A small incubator suits a first hatch, a classroom or a few eggs from your own hens. These cost $80 to $450. The cheapest ones turn the eggs and show the humidity, but you add water by hand; the dearest add a humidity pump, temperature alarms and, on one model, a phone app. A 7 egg dome costs far more per egg than a 20 to 24 egg model, so pick the small domes only for rare or valuable eggs.
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Full ranking 9
- Brinsea Maxi 24 EX Connect#1 of 9Full review
The most automated small incubator here, for keepers who want alerts on their phone. The plain Maxi 24 EX does the same incubating for less.
Amazon $449.99$449.9924AutomaticAutomatic, auto-stop - Brinsea Maxi 24 EX#2 of 9Full review
The best small fully automatic incubator for most backyard keepers: 24 eggs with pump humidity and alarms at a lower price per egg than any other automatic dome.
Amazon $283.99$283.9924AutomaticAutomatic - Rcom Max 20#3 of 9Full review
A Korean-made fully automatic tabletop incubator for breeders who want a set humidity and alarms. Its price per egg is high.
Amazon $439.99$439.9920AutomaticAutomatic - Brinsea Mini II EX#4 of 9Full review
The smallest fully automatic incubator here, for hatching a few rare or show eggs with no water to manage. It costs a lot per egg.
Amazon $240.81$240.817AutomaticAutomatic - MATICOOPX MEI-20#5 of 9Full review
A low-cost 20 egg incubator with automatic turning, a fan and a candler, for a first hatch on a budget.
Amazon $79.99$79.9920Readout, manual waterAutomatic, auto-stop - Brinsea Maxi 24 Advance#6 of 9Full review
A well-built 24 egg dome with automatic turning and alarms, for keepers who manage humidity themselves. The EX version adds a pump for not much more.
Amazon $349.99$349.9924Manual, no readoutAutomatic, auto-stop - Harris Farms Nurture Right 360#7 of 9Full review
The usual first incubator for a backyard flock: 22 eggs, automatic turning and a clear view for about $100. You still add water by hand.
Amazon $100.59$100.5922Readout, manual waterAutomatic, auto-stop - Brinsea Mini II Advance#8 of 9Full review
A precise, set-and-forget dome for hatching a handful of valuable eggs. Its small capacity makes it a poor buy for anyone hatching for numbers.
Amazon $249.99$249.997Manual, no readoutAutomatic, auto-stop - Brinsea Mini II Eco#9 of 9Full review
A simple fan-assisted 10 egg incubator for someone happy to turn eggs by hand. It is the cheapest way into a Brinsea with a three-year warranty.
Amazon $111.99$111.9910Manual, no readoutManual
