| Best Choice |
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Genie StealthDrive Connect 7155-TKV Door Opener | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Best Value |
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Chamberlain B550 Strong Belt Drive Door Opener | CHECK LATEST PRICE | |
| Premium Pick |
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Chamberlain B1381 Garage Door Opener | CHECK LATEST PRICE |
- 1. Genie StealthDrive Connect 7155-TKV Door Opener
- 2. Chamberlain B550 Strong Belt Drive Door Opener
- 3. Chamberlain B1381 Garage Door Opener
- 4. Genie SilentMax 4042-TKH Opener
- 5. Chamberlain B970 Smartphone-Controlled Opener
- 6. Liftmaster 8500W Jackshaft Garage Opener
- 7. Skylink ATR-1622BK ATOMS Garage Door Opener
After a long day, the last thing you want is to manually open your garage door. You have to brave the weather, only to return to your car, park, then manually close the door. This is exactly why belt drive garage door openers exist. With one of these handy tools in place, all you have to do is press a button. It attaches to the track system in your garage and uses technology to open your door safely. Of course, the best belt drive garage door openers stand out in terms of quality and performance. To get optimal results, you want a solution that works for you. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top selections on the market. Let’s check out the leading choices.
The Best Belt Drive Garage Door Openers
When you want a system that’s both easy to install and use, look to the Genie StealthDrive Connect 7155-TKV Door Opener. It blends the sturdiness of durable rail with the modern benefits of smart connections. You can hook this opener up to either Alexa or Google Assistant. This enables you to control the door from wherever you are (provided you have your phone). It’s easy to set up, coming with the five-part track system. The included remotes are already connected, so you can simply install it and your door is ready. While it is a hardwired option, there is a power failsafe. This battery lets you open and close the door 50 times during an electrical outage. Complete with a steel belt and motor that’s strong yet silent, this opener is a great choice overall.
One downside of the Genie StealthDrive Connect 7155-TKV Door Opener is with its Wi-Fi features. Depending on where your home Wi-Fi router is located, this garage door opener may have some issues. If you are worried about any potential issues, make sure to purchase and install a Wi-Fi extender to improve signal strength to the opener.
Do you want an effective opener without breaking the bank? If so, the Chamberlain Group B550 Strong Belt Drive Door Opener is worth looking into. Balancing cost-effectiveness with quality, this opener features a powerful motor. While it is strong, it doesn’t create an unpleasant amount of noise. This way, you can open your garage at any hour — without disturbing your neighbors. It incorporates up-to-date technological features as well. You can effortlessly connect it to the associated MyQ app, available on smart devices. This lets you maneuver the door from any location (provided it’s hooked up to Wi-Fi). You can use these features to fortify your home’s security. Incorporating other useful features like a high-powered, reliable motor, the system remains strong over the long term. With a wide range for controls (1500 feet) and a durable structure, this opener offers terrific value.
One issue with the Chamberlain Group B550 Strong Belt Drive Door Opener is with its functionality. If you are hoping to integrate this garage door opener fully with your home hub and other smart devices, then you will need to purchase a separate subscription from Chamberlain. The opener will work fine on its own, but be aware that there could be an additional cost involved to use all of its smart capabilities.
Especially for newer developments, you want a quality system like the Chamberlain Group B1381 Garage Door Opener to keep your home in optimal condition. This selection comes complete with everything from garage lighting to smart controls. The featured application lets you hook up your devices to maneuver the door from anywhere. Of course, the belt drive system is about more than smarts, it’s a matter of strength. This opener powerfully lifts even the heaviest garage doors. Operating quietly, through a tough belt, you don’t have to worry about breakdowns. It can even raise your door in extremely cold temperatures when it freezes to the ground. The belt is reinforced with steel and the entire drive system is designed to minimize damage from vibrations. Strong and effective, this is a truly premium option.
Be aware that if you are hoping to integrate the Chamberlain Group B1381 Garage Door Opener with your home hub, specifically Google or Amazon Alexa, then you will need to purchase a Chamberlain subscription. The opener will function perfectly on its own, but in order to maximize its smart capabilities, there will be an additional cost involved.
Do you live in a quiet neighborhood? The Genie SilentMax 4042-TKH Opener helps you keep it that way. It is designed to minimize ambient vibrations on the belt drive itself. This offers dual benefits. On the one hand, it means you won’t wake up those around you when you get in late. It also means that you don’t have to worry about premature wear and tear. The opener offers these silent advantages without foregoing power. It uses a 140-volt motor to offer a strong lift. Coupled with the precise controls, you don’t get noise when it’s in motion or when the door touches down. By incorporating a user-friendly setup, you can install the door in minimal time. Once in place, the steel structure acts effectively in all temperatures and environments.
One downside of the Genie SilentMax 4042-TKH Opener is its range. In order to use the remote of this garage door opener, you must be incredibly close to the door. This can be a major inconvenience, especially during inclement weather, if you need to wait for your door to open.
Whether you are hosting company or take lots of trips, the Chamberlain Group B970 Smartphone-Controlled Opener gives you full control. It connects with the MyQ application, which you can quickly download to your device. This informs you of whether your door is open or shut and lets you control the door. Though it wires directly, the battery backup keeps you secure in the event of an electrical outage. Since it works on three radio frequencies, it minimizes the risk of interference — thus adding security. Capable of supporting all types of doors, the strong motor prevents you from getting iced-in (or out). It comes with two remotes, letting you give all drivers access. The straightforward installation means you can quickly set it up. Once in place, you can maneuver the door with the push of a button.
One issue with the Chamberlain Group B970 Smartphone-Controlled Opener is with its connectivity. Some customers have reported that their Wi-Fi connectivity has been inconsistent. This can be a safety and security issue, so if you are having issues reach out to Chamberlain’s customer service team. They will be happy to help fix the issue and possibly send a replacement if the issue is due to a manufacturing defect.
The Liftmaster 8500W Jackshaft Garage Opener includes a high quality LED light that turns on automatically to light up your garage. This wall-mount garage door opener helps to save space and optimize the garage ceiling space overhead. There is a built-in Wi-Fi connectivity feature for control of the door with your smartphone or tablet. The MyQ mobile app allows you to control your garage door opener from anywhere. There is a very quiet motor on this opener, which provides a smooth operation and helps to eliminate noise and vibrations throughout your home. It can operate doors up to 850 pounds, and this opener also includes an integrated battery backup that ensures stable operation, even during power outages. The patented Protector System is another ideal safety feature for customers with pets or young children.
One issue with the Liftmaster 8500W Jackshaft Garage Opener is that it is not the best opener for use in cold weather. Some customers have reported problems with the seal, as drafts and snow drifts have been known to come in from the bottom of the door. If you do purchase this opener, you should know that it may not completely seal to your garage floor at the bottom. You may need to purchase a separate garage door seal to prevent any drafts or snow from entering your garage during the winter.
The Skylink ATR-1622BK ATOMS Garage Door Opener is another excellent option that includes high-quality LED lighting. This garage door opener features Wi-Fi functionality and is compatible with home hubs that include Amazon Alexa and IFTTT smart home platforms. The door can be controlled from anywhere via your smartphone or tablet. A powerful DC motor is extremely quiet compared to another of other options on the market. It can be an ideal option for people with apartments, office, or living spaces above their garage. It is an extremely easy option to install all by yourself. Step-by-step instructions are included, and the company offers some great instructional videos online. If your vehicle has a built-in remote, there is no need to carry an additional remote, as this garage door opener will work perfectly with any car remote.
One downside of the Skylink ATR-1622BK ATOMS Garage Door Opener is that you may need additional parts to complete installation of this product. While it is extremely easy to install, depending on the setup of your garage, you may need to purchase additional brackets or a separate installation kit to install this product.
Best Belt Drive Garage Door Openers Buying Guide & FAQ
Belt drive garage door openers feature a belt drive mechanism that pulls a trolley up and down a track in order to operate your garage door. The belt can be made from either high-quality rubber, polyurethane, or fiberglass. Belt drive garage door openers are an excellent choice for light to medium weight garage doors.
Belt drive garage door openers provide a quiet, smooth operation that is ideal for homes with attached garages, and for those with living spaces or offices located above the garage. This type of garage door opener is extremely user-friendly, with few parts required and low maintenance costs.
Do You Need a Belt Drive Garage Door Opener?
Belt drive garage door openers have some unique advantages over other types of garage door opener systems. Whether your belt drive is made from rubber, polyurethane, or fiberglass, belt drive openers are very durable and strong enough to lift almost any type of garage door.
Belt drive garage door openers are very easy to install and available from a wide variety of reputable manufacturers. This type of garage door opener also includes very little maintenance, as it does not have to be oiled or lubricated like other types of garage door openers in order to operate properly.
- Belt drive garage door openers can lift any lightweight or average weight garage door efficiently. As long as the door is not too heavy, belt drive openers will open your garage door much quicker than other types of garage doors.
- Perhaps the biggest advantage of belt drive garage door openers is that they are very quiet compared to other types of openers. If you are looking to efficiently operate your garage door with as little noise as possible, then the belt drive opener is the ideal choice for your home.
- Belt drive garage door openers are an extremely durable option made from a variety of high-quality materials. When your belt drive eventually wears out, it is easy to replace on your own. This type of garage door opener also requires very little maintenance.
Types of Garage Door Openers
There are three main types of garage door openers, each including their own unique features and advantages. Depending on your home setup and type of garage door, you may need a different type of garage door opener. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the various types of garage door openers in order to purchase one that is the best fit for your needs.
Belt Drive
Belt drive garage door openers include a belt system that is made from a number of different high quality materials, including rubber, polyurethane, and fiberglass. This type of garage door opener can be used to lift most lightweight or medium weight garage doors. Compared to other types of openers, belt drive garage door openers are user-friendly, including very little maintenance and easy installation. Belt drives will eventually need to be replaced, and they are easy to do with just one person in just a short period of time.
If you own a heavy duty garage door, such as a double door or a heavy glass or wooden model, then the belt drive opener may not be the best choice for your home. Belt drive openers have also been known to slip or fall off track in extreme heat or in very humid climates.
Chain Drive
Chain drive garage door openers are the most common type of garage door opener. This type of opener is the same or very similar to the belt drive opener, but it features a heavy duty chain drive instead of a belt drive. Chain drive garage door openers are specifically meant to lift any type of garage door, from the lightest to the most heavy duty models.
Another major advantage of chain drive openers is that they are built to withstand the test of time, with a lifespan much longer than belt drive openers. They do require some maintenance, as the chain needs to be lubricated at regular intervals in order to prevent rust or corrosion. This type of garage door opener is also significantly louder than belt drive openers, so if you are worried about the noise, you may want to consider another type of garage door opener instead of the chain drive type.
Screw Drive
Screw drive garage door openers is a more complex type of opener, which features a threaded rod and an arm that attaches to the garage door. It is the least popular type of garage door opener, but it is extremely efficient, particularly if you have a heavier than average garage door. If you have a smaller than average garage, or a low ceiling in your garage, then the compact size of your screw drive opener is a major advantage.
Although screw drive openers are considerably slower than the other types of garage door openers, they may perhaps be the safest option on the market. Because they move particularly slow, it is much easier for a child or animal to move out of the way if the auto-reverse or sensor mechanism isn’t working.
What to Look for When Buying a Belt Drive Garage Door Opener
Belt drive garage door openers are an extremely high quality and efficient option for most types of garage doors. It is very important to familiarize yourself with the products and all of the options available before making your purchase. There are several factors to consider and many key features that vary from model to model. Depending on the location of your garage and whether there are any attached living spaces or office spaces, that will be a major factor in determining if the belt drive garage opener is the best fit for your household.
The Most Important Features of Belt Drive Garage Door Openers
Belt drive garage door openers are becoming more and more common among households. This type of garage door opener contains a number of modern features, and some models can even be controlled with your smartphone or tablet. Make sure to understand the key features of the various belt drive garage door openers before making your purchase.
Noise
If the amount of noise created by your garage door is important to you, then you may want to consider a belt drive opener. Belt drive garage door openers are extremely quiet yet efficient. They are by far the quietest type of opener on the market. So if your garage door is attached to your living space, then a belt drive garage door opener is an excellent choice to best fit your needs. Although the belt drive will eventually wear out, they are easy to replace and require very little maintenance.
Smart Technology
One of the special features of belt drive garage door openers is that they are Wi-Fi compatible and able to fully function with your home hub. Not only can you control your garage door while it is connected to Wi-Fi, but many modern models include apps that can be downloaded onto your smart devices. You can control the garage door, lights, and various other features remotely using the product app on your smartphone or tablet. This is not only extremely convenient, but it is also an important safety feature to be able to control your garage door while traveling or away from home.
Security
Another important consideration of belt drive garage door openers is their safety features. Many belt drive garage door openers feature high-quality security systems. These modern openers rotate the security codes of your remote. A new code is sent after each use, which better helps to prevent intruders from being able to steal the code. The sensors of these doors usually can sense a detected forced opening. If it is determined that someone is trying to force the door open, then the safety feature will keep the door shut and prevent it from opening.
Best Belt Drive Garage Door Openers FAQ:
Understanding the features of your belt drive garage door opener and how to properly use it is essential. You should familiarize yourself with the various types of belt drive garage door openers and their special features before making your purchase. While there are a number of belt drive openers available, make sure to do your proper research and choose a product that is the best fit for your household needs.
Belt drive garage door openers have varying lifespans depending on the model you purchase. In general, you can expect your belt drive garage door opener to last 10-15 years. The belts may need to be replaced every few years, so make sure to keep an eye on the wear and tear of your specific system.
Belt and chain drive garage door openers are both extremely high quality products. If you have a heavier garage door, then chain drive openers may be your best option. But if you have a lightweight or average sized garage door, then belt drive garage door openers are a great choice that are relatively quiet and require very little maintenance.
The cost of a belt drive garage door opener varies greatly, depending on the model and special features included with the opener. If you are shopping on a budget, you can likely find a belt drive opener between $100 and $200, but some premium models with smart technology can cost well over $500.
Our Top Pick
The Genie StealthDrive Connect 7155-TKV Door Opener is our choice for best overall belt drive garage door opener. It blends the sturdiness of durable rail with the modern benefits of smart connections. You can hook this opener up to either Alexa or Google Assistant. This enables you to control the door from wherever you are (provided you have your phone). It’s easy to set up, coming with the five-part track system. The included remotes are already connected, so you can simply install it and your door is ready.
Final Thoughts
For the best overall belt drive garage door opener, consider the Genie StealthDrive Connect 7155-TKV Door Opener, featuring a number of smart technology benefits, or the Chamberlain Group B550 Strong Belt Drive Door Opener, which you can effortlessly connect to the associated MyQ app, available on most smart devices.
Sources:
- Garage Door Opener – Wikipedia
- Installation of Garage Door Opener – WikiHow
