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How long has it been since you bought a new garage door opener? With the addition of new technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and energy-efficient LED lights, garage door openers have changed a lot. When we think back to the first Genie openers, which were sold at Sears in the 1970s, we realize that these innovations have given us functions and features that were once only dreams. Also, the quality of the materials has gotten better, and the motors and drives are much quieter than they used to be.
We didn’t want to keep unhooking and reinstalling our garage door opener over and over again just to get a full picture of the market for garage door openers right now, so we didn’t. Instead, we went to our reliable friends at Good Housekeeping. They did a lot of testing and comparing to find the best garage door openers on the market right now.
Best Garage Door Openers Comparison Table
Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control, battery backup in case of power outages, battery backup for power outages, security features, noise level, and the type of drive system (for example, belt, chain, or screw drive) are key characteristics to take into consideration.
| Feature | Type | Horsepower | Max Door Height | Smartphone Control | Wi-Fi Connectivity | Remote Controls Included | Wall Control Panel | Max Door Weight | MyQ Technology | Quiet Operation | Latest Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chamberlain Secure View | Belt Drive | 1.25 HP | 7 feet | Yes | Yes | 3 | Yes | 500 lbs | Yes | Yes | Check Deal |
| Genie Stealth 500 Essentials | Belt Drive | 1/2 HP | 7 feet | No | No | 2 | Yes | Not specified | No | Yes | Check Deal |
| Skylink Chain Drive | Chain Drive | 1/2 HP | 7 feet | No | No | 1 | Yes | Not specified | No | No | Check Deal |
| Genie StealthDrive 7155-TKV | Belt Drive | 1.25 HP | 7 feet | Yes | Yes | 3 | Yes | 500 lbs | Yes | Yes | Check Deal |
| LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series | Wall-Mounted | 3/4 HP | 7 feet | Yes | Yes | 2 | Yes | Not specified | Yes | Yes | Check Deal |
List of the Best Garage Door Openers
Make sure that your garage door and home automation system are compatible by looking over the instructions and requirements provided by the manufacturer. You also have the option of seeking the guidance of an experienced professional. Many homeowners are capable of installing a garage door opener on their own, particularly if they have some prior expertise with do-it-yourself projects.
Chamberlain Secure View Garage Door Opener
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Belt Drive |
| Horsepower | 1.25 HP |
| Connectivity | MyQ Smartphone App |
| Camera | Built-in HD Camera |
| Lighting | Integrated LED Lights |
| Max Door Height | 7 Feet |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
| Check Price |
Chamberlain’s Secure View was one of the best garage door openers, so it was no surprise that it came out on top in GH’s tests. The app lets you open or close the door from almost anywhere. The testers were very impressed by how well this feature worked. Also, Amazon Key works with it.
By letting deliveries go straight into the garage when no one is home, you can keep valuable items from being left out in the open or on your doorstep. The Wi-Fi-connected camera that lets you see what’s inside your garage from your phone also impressed the testers. The operation is (mostly) quiet, and there is a lot of light inside. Testers also found that the MyQ app was easy to understand and use. You’ve found the best garage door opener on the market.
The Good
- Built-in HD camera for added security.
- Compatible with the MyQ smartphone app.
- Bright integrated LED lights.
The Bad
- Limited to doors up to 7 feet in height.
Genie Stealth 500 Essentials
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Chain Drive |
| Horsepower | 1/2 HP |
| Connectivity | Aladdin Connect Technology |
| Lighting | Dual LED Lights |
| Max Door Height | 7 Feet |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
| Check Price |
Belt drive is the only option for a garage door opener that costs less than $300 if you want it to be quiet. Wi-Fi capability is not available; nevertheless, the HomeLink and Car2U in-car wireless systems (the built-in garage door openers) are supported. Genie does provide its customers with a pair of RF-enabled LED light bulbs that can be controlled separately from one another.
The in-garage control is a simple push-button unit, while the remote is a wireless unit with a single button. Some users have expressed regret that they did not get the more expensive Genie StealthDrive Connect model, which comes with Wi-Fi, a battery backup, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. This model costs approximately $50 more.
The Good
- Aladdin Connect Technology for remote control.
- Dual LED lights for enhanced visibility.
- Durable chain drive operation.
The Bad
- Not suitable for extremely heavy doors.
Skylink Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Chain Drive |
| Horsepower | 1/2 HP |
| Connectivity | SkylinkNet App |
| Lighting | Energy-Efficient LED |
| Max Door Height | 7 Feet |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
| Check Price |
Most experts say that to open a single-car or double-car garage door, you need a garage door opener with a 1/2 horse power motor. This 1/2 HP Atoms Chain Drive Garage Door Opener is the best garage door opener you can get for a low price. Even though it doesn’t have as many extra features as more expensive models, it’s still a good choice. You can handle your garage from your phone, just like you can with other smart garage door openers. On top of that, it works with IFTTT (If This Then That) and connects to other smart devices like Amazon Echo and Google Nest for extra functions.
When it’s connected to Google Nest, for example, the garage door will open immediately if carbon monoxide is found. You can also use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to give voice instructions. There is only one remote, but you can set it up to work with the key for your car as well. It has patented technology that makes it harder to break in, and the remote control has a key to make it even safer. You’ll love how when you walk in, bright LED lights turn on instantly to light your way. Also, if the power goes out, you don’t have to worry because this opener has a backup battery.
The Good
- Affordable and budget-friendly.
- SkylinkNet app for remote control.
- Energy-efficient LED lighting.
The Bad
- Chain drive may be noisier compared to belt drives.
Genie StealthDrive 7155-TKV Garage-Door Opener
| Type | Belt Drive |
| Horsepower | 1.25 HP |
| Connectivity | Aladdin Connect Technology |
| Lighting | LED Lights |
| Max Door Height | 7 Feet |
| Warranty | 10 Years |
| Check Price |
This Genie model, the 7155-TKV, is perfect for handling heavy doors and two-car garages because to its powerful motor. The programming of Aladdin Connect is compatible with a variety of intelligent technologies, such as Alexa, BenchSentry, Brilliant Smart Home, Car2U, Control4, Google Home, HomeLink, SmartThings, URC, and Yonomi.
In addition, its five lithium batteries offer a reliable backup power source in the event that the power goes out.The StealthDrive garage-door opener is praised by customers for its durable yet lightweight rail system, its quiet motor, and its straightforward installation process. The fact that the base model could only fit doors up to 7 feet high is something that irritates certain critical purchasers.
The Good
- Aladdin Connect Technology for remote access.
- Quiet and smooth belt drive operation.
- Energy-efficient LED lighting.
The Bad
- Higher price point compared to some models.
LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Wall-Mounted |
| Horsepower | 1/2 HP |
| Connectivity | MyQ Smartphone App |
| Lighting | Integrated LED Lights |
| Max Door Height | 14 Feet |
| Warranty | Lifetime Motor Warranty |
| Check Price |
Liftmaster is a name that our tech experts like, and the fact that you can mount the 8500 Elite Series to the wall will save you space on your ceiling. It has over 700 perfect five-star reviews, and customers say it’s “whisper quiet” and “a quality item all-around.” If you want this garage door to be smart, you can buy the Internet Gateway separately and then get MyQ smartphone control.
This will let you check the state of your garage door from your phone, set up schedules, and get real-time alerts. One thing to keep in mind is that this won’t work with roll doors or doors that don’t have much space above the track. LiftMaster says that it will only work with a front-mount torsion bar, so make sure to check the guidebook or the manufacturer’s website for more information about compatibility.
The Good
- Unique wall-mounted design saves space.
- MyQ smartphone app compatibility.
- Suitable for taller doors (up to 14 feet).
The Bad
- May require professional installation due to unique design.
The Benefits of Wi-Fi-Enabled Smart Garage Door Openers
Smart garage door openers that can connect to Wi-Fi offer a number of benefits that can make your garage much easier to use, safer, and easier to manage. Here are the most important reasons to use these new devices:
- Access and control from afar: With a smart garage door opener, you can use an app on your phone to open and close your garage door from afar. This means you can give family, friends, or service providers access to your home even when you’re not there.
- Control by Voice: Voice agents like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit can work with a lot of smart garage door openers. This lets you use voice commands to handle your garage door, making it even easier to use.
- Alerts and keeping an eye on security: Smart garage door openers send tips and messages to your phone in real time. You’ll get a warning when the garage door opens or closes. This gives you peace of mind and lets you keep an eye on what’s going on in the garage.
Key Features to Look for in a Garage Door Opener
When looking for a garage door opener, it’s important to think about a few key features to make sure you get the one that fits your needs. Here are the most important parts of a garage door opener to look for:
- Power in horses (HP): Most garage door openers can be bought with 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP, or 1 HP. Choose the right horsepower for your garage door based on its size and weight.
- Level of noise: Look for garage door openers that say “quiet” or “ultra-quiet” on the box if you have bedrooms near the garage or if you want as little noise as possible when the door is being opened and closed.
- Control by remote and compatibility: Make sure the opener comes with a key so you can use it easily from your car. Check to see if it works with the HomeLink feature in your car.
- Back-up battery: With a battery backup, your garage door opener will still work even if the power goes out, giving you entry in an emergency.
Questions and Answers
Modern garage door openers have Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth controls, and LED lighting, which makes them more flexible and easy to use.
Most of the time, the materials and building of newer garage door openers are better, which makes them more durable and reliable. They are made to work in different kinds of weather.
Yes, thanks to improvements in motor and drive technology, new garage door openers are much quieter than older ones. Homeowners like that it runs more quietly, especially those whose beds are above or next to the garage.
