The Best Garage Door Openers
In the past, garage door openers were notoriously finicky. The keypads can get sticky and the signals grow weak—or the actual chain mechanism rusts and fails. If you're tired of smacking your remote or constantly re-entering your passcode just to get in the house, it might be time for an upgrade. Luckily, today's garage door openers are powerful tech that can make the process easy. Not all garages and remotes are built equally, so we felt it was important to think about universal compatibility and complete sets. In the era of the smart home, it's also worth considering your smartphone's role in opening doors. The Chamberlain garage set scored top marks thanks to its quiet motor and smart capabilities. Those fancy features do come at a premium though, so budget-friendly models like the X X-House universal remote are also great options. And if all you want is a wall-mounted keypad, look no further than the trusty Genie Intellicode opener. Whatever your needs, read on to find an opener that closes out the competition.
Chamberlain B2405 Smart myQ Door Opener System
Open sesame
If you’re in the market for a total overhaul of your current garage door system, look no further. The quiet DC motor of this belt drive keeps both you and your neighbors happy, while the dual sensors ensure safe operation at all times, even when you’re not looking. In addition to two handheld remotes, Chamberlain’s opener set also includes a wall-mounted button for inside and a keypad for outside entry. Best of all, you can have total control over your garage door in the palm of your hand, thanks to Chamberlain’s myQ application.
Pros:
- As suggested, we found the belt drive to be exceptionally quiet, especially when compared to older chain drive models.
- Frequent travelers will love the remote monitoring and control provided by the myQ application.
Cons:
- After installation, Chamberlain does require a subscription to access the entirety of myQ features.
Genie Intellicode Wireless Keypad
Screw it in and roll on out
This one goes out to all the sticky keypads causing distress at the end of a long day at work. If your belt or chain is functional and you’re still struggling to get inside, the Genie Intellicode pad is the easiest answer to your problems. It’s wireless and battery-operated, so you don’t have to worry about proper wiring or a power source. Just secure it to your door frame with the included screws and follow the instructions to program your own code.
Pros:
- Though it’s set up to be programmed with newer doors using Intellicode 2, it’s also fully functional with openers manufactured any time after 1995 using Intellicode 1.
- Instead of the usual 4-digit PIN, we liked that you have the option of a 3–8 digit code for extra security.
Cons:
- We found the backlighting of the keys to be lackluster and difficult to see at night.
X X-House Universal Garage Door Remote
Save your wallet and your worries
If you just moved into a new property and aren’t familiar with your garage door’s specifics, this universal remote from X X-House is a safe and inexpensive bet. Unlike other proprietary models that only work with in-brand technology, this remote is compatible with a wide range of doors, from Chamberlain to Genie. To program the remote, you will have to figure out the make and model of your garage door. After that, the rest of the installation is a cinch.
Pros:
- With two buttons that can be programmed for separate doors, you don’t have to worry about multiple remotes in your car.
- As far as compatibility goes, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more cost-effective model. You’ll stay within even the tightest budget.
Cons:
- While this is a solid option for an in-car remote, it can’t be wall-mounted. We’d love to see a little more functionality.
Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Control
Don't leave the door open
We get it. Remotes can hurt more than they help, especially if you’re juggling multiple openers for different properties and gates. In that case, we’d recommend checking out the myQ smart controller from Chamberlain. Even though the application is proprietary, it has strong functionality across a range of garage brands; just make sure to read the list of compatible products carefully. With myQ, you can monitor all garage activity from your smartphone, and even set daily closing times to ensure the security of your property.
Pros:
- With strong Wi-Fi and a Bluetooth connection, we found the installation to be incredibly straightforward.
- Because it’s wireless, the myQ unit doesn’t have to be drilled into the wall or secured to the door. Just place it close enough to your internet router and you’re good to go.
Cons:
- Be sure to read and follow the instructions carefully; we found even the smallest missteps to cause problems during installation.
Genie ChainDrive 550 Garage Door Opener System
Worthy of a wishlist
Contrary to popular belief, not all genies grant three wishes. Some, like this ChainDrive 550 system, are far more giving than their stingy counterparts. Along with the opening mechanism, this set includes two pre-programmed remotes, a wall console for inside your garage, and a wireless keypad for the exterior. All openers can control up to three doors and are compatible with technology like Homelink and Car2U. Don’t overlook the competitive pricing for this wishlist highlight, either.
Pros:
- We liked how straightforward the installation process was, especially for a full system overhaul. The factory-assembled chain saves you from a big headache.
- Even though it’s a chain drive, it still operates much more quietly than older models. This is on par with pricier belt drive units.
Cons:
- We’d love to see some added smart-home functionality for remote monitoring and opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to buy a remote from the same company that installed my door?
Not necessarily. In this day and age, universal remotes made by third-party companies can be just as reliable. That being said, you’ll want to pay careful attention to when your garage door was installed. The older the mechanism, the less likely it is to be compatible with newer universal remotes.
Are smart garage door openers compatible with all smart home technology (e.g., Echo, Nest)?
Unfortunately, most smart garages have not been fully integrated with smart home technology. Each model runs off its own proprietary application which can be accessed from various devices but is not housed within Echo’s or Nest’s functions. With the increased popularity of smart homes, that advancement is sure to come soon.
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