# Bird Buddy 2 vs Bird Buddy Pro (2026): Worth Upgrading? > Bird Buddy 2, now the Birdbuddy Home, vs the Bird Buddy Pro Solar: camera, field of view, birdsong ID, Wi-Fi, seed capacity, squirrels and price compared. - Source: https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/bird-buddy-2-vs-bird-buddy-pro/ - Markdown version: https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/bird-buddy-2-vs-bird-buddy-pro.md - Last updated: 2026-11-12 --- - [Home](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/) - [Guides](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/guides/) - Bird Buddy 2 (Birdbuddy Home) vs Bird Buddy Pro: Is the Upgrade Worth It? Head-to-head # Bird Buddy 2 (Birdbuddy Home) vs Bird Buddy Pro: Is the Upgrade Worth It? Updated November 12, 2026 By [Bird Feeder Camera Guide Editorial Team](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/about/) [How we research](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/how-we-research/) Prices are approximate and change often, so check the current price before you buy. ## Key takeaways - The **Bird Buddy 2** was renamed the **Birdbuddy Home** and went on sale October 22, 2026, according to Tom's Guide. - The Home's real upgrades are a camera that rotates for landscape video, a wider 135° view, a microphone for birdsong ID, dual-band Wi-Fi and a bigger 1.4 L hopper. - Both need Bird Buddy Premium ($69.99 a year Individual) for automatic species ID, 2K Ultra and slow motion. - Squirrels emptied and chewed Tom's Guide's Home, and Digital Camera World found it swings on its hanger; the Pro Solar is the safer, proven buy if it's on sale. ## Our top picks - 1![Birdbuddy Home (Bird Buddy 2)](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/_astro/birdbuddy-home.Tk5rKl1g_Z1TdGw.webp)Bird Buddy 2 (Birdbuddy Home): rotating 2K HDR camera, 135° view, mic, dual-band Wi-Fi, 1.4 L, about $199 at Bird Buddy[Birdbuddy Home (Bird Buddy 2)](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/birdbuddy-home/)2K · AI ID needs a plan · Built-in solar roof8.1**$$$**$PremiumPrice tier: Premium[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Birdbuddy+Home+smart+bird+feeder+camera&tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) - 2![Birdbuddy Pro Solar Smart Bird Feeder](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/_astro/birdbuddy-pro-solar.DnoMjL7t_YEC6B.webp)Bird Buddy Pro Solar: proven 2K HDR feeder with a solar roof, 0.9 L, about $239 on Amazon ($189 without solar)[Birdbuddy Pro Solar Smart Bird Feeder](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/birdbuddy-pro-solar/)2K · AI ID needs a plan · Built-in solar roof8.0**$$$**$PremiumPrice tier: Premium[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHY6B9GY?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) - 3![Birdbuddy Nook Solar Smart Bird Feeder](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/_astro/birdbuddy-nook-solar.B-26TWKh_1sJ3v.webp)The middle path: the Home's camera in a smaller 0.9 L solar feeder, about $160[Birdbuddy Nook Solar Smart Bird Feeder](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/birdbuddy-nook-solar/)2K · AI ID needs a plan · Built-in solar roof8.1**$$**$$Mid-rangePrice tier: Mid-range[Check price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GXZN4WT1?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) ### On this page 9 sections - [Specs side by side](#specs-side-by-side) - [What the Bird Buddy 2 changes](#what-the-bird-buddy-2-changes) - [What it doesn’t fix](#what-it-doesnt-fix) - [The subscription is the same](#the-subscription-is-the-same) - [Setup and everyday use](#setup-and-everyday-use) - [Who should look at the Nook instead](#who-should-look-at-the-nook-instead) - [Price and value](#price-and-value) - [Which should you buy?](#which-should-you-buy) - [FAQ](#faq) ## Before you choose - [Bird Buddy vs Birdfy (2026): Which Smart Bird Feeder Brand Should You Buy?](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/bird-buddy-vs-birdfy/) - [Birdfy Feeder 2 vs Bird Buddy 2 (Birdbuddy Home): Second-Generation Smart Feeders Compared](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/birdfy-feeder-2-vs-bird-buddy-2/) - [Is a Bird Buddy Subscription Worth It? Premium vs Free Explained (2026)](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/is-bird-buddy-subscription-worth-it/) Bird Buddy announced the Bird Buddy 2 at CES 2026, promised it for February, and finally put it on sale in late October under a new name: the Birdbuddy Home. If you already own a Bird Buddy Pro, or you’re choosing between the two, the question is simple. Is the new one worth more than the proven one? We haven’t tested either feeder ourselves. This comparison uses Bird Buddy’s spec pages and memberships page, plus reviews from Tom’s Guide (which lived with the Home for most of a year), Digital Camera World and TechRadar. Amazon prices are from November 12, 2026; the Home wasn’t listed on Amazon that day, so its price is Bird Buddy’s own. ## Specs side by side | | [Birdbuddy Home (Bird Buddy 2)](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/birdbuddy-home/) | [Birdbuddy Pro Solar](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/birdbuddy-pro-solar/) | | --- | --- | --- | | Video / photo | 2K HDR / 5 MP HDR | 2K HDR / 5 MP, 1/2.7-inch sensor | | Field of view | 135° | 122° | | Orientation | Rotates: portrait or landscape | Portrait | | Microphone | Yes (birdsong ID with Premium) | Yes | | Slow motion | With Premium | With Premium | | Battery | 3,900 mAh | 3,800 mAh | | Solar | Dual panels built into the roof | Solar Roof (included on this version) | | Wi-Fi | 2.4 and 5 GHz, BLE 5.1 | 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth | | Seed capacity | 1.4 L (6 cups) | 0.9 L (3.8 cups) | | Weather | IP67, -5°F to 120°F | IP67 camera | | Warranty | 24 months | Not stated on the listing | | Price (Nov 12) | $199 at Bird Buddy (was $219) | $239 on Amazon ($189 without solar) | ## What the Bird Buddy 2 changes ### A camera that turns sideways The headline is the round camera module that pops out magnetically and turns for landscape or portrait. Digital Camera World called it long overdue: Bird Buddy owners had been stuck with tall portrait video, which wastes a TV screen and crops out the action beside the perch. The view is also wider, at 135° versus the Pro’s 122°. Tom’s Guide noticed a cost to that width: images are more distorted near the edges than the original’s, with seeds in the foreground stretched out. ### Birdsong ID The Home has a microphone that lets Bird Buddy identify birds by sound as well as sight, which MacRumors described as a first for the line when it was announced. On Bird Buddy’s memberships page, “Photo & Sound ID” is a Premium feature, so you only get this with a plan. ### Dual-band Wi-Fi Every other Bird Buddy uses 2.4 GHz only. The Home adds 5 GHz, which helps on crowded networks near the house. For a feeder far from the router, 2.4 GHz usually still reaches further, so the gain is flexibility rather than range. Our [Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/smart-bird-feeder-wifi-problems/) explains why. ### More seed, easier filling The Home holds 1.4 L (6 cups), up from the Pro’s 0.9 L. Tom’s Guide found the bigger rear door much easier to fill without spilling, and the feeder easy to take apart and clean. ## What it doesn’t fix ### Squirrels Tom’s Guide found the large opening that makes the Home easy to clean also lets squirrels empty it fast: in a day or two once they found it. When they couldn’t reach the seed, they chewed the plastic front. The Pro has no squirrel defense either, but TechRadar’s Pro survived a year and a half of scratching and chewing intact. Put either on a pole with a [baffle](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NZHXCQ8?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20), or consider the metal [Birdfy Metal 2 4K](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/birdfy-metal-2-4k/). ### Swinging and balance Digital Camera World found the Home acts like a sail on its hanger, swinging and spinning in a breeze, and tips slightly backward so the camera points up. The included pole mount or the [Birdbuddy Wall Mount](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ4Y5TJL?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) are worth considering. ### Launch software At review time, Digital Camera World said 2K and slow motion were still waiting on software updates, and users reported beta-phase bugs. Tom’s Guide, writing at launch, said 2K Ultra and 90 fps slow motion are available with Premium. ## The subscription is the same Neither feeder escapes Premium. Bird Buddy’s free plan keeps photos, video, livestream and manual ID on both. Automatic recognition, photo and sound ID and 2K Ultra need Premium at $69.99 a year (Individual) or $98.99 (Family) on November 12, 2026. Tom’s Guide also lists slow motion as Premium-only on the Home. Smart feeder subscriptions compared What's free and what you pay for, from each maker's membership page or listing (checked Nov 12, 2026). Bird BuddyFree plan: photos, video, livestream, manual ID. Premium adds automatic photo + birdsong ID, 2K Ultra and slow motion. Individual $69.99/yr · Family $98.99/yr (yearly only) BirdfyUnlimited automatic species ID is free on every Birdfy camera. Plus adds 60-day cloud history, longer clips and bird data. Plus is optional: $69.99/yr reference price ($6.99/mo per MacRumors) KiwibitLive view, replay and sharing are free. FeatherPal AI ID needs Premium after a 30-day trial, or buy the Lifetime AI version once. $7.99/mo per camera · $9.99/mo unlimited cameras Perky-Pet · HumbirdyPerky-Pet has no AI ID but no fees; Humbirdy advertises free AI ID with no monthly fee. No subscription Prices change; the [Bird Buddy subscription guide](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/is-bird-buddy-subscription-worth-it/) tracks what each plan adds. Over three years, that’s about $210 on top of either feeder. Our [Bird Buddy subscription guide](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/is-bird-buddy-subscription-worth-it/) weighs what you get. ## Setup and everyday use Digital Camera World had the Home running in under ten minutes, since it arrives mostly assembled; you mount the camera, snap on the perch and pair it through the app by QR code. It praised the paper manual and the app walkthrough. The Pro is just as simple: TechRadar’s camera slotted into the housing, held by a magnet, and was running in minutes. Day to day, the Home’s bigger rear door makes refills less messy, and its 1.4 L hopper means fewer of them. The Pro’s 0.9 L fills faster but empties faster too; on a busy feeder you’ll refill it more than once a week. Both cameras come out of the feeder for cleaning, which Project FeederWatch recommends every week or two for seed feeders. ## Who should look at the Nook instead If the Home’s camera appeals but the price doesn’t, the Nook is the obvious alternative. Tom’s Guide says it uses the same camera; the differences are a smaller 0.9 L hopper and 2.4 GHz-only Wi-Fi. It suits balconies and small yards, and it’s the closest thing to the “Bird Buddy 2 Mini” Bird Buddy announced at CES. ## Price and value On November 12, 2026, the Home was $199 on Bird Buddy’s store (down from $219) and not on Amazon. The [Pro Solar](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHY6B9GY?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) was $239 on Amazon and the [Pro without solar](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHY6CQBC?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20) $189. Tom’s Guide pointed out that Bird Buddy had the Pro Solar on its own site for $169 at the Home’s launch and recommended that deal for people who like Bird Buddy’s approach. Prices move fast around Black Friday, so compare on the day; our [Black Friday deals guide](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/bird-feeder-camera-black-friday-deals/) tracks them. There’s also a middle option. The [Birdbuddy Nook Solar](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/birdbuddy-nook-solar/) uses the same camera as the Home (per Tom’s Guide) in a smaller 0.9 L feeder with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, for [$159.99 on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GXZN4WT1?tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20). ## Which should you buy? Choose the Birdbuddy Home (Bird Buddy 2) if you want landscape video for a TV or computer, you’ll pay for Premium and want birdsong ID, your yard has few squirrels or a good baffle, and you’d like a bigger hopper. Choose the Pro Solar if you find it on sale, you want the version with a long track record and fewer launch bugs, or you’re happy with portrait framing. Already own a Pro? The upgrade is mainly landscape framing, birdsong ID and dual-band Wi-Fi. If your Pro works well, it’s hard to justify replacing it. Cross-shopping Birdfy’s flagship? See our [Birdbuddy Pro Solar vs Birdfy Metal 2 4K](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/birdbuddy-pro-solar-vs-birdfy-metal-2-4k/) head-to-head for the camera, cost and squirrel differences. Want to skip the subscription? Look at [Bird Buddy vs Birdfy](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/bird-buddy-vs-birdfy/) and the [best feeders without a subscription](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/best-smart-bird-feeder-without-subscription/). The [true cost calculator](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/tools/true-cost-calculator/#model=birdbuddy-home&years=3) shows each Bird Buddy’s three-year total against the rest. ## Don't guess. Calculate. - [🐦 Bird Attractor](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/tools/bird-attractor/): which birds your seed brings - [💵 True Cost Calculator](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/tools/true-cost-calculator/): subscriptions, seed and extras - [🎯 Feeder Matcher](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/tools/feeder-matcher/): which camera feeder fits your yard - [📊 Compare every feeder](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/): sortable spec table ## Frequently asked questions ### Is the Birdbuddy Home the same as the Bird Buddy 2? Yes. Tom's Guide reports the feeder introduced at CES 2026 as the BirdBuddy 2 went on sale as the BirdBuddy Home on October 22, 2026. Bird Buddy's own store lists it as the Birdbuddy Home. ### What's the difference between Bird Buddy 2 and Bird Buddy Pro? The Home (Bird Buddy 2) has a rotating camera for portrait or landscape, a 135° view versus 122° on the Pro, a microphone for birdsong ID, dual-band 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi, a 3,900 mAh battery and a 1.4 L hopper. The Pro has a 1/2.7-inch-sensor 2K HDR camera, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, 3,800 mAh and 0.9 L. ### Do you need a subscription for Bird Buddy 2? Not to use it, but for the features most people want. Bird Buddy's free plan keeps photos, video, livestream and manual ID. Automatic photo and sound ID, 2K Ultra and slow motion need Premium: $69.99 a year Individual or $98.99 Family on November 12, 2026. ### Can I upgrade my Bird Buddy Pro to the new camera? Bird Buddy sells the Home and Nook as complete feeders; we didn't find the new rotating camera sold on its own for older feeders. Check Bird Buddy's store before buying. ### Is the Bird Buddy 2 on Amazon? We couldn't find it listed on amazon.com on November 12, 2026. Bird Buddy's store had it at $199 (was $219). The Pro Solar, Pro and Nook Solar were on Amazon. ## Sources - [Bird Buddy: Birdbuddy Home product page](https://shop.mybirdbuddy.com/product/birdbuddy-home/) · checked 2026-11-12 — 2K HDR video, 5 MP photos, 135° view, 3,900 mAh battery, dual solar roof, 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi, 6 cups (1.4 L), IP67, 24-month warranty; $199 (was $219). - [Tom's Guide: BirdBuddy Home review](https://www.tomsguide.com/home/smart-home/ive-been-using-the-birdbuddy-home-for-nearly-a-year-3-things-i-love-about-this-smart-bird-feeder-and-2-i-dont) · checked 2026-11-12 — Formerly the BirdBuddy 2, on sale Oct 22; squirrels drained it in a day or two and chewed the plastic; 2K Ultra and 90 fps slow motion require Premium; more edge distortion than the original. - [Digital Camera World: Bird Buddy 2 review](https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/cameras/bird-feeder-cameras/bird-buddy-2-review-a-premium-smart-camera-upgrade-with-some-frustrating-flaws) · checked 2026-11-12 — Praised the rotating camera and exceptional solar efficiency; found it swings in wind on its hanger and tips backward; early software held back 2K and slow motion. - [TechRadar: Bird Buddy Smart Bird Feeder Pro review](https://www.techradar.com/cameras/bird-buddy-smart-bird-feeder-pro-review) · checked 2026-11-12 — The Pro's 2K video is on par with the best the reviewer had seen; the best quality needs a Premium subscription. - [MacRumors: Birdbuddy debuts new smart bird feeders at CES 2026](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/06/birdbuddy-smart-bird-feeders/) · checked 2026-11-12 — Announced the Birdbuddy 2 at $199 with 2K HDR, wider view, dual solar, a microphone for birdsong ID and more seed capacity. ## Get new guides by e-mail One short e-mail when Bird Feeder Camera Guide publishes a new guide. No spam, no sharing your address, and you can unsubscribe in one click. E-mail address New posts only · Unsubscribe anytime · [Privacy](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/privacy/) Our #1 pick Bird Buddy 2 (Birdbuddy Home): rotating 2K HDR camera, 135° view, mic, dual-band Wi-Fi, 1.4 L, about $199 at Bird Buddy ![Birdbuddy Home (Bird Buddy 2)](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/_astro/birdbuddy-home.Tk5rKl1g_Zdaz5A.webp) ### [Birdbuddy Home (Bird Buddy 2)](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/birdbuddy-home/) 8.1 - 2K - AI ID needs a plan - Built-in solar roof Bird Buddy fans who want the newest camera, landscape framing and birdsong ID, and plan to pay for Premium. $$$$ Premium Price tier: Premium not on Amazon: search results [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Birdbuddy+Home+smart+bird+feeder+camera&tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20)[Read the full review](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/bird-feeders/birdbuddy-home/) [🎯 Not sure which fits? Match a camera feeder to your yard, squirrels and budget in 30 seconds.](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/tools/feeder-matcher/)[💵 What will it really cost? Add up the subscription, seed and extras over three years.](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/tools/true-cost-calculator/) ## Keep reading [Head-to-head ### Bird Buddy vs Birdfy (2026): Which Smart Bird Feeder Brand Should You Buy? Bird Buddy vs Birdfy in 2026: app, cameras, free vs paid AI bird ID, solar, squirrels and three-year cost compared, with the best model from each brand. Updated Nov 12, 2026](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/bird-buddy-vs-birdfy/)[Head-to-head ### Birdfy Feeder 2 vs Bird Buddy 2 (Birdbuddy Home): Second-Generation Smart Feeders Compared Birdfy Feeder 2 vs Bird Buddy 2 (Birdbuddy Home): camera, free vs paid AI ID, battery, solar, Wi-Fi, squirrels and three-year cost, plus when the 2 Pro wins. Updated Nov 12, 2026](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/birdfy-feeder-2-vs-bird-buddy-2/)[Subscriptions ### Is a Bird Buddy Subscription Worth It? Premium vs Free Explained (2026) Is Bird Buddy Premium worth $69.99 a year? What the free plan keeps, what Premium and Family add, three-year costs, and when to buy a no-subscription feeder. Updated Nov 12, 2026](https://birdfeedercameraguide.com/posts/is-bird-buddy-subscription-worth-it/) Bird Buddy 2 (Birdbuddy Home): rotating 2K HDR camera, 135° view, mic, dual-band Wi-Fi, 1.4 L, about $199 at Bird Buddy Birdbuddy Home $$$$ Premium Price tier: Premium [Check price](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Birdbuddy+Home+smart+bird+feeder+camera&tag=birdfeedercameraguide.com-20)