Honest comparison · same fabrics, same motors
Zipscreen vs Drop Shade: which should you get?
Short answer: choose a Zipscreen if your space gets wind or bugs — the fabric rides in sealed zipper side channels with zero gaps. Choose a Drop Shade for covered, calmer porches where small side light gaps are fine — it's about $12 less per square foot. Both use the same Twitchell Nano fabrics and motors, and both include the free measure and installation.
Side by side
| Zipscreen | Drop Shade | |
|---|---|---|
| Side channels | Sealed zipper tracks — fabric can't pull free | None — open sides by design |
| Light gaps | None on any edge | Small gaps at the sides |
| Wind | Stays taut in everyday gusts (wind-tunnel tested) | Retract in wind — hook-down hembar helps |
| Bugs | Bug-tight seal on all four sides | Not a bug barrier |
| Privacy & sun | Excellent — full perimeter coverage | Good — the fabric itself blocks the same sun |
| Price, installed | ~$46 per sq ft | ~$34 per sq ft — the budget-smart pick |
| Bottom bar | Weighted hembar, heavy-duty latch lock | White metal hembar with ground hooks |
| Fabric & motor | Twitchell Nano 99/95/90 · battery or AC | Same fabrics, same motors |
| Max width | Up to 18 ft battery / 23 ft AC | Up to 18 ft battery / 23 ft AC |
| Best for | Exposed or windy spaces, bug country, full enclosure | Covered porches, calmer spots, tighter budgets |
Still not sure? You don't have to be.
Every order includes a free in-person measure before anything is built — your tech will look at your opening, wind exposure, and railings and confirm the right system. Your online price is locked and never increases without your approval. Mixed projects are normal too: many porches take a Zipscreen on the windy side and Drop Shades on the covered sides, all on one order.