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These garage door openers do the heavy lifting for you.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens / Kristin Kempa
Jon Russell, chief operating officer at Precision Garage Door Service, recommends a belt drive operator.
Belt-driven operations run smoothly and are very quiet," he says.
There are a few other aspects to keep in mind, according to Russell.
Credit: Amazon
You have to pay an extra monthly subscription if you want video footage and cloud storage.
The Chamberlain opener tops our list because its a smart rig with a security camera thatstreams live video.
It features a 0.75 horsepower belt-driven motor that can handle steel and double-car garage doors.
Credit: Amazon
The motor also makes it the best choice for attached garages because its a lot quieter than chain-driven openers.
There are safety sensors that halt door movement if something gets in the way.
It works with Amazon Key, so delivery workers can let themselves in your garage.
Credit: Amazon
Plus, it has built-in LED lights.
The app allows you to set up guest profiles for up to five users.
The camera connects to Bluetooth and supports two-way audio.
Credit: The Home Depot
However, the output tends to be delayed, which could make it hard to have a conversation.
To record security footage, youll need to pay for a video storage subscription with the Chamberlains myQ app.
With both options you’ve got the option to share or download videos.
The Chamberlain comes with a one week free trial for all users.
You’ll need to buy an extension kit for doors taller than 7 feet.
BeamUp’s chain-drive opener is powerful and relatively inexpensive compared to other models on this list.
If your doors are higher, youll have to buy an extension kit for8-footor10-footdoors.
We like that the design makes it easy to launch the garage when its dark.
Additionally, the wall control is wide and features easy-to-use push buttons.
Plus, it integrates with Alexa, Homelink, IFTTT, and Apple with no subscription fee.
Overall, its the best option if you need a smart yet basic option.
Though, it would have been nice if it came with an emergency backup battery.
It requires extra care and maintenance if you want the sound to stay low.
If your door is balanced, it will stay put.
Lights turn on on this rig as soon as you initiate the garage door.
And there is no switch available to turn it off.
This is the best wall-mounted model for heavy lifting.
It handles doors up to 18 feet wide and 850 pounds.
You also have the option to use voice commands to control it via Alexa and Google.
This Genie comes with a backup power source that lasts for up to 50 cycles.
This means youll never be stuck inside or outside in case of a blackout.
But they tend to be louder because they have noisy metal gears.
Belt-drivengarage door openers consist of a steel-reinforced rubber belt, which makes them run quieter than chain-belt models.
Their motors are smaller and tend to wear out faster.
Wall-mountedgarage door openers can be installed on the wall closest to thegarage door.
The last jot down isscrew-drivegarage door openers, which we did not include on our list.
Some brands like Genie have even begun phasing them out, making them harder to find.
If you have a heavier or a double garage door, a 0.75 horsepower garage door opener is ideal.
Power Source
Garage door openers are powered by an electric motor.
This allows you to remotely open and close your garage door from anywhere, anytime.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the best garage door opener?
According to Comino, the right opener for you depends on your needs and budget.
He likes chain-drive garage door openers as they offer more strength and are less expensive than belt-driven openers.
How much are garage door openers?
Garage door openers range in price, depending on the throw in and features.
If you want a high-end option, consider the wall-mountedLiftMaster Elite 8500W, which costs about $680.
Is a chain- or belt-driven garage door opener best?
Are you looking for something cheaper?
Chain-drive openers have been around for a long time and are typically cheaper yet still powerful, Comino says.
Is your garage close to your home or is your living space above the garage?
Then belt-driven garage door openers are a better choice because they are quieter and cause less vibration.
