Most of us use garage door options regularly, but we rarely think about them. As long as they serve their essential function, we usually walk right past them. But when your garage door opener gives out, how can you find the right replacement? Even if you know what type of opener you need, it’s difficult to find an opener that meets your needs and works effectively with your home.
We’ve hand-picked the best garage door openers in Canada of 2024. When you need a device as essential as a garage door opener, you need the best. Our list is based on features that Canadians commonly look for in a garage door opener, as well as evaluation and review of each option on our list.
Top 6 Best Garage Door Openers for Canadians in 2024
- Best Overall: Genie QuietLift Connect Garage Door Opener
- Best for Security: Chamberlain C2405 Garage Door Opener
- Best Budget: Skylink Garage Door Opener
- Best Keypad Model: Genie Wireless Keypad Garage Door Opener
- Best Durability: Craftsman 1/2 HP Smart Garage Opener
- Best for Heavy Doors: beamUp Workhorse Garage Door Opener
Why Did We Choose These Garage Door Openers in Canada?
Some garage door openers are better than others, earning themselves a place among the highest-rated models available. But why did we choose each model on this list? Every opener on this list met or exceeded our expectations, excelling in various places and securing a superlative as the best for unique situations.
Here’s a quick overview of why each model made the cut.
The Genie QuietLift Connect Garage Door Opener is the best garage door opener in Canada. This option is extremely quiet and integrates seamlessly with your smart home systems. It’s powerful and comes with all of the accessories you need, too.
The Chamberlain C2405 Garage Door Opener is next on this list, securing its place as the best model for security. It features various security-conscious features, including unparalleled encryption, remote control, and compatibility with the Amazon Key program.
The Skylink Garage Door Opener is a strong contender for Canadians on a budget. It features an approachable price yet offers a staggering array of features, including a quiet belt-driven setup, a diagnostic LCD display, and intelligent home automation compatibility.
The Genie Wireless Keypad Garage Door Opener features a convenient keypad, making it a good option for those who don’t need smart features but want the convenience of an exterior keypad. It doesn’t have high-tech features but does its job well.
A durable garage door opener is important for those who leave the house often. For a durable, long-lasting experience, consider the Craftsman ½ Horsepower Smart Garage Door Opener. This Wi-Fi capable option delivers a robust and powerful chain drive. You won’t have to replace it anytime soon, even if you use it multiple times per day.
The beamUp Workhorse Garage Door Opener is ideal for heavy garage doors. It has a powerful motor that can handle heftier doors, like those made of wood. It can even work with taller doors of up to 10 feet, although it requires an extension kit to accommodate the extra height.
Best Overall
Genie QuietLift Connect Garage Door Opener
- Smart Features: Yes
- Motor: 3/4 HPC DC
- Drive Type: Belt
- Battery Backup: Yes
It's Great For:
- Canadians who want a well-rounded pick
- Power outages
- Large garage doors
- Smart features
The Genie QuietLift Connect Garage Door Opener is our pick for the best garage door opener in Canada overall. This system has it all, including quiet operation and a host of smart features. The steel-reinforced drive belt system can support doors up to 7’ tall and 500 points. If you purchase the additional extension kit from Genie, you can extend its functionality to a 8’ tall garage door. This is just one of the features that makes this garage door opener ideal for attached garages, especially those that are located close to bedrooms.
Another feature that sets this garage door opener apart is the quiet operation. While some garage doors are extremely loud when they are opened, this option is whisper-quiet. The rail assembly and powerful belt allow for smooth operation, with no rattling or other issues associated with the use of the door.
When it comes to smart features, this garage door opener has it all. Like most modern models, you can connect this garage door opener to your car using HomeLink. HomeLink is present in most newer-model cars, and allows for operation without the use of a remote. If your car doesn’t have HomeLink functionality, you can use the two included pre-programmed remotes to open your garage door when you are pulling into your driveway.
A third option allows you to use your smartphone or other smart home systems to operate your garage door. The system integrates seamlessly with Alexa or Google Assistant. This means you can ask your phone to open the garage door with your voice, or use the app to manually open the door when needed. With so many options, easy installation, and a versatile range of compatible garage doors, the Genie QuietLift Connect is one of the best options you can choose for your garage.
Key Features
- Extremely Quiet. While some garage door openers create a lot of noise when they operate, this system is extremely quiet. This is ideal for an attached garage, especially one that is close to bedrooms.
- Smart Functions. An integrated system called Aladdin Connect integrates seamlessly with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can operate the door from your smart phone and with your voice.
- Included Accessories. The Genie QuietLift comes with two 3-button remotes, a wireless keypad, a wall console, and functionality for HomeLink as well as Aladdin Connect.
- Suitable for 500lb Doors. The steel-reinforced belt system allows this garage door opener to handle massive doors, including options up to 500lbs and 7’ tall.
Our Expert’s Take
“With its smart functions, quiet operation, and simple installation process, it’s no wonder that Genie’s QuietLift Connect is highly rated. It’s a durable option that works with most drive-belt doors.”
Best for Security
Chamberlain C2405 Garage Door Opener
- Smart Features: Yes
- Motor: ½ hp
- Drive Type: Chain
- Battery Backup: No
It's Great For:
- Canadians who want an extra layer of security
- Small to standard garage doors
- Those who appreciate smart features
- Frequent Amazon shoppers
The Chamberlain Smart Garage Door Opener is a great choice for security-conscious Canadians. This model is outfitted with various features designed to keep you and your family safe.
For example, it employs Chamberlain’s Security+ 2.0 technology to offer unparalleled encryption, using over 100 billion codes to ensure your home and garage remain safe. It features remote control via the myQ app on smartphones, allowing you to monitor, control, and secure your garage door at anytime as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection. The myQ app utilizes Bluetooth technology, so setup time is short, and the process is straightforward.
Its Bluetooth compatibility allows this model to pair with other smart home technology devices, giving you an elevated level of control over your system. It even comes with an Amazon-shopper-friendly feature, as you can integrate the setup with the Amazon Key program. This allows your Amazon delivery driver to access your garage to securely drop packages, ensuring they don’t get stolen from your doorstep.
The package comes with everything you need to get started, including the opener, chain, security keypad, interior opener, safety sensors, and remote controls.
Key Features
- Security features. Complete with rolling code technology using over 100 billion code combinations, this model is great for security-conscious individuals.
- Remote control. Control your garage door from wherever you are using the app on your smartphone. You can open or close your door remotely.
- Amazon friendly. The Amazon Key integration opportunity is a handy feature if you’re a frequent Amazon shopper and want to keep your packages protected inside your garage.
- Complete package. This garage door opener comes with everything you need to get started and use this model. There are no additional parts you’ll need to purchase.
Our Expert’s Take
“The Amazon Key integration and rolling code technology are great for elevated security of you, your family, and anything you order from Amazon.”
Best Budget
Skylink Garage Door Opener
- Smart Features: Yes
- Motor: ¾ hp
- Drive Type: Belt
- Battery Backup: No
It's Great For:
- Canadians who want a quiet garage door
- Limited budgets
- Smart control
- Homes with single or double garages
The Skylink Garage Door Opener earned its place on this list as our best budget pick. However, despite its affordable price, it still packs a punch and is teeming with handy features for ultimate convenience and safety.
It features a belt-drive setup that ensures it opens and closes quietly, making it a suitable pick for homes with garages near bedrooms. The ¾ horsepower motor is powerful enough for single or double garage doors with standard heights.
A snap-in infrared safety sensor prevents the door from closing when objects are in the way, and an LEd light illuminates your garage when the door is opening or closing. Soft stop-and-start technology adjusts the speed of the door at each end to ensure it opens and closes quietly.
It works with smart home devices, including Orbit Smart Home control, Alexa, and Google Assistant. You can even program it to do different things based on what is happening. For example, if your garage door is open, you can program the system to turn on your front door light. Or, if your smartphone senses you leaving your home, it can automatically close your garage door.
It even comes with a diagnostic LCD display to help you troubleshoot problems and get your system up and running again.
Key Features
- Diagnostic system. The system features a diagnostic display to help you troubleshoot various issues. If you have an issue, you can easily diagnose what is wrong.
- Smart home compatible. This model is compatible with smart home devices, so you can integrate it into your existing smart home system without any issues..
- Affordable. Despite its impressive features, this model is priced affordably, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Belt driven. This belt-driven model allows it to operate quietly without disrupting your day or night. It won’t rattle or drone like other types of garage door drives.
Our Expert’s Take
“This model packs a punch yet comes at an affordable price. It features a diagnostic system if anything goes wrong, as well as extremely quiet operation.”
Best Keypad Model
Genie Wireless Keypad Garage Door Opener
- Smart Features: No
- Motor: ½ HPC
- Drive Type: Chain
- Battery Backup: No
It's Great For:
- Canadians who want keypad entry
- Added security
- Easy installation
- Standard-sized garage doors
The Genie Wireless Keypad Garage Door Opener is a strong contender for those who want a keypad model. This model doesn’t feature an abundant array of bells and whistles, but it has everything it needs to get the job done.
It features a heavy-duty chain drive system that efficiently opens and closes most standard garage doors. The chain system is noisier, so it’s best suited to garage doors that aren’t nearby bedrooms.
It comes with an easy-to-install 5-piece rail system that snaps together with little effort. A ½ hp DC motor delivers plenty of power to get the job done, and two pre-programmed three-button garage door opener remotes provide convenient access. The remotes generate a new access code every time you activate the door to give an extra layer of security.
A wireless keypad lets you access your garage without a need for remotes and a multi-functional wall console is equipped with a vacation lock and light control button. You can also program this system with HomeLink and Car2U systems without the need for additional hardware, such as bridges or repeaters.
Key Features
- Remote control. Two pre-programmed remote controls provide convenient control over your garage door. Keep one in each of your cars, or attach them to your keys to ensure you can always open the garage.
- Easy installation. Installation is straightforward, with a snap-together system and easy-to-follow instructions. You’ll have it up and running in minutes.
- Exterior keypad. An external keypad lets you access your garage without a remote. As long as you have the code, you’ll never be locked out of your garage door.
- Solid warranty. The gearbox is protected by a 10-year limited warranty, ensuring you’ll get the most out of your purchase.
Our Expert’s Take
“While this model doesn’t feature fancy connectivity, it does its job well. It’s extremely easy to operate and uses pre-programmed remotes to reduce set-up time.”
Best Durability
Craftsman 1/2 HP Smart Garage Door Opener
- Smart Features: Yes
- Motor: 1/2 HP
- Drive Type: Chain
- Battery Backup: No
It's Great For:
- Doors up to 7ft
- Long-range opening
- Smart features and controls
- Garages with chain drive systems
The Craftsman ½ HP Smart Garage Door Opener is a durable option with Wi-Fi controls that keeps you connected and safe. The durable build of the opener means it lasts for many years to come, especially when used with the recommended 7-feet garage doors. With Wi-Fi enabled features and extreme safety features every time you open the door, this garage door opener won’t leave you hanging.
It works with existing chain drive systems, making it one of the more durable options out there. Chain drive garage doors are less prone to failure. Since this garage door opener is compatible with doors up to 7ft, you can rest assured that its ½ HP design is more than enough to get the job done. It comes with a three-button remote, which you can use to program up to 3 separate garage door openers. This is great for homes with multiple separate doors or users with multiple homes.
A range of up to 1,500 feet means less sitting in front of the garage door while you wait for it to open. You can easily connect this garage door opener to your Wi-Fi and take advantage of its Wi-Fi features as well. It connects to Craftsman’s myQ App, which allows remote access to your garage door and notifications when the door is opened. Further, the Security+ safety features uses a new code each time you use your opener. This means you aren’t subject to interference from nefarious third parties.
The Craftsman ½ HP Smart Garage Door Opener comes with a keypad for entry, two three-button remotes, a wall-mounted control system, safety reversing system, and a dual lighting system to make sure you can see when it’s time to get out of your car.
Key Features
- Rugged Design. The design of this chain-drive garage door opener allows for daily and frequent use without worrying about the strength or durability of the build.
- 3-Button Remote. A three-button remote allows you to program up to three garage door openers at the same time, perfect for multi-car garages.
- Safety Features. Security+ system changes the remote control signal each time you use it, preventing interception and decoding by third parties.
- Craftsman myQ App. This garage door opener offers built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, so you can connect the opener to your phone for easy access.
Our Expert’s Take
“The Craftsman Smart Garage Door Opener is the perfect option for those who want Wi-Fi enabled features with a rugged, long-lasting design. The solid build of the Craftsman Smart Garage Door Opener won’t fail you when you need it most.”
Best for Heavy Garage Doors
beamUp Workhorse Garage Door Opener
- Smart Features: No
- Motor: ¾ hp
- Drive Type: Chain
- Battery Backup: No
It's Great For:
- Larger, heavier garage doors
- Simple operation
- Canadians who want a more budget-friendly option
- Garage doors further away from sleeping quarters
The beamUp Workhorse Garage Door Opener is a solid option for larger, heavier garage doors. This model can work on garage doors as tall as 10 feet tall, although a separate extension kit is necessary for doors about 7 feet high.
It has a powerful ¾ horsepower motor designed to efficiently lift and lower larger, more cumbersome garage doors, making it an excellent choice for Canadian homes with sturdy wooden doors. The heavy-duty steel chain offers reliable lift and performance, ensuring you get the most out of your setup.
While this model doesn’t come with any fancy bells and whistles, like Wi-Fi compatibility, it has everything it needs to get the job done. The box comes with everything you need, including the motor, rails, trolley, cable, chain, hardware, remote control, door control, safety system, and an emergency release handle. The handle is designed to allow you to control the door when the power is out, ensuring you can lift and lower it without help from the system.
An LED security light bathes your garage in a bright glow every time you open or close your garage, and an included remote control lets you open and close your garage without exiting your car. You can also pair the system with any generation of HomeLink for better control over the garage door opener.
Key Features
- Simple operation. This model is free of fancy bells and whistles, which simplifies operation for more effortless control.
- Emergency handle. An integrated emergency handle provides manual control over the door when the power is out.
- Security light. A 1,500-lumen LED light keeps your garage well-lit when you’re coming and going for added security.
- Compatible with large garage doors. This model works well on larger garage doors, including models up to 10 feet tall with an extension kit.
Our Expert’s Take
“This model delivers plenty of power to handle large, heavy garage doors, making it a suitable pick for more cumbersome materials, like wood.”
Comparing the Best Garage Door Openers for Canadians
| Category | Opener | Smart Features | Motor | Drive Type | Battery Backup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Genie QuietLift Connect Garage Door Opener | Yes | 3/4 ¼ HPC DC | Belt | Yes |
| Best for Security | Chamberlain C2405 Garage Door Opener | Yes | ½ hp | Chain | No |
| Best Budget | Skylink Garage Door Opener | Yes | ¾ hp | Belt | No |
| Best Keypad Model | Genie Wireless Keypad Garage Door Opener | No | ½ HPC | Chain | No |
| Best Durability | Craftsman 1/2 HP Smart Garage Door Opener | Yes | 1/2 hp | Chain | No |
| Best for Heavy Garage Doors | beamUp Workhorse Garage Door Opener | No | ¾ hp | Chain | No |
How We Selected These Garage Door Openers in Canada
Shopping for a garage door opener is no easy feat. There are all sorts of factors to consider, from size and power to tech and reliability. Because of this, finding the perfect fit for your home can be a daunting task.
But have no fear – our team understands the frustration that often accompanies the hunt for a new garage door opener. So, to help you select a good fit for your home, we did the hard part for you.
We’re well-versed in all things home-related, using our expansive knowledge and expert research skills to wade through various home product categories and hand-select the best options. Today, we turned our focus to garage door openers.
We started the process with an initial analysis to round up a handful of highly-rated models. Once we gathered a few top options, our team of experts performed hours of further research, weeding out unimpressive models as we went. In the final stage, we compiled our findings and, through extensive deliberation, curated a comprehensive list of the best garage door openers in Canada.
This guide represents those findings. As we searched for these models, we kept a few factors in mind, including the following:
- Drive type: If your garage door is next to your bedroom, certain garage door openers aren’t ideal due to the noise they produce. We selected a few quieter models for Canadians in these situations.
- Size: The size of your garage door plays a vital role in the correct size garage door opener for your home. The models on this list span the standard sizes to ensure there’s something for everyone.
- Technology: Wi-Fi connectivity and rolling code tech can be handy features, a must-have for some Canadians. Several models on this list have fancier features to accommodate these preferences.
- Budget: The budgets of each homeowner can vary drastically, so we included models that span budget-friendly to splurges.
Factors to Consider When Shopping For a Garage Door Opener in Canada
Garage door openers aren’t made equally, and some are better suited to specific scenarios. To ensure you end up with a model that accurately meets your needs, it doesn’t hurt to consider the following factors.
Drive Options
The basic design of most garage doors is the same: there’s a motor and carriage or trolley riding along a rail. The motor powers the carriage or trolley, moving it along the rail to raise or lower the garage door.
However, the specifics surrounding how the motor moves the trolley vary. The first type is a chain-drive opener, which employs a metal chain to lift and lower the garage door. These models are usually noisy but are decently durable and affordable.
Screw-drive garage door openers are the next option, employing threaded steel rods to move the trolley. The rod rotates, pushing the lifting mechanism over the track, causing the garage door to lift or lower. These are quieter than the previous option but tend to be more expensive.
The last of the trio is the belt-drive garage door opener, which mimics the function of a chain-drive system. However, a belt replaces the chain in the assembly, allowing the opener to work quietly and efficiently. These models are the priciest of the bunch, as they’re the quietest of the three and offer solid durability.
Horsepower Options
Garage door openers usually feature various horsepower options. The best fit for your home will hinge on the size and weight of your garage door. You’ll need to use these pieces of information to ensure you select a model that can efficiently handle the weight and size of your garage door.
Most garage door openers come in a few sizes: ⅓ horsepower, ½ horsepower, and ¾ horsepower. Some homeowners choose to purchase a smaller ⅓ hp model, as they’re cheaper than other models. However, these models often tap out sooner than their larger comrades, so you may not save much in the long run.
A ½ hp garage door opener is the most common choice for residential settings. These models perform well with single and double doors with average weights. They’re an excellent mid-range option, as they’re more affordable than the largest option but not as cheap as the smallest.
The ¾ hp garage door openers are usually the largest option in residential settings, although some homeowners opt for a 1 hp or 1 ¼ hp model. These garage door openers deliver ample power to handle hefty garage doors, including those made of wood. They can handle wide doors and usually last longer than their smaller counterparts, but they come at a steeper cost.
Backup Power
Power outages aren’t unheard of in Canada, and since garage doors operate using power, it’s essential to consider a backup power source. You have a couple of options: manual release and battery backups.
Models with a manual release allow you to disconnect the opener from the door, which then allows you to open it manually. While garage doors are hefty and might not be the easiest thing to open, most feature a spring system that provides a helping hand, allowing most adults to open the door by hand without trouble.
The second option is battery backup. This option is an alternative way to use your garage door during temporary power outages, as the battery steps in when your home’s power is down for the count. These battery backups usually only contain enough power to open the garage door a few times, so you’ll need to be conscious of this.
However, once your power comes back on, the battery will begin charging again to ensure it’s ready for the next power outage.
Size
Most garage door openers are designed around standard garage doors. Manufacturers use standard weights and measurements when designing these garage door openers to ensure they can efficiently raise and lower the door.
If you have a non-standard garage door, ensure you choose a garage door opener that can handle the size and weight of the door. Otherwise, you might end up with a garage door opener that cannot efficiently handle your garage door.
In some cases, you may need to choose a custom garage door opener to ensure it accurately matches your unique needs. These models are usually pricier, as they’re custom designed to fit your needs.
Reliability
Choosing a reliable garage door opener is crucial, as the door is what bars you from accessing or leaving your home. Select a model known for its reliability, as garage door openers that refuse to cooperate can quickly become a problem.
If you live in a neighbourhood, consider buying a model with dual-frequency signals, as this can help minimize interference from other garage door openers. Canadians residing in rural areas or with more distance between their neighbours may not need a model with dual-frequency signalling.
Technology
Some garage door openers feature fancy technology, such as rolling code tech or Wi-Fi connectivity.
The former is an essential factor to consider for homeowners concerned about safety and security, as garage door openers of the past often featured identical garage door codes to neighbours. This could pose a problem, as neighbours may be able to access your home via your garage door if the code is identical.
Modern garage door openers often feature rolling code technology. This tech ensures the opener creates a new and secure code every time you use it to promote safety and security.
The latter, Wi-Fi connectivity, is an excellent option for those who want an elevated level of convenience. These models often provide a superior level of control over your garage door, allowing you to monitor and control it remotely. For example, perhaps you leave on a trip, but once you arrive at the airport, you realize you’re unsure if you left the garage door open.
If you have a Wi-Fi-enabled garage door opener, you can check to see if it’s open using your phone, then easily close it from wherever you are, as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection.
This connectivity also provides seamless integration, eliminating the need to program a handheld garage door opener. Some models are even compatible with intelligent home security systems, including Wink, Nest, Apple HomeKit, and Xfinity Home.
Power Type
The power type of your garage door opener is another consideration when shopping for a new model. There are two primary types: AC power and DC power. Both perform the same function but achieve the result in a different way.
The first of the duo, AC power, uses magnetic fields for energy, generating it through coils enrobed around the output shaft. They often feature a chain drive, although there are other models available. These models are durable, efficient, and often more affordable than DC-powered models.
The second option is a garage door opener that uses DC power. These motors pull their power from a battery or an alternative power source that supplies constant voltage. These models feature an array of parts, including shafts, bearings, gears, and gearboxes.
They often feature a belt drive and can use variable speeds while opening, which is gentler on the door. They’re usually quieter and operate more smoothly but tend to be pricier than AC-powered models.
The best option for you will hinge on the specifics of your situation and the budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any Canadian who has a garage at their home will appreciate and benefit from owning a garage door opener. For those who have limited mobility, a garage door opener is essential in order to avoid manually opening and closing it. Busy families will love the option to pull in and out of their garage with ease, and there is increased security that comes with owning a garage door opener. With multiple models and budgets, there is sure to be an option that will suit you best.
Most garage door openers work on electric power and will not work during a power outage. A few do operate on battery or alternative power, which typically will work fine in a power outage. During a power outage, if your garage door opener will not work, you can open and close the garage with a backup method. Some backup methods include a battery backup or a fail-safe cord you can pull that disengages the opener, allowing you to manually open the door.
Standard garage door openers in Canada come in three different horsepower options, which include ⅓, ½ and ¾ horsepower. These power options will directly impact how powerful your garage door opener will be. While a lower HP will save you money, it may break down faster than a stronger garage door opener. Canadians seeking a long-lasting garage door opener should consider a higher HP and one made with high-quality manufacturing
Garage door openers come in all different varieties, and some include a simple remote control that opens and closes the door. Those wanting more bells and whistles with their garage door opener will love the Chamberlain Smart Garage Door Opener. This garage opener includes a keypad as well as a Wi-Fi connected system that can be controlled via your smartphone app from anywhere on the go.
Garage door openers can range in cost and are highly dependent on the complexity of the system and the horsepower. Those with more tech features and higher operating motors will cost more than a simpler design. Most garage door openers cost between $300 and $1,000, but that can go higher or lower depending on the make and model.
Choosing a garage door opener in Canada means choosing between many different features, benefits and cost options. The biggest thing that you need to ensure is accurate, though, is the size of your garage door. Garage door openers are designed to fit standard garage doors. If you own a garage with a door that is custom built or designed, you will need to ensure that your new garage door opener will fit properly or have one custom created for you.
With proper care, a garage door opener can last for many years. Proper cleaning to ensure that no rust or corrosion is occurring, especially in harsher elements, is crucial to a longer lifespan for a garage door opener. Many models also include warranties, so make sure to register your product upon purchase and save all receipts in case of an issue down the road.
