Best Garage Door Opener Consumer Reports

The garage door opener is convenient to make your life easier and to add value to your home. You don’t have to get out of your car to open or close your garage. In severe weather, garage door openers provide you comfort.

The modern garage door opener comes with built-in lights. These built-in lights illuminate your garage helpful at night or in terrible weather.

Garage door openers provide security against opportunistic thieves or burglars. To keep your home and family safe garage door opener provides security. The garage door opener comes with a rolling code.

You can get access to the garage by pressing a button on the remote. You will also find vacation mode with the garage door opener. It means that your garage door can only be opened from the inside.

Their automatic closing feature is interesting. If you forget to press the remote button. The garage door will be automatically closed. The remarkable thing about a garage door opener is that it consumes less energy.

8 Best Garage Door Opener Consumer Reports

It means that the garage door opener works efficiently with less energy and less damage to the environment. With a relatively low-cost garage, the door openers provide security and save your time.

Types Of Garage Door Opener

The garage door openers are categorized into different types

Chain drive openers

On a chain-driven garage door opener, a chain is attached to a trolley. This chain is much like a bicycle chain, the trolley runs along with the rail. The trolley is attached to a motor to open and close the garage door.

The chain drive openers can be noisy because of the movements of the chain. But some garage door opener comes with DC motor with a low noise level.

Belt drive openers 

It works similarly to chain drive openers works. In this opener., the chain is replaced by a belt. This belt is made of rubber material. The belt is used to slide the trolley when the door is activated to open or close.

The trolly moves over the rubber belt therefore the motion will be smoother. This smoother motion produces less noise when the door opens and closes.

Screw drive openers

Screw drive openers use threaded steel rods.  This threaded steel rod moves the trolley which lifts and lowers as it rotates. It contains fewer moving parts. The screw drive opener is also smoother and quieter similar to the chain and belt opener are. Screw drive openers require less frequent maintenance.

Direct drive openers

Direct drive openers require no chain, belt, or threaded piece to drive the trolley. It uses a motor to drive the trolley. This opener not only opens and closes the door but also results in a smooth operation. Also requires low maintenance.

We have enlisted our top 8 picks for the best garage door opener consumer report

1. Chamberlain Group B970 Best Garage Door Opener Consumer Reports

B970 is a smart garage door opener. Comes with MYQ technology to keep you connected with your garage door. This  MYQ technology provides control on the garage door opener by using the MYQ app. By this amazing MYQ technology, you can receive notifications when it’s left open.

Up to three peoples can control your garage door opener securely. A wireless keypad protects against hacking and provides anti-theft protection. A wireless keypad allows a quick setup. There is no need for electrical wirings to the side of the garage opening.

This garage opener has a maximum lifting capacity. With a high lifting capacity, it has an anti-vibration feature. This unit can withstand excessive heat, cold, and humidity. It is a belt-drive type garage door opener. Comes with an ultra-quiet noise level.

They make the belt drive components with high-quality material. This unit can last for a long time. The interesting thing about this unit is the built-in battery backup. This backup provides access to your garage door when the power is out.

This unit comes with two 3- button remotes. These remotes follow TriBand technology. The range of these remotes is up to 15,00 feet. This product contains a motion-detecting control panel. This panel allows easy programming of remote controls, keypads, and MYQ lighting accessories.

It turns on lights automatically when motion is detected. To avoid any damage and accidents this unit comes with safety sensors. These sensors can detect an obstruction and automatically reverse the garage door.

2. Chamberlain MYQ-G0201 Best Garage Door Opener Consumer Reports

MYQ-G0201 is another smart garage door opener. This product is design to works with major brands of garage door openers. That is manufactured after 1993 and that uses safety reversing sensors. With this unit, you can receive alerts when the garage door opener opens and closes.

You can know about when kids are arrived home safely from school with these alerts. Alerts will also let you know if you forgot to close the door when you left home.

This unit is compatible with Apple and Android devices. You can control your garage door with the MYQ smartphone app from anywhere. This garage door opener comes with an easy installation procedure. It takes 30 minutes to finish the installation.

Mount the Wi-Fi Hub near the garage door opener. Then attach the door sensor to the upper panel. After connecting the Wi-Fi Hub to your home network you will be able to control the opener on the MYQ app.

Besides controlling your garage door opener this unit also enables you to control outdoor lights and house lamps. You can turn on and off the lamps of your home with your smartphone. Comes with a lithium-ion battery.

The sensor sensors require CR2450 coin replacement batteries. This replacement battery can last about 8 to 9 months. While its original battery lasted about only 4 months. MYQ-G0201 package included Wi-Fi Hub, Power Cord, Mounting Bracket, Door Sensor, Instructions for MyQ App download.

3. Chamberlain Group B550 Best Garage Door Opener Consumer Reports

B550 is one of the most convenient garage door openers This opener protects your home from entering of unwanted intruders. The built-in MyQ technology allows you to open your garage door automatically from your car via smartphone. If your garage door is too heavy, you would need a powerful unit.

This product has a MED Lift System. This system allows the highest lifting capacity which is better than ½ power class. Also provides not stop in the mid-half way of you closing, or opening your garage doors.

This unit comes with a belt drive system. The steel-reinforced belt comes with high-quality materials to increases its durability. This belt drive also provides quieter operation.

Besides the super-quiet operation, this unit also provides all the safety and protection to their customers. The safety sensors detect obstructions and automatically reverse the garage door before causing any damage.

Comes with two 3-buttons remote. The remote’s range is up to 1500 Ft for quick entrance and exit. The code encryption protects you, your family, and your home against hacking.

While Posi locks anti-theft protection can stop the forced entry and keep your house safe.

This garage door opener is suitable for 7 Ft garage doors. It includes two lithium ions batteries. The motor of this unit comes with 10 years warranty. While the belt has 15 years and other accessories come with 1 year.

4. Genie Chain Drive 500 garage door opener consumer reports

This unit comes with a traditional chain drive operation. The chain drive is a heavy-duty, making this unit strong, and durable. Uses DC motor that allows opening the garage door up to 8 ft in height and up to 350 lbs in weight.

This DC motor is maintenance-free, which saves you time and money. This garage door opener is compatible with HomeLink and Car2u. No extra items are required to making this garage door opener work with HomeLink or Car2U.

Comes with an easy installation procedure. The kit comes with angle brackets, lag bolts, wire clips, everything you needed to install. It has also a very smooth operation. Comes with a standard pre-programmed single-button remote.

This remote is suitable for single-car garages. The pre-programmed remote also eliminates one step during the initial installation. You can control the garage door opener from far away with your smartphone.

The safety features include the safest beam garage door safety sensors. This sensor prevents accidents with an infrared beam of light across the door opening. This unit also includes intelligent rolling code technology that prevents unauthorized persons from opening your garage door.

The garage door opener reverses the door if an object crosses the LED beam of light.  It includes a CR2 battery that uses Lithium Manganese Dioxide cells. Comes with a 5-year motor warranty.

5. Genie 1/2 HPC 3053 top rated garage door openers

Genie 3053 is one of the ultra-quiet units. Comes with a steel-reinforced belt for quiet operation. Genie Aladdin connects a free smartphone app that allows you to control your garage opener.

This app also allows you to set up virtual keys for individual users through their own app. This unit comes with intellicode rolling code technology that provides safety and protection against unauthorized person access.

This garage door opener has 2 pre-programmed 3 button remotes for quick set-up. For more security, this unit uses a wall control panel with an independent light button. Also, compatible with built-in car remotes systems.

Comes with a simple installation procedure. This smart garage features a strong 5-piece rail system snaps together for easy installation, using no hardware.

Comes with a powerful DC motor of 1/2 HPC Power. This motor provides smooth and quiet operation. It can lift the garage door up to 7 Ft height and with a weight of 500 lbs. This garage opener works with ALEXA and is compatible with Google Assistant.

Accessories with the kit include Aladdin Connect, two pre-programmed 3-button remotes, and a multi-function wall console. Genie gives a limited warranty on the belt, motor, and other accessories with this unit. Best Garage Door Opener Consumer Reports.

6. Chamberlain Group B1381 Garage Door Opener

Chamberlain B1381 is the universal garage door opener. This unit is coming with corner to corner lighting, which illuminates your whole garage. These lighting systems contain 3,100 lumens of an LED that provide bright light throughout the garage.

This opener comes with a powerful motor of 1.25 hp. The motor has a maximum lifting capacity that can lift heavy garage doors. Similar to alternative garage openers, this unit has also smart control. You can control the garage door via the MyQ app.

This garage door opener uses a steel-reinforced belt drive. The high quality of the belt increases its durability, smoothness, and quiet performance. Its anti-vibration technology works in excessive heat, cold, and humidity.

The simple installation of a safety sensor saves you money and time. It takes up to 30 minutes. Safety sensors can detect obstructions and automatically reverse the garage door before causing any damage.

Comes with two 3-button TriBand frequency remotes. This TriBand technology boosts remote range up to 1,500 feet for a quicker entrance and exit. Also comes with the highest level of encryption.

It prevents your garage door from hacking. Posi-lock anti-theft technology protects you and your family from robbery and provides protection from unauthorized persons.

7. Genie ChainDrive 550 Garage Door Opener

Genie 550 is one of the powerful garage door openers. The chain drive system makes this unit more reliable and durable. It has an easy installation procedure. Equipped with a strong 5-piece rail system that snaps together with no added hardware required.

It has also a pre-assembled chain that makes easy installation using no cable. This opener also provides you a battery backup. This battery enables you to control the garage door when the power fails.

This unit comes with a powerful 1/2 HP DC motor. It has a high lifting capacity and can lift heavy garage doors of up to 550 pounds. The motor is maintenance-free over its lifespan. It comes with intellicode technology to prevent unauthorized person’s access.

While for the safety of your family this product uses Safe-T-Beam safety sensors. This safety sensor automatically reverses the door when someone crosses the light beam.

550 garage door opener comes with two pre-programmed 3-button remotes. These remotes allow you to control your garage door opener from your car. The wireless keypad makes you able to control the door with a personal PIN number.

This unit is compatible with HomeLink or Car2U. The components included with a kit of this unit are, two 3-button pre-programmed garage door opener remotes, a wireless keyless keypad, wall control with light button and vacation lock, safety sensors, hardware, batteries, and manual.

8. Chamberlain Group B503C Ultra-Quiet Garage Door Opener

B503C is another steel reinforced belt drive garage door opener. The belt is made of high-quality material for its durable and smooth performance. Comes with an easy installation process.

The online installation videos, pre-programmed remotes, snap-lock rail systems, and tech support ensure installation goes smoothly. This garage door opener includes 2 Lithium Metal batteries contain lithium metal cells.

Comes with a powerful motor that uses 1/2 HP power. This motor has a high lifting capacity and can lift a heavy load. This unit is designed and engineered for safety and security. Triband technology is used for superior range and performance.

Posi-lock added more security by preventing hackers and unauthorized persons. The two 3 button garage door remotes can operate up to three Chamberlain garage doors. Heavy-duty garage door opener.

The interesting thing in this unit is unmatched security+2.0. It provides 100 billion code encryption that protects against hacking. Smart control technology will make you able to open, close, and receive alerts from your garage door.

All the accessories are made of high-quality material. These accessories include safety sensors, a garage door opener, a 7 FT rail kit, two 3 button remotes transmitters, and dual-function wall control. The motor of this unit comes with a 10-year warranty. Best Garage Door Opener Consumer Reports.

Buying Guide Best Garage Door Opener Consumer Reports

Garage door opener rating consumer reports. We have discussed our top 8 garage door openers above. Now you have to just keep in mind some considerations that will help you in choosing the best garage door opener.

Automatic Reversing Feature

This is one of the most important considerations that you should follow while purchasing a garage door opener. The auto-reversing mechanism uses electronic sensors installed at the base of the door. Which reverses the opener’s movements. While photoelectric eyes are mounted at the bottom of the garage door to sense, the movements that obstruct them.

Horsepower

Horsepower is another important consideration for a garage door opener. If the horsepower is too high, your garage door opener will be efficient.  Because of high horsepower motor will open and close the door more quickly. For a heavier door, motors between 1/2 HP and 1 HP are the most common.

 Security Lights

While buying the best garage door opener choose a unit with security lights. That turns on automatically when the garage door opener is activated. Security lights can prevent you from injuries at night.

These lights provide you with several assurances. Some units come with motion detector security lights, activated when you are moving towards the garage door.

Smartphone Control 

The Wi-Fi integration feature is added to the modern garage door openers. You can control a garage door from anywhere with just a touch of the screen on your smartphone. Through Wi-Fi, you can control and monitor the door opener from anywhere. You can check the status and access information about the door opener.

 Rolling Code

To keep your garage more secure rolling code plays a key role. It is possible that your access code is intercepted or cloned. To avoid this problem, buy a garage door opener with rolling codes.

It has billions of potential combinations. Rolling code also prevents other radio frequency devices from interfering with your door.

FAQs

1. How much motor power of a garage door opener is available on the market?

There are different motors available on the market. These motors operate on power starting from 0.5 to 0.75 horsepower. The power of the motor depends on the weight of the door.

Heavier the door needs more powerful more. However, a motor with a 0.75 horsepower opener delivers enough power to move a door that might weigh up to 350 lbs.

2. Can I install a garage door opener on my own?

Yes, you can, but you need to first read the instructions carefully in the manual. Use the right tool and ensure that everything works perfectly.

3. How do I reprogram the remote if there’s a power outage?

When there is a power outage to reprogram the remote, then you need to climb up to the opener motor and look on the back of the housing to find the instructions.

Conclusion

Heavy-duty garage door opener. After a lot of research, we concluded that Chamberlain Group B970, MyQ-G0201, and B-550 are the best option.

These garage door openers are a bit expensive but have outstanding features and smooth performance. Check out First aid kit consumer reports.