5 Best Garage Door Openers of 2024

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The Best Garage Door Openers

The Best Garage Door Openers
  1. Best budget garage door opener - Topens CASAR800 Electric Garage Door Opener

  2. Best with smartphone connectivity - Chamberlain ML700EV Comfort Garage Door Opener

  3. Best for operating speed - Schartec Move 1000 Series 3 Garage Door Opener

  4. Best for LED illumination - Novoferm Novomatic 423 Sectional Garage Door Operator

  5. Best for maximum door area - Vevor ZTGD1000 Garage Door Opener

Garage Door Opener Reviews

Editors Choice
  • For a chain driven garage door opener, it’s surprisingly quiet. The noise level is measured at less than 60 dB. That’s about the same volume as normal conversation, so not loud at all!
  • Even though this counts as a budget level garage door opener, it’s still got a pleasing soft start motor. Compared with old jerky opening systems, this has a premium feel to it.
  • You get an 800 N motor to pull up your garage door with this kit. It’s not the most powerful, but it’s up there with the more expensive options I’ve researched.
  • The remote controls work from up to 20 metres away. It’s incredibly useful if you’ve already started to drive off when you realise you’ve left the door open!

  • Several users have complained about the quality of the instructions included with this kit. Compared with the wealth of information and help you get with the Chamberlain ML700EV, it’s a bit disappointing.
  • The remote controls have four buttons. One button opens and closes the door, but the other three seem to be spare. It seems like a waste of space on a large remote like this.
  • This garage door opening kit isn’t suitable for standard “up and over” doors that don’t have runners. It’s designed to work with doors that have a curved or horizontal track.
Max Door Height
2.3m
Max Door Area
12m²
Pulling Force
800N
Operation Speed
120mm/sec
Soft Start and Stop
Yes
Detects Obstacles
Yes
Smartphone App
No
Overall Score 4.3
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Value for Money
5

Selling automatic gate and door openers in over 50 countries, Topens are the go-to company when you need one of the best electric garage door openers on a budget. The CASAR800 is a powerful and reliable system that’s easy to set up and won’t cost a fortune.

The operation on this garage door opener is smooth. It has a soft open and close function, as well as the expected safety stop feature. With an included light, it’s fine to use in the dark as well. My favourite little feature is the automatic closing option that you can turn on and off. It’s great if you’re the sort of person who forgets to hit the close button when you leave your garage.

The included remote controls are solid and look fairly good. They won’t look too bad in your car, but they’re too big to go on a keyring. You can easily add the arm mechanism to this door opener if you have a canopy-style garage door as well. Topens’ customer service is legendary, and the whole system works almost as quietly as the more expensive options.

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Runner Up

2. Chamberlain ML700EV Comfort Garage Door Opener

Best with smartphone connectivity

best electric garage door openers Chamberlain ML700EV Comfort Garage Door Opener
  • Forget about opening your garage door in the rain or cold. In fact, you can even forget about keeping hold of a little remote control! Opening and closing your door with a smartphone app is the future.
  • The MyQ app is easy to use and means you can open or close your garage door wherever you have an internet connection on your phone. Ideal for deliveries when you’re at work!
  • Having a rubber belt driven garage door opener compared to the Topens chain drive system is quieter. It’s great for when you need to get in and out of your garage at unsocial hours.
  • Most users have agreed that this opener system is easy to install. Thanks to clear instructions and all the online information available, it’s within most DIYers reach.

  • As good as the MyQ feature is on this garage door, it’s not included! You’ll need to purchase the MyQ starter pack separately before you can do away with the remote controls.
  • Several users have complained that the rail system bends when opening and closing the garage door. It’s a bit concerning, especially if you have a heavy garage door.
  • The remote controls feel a bit cheap for a premium product like this. I’m sure they’ll last, but they don’t seem to be made from the most robust materials.
  • Similarly, the wall switch is made from thin plastic that doesn’t suit the rest of the garage opener. It feels a bit cheap, and I don’t know how durable it’ll be.
Max Door Height
2.25m
Max Door Area
11.5m²
Pulling Force
700N
Operation Speed
160mm/sec
Soft Start and Stop
Yes
Detects Obstacles
Yes
Smartphone App
Yes
Overall Score 4.7
Build Quality
5
Performance
5
Value for Money
4

The Chamberlain ML700EV Comfort is probably the best garage door opener available right now. It runs on a silent belt system and can be connected to your smartphone, meaning you won’t lose the remote control again. Supplied with all accessories and safety features you might need; this is a comprehensive and safe garage door opening system.

This device from Chamberlain feels like a step up from the competition in terms of useability and quiet operation. It doesn’t use a chain, so it opens quietly, even though it’s powerful enough to lift a 90 kg garage door. Installation is straightforward as well, especially since Chamberlain offer a comprehensive series of instructional videos online.

What makes this one of the best garage door openers that I’ve come across is the clever MyQ app compatibility. Even though it’s supplied with remote controls, you don’t have to be within line of sight to open or close your garage door. You can operate it wherever, and whenever, you like with your smartphone.

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Also Good
  • This garage door opener has been TĂśV GS tested. It’s an internationally recognised quality and safety guarantee, something I’d want when opening a heavy garage door!
  • Several users have complimented the quality of the remote controls especially. Compared with the ones that come with the Chamberlain ML700EV, they’re great.
  • The 1,000 N motor can pick up a 140 kg garage door and shifts it at 200 mm/second. That’s more powerful and faster than the Chamberlain ML700EV.
  • The installation guide is long but clear and well written. There’s no guesswork or translation needed to get this garage door opener installed.

  • This is a garage door opening kit that’s designed to work on a solid ceiling. If your garage has an open ceiling and exposed beams, you’ll need to think of a way to mount it safely.
  • Compared with the Chamberlain ML700EV, you can’t control your garage door with your smartphone. The included remote controls are great, but you need line of sight.
  • There are installation videos available online. They’re helpful to watch, but all the commentary is in German. It would be great if there were instructions in English!
Max Door Height
2.4m
Max Door Area
14m²
Pulling Force
1,000N
Operation Speed
200mm/sec
Soft Start and Stop
Yes
Detects Obstacles
Yes
Smartphone App
No
Overall Score 4.7
Build Quality
5
Performance
5
Value for Money
4

German garage door experts Schartec have been in the business for more than 50 years. They’ve produced an excellent range of openers that work well and don’t cost the earth. I was excited to take a closer look at the Move 1000 Series 3 and see how it compares to the competition.

It might not have smartphone connectivity, but it keeps up with the best garage door openers in terms of silent operation and a powerful motor to open and close your garage door with ease. I really like the soft start and stop feature on this device, it’s smooth and gives a premium feel to the action.

The included remote controls are easy to use and feel good in the hand, which is a nice touch for a budget-level opener. The whole assembly is easy to install, and Shartec’s customer service department deserves a mention, they’re happy to help if you get stuck.

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  • I love the fact that you can connect this garage door to your smartphone with the smartGarage app. No more scrabbling around for remotes or fumbling with keys in the dark!
  • There’s a very clever garage ventilation mode on this kit. If you need a bit of air but you don’t want the whole door open, this is an ideal feature. It closes itself after an hour too.
  • You can connect other systems and external lights to the main operating element. If you want outside lights to illuminate your driveway, they work seamlessly with the app.
  • The LED light housed in the motor body is really powerful. You won’t have any problems getting in or out of your car in a dark garage.

  • This garage door kit has the weakest motor on my list. At just 600 N, it’s almost half the power of the Schartech Move 1000. It might not be strong enough for heavy garage doors.
  • It’s only rated to deal with garage doors up to 10 m². Compared with the Schartech Move 1000’s 14 m², you’ll need to carefully check your door size before purchase.
  • Compared with the detailed and thorough instructions you get with the Chamberlain ML700EV, some users have complained about the installation guide.
Max Door Height
2.1m
Max Door Area
10m²
Pulling Force
600N
Operation Speed
150mm/sec
Soft Start and Stop
Yes
Detects Obstacles
Yes
Smartphone App
Yes
Overall Score 4.7
Build Quality
5
Performance
5
Value for Money
4

Founded back in 1955 and part of the Sanwa Shutter family, Novoferm know all there is to know about garage doors. Their Novomatic 423 sectional garage door operator system is a handsome looking unit that hides a load of clever features.

Making use of a maintenance-free belt system, this garage door opening system is quiet as well as secure. You can use the three-button system on the operator unit to key in your settings, and it’s guaranteed to save them in case of a power cut. There’s a remote control included in the pack, but the best thing about this door opener kit is you can connect it to your smartphone. There’s a smartGarage mobility app for doing away with remotes altogether.

Installed into the same unit is a powerful but energy-saving LED light, so you’re not forced to get in and out of your car in the dark. It might not have the most powerful motor on my list, but it can still lift a garage door at 150 mm/second, which is fast enough for most users.

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5. Vevor ZTGD1000 Garage Door Opener

Best for maximum door area

best electric garage door openers KITGARN ZTGD1000 Garage Door Opener
  • If you’ve got a large and heavy garage door, this is an ideal choice of opener kit. The large 1,000 N motor and chain drive system make it an ideal heavy duty opener.
  • Although it’s not the fastest compared with the Schartech Move 1000’s 200 mm/second, this is still a nippy door closer. 120 mm/second is great for a large door opener.
  • This is a powerful door opener kit. In comparison with the Novomatic 423’s 10 m² maximum door size, you can shift doors up to 15 m² with this powerful beast.
  • The door closer will deploy an emergency self-locking feature if there’s a power cut. That should give you peace of mind that your door will stay locked no matter what happens.

  • Unlike the Novomatic 423, there’s no smartphone connectivity available for this opener kit. You’ll need to keep hold of the remote when you’re out and about.
  • One of the best things about the Chamberlain ML700EV is the powerful LED light. In comparison, this opener doesn’t have a light on it at all. It’s not the best choice for dingy garages.
  • According to some users, you’re not provided with the fixings needed to attach the opener to the ceiling. You’ll need to make sure you’re stocked up before installation begins.
Max Door Height
2.4m
Max Door Area
15m²
Pulling Force
1,000N
Operation Speed
120mm/sec
Soft Start and Stop
Yes
Detects Obstacles
Yes
Smartphone App
No
Overall Score 4
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Value for Money
4

Vevor make an impressive range of industrial machinery, from air compressors to distilling equipment. The ZTGD1000 garage door opener proves to be a comprehensive chain-driven kit that will suit even large garage doors.

The kit itself comes with everything you’d need to avoid getting out of your car before you park it in your garage. The powerful 1,000 N motor is housed in an attractive blue casing. Even though it’s chain driven, it proves to be no louder than 60 dB, which is only as loud as someone talking.

You get a pair of remote controls that work at an impressive distance of 25 – 35 m, and a reasonably nippy travel speed of 120 mm/second when you hit the button. The motor features an emergency stop function in case something gets caught, and it will even auto-close if you forget to do it yourself.

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Harry's Smart Buying Tips

  1. The best electric garage door opener should have a motor powerful enough to generate a pulling force of at least 600 Newtons that can open and close a garage door at a minimum rate of 120 mm/sec.
  2. The most powerful models can generate more than 1,000 Newtons and operate at 200 mm/sec.
  3. Essential safety features should incorporate automatic obstacle detection and a safety stop.
  4. A remote control function is a standard feature on electric garage door openers. This allows you to operate the garage door from up to 30 metres away.
  5. Look for features such as a soft stop-start and automatic close.
  6. The best electric garage door openers come with smartphone connectivity that essentially replaces the remote control unit and allows you to operate the garage door from wherever you are and whenever you want.

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • Topens CASAR800 Electric Garage Door Opener
    best electric garage door openers Topens CASAR800 Electric Garage Door Opener
    • 4.3
    • 2.3m
    • 12m²
    • 800N
    • 120mm/sec
    • Yes
    • Yes
    • No
  • Chamberlain ML700EV Comfort Garage Door Opener
    best electric garage door openers Chamberlain ML700EV Comfort Garage Door Opener
    • 4.7
    • 2.25m
    • 11.5m²
    • 700N
    • 160mm/sec
    • Yes
    • Yes
    • Yes
  • Schartec Move 1000 Series 3 Garage Door Opener
    best electric garage door openers Schartec Move 1000 Series 3 Garage Door Opener
    • 4.7
    • 2.4m
    • 14m²
    • 1,000N
    • 200mm/sec
    • Yes
    • Yes
    • No
  • Novoferm Novomatic 423 Sectional Garage Door Operator
    best electric garage door openers Novoferm Novomatic 423 Sectional Garage Door Operator
    • 4.7
    • 2.1m
    • 10m²
    • 600N
    • 150mm/sec
    • Yes
    • Yes
    • Yes
  • Vevor ZTGD1000 Garage Door Opener
    best electric garage door openers KITGARN ZTGD1000 Garage Door Opener
    • 4
    • 2.4m
    • 15m²
    • 1,000N
    • 120mm/sec
    • Yes
    • Yes
    • No

How to Choose the Best Garage Door Opener

Opening and closing your garage door from the comfort of your car is just a click of a button away with an electric garage door opener. Especially if it’s cold and raining outside.

Construction

All the garage door opening kits we’ve reviewed come with everything you need to get set up. This includes a motor assembly and a toothed belt that hauls the door up and down and galvanised steel channel sections that the opener runs along. You’ll have to read the instructions carefully to install it correctly, but they’re all straightforward- you don’t need to be an expert to install it yourself.

Maximum Dimensions and Weight

It’s important to check the type, size and weight of your garage door before you attempt to install a garage door opener system. The openers we’ve tested all work on swinging garage doors, but with a bit of modification they can open sectional doors as well.

Other Features and Considerations

A soft open and close function makes the whole operation smooth and puts less strain on the motor, and you can set a delayed open and close timer on some models. Another useful feature of the best electric garage door openers is the auto close function, which saves you from having to remember to close it after you’ve left home. One of the best safety features is an auto-stop function that recognises if something is caught in the door and stops it from causing damage.

If you want to stay warm and dry on a cold morning when you need to get your car out of the garage, you need the best garage door opener available. They’re essential if you have mobility issues and they can also add to the value of your property. They’re all excellent systems, but for the ultimate hands-free experience, we consider the Chamberlain Comfort door opener the best choice. Controlling your garage door with your smartphone is effortless.

Garage Door Opener FAQ's

How do I install a garage door opener?

A garage door opener is relatively simple to install, although it may take you a few hours. However, the amount of time you’ll save on manually opening your garage door every day makes the installation process well worth it!

  1. Prepare your garage door by ensuring it’s well-lubricated and operating properly. You should remove any ropes and cords attached to the door, and deactivate any garage door locks to ensure they won’t engage while the opener is being installed.
  2. Put together the garage door opener by following the manufacturer’s instructions. You should put the rail together, slide the trolley over the rail and then attach the rail to the motor compartment. The assembly process can vary between brands, so ensure you follow the instructions you are given.
  3. Attach the bracket that came with the opener to the door of your garage. This should be in the centre of the door.
  4. Lean one end of the assembly above the garage door, attach the bracket and insert the assembly into it. Lift the other end of the assembly up into place, at least 7ft from the floor if possible. 
  5. Attach the assembly to the bracket you have already installed on the garage door.

Additional features such as a safety rope, built-in light and push-button controls should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Is more horsepower better?

The amount of horsepower required will depend on the size of your garage door. If you have a single door (measuring the standard 2.7 x 2.1 m) then a 500N or ½ horsepower motor will be sufficient. For larger or double garage doors, you’ll need more power, up to ¾ horsepower or even 1 ½ horsepower.

The horsepower of a garage door opener, in fact, does very little to affect the door opening itself. An opener with more horsepower may open the door slightly faster, but this is unlikely to be noticeable or save you any significant amount of time. 

One reason you might want to look at more horsepower is that the motor may last longer. This is the only real benefit of purchasing a motor with more horsepower. So long as the motor has enough power to lift the weight of your garage door, the horsepower is largely unimportant.

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