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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
Garage door openers may not be a necessary purchase for your home, but they sure do make life easier, saving you the hassle of getting out of your car to open your garage by hand. Many of today’s garage door openers can even be controlled via smartphone, allowing you to check whether you remembered to shut the door from anywhere in the world.
There are several styles available, including belt-drive, chain-drive, screw-drive, and wall-mount options, and you’ll also need a model with adequate horsepower to raise and lower your garage door. As you shop, you’ll likely notice that there are a few big-name brands that dominate the market—mainly, Genie and Chamberlain—but there are several smaller manufacturers that are worth considering, as well.
To help you on your search, we spent hours researching the best garage door openers available online, evaluating ease of installation and use, functionality, and value, to come up with a list of top recommendations.
Best Overall
Genie 7155-TKV StealthDrive Connect Smart Garage Door Opener
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Amazon
Powerful 1.25-horsepower motor
Smartphone and home assistant compatibility
Built-in backup battery
Lifetime warranty on motor and belt
Extension kit for 8-foot doors sold separately
App controls could be better
Strong Wi-Fi connection needed for app control
The Genie StealthDrive Connect Garage Door Opener is powerful yet quiet. It packs a 1.25-horsepower motor with intuitive features and convenient controls into an easy-to-install design, making it our top pick for the best garage door opener.
This model relies on a five-piece rail system that's lightweight and sturdy. The rails snap together for easy installation and can support doors up to 7 feet tall. Unfortunately, if your garage door is taller than 7 feet, you'll have to purchase the extension kit for an 8-foot door separately. This garage door opener also relies on a steel-reinforced belt built to last and for quiet operation. If the noise level is one of your primary concerns, this is the model for you.
Its controls are just as user-friendly as its installation. Plus, it's app-compatible with Genie's Aladdin technology, so you can monitor and control your door via your smartphone. The StealthDrive is also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, integrating into any smart home and working via voice controls. It comes with two remotes, a wireless keypad that allows you to open the door via a pin, and a wall console, giving you even more control options. You also won't need to fret during power outages because this model has a built-in backup battery that allows you to use it up to 50 times without any central power.
Price at time of publish: $290
Dimensions: 8.5 x 12 x 28 inches | Weight: Not listed | Opener Type: Belt drive | Lifting Capacity: 1.25 horsepower | Drive Type: Ultra-quiet | Horsepower: 1.25 | Power Source: Corded-Electric, Battery Backup for Battery Power
Best Budget Garage Door Opener
beamUP Workhorse BU100 Overhead Garage Door Opener
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Amazon
Great value
Built-in LED light
Easy to install
No smartphone compatibility
If you’re willing to forego premium features, the BeamUp Workhorse BU100 Garage Door Opener is a no-frills model available at a great price. It opens an 8- by 7-foot garage door or 16- by 7-foot double door using a durable chain drive. Note that if your door is taller than 7 feet, you'll need an extension kit, which is sold separately.
While this garage door opener doesn't offer smartphone compatibility, it has a wall-mounted push button and a one-button remote. And, of course, its safety sensor stops it from closing if something is in the way. The unit has a built-in 1500 lumen LED light to help you see at night, and it offers straightforward DIY installation, saving you money, too.
Price at time of publish: $174
Dimensions: 26.7 x 7.9 x 13.8 inches | Weight: 32.2 pounds | Opener Type: Chain drive | Lifting Capacity: 0.75 horsepower | Drive Type: Anti-Break-In | Horsepower: 0.75 | Power Source: DC Motor
Best Quiet Garage Door Opener
Chamberlain B2405 Smart myQ Blue Garage Door Opener
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Amazon
Smartphone controls and monitoring
Compatible with Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery
Can be diy-installed
Keypad included
Light bulbs sold separately
No motion detection light
If you want your garage opener to work without creating a lot of noise, the Chamberlain B2405 is a great choice that offers impressively smooth and quiet operation. You can control this system via the myQ mobile app, which lets you receive alerts about the door's activity and set schedules for opening and closing the door and turning the system's lights on and off. The system is also compatible with HomeLink for remote-free control and Amazon Key for Amazon Prime package delivery to your garage.
Other features include two one-button remotes, a dual-function wall control, and safety sensors to prevent closing if they sense people or objects in the way. The two 100-watt bulbs for this unit are, unfortunately, sold separately, and there isn't a motion detection light. But, otherwise, we think there's lots to like about this quiet model.
Price at time of publish: $210
Dimensions: 26.75 x 13.13 x 9.94 inches | Weight: 36 pounds | Opener Type: Belt drive, Smart | Lifting Capacity: Not listed | Drive Type: Belt | Horsepower: 0.5 | Power Source: AC motor
Best Smart Garage Door Opener
Chamberlain B4613T Smart Belt Drive Garage Door Opener
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Amazon
Smartphone compatibility
Two long-range pre-programmed remotes
Ability to grant guest access
Built-in battery backup
Poorly written installation instructions
Safety sensors can be finicky
Extension kit required for taller doors
Smart garage door openers are quickly becoming the new normal. You can remotely control these Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled units via your smartphone, allowing you to open and close your garage from anywhere, whether you’re down the road, at work, or even on vacation. One of the best smart garage door openers is the Chamberlain B4613T Smart Belt Drive Garage Door Opener, which operates via a steel-reinforced belt drive and has built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to control the opener through the myQ app.
This unit is compatible with 7-foot garage doors (extensions for 8- and 10-foot doors are available), and it even features a built-in backup battery that allows you to operate the door when the power is out. This model also includes safety sensors, though they can be fussy. It comes with two pre-programmed remote controls that have an impressive 1,500-foot range. Thanks to the device’s smart functionality, you can grant up to three people access to your garage door—ideal for kids and visitors.
Price at time of publish: $300
Dimensions: 26.8 x 13.4 x 8.1 inches | Weight: 35 pounds | Opener Type: Belt drive | Lifting Capacity: 1.25 horsepower | Drive Type: Steel-reinforced anti-vibration Smart Belt | Horsepower: 1.25 | Power Source: Chamberlain's MAX Lift Power System plus built-in battery backup
Best Wall-Mounted
LiftMaster Elite Series 8500 Jackshaft Operator
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LiftMaster
Quiet operation
Takes up minimal space
Compatible with doors up to 14 feet
Doesn't work with roll-up doors
Bar system not included
Smart features are add-on only
The LiftMaster 8500 is a unique direct-drive garage door opener, thanks to its wall-mounted design. Instead of hanging from the ceiling and taking up room in your garage, this unit mounts beside your door, freeing up ceiling space for other storage. It can handle doors up to 14 feet tall and 650 pounds, but you must have a front-mount torsion bar system (not included) for operation. Note that this model is not compatible with roll-up doors.
Because it uses a direct drive system, the LiftMaster 8500 is extremely quiet during operation. It also has a built-in light that automatically turns on when you enter the garage. The unit comes with a wall-mount control panel and one visor remote control, and it can be upgraded to smart functionality if you purchase the brand’s 828LM Internet Gateway.
Price at time of publish: $420
Dimensions: 16.5 x 7 x 6.75 inches | Weight: 30.5 pounds | Opener Type: Direct drive | Lifting Capacity: Not listed | Drive Type: Jackshaft | Horsepower: 0.75 | Power Source: 24V DC
Best with Camera
Chamberlain B4643T Smart Built in Camera Garage Door Opener
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Amazon
Built-in HD security camera
Smartphone control
Includes two remotes
Doesn't include battery backup
Subscription required for video storage
The Chamberlain B4643T Secure View Garage Door Opener doubles as a security tool for your home, boasting a built-in high-definition camera. When the camera senses motion, such as the door opening, it will stream 1080-pixel live video to your smartphone, letting you see who is home. However, it would be best if you had a video storage subscription to store video footage for up to seven or 30 days. You can manually adjust the camera's angle 360 degrees, and it comes equipped with a glare-resistant night-vision lens and two-way audio.
You can install this garage door opener on doors up to 7 feet tall, and the high-grade belt drive operates smoothly and quietly. The B4643T has two remote controls with a range of up to 1,500 feet, as well as a multi-functional wall control and safety sensors. You can also control it through your smartphone, customizing alerts, setting personalized schedules, and more.
Price at time of publish: $310
Dimensions: 26.8 x 13.4 x 8.1 inches | Weight: 32.2 pounds | Opener Type: Belt drive | Lifting Capacity: 0.75 horsepower | Drive Type: Ultra quiet steel-reinforced | Horsepower: 0.75 | Power Source: 120V DC with plug-in
Best With Battery Backup
BeamUP Everlift BU250 Garage Door Opener with Battery Backup
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Amazon
Compatible with single or double doors
Long-lasting backup battery
Built-in LED light
Only includes one remote
Light operation can be faulty
Some garage door openers, including the BeamUp Everlift, have a built-in battery backup that keeps your garage operational in case of a power outage. The Everlift operates via a high-grade reinforced steel chain drive, and it has a powerful lithium polymer battery that kicks in during power outages, offering three times as many operating cycles as traditional lead-acid batteries.
You can use this garage door opener with 7-foot single or double doors, and it has integrated LED light bulbs to illuminate your garage at night. However, sometimes the lights' operation can be flawed and won't properly turn off. It comes with one remote control and a wall-mounted controller, and the system is quick and easy to install without any special tools.
Price at time of publish: $260
Dimensions: 27 x 14 x 8 inches | Weight: 31.9 pounds | Opener Type: Chain drive | Lifting Capacity: 0.75 horsepower | Drive Type: High-grade steel-reinforced | Horsepower: 0.75 | Power Source: DC motor with lithium battery backup
Best for Heavy Doors
Genie Signature Series MachForce Connect-4063
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Home De Pot
Extremely powerful 2-horsepower motor
Requires limited maintenance
Smartphone and home assistant compatible
Extension kit needed for doors over 7 feet tall
Strong Wi-Fi needed for reliable app control
If you have a large or heavy garage door, a heavy-duty product like the Genie Signature Series Mach Force Connect-4063 could be a perfect control method. This model has an impressive 2-horsepower motor and premium screw drive technology that makes quick work of even the heaviest doors, lifting them twice as fast as other openers.
This Genie Garage Door Opener has the brand’s Aladdin Connect Wi-Fi smartphone technology, allowing you to control it from your phone, but it also includes two pre-programmed remotes and a multi-function wall console that has a vacation lock and light control buttons. If you intend to use the app controls or Alexa and Google Home compatibility, make sure you have a consistently strong Wi-Fi connection. While this opener has a built-in light and works with doors over 7 feet tall, you must purchase the bulbs and extension kit separately.
Price at time of publish: $299
Dimensions: 40 x 9.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 40.3 pounds | Opener Type: Screw drive | Lifting Capacity: 2 horsepower | Drive Type: Maintenance-free direct | Horsepower: 2 | Power Source: 140V DC
The best garage door opener for most people is the Genie StealthDrive Connect Garage Door Opener, which has a substantial 1.25-horsepower motor, smart functionality, and even a built-in backup battery. If you’re on a budget, the BeamUp Workhorse offers great value, and its straightforward chain-drive design can handle most 7-foot garage doors.
What to Look For in a Garage Door Opener
Drive Type
Garage door openers work in a variety of ways. Some mechanisms might be preferable if you're on a budget or want a quiet model. A chain-drive model raises and lowers doors with a metal chain. These models tend to be inexpensive and able to handle heavier doors, but they're loud. A belt-drive opener uses a belt, of course, and operates more smoothly and quietly. Screw-drive openers, which lift doors with a threaded steel rod, are also quiet and won't require much maintenance. Finally, a direct-drive opener operates as a single unit—the whole contraption moves to lift the door. These tend to be the quietest, smoothest mechanisms available.
Horsepower
A garage door opener's horsepower is another important consideration to weigh. Typically, 0.5 horsepower will work for most doors in newer homes. If you have a heavier solid wood door, you may want to opt for 0.75 horsepower so it can lift it with ease. You can also get 1 and 1.5-horsepower models, but those are a better fit for commercial or special situations.
Security
Since 1993, all garage door openers have been required to have a special reversing mechanism to prevent closure if a child, pet, or car is in the way. In terms of additional security features, you get what you pay for. If safety is a top concern, you may want to opt for a model that changes the access code after each use to prevent a break-in or one that comes with a built-in camera and access to recorded footage.
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What size garage door opener do I need?
Most openers work with all sizes and configurations of garage doors. However, if your garage door is tall (usually 8 feet or more), you'll need one with a rail long enough to accommodate the height. Also, if yours is particularly heavy or has double doors, you might need one with extra horsepower.
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How do you program a garage door opener?
Virtually all garage door opener units have a "Learn" button. To pair your remote with your opener, press this button. It should activate an indicator light for 30 seconds to a minute. While it's lit, press and hold the main open/close button on the remote until the light on the overhead unit starts blinking. The blinking light tells you your garage door opener is programmed with the remote.
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How do you open a garage door manually that has a garage door opener?
Your garage door most likely has a manual cable, which disconnects from the opener chain, allowing you to open it manually. There might also be some small key you can use to unlock the manual cable (if it's not already unlocked).
Pull down hard on the cord to release the door. Then lift it with your hands, pushing it all the way up to make sure it stays in place and doesn't fall back down.
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Which is better, a chain or belt garage door opener?
The answer largely depends on your garage's location and your personal preferences. Chain options are great for heavier doors and are more affordable than their belt counterparts. They are noisier, so it may be worth getting a belt garage door opener if your garage is close to any bedrooms. Belt options also require less maintenance and can have extra features like battery backup. Some also think they open and close faster since they have a smoother operation than chain options.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written and researched by Camryn Rabideau, who is a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce. She considered a wide range of garage door openers, including models from top-name brands and smaller manufacturers, and evaluated each pick for power, convenience, and versatility. All of the garage door openers included have at least 0.5-horsepower motors and can be used on standard 7-foot garage doors. Emma Phelps, an updates writer for The Spruce, also assisted with this article by reaching out to Michelle Nichols, a Merchant at The Home Depot, who provided purchasing insight and helpful resources for garage door opener installation.
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