch base pole is relatively lightweight so it’s easy to set up alone (but we do wonder if it will stay upright during heavy winds or a major rainstorm). Thankfully, it's constructed from alloy steel and has a powder-coated finish for extra durability.

_{Type: Feeding station | Material: Alloy steel | Dimensions: Two 1-inch arms, 96 inches tall | Weight: 11 pounds | Feeder Capacity: 8 feeders | Number of Ports: Not applicable}