If you need a new garage door opener system, you may not have all of the necessary information for choosing the right model. Maybe you are not even sure what is the difference between different garage door openers on Amazon.
To fix this problem, we’ve written this article to explain everything that there is to know about the different types of garage door opener systems. This way, you’ll know exactly what all the product details mean, and you’ll know which type of opener system is best for your garage.
To begin, we are going to list the best products on Amazon for each type of garage door opener system, as well as a description of that type. Scroll down to read the full article and access all the information you’re looking for and more. Check out liftmaster 8500 comparison for more info.
7 Types of Garage Door Opener Systems With Products
Types | Product Name | Image | |
---|---|---|---|
1. Jackshaft | LiftMaster Jackshaft Operator | ||
2. Screw Drive | Genie 4062-TALNMSV | ||
3. Direct Drive | Direct Drive 1042V004 | ||
4. Belt Drive | Chamberlain B980 | ||
5. Chain Drive | Chamberlain PD612EV | ||
6. Smartphone-controlled | Chamberlain Group B550 | ||
7. Energy Efficient | Craftsman ½ HP |
 1. Jackshaft
LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series 8500 Jackshaft Operator
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This jackshaft operator is compact and attractive. It is equipped with a security system and multiple other functional features. The light turns on automatically upon entrance thanks to the motion sensor light.
Additional functions protect against harm while closing, like audio and visual closing alerts and interruption detection that prevents it from closing on someone or something.
The garage door opener system also has a power lock deadbolt, so the door can’t force open. This product provides an efficient tool that comes with all desired features for protected use.
- Makes less noise and vibrations
- Frees up ceiling space for things like fans
- Allows for additional overhead storage
- Is more discreet since it’s located next to the door
- Is smaller and more attractive than other types
- Is not compatible with many door types like roll-up doors
- Must have a front mount torsion bar system
- Requires eight inches to the side of the shaft and three inches above it
 2. Screw Drive
Genie 4062-TALNMSV MachForce Screw Drive 2 HPc
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This Genie product has an ultra-quiet motor that performs with power and speed. A desirable quality of this screw drive garage door opener is that it is twice as fast as chain and belt drives, making it an efficient home tool.
The screw drive does not require maintenance, which makes it durable and powerful. This machine is capable of taking on the heaviest garage doors.
- More durable than other types
- Able to adjust power and speed to the door
- Comes with Aladdin Connect smartphone control
- Low maintenance
- Comes with a vacation lock feature
- Doesn’t require batteries
- This is a refurbished product
- Must be installed on the ceiling
 3. Direct Drive
Direct Drive 1042V004
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This Direct Drive model is distinguishable by its customer service team that is available to help you with any concerns.
It has a strong traveling motor that is quiet and does not disturb the household with noise and vibrations.
This product has been tested 100,000 times by an independent test institute. All of the reliable characteristics of this trustworthy machine make sense, considering that the product is made in Germany.
- Uses innovative European technology
- The simple movement makes hardly any noise or vibration
- Works with doors up to 8 feet tall
- Compatible with HomeLink car technology
- Has an accessible emergency stop cord
- Requires a battery but there is one included in the purchase
- Must be installed on the ceiling
- Is corded-electric so requires a nearby outlet
- Requires batteries but includes some
 4. Belt Drive
Chamberlain B980 Smartphone-Controlled Ultra-Quiet & Strong Belt Drive
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Choose this belt drive garage door opener if you are looking for something that’s durable and quiet.
This product comes with smart garage control when using the myQ app on your phone. One unique feature of the Chamberlain B980 is that it’s equipped with the highest lifting force in the industry so that it can provide superior strength and reliability.
Another is that it has a backup battery so that your garage door will still open and close during power outages.
This Chamberlain product also has an extended remote range of up to 1,500 feet for quicker entrance and exit.
This belt drive garage door opener system includes all necessary security functions, like an automatic lock upon closing.
- More quiet and steady than a chain drive
- Doesn’t require a lot of maintenance
- Lasts for years
- Can detect remote from far away
- Comes with various additional control remotes
- Requires a battery but there is one included in the purchase
- Must be installed on the ceiling
- Is corded-electric so requires a nearby outlet
- Requires batteries but includes some
 5. Chain Drive
Chamberlain PD612EV Chain Drive
This model comes with a quick install five piece rail system and a durable motor and chain.
- The chain system may make more noise than other types
- Compatible with most car remote systems using HomeLink
- Able to control garage door by smartphone
- Easy installation with five piece rail system
- Attractive, neutral exterior color
- Must be installed on the ceiling
- Requires a separate adaptor for smartphone control
 6. Smartphone-controlled
Chamberlain Group B550 Smartphone-Controlled
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This smart garage control product allows you to open and close your garage door from anywhere through the smartphone app, MyQ. The functional garage door opener has a belt drive for silent but durable operation and has a superior remote range of 1,500 feet for quick entrance and exit.
It also includes trusted safety and security measures with code encryption and a theft protection lock. This product has a wide range of features and is easily accessible with remote management.
- On-hand system management
- Receive notifications on door use
- User-friendly
- Includes security system
- Has built-in wifi
- Must be installed on the ceiling
- This product is large so it will be noticeable
- Need to purchase a subscription to receive some features
 7. Energy Efficient
Craftsman ½ HP Chain Drive
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This product has a special tri-frequency radio system to eliminate wave interference by household items, so that you can access the system from far distances with no problem.
Additionally, this Craftsman is equipped with anti-burglary coding technology so you don’t have to worry about security.
- Doesn’t waste as much energy as normal models
- Uses very little power on standby
- Simplified installation process
- Comes with a safety reverser system if closing is interfered
- Includes a wireless keypad entry device
- Sleep mode still uses a bit of energy
- This product does not have smartphone control
- Must be installed on the ceiling
Two Installation Process
1. Ceiling-Mount Systems
2. Jackshaft Systems
How to Install Ceiling-Mount Systems
Assemble the Motor Unit
First, you’ll need to make sure that the motor unit (main body) is fully assembled. If any parts need to be added to the body, you’ll start by attaching those. Then, you’ll install the main body.
Ceiling-mount systems include chain drive, belt drive, screw drive and direct drive. These models cannot be installed directly on the ceiling.
Install the Support Bracket
If you buy one of these garage door opener types, you will first need to drill in a long piece of metal that the machine can be attached to. This is called a support bracket.
Once you have installed the support bracket, you can attach the machine to it. Then you will need to attach the system on the opposite side of the rail to the back side of the garage door.
Attach the Opposite Side
To do so, piece together the rail so that it is long enough to reach the door, add the functional parts, and attach the U-bracket to the opposite end.
Once you have attached both the motor unit side, the U-bracket side, and the functional parts that go in between, you will have successfully installed your garage door opener system.
How to Install Jackshaft Systems
If you purchased a Jackshaft garage door opener because you need the extra space or just because it looks cool, your installation process will look different than that of ceiling-mount systems.
This is because the Jackshaft garage door opener doesn’t have a long rail that extends out between the motor unit and the door and uses some technology to push and pull the door.
Instead, the Jackshaft sits next to the garage door and uses a spool and wire to control the system. To install this innovative tool, you’ll follow this general procedure.
Assemble the Motor Unit
Like the ceiling mounts, you start by attaching accessory pieces to the motor unit (main body). Then, you will slide the motor unit onto the torsion bar and mount it in place.
Mount Additional Pieces
After that, you will mount added pieces like the cable tension monitor and attach the emergency handle to the bottom of the unit.
Set Up the Door Control
Next, you will need to connect the wires to the door control and install the door control to the most accessible wall. Finally, you will set up the light sensor and the safety reverse function detector to the bracket.
Frequently asked Questions
Which garage door opener systems are ceiling-mount?
Almost all garage door openers get installed on the ceiling. The Jackshaft is an innovative wall-mount exception. Other than that, the chain drive, belt drive, and screw drive all go on the ceiling. This is the traditional structure of garage door opener systems.
Is it bad to buy a ceiling-mount garage door opener system?
No, not at all. Most machines on the market are ceiling-mount models. If installed properly, this type of garage door opener will work just fine. The only reason why you shouldn’t get a ceiling-mount is if you really need the space for other things, like a ceiling fan. If that’s the case, you should purchase a jackshaft garage door opener, which sits on the interior wall next to the door.
Do they require batteries?
Some of these products do require batteries, while others don’t. And of those that do, some come with a battery and others may not. Simply check above for specific battery details on each product individually.
Do the systems need to be plugged in?
Some do. This means that you will need to have a port close by your garage door opener system. If you don’t have one on the ceiling or wall of your garage, you might need to have a professional install one for you.
Can I just install a ceiling-mount opener directly to the ceiling?
No, it is not safe to install a garage door opener system directly to the wall. These machines are heavy and could cause injury or death if they fall. At the very least, an accident like this could cause damage to your car.
To avoid these incidents, ceiling-mount garage door openers should be installed to a support bracket. First, install the support bracket in the ceiling. Then, attach the system to the bracket.
Conclusion
Now you have seen the best garage door opener systems on the market, and you can easily choose the one that’s right for you. By weighing out the pros and cons of each product, you can decide which machine is the most beneficial to your garage.
By comparing specific features to your needs, you will understand which one you should purchase. From smartphone control to anti-burglary technology, each of these products offers different amenities.
They also have distinct installations. The majority of these garage door opener systems attach to the garage ceiling and require that you first install a support beam for added security and protection against a fatal accident.
The Jackshaft is the one type of garage door opener that gets installed on a wall rather than a ceiling. It provides benefits like freeing up space for storage or fans, and is discreet and attractive.
No matter which of these garage door openers you choose to install in your garage, you will certainly be happy with the outcome, and they should work for multiple years so that you don’t have to replace them frequently. Every product on this list is high quality and strong, for trusted functionality in your home that lasts.