If you’re in the market for a new garage door opener system, you may have heard of two specific household brands, both offering quality and convenience. Chamberlain is the most dominant brand available and is a go-to for many homeowners. The LiftMaster, also manufactured by Chamberlain, is a more high-end model designed for heavier doors or multiple door systems.
While both brands have their perks and great usability, many families resort to using the Chamberlain model, thanks to its cost effectiveness and lasting durability. However, the best model for you will depend on a few factors. For one, the type of door and its heaviness, warrantees, security and more. Both Chamberlain and LiftMaster have benefits for your set of needs and both have solid reputations on the market, but Chamberlain remains the main brand of choice.
Let’s dive into the specifics of each garage door brand and how it will benefit you. This article will help you to understand exactly what you can get with each manufacturer and how they will become a daily convenience in your life. From the perks to the disadvantages, you will have a better understanding of Chamberlain and Liftmaster garage door openers.
Chamberlain Garage Door Openers
When you opt for the Chamberlain garage door openers, you are guaranteeing security, convenience and durability benefits. Here are some of the qualities that may benefit your home.
Ensure your security with rolling code technology, allowing you to set a new code each time you open or close the garage door by remote control or using your smartphone.
How does a Chamberlain garage door function? Well, it’s your basic three piece trolley assembly system which is the best solution for standard garage doors. You also have the option of purchasing a 1 or 5 year warranty to ensure your system is covered. You will receive a wall mounted opener and a remote button when you go with these modern models for convenience upon installation.
There are some additional perks you can explore based on your needs. You can go with the space saving model such as the RJ070 if you want to have a compact look so that you aren’t taking up room in your garage walls or ceiling. They also offer battery backup models that allow your garage door opener to function as normal even during a power loss. For extra security, you can also go with a built-in camera function model so you have eyes on your garage at all times.
| Pros | Cons | |
| Chamberlain | Consumers choiceAesthetically pleasingSuitable for all standard garage doorsWhisper quiet modesCost effectiveEasy installationCamera capabilitiesSmartphone app enabled1-5 year warranty | Not Suitable for doors exceeding 600 poundsNot always ideal for multiple door systemsNot as high powered as some other brands on the market |
LiftMaster Garage Door Openers
Liftmaster is commonly known as one of the more high power, high end lines of garage door openers, thanks to its ability to handle heavy duty doors or multi-door systems. Their designs do come at a higher ticket price but are well established as being a reliable garage door opening system in homes across America.
You can rely on security with the Liftmaster, as each model has an infrared beam. With suspicious movement, this beam will close the garage door to ensure the security of your home. Unlike Chamberlain, these systems function by using a T-rail assembly trolley system, which is essentially a single steel component as opposed to multiple three large parts.
Looking for a good warranty? LiftMaster offers various warranties in 1 or 3 year increments. You won’t have to worry about coverage when you purchase a LiftMaster, as the warranties cover many faulty occurrences and accidents.
As far as the extra perks, LiftMaster offers an array of models that offer exciting, modern touches. For example, opt for a battery backup model, just like the Chamberlain models, offering function even during a power loss. They also have video models that allow you to see inside your garage at all times. They even have an option to add a diagnostic feature that reports any problems with the function of your garage door.
| Pros | Cons | |
| LiftMaster | High power systemSuitable for 600+ pound doorsEasy installationSmartphone App EnabledCamera functions available1-3 year warranty | Higher Ticket PriceSome Models can be loud as they are high powered and lifting heavier doors |
Top Models From Chamberlain
Let’s go into the specifics. What models are the go-to for consumers?
Well, let’s start with the established B6713 smartphone enabled model. This staple allows you to control your door from your smartphone in seconds and is the most basic, cost effective model on the market, thus making it a top choice. It also has an LED light for inside your garage.
Another great choice is the B6753, a backup battery enabled, camera functioning model that allows you to do basically everything! This one has all of the bells and whistles. Ensure the security of your garage with the camera and enjoy the function even during power outages. Just like all of the other models, you can still access usage by using your smartphone.
| Model | Cost |
| B6713T | $349 |
| B6434T | $349 |
| B6753T | $399 |
Top Models From LiftMaster
If you’re interested in the types of models LiftMaster has to offer, let’s dive into the specific types that will best benefit you.
Overall,the top model for consumers when it comes to LiftMaster systems is the 8500W. This basic model has a sleek appearance and the ability to function during the loss of electricity. Control the door with the MyQ app, which also has the capabilities to detect dysfunction in the system. It also comes with a light for your garage during open and closing of the door.
If you’re looking for one with more perks and benefits, you can opt for the 87504 model which offers a camera for extra security that you can view at any time using your smartphone, in addition to all the other bells and whistles that come with Liftmaster systems.
| Model | Cost |
| 8500W | $599 |
| Elite Jackshaft | $460 |
| 87504 | $505 |
What Does Chamberlain and LiftMaster Have In Common?
As you know, both of these brands are common household names- a tried and true set of brands that will remain a staple for garage door openers.
In addition to being popular, they also share the same type of motor. They both offer AC and DC powered models, with DC being the quieter version of their garage door openers.
They also share the same type of drives for the system- belt and chain. Belt drives are the preferred kind as they are smooth and quiet when they are running thanks to their rubbery material. The chain belts have proved to be more durable, but can be on the noisy side.
When exploring their various models, you will notice that they do offer some of the same benefits such as video camera capability and battery backup enabled during electrical outages.
Differences Between Chamberlain Garage Door Openers And LiftMaster Garage Door Openers
The biggest difference between these two household names is that LiftMaster is a higher power approach for doors that weigh more or for multiple door systems. If you have a larger garage and need higher performance, LiftMaster is the better choice. If your home has a standard size garage door, Chamberlain is typically the go-to in that scenario.
Due to the size capabilities, each brand is targeted toward different consumer groups. The other difference is the price, which is to be expected with one being the standard brand and the other being the high end solution. Overall, these are the two biggest differences between the two.
Why Most People Prefer The Chamberlain Garage Door Openers
In short, they have the top rated model on the market. But there are other contributing factors to Chamberlain being the top choice for garage door openers.
For one, they have an aesthetically pleasing setup and while that isn’t always the deciding factor, it certainly helps.
Use the app to control the function whenever and wherever. Is someone waiting to drop off food? Do you have a visitor? Open that door effortlessly with one click by using your smartphone. The app also makes it easy to check and make sure your door is closed and secure which is excellent for ensuring the security of your home.
Lastly, the Chamberlain models all strive to offer a quiet experience with their whisper mode without paying a premium price Forget about the loud “garbage disposal” noises you’ve heard in the past and enjoy the quiet of your door opening and closing.
Chamberlain vs. LiftMaster: Which Garage Door Opener Is Best?
As you know, there are many factors to consider when choosing the best option for your home. However, Chamberlain does remain the brand of choice by the consumers. Thanks to its durability, longevity in the business and an array of security features, many choose this brand over its competitors.
If your home requires a door over 600 pounds or multiple doors for your garage, LiftMaster is the smarter choice, as they are well known for their high power capabilities for heavy doors and multiple door systems. LiftMaster is more specific to those conditions, however they offer many of the same security features and a high end design for even their most basic models.
If you’re looking to make life a little simpler, Chamberlain offers the ease and effortless security with their app, allowing you to check on, open and close the door and access light functions. The feasible costs for the system and installation is also a factor that consumers love about the Chamberlain. In addition, both seem to work well when it comes to compatibility with universal remotes such as the Genie 4-Button Universal remote.
Conclusion
While both of these brands offer long lasting durability and convenience, Chamberlain remains the more popular choice. However, depending on the type of doors you need installed, Liftmaster may prove itself to be the ideal solution.
With so many models to choose from, you will find that with both brands you can effortlessly find a staple for your home to rely on for years to come. From warranties to designs and add-ons, Chamberlain and Liftmaster have all of that and more to offer. Ask yourself the must haves and base your decision on the essentials needed to create your perfect garage door opener experience.
Ruben has a diverse background in the home services industry, with experience running a construction company, a kitchen and bath showroom, and a moving and relocation company. This breadth of experience has provided him with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in various areas of home improvement in general and specifically in the heating and plumbing niche.