Garage door openers may not be necessary for your home, but they make it so you don’t have to open and close the door by hand, saving you some extra time and effort. These days, many garage door openers connect to your smart devices so you can check if you left them open.
We’ve provided our top picks for the best garage door openers based on their performance and specifications, among other factors. Before making your decision, consult our guide on the best garage door openers to determine which opener best suits your needs.
In this article:
- 5 Best Garage Door Openers
- #1 Best Overall: Genie StealthDrive Connect
- #2 Best Wall-Mounted Device: LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series
- #3 Best Smart Garage Door Opener: Chamberlain B970
- #4 Best For Basic Use: Skylink Atoms ATR-1622CK
- #5 Best With Camera: Chamberlain B4545T
- Best Garage Door Openers Buyers Guide
- Our Review Standards
- Frequently Asked Questions
5 Best Garage Door Openers
#1 Best Overall: Genie StealthDrive Connect
The Genie StealthDrive Connect is a quiet garage door opener that has 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.
Our Rating: 5 out of 5
Key Features
- Aladdin Connect app pairs with Alexa and Google Home
- 1.25-HPC DC Motor
- Steel belt drive
- Five-piece rail system
- Battery backup with up to 50 cycles
- Includes pre-programmed remotes
What’s In The Box?
- One Genie StealthDrive garage door opener
- Two pre-programmed three-button remotes
- One wall-mounted open/close button
- One wall-mounted PIN security keypad
- One backup battery
- Two T-beam security sensors
What Customers Are Saying
From almost 3,300 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 when opening and closing the garage door. Negative reviewers complain that linking the Aladdin Connect app to their smart home devices is difficult and the app is occasionally buggy.
What Is It Good For?
For anyone who likes knowing when their door is open while they’re away or enjoys an extra layer of security, the Genie StealthDrive Connect is a wise choice. Considering its expansive range of features and accessories, this garage door opener is quite valuable.
#2 Best Wall-Mounted Device: LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series
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 is quiet when operating. When closed, this opener engages its Automatic Garage Door Lock that deadbolts the door shut for added protection. And users can even download Liftmaster’s myQ® smartphone app to remotely enable their opener if they purchase the additional 828LM Internet Gateway feature.
Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Key Features
- Wall-mounted for space conservation
- DC motor
- Automatic Garage Door Lock
- myQ smartphone control (available separately)
- Closing timer
What’s In The Box?
- One LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series garage door opener
- One 380LM overhead remote light
- One 893MAX three-button remote control
- One 889LM myQ control panel
What Customers Are Saying
The LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series has an average rating of 4.6 stars on Amazon from over 800 reviews. While less than five percent of reviews left 1-star ratings, over 90 percent were 4 stars or higher.
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.
What Is It Good For?
The LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series works well for anyone who needs to conserve ceiling space in their garage. Its compact design makes it easy to hide away and simple to use.
#3 Best Smart Garage Door Opener: Chamberlain B970
Smart devices make it easier to keep electronics interconnected for the user, 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 strong 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.
Our Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Key Features
- Built-in myQ technology
- Backup battery
- Soft start/stop
- 0.5 HP
- 1,000.0-Lumens LED light bulbs
- Triband technology remote openers with 1,500.0-ft. range
What’s In The Box?
- One Chamberlain B970 garage door opener
- One safety sensor kit
- One Battery Backup System replacement battery
- One wireless keypad
- One three-button remote control
What Customers Are Saying
Amazon reviews for the Chamberlain B970 are overwhelmingly positive. It has an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 4,500 reviews. Over 85 percent of reviewers left a 5-star rating and less than 3 percent awarded it 1 star.
The quietness of this device is the main draw for many who left positive reviews. They also admire how easy it is 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.
What Is It Good For?
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, its overall performance is tough to beat.
#4 Best For Basic Use: Skylink Atoms ATR-1622CK
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, plus uses Quiet-Drive Technology to reduce noise when functioning.
Although it doesn’t have smart device compatibility, the ATR-1622CK can still 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.
Our Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Key Features
- Quiet-Drive Technology for reduced noise
- Integrated LED lighting
- Anti Break-In Drive System
- Diagnostic display
- 0.5-HP chain
What’s In The Box?
- One Skylink Atoms ATR-1622CK garage door opener
- Two one-button remote controls
- One deluxe wall console
- One wireless keypad
- One safety sensor kit
What Customers Are Saying
Although the ATR-1622CK has an average rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon, nearly 75 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.
What Is It Good For?
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.
#5 Best With Camera: Chamberlain B4545T
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.
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Key Features
- 360.00-degree rotating HD camera
- Two-way live audio communication
- myQ App interface
- 0.5-HP motor
- Steel-reinforced belt drive
What’s In The Box?
- One Chamberlain B4545T garage door opener
- One wireless keypad
- One remote wall opener
- One safety sensor kit
- Two three-button remote controls
What Customers Are Saying
The average rating on Amazon for the B4545T is 4.6 stars. This is from over 500 reviews, 80 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.
What Is It Good For?
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 where their vehicle is at all times.
Best Garage Door Openers Buyers Guide
Unsure where to start when choosing your new garage door opener? Read further to discover the key features that one should consider before making their next purchase.
Drive Type
There are three main drive models of garage door openers:
- Chain drive: The most common type of opener, chain drives use a metal chain to pull or push a trolley that moves the door up and down. Chain Drive openers are generally reliable and inexpensive but are known to be noisy.
- Belt drive: These are similarly designed to Chain Drives but utilize a rubber belt instead of a chain. Belt Drive garage door openers are much quieter than other drive types but are typically more expensive.
- Screw drive: To function, Screw Drive openers rotate a threaded steel rod to move the door. While they have less moving parts than other openers, they can be loud when operating.
Horsepower
Typically, 0.5 HP will work for 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 will use motors that are as high as 1 or 1.5 HP.
Our Review Standards
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
