Automatic garage door openers offer unparalleled convenience, allowing homeowners to access their garages with a simple button press. The cost of these devices can vary, from budget-friendly options around $125-$175 to heavy-duty models reaching up to $500. Most quality garage door openers fall within the $200 to $400 price range, representing a worthwhile investment for ease of use and home security.
To simplify your selection process and help you find the best garage door opener to meet your specific requirements, I’ve conducted thorough research on the leading models currently available. My top recommendation overall is the Chamberlain B6753T Smart Garage Door Opener, praised for its comprehensive features, robust lifting capacity, and smart home integration. Continue reading for a detailed guide to my top picks and insights to help you make an informed decision.
[ 4.5/5
Best Overall Chamberlain B6753T Garage Door Opener
[ 4.5/5
Best for Light Doors Chamberlain B550 Garage Door Opener
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[ 4.5/5
Best Voice Assistance Genie 7155 Garage Door Opener
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Compare Top Garage Door Openers
| Product | Lifting Power | Accessories | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chamberlain B6753T Smart Garage Door Opener | Equivalent to 1.25 horsepower | Two sensors, two remote controls, keypad, battery backup | Lifetime motor and belt warranty, 5-year parts warranty, 1-year accessories warranty |
| Chamberlain B550 Smartphone-Controlled Garage Door Opener | Equivalent to 0.5 horsepower | Two sensors, one keypad, one control panel, and two remote controls | 15-year belt warranty, 10-year motor warranty, 1-year parts and accessories warranty |
| Genie 7155-TKV StealthDrive Connect Smartphone-Controlled Garage Door Opener | Equivalent to 1.25 horsepower | One battery backup, One keypad, one control panel, and two remote controls | Lifetime motor and belt warranty, 5-year parts warranty, 1-year accessories warranty |
| beamUP The Workhorse BU100 Sectional Garage Door Opener | Equivalent to 0.75 horsepower | One control panel and one remote control | 1-year belts, part, and accessories warranty |
| Skylink Atoms ATR-1611C Garage Door Opener | Equivalent to 0.5 horsepower | Two sensors, one control panel, and one remote control | 1 year |
| LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series Jackshaft Operator | Equivalent to 0.5 horsepower | One control panel, one remote control, one light | 5-year limited, 1 year for battery backup |
| CRAFTSMAN Smart Garage Door Opener | Equivalent to 0.5 horsepower | One dual-function wall control panel, one keypad, two lights, two remote controls | 10 Year limited warranty-motor; 1 year limited warranty-chain, parts and accessories. |
| Product | Lifting Power | Accessories | Warranty |
Discover the Top 7 Garage Door Openers of the Year
Explore detailed reviews of the highest-rated garage door openers, helping you choose the perfect model for your home. Click the links below to visit the product retail pages.
Best Overall Garage Door Opener
Chamberlain B6753T Smart Garage Door Opener
- Prices fluctuate. Check retailer for current price.
The Chamberlain B6753T Smart Garage Door Opener stands out as the top rated garage door opener due to its powerful performance and extensive feature set. Equipped with a robust belt drive and Chamberlain’s MAX Lifting power, this opener is capable of handling virtually any garage door size. A key highlight is the integrated 130-degree wide-angle camera, enabling you to monitor your garage’s interior and surroundings via the myQ smartphone app. This smart functionality provides enhanced security and peace of mind, whether you are home or away.
Pros:
- Integrated corner-to-corner LED lighting for excellent garage illumination.
- Ultra-quiet motor operation with smooth start and stop motion, minimizing noise disruption.
- Two-way audio communication via the myQ app, allowing interaction with anyone in the garage.
Cons:
- Sensor system can be highly sensitive, potentially triggering unnecessarily.
- Higher price point compared to some competing models.
Customer Feedback on the Chamberlain B6753T
User reviews reveal widespread satisfaction with the Chamberlain B6753T. Customers frequently praise its straightforward installation, quiet operation, and durable belt drive system. The brightness of the dual LED lighting is also a commonly appreciated feature. However, some users have noted a slower opening speed and expressed concerns about the additional costs associated with camera features and cloud video storage.
“I installed this opener a year ago, and it has worked well. I love the remote open and close feature from the app. It’s literally a second delay and it opens. The camera view is helpful when needing to close the door and you’re not home (or laying in bed and don’t want to get up). The opener is belt driven and is pretty quiet. The controls are simple, and the LED light output is good. I especially like that the light comes on when someone walks through the safety beam at the base of the door opening.” – SRYAN via Amazon
“Door opener works great and quiet … Connecting to Internet is terrible. Keeps disconnecting. Price of camera video storage fee to cloud is ludicrous. Better off buying a separate camera and set alarm for motion in garage. … Would have been good if they provided a USB port for free video storage” – Kim Blair via Amazon
Best Garage Door Opener for Light Doors
Chamberlain B550 Garage Door Opener
- Price: Check retailer for current pricing.
The Chamberlain B550 Garage Door Opener is an excellent choice for homes with lighter garage doors. Its 0.5-horsepower-equivalent motor is optimized for efficient operation with less heavy doors. This top rated garage door opener prioritizes security, employing encrypted code technology for remote access to prevent unauthorized entry.
Pros:
- Includes a convenient wireless keypad for easy access.
- Encrypted code technology enhances security and prevents hacking.
- Accompanied by online video resources to facilitate easier DIY installation.
Cons:
- Battery backup is not included, requiring a separate purchase if desired.
What Customers Are Saying About the Chamberlain B550
Customer feedback highlights the Chamberlain B550’s effective motion detection and remarkably quiet operation. Many users also commend its straightforward installation process. However, some have expressed dissatisfaction with the requirement of a subscription for full app functionality and found the provided installation instructions to be somewhat unclear.
“Solid build quality and easily installed to replace a chain drive unit that failed. The opener came with 2 remote openers, and a wireless remote opener and paired easily with 3 cars using their Homelink system. The opener is really quiet compared to the failed chain opener, and everyone comments on the quietness. The app works well and is essentially another wireless opener that can be used anywhere in the world to open, close or check the status of the door position. So far, we are very happy with this opener.” – mrblase via Amazon
“I used to really like this garage door opener – I have recently bought four of them across several houses, mostly because of the Wi-Fi connectivity. However, their app is very poor. It often doesn’t work at all, it’s hard to manage or change anything once the door is set up, and it’s yet one more app to manage across my smart home ecosystem.” – CaseJ via Amazon
Top Voice-Activated Garage Door Opener
Genie 7155-TKV Garage Door Opener
- Price: Check retailer for updated prices.
For homeowners seeking voice control, the Genie 7155-TKV Garage Door Opener is a top rated garage door opener with seamless voice assistance integration. Its quiet DC motor and steel-reinforced belt drive make it ideal for garages near bedrooms or nurseries. This smart, smartphone-controlled opener is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home, offering complete hands-free operation. Installation is simplified, requiring no additional hardware.
Pros:
- Includes five lithium batteries for reliable battery backup.
- Comes with two pre-programmed remote controls for immediate use.
- Powerful motor with lifting capacity equivalent to 1.25 horsepower.
Cons:
- Slightly higher price compared to some other garage door openers.
- Some users have reported inconsistent Amazon Alexa connectivity.
User Reviews for the Genie 7155-TKV
Positive reviews frequently mention the Genie 7155-TKV’s exceptionally quiet motor and high-quality construction for its price point. Ease of installation is another recurring positive comment. However, some customers have experienced difficulties connecting to or using Amazon Alexa, and others have noted the absence of a motion-sensing light feature.
“…The opener works great. The wireless exterior keypad works great. The included garage door openers for your car work great and from a greater distance than my old system. I have it connected to Wi-Fi and am able to control it through the app as well as through Siri voice commands, which is nice if your hands are full. I highly recommend this device.” – jsflaw via Amazon
“This is a very quiet garage door opener. I bought it to replace a 10-year-old Chamberlain, which had worked fine until it died recently…. This one, however, does not have a motion-sensing light. So if you open it, the light comes on but will turn off after a few minutes. Then you’re left in the dark. I’ve been so used to having garage openers with motion sensors for decades, so this was personally very frustrating to me.” – PT via Amazon
Easiest to Install Garage Door Opener
beamUP BU100 Garage Door Opener
- Price: Check retailer for current prices.
The beamUP BU100 Garage Door Opener is recognized as a top rated garage door opener for its user-friendly installation. Its sleek, all-white modern design complements contemporary homes. beamUP prioritizes customer support, providing instruction manuals, video tutorials, and readily available tech support to simplify the setup process.
Pros:
- Powerful enough for both single and double garage doors.
- Available in various styles to suit different preferences.
- Features a stylish, all-white aesthetic.
Cons:
- Connectivity issues reported by some users with HomeLink systems.
- Fewer included accessories compared to some other models in this category.
What People Say About the beamUP BU100
Positive reviews consistently highlight the beamUP BU100’s effortless installation and quiet DC motor operation. Customers also frequently praise the company’s responsive customer service. Conversely, some dissatisfied customers have reported incompatibility with HomeLink and missing installation components or accessories.
“Not only is this opener very powerful for its size, but it’s also quiet, and the instructions were extremely clear and easy to follow. The whole process only took about 45 minutes. I absolutely recommend this opener. It works flawlessly. The LED light in this is really bright!” – R Pangle via Amazon
“..Parts were missing (supposed to come with 6 nuts and bolts only came with 4 of each). We also got halfway through installation and found we needed some type of bar to mount the opener to the ceiling. At the beginning, it stated we may need a hack saw, but never said we may need anything else until halfway through, and even then, it didn’t clearly say we would need it. My husband had to try to install it to find we absolutely needed it. Also, the wireless portion would not work.” – Ashley Hendrickson via Amazon
Best Garage Door Opener with Advanced Sensors
Skylink Atoms ATR-1611C Garage Door Opener
- Price: Check retailer for current pricing.
The Skylink Atoms ATR-1611C Garage Door Opener is a top rated garage door opener praised for its enhanced safety features, particularly its sensor system. Alongside a standard one-button remote and keychain fob, it includes dual infrared safety sensors to ensure obstruction-free door operation. An integrated LED light further enhances garage visibility.
Pros:
- More budget-friendly compared to many similar garage door openers.
- Includes a convenient keychain fob remote.
- Compatible with in-car remote systems without requiring additional hardware.
Cons:
- Battery backup is sold separately.
- Lacks smart home technology integration.
Customer Experiences with the Skylink Atoms ATR-1611C
Positive reviews often emphasize the Skylink Atoms ATR-1611C’s quiet operation, responsive motion detection, and straightforward installation. Many reviewers consider it a high-value option given its price. Conversely, negative feedback sometimes mentions units ceasing to function after a short period, and some users find the motion sensor overly sensitive.
“I was a little skeptical about the power of the unit since it’s so small. But it made a believer out of me. It opens and closes my garage door with ease. And best of all, it’s super quiet. That’s what amazed me the most. I wouldn’t even know it was operating if I didn’t see the garage door going up. The installation takes a little bit of figuring out, but nothing more than another opener would entail. Putting together the track and figuring out where everything goes overall took me about 45 minutes to an hour, so not bad.” – Amazon Customer via Amazon
“I don’t like that when someone trips the sensor when the door is opening, the door automatically closes. It closed on my car when I tried to enter the garage because it must not have opened completely, so when I crossed that line, it just closed on my car. But other than that, it’s working fine.” – joshua sutton via Amazon
Best Garage Door Opener for Garages with Limited Space
LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series Jackshaft Operator
- Price: Check retailer for latest prices.
The LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series Jackshaft Operator is a top rated garage door opener designed for garages where ceiling space is limited or needs to be maximized. This wall-mounted unit delivers powerful and quiet operation, controllable via smartphone for scheduling and alerts. Its space-saving design minimizes ceiling clutter and reduces vibration.
Pros:
- Provides both audio and visual warnings when the door is closing, enhancing safety.
- Employs rolling code technology, changing the access code with each use for increased security.
- Integrated motion detector automatically activates garage lights upon entry.
Cons:
- Not compatible with roll-up style garage doors.
- Premium price point compared to other types of openers.
Ideal for: Owners of trucks and vans who require a wall-mounted opener to maximize ceiling clearance.
What Customers are Saying about the LiftMaster 8500
Satisfied customers often highlight the LiftMaster 8500’s quiet performance and straightforward installation. Many also praise its robust construction and ability to handle heavy garage doors. However, some users have expressed frustration with additional costs required for compatibility with older car remotes, and others have reported issues with the emergency release cord.
“This is a great product. I was able to install in a few hours (most of the work was in hiding the wiring, not the installation itself.) I had a small space to install but it fit right in. Now I don’t have the ugly old garage door opener hanging from my ceiling. I now have a super quiet, clean installation opener and couldn’t be happier. I love the ability to have the door close itself after a predetermined time, as well as the internet connectivity (I also purchased the My-Q internet gateway). I set it up to message me each time the door opens and am able to customize times to allow this. The app is free, and no subscription is required. Another bonus is the auto-locking feature when the door is closed.” – Frederick Irvine via Amazon
“Chamberlain’s new interface is not compatible with older vehicle integrated garage door openers and require a $120 additional investment in MyQ Bridge and a repeater to make it work. Chamberlain documentation is poor and you have to find a knowledgeable tech to find out how to make this work. Shame on Chamberlain for not making this product backward compatible*.” – Rocket Man via Amazon
Best Value Garage Door Opener
CRAFTSMAN Smart Garage Door Opener
- Price: Around $219. Check retailer for current pricing.
The CRAFTSMAN Smart Garage Door Opener is recognized as a top rated garage door opener for its exceptional value, providing a blend of essential features and smart capabilities at a competitive price. This chain-drive opener boasts robust steel construction and sufficient horsepower for lifting standard seven-foot garage doors. Smartphone compatibility via the myQ app allows for convenient monitoring and control.
Pros:
- Features a long-range three-button remote with a 1,500-foot range.
- Utilizes rolling code technology to prevent hacking and enhance security.
- Includes a wireless keypad for keyless entry.
Cons:
- Not recommended for heavier garage doors.
- Connectivity may be less reliable compared to some higher-end models.
Good for: Homeowners seeking a reliable, smart garage door opener without a premium price tag.
Customer Reviews of the CRAFTSMAN Smart Garage Door Opener
Positive reviews often highlight the CRAFTSMAN Smart Garage Door Opener’s ease of assembly and quiet operation. The brightness of its integrated lighting is also frequently praised. However, some users have expressed concerns about its long-term durability and perceived cheaper construction compared to older models. Remote functionality has also been noted as occasionally inconsistent.
“Unit works great. Easy to install if you [are] swapping out an old unit. Easy to set up and adjust. Love that I can open it and get notifications with my smartphone. Have had a couple of months and no issues. Great quality.” – D. Porter via Amazon
“This unit seems to function ok, the (only issue) is that compared to the Craftsman opener I am replacing, which is around 20 years old, this one is made as cheap as possible. The old one is heavy duty compared.” – edwin via Amazon
Key Considerations Before Buying a Garage Door Opener
Beyond drive and motor types, several factors are crucial when selecting the best garage door opener for your home. These include control options, included accessories, installation complexity, and smart features. This buying guide provides detailed information to help you make an informed decision when choosing from the Top Rated Garage Door Openers.
Understanding Garage Door Opener Drive Types
The drive mechanism is responsible for lifting your garage door. Residential garage door openers primarily utilize three drive types:
- Chain Drive: Chain drives are typically the most affordable but require periodic maintenance to ensure chain functionality.
- Direct/Screw Drive: Direct drive openers are slightly more expensive than chain drives, offering maintenance-free and quieter operation.
- Belt Drive: Belt drive openers are often priced higher but are favored for their durability, minimal maintenance needs, and exceptionally smooth and silent operation.
Jackshaft drives, while secure, are generally louder and require more maintenance, making them more suitable for commercial applications with heavy doors.
Exploring Garage Door Opener Motor Types
Garage door openers are powered by either AC or DC motors:
- AC Motors: AC motors have been a long-standing reliable option for garage door openers. They are cost-effective and dependable but can be larger and noisier.
- DC Motors: DC motors are a newer advancement, offering smaller and quieter operation compared to AC motors.
Determining Garage Door Opener Power Levels
AC motor power is measured in horsepower (HP). DC motors use equivalent ratings like horsepower similar (HPS) or horsepower comparable (HPC) for performance comparison. Understanding these power categories is essential for matching the opener to your garage door type:
- ¼ HP: Suitable only for very light aluminum doors and will operate slowly.
- ½ HP: Adequate for most garage door materials except solid wood.
- ¾ HP: Provides smooth and quick operation for all residential garage door materials.
- 1 HP: Primarily found in commercial settings or for exceptionally heavy residential doors.
Garage Door Opener Control and Connectivity
Keyless entry is standard for modern residential garage door openers. Expect to receive at least one remote control and a keypad. Remotes allow in-garage operation, with additional remotes for keychains or vehicles. Keypads are typically mounted outside the garage for code-based entry. Many top rated garage door openers now include smart features, offering Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone app control, often compatible with smart home ecosystems like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Garage Door Opener Installation Considerations
Most garage door openers include step-by-step instructions for DIY installation. If you encounter difficulties, manufacturers offer support, or professional installation services are available. Consider the cost to install a garage door for budget planning.
Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing Your Garage Door Opener
Replacing a garage door opener can be a DIY project. Scott Caron, a master electrician from Ask This Old House, provides these instructions:
- Safety First: Disconnect power to the garage at the circuit panel.
- Remove Old Opener: Unplug the existing opener, loosen mounting brackets, and carefully lower it.
- Bracket Removal: Use an adjustable wrench to remove the door bracket and any brackets above the door.
- Install New Door Bracket: Secure the new bracket (included with the new opener) above the garage door with a screw gun.
- Track Installation: Slide the track into the bracket and secure it with a wrench.
- Motor Mounting: Screw the new motor into the existing ceiling brackets using a wrench.
- Connect Lifting Arm: Attach the lifting arm from the door to the track.
- Wire Keypad: Wire the interior keypad.
- Conduit Wiring: Run wires through a conduit to connect to the garage door motor.
- Mount Wireless Keypad: Secure the wireless keypad outside the garage with a screw gun.
- Install Electric Eyes: Mount electric eyes about six inches above the floor inside the garage.
- Power Up and Test: Plug the motor into a power outlet, restore power, and test the opener’s functionality.
For a visual guide, Ask This Old House offers a video demonstrating garage door opener replacement.
Garage Door Opener FAQs
Will my garage door opener function during a power outage?
Most garage door openers rely on your home’s electrical system and will not operate during power outages. However, models with manual releases allow for manual door operation. Some top rated garage door openers offer battery backup for continued operation during power interruptions.
Do garage door openers include lights?
Yes, almost all garage door openers have integrated lights that activate during operation. These lights typically have timers and automatically shut off after a few minutes.
Do garage door openers have safety reverse mechanisms?
Yes, U.S. law mandates that all garage door openers manufactured after 1993 include a reverse mechanism. This safety feature reverses the door’s descent if an obstruction is detected, preventing injury or damage.
Our Methodology for Rating Garage Door Openers
This Old House has a long-standing tradition of providing homeowners and DIY enthusiasts with trusted home improvement advice across various media platforms. Our product review team is dedicated to creating comprehensive and objective reviews of home products and services. We have published over 1,600 reviews, focusing on product quality and practical value to our readers.
Our recommendation process is guided by:
Initial Research: We begin by compiling a list of garage door openers with high verified buyer review counts and average ratings of 4-5 stars. We analyze both positive and negative reviews to gain a balanced perspective.
Expert Insights: We supplement our internal expertise by consulting reputable publications, independent testers, and subject matter experts, and incorporating reader feedback.
Final Selection: We refine our product list by updating to newer models, removing discontinued items, and comparing features to identify best-in-class options for diverse needs, budgets, and scenarios.
Our detailed research culminates in user-friendly articles with product recommendations and valuable information to support informed purchasing decisions.
Questions or Feedback?
For questions or comments regarding this article, please contact our team at [email protected].
