Wired tester urges buyers to grab solar bird feeders at record low prices
Discounts of up to 29 percent are now live on solar models from Birdfy and Kiwibit, according to a reviewer who has tested the devices for years.
By Hugo Cook ·
Prices on solar-powered smart bird feeders have fallen sharply as early Black Friday discounts begin. Models from Birdfy and Kiwibit now range from $110 to $170. A Wired reviewer who has tested these products for several years says the current pricing makes them viable gifts or personal purchases.
These devices have been on the market since 2020. Most moderately priced units now include high-resolution cameras, 4K video recording, and artificial intelligence for bird identification. The reviewer notes that identification errors are rare. Maintenance is minimal if users follow the 5-7-9 rule for pole mounts, a technique that helps keep squirrels away.
The original Birdfy feeder with a solar panel is listed at $127, a 29 percent discount. This price applies only to the blue version; the yellow model costs $13 more. A version without the solar panel costs $110. The reviewer advises paying the extra $17 for the solar option because Birdfy’s panels have proven reliable. They spare owners from bringing the feeder indoors for charging. The model supports only 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and includes a two-year warranty.
The Kiwibit Feeder 2 with a solar roof is priced at $170, also a 29 percent reduction. It is not the company’s newest model, but the reviewer calls the standard version exceedingly well designed. They state this is the lowest price they have seen for it. The unit features a 1.5-liter seed hopper that holds two types of feed. The hopper lifts out by a handle, eliminating the need to remove the entire feeder for refilling.
The Feeder 2 captures 8-megapixel photos and 4K video. The solar roof kept the device charged in various weather conditions during testing. The app works without a Kiwibit Plus subscription, though the reviewer observes that more features are moving behind a paywall. The feeder 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, available for $140, a 26 percent discount. It uses the same camera and hardware as the Feeder 2 but lacks a built-in solar roof. The reviewer installed the included 3-watt solar panel on the wall mount without trouble. This option saves buyers $30 compared to the built-in solar model while retaining the same image resolution and build quality.
Next scheduled for release is the Kiwibit Feeder 2 Pro, priced at $220. It is not part of the current discount list.
Source: Wired
