7 Best Garage Door Opener Reviews by Top Home Guide For 2020

Isn’t it great how technology has brought us so far? We are now able to roll in our driveways and open the garage door with an automatic best garage door opener without having to get out of the car.

This is just one example, and there are so many other ones that show that technology is upgrading our lives.

It is quite understandable that people don’t find it desirable to get out of the car specifically to open or shut the garage door. They always want a solution that could help them in this case.

Or, in simpler words, they desire to have some sort of a product that could open the garage door for them automatically. Well, now it seems like their wish has been granted because there is not just one type of garage door opener available in the market. Hence, there are plenty of them.

This is what I am here to talk about today. I have prepared a list of some of the best garage door openers for you. But first, let me discuss this product in detail.

What Is The Best Garage Door Opener Should I Choose?

With all the variety and hundreds of companies manufacturing garage door openers, it can be confusing to tell which one is worth your money and which one is not.

On top of everything, there are different types of door openers too. Therefore, it can all get a little confusing.

To help you ease the process and choose the right opener for your garage door, I have compiled a list for you today. This list consists of all those openers that are tried and tested. These openers have passed the tests of quality, time, and reliability.

In simpler words, if you want to pick up the best garage door opener for the money, here are a few ones that you can consider for buying:

  1  Chamberlain B970 Smartphone-Controlled Ultra-Quiet & Strong Belt Drive Garage Door Opener

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My number 1 choice is none other than the Chamberlain B970. It is a powerpack with all the important features that you need. No matters if you have a heavy garage door, this opener is solid enough to handle it easily.

It comes with the most significant feature, and that is the “backup battery mode.” In case of a power outage, you won’t have to worry about anything as the backup battery will be more than enough for you to last for days.

For quieter operations, the Chamberlain B970 is the right choice. It works on a belt lifting mechanism, which means that the operations are smoother and quieter than what you can think of.

It is the best residential garage door opener that will bring all your worries to an end. The real deal-breaker is that this opener comes with two remote controls. Also, it can even be connected with Wi-Fi.
With the Chamberlain my1Q app, you can control your garage door even when you are away.

  2  Chamberlain Group C450 Smartphone-Controlled Durable Chain Drive Garage Door Opener

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Looking for a reasonably priced and reliable opener for your garage door? If yes, then chances are that you will be impressed with the Chamberlain Group C450. It is one of the top-rated garage door openers available for sale.

Fortunately, Chamberlain is the most popular name in the garage door opener industry. It is a reliable brand, and not even a single of its products will disappoint you.
But as buying a door opener is a big deal, you should still consider all the features and functions offered.

Well, the Chamberlain Group C450 comes with a ½ horsepower motor, which is ideal for your average garage door.

The chain drive system is a little turn off because it is noisy. But then, there are other features offered, like a built-in Wi-Fi system and an encryption code for better safety.

With the help of the MyQ app, you can control your garage door easily once you connect the opener with your Wi-Fi. As far as the battery backup is concerned, unfortunately, that is not what you get with the Chamberlain Group C450 opener.

  3  Liftmaster 888LM Security+ 2.0 MyQ Wall Control

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The next on the list that I have for you is the Liftmaster 888LM. It is a great smart opener to try, but as said earlier, the features are what you have to pay attention to.

Two of the main selling points of this garage door opener are; it is whisper-quiet, and it comes with a bright light. It has a DC-motor that comes with a horsepower of 1-¼, which is good enough to lift even a heavy garage door.

Thus, if you keep the use under the given limit, the backup battery mode can keep things working smoothly for at least two days.

In the case there is any obstruction in the path, there are two sensors that can be installed on the track of the door. This way, if there will be any obstacle, the door will automatically stop, and it won’t crash.
It is just that you need to install the sensors properly to make this possible. And so, it is a great feature-filled smart gadget that won’t be a disappointing experience for you.

  4  Chamberlain Group B550 Smartphone-Controlled Ultra-Quiet & Strong Belt Drive Garage Door Opener

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The Chamberlain B550 is for those who want the best value for their money. It is the best 1/2 hp garage door opener that possesses some good features, including a decent motor that can lift up to 10 ft doors.
As far as the Wi-Fi connectivity is concerned, it also has that and an extension kit for better use.

Consequently, if you have an average garage door and want an average opener for it, the B550 is what you should be trying.

It comes with a power of 1/2 HP. This opener isn’t qualified for you if you have a wooden garage door or some other door that is too heavy.

It is a belt-driven device, which means that the operations are quite smooth and noise-free. On top of everything, you don’t need a pro to come and install this device for you.

It is an easy-to-setup device, and with the help of the manual, you will be able to do it yourself.
Conversely, one main feature that the B550 lacks is “time to close.” This feature is all about setting a specific time for the door to shut down automatically if the owner forgets about it. But as this device lacks it, you might have to consider other options.

  5  LiftMaster Garage Door Opener

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The LiftMaster garage door opener is on number 5 of my top 7’s list. It deserves to be here because of its power-packed features.

For someone who wants to save some money on a door opener for his garage, this is the right device to opt for. The main reason why I have brought this garage door opener with battery backup to you is because of its rolling code technology.

With the rolling code technology, you don’t have to stress about intruders or other people accessing your garage. There are hundreds of code options to choose from, and only you will be the one who will have access to it.

The manual with which it comes makes the installation process quite easy. You won’t have to spend another extra hundred dollars to call for some professional set-up help.

There is a wireless remote that you get with the device. It is the 9-volt battery power remote.

Hence, the flip-up protective cover helps in protecting the remote from extreme weather conditions. Even in the dark, you will be able to use the keypad due to the backlight. Overall, it is a good product to invest in.

  6  Chamberlain Group B730 Ultra-Quiet & Strong Belt Drive Garage Door Opener

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The ultra-quiet Chamberlain B730 is an impressive model. It is the best garage door opener by consumer reports, especially with all the features that it possesses.

If you have a wooden garage door or some other heavy-duty door, this device is the best match for it as it comes with a motor. Due to the belt drive system, it operates smoothly without making 3/4HP g much noise. So, with it, you will be able to keep your living space silent.

The main selling point of the B730 is the battery backup mode. For a door opener, it is important to have this mode in case of a power outage.

In the early days, when there was no concept of battery backup mode, people had several complaints about how they had trouble opening their garage door when the power went off.

But now, we have the facility of a backup battery, and therefore, it is best to go for it. For safety and security, this device is an ideal one as it electronically controls forces openings, and there are two sensors with which it comes.

These sensors stop the door from closing when there is some obstacle on the way. This feature helps prevent severe wear and tear.

  7  Chamberlain RJO20 Direct Drive Wall Mounted Space Saving Garage Door Opener

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Last but not least, I have one of the highest rated garage door openers, Chamberlain RJO20, for you.
This wall mount device is best for those who can’t tolerate any vibrations or any noise when the garage door is opening or closing. The RJO20 frees up a lot of space on the head. Thus, you won’t have any issues with noise and vibrations.

What makes this device unique is the fact that it is discreetly placed on the wall next to the garage door.
Nevertheless, other features include security + 2.0 technology and automatic garage lock down controlled with a smartphone.

In other words, this device has it all to offer that you would want from a quality garage door opener. Even design and construction-wise, it is a great option to get your hands on.

Just one thing that it lacks is the availability of a battery backup mode. This can be a big turn off for some people who often have power outage issues.

But if that is something you can overlook and want a device that can work for all kinds of doors (heavy or light), the RJO20 is going to be a worthy investment. It is an easy-to-install device that requires a lot less effort than you can think of.

Reasons To Get A Garage Door Opener

Where ease and convenience is a priority for people, these factors are still not enough to convince them to buy a garage door opener. If you are one of those people, there is nothing to worry about.
There is a lot more than “convenience” that a door opener has to offer.

Here is what might come in handy to you:

• Security: You can skip convenience, but you can’t overlook the fact that with the most reliable garage door opener, you can increase the security of your house. With it, you can keep your family, home, and all of your possessions safe.
  There are openers with features like “vacation mode” and “rolling codes.” Especially in vacation mode, you can shut down your garage door with remote control access.
  It means that only you will be able to open the door from the inside because you have the remote control device of your door.

• Safety: Have you ever seen it in the movies that the garage door just crashes all of a sudden, destroying the new Ferrari? Or have you ever heard of an accident where someone’s fingers got hurt because the door just fell all of a sudden?
  If so, you don’t need any more convincing reasons to buy a door opener. This one product can do wonders for you and keep you safe from such uncalled accidents.

How To Choose A Garage Door Opener?

With all the variety out there, it can be a little difficult for you to choose the good garage door opener.
But, no worries at all! There are various factors you can consider to make sure that you are landing on the right product.

Below we have some of them:

Drive Options: Before you get started with your hunt, you need to consider the three main drive options. Chain, belt, and screw.

Among these three, the chain drive is the most durable and affordable one. It is just a little noisy.
Then, comes the screw drive that is more of a middle option. It is less noisy, a little pricey, and requires low maintenance.

Though in case you want something extraordinary, a belt drive will work just fine for you. Hence, before buying, it is recommended that you should check out the belt drive garage door opener reviews.

Horsepower: Just like garage door openers, you will find a variety of horsepower options too. The average horsepower required by most garage doors is ½.

But, in the case of extra insulation or a wooden-door, you should go for ¾ horsepower.

Rolling Code Technology: For someone who is looking for the best garage door opener for security purposes, they must consider the one that comes with the rolling code technology.

With this technology, you can create your own with billions of options available to you. On top of it all, only you will be the one having access to that code, which means increased safety and security for your house.

Reliability: While talking about “which garage door opener is the best,” you must consider the “reliability.” You can’t risk your money on an unreliable door opener, and this is why you need to look for some significant features.

Check if the opener comes with dual-frequency signals for better functioning or not. Also, the opener is supposed to enhance your household’s flow.

Just consider these basic options, read the garage door opener reviews, and make sure that you are investing in a reliable door opener that is worth your money.

Types Of Garage Door Openers

It is imperative first to know the different kinds of door openers before you start your hunt.

There are a total of six types that you should know of:

Chain Drive Opener: The best chain drive garage door opener consists of a chain that makes the trolley and motor connected. Because of the metal to metal contact, this kind of opener is noisy and clunky too.

But if you have a tight budget, this is the best door opener you should go for.

Belt Drive Opener: Looking for smooth operation or at least a better one than the chain drive opener? If yes, the belt drive opener will make an excellent choice here.

The reason is that it uses rubber instead of a chain, and it is not even noisy.

Screw Drive Opener: There is a threaded steel rod, and the trolley rides this rod when a motor is used to rotate the rod.

It is an easy-to-maintain type, but it is quite noisy, and it can be a problem for you.

Direct Drive Opener: There are lesser parts involved in a direct drive opener. The stationary chain moves smoothly in the sturdy steel rail, and because of this, there is no noise at all.

Although this type is equal in price with the belt drive opener, it is a lot better option that you can consider.

DC-Powered Drive Opener: The best of all types is the DC-powered drive opener that has everything you would expect from an opener that you have paid a good price for.

It is fast and comes with smoother operations. Also, it is light and doesn’t even make a lot of noise.

Jack-Shaft Drive Opener: These openers are generally fitted on the side of a door. Most of the jack-shaft drive openers possess a 24v DC motor that pulls the cables and pulleys to turn the torsion bar and bring the door up.

This type is going to cost you a little more than usual. Therefore, if you do have a reasonable budget, you should go for it.

Key Features Of Garage Door Openers

Below I have come up with some features that will compel you to grab an opener for your garage door.

Automatic Reversing Feature: It is a must-consider feature because this is what will save you from accidents and injuries. As said earlier, when there weren’t any automatic garage door openers, people often fell victim to accidents when their garage doors crashed on them or their cars.
It can even lead to fatal injuries. This is why no matter what, do consider an opener that, at least, has the automatic reversing feature.

What happens in this feature is that when the door encounters an obstacle, it quickly reverses back.
Even in this feature, there are two options that you have. First is the option of installed electronic sensors, and then there is the option of photoelectric eyes.

In both types, the sensors identify the obstacle, and they send a signal to the door opener to reverse back. This feature is imperative for your safety.

Rolling Code Technology: It is great to have a gadget that can open your garage door for you without making you worried about getting out of the car. But at the same time, you need to ensure that your gadget is secure for you and that not all the people have access to it.

For that reason, rolling code technology is significant. It gives you access to a billion codes that you can choose from, each time you lock the garage door.

Only the operator will have access to the code. The rolling code technology feature will just be an addition that will make you and your family secure.

Battery Backups: In case of a power outage, you should always have a backup battery that can help you in ensuring that your garage door keeps functioning just the way it is supposed to.

The best part is that there are no separate batteries sold for this purpose. But, the opener you buy comes with a built-in battery backup mode.

In this mode, you have a limited number of times to operate your garage door. If you keep the use of it less, the battery backup mode can even help you in an extended power outage situation.

Once the power comes back, the battery will then automatically get recharged without making you concerned about anything.

Horsepower: You also need to get the horsepower that suits you exactly. In case the horsepower is too high for your best belt drive garage door opener or any other type of opener, it won’t be energy efficient for you.

On the other hand, if you don’t have enough horsepower, it will be like you are putting a lot of pressure and overworking your garage door. This can lead to uncalled wear and tear that is the last thing you want to see.

In short, it is crucial to get the exact right horsepower that your door needs. The standard, however, is 1/2 horsepower. Therefore, you should stick to it to keep things smooth.

Security Lights: A security light can keep the intruders away. It is a crucial feature to have in your garage door opener.

If someone tries to enter your garage through an interior door, you will quickly know about it as the security lights will activate the alarm.

How Much Does It Cost To Put In A New Garage Door Opener?

There is a massive assortment of different openers for garage doors that can be found in the local market and online stores as well. It also means that the cost will vary from opener to opener.

However, an average top garage door opener will cost you somewhat between $120 and $288. It can be expensive, and it can be cheap, just depending on the type that you are opting for.

But this isn’t it, and you have to consider the installation cost too that stands between $127 and $199. In short, the total amount that you should have in your mind is approximately $247 to $487.

This isn’t something static, and the prices keep varying. Thus, it is always better to do some proper research about the cost and make a garage door opener comparison before making a purchase.

There are hundreds of online websites and local companies that you can refer to. Especially using the internet for the best of your benefits is important here because using the internet, you can compare prices.

Yes, you read that, right! The online world comes up with a lot of options to offer. Consequently, if you don’t just rush your buying decision and put some head into this process, you can end up saving a lot of money.

It is not just about buying the best-suited garage door opener. But, it is also about finding the right person to install it for you.

For this, it is advised that you should opt for the same company that you are buying your opener from. This way, you might end up getting some discount on the installation cost.

What Is The Average Life Of A Garage Door Opener?

One thing that you can be care-free about is the life of your garage door opener. It doesn’t matter which type you are choosing because all the types come with a lifetime limit of 10 to 15 years.
But if you want to extend this life, you are supposed to keep your opener maintained.

By maintenance, I am referring you to the fact that you should take care of the rollers and the springs. Most important, the company that you are buying from matters a lot.
Just what I said earlier that you should not rush your decision to choose one of the garage opener brands. This process requires time and research, especially if you don’t want your hard-earned money to get wasted.

Go for the right company, check garage door opener ratings, read online reviews, and check what people have to say about the brand that you are going to select. These things will eventually help you land on the right door opener that can work for you even for 20 years if you want that.

Do Insulated Garage Doors Make A Difference?

It all depends on the type of garage space that you own and the location, of course. But, one thing that I am sure about is the fact that yes, an insulated garage does make a difference.
There are several benefits to having one opener for your garage door. Some of them are as follows:

Energy Efficiency: Particularly in the winters, an insulated garage door will help you keep the heat inside. Not just this, but it also means that the heat won’t be able to enter the garage quickly during summers.

In simpler words, the temperature inside the garage will always stay moderate, and this is good if you want to save some energy.

You won’t have to put additional money into making your house warmer or cooler. Mainly, if you have an attached garage, you should think about insulating it because it can be good to maintain a moderate climate inside your house.

Quieter Operations: It is a fact that insulated garage doors make lesser noise as compared to the ones that aren’t insulated. What happens is that the insulation adds weight and strength to the door, which reduces the rattles and creaks.

In case your garage is insulated, but the door is still making a lot of noise, it is better to get the door inspected from some professional.

Door Strength: An insulated garage door can stand up to a lot of opening and closing, and you won’t need to worry about any wear and tear, at least, not for the next ten years.

People often see their garage doors rusting (especially the single-layer ones). Here I am talking about the non-insulated doors.

This isn’t the same for insulated doors as with them. You don’t need to be worried about any rusting or corrosion. These doors are built to last longer, and they are resistant to heat, wind, and even sun as well.

How To Install A Garage Door Opener?

Here is a step-by-step guide that might help you install a door opener easily:

• Step 1: Before you install your door opener, it is better first to check the door and see its functioning just the way it is supposed to.
  Check the torsion spring, all the brackets, and, of course, the rollers, too. If there is something wrong with the torsion spring or the roller bracket on the bottom, call a professional. It can be dangerous for you to fix these things yourself.

• Step 2: The next step is to check the balance of the door. For doing so, all you need to do is to close the garage door, and then pull the emergency cord for release.
  Then, lift up the door halfway manually and see how it goes back down. If you find the balance disturbed, give a call to a trusted pro to get it fixed.

• Step 3: Put your garage door opener and then connect the header bracket with the rail just above the door. Take a ladder and set the opener on it.
  Ensure that the door is open while you do all of this and use clamps so that the door doesn’t accidentally crash.

• Step 4: Use the mounted straps that come along the opener and make sure that they are sturdy enough to keep the door in place. Now, install them as per the instructions mentioned in the manual.

• Step 5: Now, adjust the opening and closing force of the door and make sure to get all the settings right. If the door stops while closing, you should increase the power.
  Oppositely, if it is stopping while opening, you need to make adjustments accordingly.
  This is how you can install an opener to your garage door. The process seems easy, but honestly, it is not.

There are several things you need to consider to get things right. Here my suggestion is that you should hire a professional for the installation. This way, you will, at least, have the peace of mind that your door opener will work just fine for you without making you anxious about anything.

But, if you want to opt for DIY installation, it is not a bad idea. Just follow the instructions above, and it will all fall into place for you.

Which Garage Door Opener Is Best For You?

These are the best seven garage door openers that I have compiled for you. Now is the time for me to make it a little narrower and to give you the name of the best device to buy this year.

The Best Garage Door Opener For 2020: Chamberlain B730
My best bet is the B730 Chamberlain opener that has everything you would need and expect from a quality opener for easier operations. It holds the best chamberlain garage door opener reviews.
This door opener is an ultra-quiet device that will bring the best value for your money.

Though you have some other options that you can consider, I choose this device that even offers a battery backup mode at a very reasonable price. It is ideal, too, if you own a wooden garage door because of the 3/4HP motor.

The belt drive system makes it more reliable and durable. In a nutshell, this is the best device we have for you. If you feel like it suits your needs in the best possible way, this is the right device to lay your hands on.

Overall Verdict

I hope you now have all the information you need to buy the best garage door opener. I have covered everything in this article, from the types to the things you should consider before buying one. Even I have jotted down the best of my compiled list.

Now, without waiting any further, you should start analyzing the one door opener that suits your requirements in the best possible way. Once you know it and buy it, then let me know how you find it!