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VIA MERCHANTPros:
- 24-volt DC motor features battery backup and quiet operation
- Battery provides up to 50 operation cycles during blackouts
- Smart home technology compatible
- Quiet operation
The Genie smart garage door opener is a DC-operated, wall-mounted option that offers quiet operation and works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and several other smart home devices through the Aladdin Connect app. Should the power go out in the home, the included battery provides up to 50 cycles of operation during the blackout. The product includes the door opener, safety devices, a Bluetooth LED light and an automatic garage door lock. However, only one remote control comes in the box.
What to Look for When Buying a Garage Door Opener
Rogers compiled a list of the top factors to consider when shopping for a garage door opener:
- AC or DC motor: DC motors are becoming more common, and one of their benefits is the variable speed which allows for a soft start and soft stop, reducing in less wear and tear on your door and quieter operation. Battery backup is available on operators with DC motors, which is valuable if your power is unreliable and you use your garage door as your main entrance.
- Smartphone app options: Several brands offer this feature, which allows you to check the status of your door anywhere you have a cell signal or Wi-Fi. It also allows you to open or close your door using the app.
- Lighting: Some garage door openers now have built-in LED lighting that’s not only extra bright, but rated to last the life of the machine (no more purchasing bulbs!).
- Warranty: Most offer a lifetime warranty on the motor, but other parts and accessory warranties will vary.
- Ceiling mount vs. wall mount: If you have a larger vehicle or need overhead clearance, consider a wall-mounted opener. There are a few options for wall-mounted devices with technology that prevents cables from coming off if the door hits an obstruction.
Why You Should Trust Us
With over 30 years of construction and remodeling experience, I’ve come across a variety of garage door openers in my day. That’s just the experience I needed to research and determine the very best models. Plus, Family Handyman takes pride in carefully vetting to recommend the best products possible.
How We Found the Best Garage Door Openers
To determine the best garage door opener in each category, I evaluated multiple top brands and products in the industry, similar to the process used in choosing the best garage door insulation kits. The products were chosen based on price, warranty, power, standard and extra features, smart-home compatibility, included devices and optional upgrades. That’s what took dozens of options down to the six best garage door openers.
FAQ
Which is better: chain- or belt-driven garage door openers?
The standard chain-drive garage door openers still hold a valuable place among modern openers, as they’re durable, inexpensive and reliable. Belt-driven garage door openers are quieter but also more expensive. For those who value durability and appreciate a budget-friendly option, they’ll like like chain drive openers more. Those who value peace and quiet are more apt to choose belt drive.
Who makes the best direct drive garage door opener?
The definition of a direct drive garage door opener has gone through some changes. The current definition is that there’s only one moving part in the description: The motor itself moving on a stationary track. Sommer offers multiple versions of direct drive openers.
Which is better Genie or LiftMaster?
Reviews often tout LiftMaster as offering a better product than Genie. However, that opinion starts to change when prices are taken into consideration. Genie garage door openers are generally priced lower than many LiftMaster models, making them more accessible to consumers.
LiftMaster customers, on the other hand, seem mostly happy with their higher-priced purchases. Whether Genie or LiftMaster is better has much to do with personal preference.
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