( Chamberlain has several brandnames: lifemaster, chamberlain, [Chamberlain makes the almost-identical Craftsman 53990]. General speak, Chamberlain Whisper Drive WD822KD is the top rated residential garage door opener. )
Top Rated What the Research Says
• Genie H6000A-2
(*est. $165)

>> Where to buy Budget garage-door opener.We found lots of popular support for the budget-priced Genie H6000A-2 garage-door opener from homeowners who say it’s quiet, reliable and easy to install. With color-coded parts bags and a good instruction manual, installation is a fairly straightforward process, and owners say customer service is also helpful. The Genie garage-door opener is a screw-driven model — so it’s quieter than a chain-driven garage-door opener. The Genie H6000A-2 has basic features, including two single-button remotes, a wall button, an overhead light and an infrared obstruction beam for safety. It comes with a ten-year warranty on the motor and two years on other parts.
• Chamberlain Whisper Drive WD822KD
(*est. $250)

>> Where to buy Best garage-door opener overall.We found the best reviews overall for the Chamberlain Whisper Drive belt-driven garage-door opener. Reviews say this model is quieter than chain-drive and screw-drive openers. Installation is straightforward, and it comes with a lot of features, including two three-function remote controls, an outside keyless entry pad, rolling-code security, a glowing wall panel and more. The 1/2-hp motor is appropriate for most single and double garage doors. There’s a lifetime motor warranty, ten years on the belt and one year on other parts. (compare prices)
• Chamberlain 3/4-hp PD752D
(*est. $250)

>> Where to buy Best for extra-large or heavy doors.If you have a larger or heavier garage door, the larger 3/4-hp motor on the Chamberlain PD752D has 50 percent more power than most garage-door openers. Because it’s a chain-drive opener, this model is noisier than other types, but owners are extremely happy with everything from installation to operation and overall reliability. Chamberlain makes the almost-identical Craftsman 53990 for Sears, which costs a bit less but has only a 90-day labor warranty. The Chamberlain PD752D comes with all the usual features, including a wireless outdoor keypad. (compare prices)
• Craftsman 53910
(*est. $130)

>> Where to buy Least expensive garage-door opener.If price is your main consideration, the Craftsman 53910 is the cheapest garage-door opener we could find. However, reviews are very mixed on this 1/2-hp chain-drive opener. Owners report that some plastic parts wear away and disintegrate. We found far better reviews for garage-door openers costing as little as $35 more.
• Wayne-Dalton Torsion iDrive
(*est. $330)

>> Where to buy Torsion garage-door opener.The Wayne-Dalton iDrive uses a different technology than standard belt, screw- and chain-drive garage-door openers. Rather, the iDrive uses a torsion system, which eliminates the need for a large ceiling-mounted motor box and requires no overhead track. For those with low ceilings, the iDrive will free up an extra 6 inches of clearance. Pet owners like the programmable pet-access feature, and Wayne-Dalton uses a military-grade encryption system for its rolling security code. In reviews, owners say the iDrive is so difficult to install that you may need to spend extra on professional installation, and that it’s pricier than other options.