Garage Door Opener Brands To Avoid At All Costs (And Which We Recommend)

You've got lots of choices when it comes to installing or replacing a garage door opener, and the choice is an important one. A low-quality device can cause unnecessary headaches, and depending on the age of your garage, an outdated garage door opener could make your home more vulnerable to break-ins. When considering which brand to choose, there are a couple of top-tier brands and others you should avoid. 

Consumers agree that the Genie brand of garage door openers should be avoided at all costs, while some LiftMaster models should also be passed over. Conversely, Chamberlain units are highly rated by publications and consumers alike, and Craftsman is another brand of garage door opener that consumers favor, especially for its reliability.

Considering the often steep cost of installing a garage door opener, you'll want to take some time to review the top (and not-so-great) brands. The average lifespan of a garage door opener is between 10 and 15 years, so it's a choice you'll likely have to live with for a long time. It should be noted that Chamberlain, LiftMaster, and Craftsman openers all fall under the umbrella of one parent company, Chamberlain Group; however, this does not mean that their products are all the same.

More than any other brand, consumers express dissatisfaction with Genie garage door openers, even though some models have earned high ratings. While Car and Driver has named the Genie Chain Drive 500 "best value garage door opener" and "best garage door opener with remote," consumers have expressed differing opinions. Notably, reviews on Consumer Affairs mention that Genie openers' circuit boards tend to burn out (as they do not have fuses to prevent this), their belts wear out faster than they should, and above all else, customer service is lacking. Additionally, some reviewers complained that these openers tend to have severe motor issues, with many previous customers saying that the motor had simply stopped working.

LiftMaster garage door openers are known for their advanced features, but they tend to get mixed reviews from consumers. LiftMaster currently has a 2.4 rating on Trustpilot, with many reviewers saying that their garage door openers are much louder than they should be. Other customers have raised the issue that, similar to Genie, their Liftmaster openers have broken down prematurely. However, Car and Driver rated LiftMaster's 8500 Elite Series Jackshaft as the "best garage door opener for trucks." If you're thinking of going with this brand, it's prudent to research the specific model you're considering.

While Genie and LiftMaster seem to have their share of issues, Chamberlain and Craftsman do not. Chamberlain was the top-rated garage door opener brand by Car and Driver, winning accolades for "best overall garage door opener," "best smart garage hub," and "best quiet garage door opener." Customers note that this brand delivers good, quiet performance and is a noticeable upgrade from their previous models. There is a wide selection of models ranging in price from $159 to $499, so you can choose an option to fit within your budget.

Craftsman garage door openers also tend to be customer favorites. They are designed to be straightforward to install, which is a plus if you're installing your own garage door opener. Consumers also state that Craftsman garage door openers are quiet, reliable, and offer a slew of options, making them a viable choice regardless of what your needs are. Finally, Craftsman openers boast a longer warranty period than most other brands, so if you do have trouble with one, you'll be covered for longer.