Best Garage Door Opener Under $200

If your garage door isn’t opening properly, or you are living in an old home that doesn’t already have one installed, you may wish to consider making an investment in one. Garage door openers generally range in price between $100 and $500, with a median price between $200 and $300.

While garage door openers aren’t a costly expenditure, you might end up wasting hundreds of dollars if you don’t do your homework first.

Before You Buy a Garage Door Opener

If you reside in an old home without an automatic opener or you’re updating a worn-out drive system with an opener that fits your modern lifestyle, there’s never a wrong time to purchase a garage door opener. If a garage door opener is more than twenty years old, it is recommended you replace it using a newer model with better security features.

But it’s a fantastic idea to consult with a professional prior to making your purchase. Many large cities have garage door pros who install garage doors for a living. Whether you decide to hire their services or not, they could be an outstanding resource. If you’re unsure what size your garage door is or how much horsepower you need, they can provide you with the info that you need.

In addition, you ought to consider the installation process. Installing a drive system is a process. As soon as you discover that it’s not impossible to perform yourself, you might like to seek professional assistance. Warranties are usually voided in the event the door openers aren’t installed correctly, so keep that in mind while you shop.

10 Best Garage Door Openers Under $200

Sommer Direct-drive Opener

Nothing offers quieter performance than a direct-drive garage door opener, and that’s exactly what you get with Sommer. First developed in Europe, the direct drive has started to make an advance. With just one moving part, no additional garage door opener is significantly quieter or requires less maintenance.

Powered by the inch HP engine that is full, the Sommer Direct Drive Opener is among the most powerful garage door openers in the marketplace. The version includes extension rails, so, it can be fitted to both garage door openers. It is rated to lift around 550 lbs. It includes two remote controls as well as a wall switch which is compatible with HomeLink for vehicles that are HomeLink-empowered.

The only real issue with this opener is the dearth of support. Even though direct driveway openers require little maintenance, problems could arise. And since these are so rare in the United States, you may struggle to find somebody able to help with repairs or provide parts. However, for anybody who is in a position to find assistance locally, or for those people living in Europe, there is support available at all times.

Pros

• Requires little upkeep
• Includes railroad extension for doors that are up to 8-foot wide and extra functionality
• HomeLink compatible

Cons

• Can be difficult to get repairs

Chamberlain C870 Smartphone-Controlled Durable Chain Drive Garage Door Opener

Even though the Chamberlain C870 is among the costlier garage door openers in the market, it features several intriguing features which don’t come in other garage door openers. These help this model stand out from the others. Additionally, it is powered by a 1/4 HP engine that is prepared to accomplish some heavy lifting.

While all Chamberlain garage door openers are compatible with My Q Smartphone technology the C870 has that feature as standard. With wi-fi, your Chamberlain is prepared to connect to a smart program the moment it is installed. Thus, giving you more control over your security and safety features than before. In addition, it comes with a battery-powered backup pack, therefore if your electricity goes out, your garage door will not.

Everything that you’ve come to expect from Chamberlain, from advances in encryption and security measures to a wall panel and just two remotes, are included. Also included are instructional videos made to guide you through the installation process.

The C870 might cost slightly a bit more than its counterparts, but it makes up for it with additional features and horsepower. With a lifetime warranty on the motor, a warranty for the chains and parts and a one-year warranty on accessories, you’ll be all set for a long time in the future.

Pros

• 1/2 HP AC engine
• The infra-red sensor helps stop accidents
• Backed from lifetime/five-year/one-year guarantees

Cons

• Extension kit required for doorways over 7 ft

Decko 24300 Chain Drive Garage Door Opener

A strong 3/4 HP DC motor serves as the backbone behind the Decko 24300 Heavy-duty Chain Drive Garage Door Opener. The garage door opener includes a number of useful security and performance features, including a few which help set the Decko 243000 apart from its competition.

Foremost in this category could be the extension kit. Where other chain drive motors ask that you buy an extension kit to accommodate doors, here, it is included automatically, helping you save money if you have a garage door. Also included is a wireless, two remotes, and a three-function-only wall panel keypad for remote operation anywhere inside your home.

Furthermore, the Decko 24300 features an auto-reversal detector that stops the garage door when it detects a thing or person in its path. The door opener can be particularly made for easy setup, using simple wires that make it tough to get it wrong. If your garage wants just a little bit more power, the Decko 24300 may be the solution you are searching for.

Pros

• 3/4 HP DC motor
• The infra-red detector helps stop accidents

Cons

• A complex car remote

Chamberlain PD512 Garage Door Opener

The Chamberlain PD512 Chain-Driven Garage Door Opener improves on the qualities of the C410, offering a reliable performance with a few additional safety and performance functions. With durable chains and a 1/2 HP engine, The PD512 is ready and prepared to provide reliable performance year after year.

All the excellent benefits of this C410 are found here, including the advanced Patented Security +2.0 and Posi Lock antitheft protection which keeps your property safe from intrusion. Also included are a smart home tool, just two pre-programmed single-button remotes, and an easy installation guide that helps you get your garage door opener installed.

Added to the PD512 is a camera that prevents the garage from inadvertently closing on your own pets and your loved ones. Like other chain-drive garage door openers, the PD512 is designed to work with 7-foot doors and demands an expansion kit to be added to garages.

With a warranty on the motor and a one-year warranty on moving parts, you also can depend on the Chamberlain PD512 to work for a long time in the future.

Pros

• 1/2 HP AC engine
• The infra-red sensor helps prevent accidents
• Backed by a warranty

Cons

• Extension kit required for doorways over 7 ft

Genie ChainMax 1000 Garage Door Opener

If you want a heavy-duty garage door opener the Genie ChainMax 1000 may be of help. Powered with a 3/4 HPC motor that is DC-driven, the ChainMax 1000 brings performance to the dining table. With speeds of up to 7.5 inches/second, the ChainMax opens your 7-foot garage door in between 11 and 12 seconds.

Much like the Skylink AN-1622K, the ChainMax comes with both light start and stop control features to ensure functionality, whereas the C-channel railing helps avoid the buildup of debris, thereby keeping your chains running smoother, longer.

The ChainMax comes with advanced security features. This can prevent accidental damage to your car or maybe injuries.

In addition to these capabilities, optional accessories include a 60W LED bulb for illumination in the garage, a backup battery unit, railing extensions to accommodate a garage door. Each one of these points makes Genie probably one of the most innovative options out there.

Pros

• 3/4 HPc DC motor
• Offers innovative security encryption
• Backed by lifetime/5-year/1-year guarantees

Cons

• Extension kit required for doors within 7 ft

Chamberlain B730 Garage Door Opener

The Chamberlain B730 is really a garage door opener with 3/4 HP’s equivalent, providing enough ability to open any garage door. The belt drive ensures more quiet performance than comparable chain drives. The Chamberlain provides a number of other features that help make it one of the best-valued in the industry.

Perhaps the B730’s most striking feature is the battery backup included with the opener. While this is an optional accessory for door-openers, it is contained using the Chamberlain B730, which makes it an excellent price.

Other features include a wall panel, two three-button remotes for remote access, compatibility, and an update option service to the My Q smartphone control. Also included are high-level security measures which combat hacking and anti-theft measures that keep your door locked. An impressive warranty, which includes a lifetime for the motor and belt adds even more bang to your buck. In addition, there is a 5-year warranty for parts and a 1-year warranty for your accessories. Most of these combine to give the Chamberlain B730 the very best value for its price among others in this range, available in the industry.

Pros

• 3/4 HP DC engine
• Infrared detectors help stop injuries
• Backed with a 10-year/15-year/1-year warranty

Cons

• Extension kit needed for doorways over 7 ft

Genie PowerLift Screw Drive Garage Door Opener

While chain- and belt-garage door openers predominate the current marketplace, you will find other alternatives. One could be the screw-drive, such as, for instance, is used by the Genie PowerLift. The PowerLift integrates most of the similar security accessories and features employed by other door openers. It uses screws to open and close the garage door, which generally provides simpler functionality than straps and chains.

The Genie PowerLift uses a 1/2 HP AC engine suited for garage doors as heavy as 500 pounds. It is sold with just two pre-programmed remotes. In addition, contains a wall console that provides features like vacation lock and light control. This allows you to keep your garage lit during the nighttime for additional security.

In addition, the PowerLift comes with a self-diagnostic safety feature. This works to activate a reverse function in the event the light finds something in the path of the door. Since there are no belts or chains to wear outside, maintenance is minimal. The device works with both HomeLink and also Car2U program functions.

If you are looking for a garage door opener with a lengthy warranty, the Genie PowerLift could be precisely what you’re looking for. Using a 3-year warranty for parts and a 15-year warranty on the motor, you can do a great deal worse.

Pros

• 1/2 HP engine
• The InfraRed sensor helps prevent injuries
• Backed from 15-year/3-year guarantees

Cons

• Extension kit needed for doorways over 7 ft

Chamberlain B 510 Belt-Driven Garage Door Opener

Chain-driven garage door openers aren’t suitable for everyone. If you’re searching for something with just a little bit more silent performance, the Chamberlain B510 comes with a 1/2 HP engine and a steel-reinforced belt drive which offers a quieter opening and in the end not as much maintenance to boot.

Quiet operation is not the sole quality to consider in this garage door opener. This Chamberlain version has lots of excellent qualities that project it, such as MyQ compatibility that lets you control your garage door using your phone, provided you purchase the app.

Yet another great feature is the automatic timer, which enables you to make the garage close automatically in the event that you forget to close it. You can set the timer for one, five, or ten minutes, or you may disable it entirely if you’re running a garage packing or sale for a camping trip.

The door opener includes infrared safety technology which automatically reverses course whenever an individual, pet, or object is detected in the path of the door. That is particularly helpful when used in conjunction with the timer, as it ensures you won’t accidentally injure a puppy or a child should they attempt to slip in before the garage door closes.

Although most belt-driven garage door openers are somewhat more costly than chain-driven models, this specific unit is pricey. This puts it among the best options to get when looking for an inexpensive belt drive available on the marketplace. Backed with a 15-year warranty on your belt, a warranty on the engine, and also a 1-year warranty for parts, you can depend on it for years to come.

Pros

• 1/2 HP motor
• Infra-red detector helps prevent injuries
• Backed with a 15-year warranty

Cons

• Extension kit required for doors over 7 ft

Chamberlain C410 Durable Chain Drive Garage Door Opener

The Chamberlain C410 Chain Drive Garage Door Opener is one of the very reliable AC-powered garage door openers in its class. Powered by an engine and propelled by rugged stainless-steel chains, this garage door opener is guaranteed to provide years of reliable performance.

Quite a few features help the C410 stick out from similar garage door openers. One is the ability to enable control of your door via a smartphone, although purchasing the MyQ-G0301Smart Garage Hub is required. Other features include an elongated remote control range of 1500 feet, letting you control the garage door to start while you’re still driving down the road.

The Chamberlain C410 comes with two three-button remote controls, and it is fastened by high-level security measures which resist hacking and confirm the door doesn’t unlock unless suggested by the remote control or via smartphone detection. Tutorial videos are included with your purchase, and also the door opener has been endorsed with a 1-year warranty for your own string drive and a 10-year warranty on the engine.

The greatest issue with all the C410 is it is designed to work only with garage doors. For it – and doors, you will have to purchase extension kits. Otherwise, the C410 provides reliable performance at a reasonable price.

Pros

• 1/2 HPF AC motor
• Offers advanced security encryption
• Backed from warranties that range from 10- to 1-year.

Cons

• Extension kit required for doorways within 7 feet

Skylink AN-1622K Atoms Garage Door Opener

Chain-driven motors will always be the major garage door openers. But just because a garage door opener is cheap, doesn’t imply it’s cheap. Even the Skylink AN-1622K Atoms utilizes a number of characteristics to help it become a very attractive alternative for the price.

More than a comparable AC motor, the Skylink Atoms offers quiet performance. Additionally, it supplies a number of other performance features designed to reduce wear and tear and the sound of one’s doorway opener. This consists of a soft start and stops adjusting mechanisms that vary the rate of opening of your garage door, optimizing the life of one’s mechanical components.

The door opener comes with a LED light that provides lighting in the garage, and you’ll be able to purchase an optional battery backup kit having its own LED light, allowing your garage door to function even in the event of an electricity outage.

At 1/2 HPF, this garage door opener doesn’t have sufficient capability to open the largest or heaviest garage doors. However, it works well with residential doors. Programming it is easy, with the directions provided.

The principal downside for the unit is that it tends to be somewhat slow to close and open. That is likely the consequence of the soft-start feature, but if you do not want to wait indefinitely for the garage door to open, you should probably find some other model. This is a good option for a reasonable door opener.

Pros

• 1/2 HPF DC engine
• Quieter performance than AC motors
• Comes with two remote controls

Cons

• Garage door ends to open slowly

What You Want to Learn About Garage Door Openers

When there are several functions and features you may possibly want your garage door to have, the three main features you will need to consider are horse-power and the driveway system. Remote controls along with smart home grip are all good and fine, but if your opener does not have enough horsepower to lift your door, they won’t be of much help.

Drive Systems

There are four types of garage door driveway systems. Knowing the differences between these may aid you in finding the best type for your home.

Chain Drive Garage Door Opener

Chain drive openers are usually the least expensive sort of door opener, which makes them a favorite selection for homeowners and frugal shoppers having a limited budget. These devices make use of a steel chain to induce the trolley mechanism which raises your garage door. Door openers often tend to require more maintenance than other models because of the greater friction and a higher number of parts.

Probably a string drive’s biggest drawback is that they are quite loud. The chains create a lot of noise when they’re in operation so that these garage door openers have a tendency to announce your entrance. These are perhaps best applied for detached garages. When attached to a house, a chain-driven garage door is likely to wake up the whole family in the event you get home late at night.

Belt Drive Garage Door Opener

Functionally speaking, belt drive garage door openers are equal to chain-driven models. The difference is they use a belt instead of a chain. Although the buckle functions in much the same way as a string, it provides quieter, smoother operation and will be offering a bit less damage, as belts don’t degrade nearly as quickly as chains.

The downside is that belt-driven door-openers are more costly than chain models. The quieter operation is wonderful for busy households with people coming and going regularly, but if you have a detached garage, then a chain-driven opener may be considered a better option.

Screw-Drive Garage Door Opener

Screw-driven garage door openers are built around a single pole. When the rod rotates, it causes the door to start and drives the trolley. Because the system is powered by one pole, rather than a chain, it requires quite a bit more maintenance compared to chain-driven openers. They are normally silent.

The biggest drawback to screw-drive garage door openers is they are somewhat more costly than other kinds of door openers. While these openers have fewer parts and less maintenance, the design and fabrication of those parts are more complex compared to the usual chain- or belt-driven door opener. Nevertheless, the volume is worth the cost.

Direct-Drive Garage Door Opener

Both the quietest and the very high-priced garage door openers, feature one common part- direct-drive systems. The motor goes over the trolley to open and close the garage door, which causes silent operation and almost no need for maintenance.

While direct drive systems provide exceptional functionality, they are considerably more costly than other alternatives. It really comes down to how much you favor the quieter functioning of this engine while this will ultimately pay for itself in low maintenance.

Horsepower

It doesn’t take an enormous amount of power to lift the garage door. After all, most of them have been intended to be raised manually in case of an urgent situation or perhaps even a power outage. Garage door openers generally range from 1/2 to 3/4 HP. 1/2 and 3/4 HP are probably the 2 most common motors.

Before you get a garage door opener, you should have a clear notion of what sort of garage door you’ve got. Garage doors are made out of steel, but in the event that you stay in an older home, you may have a wooden garage door instead.

Modern garage doors can be grouped into three different categories: triple-layer, double-layer, and single-layer. Single-layer doors will be the most common, and most can be lifted with just 1/2 HP. Larger and thicker doors may demand more horsepower to open.

Even if you need only 1/2 HP to start up your garage door, lots of men and women choose a more effective engine anyway. More horsepower might help your door open faster, and as the motor operates without resistance, the wear and tear on the engine are lessened.

Additional Capabilities

Certain components or features are essential for just about any garage door opener. You’ll need a handheld remote control to open the garage door in your car. Doorway openers feature a discharge that allows you to open the door and disengage the trolley. Many garage door openers comprise security lighting, but that isn’t really necessary.

In case you’re looking for a door opener using more innovative features, functions that are popular include:

• Built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth enables you to connect your doorway opener to your home system without additional components.
• Smart device compatibility enables control of your garage through an app or via your smart hub.
• Automatic closing functionality shuts your garage door after a predetermined quantity of time.
• Backup batteries keep your door opener functioning even during a power outage.
• Motion detectors automatically turn on security lighting whenever somebody approaches.
• Advanced level security features let you control who can and cannot open your garage door.
• Garage door openers can operate using either AC or DC. DC-powered garage door openers regularly use conditions such as HPS and HPF to describe functionality similar to Horsepower.