Garage door openers come with different lifting power. ¾ horsepower garage door openers are very common especially in garages with heavy doors. But which is the best ¾ horsepower garage door opener in the market?
A ¾ horsepower garage door opener is meant for heavy lifting. Such openers work very effectively with heavy garage doors weighing over 500 pounds or measuring 8 ft. by 7 ft. They are also very reliable for larger doors measuring 16 ft. by 8 ft.
Do you have a heavy garage door? Is your garage a two-car garage or have you installed a bigger door? A ¾ horsepower is the most ideal and befitting garage door opener for you.
The Top 5 Best 3/4 HP garage door openers
- Chamberlain B750– best overall, customizable too.
- SKYLINK ATR-1722C 3/4 HPF– extremely quiet
- LiftMaster 8587W– best with tech features
- Genie SilentMax 750 -Easiest to install
- Decko 24300-value buy (most affordable)
- Chamberlain RJO20– best for space saving
What is horsepower in a garage door opener?
The horsepower in a garage door opener is the amount of power it takes to lift the weight of a garage door. Horsepower, also known as lifting power varies in garage door openers.
Lifting power in residential garage door openers ranges from ½ horsepower to 1½ horsepower. However, there are 2 horsepower garage door openers – meant for extreme heavy lifting mostly in commercial spaces and warehouses.
There also exist a few 1/3 HP garage door openers, though most have been phased out by most manufacturers.
½ horsepower garage door openers are very efficient for doors measuring 8 ft. by 7 ft. and weighing about 300 pounds to 500 pounds. ¾ horsepower garage door openers are ideal for larger doors measuring 16 ft. and weighing over 600 pounds.
We’ve also explained how much horsepower you need for your garage door opener here.
Also read:
- What Horsepower Garage Door Opener Do I Need?
- Can I Open My Garage Door with My Phone?
- Best Garage Door Openers for Heavy Doors
- The Top 7 Best Paint for Aluminum Garage Doors [Plus 17 Painting Tips]
Factors to consider when choosing a 3/4 HP garage door opener
Several factors determine the requisite horsepower for your garage door. It is important to ascertain the exact horsepower your garage door requires before going out and purchasing one.
You don’t want to buy a lower-power garage door opener that struggles to lift your garage door. Neither do you want to purchase an extremely powerful garage door opener that might possibly break your door. Both options are financially infeasible.
Here’s what determines the requisite horsepower for your garage door opener.
Balance of the garage door
Although a garage door can be extremely heavy, the system actually counteracts the weight. That’s why manual garage doors may be opened with just two fingers.
This is accomplished by the garage door’s internal spring, which maintains its balance. As a result, the balance of your garage door is crucial to its efficient and smooth operation.
If you have a 3/4 horsepower garage door opener but with a lightweight unbalanced garage door, the motor will not work. The garage door’s equilibrium is just as vital as its horsepower. If you’re looking for this because your motor is having trouble lifting your door, it’s possible that it’s not the motor’s fault. It could be the balance.
Size
The size of the garage door determines the requisite horsepower. Larger garage doors require more lifting power. A ¾ horsepower garage door opener works well with most 8 ft. and 16 ft. garage doors.
Weight
The weight of the garage door determines the horsepower required. Heavy garage doors require more lifting power. If you have a heavy garage door weighing over 400 pounds, a ¾ horsepower garage door opener is a good option for you.
Door material and insulation
The material of the garage door determines its weight. Aluminum and steel doors are lighter than wood and require less energy to operate. Insulation adds weight to the door consequently increasing the requisite lifting power.
What else to look for alongside horsepower
There are many factors to consider while choosing your garage door opener. Sure, horsepower is important and primal, but you ought to couple it up with other outstanding features.
Here is what to consider alongside horsepower.
Drive Type
Garage door openers have different drive types. ¾ horsepower garage doors can come as chain-drive, belt-drive, direct-drive or screw-drive.
A chain drive system is strong and durable and normally the cheapest option of them all. However, chain drive systems require frequent maintenance and are mostly noisy.
A belt drive system uses a belt to lift the door. The system is very quiet while in operation and requires very minimal maintenance. These systems are also very durable and reliable.
Screw drive systems are very ideal for extremely heavy doors. They are quiet while in operation and require very minimal maintenance. They are similarly durable and reliable.
Direct drive systems are very quiet systems. They are reliable and require minimal maintenance. They are reliable as well. They however cost a little bit more.
While shopping for a ¾ garage door opener, the drive type is a very crucial consideration. Noise levels, reliability and durability are some of the things you should consider in your garage door opener.
Smart Integrations
Everybody wants to operate their garage door using their phone. I know I do!
Garage door openers are nowadays smart. They can be linked to and operated through smart devices. So, if you’re lying in bed at night and aren’t sure whether you closed the garage or not, a few clicks on your smartphone will allow you to close it without having to physically press the close button in the garage.
While shopping for your ¾ horsepower garage door opener, ensure that it is smart and can be operated remotely by smart devices.
Check out our article on smart garage door openers.
Security Features
This is a definite consideration for your ¾ horsepower garage door opener. You garage door, just like your main door, is an entry point to your house. Ensure that your garage door opener has superior security features just like your main door.
Most modern garage door openers include security measures to keep intruders out of your property. A Posi-lock anti-theft system to prevent manual access, encrypted security codes with up to billions of permutations, and sensors to detect obstructions are all key features in modern garage door openers.
You may invest in a smart garage door opener that allows you to monitor your garage door through your phone and sends you notifications when something unusual happens at your door.
You can also invest in a garage door opener with cameras to monitor the activity at your garage door and every person that accesses the garage.
Check out our list of the best garage door openers with a camera.
Battery Backup
Power outages are unexpected. It sucks when you can’t access your car just because there’s a power outage and your garage door won’t open. You can save yourself all the trouble by getting a garage door opener with a battery backup.
A battery backup keeps your garage door opener running during a power outage or disconnection from the main grid.
Wondering which is the best garage door opener with a battery backup? Check out our list of the best garage door openers with a battery backup.
The Top 6 Best 3/4 HP garage door openers Buying guide
Below is our brief review of the top 5 best 3/4HP garage door openers. These have been arrived at by considering the durability, the features, and technology used, the size of doors they operate and other user reviews points of concern.
Below is our brief review of the top ¾ horsepower garage door openers. We chose these garage door openers by rating their durability, reliability, smart features and security features.
The Chamberlain B750: Best overall, customizable too
The Chamberlain B750 is among the favorite ¾ horsepower garage door opener. This belt driven garage door opener packs a lot of exciting features to look out for.
The Chamberlain B750 is an ultra-quiet belt driven garage door opener powered by a ¾ horsepower motor. The belt is steel-reinforced offering you strength and reliability.
The Chamberlain B750 is a smart garage door opener with built-in MyQ technology to keep you connected and protected. You can easily connect this garage door opener to your smart devices for remote operations. It also comes with a battery backup for continuous operations amidst a power outage.
Product Specs
- Belt driven – the Chamberlain B750 is a belt driven garage door opener with a steel-reinforced belt.
- ¾ horsepower motor suitable for extremely heavy doors.
- Smart garage door opener with built-in MyQ for smart operations.
- Battery backup for continuous operations during a power outage.
What we like
- Ultra-quiet –The Chamberlain B750 is an extremely quiet garage door opener. It is belt driven with very minimal operational noise.
- Strong – the Chamberlain B750 is a very strong garage door opener with a steel-reinforced belt connected to a ¾ horsepower motor.
- Battery backup – you never have to worry about a power outage. Continue operating your garage door even when the power goes off.
- Smart integrations – operate this garage door in using your smart devices and from virtually anywhere.
- Superior security features – The Chamberlain B750 features the highest level of encryption and monitoring, paired with your home’s ISP and Wi-Fi router firewalls guard against hacking.
- Homelink integration – You can easily open the garage door from your car
- Superior remote control range of up to 1500 ft.
What could be improved?
- Requires extension kit for 8ft. garage doors
- The app might fail occasionally
SKYLINK ATR-1722C: Extremely Quiet
- Powerful DC motor provides extremely quiet operations compared to traditional garage door Openers with AC motors. Ideal for homes with living space above the garage
- Durable chain drive delivers reliable performance. Soft start and stop adjust the speed gradually at two ends to reduce vibration and maximize life of mechanical parts and your garage door opener
- Built-in LED light to the garage door opener for long-lasting illumination, without the need to replace light bulbs. Worry free about the light bulb compatibility
- Do-it-yourself friendly, numeric display on head units guides you through all programming steps. Sky link offers online videos with step by step guide to install and operate this garage door opener
- Compatible with skylinknet smartphone control (model hub-100 sold separately) and IFTTT enabled the connection with other smart devices without boundaries
The SKYLINK ATR-1722C is a strong and powerful chain drive garage door opener. Powered by a ¾ HPF dc motor, this unit offers you the strength and reliability to lift heavy garage doors.
It comes with a built-in 12W LED for long-lasting illumination with lower power consumption. You don’t have to worry about garage lighting. The built-in LED eliminates the need to occasionally replace the bulb.
It features a soft start and stop technique that adjusts the speed gradually at two ends to reduce wear and tear on the motor and mechanical parts and maximize garage door opener lifespan.
You can easily turn this unit into a smart garage door opener with skylinknet smartphone control kit. This allows you to operate your garage door through smart devices without boundaries.
You can also use your in-car garage door remote to control this garage door opener.
It features a battery backup option that gives you continuous and uninterrupted operation in case of a power outage. The battery backup is however sold separately.
When it comes to security, the SKYLINK ATR-1722C features rolling code technology that generates a unique code every time the remote is activated. The unit also features an automatic timer closer that prevents you from leaving the door open for an extended period of time.
Product Specs
- Chain drive garage door opener
- ¾ horsepower motor suitable for extremely heavy doors.
- Battery backup option
- Anti-break in drive system
What we like
- Easy installation – The SKYLINK ATR-1722C is very easy to install. You do not require expert assistance to install it.
- Strong – the SKYLINK ATR-1722C is a very strong garage door opener powered by a ¾ horsepower motor.
- Battery backup – you never have to worry about a power outage. Continue operating your garage door even when the power goes off. However, the battery backup option is sold separately
- Superior security features – The SKYLINK ATR-1722C features rolling code technology that generates a unique code every time the remote is activated. Automatic timer closer automatically locks your door after some time.
- Homelink integration – You can easily open the garage door from your car
What could be improved
- Requires extension kit for 8ft. garage doors
- Requires external hardware to convert it to smart
- Battery backup is sold separately
LiftMaster 8587W: Best with tech features
- Rail not included
- MyQ Technology now with Wi-Fi, enables secure monitoring and control of your garage door opener with a smartphone, tablet or laptop
- Motion Detector is integrated into the Smart Control Panel providing rapid detection and illumination of garage
LiftMaster has for a long time been associated with strength and reliability. The LiftMaster 8587W offers exactly that. It is a strong and reliable chain drive garage door opener powered by a ¾ horsepower motor.
This unit comes with built-in and perfectly works with MyQ for smart operations. You can easily connect this unit to your smart devices and operate it virtually without boundaries.
When it comes to security, the LiftMaster 8587W has advanced features to protect your garage and your home by extension. Security+ 2.0 safeguards garage access by generating a new and unique code with every click ensuring the door does not inadvertently open.
PosiLock locks down the door by electronically monitoring against a forced opening. The door automatically locks itself when someone tries to force their entrance.
The LiftMaster 8587W has an automatic lock feature that automatically locks the door after a pre-programmed amount of time. This ensures that you garage door is never left open during the day.
It also has Motion Detector integrated into the Smart Control Panel providing rapid detection and illumination of garage.
The Protector System incorporates safety sensors which emit an invisible light beam across the garage door opening, automatically reversing the door if an object interrupts the beam.
Product Specs
- Chain drive garage door opener
- ¾ horsepower motor suitable for extremely heavy doors.
- Smart garage door opener with MyQ
- Security+ 2.0 for added protection
- Automatic reversing
What we like
- Easy installation – The LiftMaster 8587W is a very easy to install. It comes with a detailed guide to help you correctly install it.
- Strong – The LiftMaster 8587W is a very strong garage door opener powered by a ¾ horsepower motor.
- Superior security features – The LiftMaster 8587W features Security+ 2.0 for added protection.
- Automatic reversing – this feature automatically reverses the door should an object be on the door’s path.
What could be improved?
- Requires extension kit for 8ft. garage doors
- No battery backup
Genie SilentMax 750: Easiest to install
The Genie SilentMax is a ¾ horsepower belt drive garage door opener that offers you strength and reliability. It features a steel-reinforced belt making it very quiet and durable.
The motor and gearbox are maintenance-free, with a limited lifetime warranty. Installation is pretty simple thanks to SmartSet programming and a solid, snap-together rail system.
A vacation mode, separate light control, and the possibility of adding a personal PIN code are all available on the wall control panel. The Genie Intellicode adds an extra layer of protection by changing the access code every time it is used.
The Genie SilentMax 750 comes with the Safe-T-Beam garage door safety sensor and GenieSense diagnostic technology. This technology automatically reverses the garage door should any object be on the door’s pathway.
This unit also features Genie Intellicode rolling code technology that prevents unauthorized entry into your garage. This technology automatically changes the access code every time you use your garage door.
The SilentMax’s major flaw appears to be its limited lifespan. Even if there are no visible symptoms of the damage, sudden blackouts have been known to damage the opener. It’s also worth noting that the opener won’t function with single-panel doors, so keep that in mind before you buy.
Product Specs
- Belt drive
- Genie Intellicode rolling code technology
- Good range remote control
- GenieSense Monitoring technology
- Includes Genie’s smartset programming
- Safe-T-Beam system
- Wireless exterior keypad
What to like
- Smooth and quiet operation making it even suitable where the garage is next to a bedroom
- Easy to install – You do not require expert assistance to install this unit. It easily snaps together and comes with a detailed installation guide.
- Superior security features – the Genie Intellicode rolling code technology prevents unauthorized access into your garage door.
- GenieSense Monitoring technology minimizes wear and tear by always monitoring the door
- Works with Homelink and Car2U
- Wireless exterior keypad
What could be improved?
- For 8 ft. high residential garage doors, an extension kit is needed
- Only works for sectional doors and not for 1 piece garage doors
The Decko 24300: Value buy (most affordable)
- Easy installation featuring non-polarized wiring making installing the wiring error free
- Handles sectional garage doors up to 7 feet tall and 18 feet wide
- 8 foot extension is available to accommodate larger doors
- Accessories included: 3 function wall panel, two 3 button remotes and FREE wireless keypad
- Auto reverse safety system
The Decko 24300 is an unpopular choice for ¾ horsepower garage door openers. It however offers great value for money coupled up with some exciting features.
This chain drive model is powered by a ¾ horsepower motor making it strong and reliable for heavy doors measuring up to 18ft. by 7ft. it is a fairly easy model to install and comes with a detailed installation guide.
It features an auto reverse safety system that immediately reverse the door should the sensors locate an object on the path of the door. It also comes with emergency safety release for operational safety.
The unit comes with two wireless remote controllers, a wireless keypad entry, optical safety sensors and three functional wall panels. The opener works well in extreme temperatures and the manufacturer offers a lifetime limited motor warranty.
Though the garage door opener is not smart, you can always use external hardware to convert it to smart. The garage door opener however comes with a battery backup option for uninterrupted usage.
Product Specs
- Chain drive
- Battery backup option
- Auto reverse security feature
What to like
- Easy installation – the Decko 24300 is easy to configure and install. You do not require expert assistance to install it.
- Battery backup – this unit comes with a battery backup that offers you continuous and uninterrupted operation.
- Strong – the Decko 24300 is a strong chain drive opener powered by a ¾ horsepower motor. It is very efficient for large doors measuring 18 ft. wide.
- Superior security – this unit features auto reverse security feature to protect you and your family from being trapped under the door.
What could be improved?
- Requires an extension kit for 8 ft. high garage doors
- Not a smart garage door opener. Requires an external kit to make it smart.
Chamberlain RJO20: Best with space-saving abilities
- The wall mount garage opener mounts discretely on the wall next to the garage door, increasing the functional space in the garage.Note: Measure your door's backset, cross bore and thickness to ensure you find the right fit.
- The included automatic garage door lock secures your door every time it closes, so you always know that your home is protected
- Unique wall-mounting system eliminates vibrations through the ceiling for nearly silent operation
- The myQ app includes core features that allow you to control your garage door, get status notifications and set schedules from anywhere
- Rigorous quality testing ensures lasting performance
The Chamberlain RJO20 is among the top ¾ horsepower garage door opener. It is a wall mount unit designed to save you garage space and still give you reliable service.
The Chamberlain RJO20 is an extremely quiet direct drive garage door opener. Powered by a ¾ horsepower motor, this opener offers strength and reliability when it comes to heavy residential garage doors.
Chamberlain has always prioritized safety and security. This unit comes with an auto lock feature that automatically deadbolts the door when shut. This protects your garage and home from forced entry.
The Chamberlain RJO20 is a smart garage door opener. It is Wi-Fi enabled for MyQ operations. You can comfortably operate the garage door opener through your smartphone or any linked smart device.
The MyQ app goes beyond virtual and smart operations. You can receive real time updates regarding activities at your door as well as extend access to friends through app invites.
It also comes with a battery backup option that guarantees you uninterrupted operation whenever there’s a power outage in your area.
The unit is extremely easy to install. You can easily assemble it yourself without expert advice. It also comes with a detailed installation guide and has lots of videos explaining the installation process
Product Specs
- Wall mount to save you space
- Direct Drive
- Wi-Fi enabled for myQ
- Battery backup option for uninterrupted usage
- Auto-Lock Deadbolt
- Superior Range
- Multi-function wall control
Features we liked
- Space saving – this unit is a wall mount unit that saves you a lot of garage space.
- Easy installation – you can easily assemble and install this unit without external expert assistance
- Smart garage operations – Wi-Fi enabled for smart garage operations.
- Superior security features – the unit has superior security features to protect you and your family from forced entry.
- Silent operation – The Chamberlain RJO20 is a direct drive opener. It is extremely quiet with minimal vibrations while in operation.
What could be improved?
- Not Alexa compatible
- Requires a subscription for Google Assistant
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about ¾ horsepower garage door openers.
Is a ¾ horsepower garage door opener enough?
Yes. For big and heavy garage doors, a ¾ horsepower garage door opener is enough. Some garage doors, especially those made of wood can be quite heavy. Such wooden doors, as well as other big doors measuring 16 ft. require a ¾ horsepower garage door opener.
Do ¾ horsepower garage door openers come with batteries?
Yes. Some ¾ horsepower garage door openers come with battery backup options. Most modern garage door openers of any horsepower come with batteries. However, not all of them will have that option.
What should I look for when buying a garage door opener?
Horsepower, smart integrations, availability of a battery backup as well as security and safety features are all key features to look out for when shopping for a garage door opener. Ensure that all these features match your garage door.
How long should a garage door opener last?
Garage door openers last for about 10 to 15 years. However, with proper maintenance and care, you can prolong the lifespan of your garage door by 3 years.
Which is better belt or chain drive garage door opener?
Belt drive garage door openers are very quiet and produce very minimal operational noise. They are also very reliable and durable. Chain drive systems are similarly reliable and durable. They however produce a lot of noise while in operation and require a lot of maintenance.
Is a 3/4 horsepower garage door opener enough?
Some garage doors, such as those made of wood, can be quite heavy. These, as well as big doors over 14 feet wide, require a 3/4 HP opener to perform properly over time.
While it is the most expensive option, it is also the most long-lasting and sturdy, as well as having the most power.
Is the Horsepower of a Garage Door Opener Really That Important?
The short answer to this question is NO. Let me explain. The garage door mechanism is designed to work in such a way that the weight of the garage door is minimal.
Homeowners used to open garage doors manually before garage door openers were invented. You should be able to lift your garage door with two fingers regardless of its size or weight.
This is because the garage door spring balances the weight of the garage door. This means that with the proper spring size, your garage door should weigh as little as possible.
Which then is the best 3/4 HP garage door opener? The Verdict
The best 3/4 HP garage door opener from the list is the Chamberlain B750, followed by the LiftMaster 8587W and Chamberlain RJO20 which is best known for space-saving.
The world of garage door openers can be overwhelming at times. Working with someone who has the technical knowledge to advise you is always a good idea. If your garage door is built of a strong and heavy material like wood or insulated aluminum, you can utilize this guide on the best 3/4 HP garage door openers regardless of the size of the door.
