One of the best things about garage door openers is that you can trust them to last a while. You can expect on an average at least 10 to 15 years. However, when the time comes for you to get a new one, you have a ton of options to choose from.
Of course, you might think that they all serve the same basic purpose, so there’s not really much to think about. But the truth is, all systems are not created equally. There are tons of models out in the market. And if you think that automatic garage door openers aren’t for you, you need to rethink your decision.
Watching your garage door open by itself is one of the very few things that feel amazing. Imagine being able to drive into your garage all safe and dry on a stormy night with heavy rain outside, it sure does sound great. Now, without further ado, let’s jump right into our list of the best garage door openers in 2021!
12 Best Garage Door Openers in 2021
| Product Name | Dimensions (Inches) | Weight (lbs.) | Features |
| Chamberlain B970T | 18 x 10 x 6.5 | 35 | ● Offers battery backup
● Constructed with high grade materials ● Smart device with Wi-Fi compatibility |
| Sommer Direct Drive 1042V004 | 42 x 10 x 6.5 | 37 | ● Offers quiet use
● Almost no vibrations ● Comes with a pressure plate |
| LiftMaster 8500 | 48 x 12 x 16 | 30.4 | ● Space saving design
● Makes almost no sound ● Robust build quality and excellent design |
| Genie SilentMax 1200 | 39.8 x 11.75 x 9.5 | 30.9 | ● 140V DC powerful motor
● Comes with motion detector ● Works with no sound at all |
| Decko 24503 | 25 x 11.9 x 9.1 | 33.4 | ● Comes with additional accessories
● Offers easy installation ● Durable and solid build quality |
| Chamberlain B1381 | 26.75 x 13.38 x 8.06 | 36 | ● Comes with battery backup
● 7 feet rail length ● Smart controlling feature |
| Genie Chain Drive 500 | 30 x 14 x 10 | 28.1 | ● Compact design
● Offers quiet usage ● Comes with a powerful motor |
| beamUP Workhorse BU100 | 12.4 x 10 x 6.7 | 0.01 | ● Offers a lot of durability
● 100W LED lighting ● Extremely lightweight |
| Genie 1/2 HPC 3053-TV | 28 x 8.5 x 12 | 29.9 | ● Easy installation feature
● Smart assistant compatible ● Comes with additional accessories |
| Genie 2055 | 8.5 x 12 x 28 | 26.6 | ● Fast and easy installation
● Comes with included accessories ● CAR2U and HOMELINK compatible |
| Craftsman ½ HP Chain Drive | 26.46 x 14.09 x 8.5 | 36.1 | ● Has sleep mode for energy efficiency
● Durable and long-lasting build quality ● Saves a lot of energy |
| SKYLINK ATR-1622BK | 12.13 x 5.63 x 5.5 | 9.3 | ● Has a powerful DC motor
● Built-in LED lighting ● Robust build quality |
To narrow down your search and help you find the best one, we have made a detailed guide on all of the garage door openers on our list so you can check them out for all their pros and cons. Let’s jump right into our guide to know all about them!
1. Chamberlain B970T
The world now is all about easy access and being connected. So, of course now you are able to get yourself a garage door opener that can be controlled just with your smartphone. It’s fair to say that these aren’t the type of garage door openers that you found in your parents’ home and the one you grew up with.
The garage door by Chamberlain comes with a built-in feature known as the myQ technology. It essentially allows you to check the status of your garage door opener. And of course, open and close it as well just by using the myQ app from your smartphone.
So, now you don’t have to be worried about whether or not you closed the garage door on your way out because you can check the app on your phone. The B970T is not just durable with its quality material construction and steel reinforced belt drive, but it also operates quietly.
You get delivery forces up to 1-1/4 HP due to the whole system being powered by the Max Lift Power System from Chamberlain. This garage door opener comes with a motion detecting control panel and a pair of safety sensors.
Your garage lights are automatically turned on when motion is detected and Posi-Lock anti-theft protection with a wireless keypad. So, you don’t have to worry about running the wires around.
As if all these features weren’t already enough, this garage door opener can even connect with some popular apps such as IFTTT, Google Assistant, Wink and Key by Amazon. All of these apps combine to bring your smart home together.
So, if you’re looking for a garage door opener that isn’t just your typical one, then the B970T is definitely going to be one of your best options.It’s going to help you bring a touch of the modern era to your home.
Pros:
- Comes with wireless keypad
- Works with myQ technology
- Works as a smart garage door opener
- Has a 3-button remote
Cons:
- All of these high tech features require more setup time
- Needs a Wi-Fi connection to work
Check out the latest price here >>>
2. Sommer Direct Drive 1042V001
The Direct Drive 1042V001 from Sommer is known to operate really quietly, to the point that it practically gives off no vibrations. Unlike your conventional garage door openers that make use of a noisy belt, screw or chain, the Direct Drive has only one moving part and a strong traveling motor with a 3/4-HP opener.
You are sure to get a smooth operation with the soft start and stop technology since the motor silently glides along the chain which is embedded in a sturdy steel rail.
This garage door opener is made in Germany and it’s considered to be one of the most innovative technologies in Europe being only one of its kinds. It comes with a lifetime warranty and you also get a rail to use for doors going up to 7 or 8 feet high with the kit.
According to Sommer, the Direct Drive has been cycle tested up to 100,000 times by a completely independent testing institute. You’re going to get one interior wall station and a pair of two button transmitters with each kit.
The transmitters make use of a secure rolling code technology at around 310 MHz. The device is compatible with HomeLink, so you can easily use the built-in garage remote in your vehicle.
Like you’d expect to see in most modern garage door openers, the Direct Drive also offers you a safety beam sensor.It sends an invisible beam across the opening door of your garage, which automatically reverses the door if anything were to interrupt the beam while the door is being closed.
Pros:
- Made with trusted materials from Germany
- Operates with extreme silence
- Offers a lifetime warranty
- Has a safety beam sensor
Cons:
- The controller has smaller buttons
- There have been complaints about the door opening too slow
- Doesn’t work with myQ
Check out the latest price here >>>
3. Liftmaster 8500
The Liftmaster 8500 is powered by a 24-volt DC motor and it is designed with space kept in mind. So, you are able to save more space overhead inside your garage, which is why this garage opener comes in a wall mount design.
This also means your garage door opener doesn’t have the need to hang from rails. It serves as a great benefit if your garage has a car lift or you just need the extra space for a lifted truck or even a motorhome.
You are ensured a reliable and silent operation and also a smooth start and stop. The system also has an auto force feature which allows the system to adjust the forces of the door for floor height. Door track movements and temperature fluctuations are controlled by monitoring the garage door system.
The enclosed gear case on the system ensures that you are given a smooth operation and longer lasting life by providing protection and continuous lubrication.
The Protector System mechanism on this device uses an invisible beam that goes across the opening of your garage door and reverses your door automatically if the beam is interrupted by anything while the door is going down.
Additionally, if the infrared beam from the Protector System is broken, the opener light is turned on automatically. Using the powerhead or the MyQ control panel which are included, you can program your security codes electronically.
For more security, the Liftmaster 8500 comes with a six foot power cord that is attached to it and has a power deadbolt lock. If you want good lighting, you get that too with the remote light kit which can be mounted anywhere in your garage. It can easily deliver you light up to 200 watts with light time delay that is adjustable.
You should know that this garage door opener doesn’t work with roll up doors because of the low headroom track. If you want to use this system, you would need to have a garage door that is sectional and has a front mount torsion spring with an one inch shaft.
The Liftmaster 8500 is easily able to handle doors that are up to 180 square feet in size, going up to a maximum weight of 650 pounds and are around 14 feet tall.
Each of the packages come with a MyQ control panel, a 893MAX three button remote control, a power door lock, a Remote Light, a cable tension monitor and of course safety sensors. This machine also gives you a warranty of five years for the parts and also a lifetime warranty for the motor.
Pros:
- Saves a lot of space with the wall mount design
- Compatible with and includes MyQ Control Panel
- Has an auto force feature
- Offers a smooth start and stop
- Includes Protector System feature
Cons:
- The compatibility with HomeLink doesn’t really apply with older vehicles
- There have been complaints of about poor customer service
Check out the latest price here >>>
4. Genie SilentMax 1200
Genie is one of the more popular brands when it comes to garage door openers. They offer a wide range of devices for your garage door. And the SilentMax 1200 is one of their popular garage door openers.
The SilentMax 1200 is a great option to consider if your garage is attached to your home. It is powered with a lighter weight 140-volt DC motor which provides ultra-quiet and very smooth operation due to soft start and stop.
This garage door opener packs in enough power to be used with almost any residential garage door that goes up to 7 feet high or even 8 feet, but with an extension kit which is sold separately.
This garage door opener makes use of the Safe T-Beam system in order to prevent accidents with the help of an invisible infrared beam that goes across the garage door opening. Just as the same with high end garage door openers, this also reverses automatically if something were to interrupt the beam while the door is closing.
According to Genie, the beams have a diagnostic technology which enhances them and also notify you in the event of a malfunction. You are also given a two bulb lighting system with the machine with given space for a 100 watt bulb pair, which are of course, sold separately.
You get an added motion detector built-in with this garage door opener. This allows for better security and convenience since it turns the overhead lights on automatically. To prevent any unauthorized access to your garage, the SilentMax 1200 uses Intellicode Security technology.
The Intellicode technology is essentially a rolling code technology which helps to change the access code to your garage after each activation of the door.
The garage door opener comes with a limited lifetime gearbox and motor warranty. Each of the kits includes a wireless keypass keypad, buttons for vacation lock and light control, a multi-functional wall console and of course a pair of pre-programmed three button remotes.
Pros:
- Limited lifetime gearbox and motor warranty
- Comes with Intellicode security
- Has a motion detector built in
- Safe T-Beam system
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- There have been complaints about the reliability
- The users have reported issues with the range of the remote control
Check out the latest price here >>>
5. Decko 24503
Decko comes in here with two very affordable options for garage openers and both of them offer 3/4-HP heavy duty door openers which can either be belt driven or chain driven.
The motor is designed to have reliable and quiet operation and also allows you to easily adjust the travel limits as well as the force with just the push of a button.
The garage door opener has an included auto reverse safety system that has optical sensors making and installing this kit is very easy with the non-polarized wired connections.
Just as you would expect from the best garage door openers, this one too has an auto reverse system.It can stop the door from closing if anything were to get in the way of the infrared beam while the door is closing.
The Decko garage door opener can easily withstand high heat and low temperatures due to their design and it is manufactured with a 20 point inspection quality control procedure.
With this machine, you are given a yearlong warranty on the parts and also a lifetime limited motor warranty. The package of this device includes a lighting system with two bulbs going up to 100 watts per piece.
The Decko 24503 can easily handle sectional garage doors that are up to seven feet tall, and also 18 feet wide.It includes an extension of eight feet to be able to accommodate larger doors.
All of the kits include a three button remote control pair, optical safety sensors and a three function wall panel. Another great feature included with the Decko garage door opener is that it is also compatible with HomeLink.
Pros:
- Comes in at a more affordable price
- Users have reported the customer service to be great
- Provides belt driven and chain driven options
- Has an auto reverse safety system
- ¾ HP motor
- Lifetime limited motor warranty
Cons:
- Even though it can be used during cold weathers, it isn’t the best in the cold
- There have been complaints from customers about the range of the remote
Check out the latest price here >>>
6. Chamberlain B1381
If you’re looking for a garage door opener that has all of the latest features you would need, then you surely have to check the B1381 by Chamberlain with the impressive list of features that it has to offer.
One of the most prominent features of this garage door opener is the lighting system. The lights on this system are shockingly bright. And if you are someone who uses their garage as their workspace for projects or you just have a workshop in your garagem then you will definitely get benefit from this feature.
Like most of the best garage door openers, the B1381 is also of course compatible with the MyQ control from your smartphone, which lets you access and monitor your garage from wherever you are.
This machine is designed to directly connect to the router in your home so you can use the MyQ app right away and also control the garage door opener from anywhere.
However, if you run into an issue where the Wi-Fi signal is too weak, because of how far your router is from your garage, then you might just reposition your router so that there’s a better and stronger connection established from your router to your garage door opener. Using a range extender is also a viable option that you can try in this case.
With a motor that goes up 5/4 HP, the garage door opener gets enough power to be able to handle and lift up doors that are up to 550 pounds and up to 10 feet high, but keep in mind that anything over 7 feet requires a separate extension kit.
The B1381 comes included with a pair of remote controls. But, if you have a vehicle that is HomeLink enabled you can just have it connected to your car directly, eliminating the need for you to use the remotes altogether.
The security features of this garage door opener encrypt your guard and remote controls, so that you are protected against hacking. In case you forget to close the door, the adjustable “time to close” setting will automatically close the door for you.
Apart from being able to program a range of schedules for opening and closing, the B1381 is able to take customization even a step further depending on which controller you use by letting you change the individual settings.
Pros:
- Comes with a lifetime motor and belt warranty
- Battery life is displayed on control pad
- Compatible with Amazon Key so your deliveries can be allowed access
- Offers a quiet operation
Cons:
- A bit more on the expensive side
- A range extender may be necessary for stronger Wi-Fi signal
Check out the latest price here >>>
7. Genie Chain Drive 500
When you are out to get choose from the best garage door openers with the latest features and a modern design, you will find that most of them are pretty expensive. However, if you want to save a few bucks, then the Chain Drive 500 by Genie is the one for you.
Of course,you won’t get all the high tech features that you would with something more expensive. And this garage door opener isn’t the best for handling doors on the heavy side, but it does the basic job of lowering and raising the door perfectly.
When it comes to installing the Chain Drive 500 from Genie, it is actually a fairly easy experience as all of its components are lighter in weight. This garage door opener is able to open up doors that are 350 pounds and 7 feet high with the ½ HP motor, even though it comes in a lightweight design.
You obviously need to make a few sacrifices when it comes to getting something for this low of a price. Such as you’re only going to get one light bulb socket that is limited to only 60 watts with the Chain Drive 500.
More expensive models are able to go with two light bulbs each with 100 watts, meaning a lot more light in your garage. The kit on this device doesn’t ship with an exterior opener for the keypad, so it needs to be bought separately.
Pros:
- The price is considerably low
- Very quick and easy to install
- Has a lightweight design
- The instructions included are very clear
- Works great with standard garage doors
Cons:
- Limits the use to just one light bulb
- Doesn’t offer a lot of the high end features
Check out the latest price here >>>
8. BeamUP Workhorse BU100
The BeamUP Workhorse BU100 is another great option if you’re looking for affordability in a garage door opener. It’s one of the best garage door openers that include different accessories and an actual motorized opener.
The BeamUP BU100 is a very budget friendly garage door opener that doesn’t require the need for any special tools to set it up, and allows for a very easy installation process.
With a motor of ¾ HP, it can easily list most types of garage doors without a problem. You are also going to get quite a bit of light with this garage door opener of up to 100 watts, and this is also very energy efficient.
It provides a smooth and quiet operation with its high-end components. The Workhorse BU100 has a reliable and powerful performance and this device works with a heavy duty chain.
The garage door opener is also able to connect with your smart home devices and applications such as, HomeLink, Alexa, IFTTT and even your Apple Watch and provide you with a smart and modern experience.
Pros:
- Offers an easy to install process
- Has a quiet operating process
- Gives you built in LED light features
- Compatible with Apple Watch, Alexa etc.
Cons:
- If you need extension kits, you have to buy them separately
Check out the latest price here >>>
9. Genie 1/2 HPC 3053-TV
This garage door opener has a ½ HP DC motor that is equipped with a reinforced system of steel belt. It makes it a great pair up for the garages that connect with your living room.
The garage door opener provides you with great operation for the sectional garage doors and can take on lifting garage doors that are up to 500 pounds and 7 feet high. If you’re willing to purchase an extension kit you can have it handle doors of 8 feet as well.
The Genie ½ HPC garage door opener is much more comfortable to use with the Aladdin Connect app on your smartphone. You do a lot with just the use of your phone, such as creating different profiles or track the history of who opened your garage door when.
With the help of this app you can also easily connect and synchronize your garage door opener with your smart assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant.
This machine also comes integrated with Genie Sense Monitoring and Diagnostic Technology. This monitors your garage at all times and alerts you if any significant changes occur.
You also get the Intellicode rolling security system equipped in your Genie remote control system to avoid any kinds of hacks by generating a new code each time you use it.
With this garage door opener you are given a limited lifetime warranty and limited belt warranty of 15 years, if that’s not enough you also get a limited 1 year warranty for accessories and a limited 5 year warranty for the parts.
Pros:
- Offers a relatively easy installation
- You get a ultra-quiet operation
- Compatible with smart assistants
- Compatible with Genie LED bulbs
Cons:
- It doesn’t work with Apple home kits
- Doesn’t offer battery backup
Check out the latest price here >>>
10. Genie 2055
If you are looking for the best option in screw drive garage door opener, then the Genie 2055 is a great option to consider. It comes with a belt system that is steel-reinforced so you get a strong and ultra-quiet performance.
Being among the best garage door openers of 2021, the Genie 2055 comes with a ½ HPmotor. So, it can lift a door that weigh up to 500 pounds and is powered by the Genie DC motor. To prevent any sort of accidents, it also has a Safe T-Beam feature.
The door also comes with aIntellicode Security system so you don’t have to worry about your system being hacked or anyone getting any unauthorized access to your garage.
This screw drive garage door opener by Genie features a 5 piece rail system that comes together very easily for quick installation. The system is very lightweight and requires no extra hardware.
The installation process is made a lot easier with the two remotes that are pre-programmed and are ready to be used right outside the box. You can use this garage door opener from your car with HomeLink as well as Car2U.
Some of the additional accessories that come with the Genie 2055 are a light push button, and you also get 2 shatter resistant, and radio frequency friendly LED garage door opener light bulbs from Genie.
Pros:
- Well designed for quiet use
- It works with HomeLink and Car2U
- Easy installation feature
- Durable and solid build quality
Cons:
- Opens a bit slowly than other garage door openers
Check out the latest price here >>>
11. Craftsman ½ HP Chain Drive
This garage door from Craftsman comes with a rail system which makes this system a lot easier and quicker to install. You are able to enter the garage with a secure 4 digit PIN which is programmable, without the use of a remote or key due to the wireless key entry pad.
The ½ HP Chain Drive makes use of user monitor interfaces that are simple, which are adjusted and set all depending on the force that is required to close and open the garage doors when it comes to fluctuations in the temperature.
About the safety and protection, this one also features safety reversing sensors that reverses your door automatically if something were to interrupt the beam when the door is closing. You also got a keypad and two remotes with this garage door opener.
Pros:
- Quite easy to program
- Compatible with the MyQ app
- Comes with Safety Sensors
- Sturdy and durable build quality
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- Noisier than other garage door openers
Check the latest price here >>>
12. SKYLINK ATR-1622BK
Most of the modernbest garage door openers are designed to operate quietly, but the Skylink Atoms ATR-1622BK stands on top of the others. You are assured minimal noise and smooth operation even though it runs on a powerful DC motor.
The Skylink Atoms also comes with a LED light built-in that turns on as your garage door opens.It keeps your garage well-lit for long enough so that you have enough time to grab your stuff and head inside the house.
It also allows connectivity with the Wi-Fi which you are able to synchronize with the Orbit app. This essentially allows you to control your door from anywhere you want and also get alerts when your door is opened or closed.
You are also given an anti-break in drive system, a wireless keypad, two remotes that are password protected as well as a LCD wall console that is equipped with a timed automatic closing feature.
Pros:
- Offers super quiet use
- Has a built in LED light
- Comes in at an affordable price
- Provides a lot of great security features
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a backup battery included
Check out the latest price here >>>
Buying Guide to Best Garage Door Openers
There are some factors that you need to look at before you get yourself a garage door opener so that you have the best features. Let’s discuss them a bit so that you can make an informed decision.
Type of Drive
Garage door openers operate in a range of ways. While a chain drive model is a bit inexpensive and is also able to handle heavier doors, they tend to be a bit louder and operate by lowering and raising with a metal chain.
Screw drive openers can lift doors with a threaded steel rod and a benefit is that they don’t require a lot of maintenance.
Direct drive openers function as a single unit and the whole thing moves in order to open the door.
These are the smoothest and quietest options available on the market right now.
Horsepower
Another factor that you should consider is the horsepower of your garage door opener. Generally, newer homes and most doors will work great with a ½ horsepower.
If your door is heavier or just made of solid wood, then maybe going for something with a horsepower of ¾ would be the best option for you.
Security
All garage door openers since 1993 have been required to come with a reverse mechanism that prevents it from closing in case a pet, child or car is in the way. However, when it comes to added security features, you really just get what you pay for.
If you are really concerned with safety then going with a model that prevents break ins from happening by changing the access code each time would be a great option too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What type of garage door opener do I need?
Most garage door openers on the market now are designed to be compatible with all sizes of doors, however, if you have a taller garage door you would need to get one that has long enough rails to accommodate the height.
Also, as we said before, you might need some extra horsepower as well if your garage door opener is more on the heavier side.
- How do you program a garage door opener?
Most of the garage door openers come with a “learn” button that lets you pair your remote with your garage door opener. You should see an indicator light go off for around 30 seconds to a minute.
When it’s lit, you can press and hold the open and close button on your remote until you see the light on the overhead unit blinking. The blinking light indicates that your remote is programmed with your garage door opener.
- How do you install a garage door opener?
It’s very important that you properly install your garage door opener for them to operate effectively and safely. It’s better to get professional help, however, here are the basic steps to do it at home:
- Thoroughly read the instruction manual and ensure that all your parts and tools are assembled
- According to the manufacturer’s instructions, get the carriage tube ready
- Attach the carriage tube to the main power unit front
- To properly secure the carriage tube to the wall over the door, mount the header bracket
- Have the main power unit hung from the ceiling
- Mount the opener control box after you wire it
- Fasten the controller bracket to carriage arm after attaching it to the door
- To prevent it from closing on anything in the way, plug in the safety sensor device
Final Words
In the end, choosing the best one from a plethora of options will get easier if you know what you need. After going through the buying guide, make a list of your priorities and make sure your preferred garage door opener comes with all those features.
For example, if budget is an issue, then you can go for Decko 24503 that comes in a cheap price range with all the essential features. Chamberlain B970T would be right option if you’re looking for a smart garage door opener. You can go for Genie Chain Drive 500 if you don’t need many features and only want the basic ones.
Pick whichever one works the best for you, and hopefully you will get to enjoy the door to your garage open by itself as you pull up to the driveway. Hope our guide to the best garage door openers was helpful to you!
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