I Tested And Reviewed 7 Best Side Mount Garage Door Opener (2023)

These garage door openers are truly impressive. Not only are they incredibly quiet, but they also operate flawlessly. I was able to install two of them by myself over the course of a day, and it was definitely worth the effort. The local garage door companies were charging exorbitant prices for the same openers with installation, but I managed to get both for a similar price.

I also purchased the keypad and internet gateway along with the openers, and I must say, the internet gateway is a game-changer. With this feature, I can conveniently open or close my garage doors from anywhere using my smartphone. It also provides real-time status updates on whether the doors are open or closed, as well as how long they have been in that state. This is incredibly useful for those moments when you can't remember if you closed the doors or not.

Installing these openers was a breeze, thanks to the clear and precise instructions provided. As long as you have basic tools and a little bit of know-how, you'll have no trouble setting them up yourself. These openers are designed to save overhead space and are much quieter compared to traditional ones.

In my case, I have a four-car garage with high ceilings, and these openers were the perfect solution. I've always had openers with centerline tracks and chain/screw drives in my previous houses, and I've always despised the noise they make. However, these 8500s completely changed the game. Not only were they delivered without any shipping damage, but they also exceeded my expectations in terms of performance. The motor is impressively quiet, and the door operation is smooth. The deadbolt system ensures secure locking every single time.

I would like to emphasize that I highly recommend these openers. They have truly delivered outstanding performance, and I can't imagine going back to chain drives again. The fact that they come with one remote each is a nice bonus, but I did end up ordering a couple of keychain openers from 365 Garage Door Parts to supplement them.

However, I must stress the importance of not bypassing the cable tension sensor. I made the mistake of doing so because my door occasionally had trouble closing on the first try. Everything seemed fine for about a month until disaster struck. One evening, my garage door came crashing down, with the bottom half only halfway closed and the top landing on my car. It was a terrible feeling to have a broken garage door at 9:00 pm, with no way to secure my garage and tools for the night, and not knowing how I would get my cars out.

I recently purchased the Genie roll-up door opener for my garage, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. This compact and lightweight opener is a great alternative to traditional chain drive overhead models. It is incredibly quiet and fits perfectly over my entry door, making it the ideal choice for limited spaces.

The build quality of this Genie opener is impressive. The parts feel sturdy and well-made, eliminating any concerns about it being cheaply constructed. Contrary to some reviews, I found the installation process to be relatively straightforward. While it does require some adjustments and careful programming, it is actually easier to install alone compared to larger overhead units.

In terms of performance, I am more than satisfied. The door operates at a decent speed, not noticeably slow as some have claimed. One of the standout features for me is the versatile light that can be positioned anywhere and remains on during nighttime unloading. Additionally, the wireless opening button is a convenient feature for locating the opener.

Living in an area with frequent power outages, I am grateful for the backup battery that comes with this Genie opener. Although I haven't had the need to use it yet, it provides peace of mind knowing that I won't be left stranded in case of a power outage.

The only minor drawback I have noticed is the button on the car remote. It lacks a detent, resulting in a slightly odd tactile experience. However, this is a minor inconvenience that I have quickly adapted to, and it has not affected the functionality of the opener.

The installation process was a breeze, and the opener operates smoothly and quietly. I highly recommend this opener for anyone in need of a compact and efficient garage door opener. The wireless wall controller is a great additional feature that adds convenience to its already impressive functionality.

The garage door opener controllers are highly efficient in operating garage doors and turning on lights. It is remarkable how they can accomplish this with just two wires. The lock button, however, seems to serve no purpose, but it doesn't bother me personally. It would be better if the button wasn't included to avoid confusion.

The design of the controllers is aesthetically pleasing, and the lights illuminate beautifully. I specifically chose this unit because of its large push button. As per other reviews, I was aware that the locking mechanism and light button wouldn't work with my garage opener light, but that wasn't an issue for me because I already had lights in my garage. The garage opener lights still function as usual when the door opens and closes, but you cannot manually control them with this controller.

The locking mechanism, which is intended to lock out wireless transmitters, unfortunately does not work either. However, the green lit push button is spacious, emits a bright light, and operates the garage door effortlessly. I had to drill slightly larger holes to accommodate my wires through the back, and I also drilled an additional hole to mount the controller properly onto an existing outlet box.

I compared this controller with other brands, particularly the Genie brand designed for overhead doors, but I found the appearance of this unit more appealing. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with this product, and the vibrant green light adds to its appeal. If you are primarily concerned with a controller that effectively opens and closes the doors, this is the best option for you. It is important to note that these controllers are not wireless and require a connection with two wires back to the garage opener.

In addition to operating garage doors, I also replaced my old doorbell buttons with these controllers. The installation process was straightforward, although it is advisable to double-check the wiring before attaching the front mounts. If the light does not work, it is likely that the wires are reversed, and removing the controllers once installed can be challenging.

Considering the price, these controllers offer great value. However, it would be beneficial if the instructions included guidance on how to pry off the back, as it is easy to inadvertently damage the product during this process.

I am thoroughly impressed with this garage door opener. I recently installed it on my 14×14 insulated door and it operates flawlessly. What surprised me the most is how compact the unit is considering its functionality. The Bilt app provides clear instructions to guide you through the installation process, and the package includes more than enough bell wire to connect the sensors and lock. The app even tells you which tools and sizes you'll need for the job. The main switch and light are both wireless, except for the light which needs to be plugged in. The Wi-Fi function works seamlessly with both the Genie app and Alexa. The noise level is incredibly low, with only the sound of the garage door springs audible. It truly is a plug and play system for your garage door. In fact, I am so impressed that I will be ordering another unit for the other side of my barn.

If you're contemplating between this unit and a track opener, let me assure you that the extra cost is justified. This garage door opener is compact and eliminates the need for a track, which can be bothersome and take up space. There are no noisy chains or belts either. Plus, the main button is wireless and can be placed wherever you prefer. The installation process is straightforward, but do keep in mind that your door must be in perfect working order beforehand. If the tension is not properly balanced, the opener will not function optimally. So, make sure to have your door properly tensioned and aligned before installing this opener, or any other for that matter.

I purchased this opener for my heavy insulated 10’ garage door, which used to be difficult to open. However, with this opener, it's a breeze. I can now open it using Siri, my Echo, or the optional Genie external remote. Just a word of caution, make sure to keep the emergency release out of the way to avoid any binding issues. I personally installed a small hook to keep it secured. The opener works quickly and operates with minimal noise.

Compared to my previous overhead opener from 1997, this new opener is a game-changer. It is impressively quiet and has resolved a major problem I had with the old opener. The previous one was installed off-centered due to the lack of a wood support behind the drywall. This caused a feeble bracket to be installed, which would twist every time the opener operated. I was always concerned that the bracket would eventually break. Thankfully, with this new opener, I no longer have to worry about that.

Installation was a breeze once I addressed some issues with the garage door itself. I had to shift the tube shaft to create the required space and adjust the garage door track for clearance of the cable tensioner. The opener can be installed by one person with basic hand tools such as a socket wrench, open wrench, bullet level, and screwdriver. The noise reduction is remarkable, and now the only sound we hear is the rollers rattling on the hinges as the door opens and closes. The Genie Aladdin feature, allowing me to open and close the door using my cell phone, is a fantastic addition.

The Genie WiFi Keypad for garage door openers is a reliable and durable option for those in need of a keypad that is compatible with older versions and works efficiently. Unlike many universal WiFi keypads, this product does not get confused or distracted by other signals, making it a reliable choice for households with multiple WiFi and signal devices.

One of the standout features of this keypad is its improved signal isolation, which ensures a great range and minimal interference. Additionally, the newer models of this keypad use 2xAAA batteries instead of the older 9V batteries, providing a longer battery life.

Installation and setup of this keypad are quick and hassle-free. The user who had a Genie Pro Max Intellicode 1 door opener installed in 1997 found it easy to install this new wireless unit alongside the old wired unit. Both units work flawlessly and independently of each other, with no interference. The user was able to de-program the factory settings and enter their own code within a minute, thanks to the clear and simple directions provided.

One minor drawback of this keypad is that to close the door, you must enter your code instead of simply pressing a button. However, this is a small inconvenience compared to the overall convenience and reliability offered by this keypad.

I recently purchased and installed this garage door opener, and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations. The installation process was straightforward, taking only a few hours to complete. The most time-consuming part was hiding the wiring, but the actual installation was a breeze. I had limited space in my garage, but this opener fit perfectly and eliminated the need for the bulky old opener hanging from the ceiling.

One of the standout features of this opener is its quiet operation. It is incredibly silent, unlike my previous opener that would wake up everyone in the house with its obnoxious squeaking and rattling. The noise reduction alone is worth the purchase. Additionally, the auto-locking feature when the door is closed provides added security, preventing anyone from accessing the garage by pulling the disengage handle.

I also appreciate the convenience of the My-Q internet connectivity. I purchased the My-Q internet gateway, and it allows me to control and monitor my garage door from my phone. I receive notifications whenever the door opens, and I can customize the settings to fit my needs. The app is free to use, with no subscription required, making it even more appealing.

Before purchasing this opener, I did my research to address some common concerns. Cable slack when the door is at the top of its travel can be an issue with this type of opener. To mitigate this, I purchased "pusher springs," as recommended in the instructions and online forums. These springs ensure adequate pressure on the cables when the door is fully open, eliminating any potential problems.

In terms of value for money, this opener is a great deal. At just under $300, it offers a lifetime warranty on the motor, giving me peace of mind in its durability. I ended up buying two units to replace my older, noisy openers, and I couldn't be happier with my decision. Not only did it free up ceiling space for storage racks, but it also provided remote control and monitoring capabilities.

Before purchasing, it's important to ensure that you have enough clearance for installation. The manual specifies the minimum requirements of 8" to the side of the door shaft and 3" above it, but having more space is always beneficial. Additionally, the installation requires a power outlet near the front wall and the running of wires for the opener switch and infrared eyes. In my case, I opted for a creative solution using a thick 10 gauge extension cord, which worked perfectly.

The opener is quiet and has a sleek design. The installation process may take a few hours, especially if you choose to hide the sensor and controller wires in the walls. However, if you have the right tools, it can be done in about an hour. The main unit consumes about 3.5 Watts when idle, resulting in a monthly electricity cost of approximately 65 cents.

There are a few things to be aware of during installation. The screws used to tighten the shaft-coupling have square heads, which can be difficult to work with. Using a 12-point socket on an extension will make the process easier. Additionally, it is important to completely disconnect the door from your old opener before setting the travel limits to avoid any interference.

Once everything is set up, it is recommended to check the service menu on the wired wall mounted controller. By pressing and holding the 'light' button and then pressing the 2nd navigation button, you can access the "transmitters" section to ensure that the exact number of remotes you programmed is displayed. This will prevent any unwanted interference from neighboring remotes.

The compatibility with Google Assistant is available, but it has some limitations. Instead of simply saying "Hey Google, close the garage," you need to say "Hey Google, tell MyQ to close the garage." Furthermore, opening the garage is not possible through voice control, only closing it. It is worth noting that a subscription fee of $1 per month or $10 per year is required to integrate the opener with your smart home setup.

If you own an older car, you may need a "homelink repeater" as the opener only supports the new "2.0" standard.