Let’s be honest garage door openers aren’t something most people think about, until yours stops working. I remember the day mine gave out it was raining, my hands were full, and suddenly I realized I had no clue which opener to buy or why some cost more than others.
So if you’re asking, “what is the best garage door opener?”, you’re already ahead of the game. In this guide, I’ll break down what makes a garage door opener great, what types are out there, and the exact models we recommend at On Track Garage Doors so you can make the best choice for your home.
Start With the Right Type of Opener
There are a few main types of openers to consider:
- Chain Drive – Tough, dependable, but louder than others.
- Belt Drive – Smooth and quiet. Perfect if a bedroom is near or above the garage.
- Screw Drive – Fewer moving parts means less maintenance, but not the quietest.
- Wall Mount (Jackshaft) – Space-saving and whisper-quiet. Ideal for high ceilings.
At On Track Garage Doors, we often recommend belt drive or wall mount openers especially the models from LiftMaster for their power, quiet operation, and smart features.
Power, Performance & Durability
You want your garage door opener to work quietly and consistently, day in and day out. Most homes do great with a ¾ horsepower opener, but heavier doors or custom wood ones may need more power.
This is where our top LiftMaster models come in:
- LiftMaster 87504-267 – Ultra-quiet belt drive with a built-in camera, battery backup, and smart home compatibility.
- LiftMaster 8500W – Wall-mounted jackshaft opener that frees up ceiling space and runs smooth, quiet, and strong.
Both are customer favorites and we install them regularly across the region.
Want Smart Features? These Openers Do It All
Smart garage door openers can do more than open and close your door. The right system lets you:
- Use your phone to control and monitor your garage
- Get alerts if your garage is left open
- Share access with friends, family, or deliveries
- Connect with Google Assistant or Amazon Key
The LiftMaster 87504-267 is a smart opener we highly recommend. It offers everything from two-way audio and a built-in camera to smartphone control and real-time notifications.
Don’t Forget About Remotes and Keypads
At On Track Garage Doors, we also offer trusted LiftMaster accessories that make daily use even easier:
- LiftMaster 893MAX – A 3-button remote that’s compact, reliable, and works from a distance.
- LiftMaster 880LMW – An advanced wall control panel that adjusts lighting and has motion detection.
- LiftMaster 877MAX – A wireless keypad that gives secure access with a PIN—no keys or remotes needed.
These extras may seem small, but they’re a big part of what makes your garage opener easy and reliable to use.
How Loud Is Too Loud?
Noise is a big deal, especially if you’ve got little ones sleeping nearby or a home office close to the garage. If quiet is high on your list, go with a belt drive or wall mount opener—like the LiftMaster 8500W or 87504-267. You’ll be amazed how much quieter life gets after you upgrade.
Security You Can Count On
Today’s best openers come with built-in security features like:
- Rolling codes that change every time
- Automatic locking systems
- Camera integration and alerts
Models like the LiftMaster 87504-267 and 8500W include these out of the box, so you’re protected even when you’re not home.
So, What’s the Best Garage Door Opener?
The answer really depends on your needs but these are our top picks based on real feedback from local homeowners:
- LiftMaster 87504-267 – Best all-around smart belt drive opener
- LiftMaster 8500W – Best wall-mount option for tight spaces
- LiftMaster 880LMW, 893MAX & 877MAX – Must-have accessories for full functionality
And yes we carry and install all of these at On Track Garage Doors.
Let On Track Garage Doors Help You Choose the Right Opener
Still not sure which opener is right for your home? That’s where we come in. At On Track Garage Doors, we help homeowners find and install the perfect garage door opener for their needs, style, and budget.
Whether you’re looking for quiet performance, smart home tech, or better security, we’ll get your garage door back on track smooth, safe, and stress-free.
Give us a call or schedule your installation today!