You can get a smart version of almost anything these days. From coffee makers to lightbulbs, your whole home can be smart, even your garage door opener. If it’s time for a new garage door opener, a smart version could be the smart choice for you and your family.
What is a Smart Garage Door Opener?
Smart garage door openers, sometimes called Wi-Fi garage door openers, work the same way as many other smart devices. Using an app on your phone, smart garage door openers mean you can open and close your garage door from anywhere.
The Main Differences Between Smart & Regular Garage Door Openers
The main difference is a smart garage door opener allows you to control your garage door from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. You don’t have to be in or near your garage, like you would be to use a standard keypad or remote opener.
Some will even send you a notification if your garage door has been open for a certain period of time. Depending on the make and model, you can also use voice assistants like Google Home to control your smart garage door opener. So, next time you forget to close to the garage, you can simply say “Hey, Google” to close it instead.
Should You Buy a Smart Garage Door Opener?
Pros
The main pro of a smart garage door opener is you’ll never have to worry about whether or not your garage door is closed again. Simply check your app, and if it is open, closing it is only 1 button away.
This is a great feature to have if you:
- Use your garage door as a front door.
- Have a lot of people coming and going through the garage.
- Have young children or forgetful family members.
Cons
A smart or Wi-Fi enabled garage door opener can cost a bit more than a standard garage door opener, but in recent years some smart features have become standard on even the most basic openers.
You can also add a smart hub to most existing openers for as little as $50, making a smart opener a no-brainer. A smart opener is well worth it for the peace of mind, and for protecting valuables in your garage.
How to Choose the Right Smart Opener for Your Home
Smart Hub vs. Complete Garage Door Openers
Consider whether it’s time for a new garage door opener, or if you simply want to add smart capabilities to your existing opener. You can get a smart hub for as little as $50, like the Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub, giving you control of your garage from the MyQ app.
If it’s time for a new garage door opener, you’ll have to consider which features you want. The Chamberlain Next-Gen Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener (RJO70) has just about every feature imaginable, but can also cost around $200 more than basic smart models.
Important Features
Some features to consider include:
- Ease of installation
- Battery back-up
- Automatic lights
- Device compatibility (phone, smartwatch, etc.)
- Wall mount or ceiling mount
- Noise level
- Automatic garage door lock
- Other features, like Amazon Key
Things like battery back-up and automatic lights don’t come standard with every garage door opener, but can make a world of difference. Some smart garage door openers even come with features like Amazon Key, which allows delivery drivers to securely place packages in your garage when you’re not home.
Whichever garage door opener you choose, make sure to contact your local garage door specialists for installation. Professional installers not only help you choose the right garage door opener for your home, but can make sure the opener is installed safely and properly.
Some Options to Consider
Liftmaster 8365W-267
- ½ HP AC Chain Drive Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener
- Built-in Wi-Fi® allows for smartphone control with the myQ® app.
- Industrial-strength chain drive.
- Includes extra remote and keyless entry system.
Liftmaster 8160WB
- 8160WB DC Battery Backup Chain Drive Wi-Fi
- Built-in Wi-Fi® allows for smartphone control with the myQ® app.
- DC motor provides smooth and quiet operation.
- Industrial-strength chain drive.
Chamberlain Secure View B6765
- Integrated video camera enables you to see what is happening in your garage through a live feed or recorded event.
- Features 3,100 lumen LED lighting to fill your entire garage.
- Built-in Wi-Fi® enables smartphone control with myQ®.
- MAX lift power for heavier doors with a lift force equivalent to 1-1/4 HP*.
- Open/close your garage door even when the power is out with Battery Backup.
Chamberlain Belt Drive B970
- Built-in Wi-Fi® enables smartphone control with myQ®.
- MAX lift power for heavier doors with a lift force equivalent to 1-1/4 HP*.
- Open/close your garage door even when the power is out with Battery Backup.
- Enables secure in-garage delivery for Amazon Prime packages.
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