If you would like nothing more than to attract more hummers to your yard, it all begins with the right feeder. “Attracting hummingbirds is easy: a good feeder and fresh, clean nectar will attract the birds and keep them loyal to your yard,” explains Douglas Everett.

With so many hummingbird feeders available, knowing where to start when purchasing might be tricky. Fortunately, we spoke to the experts for advice on what to look for: “I have maintained countless feeders for years and hope to shed some light on the subject,” says Hilary Joy Morejon, marketing and coordinator for The International Hummingbird Society.

Meet The Experts Douglas Everett is the owner of The Hummingbird Market, one of the larger providers of hummingbird nectar in the Southwestern United States.

Hilary Joy Morejon is the marketing and media coordinator for The International Hummingbird Society, which hosts the Sedona Hummingbird Festival.

　　 Things To Know Before You Shop

What feeders attract the most hummingbirds? Hummingbirds are attracted to a vibrant red color, which is why many feeders include red colors or red flowers somewhere on the feeder. “Regardless of what style feeder you choose, it is best to select a predominantly red feeder,” explains Morejon. Hummingbirds can spot the color red from a distance and are drawn to it. “Try to refrain from having yellow or white on your feeders, as those colors are more attractive to bees and wasps,” she adds. 

Is a plastic or glass hummingbird feeder better? Both plastic and glass feeders are acceptable to hummingbirds. “It makes no difference to the birds,” says Everett. Therefore, the choice between plastic and glass feeders comes down to personal preference. Plastic feeders are affordable, lightweight, and less likely to break if dropped. However, they can heat up very quickly and warp overtime, and the sugar in the nectar can erode the plastic from the inside. 

Glass feeders are more likely to break in the event of a fall due to severe weather or persistent pests. However, it’s also heavier than plastic, so it’s less likely to tip and leak if there are gusts of wind. Glass is also less likely to discolor or erode overtime, and it can even help to preserve fresh nectar since it doesn’t heat up as quickly.

Beyond material, Everett recommends choosing a feeder that disassembles easily for cleaning purposes, provides good viewing of the birds, and is bee-resistant. We’ve analyzed dozens of options and talked to hummingbird experts to provide you with the best hummingbird feeders on the market. 

Our Top Picks Best Overall Hummingbird Feeder: Aspects Hanging Hummingbird Feeder at Amazon ($32) Jump to Review Best Budget Hummingbird Feeder: First Nature Hummingbird Feeder at Walmart ($5) Jump to Review Best Glass Hummingbird Feeder: Perky-Pet Top-Fill Pinch-Waist Glass Hummingbird Feeder at Amazon ($19) Jump to Review Best Decorative Hummingbird Feeder: Grateful Gnome Large Blue Egg Hummingbird Feeder at Amazon ($35) Jump to Review Best Antique-Style Hummingbird Feeder: Perky-Pet Antique Bottle Glass Hummingbird Feeder at Amazon ($16) Jump to Review Best Plastic Hummingbird Feeder: Sewanta Hummingbird Feeder at Amazon ($14) Jump to Review Best Metal Hummingbird Feeder: Perky-Pet Elegant Copper Hummingbird Feeder at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review Best Window Hummingbird Feeder: Kingsyard Window Hummingbird Feeder at Amazon ($18) Jump to Review Best Handheld Hummingbird Feeder: Zummr Hummingbird Ring Feeder at Amazon ($5) Jump to Review Best Large Hummingbird Feeder: More Birds Big Gulp Hummingbird Feeder at Amazon (See Price) Jump to Review

　　 Best Overall Hummingbird Feeder

Aspects Hanging Hummingbird Feeder

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Macy's What’s Great About It Saucer shape allows for unobstructed viewing

Easy to clean

Bright red color attracts hummingbirds

Built-in ant moat protects nectar from insects

What Could Be Better High winds might cause it to sway and spill

The Aspects HummZinger HighView Hummingbird Feeder earned our top spot for its simplicity and functionality. The fire-engine red color of the feeder easily attracts hummers, and the four feeding ports can accommodate multiple birds. The raised perch surrounding this feeder allows the birds to rest and linger for longer while feeding on the nectar, which means you can enjoy extended viewing time. 

The saucer-style construction provides an unobstructed view as well as easy refilling and cleaning. This feeder also has a convenient ant moat, which is particularly important for deterring crawling bugs from reaching the nectar. It’s simple to fill the built-in well with water to create a barrier that prevents ants from coming across the moat to feed on the nectar. The clear basin makes it easy to see when it needs refilling, and a simple nectar recipe is inscribed right into the basin.

Type: Saucer | Material: Polycarbonate | Capacity: 12 ounces | Feeding Ports: 4

　　 Best Budget Hummingbird Feeder

First Nature Hummingbird Feeder

View On Walmart View On Firstnature.net View On Chewy What’s Great About It Simple yet effective design

10 feeding ports

Wide-mouth bottle for easy cleaning

What Could Be Better No ant moat

Not the most attractive option

If you’re new to feeding hummingbirds, this bottle feeder is a good starter option. With a simple yet effective design, this feeder has a 16-ounce reservoir and 10 feeding ports (the most of any on our list).

The bright red perch easily attracts hummingbirds from a distance, while the clear bottle allows you to see how much nectar remains. Plus, the wide-mouth bottle makes refilling and cleaning the feeder easier.

This feeder also comes with an S hook. There is no attached ant moat, which can be inconvenient for keeping pesky crawling insects at bay. Fortunately, an ant moat can be purchased separately and hung at the top of the feeder. 

Type: Bottle | Material: Plastic | Capacity: 16 ounces | Feeding Ports: 10

　　 Best Glass Hummingbird Feeder

Perky-Pet Top-Fill Pinch-Waist Glass Hummingbird Feeder

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Home Depot What’s Great About It Locking channel creates a tight seal to prevent leaks

Built-in ant moat

Five removable feeding ports

Durable glass bottle

What Could Be Better Yellow flower ports may attract bees and other insects

This hummingbird feeder has the classic pinch-waist shape that’s familiar to many of us. The 12-ounce glass bottle has a top-fill design, making refilling more accessible and less messy. A built-in ant moat is located at the top of the feeder, and each of the five feeding stations at the base has an individual removable perch.

The specially designed feeding ports mimic the look of real flowers and have extended stems that prevent bees from feeding while allowing the hummers to feed easily. This feeder has a locking channel at the base, creating a tight seal to prevent leaky nectar messes. Since hummingbirds prefer to feed at clean stations, you can separate the feeder, base, ports, bottle, and lids for easy cleanup. Simple yet durable, we love the look and functionality of this classic glass bottle design. 

Type: Bottle | Material: Glass | Capacity: 12 ounces | Feeding Ports: 5

　　 Best Decorative Hummingbird Feeder

Grateful Gnome Large Blue Egg Hummingbird Feeder

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Hand-blown glass feeder

Includes an ant moat, S hook, and cleaning brushes

Large capacity

What Could Be Better Copper base can get hot in the summer

This is a beautiful, hand-blown stained glass feeder that makes a statement. It is decorative yet still functional. A few extras come with it, including an S hook for hanging, an attachable ant moat to detract pesky ants from entering the feeder, a large brush for cleaning the bottle, and a small brush for cleaning the flower ports.

We love the colorful glass and the generous 36-ounce size for less frequent fillings. And at the base of this feeder is a circular perch for the birds to rest while feeding (just keep in mind that the metal can get hot in the summer).

Type: Bottle | Material: Glass | Capacity: 36 ounces | Feeding Ports: 4

　　 Best Antique-Style Hummingbird Feeder

Perky-Pet Antique Bottle Glass Hummingbird Feeder

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Walmart What’s Great About It Vintage-inspired glass bottle with attractive brushed metal base

Thick, durable glass

What Could Be Better Small capacity

Very little red

We chose this hummingbird feeder as the best antique-style feeder for its nostalgic glass bottle design. The feeder's base has a brushed nickel finish and features four flower-shaped ports for feeding. The durable, thick glass is designed to hold up to years of use.

Although the reservoir bottle is on the smaller side, holding only 10 ounces of nectar, the glass bottle feeder makes up for it with its attractive design that will make a timeless accent piece in any outdoor space. 

Type: Bottle | Material: Glass | Capacity: 10 ounces | Feeding Ports: 4

　　 Best Plastic Hummingbird Feeder

Sewanta Hummingbird Feeder

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Five flower-shaped ports

Clear reservoir for monitoring nectar

Wide mouth for easy filling

What Could Be Better No ant moat

Small capacity

For its simple and functional design, we chose this hummingbird feeder as the best plastic option. The wide mouth ensures fewer spills when filling the reservoir with nectar, and the clear bottle makes it easy to see how much is left (although the reservoir only holds 10 ounces).

The red base of the feeder boasts five flower feeding ports to attract hummingbirds and twists apart for easy cleaning. The mouth of the reservoir screws tightly into the base, ensuring there will be no spills or leaks, even when upside down. Finally, the feeder includes an S hook and a loop rope for hanging. 

Type: Bottle | Material: Plastic | Capacity: 10 ounces | Feeding Ports: 5

　　 Best Metal Hummingbird Feeder

Perky-Pet Elegant Copper Hummingbird Feeder

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Walmart What’s Great About It Upscale brushed copper finish

Built-in bee guard

Wide-mouth bottle for easy filling and cleaning

Durable glass bottle

What Could Be Better No ant moat

Not much red

The Perky-Pet Elegant Copper Glass Hummingbird Feeder has a more upscale look thanks to its copper accents and glass bottle. The feeder has a wide-mouth opening for ease of filling and cleaning the bottle and base. There are four flower ports with built-in bee guards to protect the nectar from bees. This feeder comes with a packet of instant nectar concentrate for the first feeding. There is a circular perch for the birds surrounding the feeder's base. The wide mouth is helpful for ease of refilling, and the base comes apart for ease of cleaning. 

Type: Bottle | Material: Glass | Capacity: 12 ounces | Feeding Ports: 4

　　 Best Window Hummingbird Feeder

Kingsyard Window Hummingbird Feeder

View On Amazon What’s Great About It Attaches to window for up-close viewing

Always remains level

Available in clear and red versions

Bee-guard feeding ports

What Could Be Better Base does not allow for 360-degree feeding

A window hummingbird feeder allows bird watchers to get up close and personal with hummers from the comfort of their homes. This window feeder has a metal bracket and three suction cups that reinforce and securely attach the feeder to the outside of a window. And with this design, your feeder will always stay level, even in high winds. 

With a 16-ounce reservoir, there is ample space for nectar with fewer refills. Conveniently, the reservoir and the base come in two detachable parts for easy cleaning and daily use, and the translucent plastic of the reservoir (available in either clear or red) makes it easy to know when it is time to refill the nectar. 

Type: Bottle | Material: Plastic | Capacity: 16 ounces | Feeding Ports: 4

　　 Best Handheld Hummingbird Feeder

Zummr Hummingbird Ring Feeder

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Chewy What’s Great About It Can be worn as a ring to feed birds more intimately

Top-rack dishwasher safe

Comes in seven different colors

What Could Be Better Only one feeding port per ring

This hummingbird feeder ring is a fun and unique way to feed hummingbirds. First place the ring in a flower pot or small cup to attract the hummingbirds. Once the hummingbirds get used to feeding from the ring, you can place it on your finger and start hand feeding them. It may take some time, adjustments, a steady hand, and patience as you begin to attract and view these birds up close. 

The hummingbird ring comes in two pieces: the reservoir base and the colorful petals. The ring can be opened to refill, or you can use a separate syringe to fill the ring through the feeding port in the center of the petals. Conveniently, the hummingbird ring is top-rack dishwasher safe between uses. You can purchase this ring feeder in various colors, but remember, red is best for attracting the hummers. 

Type: Ring | Material: Polypropylene | Capacity: 0.34 ounces | Feeding Ports: 1

　　 Best Large Hummingbird Feeder

More Birds Big Gulp Hummingbird Feeder

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Farmandfleet.com What’s Great About It The 40-ounce size limits frequent refilling

Built-in ant moat

Extra-soft feeding ports with bee guards

What Could Be Better Heavy compared to others

The generous 40-ounce capacity of this glass feeder is convenient if you know you will attract many hummingbirds this spring and summer. This feeder has all the features we appreciate in a hummingbird feeder, including a built-in ant moat at the top of the feeder, a circular perch at the base, and five flower-shaped feeding ports.

The ports themselves are extra-soft for increased comfort and come with bee guards to prevent bees and wasps from feeding. The wide-mouth glass bottle is easy to fill and clean, too. Just keep in mind that due to its size and the fact that it’s made from glass, it’s heavy compared to others on our list.

Type: Bottle | Material: Glass | Capacity: 40 ounces | Feeding Ports: 5

　　 The Bottom Line

For simplicity of design, ease of filling and cleaning, and visibility, the Aspects HummZinger Hummingbird Feeder is easily our pick for the best hummingbird feeder. The saucer shape allows for unobstructed viewing of the birds surrounding the feeder, and the simple design makes washing and cleaning a cinch.

For the beginner bird watcher looking for an economical option, the First Nature Hummingbird Feeder is a smart pick for any budget. The classic design, red color, large reservoir, and many feeding ports make it an excellent option for attracting and viewing hummers.

　　 Tips for Choosing the Right Hummingbird Feeder

Type There are two main types of hummingbird feeders: saucer and bottle feeders (sometimes called inverted) . Saucer-style feeders, like the Aspects HummZinger HighView Hummingbird Feeder, have a shallow dish or tray with a cover that has ports for the birds to feed through.

Bottle feeders feature an inverted bottle that holds the nectar and releases it through feeding ports at the base. Bottle feeders tend to hold more nectar and thus require fewer refills. However, saucer feeders are more resistant to leaks and easier to clean. 

Finally, handheld feeders, like the Zummr Ring Feeder, allow you to wear the feeder like a ring or bracelet for a more intimate feeding experience. Just keep in mind that you’ll typically need to give the birds time to feed from these in a cup or pot before you move on to handheld feeding.

Capacity Feeders come in various sizes and can hold different amounts of nectar.  “Some come in as little as 4 ounces and some at a whopping 48 ounces,” says Morejon. As with anything with a smaller reservoir, you must refill the smaller ones more frequently. “Larger feeders are great for a high-traffic amount of hummingbirds, but it has a higher chance of spoiling the longer it sits out,” she says.

Perch A perch consists of a small bar or ring near the ports of the feeders, which allows the hummingbirds to rest while they feed. “Most hummingbird feeders come with perches that perfectly contour to the delicate structure of a hummingbird's feet,” says Morejon. 

Not all hummingbird feeders have perches, and some have removable ones, which is convenient if other birds begin feeding at the hummingbird feeder. Hummers can hover without the perch, but other birds cannot. A perch is a lovely addition to any hummingbird feeder, allowing the birds to rest and conserve energy while feeding. “It's nice to get one that has them, as it will enable them to rest for a bit, and you get to enjoy seeing them sit still for a minute!” adds Morejon. 

Ant Moats An ant moat is essential for keeping ants and other crawling insects away from the hummingbird feeder and the sweet nectar they are attracted to. Although small ant moats can be purchased separately and attached to the hook of many hummingbird feeders, it is convenient if the feeder includes one. 

Typically, the ant moat is a small basin at the top of the feeder that can be filled with water to create a barrier the ants can’t cross to get to the feeder. Just be aware that in the heat of summer, the water can evaporate, so it is crucial to keep a watch on the ant moat to be sure it is filled with water and doing its job of keeping the pesky ants out of the nectar. 

　　 Questions and Answers

Should a hummingbird feeder be in the sun or shade? If the hummingbird feeder is in the full sun, the nectar in the reservoir may spoil faster than those in the shade. Additionally, changing the nectar twice a week is recommended to maintain freshness. “In warm weather or in the sun, nectar can grow mold quickly and ferment,” says Everett. The hummingbirds will avoid contaminated feeders. “They know all their nutritional resources and avoid any that are contaminated,” he says. 

What is the best time of day to feed hummingbirds? It’s best to fill a hummingbird with nectar and let them feed throughout the day as they please. “They do not feed at night,” explains Everett. Hummingbirds will feed all day, and you can typically see them throughout the day. “You will see a higher volume of them at the first inkling of daylight and dusk as they use those times to fill their tank up,” says Morejon. At night, however, they go into a hibernation state. “They slow their heart rate down at night to some 50 beats per minute, and their metabolism slows down by 95%—they have to do this to conserve their energy,” she says. 

When is the best time of year to put out your hummingbird feeders? This depends on where you live. In the Southeastern United States, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can begin arriving along the Gulf Coast as early as late February, but the bulk of the migration occurs in late March and early April when they migrate further inland. In general, we recommend putting out your hummingbird feeders in late March or early April.

　　 Why Trust Southern Living

Rebecca Jones, is a freelance shopping, education, personal finance, and parenting writer. To compile this list of the top hummingbird feeders, she researched the best options on the market and interviewed two hummingbird experts: Douglas Everett, owner of The Hummingbird Market, and Hilary Joy Morejon, marketing and media coordinator for The International Hummingbird Society. Both Everett and Morejon offered insight and tips for viewing hummingbirds and helpful facts about their feeding practices.