Best Garage Door Openers (2022)

2022-05-20 23:35:59 By : Mr. Frank Lau

The best garage door openers are quiet and reliable. Most can be installed DIY without the help of a professional and newer garage door openers have advanced features such as smartphone integration.

If you need to replace your old garage door opener, or are looking to install one for the first time, we’ve provided our top picks for the best garage door openers based on their performance and specifications. This guide also explains the different styles of garage door openers to help you choose the perfect option for your house.

The Genie StealthDrive Connect is a quiet garage door opener with a wide array of features. Its built-in Aladdin Connect technology connects via Bluetooth® with both Google Home and Alexa so you can check on your door’s status from your smartphone.

In emergency situations, the Genie StealthDrive Connect has a built-in backup battery that allows up to 50 cycles after a power outage. This opener also comes with two pre-programmed three-button remotes, a wireless PIN keypad, and a multi-function wall control console for enhanced accessibility and security.

The StealthDrive app will alert users when their garage door is left open, so this is a good option for those who want that extra layer of security.

From almost 3,400 reviews on Amazon, the Genie StealthDrive Connect has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. These reviews skew mostly positive, as over 80 percent of them are 5-star ratings.

Satisfied customers rave about StealthDrive’s easy installation process. They also appreciate how little noise the belt makes during operation. Negative reviewers complain that it is difficult to link the Aladdin Connect app to their smart home devices and the app is occasionally buggy.

Unlike other devices that hang from the ceiling, the LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series wall-mounted garage door opener mounts beside the garage door for improved accessibility. This also frees up overhead space for storing other items in the garage such as bikes or kayaks.

Due to its direct drive system, the 8500 Elite Series operates quietly. When closed, this garage door opener engages its Automatic Garage Door Lock that deadbolts the door shut for added protection. Users can download Liftmaster’s myQ® smartphone app to remotely enable their opener if they purchase the additional 828LM Internet Gateway feature.

The LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series has an average rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon from over 3,400 reviews.

Some customers who like the LiftMaster claim it’s the quietest garage door opener they’ve owned, while others appreciate its automatic locking feature. A few dissatisfied customers say their garage doors would randomly open and close for no reason.

Smart devices make it easier to monitor and control your devices, and the Chamberlain B970 does just that. It can pair to a smartphone or tablet using the myQ App and WiFi connection so a garage door’s status can be monitored from anywhere via frequent notifications. The app also provides the power status of the backup battery so it can always be ready for emergencies.

The Chamberlain’s ultra quiet belt drive has a soft start-up to reduce excess noise. Thanks to its Max Lift Power System, this opener has extreme lifting capabilities for a smooth extension even in harsh weather conditions.

We recommend the Chamberlain B970 garage door opener for tech-savvy individuals who appreciate a door that doesn’t squeak. While it may be prone to minor bugs, the Chamberlain's overall performance is tough to beat.

Amazon reviews for the Chamberlain B970 are overwhelmingly positive. It has an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 4,600 reviews. Over 85 percent of reviewers left a 5-star rating.

The quiet operation of this device is the main draw for many who leave positive reviews. Reviews also point out that this garage door opener is easy to install and find its WiFi capabilities useful. A couple of negative reviews discussed needing to buy replacement parts to fix their device’s broken motor after only a few months of use.

For those who appreciate simplicity, the Skylink Atoms ATR-1622CK is a no-hassle garage door opener. It can effortlessly open a seven-foot garage door with its powerful DC motor and durable chain drive. The Skylink uses Quiet-Drive Technology to reduce noise when functioning.

Although it doesn’t have smart device compatibility, the ATR-1622CK can be opened via either of its one-button remotes or an in-car garage door remote if a vehicle has one. Skylink’s Anti Break-In Drive System prevents unauthorized external access, as well, providing an extra layer of security against would-be thieves.

In a world run by smart devices, the Skylink Atoms ATR-1622CK demonstrates that simplicity can still be effective. This opener is best-suited for those who don’t need extra bells and whistles with their garage door opener.

Although the ATR-1622CK has an average rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon, over 70 percent of the reviews are 5-star scores. This is from almost 200 customers who left a review. 

The most common positive comment from customers is that the ATR-1622CK’s small size didn’t take up much space. There were also some reviewers who admired the motor’s quiet operation. A frequent criticism regarded the ATR-1622CK’s lack of speed, especially with heavy doors.

Whether it’s used for added security or checking what time your teenagers come home, the Chamberlain B4545T’s built-in camera streams high-resolution video straight from the garage to any connected smart device. It also has two-way communication for live conversation between the garage and linked device thanks to the myQ App.

Users can expect a sturdy design thanks to the B4545T’s steel-reinforced belt drive. Installing the device is a breeze as well, thanks to the snap-lock rail system that takes minimal effort to get working.

The Chamberlain B4545T’s camera feature can be used by parents with young children or teenagers to check when they’re coming and going, or even for car owners who like added certainty of knowing where their vehicle is at all times.

The average rating on Amazon for the B4545T is 4.6 stars. This is from over 580 reviews, 81 percent of which are 5-star ratings. Less than five percent of reviewers left a 1-star review. 

Straightforward installation and high-quality WiFi capabilities are the two most recognized pros by customers who left positive reviews. Negative reviews, on the other hand, are quick to discredit the camera’s quality, especially when streaming a live feed.

When choosing a garage door opener, you'll want to consider the drive type as well as horsepower. You might also consider whether you want extra features such as a camera or smartphone integration.

The best garage door openers can cost as low as $150, though you may end up paying upwards of $300 if you want extra features such as increased lift speed, soft starting, and quiet operation.

There are three main drive models of garage door openers:

Typically, a 0.5 horsepower motor is sufficient to lift most garage doors. Heavier doors made of materials such as wood may require a stronger motor that can run at 0.75-HP. Industrial-grade garages need motors that are as high as 1- or 1.5-HP.

To select the five garage door openers in this review, our team searched Amazon and Advance Auto Parts for top products, looking at factors like customer ratings, prices, superlatives, and Prime shipping eligibility.

How long does a garage door opener last?

The typical garage door opener is designed to last anywhere from 10 to 15 years before needing to be replaced. Some may last longer or shorter depending on their build quality and whether or not regular maintenance is administered.

Why does my remote opener not work?

Sometimes, radio frequencies from other electronics in a garage door opener’s immediate area can interfere with the signal between the opener and the remote. Be sure to check if there are any such devices that could tamper with this signal. The best way to ensure a clean connection is to use a WiFi-enabled garage door opener that links with a smart device.

What do I do if my garage door doesn’t close all the way?

Check the sensors to make sure they are fully functional and aimed accordingly. Unaligned sensors can cause the door to stop mid or partially-down when closing. If the sensors aren’t the issue, consider checking with the manufacturer for more information or purchasing an extension kit.

*Data accurate at time of publication.