We finally did it, we installed a smart garage door opener, and we’re not going back. Gone are the days we (Really, I) left the garage door open overnight or missed an important delivery.
Now, with smart garage door controllers, we can open and close our doors anywhere in the world.
These smart garage door openers are a great way to upgrade your older garage door opener without buying a whole new system or permanently altering your existing setup. You mount the sensor on your current garage door and connect it to your standard garage opener.
Syncing a smart garage door hub or controller with your existing garage door opener can be as easy as syncing a standard remote.
Then you’re free to control it with an app on your phone, voice commands, or even automated schedules if compatible with Alexa and other smart home systems.
Plus, smart controllers come with plenty of other features and benefits. Such as remote monitoring when you’re away from home, extra security for people coming over, and real-time updates about who’s entering or leaving your house when paired with a camera. So if you’re looking for an intelligent way to upgrade your existing opener, check out the following smart garage door controllers.
Who should get a smart garage-door opener controller?
Don’t worry about being tech-savvy – these smart controllers are designed for anyone to use and install! Keep reading to learn the options available to you.
Installing the smart garage door controller is simple, affordable, and safer. Smart garage openers can be managed using your smartphone.
The app will notify you when someone opens the gate or closes it. The smart garage door controller connects your old garage doors to the internet.
It connects with your wireless networks for easy access from any location with an internet connection to control your garage door remotely. Smart garage door openers on the market today are compatible with most garage door openers.
How to make the best buying decision when looking for a smart controller for your garage door opener?
Compatibility
Your Home WI-FI
Most, if not all, smart garage controller comes with remote access capabilities. That said, remote monitoring of smart technology requires internet connectivity. Is your home Wi-Fi network strong enough to accommodate the additional smart home devices?
Existing garage door opener Brand or Color of Learn button
Next, you need to know the make of your openers or the color of the learn button on your garage door opener. This information is vital to find your next smart opener to ensure compatibility.
Wired sensor or Wireless Controller/sensors
At this stage, you need to gauge the effort you’re willing to put in when installing your new smart controller. Wired smart controllers are typically more involved and challenging to install than wireless ones. A wired controller may not be the best choice if you’re not handy.
Compatibility with smart home system
How important is it for you to control your garage doors with google home or Alexa? Smart garage door systems often use their smartphone App to manage them. Still, they are only sometimes compatible with other smart home platforms. Based on personal experience, Alexa or google integration or lack thereof is not a deal breaker. I’m satisfied as long as I can close my garage doors remotely and check the door’s status through any app. Still, Alexa and google assistant integration would be excellent.
Price
Once compatibility is determined, it’s now time to consider the price. There are various smart controllers available for every budget. Fortunately, in this instance, price won’t be a deterrent.
What are the best smart garage door openers?
The best garage door opener to make your existing opener and doors into smart and automated garage doors:
We installed the MyQ smart garage door controller for our standard or nonsmart opener. The installation process was straightforward, but you need to consider the model of your existing door opener and the color of the learn button on the opener. You’d press the learn button to pair your garage door opener to a smart controller or hub.
Later in this post, we’ll cover specific compatibility requirements that your existing garage door opener has to meet for the MyQ smart garage door controller. For starters, we can settle that you need a strong Wi-Fi Signal to take full advantage of this smart home technology.
1.myQ Chamberlain Smart Garage Control – Wireless Garage Hub and Sensor
The myQ Chamberlain Smart Garage Controller is a Wi-Fi-enabled garage door opener with wireless sensors. The myQ app for Android phones or iPhones allows you to automatically open and close your garage door, set schedules, and receive notifications.
You can also prevent Amazon package theft with the integrated AMAZON Key in garage delivery feature. The myQ Chamberlain Smart Garage Control is compatible with most major branded garage door openers manufactured after 1993 with safety sensors. You can control up to two garage doors when you purchase an additional wireless sensor. Garage doors must be sectional.
Pros: MyQ is Easy to install, and best for the average homeowner.
Cons: Needs IFTTT for scheduling, voice control with Alexa, Google assistant.
2.Old Version Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub MYQ-G03015+
Pros: Shares the same features with the latest version.
Cons: larger, not the latest and greatest.
3.The Nexx Smart Wi-Fi Controller NXG-300, may need a little help from a friend
Pros: The Nexx garage door controller will also make your garage door openers smart. It is compatible with Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri. The controller does not require a hub, so less devices to set up.
Cons: However, the Nexx Smart Wi-Fi Controller is only compatible with some garage door openers.
Additionally, the installation process can be complicated for the average homeowner.You will need a separate controller for each garage door. Despite these potential drawbacks, the Nexx Smart Wi-Fi Controller could be a convenient addition to your smart home.
4.Wyze Smart Garage Door Controller w/built-in HD Video, Best Value for most
The Wyze Garage Door Controller is a unique product using camera-sensing technology to automatically shut your garage doors. The Wyze Cam v3 is included with the controller and helps to keep track of whether your garage door is open or closed.
Pros: The controller also integrates with Alexa and Google Home Assistant, making it easy to control your garage doors with your voice.
In addition, the Wyze Garage Door Controller comes with a local video storage SD card, making it easy to store footage of your garage door in action.
Finally, the Wyze Garage Door Controller is compatible with existing garage door openers with Green, Red, and Orange learn buttons. Purple learn button compatibility requires some modification.
Cons: Yellow learn button compatibility is not supported.
Overall, the Wyze Garage Door Controller is the best value for anyone looking for an easy way to control their garage doors with a visual twist.
5.OCCHI × Ampoza Smart Garage Opener Remote, Garage Camera, The Next Best smart garage door controller
The OCCHI × Ampoza Smart Garage Door Opener Remote is a new and upcoming smart home product with several features that make it a great choice for those looking for a smart garage door opener.
Pros: First, the OCCHI × Ampoza is very easy to install, and it works with most garage door openers. In addition, the OCCHI × Ampoza comes bundled with a camera that can be monitored and viewed directly from your smartphone.
The camera has two-way audio so you can talk to whoever is in your garage, and it also has night vision so you can see what’s going on even in low light conditions.
Finally, the OCCHI × Ampoza works with Alexa voice commands so you can view your camera ( voice commands to open and close your garage door are not yet available).
Cons: The OCCHI × Ampoza does have some cons, however. First, it is more expensive than some of the other smart garage door openers on the market.
Second, it is battery-powered (included), so you will need to replace it at some point.
Third, it is a new product, so some bugs may need to be ironed out.
Fourth, it only supports one garage door. You have to purchase yet another for additional garage doors.
Overall, the OCCHI × Ampoza is an excellent choice for those looking for a smart garage door opener with all the latest features with a sizable budget.
FAQS
Can I use my smartphone as a garage door opener?
How do I open my door using my smartphone? Yeah! After purchasing a smart garage door opener, you’ll have access to a free Android or ios app for your new garage door opener.
Can I make my existing garage door smart?
What are the advantages of using garage doors? Yes! Some older model openers include an option to mount wall controls to open/close garage door opening and closing door openers. Smart Garage Doors will connect to this terminal.