A noisy garage door can be more disruptive and stressful than most people realize.
The whirring, grinding, or squeaking noise produced by an overly loud garage door can set your teeth on edge at the best of times.
If you want to preserve the peace in your home and neighborhood, and lubricating your garage door doesn’t seem to be improving the situation, you should consider investing in a quiet garage door opener.
Ultra quiet garage door openers comprise features such as DC motors, high horsepower, and high-quality drives to reduce the noise incurred by opening and closing the garage door.
Today, we’ll be reviewing the 5 quietest garage door openers.
We’ve also created a Buyer’s Guide and FAQ section, which you can find down below, to help you narrow down your selection and answer common questions.
Best Overall
In the number 1 spot, we have the Chamberlain Group B970T Garage Door Opener!
This is, without a doubt, not only the most practical and user-friendly, but also one of the quietest garage door openers on the market.
The Chamberlain Group B970T Garage Door Opener connects to the MyQ smartphone app using MyQ technology.
This app allows for the user to monitor the status of their garage door and send open or close commands remotely, saving both time and energy.
2 remote controllers are also included with the purchase, both of which can operate at a significant range of 1,500 feet.
Therefore, whether you use the app or not, you’ll always be able to open and close your garage door from a distance.
Something else we love about the Chamberlain Group B970T is the fact that the battery has the capacity to store backup power.
This means that even in the event of a power failure, you won’t find yourself stuck and unable to operate your garage door.
One feature that makes this such a quiet garage door opener is the steel-reinforced belt drive.
Belt drives are, in the vast majority of cases, quieter than the other drive options used by garage door opener manufacturers (screw drives and chain drives).
The steel reinforcement, meanwhile, ensures that the belt remains durable.
This contributes to the quietness of the B970T because it means that the belt is less likely to incur premature wear and tear, which can often increase the noise levels of the mechanism.
The DC motor (the quietest type of motor compared to AC motors) also helps this garage door opener to operate as quietly as possible.
Because the motor has a horsepower rating of 1 ¼, which is at the higher end of the typical spectrum for residential garage door openers, it is also able to facilitate relatively fast opening and closing.
The main issue we have found with this garage door opener is the fact that the MyQ app does present compatibility issues in certain circumstances.
For instance, if you want to integrate your MyQ app with your Google account, you may be required to set up a subscription.
Pros
- MyQ app connectivity - Monitor, open and close remotely
- 1 ¼ HP DC motor - Quiet with powerful lifting force
- Backup power - Works during a power outage
- Reinforced belt drive - Smooth, quiet operation
- 2 remote controllers included - 1,500 ft range
- Whisper quiet garage door opener
Cons
- Some compatibility issues with MyQ app - May require a subscription for Google integration
Runner Up
Our runner-up garage door opener is the LiftMaster 8500!
Like our best overall pick, this garage door opener features MyQ app connectivity so that you can access, monitor, and control your garage door without having to be in its direct vicinity.
The hub also mounts directly to the wall of your garage, so it’s pretty easy to install and won’t take up too much space, as some other garage door openers are prone to do.
The LiftMaster 8500 Wall Mount Garage Door Opener runs using a powerful, but quiet DC motor.
In conjunction with the noise-minimizing motor, the LiftMaster 8500 features a vibration-controlling chamber that absorbs vibrations through the ceiling to keep noise levels to an absolute minimum.
This combination of features is what makes this one of the quietest garage door openers.
A remote light is also included with the purchase of this garage door opener so that you can enjoy clear visibility of your garage in all light conditions.
Unfortunately, if you have a roll-up garage door, you will not be able to use this garage door opener because it is only compatible with systems that work using a front mounting torsion bar.
Pros
- MyQ app connectivity - Allows for remote control
- Sound-eliminating chamber - Reduces vibrations
- DC motor - Quiet-running
- Wall-mounting - Easy installation
- Remote light included - Usable in all lighting conditions
Cons
- Only compatible with front mounting torsion bars - Not for roll-up doors
BEST VALUE
Often, if you want a quiet garage door opener, you’ll need to be prepared to spend a significant amount of money.
However, the Genie ChainDriver 550 Garage Door Opener is a more affordable alternative to the expensive models on the market.
One of the biggest advantages of this garage door opener is the fact that it comes as a 5-piece system that clips together easily for a stress-free installation process.
This means that you can put the system together yourself without the need for any advanced tools or professional assistance.
The Genie QuietLift Connect has a quiet-running DC motor, combined with a belt-drive, which is the quietest type of drive for garage door openers.
Therefore, you can be confident in making this purchase knowing that you’ll be able to enjoy peace and quiet when operating your garage door.
This garage door opener is compatible with existing remote monitoring systems, including Google Assistant and Alexa, so you can connect your garage door opener to your virtual home assistant.
Alternatively, you can use the 2 remote controls or wireless keypad included with the door opener to activate your garage door, so you have a lot of flexibility in terms of how you use the product.
What we would say, however, is that the DC motor used to power the Genie QuietLift is only ¾ horsepower, which is within the standard horsepower range for residential garage door openers but is on the lower end of the spectrum.
Therefore, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend this garage door opener for heavier garage doors.
Pros
- 5-piece system - Easy to install
- DC motor - Operates with minimal noise
- Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa - Remote access
- Includes 2 remotes and wireless keypad - Many ways to control
- Belt drive - Minimal sound vibrations
Cons
- ¾ HP motor - Not the best choice for heavier doors
Best Premium
The Chamberlain Smart Garage Door Opener doesn’t exactly come cheap, but it does come with advanced features and quality construction that ensures a quiet, safe, and user-friendly experience.
Like many of the quietest garage door openers, this one connects to the MyQ app for monitoring and control purposes. This makes the overall user experience much easier and less stressful.
However, a remote control is also included if you prefer to operate the device this way.
This garage door opener uses a direct drive, which is just as quiet as most belt drives, but has the additional advantage of being more durable.
The extra durability means that the drive won’t sustain as much wear over the years, so it will remain quieter for longer.
Chamberlain’s Smart Garage Door Opener also comes with some important safety and security features.
The auto-locking feature means that you never have to worry about whether or not you’ve locked your garage door - the door opener does it for you!
Plus, the included safety sensors mean that the opener will detect any potential obstructions automatically, reducing the risk of injury damage to your vehicle.
While direct drives often work faster than other types of drive for garage door openers, the ¾ horsepower of the DC motor may cause this garage good opener to operate more slowly with heavier doors.
Pros
- Connects to MyQ app - Remote control and monitoring
- Auto-locking - Enhanced security
- Direct drive - Durable and quiet
- Includes remote - Additional control option
- Safety sensors included - Detect obstructions and prevent accidents
Cons
- ¾ HP motor - May work slowly for heavy doors
Highly Commended
The Direct Drive 1042V004 Garage Door Opener is our final recommendation for today’s article.
Like our previous pick, this garage door opener uses a direct drive to provide a quiet opening and closing experience.
This experience is prolonged by the superior durability of the direct drive, so you can purchase the Direct Drive garage door opener in complete confidence that it will last you for years to come.
This garage door opener is relatively easy to install because it comes with a rail for 7 or 8-foot garage doors, in addition to an installation kit with all the tools you need to set up your new garage door opening system.
The main difficulty experienced by users is with the included sensors, which require specific measurements and positioning to achieve the correct alignment for full functionality.
The system also comes with 2 long-life lithium batteries and a pair of transmitters for operation, so the package includes everything you need to install and start using the door opener.
In addition to the transmitters, you can also connect your garage door opener to your Homelink system for more remote monitoring.
Pros
- Direct drive - Durable with minimal vibrations
- 2 transmitters included - Intuitive operation
- Includes rail and installation tools - Easy installation
- 2 lithium batteries included - Ready to use
- Compatible with Homelink - Works with existing systems
Cons
- Included sensors can be difficult to wire - Requires precise measurements for alignment
Quietest Garage Door Opener Buying Guide
Motor Type
When choosing a garage door opener based on the quietness of its operation, it’s always best to choose a DC motor.
A DC motor makes less noise than your average AC motor because it doesn’t produce a magnetic field to the same extent.
The majority of noise from AC motors is the result of the magnetic fields surrounding them, so a DC motor cuts down on operational noise and vibrations significantly.
It’s also important to consider the horsepower of the motor before going through with your purchase.
This is because horsepower dictates the lifting force of a garage door opener, indicating how quickly and efficiently the motor will lift heavier garage doors.
Generally speaking, motors for garage door openers range from ½ HP to 1 ½ HP. This estimate applies primarily to residential garage door openers.
Horsepower ratings on the lower end of the spectrum may operate more slowly when connected to heavier garage doors, while units on the higher end of this range will handle heavier doors better.
Drive Type
You will also need to give some thought to the type of drive incorporated into any garage door openers that you consider buying.
A garage door opener’s drive is what enables the lifting or sliding motion that allows the door to open and close. Therefore, this component will also be responsible for minimizing noise as far as possible.
Garage doors can operate using a variety of drives, from screw and chain drives to belt and direct drives.
If you want your garage door to operate quietly, we don’t recommend chain or screw drives. These drive types typically make more noise and require more frequent maintenance in the form of lubrication.
On the other hand, belt drives do not require any gears for movement, which is where most of the noise comes from with screw and chain drives.
Therefore, they have an obvious advantage when it comes to noise reduction.
Alternatively, if you’re prepared to pay a little extra, you could opt for a direct drive. Like belt drives, they don’t rely on gears or pulley systems to operate.
This means that they are naturally quieter and reduce vibrations that create excessive noise.
Additionally, direct drives are typically even more durable than belt drives, so their resilience against wear and tear helps to ensure that they stay quiet for longer.
App Connectivity
Now that we’ve covered the main features that contribute to quietness in garage door openers, it’s time to consider the features that make a garage door opener more user-friendly in general.
The first of these features is app connectivity.
Being able to connect your garage door opener to an app or to a home assistance system such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Homelink makes it much easier to monitor and control your garage door when you’re not in its direct vicinity.
However, you should always read the small print in terms of app connectivity before completing your purchase because there can sometimes be some hidden costs.
If you don’t want to use connectivity features to activate and monitor your garage door, you should ensure that the door opener comes with at least one remote control.
Thankfully, this is almost always the case, and manufacturers often provide 2 controllers per unit.
Installation
Installation is another area that contributes to garage door noise, although many people don’t consider this aspect when it comes to purchasing a quiet garage door opener.
If your chosen garage door opener requires a whole host of power tools to install, you’re likely to cause some noise disturbance in the process.
Thankfully, many of the quiet garage door openers available on the market are designed in a way that makes them easy to install.
For example, some garage door openers come in the form of a small number of pieces that can be quite literally clipped together. Others consist of minimal wall-mounted components that
While we’re on the subject of installation, it’s always helpful to check whether your new garage door opener comes with all the components and tools you need to set it up.
This will greatly facilitate the installation process and hopefully, where purpose-built hardware is included, make it quieter as well.
Sound Dampening Extras
The best garage door openers are fitted with some form of sound dampening technology that both blocks sound waves from resonating and reduces the transmission of vibrations.
Even some of the other drive types can be nice and quiet when they’ve been acoustically treated, so if you can’t find or afford a belt drive mechanism, look for a screw or chain drive system with adequate soundproofing.
AC vs DC
The motors in garage door openers are designed to run on either AC or DC current. AC stands for alternating current, while DC stands for direct current, but enough with the science talk already.
Let’s skip right ahead to which type of motor suits your needs best.
The winner for you in this round is DC. Motors that run on the DC format tend to be much quieter and offer more gentle starts and stops. Perfect, right?
Horsepower
The lifting power of a garage door opener is expressed in HP or horsepower. Motors designed for residential use typically have a ½ or 1½ HP rating.
You need to find one that has the strength to lift your garage door(s), but should you get one that’s just powerful enough or one with plenty of headroom?
You’d be forgiven for thinking that the higher the horsepower of a garage door opener, the louder it would be, but that’s not the case.
On the contrary, a low-power motor will have to work harder to open your garage door, and the harder a motor works, the louder it becomes.
Think about your car, is it louder when you’re cruising at 20mph through the school district, or when you’re blazing down the freeway at 70mph?
Opting for a more powerful motor than you need is a great way to keep noise to a minimum, and as it won't be under anywhere near as much strain, the components will last longer, ensuring a persisting peace — lovely.
Safety and Security
Okay, so I’m going to level with you...this bit has nothing to do with volume, but it’s probably the most important factor to consider when buying a new garage door opener.
The best garage door openers are equipped with motion sensor beams that shoot across the threshold of your garage.
If anything crosses these beams while the door is closing, the motor will kick into reverse, protecting whatever it is from getting crushed or trapped.
You may also want to consider an opener that uses a rolling code protocol that protects against intruders by refreshing the entrance code each time you use the remote control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which garage door opener is quietest?
The Chamberlain Group B970T is the quietest garage door opener on the market. For the money and considering the features and performance it's a solid number one in our list.
What is the quietest type of garage door opener?
The quietest garage door openers use a belt-driven, DC motor, have decent headroom in terms of horsepower, and will be equipped with sound-dampening enclosures.
Why is my garage door opener so loud?
There are three reasons your garage door opener is louder than you (or your neighbors) would like.
One is that it has a noisy drive (most likely chain), another is that it might be poorly crafted, and finally, it could just be getting on a bit at this point, but some proper maintenance and a fresh part here and there should help to bring the running volume down.
To reduce noise even more check out our tips on how to quiet your garage door.
How can I make my garage door open quieter?
The first thing I’d do to keep my garage door from deafening the neighborhood is replace any worn rollers and tighten up loose hardware.
I’d then treat every moving metal part with a high-quality lubricant. And finally, I’d install some anti-vibration rubber isolator mounts.
Is belt or chain better for a garage door opener?
In this scenario, where you’re trying to mute that dastardly garage door opener, belt is definitely the superior drive-type, but chain drives are often stronger and can lift heavier doors.
Should you grease garage door tracks?
It’s best not to grease the tracks of your garage door, as debris can adhere to it, eventually causing nasty build-ups that inhibit the free movement of the door.
How long do garage door openers last?
Typically speaking, a garage door opener will last between 10-15 years before it will need replacing, but your opener’s lifespan may end up being shorter or longer than that depending on how often you use it, how you maintain it, and the quality of its components.
Can I lubricate my garage door with WD-40?
You could but it's not advisable. WD-40 works better as a water displacer than a lubricant and can end up promoting buildup of dust on the rails and hinges. Rather use a lithium based oil. Just give the rails and bearings a good blast from your air compressor to shift the dust before applying lubricant.
If you don't have an air compressor you could also run your shop vac over it to collect the dust.
Is Chamberlain owned by LiftMaster?
Nope, Chamberlain is not owned by LiftMaster. In fact, you’ve got it all backwards. The Chamberlain Group is actually the parent company of LiftMaster, as well as Merlin and Grifco.
Can a garage door opener be too powerful?
Unless you pair a ridiculously powerful door opener with a very small, light, and low garage door, there’s no threat of it being too powerful.
The excess horsepower headroom will simply extend the service life, as it won’t have to work as hard to open your garage door.
Do I need a quiet garage door opener?
Before you rush to buy a quiet garage door opener, it’s worth trying a couple of things to make your garage door operate more smoothly and quietly.
First of all, make sure your garage door is sufficiently lubricated.
This will involve using a purpose-formulated lubricant such as WD-40 on components such as tracks and gears to minimize grinding and squeaking noises during operation.
You could also first try to install quiet garage door rollers.
If you have done this and your garage door is still very loud, you probably do need to invest in a quieter garage door opener.
How much does it cost to install a garage door opener?
Installing a garage door opener professionally can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 on average.
However, many garage door openers are now manufactured in a way that allows you to install them yourself using the included hardware.