Are Budgies or Lovebirds Better?

Choosing between a budgie (budgerigar) and a lovebird is a common dilemma for new bird owners. Both species are colorful, intelligent, and affectionate—but they differ significantly in temperament, care needs, noise level, and suitability for beginners.

As an avian behavior specialist with years of hands-on experience raising both budgies and lovebirds in homes and aviaries, this expert guide will help you understand the strengths and challenges of each species so you can choose the bird that best fits your lifestyle.

1. Quick Answer: Which Is Better?

There is no universal “better” choice—it depends on your lifestyle and experience level.

Choose a Budgie if you want:

• A gentle, friendly, easygoing pet
• A quieter bird
• A species ideal for beginners
• A bird that is easier to tame and train
• Lower maintenance and cost

Choose a Lovebird if you want:

• A bold, playful, high-energy companion
• A bird with a stronger personality
• A species that bonds deeply with its owner
• More interactive handling
• A bird that tolerates training and enrichment challenges

Both make wonderful pets—just for different types of owners.

2. Species Overview

2.1 Budgerigar (Budgie)

• Scientific name: Melopsittacus undulatus
• Size: 6–7 inches
• Lifespan: 5–10 years (sometimes 12–15 with excellent care)
• Personality: Gentle, social, easy to tame
• Noise level: Low to medium
• Best suited for: Beginners, families, quiet environments

2.2 Lovebird

• Scientific name: Agapornis species
• Size: 5–6 inches
• Lifespan: 10–15 years
• Personality: Bold, assertive, intelligent
• Noise level: Medium to high
• Best suited for: Experienced owners or dedicated beginners

3. Personality and Temperament Comparison

Budgies:

• More relaxed and gentle
• Easier to tame if hand-fed or well-socialized
• Enjoy flock interaction
• Usually friendly with other birds
• Tend to avoid conflict

Lovebirds:

• More intense and confident
• Strong-willed and territorial
• Extremely bonded to their mate or human
• Can be nippy if not trained early
• Require structured handling and boundaries

Winner:

Budgies for beginners.
Lovebirds for owners wanting an energetic, interactive pet.

4. Trainability and Human Bonding

Budgies:

Budgies are:

• Highly trainable
• Capable of learning tricks
• Able to mimic human speech (some very well)
• Responsive to positive reinforcement
• Gentle enough for children

Lovebirds:

Lovebirds are:

• Intelligent and curious
• Quick learners
• Less likely to mimic speech
• Very hands-on (climbing, burrowing, chewing)
• Deeply bonded once trust is formed

Winner:

Budgies are easier to train.
Lovebirds give a stronger one-on-one bond.

5. Noise Level

Budgies:

• Soft chatter and chirping
• Pleasant for most people
• Rarely scream
• Suitable for apartments

Lovebirds:

• Louder, sharper calls
• Can scream when bored or seeking attention
• May not be ideal for noise-sensitive homes

Winner:

Budgies—much quieter overall.

6. Care and Maintenance

Budgies:

• Smaller food intake
• Less destructive chewing
• Require moderate enrichment
• Easier to house in smaller spaces (but still need a spacious cage)
• Lower risk of strong territorial behavior

Lovebirds:

• Need daily enrichment and flight time
• Very strong chewers (require bird-safe wood, toys)
• Can become hormonal or aggressive without proper care
• Need more durable cages and toys

Winner:

Budgies—significantly easier for beginners.

7. Social Needs: One Bird or Pairs?

Budgies:

Do well:

• Alone with human attention
• In pairs
• In small flocks

They are naturally sociable.

Lovebirds:

Prefer:

• A bonded pair (most natural)
• If kept singly: require intense daily interaction
• Can become possessive of mate or owner

If you choose a single lovebird, expect to spend a lot of time with it.

Winner:

Budgies are more flexible.

8. Cost of Ownership

Budgies:

• Lower initial cost
• Less expensive food and toys
• Cheaper cages and accessories
• More widely available

Lovebirds:

• Higher initial cost
• More toy replacements (heavy chewers)
• May require larger or more durable enclosures

Winner:

Budgies—much more affordable long-term.

9. Health and Lifespan

Budgies:

Common issues:

• Tumors
• Respiratory infections
• Nutritional deficiencies

Lifespan: 5–10 years on average

Lovebirds:

Common issues:

• Feather plucking
• Hormonal aggression
• Bacterial and viral infections

Lifespan: 10–15 years

Winner:

Lovebirds live longer and are slightly hardier.

10. Which Should You Choose? (Final Verdict)

Category	Best Choice
For beginners	Budgie
For quiet households	Budgie
For families with kids	Budgie
For a bird with big personality	Lovebird
For strong one-on-one bonding	Lovebird
For apartment living	Budgie
For experienced bird owners	Lovebird

Overall Winner for Most People: Budgie

Budgies are easier to care for, gentler, quieter, and more beginner-friendly.

Best Choice for Hands-On Owners: Lovebird

Lovebirds offer deeper bonding and more playful interaction—but require more work.