A garage door opener is a handy way to make your life easier. They can vary slightly in their design and performance, so it’s good to get an idea of each before you decide on one for your home. Some have belt drives and are ultra-quiet, while others have chain and direct drive openers that have a reputation for being a little noisy. Some openers can even be controlled remotely, so you can prepare your garage from down the street.
Chamberlain B970T smart garage door opener
Smart-home integrated
The Chamberlain B90T smart garage door opener runs quietly with a belt drive system but has enough power to open even heavy doors. It comes with a built-in backup battery. This means you can access your garage even when the power goes out. The opener also comes with two remote controls and built-in Wi-Fi, so you can manage it from your smartphone using the Chamberlain myQ app.
Genie Chain Drive 750 garage door opener
Back-up battery power
The Genie Chain Drive 750 garage door opener uses a chain drive system. While this is louder than a belt drive, it also can support heavier doors. It has an integrated light and a backup battery. This allows you to continue to use the opener even during power outages. The Genie comes with two remote controls, a wireless keypad, and a wall console. Everything comes pre-programmed to make it easier to install and start using.
beamUP Centurion two-car garage door opener
For extra-long doors
The beamUP Centurion opener is designed to handle long, double-wide doors typically used for two-car garages. This belt drive opener has a lot of power to keep the door steady and even as it opens. It is integrated with a motion detection light system and security sensors. Plus, it comes with two remote controls and a touchpad. This garage door opener can also be controlled from your smartphone.
CRAFTSMAN smart garage door opener
Belt-drive system
Because it uses a belt drive system, the CRAFTSMAN opener runs quietly as it raises and lowers your garage door. It can be controlled from anywhere through the myQ smartphone app. You can also open the door using the included wireless keypad. It has safety sensors so it won’t accidentally close on people or items in its way. This option comes with a single remote control.
What to look for in a garage door opener
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Quiet operation
Excess noise is the last thing you want from your brand new garage door opener. Systems that use a belt tend to be quieter in operation, so watch out for those if you want the most soundless device possible. Our top pick, the Chamberlain B970T smart garage door opener, is well-loved thanks to its quietness and avoids using the chain-belt system that tends to be a little noisier. Another option is the CRAFTSMAN smart garage door opener, which is ultra-quiet when welcoming you home, which is ideal.
Remote control technology
Garage door openers will make an ultra-convenient addition to your home; once you have one installed, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it. But, as any smart home enthusiast will argue, there’s always something more that can be done to streamline the experience. The answer is, of course, opting for one that uses remote control technology.
Before we dive into smart garage door openers, it’s worth mentioning that you can just opt for remote control, rather than linking your device up to your smartphone. Tri Brand takes the top spot when it comes to remote controllers, which work from over a thousand feet away, and are a less expensive and technical option.
If you want something a little more advanced, then a smart garage door opener will suit you, as they’re enabled with Wi-Fi, so you can link them up to your smartphone. This means you can avoid carrying around, and potentially losing, a tiny remote control; instead, you can simply open up an app whenever you need to. Our top pick, the Chamberlain B970T smart garage door opener, even has a feature that allows you to key in delivery drivers when you’re not at home, so they can safely leave your package within. Pretty smart.
Backup battery
Garage door openers are powered by your mains, which is essential for everything to run smoothly. On a day-to-day basis, this is something you won’t even need to think about. But in the event of a power failure, you might wish that you’d planned ahead, as you don’t want to get locked in your garage or be unable to gain access at all.
In the case of emergencies like these, a 12-volt battery can come in handy. These can be found included within the purchase of many garage door openers and will be worth it when it comes down to the wire. Look out for them if you want to be prepared for anything a power out might throw at you.
Safety sensors
Finally, you should consider a garage door opener that comes with sensors. Sensors prevent accidents by stopping operation if there's an object in the way. These days almost all openers come with these as default. The sensors work by sending a beam of light across the door. If it's broken then the operation of the door will cease. It could be an essential feature if you have pets or small children who might be at risk of injury.
