Spectracide vs Roundup – Which is the Best Weed Killer?

Have you ever noticed the attention-grabbing advertising on weed-killer products?

BLAM! BOOM! KAPOW! SUPER FAST RESULTS! HIGHLY EFFECTIVE! DEATH TO ALL WEEDS!

The problem is, unless you’re going to take the time to rigorously test each one, it can be difficult to find out which is actually the best.

Which is why we’ve matched two weed-killing heavyweights against each other in this article: Spectracide VS Roundup.

Which product will come out on top?

You’ll just have to read on to find out!

Roundup vs Spectracide – The Short Version

For anyone in a hurry, here’s the super-short summary of this article:

While there might be a notable difference depending on the formula you’re using (Spectracide is mainly a line of insect control products), this is the general Spectracide weed and grass killer vs Roundup result:

Roundup is arguably more powerful than Spectracide – but it’s thought to be more toxic and harmful as a trade-off.

It’s that simple, and, to be honest, most gardeners don’t report much of a difference when either product is applied correctly.

But the toxicity should be an important consideration when you’re deciding which herbicide to use – and where you’re using it. Spectracide is still a potentially harmful chemical.

For more information – including what’s in each product, stay with us and continue reading.

What is Roundup?

Roundup is the brand name of a line of weed killers made by German multinational company Bayer Pharmaceuticals. It was originally invented by biotech company Monsanto, which was taken over by Bayer in 2018.

And while they have an extensive range, for the purposes of this article, we’re going to be looking at their Concentrate Plus Weed Killer.

It is a systemic, broad-spectrum, non-selective herbicide. To understand what that actually means, you can read this jargon-busting article on the different types of weed killer.

Roundup was invented in the 1970s, and quickly became the number one choice for weed killing in the USA.

Roundup’s effectiveness and popularity can be attributed to its active ingredient, an organophosphorus compound called “glyphosate.”

It acts as an inhibitor to certain plant enzymes, and is devastating to just about anything green. As such, Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the United States, today.

However, it’s not without its controversies, and has spent a long time in the news due to various lawsuits over whether it’s carcinogenic or not.

Several bans have been lifted, while some remain in place.

Either way, Bayer has declared that it will be reducing/removing glyphosate in its home and garden products from 2024, and continuing to use it with agricultural herbicides only.

At the time of writing, however, this particular product contains 50.2% glyphosate isopropylamine salt.

Regardless, many gardeners are looking for alternatives now, as while it’s extremely effective at what it does, it’s still a harmfully potent, toxic chemical.

And if you are looking to remove weeds in your lawns without harsh products, you can find plenty of suggestions at that link, or you can go here to discover safer alternatives to Roundup.

The video below shows a good example of how to apply it:

What is Spectracide?

Like Roundup, Spectracide is a brand name that covers multiple products designed for the control of undesirable organisms on or in our properties.

It is owned by Spectrum Holdings Inc., an American diversified company based in Middleton, Wisconsin.

One of the main differences between the two popular herbicides, is that Spectracide is first and foremost an insecticide company, with an extensive range of pest killers that target the likes of wasps, ants, and termites.

They also offer fungus and disease control options.

But it’s their weed-killing products that we’re interested in, which are predominately selective herbicides for use in lawns. In short, these products kill weeds and not your grass.

However, in the interests of keeping a level playing field, we’re looking at Spectracide’s Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate, a comparable product to the Roundup option included above.

Again, like the Roundup product, this is a non-selective, broad-spectrum herbicide that kills all the way down into the root, following a foliar application.

But that’s where the similarities end – with the active ingredient, at least.

Spectracide’s weed killer contains the following chemicals:

Quite a change from the glyphosate-base of Roundup!

You can take a look at it in action by watching the video, below:

Diquat Dibromide vs Glyphosate

Let’s get down to brass tacks – this is basically what it’s all about.

The main active ingredient of Spectracide is diquat dibromide, and the main active ingredient of Roundup is the more well-known glyphosate.

So, what do they actually do?

Diquat is not a systemic herbicide by itself, and will only kill the parts of the plants it touches. However, Spectracide includes other ingredients that will help eradicate the weed to the root.

Glyphosate, on the other hand, is a systemic herbicide, and will effectively kill every plant cell as it works its way through the whole organism.

This is why you have some websites claiming – incorrectly – that Spectracide doesn’t kill the entire weed. While that’s not strictly true – it is true of diquat dibromide, hence the confusion.

After all, even with a fast-acting herbicide, there’s going to be no point if the weed is only going to come back!

My two cents?

With the limited chemical knowledge that I have, and in researching this article, I’m making an educated guess that Spectracide (and diquat) acts faster than Roundup (and glyphosate), but Roundup is much more potent in general.

Head to Head

While we’re not able to physically test the two products, we can offer a general guide to the differences between them.

Target Weeds

Spectracide – broadleaf weeds and grasses.

Roundup – broadleaf weeds and grasses.

A dead heat here, both herbicides are designed to kill the same undesirable plant life to the root.

Location

Spectracide – driveways, patios, and walkways. Fences, trees, flower beds, and shrubs.

Roundup – driveways, patios, and walkways. Fences, trees, flower beds, and shrubs. Also ideal for garden plot preparation.

Again, neck-a-neck here. Although Roundup is probably the better choice for clearing a new area to be used for something else.

Residual Length

Spectracide – plant ornamental flowers, trees, and shrubs one day after application. Plant lawn grasses, plants, and vegetables, one week after application.

Roundup – plant ornamental flowers, trees, and shrubs one day after application. Plant lawn grasses, plants, and vegetables three days after application.

It might look like Roundup wins this battle, but I’d take those figures with a very large pinch of salt, and refrain from planting anything (especially vegetables) until a week after application – maybe more.

Also, be aware that this comparison is for the products listed above. Some formulas are more residual than others, and care should be taken when using weed killers on land you wish to repurpose.

Quantities

Spectracide – 40 Ounces.

Roundup – 36.8 Ounces.

Of course, there’s a wide-range of quantities available for both products, but for the sake of argument, we’re looking at comparable options.

In that case, Spectracide wins this round, as you’re getting a lot more bang for your buck when it comes to ounces for your dollar.

Rainfast

Spectracide – 15 minutes.

Roundup – 30 minutes.

Spectracide is faster to dry and be protected from rainfall than Roundup – but there’s not much in it. Either way, make sure you’re applying a weed killer well before the clouds open.

Application

Spectracide – manually diluted and sprayed.

Roundup – manually diluted and sprayed.

Tank sprayers are best used for both herbicides, although if you have a large area to cover, you might need more product and one of these tow-behind sprayers, instead.

Claimed Visible Results

Spectracide – three hours.

Roundup – nine hours.

On the surface, it looks like you’ll see visible results with Spectracide faster than you will with Roundup – which is to be expected thanks to its active ingredient.

Again, don’t read too much into that – and you need to/should wait at least 24 hours to properly start to see the effects of most herbicides.

Reviews

Spectracide – generally satisfied, but some reports that the weeds come back.

Roundup – overwhelmingly more popular, with a high percentage of customer satisfaction.

Of the reviews I researched, Roundup is undoubtedly the winner – but maybe that’s simply because it’s the more well-known, household name? Perhaps there really is no such thing as bad publicity?

Cost*

Spectracide – $11.19

Roundup – $24.99

Spectracide is clearly the better option when it comes to price, especially considering you’re getting more product for less money.

Overall, Spectracide generally tends to be the more budget-friendly choice.

*At the time of writing.

Roundup vs Spectracide – The Verdict

If you need to totally decimate an area of plant life, then I would suggest using a Roundup product. You can’t argue with the reviews, and there’s no doubt that it does the job with aplomb.

Roundup offers so many options that there’s bound to be a formula for use for just about anywhere and on anything around your property.

Check out this review on the best weed killers for patios and driveways, for example – which also contains a number of Spectracide products.

I would also lean towards them if you’re looking to control weeds in your lawn, as they seem to have a well-received product line of selective herbicides that won’t kill every living green thing.

That said, just because Spectracide hasn’t been the subject of a number of lawsuits, doesn’t mean it’s still not a harmful, toxic substance.

And it’s been proven to be particularly dangerous to aquatic life.

Regardless of the type of herbicide you choose, you need to take great care when it comes to its application. Avoiding run-off and damaging drift is essential.

And always wear PPE to keep yourself out of harm’s way. If you’re doing a lot of spraying, I’d highly recommend using a respirator.

But there are many types of gardening methods, and it is possible to refrain from using chemicals altogether.

I would strongly suggest this course of action if you can, especially if you live in a residential area, and/or have pets/children. I generally think it’s high time we reduced our chemical use in lawns, anyway.

Finally, if budget is a concern, Spectracide is typically considered the cheaper alternative, and in our head-to-head and at the time of writing, costs less for more product.

FAQs

Which is better for lawns – Roundup or Spectracide?

Without properly testing the two head-to-head, it would be difficult to compare results.

That said, as Roundup products tend to be more associated with killing everything, and Spectracide has a specific line of pre-emergent “Weed Stop” products for lawns (being the less toxic of the two overall), I’d lean towards Spectracide for this one.

And for a complete, month-by-month lawn care schedule – including when to apply pre and post emergent herbicides – follow that link.

Will grass grow back after Roundup?

That’s a great question – and it depends on the type of Roundup product you’re using.

But if, for whatever reason, some of their non-selective glyphosate-based products have come into contact with your grass, then you can probably kiss it goodbye.

This article explores grass and Roundup applications in more depth.

Is glyphosate safe?

At the time of writing, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has found “no risks of concern to human health from current uses of glyphosate.”

That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s “safe.” It’s still a highly toxic, harsh chemical, and great care should be taken with its use.

When in doubt, go organic! This article on organic gardening tips will tell you more about eco-friendly horticulture, and go here for advice on green lawn care.

Spoiler – no harsh chemicals are used!

Is Spectracide safer than Roundup?

I’m going out on a limb here and saying – no.

While there’s been a lot of obvious buzz about Roundup’s active ingredient, it doesn’t automatically give Spectracide a free pass.

They’re both still potentially dangerous chemicals when used improperly. Or, even when used properly, for that matter.

Summary

In the battle of Spectracide vs Roundup, there is no clear winner – it just comes down to personal preference, and how concerned you are with using glyphosate-based products in your yard and garden.

Let me know which option you prefer and why. Do you have good results with either? Which worked well for you?

Stay safe out there, and happy gardening!