Comparing Chain Drive and Belt Drive Garage Door Openers

What are the benefits of having a chain drive garage door opener VS. a belt drive garage door opener?

Homeowners have a big decision to make when they are ready to purchase a garage door opener. Garage door openers are a convenient way to open and close your garage door without getting out of your car.

There are various garage door openers on the market, and choosing the right one for your needs can be overwhelming. You’ll first need to consider the type of drive system you’d like. There are three main types of garage door openers: chain, belt, and wall mounted.

Each type has pros and cons, so research is important before deciding. Once you’ve decided on the type of drive system, you need to consider the horsepower rating. The higher the horsepower, the more powerful the opener will be. However, more power also means more noise, so finding a balance that works for you is essential. 

Finally, deciding whether you want a remote-controlled opener or one operated with Wi-Fi and a phone app would be best. Remote-controlled openers are more convenient, but they can be lost or stolen. Wi-Fi-enabled openers are very secure and give you notifications every time your garage door opens or closes, and you can control the garage door from any place in the world. 

Choosing a suitable garage door opener is an important decision, but with some research, you should be able to find an opener that meets your needs.

Here is a closer look at the key differences between chain drive and belt drive garage door openers.

Chain Drive Garage Door Openers

Chain drive garage door openers are the more affordable option.

The chain drive garage door opener uses a metal chain to open the garage door.  This garage door opener works by moving gears and metal parts together.

It uses a chain-running assembly unit connected to the tension springs that lift the garage door up and down. 

They are also generally very durable and require little maintenance.

However, they can be noisy, which may be an issue if your garage is attached to your home. If you have an attached garage, consider a belt drive opener instead.

Our top recommended Chain drive garage door openers are the LiftMaster 81602MC and Heavy Duty LiftMaster 87802.  

Belt Drive Garage Door Openers

Belt-drive garage door openers cost more than chain-drive openers but are much quieter. Belt drive garage openers use a rubber belt to open the garage door, and the belt drive operates by moving the rubber belt. The rubber belt is used to slide the trolley when the door is triggered to open or close the door. This may be best if you have an attached garage or living area above the garage door. Belt drives also require less maintenance than chain drives, although they may need to be more durable in some cases.

Our top recommended Belt drive garage door opener is the LiftMaster 87504. 

When deciding between a chain drive and belt drive garage door opener, there is no clear answer. Both options have their pros and cons. The best way to determine what option is right for you is to weigh the key differences carefully and decide based on your specific needs and preferences. Generally speaking, belt drives are more expensive, quieter, and easier to maintain. Chain drives are less costly but can be noisy and require more maintenance.