Your garage door is one of your home’s most neglected but often used entrances. Automating your garage doors is both convenient and essential. This makes opening and closing your garage door simple and quick whenever you need to move your car in and out.
There are a variety of smart technologies that can assist you in automating your garage door. Garage door openers with Z-Wave technology provide a smart and smooth way to manage your garage door. They also make your home more convenient and useful.
In case your property uses the Z-wave network, we have tested numerous door openers that function with it. In this article, we’ll go through the best Z-wave garage door openers options available today.
Top Picks
Top 6 Z-wave garage door openers
- GoControl/Linear (GD00Z-8-GC)
- Aeotec Z-Wave
- NuTone Smart Z-Wave
- The Linear Z-Wave
- Dome Home Automation Miniature
- Gogogate 2 Garage Door Opener
Also read:
- 5 Best Screw Drive Garage Door Opener [New Updated List 2024]
- 8 Best Wall Mount Garage Door Opener
- The Top 7 Best Paint for Aluminum Garage Doors [Plus 17 Painting Tips]
- Best Jackshaft Garage Door Openers For Your Garage Door [Updated 2024]
- What Size Of Garage Door Opener Do I Need For a 16 Foot Door?
What is a Z-wave garage door opener?
In the area of smart home and IoT devices, Z-Wave is one of the most used wireless communication protocols. As a result, choosing a Z-Wave Garage Door Controller is one of your best options if you’re looking for a simple and smart garage door solution.
Z-Wave is a wireless communication system that was created with home automation in mind. When we talk about home automation, we’re talking about automating a variety of tasks around the house Including opening and closing of the garage door.
Garage door openers, like every other sort of technology, come in a variety of styles. Some use Cellular networks, while others use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and even Z-Wave and ZigBee. It’s difficult to call one of them the best because each one is valuable in its way and has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
How to choose the best z-wave garage door opener
We understand that trying new things might be scary at times. The same may be said for home automation technology. The most crucial step for everyone is to embrace change and be willing to take a chance on new technology. On your search for a smart garage door opener, you will find many different types.
However, because you’re seeking z wave compatible systems, you’ll need to be familiar with z wave garage door openers. We’ve put together a list of the most important factors to assist you better understand the systems.
Factors to consider while buying the Best z-wave garage door opener
Compatibility
Compatibility is the most important factor when using garage door openers with the z wave network. Unlike in a Wi-Fi network, z wave devices do not require a router. They communicate directly with one another, with no intermediary.
As a result, they must be z wave compatible to communicate with one another. Check the system’s compatibility with other z wave devices before purchasing.
Since these Z-Wave garage door controllers require a smart hub, make sure you have one. This is the bridge that connects all of your smart home devices, such as smart switches and sensors, and is required in the majority of smart gadgets.
With this device, you will have a centralized and connected network of home devices that you can operate using a smartphone app.
Despite the fact that the Z-Wave Alliance requires all authorized Z-Wave devices to communicate with one another, you should always double-check your garage door opener’s compatibility with your smart hub.
Installation
The installation of these smart garage door openers requires a certain level of expertise and attention to setup instructions. However, as long as the compatibility issues mentioned above are addressed, this is not a major issue.
It only takes careful use of product guides and manuals to do this. You may also search YouTube for videos on how to install and configure various smart gadgets.
Integration
For home automation, not everyone uses the z wave network. Wi-Fi remains the most popular standard for connecting smart devices. You may need a compatible hub if you have Wi-Fi devices in your home or workplace and wish to connect a z wave door sensor to them.
You’ll need a compatible z-wave controller, especially if you want to control your garage door with Alexa or Google Home.
Sensor
Controlling the garage door will be simple if the sensor is installed at the proper angle and location. It’s also worth noting that the area where you place the Z-Wave garage door controller must be in line of sight with your smart hub.
Because most Z-Wave devices, such as smart switches, can act as signal repeaters, ensuring the signal to and from your garage door device is strong. After installation, you should be able to tell if the signal is strong enough for the device to work properly.
Security
Because it can open your garage door, devices like smart garage door openers represent a security risk. To prevent illegal access to your house, smart devices like these have encryption methods in place.
Battery Life
The majority of the devices on our list have one-year battery life. However, as the system ages, it may decrease. As a result, check the battery life of whichever system you purchase. It should be at least one year or more
Product Reviews
Product reviews are an excellent source of product information because the reviews come from customers and users. Anything positive or negative they learned from their experience would undoubtedly be beneficial to you.
This way, you’ll have a better idea of what kind of product you’re looking for and whether it’ll provide you with the benefits you want.
Best z-wave garage door opener: A review of the top 6
Our selection of the best z-wave garage door opener takes into consideration the quality, durability, functionality, flexibility, and other features of each garage door opener.
Z-Wave Garage Door Opener by GoControl/Linear GD00Z-8-GC
This is a garage door remote controller by GoControl and certified by Nexia. Nexia is a Z-Wave-enabled app hence it will work with the majority of Z-Wave-equipped security hubs if the controller is out of radio range.
You can open and close your sectional garage door from a distance with this smart device. This Z-Wave garage door opener works with almost any automatic garage door opener that is connected to a sectional garage door.
Before door movements, the GoControl GD00Z-8-GC emits both audio and visual alerts.
To set up and install the GoControl GD00Z-8-GC, Use double-sided tape or screws to attach the tilt sensor to the upper side of your garage door. With the provided mount, install the GoControl garage door controller.
Using wires, connect the GoControl gadget to the garage door opener that is already in place.
With a one-year manufacturer warranty, the average battery life is about five years.
Pros
- Compatible with most Z-wave devices.
- Easy to install and configure.
- You can control the door via the Nexia app.
- Good Battery life
- Audio and visual warnings
Cons
- Compatibility issues
Aeotec Z-Wave Garage Door Controller
- Easiest way to make your home a smart home: Wirelessly connect and control a huge range of smart devices - over 5,000 are available from dozens of brands - including voice assistants, lights & switches, speakers, cameras, sensors and more
- Automate connected devices: Any device you connect can be included into automations which can be intelligently managed. Now many automations work locally even when internet service is disrupted.
- Control via App or Voice: Monitor and control connected devices, and run automations, using the Samsung SmartThings app on Android, iOS, and iPadOS, or voice user interfaces Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Requires internet access for set-up: Ethernet connection recommended, but Wi-Fi is also available. Download the SmartThings app to your phone or tablet to setup.
- Compatibility: Certified to work with Google, Alexa, SmartThings, Matter, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave Plus, and ZigBee protocols. Not compatible outside of North America.
This Garage Door Controller from Aeotec combines connected-home intelligence with Z-Wave technology. It connects easily to your door’s existing motor and adds a suite of security and safety sensors.
With this garage door opener, you can monitor and control your garage door from anywhere in the world using a smartphone and an Internet-connected Z-Wave hub. Keep track of when the garage door is opened and closed, and get a remote notification when it does.
Visual alerts appear on your garage door controller when it is about to open or close. There are eight distinct LEDs embedded within the push button. They will flash for the set number of seconds before your garage door or gate moves.
It also includes a 105dB sound system in case the visual warnings are missed or cannot be seen
One of the two pieces that make the Garage Door Controller so powerful is the smart motor controller. It connects to your garage door’s current motor and is jam-packed with control and safety capabilities, thanks to its Z-Wave foundation.
You can also upload MP3s through USB to customize the controller’s safety tones. It comes with a one-year warranty and batteries that’ll last up to 2 years.
Pros
- Easy to install
- 105 dB Audio and 8 LEDs visual security alerts
- Smartphone notifications
- Customizable security tones
Cons
- Compatibility issues with some garage door openers
NuTone Smart Z-Wave Enabled Garage Door Opener
- Wirelessly control and monitor your garage door from anywhere
- Assured safe operation with audible and visual notification
- Only Smart Garage Door Controller with secure barrier command class encryption
- Works with virtually all sectional automatic garage door openers manufactured after 1993
- Installs in less than 30 minutes
Next in line with our top picks is the NuTone Smart Z-Wave Enabled Garage Door Opener. The NuTone Z-Wave equipped Garage Door Remote Controller resembles a rebranded Go/Control Linear controller in appearance.
This Z-Wave Garage Door Controller allows you to open and close your garage door with a remote control.
It is a fantastic, easy-to-install device that allows you to automate the operation of your garage door. What makes this device so appealing is that it is compatible with a wide selection of top garage door openers from the past.
When you initiate door movements, it also gives you visible and audio warnings.
The strobe light emits 360 lumens, while the audible alarm emits 45 decibels at a distance of about 5 meters. This device also has a wireless tilt sensor in addition to the main controller.
The tilt sensor is mounted on the garage doors inside. This sensor informs the controller about the status of the garage door, whether it is closed or open.
The installation setup is simple and straightforward. All you have to do now is connect the gadget to the smart hub and ‘pair’ it with the smart home network. The unit must then be mounted and two wires connected and plugged into an outlet.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Security encryption
- Reliable
Cons
- A bit expensive
The Linear Z-Wave garage door opener
- Add a Nexia Certified Z-Wave control to your current garage door opener
- Open/close your garage door from anywhere using your smart phone, tablet or computer through your Z-wave based app such as Nexia.
- Monitors and reports the open or closed state of the garage door.
- Provides both audible and visual warnings prior to door movement
- LiftMaster / Chamberlain / Craftsman garage door motors connected to a Smart Control Panel (these have an LCD display for the time and a motion sensor that turns on the light) are not compatible with the GD00Z-3.
This garage door opener is compatible with most automatic garage door openers with sectional garage doors. You can lock and open your garage door from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
You can achieve this by pairing the smart garage door remote controller with a Z-Wave-based app.
You can even keep track of whether the garage door is locked or unlocked. The Linear Z-Wave garage door sensor provides auditory and visual alerts before the door opens or closes.
To install it you should pair it with the gateway, mount it, connect two wires, and then plug it in.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Compatible with a variety of doors
- Remote control
- Audio and visual security alerts
Cons
- May lose connectivity sometimes
Dome Home Automation Miniature Z-Wave Plus Garage Door Sensor
- SMART HOME DOOR/WINDOW SENSOR - Uses smart-home technology to monitor your home’s doors and windows, including interior doors, patio doors, garage doors, windows, cabinets, baby gates, and more.
- Z-WAVE TECHNOLOGY - Z-Wave Plus Certified and integrates with most Z-Wave Certified hubs. Now Officially works with Wink!
- KNOW IF YOU’VE LEFT DOORS/WINDOWS OPEN - Configure your hub to notify you or sound an alarm when any connected door or window is open for too long, including garage doors and medicine cabinet doors.
- INTEGRAL PART OF HOME SECURITY SYSTEM - Program your hub to automate your lights when the front door opens, or kick on security cameras when a window is opened.
- CONTEMPORARY DESIGN - Sleek, modern, and complements décor and furnishings with no obtrusive wires.
Dome Home Automation’s garage sensor is an excellent Z-Wave Plus garage sensor. It’s a versatile sensor that sends out alerts on the status of the door whether closed or open. It works perfectly as a Z-Wave door sensor.
Apart from doors, it is also designed to operate as a sensor on windows, cabinets, kid’s doors, closet doors, and baby gates. It is super economical, small, and decidedly easy to install and set up.
With the normal motion of opening and closing, the lights turn on and off automatically. It has a sensor range of over 200 feet and a battery life of up to three years.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Small in size
- Affordable
Cons
- Its reliability is questionable
- Battery life is average
Gogogate 2 Garage Door Opener
- All in one solution for remote control and surveillance of garage: wifi controller, wireless sensor and IP Camera
- Automatic open and close of garage door by time or location (via GPS).
- Voice control of your garage with Google Home and Amazon Echo (with iFTTT).
- Remote operation of your garage from app anywhere (multiplatform). Video streaming and recording included.
- Other features such as: User Management, Door status and temperature alerts, Visual acoustic alarm and Calendar of events.
Our last pick of the day is the Gogogate 2. This Gogogate’s single hub can operate up to three independent gates or doors. Your gate/garage door status notifications can be conveniently received on your smartphone, PC, Tablet, iPhone, or Apple Watch.
It also has an optional video monitoring feature that can be turned on or off anytime. For your convenience, the hub includes one wireless sensor, one USB WiFi adaptor, three pre-assembled cables, one controller, and one double-sided tape.
For connectivity, you can use either the IFTTT App or Amazon Alexa.
To control the set of doors, you must switch between controllers in the app. It also reports temperature, which, despite its excellent performance, is a little low in comparison to actual temperature conditions.
Although there is no direct integration with Alexa or Google Assistant, you may use IFTTT to configure it, which is an added advantage.
Pros
- Easy to install
- User friendly
- Can operate multiple doors
- Can connect to cameras
Cons
- You have to buy extra sensors for the multiple doors
Why use a z-wave garage door opener
The following are the key benefits of installing a Z-Wave compliant garage door opener
- You can connect the garage door sensor with other Z-Wave devices like smart lights, security cameras, and smart locks. As a result, you can incorporate smart devices from a variety of manufacturers rather than just one brand.
- The Z-Wave technology allows you to control your garage door from anywhere.
- The Z-Wave garage door opener and smart gadgets communicate using a specialized Z-Wave signal. In other words, the Z-Wave garage door controller and other Z-Wave compatible devices can still communicate with each other even if they are not connected to the Internet.
Frequently asked questions about z-wave garage door openers
What is the difference between Z Wave and Z Wave plus?
The following are some of the significant distinctions between Z-Wave and Z-Wave Plus:
- The Z-Wave Plus has a 50% longer battery life.
- With Z-Wave Plus, devices may communicate up to roughly 200 feet further. Z-Wave Plus introduces three new F Channels that boost bandwidth and improve device connectivity, allowing you to get up and running quickly.
Is Z Wave compatible with LiftMaster?
Most Z-Wave garage door controllers will not work with Chamberlain LiftMaster MyQ garage door motors. However, the MyQ devices include a Total Connect 2.0 connection, which is an improvement. Some Z-Wave garage door openers come with everything you need to get started.
Is Z-wave better than WiFi?
In terms of network interference, Z-wave outperforms WiFi. WiFi devices compete with one another in the same way that Bluetooth devices do. So signal strength and network speeds deteriorate when there are a lot of them connected. WiFi, on the other hand, can carry more data.
In conclusion
Having a Z-Wave Garage Door Controller could be the ideal solution for you. They’re easy to connect to your smart home hub and other devices. They also provide you with additional customizability for a better smart home experience.
The first step toward garage door automation is to select the best Z-Wave garage door opener controller. . You must select the best option that will meet your needs and provide the features you want in a smart garage door.
We hope that this list of the Best Z-Wave Garage Door Openers will assist you in getting started on the right foot.
