Drop Spreaders vs. Broadcast Spreaders: Here Are the Differences

Getting a lush, green lawn is a simple idea in theory—but not so straightforward when it comes down to choosing a lawn care tool to make it a reality. Drop spreaders and broadcast spreaders are two of the most popular gadgets for such a task, but which is best for your purposes will depend on factors like the size and scope of your outdoor area, how much you have to spend, and the kind of effect you want to create.

This guide breaks down the differences between drop spreaders versus broadcast spreaders, including the pros and cons of each and how to make the right choice for your particular setup.

Drop Spreaders vs. Broadcast Spreaders: Key Differences

Drop spreaders and broadcast spreaders accomplish the same basic task of dispersing grass seeds over an outdoor area, but the similarities end there. They vary in everything from size—the former is larger, whereas the latter is smaller and often handheld—to how they function. The biggest takeaway? Broadcast spreaders work faster but aren’t as precise, while drop spreaders will deliver impeccable results but require a slower application by your local lawn pro.

What Is a Drop Spreader?

A drop spreader is a type of seed spreader that disseminates grass seeds in precise lines rather than spraying them all over the place like its competitor. Shaped like a wheelbarrow, it consists of a bucket scored with a line of holes, which releases seeds as it’s pulled or pushed. This produces reliable coverage, albeit in a more limited space and at a slower rate than a broadcast spreader.

Best for: 

• Small garden spaces

• Backyards where precision is necessary, like if there are many garden beds or pathways

Pros of a Drop Spreader

The precision provided by a drop spreader is unmatched. With one of these tools at your disposal, you can rest assured that every square inch of your outdoor space has been properly seeded, so you don’t have to worry about an uneven or spotty lawn. It’s especially ideal for small spaces or areas where specificity is preferred, like in a garden with many fruit and vegetable beds where the produce could be harmed by grass growth. What’s more, it releases the seeds close to the ground, so there’s little to no risk of high winds blowing them out of their designated spot. 

Cons of a Drop Spreader

The added precision of a drop spreader also comes at an extra cost. In general, you’ll pay up to two times as much for a seed spreader of this variety than you will for an alternative like a broadcast seeder—between $100 and $200 total on average.

But there are other reasons to reconsider investing in an option like this. Namely, they slow down the application, as some models will only cover between 18 and 22 inches at a time and require careful movements. They are also bulky and hard to store.

What Is a Broadcast Spreader?

Broadcast spreaders are also called rotary spreaders because they spin to release seeds over a greater distance. This unique design allows them to cover more surface area at a faster clip than drop spreaders, but the results can be inconsistent compared to the alternative.

Best for: 

• Large lawns and backyards

• Overseeding existing lawns

Pros of a Broadcast Spreader

While imprecise, broadcast spreaders have a lot of good things going for them. For starters, they’re inexpensive—you can find small handheld options for as little as $20. They’re also easier to use than their counterparts because you can move loosely across your outdoor space rather than sticking to an exact path.

What’s more, it covers a much greater surface area than drop spreaders, ultimately reducing the time spent seeding by half or more. Worried that you didn’t use enough seed to cover your whole lawn? Simply repeat areas that didn’t get enough seeding the first time around. 

Cons of a Broadcast Spreader

One downside is that the final results can be a bit scattered and patchy since the tool doesn’t offer as much precision as a drop spreader. There’s also a higher risk that heavy winds will blow the seeds away from their intended destination due to the haphazard way they’re dispersed by a gadget like this. That makes them a better fit for tasks like overseeding a lawn—which involves adding additional seeds to existing grass—and less suited to growing a new one from scratch. 

Drop Spreaders vs. Broadcast Spreaders

You’re officially an expert on these two kinds of seed spreaders. Now, here’s how they stack up against each other in the most important categories. 

Accuracy: Drop Spreader

If a thick, even lawn is what you want above all else, or you don’t want to run the risk of accidentally growing grass where it shouldn’t be, investing in a drop spreader is a worthwhile choice. 

Ease of Use: Broadcast Spreader

Both broadcast and drop spreaders are easy to operate—simply drop the seeds into the vessel and get moving—but the latter requires a more detail-oriented approach, making the former the top pick in this department. 

Coverage Area: Broadcast Spreader

Broadcast spreaders can cover a lot of ground at once—up to six feet at a time, depending on the model—whereas drop spreaders cap out at slightly less than two feet. 

Price: Broadcast Spreader

Drop spreaders cost about twice as much as most broadcast spreaders. However, high-end broadcast spreaders can clock in at a similar price as a run-of-the-mill drop spreader. 

Storage: Broadcast Spreader

While broadcast and drop spreaders can be the same size, the latter is easier to find in smaller formats and, therefore, also easier to store.