Garage Door Openers – are convenient and effective way to open/close garage space without manual effort. Some of the latest models come with modern features that include connectivity through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, voice commands and several other safety options as well. If you want to automate your garage door or upgrade the older model, you will find reviews of the best garage door openers in this article. While testing these models, we mainly focused on three key factors that include…
- Motor Capacity It determines the ability of the machine to operate the garage door. It is usually represented in terms of HP (horsepower). Generally, ideal horsepower for residential purposes ranges from ½ HP to 1 ½ HP. Garage door openers with higher motor power are capable of lifting or closing heavier doors effortlessly.
- Power A garage door openers run on either AC or DC power supply, in which a garage with a DC power supply works best. The DC power is small, quiet and has soft operating buttons. A few models work on battery but mostly used as a backup source.
- Auto-Reversing Some modern garage door openers come with this advanced feature which changes the door closing direction when the safety sensors detect something in its way of a closing door. This is very important feature to consider, especially for families with kids or pets. Several other features are considered as well – we have mentioned them clearly in our “Buying Guide”. Scroll down to check out the detail review section of the Best Garage Door Openers.
7 Best Garage Door Openers
7 Best Garage Door Openers Reviews
1. Chamberlain Garage Door Opener
Chamberlain manufactures numerous smart home products that allow you to control your garage remotely. Almost all its garage door openers are compatible with the smart app myQ using which you can control your garage from anywhere and connect to other smart home devices.
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Chamberlain’s garage door opener comes with interrelated myQ technology that allows you to operate it remotely. This garage door opener is quiet and durable with a steel-reinforced belt drive. It is ideal for 7 feet garage doors. But, you can also use this for 8 feet and 10 feet garage doors by using extension kits. The garage door opener has an in-built battery backup. So, you can still use it to open your garage doors when there is a power cut. It generates a power equivalent to 1 ¼ HP using which you can lift heavy doors. Controlling the opener is also very simple. You get 2 remotes with each having 3 buttons. You can control 3 doors using each remote. You also get a long range of 1,500 feet to control the opener. You can easily install the garage door opener as it comes with the snap-lock rail system. Using the app myQ, you can remotely control the gate from anywhere and get real-time updates if the door opens or closes. Chamberlain provides a lifetime warranty on motor and belt, 5 years warranty on parts, and 1-year warranty on accessories. What is included in the kit?
1 x Garage door opener 1 x 7 feet rail kit 1 x Safety sensors kit 1 x Wall control 1 x Keyless entry pad 2 x Remote transmitters
Best Features
Powered by 1 ¼ Hp DC motor Smooth and quiet operation Built-in myQ technology for smart features Smartphone control Real-time notifications 2 pre-programmed remotes Comes with battery backup Lifetime warranty on motor and belt 5 years warranty on parts and 1-year warranty on accessories
Pros
Most powerful DC motor on the list Remote control has a range of 1,500 feet Easy to operate Long warranty period
Cons
Installation is difficult A bit on the expensive end
2. Genie Garage Door Opener
Genie leverages advanced technology to manufacture garage door openers that can be operated remotely using smartphone and smart home devices. Genie’s garage door opener comes with integrated Aladdin Connect technology that allows you to open and close the door remotely. Besides, you can also operate the door using smart devices such as Alexa or Google Assistant. This makes the garage door opener ideal for garages attached to living spaces. The DC motor has a power equivalent to that of 1/2 HP and can lift garage doors up to 7 inches high and 500 lbs. If you have an 8 inches door, then you can buy the extension kit separately for operating it. You can control the door opener using the pre-programmed remotes. You get 2 remotes that are integrated with Aladdin Connect technology. Each remote has only 3 buttons making it simple to use. The garage door opener comes with a 5-piece rail system. You just have to snap them together to install the door opener. The door opener is lightweight and you don’t need any separate hardware for installation. Genie provides a limited lifetime warranty on motor, 15 years warranty on belt, 5 years warranty on parts, and limited 1-year warranty on accessories. What is included in the kit?
1 x Smart Garage door opener 2 x Remote controllers 1 x Wall console 1 x Installation instructions 1 x Owners manual
Best Features
DC motor delivers 1/2 Hp Integrated Aladdin Connect technology Smartphone control and voice-enabled controls Can lift doors weighing upto 500 lbs Steel-reinforced belt 5-piece rail system 2 pre programmed remotes Limited lifetime warranty on motor 15 years warranty on belt 5 years warranty on parts and 1-year warranty on accessories
Pros
Can connect to other smart devices Lightweight and easy to install Good warranty period
Cons
Laggy on operation when connected with smart devices especially Alexa Customer service is not that good
3. Chamberlain Smart Garage Door Opener
Chamberlain is one of the popular choices among consumers for locking, opening and smart solutions for garages. Their garage door opener has made to out list because of its next generation smart connectivity feature. Because of built-in Wi-Fi, this garage door opener is compatible with several home networks. This helps you set the recurring schedule for closing the door, turning on of off the lights. It also lets you receive alerts regarding the closing and opening of the garage door. With in-built safety sensors, it will stop from closing the door when it senses any obstruction. This prevent any hard to vehicle or people when they are accidently in the way. Once the door is closed, the deadbolts will automatically lock down. These locks are assured to the user with a clicking sound signal. It has a sleek and slim design so you can install it on either side of the garage door. Even the battery is down, you can open and close the garage door without any issues. Being a wall-mount design, it will free up the space to install light fixtures or ceiling fans. Its working mechanism doesn’t generate any noise or vibration. The chamberlain brand provides 1-year warranty duration on accessories, drive and parts. And for motor, they provide 6-month warranty. What is included in the kit?
Smart garage door opener Smart LED light Motion detecting wall control panel Button remote Auto lock Battery backup Instruction manual Wall console Warranty card
Best Features:
Whisper silent operation Slim and sleek design Mounts discreetly on the wall Ultra-bright LED light Automatic deadlock engagement Safety sensors Easily connects with home network Compatible with smart devices and platforms 1-year warranty on drive and accessories
Pros:
Easy to install No vibrations Smooth operation
Cons:
Only 6-months warranty duration on motor Customer service is not helpful
4. Skylink Garage Door Opener
Skylink is a small yet reliable brand that sells home improvement and surveillance products. The brand’s product catalog includes electrical light switches, security systems, networking hubs, and garage door openers. Skylink’s garage door opener is designed for 7-inch tall doors. But, you can use it for doors up to 10 inches tall by connecting extension kits to it. You get two extension kits for controlling 8 inches and 10 inches garage doors along with this door opener. The DC motors operate quietly and you will not hear anything when the door opens or closes. The garage door opener starts slowly and gradually increases the speed while closing or opening the door. It also slows down before stopping. This operating mechanism reduces vibration and greatly increases the life of mechanical components. It has a built-in 12W LED light. So, you do not have to separately install any lights. You can also get a backup battery to continue operating the door opener in case of power cuts. It is compatible with BA-100 batteries. For controlling the door opener, you can either use the wall-mounted keypad or the 3-button keychain remote. If there is any malfunction, you can easily troubleshoot it yourself even if you don’t have any prior experience. There is a diagnostic display that shows there is a problem in the system and guides you on how to rectify it. The garage door opener is backed by a 1-year warranty. What is included in the kit?
1 x Garage door opener 1 x Remote 1 x Rail kit 1 x Pushbutton 1 x Safety sensor
Best Features
Powerful DC motor Extremely quiet operation Built in 12W LED light Soft start and stop feature Diagnostic display 3-button remote control 7-feet rail assembly Comes with extension kits 1-year warranty period
Pros
Suitable for 8 inches and 10 inches tall doors Less vibration and heat generation Easy to troubleshoot Do not have to get separate garage lights
Cons
Comes with only a 1-year warranty Has only one remote
5. BeamUP Garage Door Opener
BeamUP is a prominent brand that manufactures and supplies smart garage door openers, controllers, and extension kits for door openers. With a power equivalent to 3/4 horsepower, the DC motor can control gates that are up to 7 inches high. The operation is smooth and ultra-quiet. None of your neighbors or stalkers will hear a sound. The chain drives are made of premium-grade reinforced steel that makes them very durable. They will last for years, offering you reliable performance. Apart from the door control that can be installed on the wall, you also get a remote control to operate the door opener. The remote control has ClearCom dual-burst technology which gives you a high range. Besides, you won’t face any lags while controlling the door opener. The door opener comes with an integrated LED light of 1500 lumens. This is sufficient to provide lighting to your garage and you don’t have to purchase any lights separately. You can set up the door opener within a few minutes. The product comes with a detailed instruction guide on how to set it up. On top of this, the brand offers friendly technical support to help you with the installation. BeamUP backs this garage door opener with a 5 years warranty on the motor and a 1-year warranty on its parts. What is included in the kit?
1 x DC motor 1 x Heavy-duty chain drive 1 x Hardware & rails kit 1 x Door control 1 x Photo-eye system 1 x ClearCom remote control 1 x Installation manual
Best Features
Powered by 3/4 Hp DC motor Smooth and ultra-quiet operation ClearCom Dual Burst technology remotes Reinforced steel chain drive Built-in 1500 lumens LED Compatible with all generations of HomeLink Compatible with Alexa Detailed installation manual and video tutorials 5 years warranty on motor and 1-year warranty on parts
Pros
Decent motor power High durability Remote has high range and there are no lags Do not have to purchase lights separately
Cons
Does not have reverse safety sensors Warranty period can be increased
6. Craftsman Garage Door Opener
Craftsman does not need any introduction. It is a common household brand in the U.S. that manufactures and supplies a wide number of products including power tools, gardening equipment, automotive tools, and hand tools. Craftsman’s garage door opener has a power equivalent of 1/2 HP. This is ideal for opening doors up to 7 inches tall. You can also add extension kits and operate garage doors up to 10 inches tall. The door opener is made of high-grade flexible materials that are meant to last for a lifetime. You won’t hear a thing when the door opens or closes, thanks to the belt mechanism that delivers smooth operation. By connecting the door opener to your home network, you can control and monitor the door opener from anywhere using the smart app. On top of this, you also get a remote control and a wall-mounted wireless keypad to control the door opener. Along with the door opener, you also get safety sensors. The door will not close when something obstructs it. So, even if you unknowingly close the door when your car is moving out, the door will not close until your car is out of the way. Craftsman offers a lifetime warranty on motor and drive, 15 years warranty on parts, and a 1-year warranty on accessories. What is included in the kit?
1 x Garage door opener 1 x Wireless Keypad 1 x Remote control 1 x Safety sensors kit 1 x LCD wall control
Best Features
Powered by 1/2 HP Hp DC motor Built-in Wi-Fi technology Delivers quiet operation Made of high grade flexible materials Comes with safety sensors Lifetime warranty on motor and drive 15 years warranty on parts and 1-year warranty on accessories
Pros
Powerful DC motor High durability Monitor and control the garage door opener from anywhere Good warranty period
Cons
Very expensive Comes with only 1 remote
7. Skylink Garage Door Opener
Another garage door opener from Skylink makes it to our list. For a relatively small brand, it has done a great job in developing garage door openers that meet the needs of customers. The smooth and quiet operation of this garage door opener makes it perfect for homes that have living space above the garage. You will not hear any noise while the door opens or closes. While the garage door opener is ideally designed to control 7 inches tall garage doors, you can connect extension kits and use it for controlling 8 inches and 10 inches garage doors. The DC motor uses a soft start and stop feature to minimize vibrations and prolong the life of the chain drive. There is a built-in LED light for long-lasting illumination. The garage door opener is compatible with the smartphone app Skylinknet. You can connect the door opener to the app and remotely control it from anywhere. But, you need a Skylink internet hub separately to control the garage door opener. You also get the standard wireless keypad and 2 remotes to control the garage door opener. One of the best features of this garage door opener is that the remotes have rolling code technology. A unique code will be generated every time you use the remote. You need to enter the code to access control. This prevents unauthorized entry. You can enable or disable this feature. On top of this, you can set a timer after which the garage door will automatically close in case you had forgotten to close it. Skylink backs this garage door opener with a 1-year warranty. What is included in the kit?
1 x Garage door opener 1 x Chain drive system 2 x Remote control 1 x Infrared sensor pair 1 x Wall console 1 x User manual
Best Features
Compatible with Skylinknet app Soft start and stop feature Built-in LED light 2 pre programmed remotes and wireless keypad Rolling code technology for remote Auto closing timer Infrared reverse sensors 1-year warranty
Pros
Ideal for garages with living space above Minimal vibrations and heat generation Prevents accidental opening of the garage door and unauthorized entry Garage door will close automatically based on timer
Cons
Comes with only a 1-year warranty Have to purchase Skylink hub separately for connecting with the smart app.
Buying Guide for Best Garage Door Opener:
Want to install your first garage door opener or upgrade your old manual model? Then here are some essential factors you need to consider while purchasing the garage door opener. Take a look at them and get the best-suited garage door opener.
1. Horse Power:
The number of doors (or) type of door (or) door’s weight, which you want to lift will determine the size of the motor/engine’s capacity, called horsepower (HP). It will provide enough power for the opener to function safely and effectively. In general, the horsepower range for residential door openers will be ½ HP – 1 ½ HP. Also, one has to consider its construction material, size and number of doors you’re trying to lift.
For lifting a single-car garage door, you require a motor with ½ HP. If you have a standard single door (or) dual-car (or) sectional door with 300 pounds, consider a door opener motor with a ½ HP. For a heavy or insulated/wooden door, consider a model with a motor size up to ¾ HP. If you want to open multiple doors or if the door is oversized/industrial/overweight (400 pounds), then go for a model with at least 1 – 1 ½ HP.
The more powerful the motor, the less it experiences stress and thus last longer. If the motor of a residential garage door opener is not overburdened with extra weight, then it is considered the best. To make your opener lasts longer, you have to consider picking a motor size a step above your needs.
2. Operating Mechanism:
The garage door openers come with 4 different working/operating mechanisms. They are chain drive openers, belt drive openers, screw-drive openers and direct-drive openers. Let’s know about them.
Chain Drive Models – Here a metal chain is used to raise and lower the doors. This type of openers is inexpensive and can easily handle heavier doors but they are loud (noisy). Belt Drive Models – This model works by using a belt to close or open the door. They operate quietly and smoothly, without much noise. Screw-Drive Models – The opener uses a threaded steel rod to lift the doors. They are quiet and won’t need much maintenance. Direct Drive Models – Here the whole device moves to lift the door and thus operates as a single unit. It has a smooth and quiet working mechanism.
3. Remote Controls:
These days, garage door openers will come with a remote-control device to place in your vehicle and a wall-mount button for inside the garage. Most openers have remote controls, which allow you to open the door easily without getting off from your vehicle. Manufacturers offer 1 or 2 remote controls along with this product, which makes it perfect to use for you and your spouse. Also, check for the garage door opener that has a keyless entry keypad to limit access to your home for security reasons. A few high-end garage door opener systems are compatible and integrated with several vehicles. So, check for this option while you’re purchasing them, to know whether it is compatible with your car/vehicle. Thus, you can easily open or close the door by using your car’s built-in control.
4. Automatic Reversing:
We can notice automatic reversing safety feature in modern models, but not in traditional ones. This feature will change the door closing direction whenever its safety sensors detect something in its way of a closing door. It is useful, especially while you have children or pets playing outside. The federal law has made it compulsory to have this automatic reversing in all the new garage door systems. Also, the more robust the safety sensors, the more quickly they detect the obstacle in their path. So, look for the one that has high-powered safety sensors. Also, it is essential to check whether the safety sensors are properly mounted or not during their installation for maximum effect.
5. Power:
In general, door openers run on either AC power or DC power, in which both these types of openers have to plug into a standard power outlet. Though both types work well by consuming a constant power supply, the DC power openers will a bit more efficiently, as they will convert the AC power to DC power. The openers models with this DC power supply tend to be quieter, smaller, and have a softer operating mechanism (start/stop). Also, the battery backups are mostly found on DC power units, which allow you to operate the door even when there is no power supply.
6. Speed:
An average door opener will open the door at a speed rate of 7-inches per second. In case, if speed is your priority, then choose a door that opens up at twice that average speed. If door operating speed isn’t important for you, then go for systems that work moderate/slow. Remember that speed won’t dictate the opener’s quality/working mechanism.
7. Wireless Keypad for Remote Entry:
Choosing a device with a wireless remote keypad is ideal for a busy family, especially, where people go and come home on different schedules. This accessory will ensure that they can safely enter the home without having a remote control/any vehicle. After installing a garage door opener in the home, you have to check for the option of attaching this keyword protected touchpad to the outer frame of the garage door. Set the rolling code and share it with your family members (don’t let others know it for security reasons). So, when you or any of your family member want to open the garage door, then simply enter the keypad’s rolling code to open up the door. This option is completely safe and secure for your family & home.
8. Security Codes:
Most of the newly designed garage door openers have various essential safety features like rolling code (to prevent hackers intercept the code sent between remote and door), and lock mode (to lock the door when you went for holiday trips – no one to open the door till you return). Tri-Band is the best option for remote control technology, which operates on 3 different frequencies. Also, this remote controller will provide you with an operating range of over a thousand feet, which let you open the garage door from anywhere in and around your home.
9. Backup Battery:
Generally, garage door openers are connected to the mains (electric supply) and take the essential power required to operate. But what happens if there is a power cut, no one want to get locked inside the garage. Then a 12-volt backup battery will be the best solution that comes in handy for this problem. Most experts suggest buying a garage door opener with a backup battery will provide a reliable power source and thereby worry-free life. While a manual release is quite common on all garage doors, this manual release is useful whenever there is no power supply unless your model has a backup battery for uninterrupted working.
10. Smart Features:
A few higher-end garage door opener models offer unique features like integration with smart home ecosystems (like Nest, Xfinity, and Alexa), home automation capabilities through built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, etc. These smart features will enable you to operate the opener with the smartphone, and also check its status like whether it is open/close.
11. Automatic Door Closing:
In case, if you forget to close the garage door, then you can easily set up systems to close the door automatically after a certain period. A few models will let you know when you left your door open, while some other models will close the door automatically after a certain time (or) as per your commands. So, it is worth investing in models having an automatic door closing option for better security.
12. Security Lights:
Picking a garage door opener that is equipped with a security light will improve your home security system. As these security lights operate automatically, like turn on when you open the door and turn off when you left the area. These lights will stay on (lighting) for about 30 – 60 seconds even after the door closes. In case, if your garage door opener won’t come with this security light option, then it can easily cost you around $50 – $100 to get installed.
13. Wall or Ceiling Mounted:
We notice that most of the garage door openers are ceiling-mounted. But in case, if the ceiling is low (or) your vehicle (SUVs or trucks) has high-off the ground, then simply opt for a wall-mounted garage door opener. As this suit perfect for those situations.
14. Quiet Garage Door Openers:
Consider buying either a belt-drive (or) direct-drive models while living in urban or suburban areas for quiet operation of opening/closing the doors. The belt-driven models are the quietest garage opening systems, which make them an ideal option for people who worry about noise and has a concern about their neighbours.
15. Warranty:
Before you purchase any vital equipment, it is essential to check whether they are backed by the manufacturer’s warranty or not. In general, the garage door openers offer a warranty period of 3 – 5 years. Also, a few units come with a 10-year or lifetime warranty on their motor. So, check the model that comes with a maximum warranty period to re-set your door openers, if anything happens wrongly.
Garage Door Opener Drive System:
Generally, there are 5 types of garage door openers available in the market. They are…
Belt Drive Garage Door Openers Chain Drive Openers Direct Drive Openers Screw Drive Openers Jackshaft Openers
Let’s know about them in detail and select the one, which suits perfectly for you.
1. Belt Drive:
This type of opener uses a rubber belt system to drive the trolley for either opening (raise) or closing (lower) the door. The belt is made from materials like fiberglass, Kevlar polymer, or steel-reinforced rubber. Also, the units using this system is quietest while operating. So, it is considered the best option for residential houses, especially where a garage attached to the main door of the house. It is highly recommended to use for people who sleep in a space above or adjacent to the garage. The main drawback is that these systems are expensive than other types.
2. Chain Drive:
A metal chain is used to drive the trolley to close/open the door. These are affordable and durable but noisy while moving the chain. It is ideal for detached garages (or) people having noise sensitivity. Avoid using this type of opener if you are living just above the garage door, as it is noisy and won’t let you sleep/stay properly.
3. Screw Drive:
A threaded rod mechanism is used by this type to move the door. They need the least number of parts and are less noisy when compared with chain drives but not as quietly belt drives. It is considered durable, reliable and less likely to break. It may require maintenance like twice lubrication to prevent wear on screw heads. This type of openers won’t be ideal to use for hefty garage doors where large single-piece doors or heavier doors, which are found in old-style homes, as this extra-strain will quickly wear down the screw heads.
4. Direct Drive:
The motor is a single moving part in this type of door openers. Rather than the motor staying stationary or working to rotate a moving belt or chain to pull the door, this motor in this system will do the pulling itself to move the door. They run forward or backwards along a track to pull/push the door along, which makes it operate quietly.
5. Jackshaft or Wall Mount Drive:
The position/place of installation will differentiate this jackshaft garage door opener type and other drive types. We find most garage door opener types have mounted on the ceiling but this jackshaft opener is mounted on the wall (space savers) next to the garage door. Attach this opener to the torsion bar of the door, then it uses springs to pull/push the door to open or close it. If you want to maximize the ceiling space (or) having a small or irregular shaped garage, then this jackshaft garage door opener will be your perfect option. They are suitable to use on all types of doors but a bit expensive.
Conclusion
You will need a garage door opener in your garage sooner or later as it makes your life so much easier and comfortable. With a garage door opener installed in your garage, you will never have to manually open your garage door again as it can be simply opened and closed via the remote or mobile application. As there are a lot of brands that produce garage door openers, you will see a large variety of options, and selecting one out of these can be fairly difficult. Hence, we have provided you with the best garage door options from the market, along with their details. But, if you are unable to decide which one is the most suited garage door opener for you, take a look at our recommendations given below:
Skylink Garage Door Opener can be the best option for you if you are looking for a budget-oriented garage door opener. It has a marginal difference in price tag in comparison with other items on this list. It does not require any batteries to work, and comes with 1-year warranty. On the other hand, Genie Garage Door Opener is one of the most feature-rich options on the market. It also has Alexa voice control enabled, which makes it very easy to operate. It has a lifetime motor warranty, 5 years warranty on parts and a 1-year warranty on accessories. Lastly, we will recommend you Chamberlain Garage Door Opener as it is an overall balanced and value for money option. It offers various smart capabilities such as WiFi compatibility while it is powered by 2 Lithium Metal batteries. There is 5 years parts warranty and a 1-year warranty on accessories.
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