Despite the fact that Chamberlain garage door openers are the most popular today, we also explored other models on the market and chose the best garage door opener in 2021.
BEST CHOICE
- 25 HP motor
- Anti-vibration technology
- Ultra-quiet belt drive
- Works even when the power is out
- Garage control with your smartphone
Garage door openers play a significant role in the safety of a home, as well as the functionality of your garage door. These devices are used every single day, and hence they need to be safely installed and to work properly. Whether it’s time to replace your old garage door opener or simply buy an upgrade, this article is a good place to start with. In this article, we’ll talk about how to choose a garage door opener. And we also give you garage door opener reviews to help you make a well-informed buy.
Contents
Types of garage door openers
Before looking into different features of this device, you may want to learn a thing or two on different types of garage door openers (there are four of them). This will help you choose the best garage door opener for your budget and your needs. Basically, all four types have a motor that moves a trolley. The trolley is connected to the door and when it is activated, the door moves up or down. What differs with each type is the driving utility.
Chain-driven garage door openers
Chain drive openers are affordable and durable which is why they are so popular. They are also very resilient and strong, being suitable for older doors. A chain-driven garage door opener uses a metal chain to drive the trolley that then opens and closes the door. However, because of the metal chain, this garage door opener is noisy. Chain drive openers are a good choice for a garage that is detached from the house.
Belt-driven garage door openers
Compared to chain drive openers, belt-driven garage door openers make less noise and vibrations. This is because a rubber belt is used to move the trolley. This type is a good choice if your garage isn’t separated from your house. Your family members won’t be disturbed when you open and close the garage in the middle of the night.
In addition, the movements of a rubber belt are smoother which results in less frequent maintenance. As a result of all these advantages, belt drive openers are more expensive than chain-drive.
Screw-driven garage door openers
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Screw-driven garage door openers are considered the fastest garage door openers. They are even two times faster than chain drive garage door openers. Another advantage is durability and reliability. Namely, screw-driven garage door openers use a threaded steel rod to move the trolley. So, basically, the rod rotates like a screw in order to lift the door. This results in fewer moving parts and hence fewer repairs. However, screw drive openers need to be regularly lubricated to keep working properly because the major downside is wearing on the screw threads.
Screw drive openers are smoother and produce less noise than chain drives. This makes them a great choice for all types of houses, especially for those where a garage is built right to the house. But, this type of a garage door opener should not be used with heavy, older doors because the screw threads will wear down quickly due to more strain placed on them.
Jackshaft garage door openers
Jackshaft garage door openers are getting more and more popular, due to their advantages. This type of garage door opener ensures better protection from burglars. Unlike the first three types that are mounted on the ceiling, this one is mounted on the wall next to the door. Many models come with a deadbolt that is automatically activated whenever the garage door is closed, making it almost impossible for a burglar to get in. Moreover, they don’t occupy space on the ceiling, leaving you room to store cumbersome items there.
Jackshaft garage door openers look fancy and come with a plethora of computerized settings. This makes them a great choice for those who appreciate technology and want to customize their garage door opener. But, keep in mind they are much more expensive than previous garage door openers we’ve talked about because of onboard computerization. Also, this type works on large (sectional) doors.
Direct-drive garage door openers
Direct-drive garage door openers ensure a quiet, smooth and simple operation. They use a chain or belt, but instead of using a stationary motor, they actually employ a motor to move the trolley. This makes them extremely quiet and reliable (considering the motor is the only moving part). The direct drive garage door opener is a good option for properties of any size or design. However, this type is also somewhat costly.
What to look for when choosing the best garage door opener
Although buying a garage door opener is not rocket science, it does help to learn what things to pay attention to when buying one of these. As always, the goal here is to spend money intelligently hence select a product that will last for years. That being said, here are some things you should keep in mind.
Horsepower
Horsepower ratings for garage door openers vary from 1/3 to 1 1/2. Your garage door opener should be powerful enough to do its job without getting tired. But, on the other hand, you don’t want to buy an opener with too much horsepower when you actually don’t need it because it will consume more energy for nothing. Look for a garage door opener that is suitable for your garage door. If you have a new, standard garage door, then you’ll need to buy a door opener with ½ horsepower. For older models, you’ll need a more powerful opener because this type of doors is usually solid and heavy. Refer to this list so you can easily choose what you need.
- 1/3 HP. For a single-car garage door, an opener with 1/3 horsepower will be powerful enough though you can opt for more HP to reduce strain on the device.
- 1/2 HP. For a dual-car garage door or sectional doors, 1/2 HP will usually provide enough power.
- 3/4 — 1 1/2 HP. If you want a high-tech garage door opener, look for an opener with horsepower at/above ¾.
The motor of a garage door runs on alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). DC is a better option because this type of motor is smaller and quieter. In addition, DC-powered garage door openers can transform AC into DC power.
Safety features
The automatic reversing feature is a must because it increases safety. If the
garage door encounters an obstacle (toy, tools…) while closing, it will reverse the direction. This feature is mostly found in newer models, together with other safety features. So, if your garage door opener is old, that is, manufactured before 1993, think about upgrading the device. Other features are rolling code technology and manual release.
The rolling code technology means that each time you use a remote for your garage door opener; a new code will be set. This increases protection from burglars.
As for the manual release, this certainly is a handy feature when your house is out of electricity. When this happens, you’ll still be able to open the garage by hand. This will give you peace of mind. Just as the manual release is helpful in case of power loss, so are battery backups. This is one more thing to add to your list.
The security light is another feature you would want; as it will light up your way and help you avoid obstacles and possibly injuries. Best garage door openers come with this feature so choose wisely.
Additional features
High-end garage door openers offer a plethora of add-ons, such as integration with Alexa and auto-close feature. Of course, if you can afford one of these, you won’t regret it because you’ll get extra convenience.
Installation
Installing a garage door opener is not something you would want to take lightly. It’s not a fun DIY project you want to gamble with. If not installed properly, the door can fall and cause damage to your garage and possibly hurt you. In fact, injuries caused by improper garage door opener installation are not uncommon (you might want to check statistics from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System)
Therefore, we highly recommend calling a professional to install your new garage door opener. Another important thing is door maintenance. You certainly want to keep your garage door opener properly functioning. So, this is something you may also want to discuss with a professional.
In order to help you choose a garage door opener, we’ve listed some of the best products in terms of money and performance. So, read on to find out what makes them so good.
Best garage door openers in 2021
| Preview | Product name | Drive system | HP | Warranty | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Chamberlain B970 | Belt Drive | 1.25 HP | 10-year coverage for the motor, 2 years for chain and other parts | |
 | Chamberlain C410 | Chain Drive | 1/2 HP | • 10 Year-Motor • 1 Year-Chain, Parts, and Accessories | |
 | Liftmaster 8164W | Chain Drive | 1/2 HP | • 1-Year Remote Control • 4-Year warranty on the motor • 1-Year on the parts and chain | |
 | Genie ChainMax 1000 | Chain Drive | 3/4 HP | • 5-year motor • 1-year parts | |
 | Chamberlain B1381 | Belt Drive | 1 1/4 HP | • Lifetime Warranty for Belt and Motor • 5 Years for parts |
Garage door opener reviews
Chamberlain B970 – Best overall
KEY FEATURES
- MyQ technology
- Remote with an extended range
- Belt-driven system
- 25 HP motor
This Chamberlain garage door opener is packed with fantastic features, being the best smart garage door opener for this price.
The Chamberlain B970 is our first choice as it provides a great value for the money, making it the best garage door opener at the moment.
What makes this model a great choice is the built-in MyQ technology. You just need to download the MyQ app and set it up. The app gives you plenty of options, such as opening/closing the door, setting a schedule (program the app to close the door at the same time every day), linking accounts with smart home devices. Etc. Although this model can be connected to other smart home devices, you’ll need to pay monthly fees if you want to use these services.
The B970 garage door opener also has a backup battery. So, if the power goes out, you’ll still be able to control the garage door.
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Another great thing about this unit is the remote that offers a much longer range. You don’t have to wait for the garage door to open anymore. Instead, when you’re halfway down the street, just press the button and the door will start opening for you.
This is a belt-driven opener, which means it ensures a smooth and quiet operation. You can leave for work early in the morning and let others sleep soundly.
As for the installation, you’ll probably want to call a handyman to help you out and ensure everything’s set correctly. But, keep in mind this will add $150-200 to the price.
What we like:
- You can control the door from your Smartphone
- MyQ app gives you plenty of options
- Smooth and quiet operation
- The remote has an extended range
What we didn’t like:
- You have to call a handyman to install the unit
- If you’d like to use Google, IFTTT or other smart home conveniences, you’ll have to pay a monthly fee
Chamberlain C410 – Best cheap Chamberlain garage door opener
KEY FEATURES
- 1/2-horsepower
- Superior range
- Anti-theft protection
- Chain-driven system
This model has much to offer which is why it is the best cheap Chamberlain garage door opener. If you’re looking for a reliable device that will open and close the garage door safely and smoothly, this may be just what you need.
Here we have another Chamberlain garage door opener, only this one has a chain-driven system. The unit has rugged steel construction and precision fabrication so it is highly reliable and will last for years to come. You also get a 10-year warranty on the motor and a 2-year warranty on the parts. Since this is a chain drive opener, it produces much more noise compared to other types of openers.
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This model has 1/2-horsepower and can handle typical residential garage doors up to 300 pounds. So, if your door weighs more than this, you should consider a more powerful opener. The Chamberlain C410 increases protection from burglars and hacking thanks to code encryption. And in case of power loss, you will be able to manually release the garage door.
The Chamberlain C410 features the Exclusive Triband technology that ensures up to 1,500 feet remote range.
The last thing worth mentioning is an easy installation. With online pre-programmed remotes, online installation videos, and a snap-lock rail system, you can install this unit on your own (that is if you’ve already done this kind of installation), saving money on installation.
What we like:
- Affordable
- Reliable and durable
- Code encryption protects from burglars
- Superior range
- Easy to install
What we didn’t like:
- Noisy
- Not powerful enough to lift doors that weigh more than 300 pounds
Liftmaster 8164W – Another cheap garage door opener
KEY FEATURES
- 1/2 HP AC motor
- BUILT-IN WI-FI
- Auto-reversing function
- SECURITY+ 2.0
The Liftmaster 8164W opener offers good performance and even better price, being a good option for anyone who doesn’t want to spend much on a garage door opener yet want a reliable product.
The Liftmaster 8164W opener may be the best garage door opener for you if you’re looking for a reliable and cheap device. Let’s take a look at this Liftmaster garage door opener review and see what’s in store for you.
A chain-driven system ensures a steady and strong performance every time so you’ll have peace of mind for months to come. In addition, a 1/2hp AC motor ensures the door is lifted without putting too much strain on the unit which further adds to the reliability of this model.
As far as protection from burglars is concerned, the device sends a new code every time you use the door. And with the MyQ app, you can control the door from virtually anywhere. The Liftmaster 8164W also features an auto-reversing function which is certainly a big plus at this price point.
The device doesn’t come with proper installation instructions, making the installation process harder and longer than it’s supposed to be.
What we like:
- Cheap
- Chain-drive system and powerful motor for durability and strength
- Easy to use
- Increases protection from burglars
What we didn’t like:
- Installation may be complicated due to a lack of proper instructions
Genie ChainMax 1000 – Best for heavy doors
KEY FEATURES
- 3/4 HP DC motor
- The chain drive system
- You get 2 remotes, a wireless keypad, and a multi-function wall console
- Safe-T beam system
The ChainMax 1000 is another chain-drive opener worth the money. Just like most chain-driven systems this one also promises reliability and durability at a great price.
This may be a bit more expensive chain drive opener, but you do get a lot for the price. For example, a reinforced low-profile rail helps prevent dirt buildup that would otherwise jam the unit and hinder its performance. Next, two pre-programmed remotes, a wireless keypad, and a multi-function wall console are all included in the package. On top of all, this model features a Safe-T Beam system to help prevent accidents or damaging your car.
The DC motor operates on 140 volts and is a 3/4 HP unit. This means it can lift heavy garage doors without wearing down the motor. This model is powerful enough for 7-feet doors, but it doesn’t work for 8-feet doors. In that case, you need to purchase the extension kit.
This model is not as loud as similar products are. However, you should still expect some level of noise, because after all, this is a chain drive opener.
If you’ve already have had experience installing a garage door opener then you’ll find the installation easy and fast. Just don’t count on the instructions because they are not written clearly.
What we like:
- Suitable for lifting heavy doors
- Reliable and durable chain-drive system
- Easy to install
- Quieter than most chain-drive models
What we didn’t like:
- Not for 8-feet garage doors
- Instructions aren’t clear
Chamberlain B1381 – Top-rated garage door opener
KEY FEATURES
- 1¼ HP motor
- Belt-drive system
- MyQ app and Wi-Fi connection
- Corner-to-corner LED Lighting system
The B1381 model is the best-rated garage door opener in this price range for a reason. It also has a Wi-Fi radio connection to the MyQ app to allow you to remotely access your garage door. Those who’d like to replace their archaic door opener should take a look at this Chamberlain model.
Just like the first product we’ve covered, this one uses the special Chamberlain mobile application – MyQ. This app lets you connect your Smartphone or tablet to the unit and open/close your garage door from anywhere you can get Wi-Fi access.
A belt-drive system makes this device quiet whereas a powerful 1¼ HP motor ensures durability and reliability. A backup battery surge comes in handy in the event of a power loss. It will operate the door for one-two days. Apart from the rechargeable battery, a wireless keypad, 2 remotes, and safety sensors are what else you get with this device. The feature that you will certainly love is the LED Lighting that will illuminate the whole garage.
As for the installation, you might want to leave that to a professional. Also, this model comes with lots of features, so it may not be the best choice for newbies.
What we like:
- MyQ app and Wi-Fi connection give you quick access to the door
- Belt-drive system ensures smooth and quiet operation
- LED Lighting illuminates the whole garage
- Comes with a backup battery, 2 remotes, and a wireless keypad
What we didn’t like:
- You cannot install it on your own
- Not for newbies
- Pricey
Best smart garage door openers
If you’re looking for a simple upgrade for your older garage door, check out our smart garage door opener reviews.
Chamberlain MYQ-G0301 – Best smart garage door opener in 2021 (Our pick)
KEY FEATURES
- Open/close your garage door from anywhere
- Real-time alerts when your garage door opens or closes
- Compatible with most garage door openers made after 1993
Not only is the Chamberlain MYQ hub the best smart garage door opener, but it is also an affordable way to upgrade your old garage door opener.
If your garage door opener still works well, there is no need to buy a new one. However, there is something you can do to upgrade your older garage opener and make the most out of it – buy the Chamberlain MYQ hub.
The features you get with this device will certainly give a new flair to your garage door, and make your life so much easier. Thanks to this upgrade, you’ll be able to open and close the garage door from virtually anywhere as long as you have WI-FI. You’ll also get a notification on a door status and real-time alerts when the door opens or closes. You can also link your MyQ account to Google Assistant or IFTTT but you’ll have to pay a monthly or annual fee.
Installation is easy since there are only two smaller parts. You get the door sensor that you need to mount on the garage door and a Wi-Fi hub that needs to be mounted to the ceiling, next to the garage door opener. And of course, you need to download the MyQ app on your Smartphone and set up your account.
While this is one great device, there are some things to keep in mind before buying it. The first one is to check whether your current garage door opener is actually compatible with the MyQ hub and app. To find this out, simply go to Chamberlain’s site and find a MyQ Compatibility Tool.
The second thing is to check how strong or weak a Wi-Fi signal in your garage is. If it’s weak, you’ll have difficulties trying to connect your phone and the device. And the last thing is that you can only connect ONE phone to your garage door opener.
What we like:
- An affordable way to upgrade your garage door opener
- You get a variety of features that make controlling and accessing your garage door really simple
- You can install it in minutes
What we didn’t like:
- The MyQ app allows only 1 phone to connect to the garage door opener
- The Wi-Fi signal needs to be strong otherwise the unit won’t work
NEXX Garage NXG-100b – Wi-Fi garage door opener for multiple-user access
KEY FEATURES
- Multi-user access
- Remote monitoring and access to the garage door
- Real-time activity logging;
- Compatible with most garage door openers
The NEXX Garage NXG-100b may be the best Wi-Fi garage door opener if more people will use the garage. It’s convenient and really easy to use, once you set it up.
The NEXX Garage NXG-100b is another upgrade for garage door openers that need a little enhancement. Compared to the previous product we’ve reviewed, this one has a major advantage – multi-user access. So, if more people need access to the garage, no problem.
Just like the Chamberlain MyQ smart garage door opener, this one also offers remote monitoring and access to the garage door, as well as real-time notifications. Another handy feature is a reminder if you forgot to close the door. This is something you’ll be especially thankful for on the days you’re in a rush.
When it comes to set up and installation – well, it may be harder and more time-consuming than you first thought. You’ll have to dedicate some time to check installation videos and read the instructions, and then you’ll have to run to the local hardware store and pick up a few items that will be needed for in installation.
What we like:
- Reliable
- A convenient way to monitor your garage door
- Multiple-user access
- A reminder if you forgot to close your garage door
What we didn’t like:
- Setup and installation take time
Gogogate 2 – Wi-Fi garage door opener with video monitoring feature
KEY FEATURES
- Video monitoring feature
- Notifications for garage door events
- Real-time garage door status
- Garage door / gate status monitoring
Gogogate 2 is a garage controller that controls up to three doors at once and also works with third-party cameras for live images of your garage door – to give you that extra peace of mind.
Just like the other two products, this one also offers a fast way to operate your garage door from far away, get notifications for garage door events and real-time garage door status.
Gogogate 2 is a great choice if you need to control up to three different doors or gates. You can also open the garage door for your guests, even if you’re at work.
But, what makes the Gogogate 2 stand out from the other two products is a video monitoring feature. So, you can have live video confirmation that your garage door is closed. Here’s the full compatibility chart so you can check with which cameras, the Gogogate app works with. The catch is that it definitely takes effort, patience, and time to set a camera and the device up.
Also, if you plan to use a voice assistant, you’ll need IFTTT applets.
What we like:
- Affordable
- Live images to confirm your garage door is closed
- Controls up to 3 different doors or gates
What we didn’t like:
- Setup is complicated
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jim Powell
Jim is our staff editor and writer. He has a degree in engineering. His hobbies are radio engineering and new technologies about which he has been writing for more than 7 years.
One comment
BGG
June 4, 2019 at 6:51 PM
I have Chamberlain 410. This is an amazing device!!