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The 8 Best Hummingbird Feeders of 2024

Welcome hummingbirds to your yard with a great feeder

Hand holding the More Birds Vintage Hummingbird Feeder with a tree in the background

The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk 

Hummingbird feeders are specifically designed to attract hummingbirds to your yard. Sounds idyllic, right? It certainly can be, but just remember that some maintenance is required, too, therefore it's important to find an option that's easy to clean and maintain.

“When you’re looking for a hummingbird feeder, one of the best features is something easy to take apart and clean, because you’ll be doing it often,” says Emma Greig, director of Project FeederWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Luckily, all the options we recommend come apart or have a wide mouth for easy cleaning. In general, saucer hummingbird feeders will be easier to clean, but as long as you have a bottle brush, you can get into all the nooks and crannies of any shape feeder.

The next consideration is the material of your hummingbird feeder. While plastic is more affordable and less prone to breaking, it does not look as aesthetically pleasing as glass or metal. Metal also conducts heat in the sun, so it is best for milder climates. Whether you prioritize price or design will likely be the main determinant when it comes to material.

When researching the best hummingbird bird feeders (and testing several in our own backyards), we evaluated products based on their size, shape, and material, as well as ease of filling and cleaning, to bring you this list of the best options.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder

Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder

Amazon

What We Like
  • Multiple feeding ports

  • Wide-mouth bottle for easy filling

  • Built-in bee guards and ant moat

  • All parts can be disassembled for easy cleaning

What We Don't Like
  • Small capacity

With its appealing and user-friendly design, the Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder is our top choice for attracting backyard birds. This glass feeder comes in two colors—red (our top choice for attracting hummingbirds) or clear—and it features four flower-shaped feeding ports to draw in hummingbirds. Each feeding port has a built-in bee guard to prevent insects from poaching the nectar. There is also a perch below every port so multiple birds can feed at once. This feeder also has a built-in ant moat at the top of the lid to further deter insects. 

This feeder is conveniently designed for easy filling and cleaning. Thanks to the wide-mouth bottle, it’s easy to pour the nectar in without spilling it. All of the parts—even the built-in bee guards–can be disassembled for a thorough cleaning. The only potential downside to this hummingbird feeder is its relatively small reservoir, which holds up to 8 ounces of nectar (the least on our list, along with our best window-mounted pick). Despite their small size, hummingbirds have a good appetite, so you’ll likely have to refill the feeder frequently. The bottle is made of clear glass, however, allowing you to monitor the nectar levels.

Size: 8 ounces | Shape: Inverted, Hourglass | Material: Glass

What do I put in a hummingbird feeder?

Hummingbird food, often referred to as "nectar," is surprisingly easy to make at home. The Spruce's hummingbird nectar recipe simply involves dissolving one part of granulated sugar in four parts water. “It’s best to boil the water before you add the sugar to make sure it’s bacteria-free when you fill the feeder,” Greig says. The two ingredients are typically heated on the stove for a few minutes to help the sugar dissolve and slow fermentation. Once it’s cooled, you can simply pour it into your feeders.

Best Budget

First Nature Hummingbird Feeder

First Nature Hummingbird Feeder

Amazon

What We Like
  • Simple yet effective design

  • 10 feeding ports

  • Circular perch at the base

  • Easy to fill and clean

  • Includes an S hook for hanging

What We Don't Like
  • Not as attractive as other options

  • Slightly tricky to open base

The First Nature Hummingbird Feeder features a simple yet effective design, and it comes at a very affordable price. While testing this feeder in one of our own backyards, we noted that the bright red color drew regular visitors. There's a ring at the bottom where birds can perch, as well as ten flower-shaped feeding ports (the most on this list). The feeder is made of plastic, and while it doesn't feel as nice as glass and metal, it’s less likely to break or rust. 

The First Nature feeder holds 16 ounces of nectar, and we liked that the clear bottle allowed us to see how much nectar remains. Plus, the feeder's wide mouth made it super easy to fill and clean. It also comes with an S hook, which slips easily onto a tree. Just note that we did find it a bit tricky to open the two pieces on the base, and some nectar spilled out during the cleaning process. On the bright side, the base is equipped with latches and a sealing ring, which prevent the feeder from leaking when it’s fully assembled. 

Size: 16 ounces | Shape: Inverted | Material: Plastic

Bird sitting on a First Nature Hummingbird Feeder while it hangs from a tree

The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk

Best Glass

More Birds Vintage Hummingbird Feeder

More Birds Vintage Hummingbird Feeder

Amazon

What We Like
  • Attractive, vintage-inspired design

  • Five feeding ports and perches

  • Made of transparent glass to monitor nectar

  • Easy to clean and fill

What We Don't Like
  • Awkward hanging mechanism

  • May not hang entirely straight

Our favorite glass option we tested, the More Birds Hummingbird Feeder, has a vintage-inspired design. While testing, we especially appreciated that the detachable base is not plastic (many on the market are), but metal with an elegant burnt penny finish. Plus, the transparent glass made it easy to monitor the nectar glass. And speaking of the glass, we tested the aqua-mint version and suspect that a red hue would likely attract more birds. 

It's available in several antique bottle shapes, including an elixir bottle and a mason jar. You can also choose among four different colors: blue, purple, aqua-mint, and red. With a 20-ounce capacity (the second largest on our list behind our best decorative option, the Lujii Hummingbird Feeder) and five flower-shaped feeding ports (each with its own perch), this feeder offers plenty of room for multiple birds to feed comfortably. The wide-mouth bottle is removable for easy filling and cleaning. We found that the bottle and the base come apart, so the feeder is easy to clean with a brush in warm, soapy water.

The only hiccup to the otherwise solid design is the hanging mechanism. The metal ring at the top of the feeder doesn’t fit snugly, causing it to tilt a bit when hanging. On a positive note, this minor flaw doesn’t seem to discourage regular visitors.

Size: 20 ounces | Shape: Inverted | Material: Glass

Best Plastic

SEWANTA Plastic Hummingbird Feeder

SEWANTA Plastic Hummingbird Feeder

Amazon

What We Like
  • Multiple feeding ports and perches

  • Built-in ant moat

  • Wide-mouth reservoir for easy filling

  • Base comes part for easy cleaning

What We Don't Like
  • No built-in bee guard

This plastic hummingbird feeder from Sewanta is lightweight, well-designed, and affordably priced. It has a 10-ounce clear reservoir so you can easily keep an eye on the nectar level. With five flower-shaped feeding ports and a circular preach below each one, several birds can comfortably feed at one time. Another welcome feature is the built-in ant guard at the top, which prevents insects from contaminating the nectar.  

The wide-mouth reservoir allows for easy filling, and the two-part bases twist apart for a thorough cleaning. A tight seal prevents the feeder from leaking, even when it’s turned upside down. As an added convenience, this feeder comes with two hanging options: a metal S hook and a tie-wrap. Note that this feeder is on the smaller side, so it’s best suited for a couple of birds at a time. The smaller capacity also means that you will likely have to refill it more frequently.

This feeder may attract bees, which isn’t a big surprise, considering there aren’t any bee guards on the feeding ports, like on our best overall pick, the Perky-Pet 203CPBR Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder. Luckily, you can buy bee guards separately or opt for a red hummingbird feeder, which won't attract bees as much as the color yellow.

Size: 10 ounces | Shape: Inverted | Material: Plastic

Best Metal

Perky-Pet Elegant Copper Hummingbird Feeder

Perky-Pet Elegant Glass Copper Hummingbird Feeder

Amazon

What We Like
  •  Elegant design

  • Wide-mouth bottle for easy filling

  • Base comes apart for easy cleaning

  • Multiple feeding ports and 360-degree perch

What We Don't Like
  • Copper finish may rust

  • Lacks an ant moat

With a brushed copper lid and base, this elegant hummingbird feeder from Perky Pet will make a stylish addition to your yard. Four flower-shaped feeding ports encourage multiple birds to feed at once, while the circular perch at the bottom allows birds to feed from all angles. The reservoir holds up to 12 ounces of nectar, and it’s made of sturdy, clear glass so you can easily monitor its usage. The built-in bee guard is a great feature (but this feeder lacks an ant moat for optimal insect deterrence). 

Thanks to a wide-mouth opening on the bottle, this feeder is easy to fill, and the base comes apart for a quick, thorough cleaning. It’s important to note that a metal feeder is more prone to rust (unlike plastic and glass options). We have read some reports of rust spots appearing within a few months of use, so be sure to take advantage of the one-year warranty if you encounter any damage or defects.

Metal hummingbird feeders also trap heat quicker than glass and plastic options, so we recommend them for colder and milder climates. Still, the brushed copper finish offers an elegant look unachievable with other materials, so if you opt for metal, be sure to clean it thoroughly and regularly and remove it from your yard on especially hot days.

Size: 12 ounces | Shape: Inverted | Material: Glass, brushed copper finish

Best Saucer

Aspects Hanging Hummingbird Feeder

Aspects HummZinger HighView Hanging Hummingbird Feeder

Amazon

What We Like
  • Durable construction

  • Ant moat protects against insects

  • Built-in hook for easy hanging

  • Easy to fill and clean

What We Don't Like
  • Smaller capacity

  • Hanging hook is a bit short

Thanks to its high perch, this saucer hummingbird feeder offers an unobstructed view of birds for optimal birdwatching. It has four feeding ports and holds up to 12 ounces of nectar. The raised flowers on the feeding ports add to its visual appeal and also help to divert rain. This particular model has a smaller capacity, which means it will need to be refilled more often (though, it’s also available in a larger, 16-ounce version).

The bright red cover attracts hummingbirds from a distance, and it’s removable for easy cleaning and filling. The saucer design is naturally easier to clean because of the wide mouth. You don't need a bottle brush to squeeze into small openings like with other options. It also has a built-in moat to prevent ants and other insects from crawling into the nectar. 

This bird feeder is made of durable polycarbonate, which is highly resistant to heat, cold, and impact, so it's suitable for all climates. It comes with a metal hook for easy hanging, though some say the hook is a tad short. We found a few reports of parts breaking over time; however, this product is backed by a lifetime warranty against any flaws or defects. 

Size: 12 ounces | Shape: Saucer | Material: Polycarbonate

Best Window-Mounted

Perky-Pet Window Mount Plastic Hummingbird Feeder

Perky-Pet Window Mount Plastic Hummingbird Feeder

Amazon

What We Like
  • Easily attaches to a window

  • Allows for up-close bird-watching

  • Tapered feeding ports keep bees out

  • Easily to fill and clean

What We Don't Like
  •  Smaller reservoir capacity

This acrylic hummingbird feeder attaches to a window via a suction cup, providing an up-close view of the action. It can also be hung from a post or tree using a screw or nail. The reservoir holds up to 8 ounces of nectar, and it’s made of transparent plastic, so it’s a breeze to monitor.

It has three flower-shaped feeding ports with removable perches, so you can make adjustments if your feeder is attracting unwanted birds. The long, tapered stems on the feeding ports help keep bees and other insects out of the nectar, too. This unit has yellow flower feeding ports, but you can purchase replacement ports in a variety of colors. 

Compared to most other options, the reservoir has a fairly small capacity. So, while it won’t bring in a large flock, it’s an ideal size for a few hummingbirds. The feeder has a wide-mouth opening for easy filling, and all of the pieces come apart for a thorough cleanup.

Size: 8 ounces | Shape: Inverted | Material: Acrylic

Best Decorative

LUJII Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder

LUJII Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder

Amazon

What We Like
  • Available in multiple colors

  • Unique and versatile design

  • Multiple perches and feeding ports

  • Has a built-in ant guard

What We Don't Like
  • Hook isn’t that sturdy

  • Must be cleaned with a bottle brush

Constructed from hand-blown glass, this hummingbird feeder is as eye-catching as it is functional. The bright, flower-shaped design will attract birds to your yard, and it can also be used as a vase or candlestick holder in the off-season. This model comes in four different colors—blue, purple, red, and yellow—all with a combination of vibrant florals.

It has five feeding ports to accommodate multiple birds, as well as five perches where they can rest and stick around longer. The feeder holds up to 25 ounces of nectar (the most on our list), and there is an ant guard at the top of the bottle to protect it from invading insects. 

This unit has a rust-resistant metal base that is completely sealed, preventing any spills or leaks. A wide opening on the bottle makes it easy to fill, but it will need to be cleaned with a bottle brush. The feeder comes with an S hook, so you can easily hang it from a tree. Although the two-layer glass is very durable, we have read some reports that the hook isn’t that sturdy, which may cause the feeder to tilt, sway, or fall off completely. You may want to use a shepherd’s hook to keep it securely fastened.

Size: 25 ounces | Shape: Flower | Material: Glass, metal base

Final Verdict

Our best overall pick, the Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder, allows hummers to comfortably perch as they feed. It protects the nectar from invading insects and is easy to fill and clean. If you’re looking for a simple and budget-friendly option, the First Nature Hummingbird Feeder offers plenty of feeding and perching space at an affordable price.

The Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder suctioned to a window.

The Spruce / Eric Brockob

What to Look for in a Hummingbird Feeder

Size

The size of your hummingbird feeder will determine how many birds it can accommodate, as well as how often it needs to be filled. A smaller, 8- to 10-ounce feeder (like our best window-mounted pick, the Perky-Pet Window Mount Plastic Hummingbird Feeder) will work just fine if you’re only catering to a couple of birds.

Feeders in the mid-size range of 16 to 32 ounces can store nectar for several days and serve multiple birds—the More Birds Vintage Hummingbird Feeder (our best glass pick) is a great example of this size, while our best decorative option, the Lujii Hummingbird Feeder, has the largest capacity on our list at 20 ounces.

Shape

There are two common hummingbird feeder shapes: inverted and saucer. An inverted feeder, which is essentially an inverted bottle, has a central reservoir that releases nectar into feeding ports at the bottom. Inverted feeders typically have a larger capacity, and their design makes it easier to monitor the nectar level from a distance. Our pick for best metal, the Perky-Pet Elegant Glass Copper Bee-Resistant Garden Hummingbird Feeder, is a great example of an inverted feeder. It's worth noting, however, that because they contain more pieces, inverted feeders are usually more prone to leaking and harder to clean. 

A saucer feeder, like Aspects HummZinger HighView Hanging Hummingbird Feeder contains nectar in a shallow dish or tray, allowing ports to be positioned in the reservoir so the birds can feed through the cover. Unlike inverted feeders, saucer feeders are easy to fill and clean and are more resistant to leaks. They also provide an open view of hummingbird activity. Since saucer feeders don’t hold as much food as inverted feeders, they have to be filled more frequently.

Cleaning

Hummingbird feeders need to be cleaned regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth. “Change the sugar water solution, and wash your hummingbird feeder with warm, soapy water every couple of days, especially if it is hot outside,” says Emma Greig, director of Project FeederWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Features like a wide-mouth reservoir, as seen in our best plastic pick, the Sewanta Hummingbird Feeder, and removable pieces can make hummingbird feeders much easier to clean than certain other styles, so you may want to prioritize models with one or both.

Many hummingbird feeders have an ant moat built into their design, which creates a water barrier and prevents them from accessing the nectar which leaves enough for the birds you want to attract (and leaves you less bugs to clean up when the time comes). Once again, our recommendation for best overall, the Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder, is an example of all of these features in one feeder,

Hand holding a First Nature Hummingbird Feeder with a tree in the background
The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
FAQ
  • How do hummingbirds find feeders?

    You may have noticed that most hummingbird feeders have some type of red or yellow accent, and that is because hummingbirds find food using their keen eyesight. The sweetest flowers are typically bright shades, so hummingbirds look for shades of red, orange, and yellow when searching for food. For that reason, the best hummingbird feeder placement is often in a spot where the bright color is clearly visible and might even reflect the sun. You can even place them near natural sources of pollen or red yard accents to encourage attraction even more.

  • When should I put out hummingbird feeders?

    Hummingbirds appear at different times of the year, depending on where you live. Hummingbirds are often found year-round in certain parts of Florida, Arizona, and Texas, but for other southern areas, you’ll likely want to put out feeders in mid to late February. In northern parts of the U.S., hummingbirds will probably not arrive until late April or early May. According to Greig, “In much of the Northeast and Midwest, however, you only have hummingbirds in spring and summer (and only one species – Ruby-throated), so that’s the time to put out feeders.”

  • How often should I clean hummingbird feeders?

    It’s important to clean hummingbird feeders on a regular basis to prevent mold and bacteria growth. You’ll know that a feeder needs cleaning if the nectar is cloudy or if there are pieces of debris or even dead insects inside it. One good rule of thumb is to clean your feeders at least once a week.

  • How do I keep insects off my hummingbird feeder?

    Bees, ants, and other insects are often attracted to sweet hummingbird nectar, but there are a few ways to keep bugs away from hummingbird feeders. You may want to look for a feeder that has a built-in ant moat or bee guard. (These accessories can also be purchased separately.) “Some feeders are designed in a way that keeps the sugar water solution a bit distant from the feeding port, so only hummingbirds, with their long bills, can reach it,” Greig notes. “These can help prevent yellow jackets from feasting on your sugar water.” You can also try placing your feeder in a shady area, moving the feeder around, or even providing an alternative feeder just for insects.

  • Are plastic or glass better for hummingbird feeders?

    Hummingbird feeders with a glass reservoir are easier to clean than plastic. Over time, plastic can absorb liquids or clouds, whereas glass will stay clear as long as you keep it clean. Feeders made with glass are also heavier, which helps to prevent tipping and leaking caused by windy conditions and feathered feasters.

    However, plastic hummingbird feeders may have an edge when it comes to durability. They're much more likely to survive a drop, for example. If you have troublesome squirrels, high winds, or any other conditions that may cause your hummingbird feeder to get knocked to the ground, a plastic feeder is a safer option.

More Birds Vintage Hummingbird Feeder and the First Nature Hummingbird Feeder displayed with bushes in the background
The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk

Why Trust The Spruce?

Sage McHugh specializes in the home and garden sector and has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. She makes sure to recommend products that are stylish, functional, and well-reviewed by consumers. For this roundup, McHugh considered dozens of hummingbird feeders, carefully evaluating each product’s size, shape, material, and ease of filling and cleaning.

Our Experts:

  • Emma Greig, director of Project FeederWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  • Daniela Galvez, senior commerce editor at The Spruce
  • Julia Fields, associate commerce editor at The Spruce
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Feeding Hummingbirds. Audubon California, National Audubon Society.