BirdNoteThe 5 best Merlin Bird ID alternatives in 2026
Merlin Bird ID is a brilliant, free app — but it isn't the only way to identify birds by sound and photo. Whether you want a different interface, simpler setup, or a deeper field guide, here are the best Merlin Bird ID alternatives worth trying in 2026.
A Eurasian Blue Tit. Photo via Wikimedia Commons (CC).
Why look for an alternative?
Merlin, from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is excellent and free. People still look for alternatives because they want one or more of these:
- A simpler setup without downloading regional "bird packs."
- Both sound and photo ID in a cleaner, faster interface.
- A richer in-app field guide with deeper species profiles.
- A second opinion — running two apps on the same bird boosts confidence.
Quick comparison table
| App | Sound ID | Photo ID | Field guide | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BirdNote | Yes | Yes | 10,000+ species | Free |
| Merlin Bird ID | Yes | Yes | Extensive | Free |
| BirdNET | Yes | No | Basic | Free |
| Picture Bird | Yes | Yes | Good | Subscription |
| Song Sleuth | Yes | No | Moderate | Paid |
Features and pricing change often — check each App Store listing. App names belong to their respective owners; this is an independent comparison.
Try BirdNote — a free Merlin alternative
Sound ID, photo ID and a 10,000-species guide, no regional packs to download.
The 5 alternatives
1. BirdNote — best all-round free alternative
BirdNote pairs a fast bird-song identifier with a photo identifier and a deep guide to 10,000+ species. Every result includes a confidence score and a full profile. It works out of the box without downloading regional packs, which makes it a refreshingly simple alternative for casual and travelling birders.
2. BirdNET — best sound-only alternative
Also from the Cornell Lab (with Chemnitz University of Technology), BirdNET is a research-grade, sound-only identifier. It's free and accurate, but doesn't do photo ID — pair it with a photo app if you need both.
3. Picture Bird — most beginner-friendly
Picture Bird leads with photo ID and adds sound. It's polished and easy, but several features sit behind a subscription, so it's best if you prefer a guided experience and don't mind paying.
4. Song Sleuth — best for studying songs
Song Sleuth focuses on visualising and analysing bird songs with spectrograms. It's a paid, sound-only app aimed at birders who want to study calls in detail rather than just get a quick name.
5. eBird — best companion app
Also from the Cornell Lab, eBird isn't an identifier but is the gold standard for logging sightings and seeing which species are near you right now — which is invaluable context for confirming any ID.
Which should you pick?
- Want sound + photo in one simple free app? Try BirdNote.
- Only need sound, prize accuracy? BirdNET.
- Prefer a guided, photo-first experience? Picture Bird.
- Studying songs seriously? Song Sleuth.
- Want to log and track sightings? Pair any of the above with eBird.
New to birding by ear? Start with our guide on how to identify birds by sound, or see the full best bird song identifier apps roundup.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free alternative to Merlin Bird ID?
Yes. BirdNote and BirdNET are both free. BirdNote offers sound and photo ID plus a deep field guide; BirdNET is sound-only but research-grade.
What app is most like Merlin Bird ID?
BirdNote is the closest all-rounder — it does both sound and photo identification with a full species guide, similar to Merlin, but without downloading regional bird packs.
Can I use more than one bird ID app?
Absolutely, and many birders do. Running two apps on the same bird and comparing the results is a great way to increase confidence in a tricky ID.
Get a free, all-in-one bird identifier
Sound ID, photo ID and a full field guide — free on iPhone & iPad.
