The Spruce
We look forward to hummingbirds visiting our yards every spring, and one of the best ways to welcome them back is a high-quality hummingbird feeder. (A hummingbird-friendly garden helps, too).
Emma Greig, director of Project FeederWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, says the most important thing to keep in mind when looking for the best hummingbird feeder is maintenance—look for options that are easy to take apart and clean, so it's not a hassle.
In general, saucer hummingbird feeders are a breeze to clean, but as long as you have a bottle brush, you can get into all the nooks and crannies of any shape feeder.
With that in mind, we've researched top-rated options and tested several in our yards (and even on our windows!). In terms of material, we learned that plastic tends to be the most affordable and durable option, but it's not as stylish as glass or metal and could leak.
Glass and metal look beautiful, but they might not be the best choice in some climates. So we've included feeders in a variety of materials to suit your outdoor space (and budget).
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder
Multiple feeding ports
Wide-mouth bottle for easy filling
Built-in bee guards and ant moat
Easy cleaning
Small capacity
With an appealing and user-friendly design, the Perky-Pet Pinchwaist Hummingbird Feeder is our pick for the best hummingbird feeder. This glass feeder comes in two colors—red (our top choice for attracting hummingbirds) or red with a clear bottle—and has 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's also a perch below every port so multiple birds can feed at once, and a built-in ant moat at the top of the lid to further deter insects.
Thanks to the wide-mouth bottle, it’s a cinch to pour the nectar in without spilling it. Cleaning is easy, too. All 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. Luckily, the bottle is made of clear glass which helps you easily monitor the nectar levels.
Size: 8 ounces | Shape: Inverted, Hourglass | Material: Glass
Best Budget
First Nature Hummingbird Feeder
10 feeding ports
Circular perch at the base
Includes an S hook for hanging
Slightly tricky to open base
Our favorite budget-friendly option, the First Nature Hummingbird Feeder, has a simple yet effective design, and at just $5, the price is hard to beat.
While testing this feeder in our backyard, we noted that the bright red drew regular visitors. The feeder has a ring at the bottom where birds can perch, plus 10 flower-shaped feeding ports (the most on this list).
The Spruce
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. It holds 16 ounces of nectar, and we liked that the clear bottle allowed us to see how much nectar remains. The feeder's wide mouth made it super easy to fill and clean.
It has an S hook that easily slips onto a tree. However, we did find it 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, preventing the feeder from leaking when it’s fully assembled.
Size: 16 ounces | Shape: Inverted | Material: Plastic
Best Glass
More Birds Vintage Hummingbird Feeder
Attractive, vintage-inspired design
Five feeding ports and perches
Made of glass
Hanging mechanism isn't as secure as other options
Add a charming, vintage-inspired element to your garden with the More Birds Hummingbird Feeder. 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.
With a 20-ounce capacity (the second largest on our list behind our best design option) 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 More Birds Vintage Hummingbird Feeder has five bright red feeding ports help attract hummingbirds. PHOTO: The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
The bottle is easy to remove for cleaning and filling. PHOTO: The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
We tested the aqua-mint version and suspect that a red hue would likely attract more birds. You can also choose from four colors: blue, purple, aqua-mint, and red. There are several antique bottle shapes, including an elixir bottle and a mason jar.
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
Multiple feeding ports and perches
Built-in ant moat
Easy fill and clean
No built-in bee guard
This plastic hummingbird feeder from Sewanta is lightweight, well-designed, and under $15. It has a 10-ounce clear reservoir so you can easily keep an eye on the nectar level. A built-in ant guard at the top prevents insects from contaminating the nectar.
The wide-mouth reservoir means 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.
The Sewanta Plastic Hummingbird Feeder has a wide opening and easily opens for cleaning. PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
This plastic feeder is lightweight and has five ports for feeding. PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
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. 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 Saucer
Aspects HummZinger HighView Hummingbird Feeder
Durable construction
Ant moat protects against insects
Built-in hook for easy hanging
Easy to fill and clean
Smaller capacity
Thanks to its high perch, this saucer hummingbird feeder offers an unobstructed view for optimal birdwatching. We tested it in our yard and loved its simple yet effective design—thanks to the bright red cover, we had hummingbird visitors in our flower garden for the first time!
Since the top snaps open easily, we had no problem adding nectar or cleaning it. We also think it offers a little more versatility in placement since the S hook is a little wider and attaches easily to a pole or branch.
Made of durable polycarbonate, this feeder is highly resistant to heat, cold, and impact, making it suitable for all climates. We also love that it has a built-in moat to prevent ants and insects from crawling into the nectar.
Size: 12 ounces | Shape: Saucer | Material: Polycarbonate
The Spruce
Best Aesthetic
More Birds Purple Glass Nectar Hummingbird Feeder
Amethyst color
Attractive glass design
Comes apart for easy cleaning
Made of glass so it could break if not hung securely
If you're looking for a feeder that will add a pop of charm to your outdoor space, look no further than this option from More Birds. The elegant lavender shade of this glass hummingbird feeder is what sets it apart—we love the look of it as it hangs outside.
Despite some stormy weather, it's remained secure for several months and counting, thanks to its strong notched wire.
With transparent glass construction and an etched pattern on the outside, it's very similar to other the More Birds brand pick on our list (our best glass pick), but there are some subtle differences in the shape of the container that we felt deserved a distinct mention.
On the bottom section of this feeder, there are five flower-shaped feeding ports (the shape is a frequent design choice among hummingbird feeders), so birds can reach from every angle. The lower section is also red, to attract hummingbirds.
Size: 20 ounces | Shape: Inverted | Material: Glass, metal base
The More Birds Purple Glass Nectar Hummingbird Feeder has beautiful etched details and a vintage-inspired design. PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
The bottom easily unscrews from the bottle for filling and cleaning. PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
It has five feeding ports and a large, 20 ounce nectar capacity. PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
Best Window-Mounted
Perky-Pet Window Mount Plastic Hummingbird Feeder
Easily attaches to a window
Allows for up-close bird-watching
Tapered feeding ports keep bees out
Easily to fill and clean
Smaller reservoir capacity
Might slip off or leak if not secured properly
This acrylic hummingbird feeder attaches to a window via a suction cup, providing an up-close view of the action. We hung it on a window during testing, but 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.
The Perky-Pet Window Mount Plastic Hummingbird Feeder has suction cups to attach it to a window. PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
The base of the feeder is red with matching red perches to welcome birds. PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
The reservoir has the smallest capacity on our list (tied with our best overall). 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 that we found easy to fill, and all of the pieces come apart for a thorough cleanup.
If you do choose to place the hummingbird feeder on a window, just make sure the suction cup is secure. We found that it slipped off if it wasn't on tight and the nectar spilled onto the ground below.
Size: 8 ounces | Shape: Inverted | Material: Acrylic
Best Metal
Perky-Pet Elegant Copper Hummingbird Feeder
Elegant design
Wide-mouth bottle for easy filling
Base comes apart for easy cleaning
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 perk (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), 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 that you won't get 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 Design
LUJII Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder
Available in multiple colors
Unique and versatile design
Multiple perches and feeding ports
Has a built-in ant guard
Hook isn’t that sturdy
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 can be used as a vase or candlestick holder in the off-season. This model comes in four colors—blue, purple, red, and yellow—all with a combination of vibrant florals.
It has five feeding ports to accommodate multiple birds with 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 an ant guard at the top of the bottle protects 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, the hook isn’t as 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 Spruce
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 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) and the LUJII Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder (our best design pick) are great examples of this range, and are both 25 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 (best saucer) 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.
The Spruce
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 Greig.
Design 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.
-
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 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.
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