“Click”—that’s the sound of convenience
Having the right type of garage door opener can have you entering and exiting your garage without ever thinking of the mechanics behind the scenes. But every garage door opener offers its own features that could make or break this out-of-sight, out-of-mind convenience.
There are several options when it comes to choosing the best type of garage door opener for your home. Some garage door opener models are compact and work well in a small space. Other more high-tech openers connect to wifi and include a virtual home assistant. Here are the six best types of garage door openers that will work for your space and lifestyle.
The most common garage door opener out there is the chain opener, which uses (you guessed it) a metal chain to open and close the door. During operation, this model looks similar to a bicycle chain helping to spin the wheels on a bike. They work with your garage sensor to keep your household safe.
Chain drive garage door openers are popular due to their affordability and relative ease of installation. They start at $150 (plus the cost of installation, unless you install a garage door opener yourself).
Labor costs tend to range from $150 to $500, but you may have to pay extra if you need to rent tools. A local garage door opener repair company can give you a quote.
Belt-driven garage door openers operate similarly to chain drive products, except a rubber belt, lowers and raises the door—not a chain.
Belt-driven openers are more popular for some homeowners because they are quieter than chain-drive models. You will pay for this advantage, though; $150 to $460 is the average cost for a new device.
Garages with limited (or too much) vertical space can benefit from a wall-mounted option. They save space and reduce overhead clearance for taller cars. They also make it easy to access your opener if a technical issue pops up down the road.
Wall mounts use a pulley system connected to the door’s torsion bar and are sometimes called jackshaft garage door openers. They cost between $250 and $500 for new units.
It might help to picture an actual screw, which is sort of how the threaded bar on a screw drive garage door opener works. Rotating in one direction to open, and the other to close, the threaded bar offers tons of power in a compact design. It’s very popular for smaller one-car garages for that reason.
One potential drawback is the amount of maintenance needed over its life, but regular maintenance and timely repairs on your garage door opener can help protect your investment. 10 to 15 years is a good life expectancy for your garage door opener. Expect to pay $200 to $500 for a new screw-drive-operated model.
Individual models available for each option discussed so far could technically be classified as “quiet” garage door openers. Low noise level is one of the most sought-after features homeowners look for, so product developers work hard on creating powerful, efficient machines that don’t make a lot of noise.
One of the quietest options is a belt-driven, DC-powered garage door opener. Wall mounts that limit vibrations using thick padding or insulation can also be quite effective for stifling sound.
The quieter your product, the more you should expect to pay for your device. A top-of-the-line, quiet garage door opener costs up to $550.
Smart garage door openers also mix and mingle with some of the hardware options discussed above. But they come with an additional digital control panel that offers nifty advantages, such as real-time home security monitoring, app-enabled opening and closing on your smartphone, and carbon monoxide protection, among other features.
For the homeowner who forgets to close their garage occasionally, peace of mind is also available. You can check the door’s open status from anywhere, and close it even if you are hundreds of miles away.
More features typically equate to a higher price tag. You can potentially save money by focusing on the power needed to retract your garage door, and not buying more than necessary. That’ll save money for additional digital features.
Choosing the best garage door opener for your garage door opener and lifestyle can have a small but noticeable impact on the ease in which you use your garage door. Here are some tips to help you figure out which garage door opener is right for you.
Consider whether you want a quiet garage door opener.
Factor in what kind of smart technology you want (or don't want).
Look at your budget when deciding on which garage door opener fits your price point.
Keep in mind the type of garage door you have.
Consider whether you have a one-car garage door or a two-car garage door.
Ask yourself if you want a low-maintenance garage door opener.
Garage door openers cost between $225 and $550 or $375 on average. But some can cost as little as $100 or as much as $900 depending on specs, installation complexity, and if you install it yourself. As a homeowner, it’s good to learn what garage door opener types work for your budget. Chain-drive garage door openers are the most economical, whereas jackshaft-drive and smart garage door openers cost the most.
Not all remotes are compatible with every garage door opener—even universal remotes may not work for your garage door opener brand. Always read the specs when choosing a universal remote to see if your brand and model are listed as a compatible garage door opener. Even if your garage is compatible with a universal remote, you may still wish to choose the manufacturer’s remote, as it’s designed for your specific garage door opener.
If you're hoping to save on the cost of mounting hardware, a new rail system, remote controls, and more, it may seem feasible to simply interchange the garage door openers while keeping those old mechanisms in place.
Generally, it's best to replace the entire garage door opener system. Older systems may not run as smoothly and could be due for an update. They also might not be fully compatible, making it hard to safely and successfully interchange garage door openers. And the last thing you want is a broken garage door.
