Genie Powerlift 900 Consumer Reports
There are enough consumer reviews for the PowerLift 900 to call this a poor choice. On the HomeDepot.com site, for example, there are currently 12 reviews with a 2.8 out of 5 star on average. The two most common complaints relate to construction quality and difficulty with installation.
It is understandable that Genie would want to produce a screw drive garage door opener at this price point. However, with such a small price difference between this and the more highly rated models, save your money and buy a Genie PowerMax 1500 or 1200 screw drive model.
If you like Genie and you are open to a belt drive garage door opener, consider the highly rated Genie SilentMax 1000. Of all the new Genie models for the DIY crowd, this belt drive DC garage door opener has excellent consumer reviews and has proven to be the most popular.
Screw Drive Garage Door Openers
Screw drive garage door openers work a little bit differently than belt drive or chain drive garage door openers. A trolley is used along with a threaded-steel rod to rotate the motor to move the door. The pushing and pulling forces are much different compared to chain drive and belt drive openers.
Advantages: Screw drive garage door openers tend to be easier to maintain because there are less moving pieces. There is no need for adjustment as there is with chain drive garage door openers. Additionally, they tend to be quieter than chain drive garage door openers, especially after prolonged usage. Because there is few moving parts and little play, the door also rises and falls very smoothly. Its recommended that screw drive openers not be used in regions that experience major fluctuations in temperature as the units are sensitive to temperature. Apples to apples, screw drive garage door openers tend to cost slightly more than belt or chain drive openers.
What Is The Best Garage Door Opener For You
To find the best garage door opener, you have to consider your personal needs and situation. There are many different types of garage door openers on the market today, each with pros and cons. Generally speaking, there are three main types of garage door openers to choose from Screw Drive, Chain Drive and Belt Drive. For each type of opener, there have been many advances in technology that has evened the score between the three. Below, we will share the unique benefits and disadvantages of the different garage door openers.
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The 8 Best Garage Door Openers Of 2022
Our top pick is the Genie StealthDrive Connect Garage Door Opener
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproductslearn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
The Spruce / Jay Wilde
A top-quality garage door opener provides the safety and convenience of arriving home to an open, well-lit garage. When selecting the right option for your home, Michelle Nichols, a Merchant at The Home Depot, recommends understanding the various types of garage door openers. “Consider what rooms are next to your garage and the times youll be using your garage the most. When selecting a garage door opener, look for one with the right combination of power and noise level. Think about whether a smart or Wi-Fi-enabled system works for your home.”
We spent hours researching the best garage door openers available online, evaluating ease of installation and use, functionality, and value. Our top pick, the Genie StealthDrive Connect Garage Door Opener, has a quiet belt mechanism and an automatic battery backup and can be operated using voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant.
Here are the best garage door openers.
Looking For A New Garage Door Opener
Find a great replacement garage door opener or one for a new installation. These Genie openers are made for DIY installation. Check out our garage door opener selection which includes screw, belt, and chain drive models that are available at multiple retailers. You are sure to find a garage door opener that fits your needs with our options like smart connectivity, battery backup, integrated LED lighting, most loaded with accessories and more! The garage door is often the most used entry point on a house, it is important to have a reliable garage door opener to open the door.
Choosing a Genie Garage Door Opener – Genie offers different solutions for every garage when it comes to picking a garage door opener. If you are looking for POWER, you will probably choose a screw drive garage door opener, maybe QUIET is more important to you, then you will want a belt drive garage door opener. More concerned about VALUE, you cannot go wrong with the chain drive garage door opener. SMART models are also available so you can use a smartphone app to control your garage door.
A DIY Installed Garage Door opener from Genie has features like:
HomeLink is a factory-installed remote option found in a large growing number of vehicles. The HomeLink remote is usually found on an automobile visor and is ready to open and close any Genie garage door opener with Intellicode once it is programmed. There is no need to purchase additional remotes!
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Chamberlain B4613t Smart Belt Drive Garage Door Opener
Amazon
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Ability to grant guest access
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Built-in battery backup
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Safety sensors can be finicky
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Extension kit required for taller doors
Smart garage door openers are quickly becoming the new normal. You can remotely control these Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled units via your smartphone, allowing you to open and close your garage from anywhere, whether youre down the road, at work, or even on vacation. One of the best smart garage door openers is the Chamberlain B4613T Smart Belt Drive Garage Door Opener, which operates via a steel-reinforced belt drive and has built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to control the opener through the myQ app.
This unit is compatible with 7-foot garage doors , and it even features a built-in backup battery that allows you to operate the door when the power is out. This model also includes safety sensors, though they can be fussy. It comes with two pre-programmed remote controls that have an impressive 1,500-foot range, and thanks to the devices smart functionality, you can grant up to three people access to your garage doorideal for kids and visitors.
Price at time of publish: $269
Dimensions: 26.8 x 13.4 x 8.1 inches | Weight: 35 pounds | Opener Type: Belt drive | Lifting Capacity: 1.25 horsepower | Drive Type: Steel-reinforced anti-vibration Smart Belt | Horsepower: 1.25 | PowerChamberlain’s MAX Lift Power System plus built-in battery backup
Belt Drive Garage Door Openers
Belt drive openers are pretty much identical to chain drive garage door openers with one main difference. You guessed it, they utilize a belt instead of a chain. The actual mechanisms of the openers are the same with the exception of a belt drive garage door opener using a steel-reinforced rubber, fiberglass, or polyurethane belt. If youre going to be moving a heavier garage door, chain drive garage door openers are the better choice.
Advantages: Belt drive garage door openers are by far the quietest openers out of chain drive and screw drive openers. Belt drive garage door openers tend to be only slightly more expensive than chain drive openers. Most garage door openers tend to lift a garage door at a rate of 7 to 8 inches per second. The belt drive because of its smooth operation does it slightly faster, if that matters to you.
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Genie Powerlift 900 New Features
The PowerLift 900 and Genies other new models use a dual frequency system, SmartSet programming and a new generation of multi-function wall control.
Dual Frequency System Also known as Auto Seek, this frequency hopping feature causes the opener to choose either the 315 or 390 MHz transmission frequency, depending on which one offers the least interference.
SmartSet This easy-to-use programming feature allows for simple adjustments to speed, force and limits . No screw driver needed. Just use the clearly marked buttons to make simple adjustments.
Multi-Function Wall Control The PowerLift 900 wall control includes an Open/Close button, a Light button to turn the light on an off, and a Sure-Lock button to lock out all radio transmissions and turn off the Open/Close feature. This is often referred to as a vacation lock since it is handy for times when you will be away from home on vacation or other extended activities.
Garage Lighting The PowerLift 900 uses a two bulb 120 Watt light system. While this is adequate for parking your cars and doing basic tasks in the garage, you may need more light for projects or other activities. Consider adding specialized garage lighting if you are a crafter, woodworker, or you will be working on your cars in the garage.
Beamup Everlift Bu250 Garage Door Opener With Battery Backup
Amazon
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Compatible with single or double doors
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Long-lasting backup battery
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Only includes one remote
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Light operation can be faulty
Some garage door openers, including the BeamUp Everlift, have a built-in battery backup that keeps your garage operational in case of a power outage. The Everlift operates via a high-grade reinforced steel chain drive, and it has a powerful lithium polymer battery that kicks in during power outages, offering three times as many operating cycles as traditional lead-acid batteries.
You can use this garage door opener with 7-foot single or double doors, and it has integrated LED light bulbs to illuminate your garage at night. However, sometimes the lights’ operation can be flawed and won’t properly turn off. It comes with one remote control and a wall-mounted controller, and the system is quick and easy to install without any special tools.
Price at time of publish: $216
Dimensions: 27 x 14 x 8 inches | Weight: 31.9 pounds | Opener Type: Chain drive | Lifting Capacity: 0.75 horsepower | Drive Type: High-grade steel-reinforced | Horsepower: 0.75 | PowerDC motor with lithium battery backup
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Genie Powerlift 900 Safety And Security
Modern safety and security features are standard on all Genie garage door openers. The PowerLift 900 includes Safe-T-Beam® infrared garage door sensors, auto seek dual frequency technology to limit radio frequency interference, and Intellicode® 2 rolling codegarage door remotes. This model also has a manual door release to allow use without power.
Infrared garage door sensors, as most people are aware, emit an infrared light across the base of the garage opening. If the light beam is broken, the garage door will not close or it will stop and reverse to re-open if it has already begun the closing cycle.
Whats not included on this AC powered model? GenieSense technology for enhanced safety as well as soft start and stop, both of which are standard on Genies higher end DC garage door openers.
Liftmaster Elite Series 8500 Jackshaft Operator
Amazon
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Compatible with doors up to 14 feet
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Doesn’t work with roll-up doors
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Bar system not included
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Smart features are add-on only
The LiftMaster 8500 is a unique direct-drive garage door opener, thanks to its wall-mounted design. Instead of hanging from the ceiling and taking up room in your garage, this unit mounts beside your door, freeing up ceiling space for other storage. It can handle doors up to 14 feet tall and 650 pounds, but you must have a front-mount torsion bar system for operation. Note that this model is not compatible with roll-up doors.
Because it uses a direct drive system, the LiftMaster 8500 is extremely quiet during operation. It also has a built-in light that automatically turns on when you enter the garage. The unit comes with a wall-mount control panel and one visor remote control, and it can be upgraded to smart functionality if you purchase the brands 828LM Internet Gateway.
Price at time of publish: $450
Dimensions: 16.5 x 7 x 6.75 inches | Weight: 30.5 pounds | Opener Type: Direct drive | Lifting Capacity: Not listed | Drive Type: Jackshaft | Horsepower: 0.75 | Power24V DC
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Genie Powerlift 900 Garage Door Remotes
The PowerLift 900 comes with the newest Genie 3-button Intellicode® 2 garage door remotes that are backward compatible with Intellicode® 1 remotes. This is important if you have an older Intellicode equipped Genie garage door opener operating one of your other garage doors. Intellicode® 2 remotes have a more advanced type of encryption than the prior Intellicode® models.
The PowerLift 900 is also compatible with the HomeLink® and Car2U® home automation systems if your car is equipped.
Genie Signature Series Machforce Connect
Home Depot
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Smartphone and home assistant compatible
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Extension kit needed for doors over 7 feet tall
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Strong Wi-Fi needed for reliable app control
If you have a large or heavy garage door, a heavy-duty product like the Genie Signature Series Mach Force Connect-4063 could be a perfect control method. This model has an impressive 2-horsepower motor and premium screw drive technology that makes quick work of even the heaviest doors, lifting them twice as fast as other openers.
This Genie Garage Door Opener has the brands Aladdin Connect Wi-Fi smartphone technology, allowing you to control it from your phone, but it also includes two pre-programmed remotes and a multi-function wall console that has a vacation lock and light control buttons. If you intend to use the app controls or Alexa and Google Home compatibility, make sure you have a consistently strong Wi-Fi connection. While this opener has a built-in light and works with doors over 7 feet tall, you must purchase the bulbs and extension kit separately.
Price at time of publish: $278
Dimensions: 40 x 9.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 40.3 pounds | Opener Type: Screw drive | Lifting Capacity: 2 horsepower | Drive Type: Maintenance-free direct | Horsepower: 2 | Power 140VDC
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Page 1: 5/16 X 3/4 Hex Head Bolt
Genie Stealthdrive Connect Smart Garage Door Opener
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Smartphone and home assistant compatibility
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Built-in backup battery
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Lifetime warranty on motor and belt
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Extension kit for 8-foot doors sold separately
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App controls could be better
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Strong Wi-Fi connection needed for app control
Who else recommends it? Popular Science and Bob Vila also picked the Genie StealthDrive Garage Door Opener.
What do buyers say? 92% of 3,200 Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
The Genie StealthDrive Connect Garage Door Opener is powerful yet quiet. It packs a 1.25-horsepower motor with intuitive features and convenient controls into an easy-to-install design, making it our top pick for the best garage door opener.
This model relies on a five-piece rail system that’s lightweight and sturdy. The rails snap together for easy installation and can support doors up to 7 feet tall. Unfortunately, if your garage door is taller than 7 feet, you’ll have to purchase the extension kit for 8-foot doors separately. This garage door opener also relies on a steel-reinforced belt built to last and for quiet operation. If the noise level is one of your primary concerns, this is the model for you.
Price at time of publish: $286
Dimensions: 8.5 x 12 x 28 inches | Weight: Not listed | Opener Type: Belt drive | Lifting Capacity: 1.25 horsepower | Drive Type: Ultra-quiet | Horsepower: 1.25 | PowerCorded-Electric, Battery Backup for Battery Power
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These Radio Controls Are Either A 9 Switch 390 Mhz Frequency Or A 12 Switch 390 Mhz Frequency / Pre
SCREW DRIVE GS980 / GS9800 / GS880 / GS8800 / GS820 / GS8200 / GS7200
GS850 / GS800 / PRO82 / PRO98 / PRO88 / PRO90
CHAIN DRIVE CH125 / CH130
GENIE PRO PRO98-S / PRO88-S / CM7500-S / CM8500-S / PRO90-S
OVERHEAD 939 Signature
RETAIL GXL 1000 / GXL9500 / GXL9550 / GX9000 / G5500 / G5050 / G8000
G2500 / G5700 / GDR9000
DC BELT
GENIE PRO PMX700 / PMX1200 Stealth
OVERHEAD 777 Phantom
GENIE PRO CM60-S / CM70-S / CM80-S
ALC60 / ALC70 / ALC80
PMX60 / PMX70 / PMX80
PMX65 / PMX75 / PMX85
SP99 / SP129 / SP229
OVERHEAD 286 / 386 Passport / 496 / 696 Legacy
RETAIL LAD125 / LAD333 / LAD555
RCD125 / RCD225 / RCD500
RCD250 / RCD550
Chamberlain B4643t Secure View Garage Door Opener
Amazon
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Doesn’t include battery backup
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Subscription required for video storage
The Chamberlain B4643T Secure View Garage Door Opener doubles as a security tool for your home, thanks to its built-in high-definition camera. When the camera senses motion, such as the door opening, it will stream 1080-pixel live video to your smartphone, letting you see who’s home. However, it would be best if you had a video storage subscription to store video footage for up to seven or 30 days. You can manually adjust the camera’s angle 360 degrees, and it comes equipped with a glare-resistant night-vision lens and two-way audio.
You can install this garage door opener on doors up to 7 feet tall, and the high-grade belt drive operates smoothly and quietly. The B4643T has two remote controls with a range of up to 1,500 feet, as well as a multi-functional wall control and safety sensors. You can also control it through your smartphone, customizing alerts, setting personalized schedules, and more.
Price at time of publish: $290
Dimensions: 26.8 x 13.4 x 8.1 inches | Weight: 32.2 pounds | Opener Type: Belt drive | Lifting Capacity: 0.75 horsepower | Drive Type: Ultra quiet steel-reinforced | Horsepower: 0.75 | Power120VDC withplug-in
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