Which type of garage door opener lasts the longest?

A top-quality garage door opener provides the safety and convenience of arriving home to an open, well-lit garage. When selecting the right option for your home, Michelle Nichols, a Merchant at The Home Depot, recommends understanding the various types of garage door openers. "Consider what rooms are next to your garage and the times you’ll be using your garage the most. When selecting a garage door opener, look for one with the right combination of power and noise level. Think about whether a smart or Wi-Fi-enabled system works for your home."

We spent hours researching the best garage door openers available online, evaluating ease of installation and use, functionality, and value. Our top pick, the Genie StealthDrive Connect Garage Door Opener, has a quiet belt mechanism and an automatic battery backup and can be operated using voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant. 

Here are the best garage door openers.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

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Best Budget:

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Best Smart:

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Best Quiet:

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Best Wall-Mounted:

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Best with Camera:

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Best With Battery Backup:

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Best for Heavy Doors:

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In This Article

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• Our Picks

• What to Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust The Spruce

Best Overall

Genie StealthDrive Connect Smart Garage Door Opener

4.5

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What We Like

• Powerful 1.25-horsepower motor

• Smartphone and home assistant compatibility

• Built-in backup battery

• Lifetime warranty on motor and belt

What We Don't Like

• Extension kit for 8-foot doors sold separately

• App controls could be better

• Strong Wi-Fi connection needed for app control

Who else recommends it? Popular Science and Bob Vila also picked the Genie StealthDrive Garage Door Opener.

What do buyers say? 92% of 3,200 Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

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 8-foot doors 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. 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 well into any smart home and working via voice controls. Plus, 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: $286

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

Skylink Atoms ATR-1611C 1/2 HPF Garage Door Opener

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What We Like

• Unbeatable value

• Built-in LED light

• Easy to install

What We Don't Like

• Low HP not ideal for heavy doors

• No smartphone compatibility

If you’re willing to forego premium features, the Skylink Atoms 1611C Garage Door Opener is a no-frills model available at a great price. It opens a 7-foot garage door using a durable chain drive, but the brand also sells extension kits that are compatible with 8- and 10-foot garage doors. 

This garage door opener lacks smartphone compatibility, but it has a wall-mounted push button and a one-button remote. Its infrared safety sensor stops it from closing if something is in the way. The unit has a built-in LED light to help you see at night, and it offers straightforward DIY installation, saving you some money.

Price at time of publish: $150

Dimensions: 123 x 5.5 x 5 inches | Weight: 28.6 pounds | Opener Type: Chain drive | Lifting Capacity: 0.5 horsepower | Drive Type: Anti Break-In | Horsepower: 0.5 | Power Source: ‎DC Motor

Best Smart

Chamberlain B4613T Smart Belt Drive Garage Door Opener

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What We Like

• Smartphone compatibility

• Two long-range pre-programmed remotes

• Ability to grant guest access

• Built-in battery backup

What We Don't Like

• 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, and 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: $269

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 Quiet

Chamberlain B2212T Ultra Quiet Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener

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What We Like

• Set schedules and receive alerts on your smartphone

• Backup battery

• Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery compatibility

What We Don't Like

• Installation directions could be clearer

• Extension kit required for doors over 7 feet tall

If you want your garage opener to work without creating a lot of noise, the B2212T Ultra Quiet Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener's DC motor and belt drive system 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 standard features include one remote, a push-button door control, and safety sensors to prevent closing if they sense people or objects in the way. The installation instructions for this model could be more straightforward, but once it's up and running, the controls are quite user-friendly. This model also includes a battery backup, so you can still use the opener in a power outage.

Price at time of publish: $239

Dimensions: 26.75 x 13.38 x 8.06 inches | Weight: 30 pounds | Opener Type: Belt drive, Smart | Lifting Capacity: Not listed | Drive Type: Steel-reinforced belt-drive | Horsepower: 0.5 | Power Source: DC motor with backup battery

Best Wall-Mounted

LiftMaster Elite Series 8500 Jackshaft Operator

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What We Like

• Quiet operation

• Takes up minimal space

• Compatible with doors up to 14 feet

What We Don't Like

• 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: $450

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

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Best with Camera

Chamberlain B4643T Secure View Garage Door Opener

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What We Like

• Built-in HD security camera

• Smartphone control

• Includes two remotes

What We Don't Like

• 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, thanks to its 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's 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: $290

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

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Best With Battery Backup

BeamUP Everlift BU250 Garage Door Opener with Battery Backup

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What We Like

• Compatible with single or double doors

• Long-lasting backup battery

• Built-in LED light

What We Don't Like

• 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: $216

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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What We Like

• Extremely powerful 2-horsepower motor

• Requires limited maintenance

• Smartphone and home assistant compatible

What We Don't Like

• No backup battery

• 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: $278

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

Final Verdict

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 SKYLINK Atoms ATR-1611C 1/2 HPF Garage Door Opener offers unbeatable 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 and operates more smoothly and quietly. Screw-drive openers, which lift doors with a threaded steel rod, are also quiet and don'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.

FAQ

• 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.

• 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.

• How do you install a garage door opener?

  Correct garage door opener installation is crucial for safe and effective operation. You might consider hiring a professional, but if you'd rather go the DIY route, these are the basic steps:
  

  1. Read over the instructions and make sure you have all the parts and necessary tools.

  2. Assemble the carriage tube per the manufacturer's instructions.

  3. Attach the carriage tube to the front of the main power unit.

  4. Mount the header bracket to secure the carriage tube to the wall over the door.

  5. Hang the main power unit from the ceiling

  6. Wire the opener control box, then mount it to the wall.

  7. Attach the connector bracket to the door, then fasten it to the carriage arm.

  8. Plug in the safety sensor device to prevent it from closing on anything in the way.
  

  "The Home Depot offers expert advice with their Type of Garage Door Openers project guide, along with their Garage Door & Opener Installation services and offerings," says Nichols.

• 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.

• 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. However, 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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