5 Best Garage Door Openers 2021 Review

An average residential garage door opens and shuts at least 1,500 times a year. This is why the mechanism that operates a garage door opener should be of great quality. It will save you from problematic malfunctions that could lead to repairs or replacements which contribute to your home repair cost.

To help you trim down your options, we’ve come up with the five best brands and models of garage door openers that can be delivered straight to your home. After consulting and working with our group of experts, we’ve ranked them according to the quality of their features, their durability, reliability, and other important factors. As a treat, we have also sought them on Amazon and prepared the best deals they have for you. So, do not forget to click on the buttons below and enjoy this comprehensive review of the best garage door openers!

Table of Contents

Best Garage Door Openers Comparison & Rating

Garage Door Openers	Features
1. Chamberlain Group Garage Door Opener	1.25 HP safety sensors pre-programmed remotes, snap-lock rail system, and responsive tech support
2. SOMMER Garage Door Opener	Direct Drive Technology soft start and stop system 1 HP
3. Genie Chain Drive Garage Door Opener	.75 HPC DC motor 5-piece rail system Genie Sense
4. SKYLINK Atoms Garage Door Opener	0.5 HP motor dual chain technology backup battery system
5. LiftMaster Garage Door Opener	0.5 HP 2 non-yellowing light senses multi-function control panel

1. Chamberlain Group Garage Door Opener

Chamberlain Group Chamberlain B970 Smartphone-Controlled Ultra-Quiet and Strong Belt Drive Garage Door Opener with Battery Backup and MAX Lifting Power, Blue

Specifications:

97% Overall

Horsepower	1.25
Power Source	DC
Coverage	7 feet
Weight	35 pounds

98%

power

97%

reliability

96%

ease of use

97%

features

Pros:

Powerful 1.25 HP that makes it work seamlessly even in excessive heat, cold, and humidity.
Easy to install and navigate with its pre-programmed remotes, snap-lock rail system, and responsive tech support who can help you set it up.
Comes with safety sensors that detect obstructions and automatically reverse your garage doors to avoid potential accidents.
Easy to control, anytime, anywhere because of its WIFI connectivity. You can open or close your garage door through the MyQ app.
Gives you an additional layer of security as you will receive real-time notifications if you left your garage door open, and every time someone tries to open or close it.
Ultra-quiet and equipped with a strong belt drive that is made of reinforced steel for added durability, reliability, and smooth performance.
Has a battery backup that ensures safe replacement.
Powered by Chamberlain’s Max Lift Power System that delivers the 1 ¼ HP lifting capacity for added strength.
Features 2 3-button remote controls that allow you to control three openers.

Cons:

It tends to work slower in opening or closing heavier garage doors but still works adequately.
Limited to doors up to 7 feet. However, you may easily add extension kits to accommodate larger garage doors.

Final Take:

If you want an ultra-quiet, high-performance, durable, and technologically advanced door mechanism, then this may be your best bet. The easy-to-install garage door opener can be conveniently connected to your WiFi and smartphone through the MyQ app. It allows you to control your garage doors wherever you are. Plus, it comes with two 3-button remotes that range up to 1,500 feet so you can open or close your garage doors from anywhere inside your house. Its 1.25 horsepower capacity makes it one of the most robust lift power systems in the market. Should there be a power outage, you won’t have to worry as it comes with a battery backup power system that will keep the unit working.

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2. SOMMER Garage Door Opener

SOMMER 1052V000 Direct Drive 1.0 hp Quiet, Durable and Strong Garage Door Opener

Specifications:

94% Overall

Horsepower	1
Power Source	AC
Coverage	8 feet
Weight	42.5 pounds

93%

power

95%

reliability

94%

ease of use

94%

features

Pros:

Works on garage doors up to 8 feet in height, which is an additional foot higher than standard garage door openers.
Equipped with a Direct Drive Technology which makes the mechanism more stable and quieter in operation. It also prolongs the lifespan of your unit.
Comes with a soft start and stop system for added safety and durability of the motor.
Compatible with Homelink so you can easily control the opening and closing of garage doors from your vehicle.
Its 1 HP capacity provides enough power to operate garage doors up to 1,200 lbs while minimizing vibrations and noise.
Includes a 3-piece C-Channel rail compatible on doors up to 8 feet tall.
Features a 2-channel onboard receiver in 310 MHz with 122 memory slots.

Cons:

It doesn’t have specific smartphone app access. However, you can download a universal gate opener app to control the garage doors from your phone.
No backup battery system in case of a power outage.
Runs slower than expected for heavier garage doors, but it works seamlessly for doors 8 feet and below.

Final Take:

If you’re looking for a straightforward and durable garage door opener, this may be your best option. It is powered by a 1 HP AC motor that can lift garage doors up to 8 feet in height. The “Direct Drive Technology” and its soft start and stop system make the motor more reliable, quieter, and durable. On top of this, it is easy to install with its pre-programmed remotes and 3-Piece C-Channel rail. Likewise, Homelink users won’t have any issues connecting the unit to their system. This allows you to control your garage doors from your car. In general, this is an excellent buy for those who have garage doors that are sized larger than the standard 7 feet.

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3. Genie Chain Drive Garage Door Opener

Genie Chain Drive 750 3/4 HPc Garage Door Opener w/Battery Backup - Heavy Duty Chain Drive - Operate your garage door when the primary power is out - Wireless Keypad Included, Model 7035-TKV,BLACK

Specifications:

93% Overall

Horsepower	0.75
Power Source	Corded-electric
Coverage	7 feet
Weight	8 pounds

95%

power

92%

reliability

93%

ease of use

90%

features

Pros:

Comes with a backup battery power system that provides up to 50 cycles and will keep the unit working even when the primary power is out.
Powered by a .75 HPC DC motor paired with a double chain drive that makes it stronger and more durable.
Easy to install with its 5-piece rail system that snaps together and pre-programmed remote controls that are ready to use for your convenience.
Lightweight and needs no additional hardware to perform smoothly.
Includes pre-programmed remotes to eliminate complicated programming steps.
Built with a heavy-duty chain drive system that is affordable and offers superior results.
The package includes complete accessories such as two 3-button remotes, a wireless keypad, and a multi-function wall console with vacation lock controls.
Equipped with Genie Sense — a soft start and stop technology that will make the motor’s life longer, adding to the machine’s durability and reliability.

Cons:

Some difficulty in linking the wireless keypad to the home’s system. However, tech support is readily available to assist you. You can also access the BILT app, which has more straightforward instructions.

Final Take:

Don’t be deceived by its lightweight and compact look because this mechanism can power garage doors up to 7 feet. Its 0.75 HP DC motor is backed with a double chain drive that makes it much stronger. Along with this is the Genie Sense technology that prolongs your garage door opener’s life through its smart start and stop feature. The most convenient part is its automatic backup power that will immediately switch to battery mode once the main power source is out. This will give you the peace of mind that your garage doors can still be controlled even during power outages. Overall, this option works as advertised and provides good value for your money.

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4. SKYLINK Atoms Garage Door Opener

SKYLINK Atoms ATR-1611C 1/2HPF Garage Door Opener with Extremely Quiet DC Motor, Chain Drive, White

Specifications:

92% Overall

Horsepower	0.5
Power Source	Electric
Coverage	7 feet
Weight	29.5 pounds

90%

power

93%

reliability

94%

ease of use

90%

features

Pros:

Its dual chain technology reduces noises and vibrations whenever your garage doors open and close.
Equipped with energy-efficient long-life LED lighting, which uses much less energy than conventional bulbs.
Engineered with a 0.5 HP motor that consistently delivers maximum performance efficiently for heavy lifting different types of garage doors.
Comes with a diagnostic display that allows you to troubleshoot with ease.
Compatible with a backup battery system that will allow you to open and close your garage doors when the main power is out.
Includes a built-in 12W LED light for added illumination.
Gradually accelerates when turned on to ensure safety and no vibrations.

Cons:

Does not have WiFi connectivity, but it doesn’t affect the unit’s performance.
Some confusion with the installation manual. However, customer support is easily accessible and responds to queries promptly.
The remote controller is not included in the package, but you can purchase it easily.

Final Take:

If you’re looking for a no-fuss mechanical garage door opener, then you may want to consider this unit. It does the job seamlessly, quietly, and safely, thanks to its dual chain technology and its powerful 0.5 HP motor. Conveniently, it is also equipped with a provision for a backup battery system that will allow you to control your garage doors in case of a power outage. More importantly, you will find the diagnostic display incredibly useful, especially when you are troubleshooting the device after years of use. Generally, it serves its primary purpose in giving you a hassle-free way of operating your garage doors without spending so much.

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5. LiftMaster Garage Door Opener

LiftMaster 3265 Premium Series 1/2 HP Chain Drive W/O Rail Assembly

Specifications:

90% Overall

Horsepower	0.5
Power Source	Electric
Coverage	7 feet
Weight	21 pounds

92%

power

92%

reliability

89%

ease of use

88%

features

Pros:

Easy to assemble and operate with its straightforward and pre-programmed controls for a hassle-free installation.
Includes two non-yellowing light senses for easy bulb replacement.
Equipped with a .5 HP premium heavy-duty motor to ensure strength and smooth performance.
Comes with complete accessories, including two 3-button remote controls, a wireless keyless entry system, and a multi-function control panel for added convenience.
Equipped with safety sensors that detect any obstructions in the way of your garage doors to avoid accidents.
Quiet and does not vibrate whenever the car doors open and close.
Equipped with WiFi connectivity so you can link it to your home’s security system or smartphone for a broader range of control avenues.

Cons:

Installation might be challenging without an extra hand. However, it is less technical and more straightforward to install.
It tends to work slower in extreme weather conditions, but it works seamlessly in regular temperatures.

Final Take:

This garage door opener provides you with everything you might need—power, safety, and convenience. Its 0.5 HP motor can open and close garage doors up to 7 feet effortlessly. Likewise, its power can eliminate loud noises and vibrations from operating your garage doors. You will enjoy the wireless sensors in terms of safety because it will prompt you when something is blocking the way to avoid accidents. Additionally, it can be connected to your smartphone via the MyQ app for real-time safety notifications. If you’re looking for an option that is easy to install and covers all your basic needs, then this could be your best choice.

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Best Garage Door Openers - Buyer's Guide

horsepower

A garage door opener’s horsepower is the driving force that lifts the door up and efficiently brings it down. To determine the appropriate horsepower needed for your garage door, you will need to consider its weight and size. This will also affect the machine’s motor’s noise and vibration levels, so it’s essential to ensure that the machine’s horsepower is proportional to your garage door’s specifications.

backup battery

Since most garage door openers are connected to electricity to operate, a backup battery provision has become a consideration for most buyers. This allows you to operate the mechanical opener even when the main power source is out because it automatically switches to its battery mode.

wifi

Technological advancements have been incorporated into garage door openers to give its users the convenience of controlling their doors remotely. This will allow you to connect the unit to an app and access it through your smartphone. While it doesn’t directly add to a garage door opener’s power, it somehow provides an extra layer of safety as you will receive real-time updates on your garage perimeter.

remotes

One of the essential inclusions in a garage door opener set are remotes. These are usually pre-programmed in-sync with the main unit so that you can efficiently operate the machine upon installation. It is crucial to consider the distance that the remote can cover for you to maximize its purpose and the convenience that it’s meant to bring.

installation

Garage door openers are mechanical units that you will need to attach correctly to avoid any vehicles’ accidents or damages. If you’re not used to installing such devices, you may need to consider how easy or difficult it is to set up a specific opener brand or model.

Best Garage Door Openers - FAQs

What can interfere with garage door opener signals?

Usually, radio waves may be disrupted by electromagnetic fields that could come from basic home appliances or electrical transformers. You will need to consider placing them as far from the garage door opener as possible to mitigate any signal interference while trying to control the machine.

Do garage door openers require regular maintenance?

Garage door openers are mechanical devices used over 1,500 times a year, making them prone to wearing out or misalignment. Thus, it is best to do simple maintenance checks at least once a month to be sure that your garage door is still balanced and aligned. You may also do annual lubrication of both the door and the opener for a smoother operation. These steps will make your unit last longer and help you avoid any major accidents.

What’s the average lifespan of a garage door opener?

High-quality garage door openers last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. However, this will depend on numerous factors such as your maintenance routine, how frequently you use it, and the specifications of your chosen brand/model. It is always possible to prolong its usability by applying necessary maintenance checkups.

Can I install a garage door opener by myself?

Yes, you can. One of the primary factors you will need to consider before purchasing a unit is the ease of installation. Garage door openers that are easy to set up commonly have pre-programmed remote controls, snap-lock rail systems, and installation manuals or customer support availability.