An automatic door opener is a must-have for every modern garage. After all, a garage door opener tremendously improves the accessibility of your garage with its motorized door opening and closing action. If you are looking to replace your damaged garage door opener or planning to install one for the first time, it’s important to take your time searching for the best quiet garage door opener.
Note that we said the best quiet garage door opener for a reason. If you have used this motorized system before, you will probably agree it can be pretty loud during operation. No one likes unwanted noise in their house. Plus, you don’t want to wake up the kids when you return from work late at night. Needless to say, a noisy garage door can get you in trouble with picky neighbors as well.
However, when it comes to buying a silent garage door opener, you’d be amazed by the breadth of options available in the market. We searched the market for the best quiet garage door openers and have listed them down in this article for you to review. But before you look into the options, it’s essential to know what type of door control system will work best for you.
Following is a brief buying guide that can help you decide.
What to Look for in a Garage Door Opener?
The main purpose of a garage opener is automatic door control, and that stays consistent across all systems. However, different units are based upon different mechanisms and offer certain features that impact their overall functionality. To find a garage door opener that can maximize the utility of your garage and ensure safety at all times, consider the following factors:
Type of Operator
Garage door operators are broadly classified into three main categories:
- Chain drive openers – Use a chain to raise and lower the door. These openers are generally more affordable than their chainless counterparts but tend to be a bit noisy.
- Belt drive openers – Are quiet garage door openers as the rubber belt muffles the sound of the moving parts.
- Screw openers – Are ideal for large and heavy garage doors that require high power and gradual acceleration and deceleration.
If you have a room directly above your garage, it’s better to avoid a chain-driven opener as its vibrations can prove rather irksome. For most houses with an attached garage, the belt drive opener is a perfect choice. It produces little to no noise, is easy to clean and maintain, and provides a consistent action for automatic garage door control.
Motor Type
Newer versions of garage door openers usually use DC motors to power their movement. It’s better to avoid openers that use AC motors because they are costly to repair if the motor breaks down. Also, openers that employ AC motors are bulkier and thus, look somewhat unsightly in modern garages. AC motors have relatively more complex wiring than DC motors, so that’s another reason to opt for DC motor-driven openers, especially if you plan to install the system by yourself.
Motor Power
Door opener motors are rated in horsepower (HP), which is the measure of the power output or the amount of work that the machine is capable of doing. The higher the HP rating of a door control unit, the heavier doors it can lift. Generally, a 1/3 HP motor is sufficient to move single-car garage doors measuring 8 ft high and 10 ft wide. For double-car or insulated single-car doors, look for an opener with a minimum rating of ½ HP. If you aren’t sure about the weight, dimensions, and other specifications of your garage door, go for an opener with a ¾ HP motor. These openers can lift doors weighing up to 550 lbs and measuring over 16 ft in width.
Take note that horsepower only applies to AC motors. Many openers with DC motors have a Horsepower Similar (HPS) rating to give an idea of the motor’s pulling power in relation to an equivalent AC motor.
Security
A silent garage door opener system should have an auto-reversing mechanism to stop closure if a child, pet, or car unexpectedly gets in the way. For additional security, you should also pay attention to special features such as unique access code generation for every use to minimize the risk of break-ins.
Important Considerations
In addition to the motor power, you should also consider the size and weight of your door before buying a quiet garage door opener. For instance, a lightweight aluminum door might still require a high-power motor if it is wider than an average single-car garage door or fitted with fancy wood or metal trimmings.
Similarly, take into account the number of times you access your garage in a day on average. If you have multiple cars or frequently open and close the door throughout the day, make sure the opener can withstand heavy-duty use.
Best Quiet Garage Door Openers
Now that you know the main things to consider when buying an automatic garage door opener let’s take a look at some of the best quiet garage door openers available on the market nowadays.
1) Chamberlain B1381 Smartphone-Controlled Ultra-Quiet Garage Door Opener
The Chamberlain B1381 deserves the top spot on our list of the quietest garage door openers for a number of reasons. To begin with, it has a max lift power system with a 1.25 HP motor that offers reliable performance even on heavy garage doors. It is suitable for use with doors up to 7 ft high and comes with an extension kit that ensures compatibility with doors up to 10 ft high. The unit has a bright LED that illuminates the entire garage, increasing accessibility for those late-night entrances and exits. If power outages are a common problem in your neighborhood, this is the best buy as it comes with battery backup.
As a smart, silent garage door opener, the Chamberlain B1381 features smartphone compatibility. You can operate the door from 1,500 ft away, meaning ‘no waiting’ roll-in access every time. The system is easy to install as it uses universal wireless programming. High security is another standout feature of the Chamberlain B1381. It works with end-to-end-encryption to prevent hacking and includes two safety sensors for optimum dependability.
- Easy setup
- Remote access for up to 1,500 ft
- Delivers the highest lifting force for residential garage doors
- Built-in 100 lumens LED light
- Wi-Fi connectivity ensures remote control via smartphone
- Requires paid subscription for Google Home or Alexa integration
Our rating: 4.8 / 5
2) LiftMaster 8500 Jackshaft Operator
The LiftMaster 8500 Jackshaft Operator comes with a somewhat hefty price tag. But the extra cost is well worth the supreme functionality that it offers. Firstly, it’s a high-performance garage door opener that’s built to last for years. Its 24 V P3 DC motor runs super quietly without any noticeable vibrations or sound. The unit is equipped with MyQ 2.0 Security. This means that every time you use the door opener, the unit generates a new code that’s unique to your system. Thus, the door opens only for you. In other words, you don’t need to worry about hacking when using the LiftMaster 8500 to safeguard your garage’s security.
Moreover, this automatic door control system issues audio and visual warnings if someone or something (car, pets, kids, etc.) is too close and the door is about to shut. A power lock deadbolt ensures that no one can force the door open from the outside.
The LiftMaster 8500 is different from all the other silent garage door openers on this list. This is because instead of mounting to the ceiling, it needs to be attached to the wall. The wall-mount design allows for easy installation and eliminates noise due to vibrations through the ceiling. Thus, you can call the LiftMaster the quietest garage door opener of all.
- Sleek, space-saving design mounts to the wall
- It doesn’t require extensive work for overhead installation
- Motion detection technology helps ensure safety for your car and family members
- Reliable and durable performance
- Comes with a remote and MyQ control panel
- It may be beyond the budget of an average buyer
- It cannot be used with a roll-up and other doors with a low headroom track
Our rating: 4.7 / 5
3) BeamUP Workhorse BU100 Sectional Garage Door Opener
The BeamUp Workhorse BU100 is the perfect option for all budget-conscious buyers. It offers most of the features as its high-priced alternatives, yet it is available at quite a reasonable rate.
The unit is easy to install and integrate with your existing garage door. It includes a step-by-step installation manual along with video tutorials so you can have the system up and running in no time. The BeamUP Workhorse uses a 24 V, 0.75 HPS DC motor that can efficiently lift 7-ft-tall doors regardless of their weight, width, and design. Its durable chain-drive is precision-engineered for reliability and performance. And this is what makes it one of the quietest garage door openers on the market.
- Powerful, efficient, and secure door opener with quiet operation
- Easy installation – no special tools required
- Works with sectional and single doors
- Integrated 1,500 lumen energy-efficient LED light
- Compatible with Alexa, Apple Watch, HomeLink, and IFTTT
- It might require reprogramming in case of a power outage
Our rating: 4.6 / 5
4) SOMMER Direct Drive 1042V004
If you wish to avoid the chain or belt-driven openers due to any reason, then the SOMMER Direct Drive 1042V004 is the ultimate choice to consider. It features a 0.75 HP motor that moves the door back and forth on a durable steel rail to open and close the door without any hitches. The motor uses the soft start and stop technology that not only maximizes energy efficiency but provides hassle-free operation as well.
The SOMMER garage door control is pre-fitted with Rolling Code Technology. Therefore, intruders cannot hack into the system or track the code you enter and replay it to gain access to your place. This door opener is HomeLink compatible and includes a full installation kit with the purchase. The kit has two 2-button transmitters, one interior wall station, and other mounting hardware to ensure easy setup.
As for noise generation, this compact, motorized system rightfully earns its place on the list of the quietest garage door openers. This is because it has only one moving part, which drastically reduces any unwanted sounds and vibrations.
- Silent garage door opener with smooth operation
- Built-in protection against hackers
- Internal obstacle detection system increases safety for cars and household members
- Quick and easy installation
- Includes key chain attachments
- It cannot be used for garage doors more than 8 ft in length
Our rating: 4.5 / 5
5) DECKO 24300 Chain-Drive Garage Door Opener
Chain-driven garage door openers are known for their reliable and durable performance. But they are somewhat notorious for being the loudest of all types. DECKO 24300 maximizes the advantages of chain drives while eliminating their drawbacks at the same time. Its 0.75 HPS DC motor produces a powerful pull to lift even the heaviest of garage doors. The motor can handle sectional garage doors up to 18 ft wide and 7 ft high.
What’s make DECKO the go-to option for many garage owners is its smart adjustable speed drive. This door control unit factors in the weight of your door and automatically slows down or speeds up the motor to compensate. This prolongs motor life due to smooth acceleration and deceleration while suppressing loud bangs that are typical of most door openers.
- Auto-reverse safety system
- Non-polarized wiring allows for error-free installation
- The package includes three function wall panel, a wireless keypad, and two 3-button remotes
- Lifetime motor warranty
- Best quiet garage door opener for keyless entry
- Connects with HomeLink
- Lacks smartphone support
- Not suitable for doors over 7 ft high
Our rating: 4.4 / 5
Ending Note
Automatic door control units are the heart of modern garages. When searching for the quietest garage door opener, you need to decide whether a chain-drive, screw-drive, or belt-drive unit will work most efficiently with your existing door. Additionally, you should evaluate whether a simple door opener is sufficient for your garage access requirements or you need a more advanced system with high-tech features like Wi-Fi connectivity and so on. While there is a range of quiet garage door openers currently on the market, the ones reviewed above are worth your time and money. So, make sure to check these out first.
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