In this post I’ll simplify the process of choosing a LiftMaster garage door opener. You may be considering an economy model that will give you years of trouble free life or maybe a garage door opener that has quiet operation that will be next to a bedroom. There are many options & drive mechanisms & it’s time consuming doing the research.
LiftMaster is the leader in the industry & absolutely makes the best quality openers. If you do choose a different brand stay away from bargain brands you may see on eBay & Genies. Genie’s quality has improved in recent years but they still use a lot of plastic parts & skimp on quality. I can install a quality LiftMaster 8065 for the about the same price as a Genie.
To quickly see what features each opener or accessory have by looking at the model number see the LiftMaster Series Designator PDF. This will make it easier to choose between features, like for example a belt or chain drive garage door opener.
For more information on residential garage door openers & information on accessories visit the Garage Door Opener page.
What makes an opener quite?
A lot of noise & vibration comes from the motor. Two ways to solve this is with a DC motor (the quietest) or a Motor Vibration Isolation System (MVIS®). This is an AC motor that has rubber isolaters to reduce noise & vibration. Belt drive garage door openers are quieter than a chain drive. A chain drive, though durable, makes a little noise & will transfer some of the vibration to the door. The 855W is the quietest with a belt drive & DC motor.
Also something many don’t consider when choosing a door & opener is an uninsulated door will reverberate some of the vibration from the opener like a drum. An insulated garage door will muffle the vibration from the opener & the normal noise of the door going up & down. You may have the quietest garage door opener but an uninsulated door that rattles. For more on this visit How to Select a Garage Door.
How To Make Any Garage Door Opener Quieter (no matter what the brand)
Rubber vibration isolaters on the opener head hangers will help. Is your bedroom next to your garage? Don’t want to fork out the big bucks for a belt drive, DC motor or MVIS®? Try this first. It may not be the quietest option but it will make a difference. They are only about $10 plus a minimal service call.
The Quietest Openers:
LiftMaster 8550W Elite Series® DC Motor, Battery Backup Belt Drive Wi-Fi® Garage Door Opener
Wi-Fi Connectivity - Never Look Back Again Connectivity • MyQ® Technology now with Wi-Fi, enables secure monitoring and control of your garage door opener with a smartphone, tablet or laptop. • Alerts can be received as email or pop-up (push) notifications on your mobile device, ensuring the status of the garage door. • MyQ mobile app is a free download requiring no annual activation fee. Performance • P3™ Motors provide proven reliability and durability. • DC Motor Belt Drive System delivers powerful, ultra-quiet performance. • Battery Backup ensures access to your garage when the power goes out. • Dependable warranty includes lifetime coverage of motor and belt, five (5) years on parts and one (1) year on battery. Safety and Security • Security+ 2.0® safeguards garage access – with every click a new code is sent to the garage door opener ensuring the door does not inadvertently open. • PosiLock® locks down the door by electronically monitoring against a forced opening. • Timer-to-Close automatically closes the door after a pre-programmed number of minutes. • Alert-2-Close Warning System provides audible and visual warnings when a garage door is about to close when using MyQ Technology or Timer-to-Close. • Motion Detector is integrated into the Smart Control Panel® providing rapid detection and illumination of garage. • The Protector System® incorporates safety sensors which emit an invisible light beam across the garage door opening, automatically reversing the door if an object interrupts the beam.
LiftMaster 8355 Premium Series 1/2 HP, AC Belt Drive Garage Door Opener with MVIS®
Smart, Quiet and Energy Efficient Connectivity • MyQ® Technology enables you to securely monitor and control your garage door opener and houselights with your smartphone, tablet or computer. (Requires purchase of Internet Gateway (828LM)). • Alerts can be received as email or pop-up (push) notifications on your mobile device so that you always know the status of your garage door and houselights. • MyQ mobile app is a free download requiring no annual activation fee. Performance • P3™ Motors are reliable, durable and powerful – designed specifically for your needs. • 1/2 HP AC motor with industrial strength belt drive system provides quiet, reliable and maintenance free performance. • Motor Vibration Isolation System (MVIS®) provides super quiet, smooth operation year after year. • Energy-efficient operation consumes up to 75%%%% less power in standby mode. • Lifetime motor and belt warranty. 1-year parts warranty. Safety and Security • Security+ 2.0® safeguards your household – with every click a new code is sent to the garage door opener so that the door opens only for you. • PosiLock® locks down your door by electronically monitoring against a forced opening. • Alert-2-Close warning system provides audible and visual warnings when the garage door is about to close when using MyQ Technology. • The Protector System® has safety sensors that project a light beam across the garage door opening, automatically reversing the door if anything interrupts the beam.
LiftMaster 3240 1/2 HP Screw Drive Garage Door Opener with MVIS®
Smooth Running, Powerful Performance Performance • P3™ Motors are reliable, durable and powerful – designed specifically for your needs. • 1/2 HP AC motor with industrial-strength screw drive provides steady performance and lifting power. • Motor Vibration Isolation System (MVIS®) provides super quiet, smooth operation year after year. • 200-watt lighting with adjustable light time delay for more energy-efficient use • One-piece steel rail design means less friction so no binding or lubrication is needed even in the most extreme temperatures. • Lifetime motor warranty and 1-year parts warranty. Safety and Security • Security+® safeguards your household – with every click a new code is sent to the garage door opener so that the door opens only for you. • PosiLock® locks down your door by electronically monitoring against a forced opening. • The Protector System® has safety sensors that project a light beam across the garage door opening, automatically reversing the door if anything interrupts the beam.
LiftMaster 8360 Premium Series DC Motor, Battery Backup Capable Chain Drive
Rugged Reliability and Powerful Lift Wi-Fi Connectivity – Never Look Back Again Connectivity • MyQ® Technology enables you to securely monitor and control your garage door opener and houselights with your smartphone, tablet or computer. (Requires purchase of Internet Gateway (828LM)). • Alerts can be received as email or pop-up (push) notifications on your mobile device so that you always know the status of your garage door and houselights. • MyQ mobile app is a free download requiring no annual activation fee. Performance • P3™ Motor from are reliable, durable and powerful – designed specifically for your needs. • DC motor chain drive system provides steady performance and industrial strength lifting power. • Battery Backup powers up even when power is out so you can get in your garage (Requires purchase of Integrated Battery Backup 485LM). • Energy-efficient operation consumes up to 75%%%% less power in standby mode. • Lifetime motor and 1-year parts warranty. 1-year Battery Backup warranty sold separately. Safety and Security • Security+ 2.0® safeguards your household – with every click a new code is sent to the garage door opener so that the door opens only for you. • PosiLock® locks down your door by electronically monitoring against a forced opening. • Alert-2-Close warning system provides audible and visual warnings when the garage door is about to close when using MyQ Technology. • Motion detector activates the garage door opener lights as soon as you walk in so no more fumbling in the dark. • The Protector System® has safety sensors that project a light beam across the garage door opening automatically reversing the door if anything interrupts the beam.
Belt Drives With AC motors for reduced noise:
LiftMaster 8155 1/2 HP AC Belt Drive Garage Door Opener
Connectivity • MyQ® Technology enables you to securely monitor and control your garage door opener and houselights with your smartphone, tablet or computer. (Requires purchase of Internet Gateway (828LM)). • Alerts can be received as email or pop-up (push) notifications on your mobile device so that you always know the status of your garage door and houselights. • MyQ mobile app is a free download requiring no activation or subscription fees. Performance • P3 Motors™ are reliable, durable and powerful – designed specifically for your needs. • 1/2 HP AC motor with industrial-strength belt drive system provides reliable and maintenance free performance • Energy-efficient operation consumes up to 75%%%% less power in standby mode. • 4-year motor warranty, 10-year belt warranty, and 1-year parts warranty. Safety and Security • Security+ 2.0® safeguards your household – with every click a new code is sent to the garage door opener so that the door opens only for you. • PosiLock® locks down your garage door by electronically monitoring against a forced opening. • Alert-2-Close warning system provides audible and visual warnings when the garage door is about to close when using MyQ Technology. • The Protector System® has safety sensors that project a light beam across the garage door opening, automatically reversing the door if anything interrupts the beam.
LiftMaster 8355 Premium Series 1/2 HP AC Belt Drive Garage Door Opener
Smart, Quiet and Energy Efficient Connectivity • MyQ® Technology enables you to securely monitor and control your garage door opener and houselights with your smartphone, tablet or computer. (Requires purchase of Internet Gateway (828LM)). • Alerts can be received as email or pop-up (push) notifications on your mobile device so that you always know the status of your garage door and houselights. • MyQ mobile app is a free download requiring no annual activation fee. Performance • P3™ Motors are reliable, durable and powerful – designed specifically for your needs. • 1/2 HP AC motor with industrial strength belt drive system provides quiet, reliable and maintenance free performance. • Motor Vibration Isolation System (MVIS®) provides super quiet, smooth operation year after year. • Energy-efficient operation consumes up to 75%% less power in standby mode. • Lifetime motor and belt warranty. 1-year parts warranty. Safety and Security • Security+ 2.0® safeguards your household – with every click a new code is sent to the garage door opener so that the door opens only for you. • PosiLock® locks down your door by electronically monitoring against a forced opening. • Alert-2-Close warning system provides audible and visual warnings when the garage door is about to close when using MyQ Technology. • The Protector System® has safety sensors that project a light beam across the garage door opening, automatically reversing the door if anything interrupts the beam.
LiftMaster 8557W Elite Series® ¾ HP AC Belt Drive Wi-Fi® Garage Door Opener
Wi-Fi Connectivity – Never Look Back Again Connectivity • MyQ® Technology now with Wi-Fi, enables secure monitoring and control of your garage door opener with a smartphone, tablet or laptop. • Alerts can be received as email or pop-up (push) notifications on your mobile device ensuring the status of the garage door. • MyQ mobile app is a free download requiring no annual activation fee. Performance • P3™ Motors provide proven reliability and durability. • ¾ HP AC Motor Belt Drive System combines a strong pulling force with a steel reinforced belt to lift heavy doors and reinforced doors in high wind areas while delivering power, ultra-quiet performance. • Dependable warranty includes lifetime coverage of motor and five (5) years on parts. Safety and Security • Security+ 2.0® safeguards garage access – with every click a new code is sent to the garage door opener ensuring the door does not inadvertently open. • PosiLock® locks down the door by electronically monitoring against a forced opening. • Timer-to-Close automatically closes the door after a pre-programmed number of minutes. • Alert-2-Close Warning System provides audible and visual warnings when a garage door is about to close when using MyQ Technology or Timer-to-Close. • Motion Detector is integrated into the Smart Control Panel® providing rapid detection and illumination of garage. • The Protector System® incorporates safety sensors which emit an invisible light beam across the garage door opening, automatically reversing the door if an object interrupts the beam.
DC battery Back Up Models:
LiftMaster 8360 Premium Series DC Battery Backup Capable Chain Drive
Rugged Reliability and Powerful Lift Wi-Fi Connectivity – Never Look Back Again Connectivity • MyQ® Technology enables you to securely monitor and control your garage door opener and houselights with your smartphone, tablet or computer. (Requires purchase of Internet Gateway (828LM)). • Alerts can be received as email or pop-up (push) notifications on your mobile device so that you always know the status of your garage door and houselights. • MyQ mobile app is a free download requiring no annual activation fee. Performance • P3™ Motor from are reliable, durable and powerful – designed specifically for your needs. • DC motor chain drive system provides steady performance and industrial strength lifting power. • Battery Backup powers up even when power is out so you can get in your garage (Requires purchase of Integrated Battery Backup 485LM). • Energy-efficient operation consumes up to 75%% less power in standby mode. • Lifetime motor and 1-year parts warranty. 1-year Battery Backup warranty sold separately. Safety and Security • Security+ 2.0® safeguards your household – with every click a new code is sent to the garage door opener so that the door opens only for you. • PosiLock® locks down your door by electronically monitoring against a forced opening. • Alert-2-Close warning system provides audible and visual warnings when the garage door is about to close when using MyQ Technology. • Motion detector activates the garage door opener lights as soon as you walk in so no more fumbling in the dark. • The Protector System® has safety sensors that project a light beam across the garage door opening automatically reversing the door if anything interrupts the beam.
LiftMaster 8550W Elite Series® DC Battery Backup Belt Drive Wi-Fi® Garage Door Opener
Wi-Fi Connectivity - Never Look Back Again Connectivity • MyQ® Technology now with Wi-Fi, enables secure monitoring and control of your garage door opener with a smartphone, tablet or laptop. • Alerts can be received as email or pop-up (push) notifications on your mobile device, ensuring the status of the garage door. • MyQ mobile app is a free download requiring no annual activation fee. Performance • P3™ Motors provide proven reliability and durability. • DC Motor Belt Drive System delivers powerful, ultra-quiet performance. • Battery Backup ensures access to your garage when the power goes out. • Dependable warranty includes lifetime coverage of motor and belt, five (5) years on parts and one (1) year on battery. Safety and Security • Security+ 2.0® safeguards garage access – with every click a new code is sent to the garage door opener ensuring the door does not inadvertently open. • PosiLock® locks down the door by electronically monitoring against a forced opening. • Timer-to-Close automatically closes the door after a pre-programmed number of minutes. • Alert-2-Close Warning System provides audible and visual warnings when a garage door is about to close when using MyQ Technology or Timer-to-Close. • Motion Detector is integrated into the Smart Control Panel® providing rapid detection and illumination of garage. • The Protector System® incorporates safety sensors which emit an invisible light beam across the garage door opening, automatically reversing the door if an object interrupts the beam.
LiftMaster 8500 Elite Series® Wall Mount Garage Door Opener
Wi-Fi Connectivity - Never Look Back Again Connectivity • MyQ® Technology enables you to securely monitor and control your garage door opener and houselights with your smartphone, tablet or computer. (Requires purchase of Internet Gateway (828LM)). • Alerts can be received as email or pop-up (push) notifications on your mobile device so that you always know the status of your garage door and houselights. • MyQ mobile app is a free download requiring no activation or subscription fees. Performance • P3™ Motors are reliable, durable and powerful – designed specifically for your needs. • Ultra-quiet eliminates sound and vibration through the ceiling – perfect if you have a home with a room above or next to the garage. • Battery Backup powers up even when power is out so you can get in your garage (Requires purchase of 475LM Battery Backup). • Wall mount design frees the garage ceiling of hanging operators and rails and opens up the space for additional storage – ideal for cathedral or obstructed ceilings. • Remote light delivers 200 watts of light with adjustable light time delay. • Lifetime motor and 5-year parts warranty. 1-year Battery Backup warranty (Sold separately). Safety and Security • Security+ 2.0® safeguards your household – with every click a new code is sent to the garage door opener so that the door opens only for you. • Timer-to-Close remembers to close your garage door when you forget – automatically closes the door after a pre-programmed number of minutes. • Alert-2-Close warning system provides audible and visual warnings when the garage door is about to close when using MyQ Technology or Timer-to-Close. • Motion detector activates the garage door opener lights as soon as you walk in so no more fumbling in the dark. • The Protector System® has safety sensors that project a light beam across the garage door opening automatically reversing the door if anything interrupts the beam. • Power Lock Deadbolt (041A6102) ensures the door cannot be forced open.
Wall Mount/Jack Shaft Model:
The 8500 is placed on the wall & is a direct drive connected to the torsion/spring shaft that lifts the door. This is good if there is limited overhead space or if someone doesn’t want an opener in the middle of their garage.
It is battery backup capable (battery must be purchased separately). It also has a wall light that is controlled wireless & can be placed anywhere in the garage where there is a plugin.
Economy Models:
The economy garage door openers are of very good quality & will give a long life of service with normal use & proper installation. They come with a 4 year motor & 1 year parts warranty. These are a recent line with some upgrades, Wi-Fi capable is one of them. They are priced starting with the least expensive at the top down.
LiftMaster 8065 1/2 HP Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
Basic Reliability Wi-Fi Connectivity – Never Look Back Again • MyQ® Technology enables you to securely monitor and control your garage door opener and houselights with your smartphone, tablet or computer. (Requires purchase of Internet Gateway (828LM)). • Alerts can be received as email or pop-up (push) notifications on your mobile device so that you always know the status of your garage door and houselights. • MyQ mobile app is a free download requiring no activation or subscription fee. Performance • P3 Motors™ are reliable, durable and powerful – designed specifically for your needs. • 1/2 HP AC motor with industrial-strength chain drive provides steady performance and lifting power. • Energy-efficient operation consumes up to 75%%%% less power in standby mode. • 4-year motor warranty and 1-year parts warranty. Safety and Security • Security+ 2.0® safeguards your household – with every click a new code is sent to the garage door opener so that the door opens only for you. • PosiLock® locks down your garage door by electronically monitoring against a forced opening. • Alert-2-Close warning system provides audible and visual warnings when the garage door is about to close when using MyQ Technology. • The Protector System® has safety sensors that project a light beam across the garage door opening, automatically reversing the door if anything interrupts the beam.
LiftMaster 8165 1/2 HP AC Chain Drive Garage Door Opener
Rugged, Reliable Performance Wi-Fi Connectivity – Never Look Back Again • MyQ® Technology enables you to securely monitor and control your garage door opener and houselights with your smartphone, tablet or computer. (Requires purchase of Internet Gateway (828LM)). • Alerts can be received as email or pop-up (push) notifications on your mobile device so that you always know the status of your garage door and houselights. • MyQ mobile app is a free download requiring no activation or subscription fees. Performance • P3 Motors™ are reliable, durable and powerful – designed specifically for your needs. • 1/2 HP AC motor with industrial-strength chain drive provides steady performance and lifting power. • Energy-efficient operation consumes up to 75%% less power in standby mode. • 4-year motor warranty and 1-year parts warranty. Safety and Security • Security+ 2.0® safeguards your household – with every click a new code is sent to the garage door opener so that the door opens only for you. • PosiLock® locks down your garage door by electronically monitoring against a forced opening. • Alert-2-Close warning system provides audible and visual warnings when the garage door is about to close when using MyQ Technology. • The Protector System® has safety sensors that project a light beam across the garage door opening, automatically reversing the door if anything interrupts the beam.
LiftMaster 8155 1/2 HP AC Belt Drive Garage Door Opener
Wi-Fi Connectivity – Never Look Back Again • MyQ® Technology enables you to securely monitor and control your garage door opener and houselights with your smartphone, tablet or computer. (Requires purchase of Internet Gateway (828LM)). • Alerts can be received as email or pop-up (push) notifications on your mobile device so that you always know the status of your garage door and houselights. • MyQ mobile app is a free download requiring no activation or subscription fees. Performance • P3 Motors™ are reliable, durable and powerful – designed specifically for your needs. • 1/2 HP AC motor with industrial-strength belt drive system provides reliable and maintenance free performance • Energy-efficient operation consumes up to 75%%%% less power in standby mode. • 4-year motor warranty, 10-year belt warranty, and 1-year parts warranty. Safety and Security • Security+ 2.0® safeguards your household – with every click a new code is sent to the garage door opener so that the door opens only for you. • PosiLock® locks down your garage door by electronically monitoring against a forced opening. • Alert-2-Close warning system provides audible and visual warnings when the garage door is about to close when using MyQ Technology. • The Protector System® has safety sensors that project a light beam across the garage door opening, automatically reversing the door if anything interrupts the beam.
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