LiftMaster Garage Door Openers: A Guide to Choosing the Best Model

Whether you’re dealing with a broken garage door, equipping a brand-new home, or just looking to upgrade, homeowners will eventually be in the market for a new garage door opener. And a LiftMaster Garage Door Opener will provide the best in functionality, durability, and value on the market.

This in-depth guide takes you through the ins and outs of finding your perfect LiftMaster garage door opener. First, we’ll be going over a few of the top factors you consider when finding your opener. Then, we’ll look at the best LiftMaster garage door openers on the market and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

Table of Contents

• What to Look for in a LiftMaster Garage Door Opener
  • Type
  • Power
  • Safety
  • Technology
  • Comfort
  • Value
• 6 Models We Recommend
  • Good
  • Better
  • Best
• Frequently Asked Questions

What to Look for in a LiftMaster Garage Door Opener

Not all LiftMaster garage door openers are the same. And some models offer a variety of additional features, functionalities, and benefits.

Below we take a look at six things you should consider when finding your perfect garage door opener.

Type

There are four main types of LiftMaster garage door openers to choose from:

• Chain – A chain opener is a way to go for reliability and power. As the name implies, they use a heavy-duty metal chain to lift the door up and down.
• Belt – A quieter option than a chain, to be sure, these openers use a reinforced belt to open and close the door. Plus, they’re virtually silent—perfect for homes with attached garages.
• Wall Mount – This opener type is mounted on the wall next to the door rather than fixed overhead. It frees up space, and it’s incredibly quiet to operate.
• Smart – More a garage door subtype than anything else, smart garage doors let you control opening and closing from anywhere, thanks to advanced technology. They’re also available in chain, belt, and wall-mount options.

Power

Garage doors are heavy, no matter what material type their made from. There are lighter materials, sure. Vinyl, for instance, offers lightweight protection and comes in a variety of styles. But even still, your opener needs to have the right horsepower to lift and lower your doors safely.

For most doors, ½ horsepower is usually enough to get the job done. But for heavier doors, you may need up to 1 ½ horsepower. You should always consult with an expert before deciding on a suitable opener to meet your needs.

Safety

Most people don’t know that garage doors can be quite dangerous when not working properly.

There are about 20,000 to 30,000 injuries related to garage doors each year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. That’s why your opener must be working as it should.

On top of that, some openers also have safety features like auto-locking mechanisms to protect against intruders and keep your family safe.

Technology

If you’re looking for bare-bones openers like your parents used to have, there are options available. But today’s LiftMaster garage door openers offer more technologically advanced features than ever.

For example, LiftMaster myQ lets you connect to your garage door through your smart device from anywhere in the world. With my, you can:

• Get real-time notifications about whether your garage is opened or closed.
• Activate your garage door remotely from your phone or tablet.
• Set daily schedules to ensure your home stays secure while you’re at work.
• Share access with friends or family right from your smart device.

Comfort

Garage doors can be quite heavy. And pulling them up and lowering them down can be a bit noisy—especially with lower-quality models. This comes down to volume comfort more than anything else.

If you have an attached garage, you’ll want to be sure you’re opting for more sound-sensitive models.

Chain drives tend to be the loudest, followed by belt drives and wall mounts.

Choosing a quieter model is ideal for sleeping infants or family members next to the garage.

Value

Last but not least, you’ll want to be sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Budget is always one of the most significant considerations in any home improvement project.

And choosing a new LiftMaster garage door opener is no different.

Rather than tackling installation yourself, using a trusted installation service is essential for setting up a safe, functional, and properly aligned opener.

Luckily, quite a few options are available, all coming in different prices and ranges.

You’ll also want to consider garage door opener installation costs when using a trusted expert installer.

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Recommend LiftMaster Models

Now that you have a better idea of what to look for when shopping for your new opener let’s look at the six LiftMaster garage door openers we recommend.

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Good

Below are two solid choices that offer a good balance of function and value.

LiftMaster 8160W

D.C. Chain Drive Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener

This chain drive model uses a customized D.C. motor that’s built to last. It also features soft start/stop operation, LinkMaster myQ for connectivity, and plenty of security features like Posilock and rotating opener code generation.

• myQ technology with built-in Wi-Fi
• DC motor for smooth and quiet operation
• Industrial-strength chain drive
• Secure in-garage delivery for Amazon Prime packages
• Includes 1 remote

LiftMaster 8165W

½ H.P. A.C. Chain Drive Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener

This ½ horsepower model features an industrial chain drive system for steady performance and durability. Plus, the Posilock system, Security+ 2.0 (automatic new code generation), and unbeatable warranty make this model a solid choice.

• myQ technology with built-in Wi-Fi
• Industrial-strength chain drive
• Secure in-garage delivery for Amazon Prime packages
• Includes 1 remote

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Better

Are you looking for more feature-rich LiftMaster garage door opener options? Try out the two options below.

LiftMaster8365W

½ H.P. A.C. Chain Drive Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener

Smart functionality is front and center with this model. It features an industrial-strength chain drive system, ½ horsepower A.C. motor, and plenty of security features like Security+ 2.0 and Posilock. But it also adds built-in Wi-Fi, myQ technology, real-time alerts, and remote operation.

• myQ technology with built-in Wi-Fi
• Industrial-strength chain drive
• Secure in-garage delivery for Amazon Prime packages
• Includes extra remote and keyless entry system

LiftMaster 8355W

½ H.P. A.C. Belt Drive Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener

If you’re looking for a smooth and quiet operation with all the features of the 8365, this is the model for you. The Motor Vibration Isolation System (MVIS) provides quiet, reliable operation without so much as a peep.

• myQ technology with built-in Wi-Fi
• Reinforced belt drive system for exceptionally smooth performance
• Secure in-garage delivery for Amazon Prime packages
• Includes 1 remote control

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Best

For the very best that LiftMaster has to offer, the two models below are without a doubt the leaders of the pack.

LiftMaster 8550WLB

Elite DC Motor Battery Backup Belt Drive Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener

With advanced features like Timer-to-Close, Motion Detection, P3 Motor technology, and a host of other perks, the Elite is a top-of-the-line LinkMaster garage door opener, to be sure. You don’t go back from Elite.

• myQ technology with built-in Wi-Fi
• Battery backup lets you operate your door even when your power is out
• Secure in-garage delivery for Amazon Prime packages
• Built with automatic garage door lock capability

LiftMaster 8500W

Elite DC Motor Jackshaft Battery Backup Capable Wall Mount Garage Door Opener

The unique design of this model is what stands out here. The wall-mount functionality opens up the ceiling for added room.

The battery backup, heavy lifting power, and quiet D.C. motor make this model a clear contender for the top LiftMaster garage door opener.

• Wall-mount design means more overhead room, less noise, and virtually vibration-free operation
• myQ capable with 828LM Internet Gateway add on
• D.C. motor allows for ultra-quiet operation
• Automatic garage door locking with a built-in deadbolt system

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LiftMaster Garage Door Opener FAQ

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about LiftMaster garage door openers.

How Much Does a LiftMaster Garage Door Opener Cost?

Typically, LiftMaster garage door openers will cost anywhere from $300 to $550. But the final costs also depend on which model you have your eye on and installation costs. It would help if you planned on spending around $65 to $85 per hour of labor, according to HomeAdvisor.

How Do You Fix a LiftMaster Garage Door That Won’t Close?

If you find yourself dealing with a LiftMaster garage door that won’t close, it’s time to assess your repair options. That means following a few steps:

1. Diagnosing what the problem is
2. Assessing your options
3. Deciding whether you can fix the problem yourself
4. Finding a reliable garage door repair company to help if the problem isn’t minor

What Model Is My LiftMaster Garage Door Opener?

According to LiftMaster, you can find the garage door opener model in the following locations:

• Under the front light lens
• Under the left light lens, if facing the garage door opener
• The opposite side of where the antenna is on the garage door opener

Tip: The model number is typically on the other side under the light cover if you see the Part Number.

Where to Find LiftMaster Garage Door Opener Installation Near Me?

If you need help installing a new garage door opener in the greater St. Louis area, look no further than Hill Garage Door Co.

At Hill Garage Door Co., we proudly offer the highest quality LiftMaster garage door opener installation in the area.

Here’s how we stand out from the competition:

• Family Owned (Not a Franchise) – That means you can rest easy knowing you’re only getting the best value in products, installation, and service.
• Best Brands – We only work with the best industry, including Raynor, doorLink, C.H.I., Clopay, Wayne Dalton, and LinkMaster!
• Experienced Technicians – All our technicians are experienced, professional, and ready to fix your garage at a moment’s notice.
• Quality Assured – We constantly test and fine-tune your door for superior performance.
• Service You Can Trust – Our exceptional level of service is what led to our near-perfect reviews.
• Spot Free Cleanup – From cleaning up our supplies to hauling away your old door, we’ll leave your garage exactly as clean as we found it.

So if you need LiftMaster garage door opener installation, grab a limited-time deal now and request a free in-home estimate today!