Genie and LiftMaster both make residential belt-drive, chain-drive and wall-mount openers, so neither brand wins outright: the better opener is the model that fits your door, your garage and the app you want to use. LiftMaster builds its smart features around its own myQ app; Genie builds its around Aladdin Connect. Compare drive type, battery backup, app and warranty on the two exact models you are choosing between.

Quick comparison summary:

Motor power. Both brands make openers at several horsepower ratings and list the rating on each model's page. Both handle standard 8x7-16x7 residential doors; match the rating to your door's size and weight, not to the brand.

Drive systems. Both brands cover all three layouts. LiftMaster: the 2220L chain drive, the 6580L belt drive and the 98022 wall mount. Genie: its opener lineup lists belt-drive, chain-drive, screw-drive and wall-mount models, and its Pro Series 6170H-B is a wall mount. Belt drives are the quiet choice from either brand; the belt vs chain comparison explains why.

Smart-home integration. LiftMaster: its own myQ app. Genie: the Aladdin Connect app, built in on some models and an add-on for others. Which voice assistants and smart-home hubs each app works with has changed over the years, so check the exact model's current compatibility list before you buy.

Battery backup. LiftMaster's spec tables list it on the 6580L belt drive and the 98022 wall mount, but not on the 2220L chain drive. Genie includes it with the 6170H-B wall mount. On other models it can be an add-on, so check the exact model.

Warranty. LiftMaster lists the 6580L belt drive at 6 years on the motor and belt and 1 year on parts (6580L page), the 2220L chain drive at 5 years on the motor and 1 year on the chain (2220L page), and the 98022 wall mount with a lifetime motor warranty and 5 years on parts (98022 page). Genie lists a limited lifetime warranty on the 6170H-B's motor, with the limits in its manual (6170H-B page), and publishes the warranty terms for openers sold through its pro dealers on its pro opener warranty page. Terms differ from model to model, so compare the two exact openers you are choosing between.

Price (installed). Opener installation runs $574 to $1,229 with us, depending on the model; the opener table lists each one we price.

Who should pick which

Pick the model first, then the brand. A few situations do point one way:

  • LiftMaster, if you want to run the door from the myQ app or already use other myQ products (check that it works with the rest of your smart-home setup first).
  • Genie, if you prefer the Aladdin Connect app, or the Genie model you are offered fits your door and carries the warranty you want.
  • Either brand for a wall mount: both make one, and the door has to suit it (below).
  • Either brand for a quiet opener: choose a belt drive.

Wall-mount openers from both brands

A wall-mount (jackshaft) opener sits beside the door instead of hanging a rail and motor from the ceiling. LiftMaster makes the 98022. Genie makes the 6170H-B, which Genie says attaches directly to the door's spring tube and suits garages where a beam blocks a ceiling opener.

Because a wall mount works on the door's spring shaft, the door has to suit it. The wall-mount opener guide walks through the fit checks in the 98022 manual; check the manual of any other wall mount you are considering the same way.

What we install, and when to keep your opener

The openers we price in the Door Builder are the LiftMaster 2220L chain drive, LiftMaster 6580L belt drive and LiftMaster 98022 wall-mount. Their features and installed prices are on the garage door opener installation page, and how long an opener install takes has its own guide.

If the opener you have still runs but has started reversing, straining or ignoring the remote, a repair may be all it needs. See garage door opener repair before you replace it.

Compare the exact openers for your door

Request an opener estimate with your door size, the current opener model and a photo of the ceiling above the door.

Request an opener estimate

Common questions

Does Genie make a wall-mount opener?

Yes. Genie's Model 6170H-B is a wall-mount opener: Genie says it attaches directly to the door's spring tube instead of using a ceiling rail and powerhead, and that it comes with battery backup and Aladdin Connect built in. Genie's opener lineup lists wall-mount models too. As with any wall mount, have the door and its spring shaft checked for fit first.

Which is quieter, Genie or LiftMaster?

Compare drive types, not brands. Both make belt-drive openers, and a belt drive is the quiet choice from either; the belt vs chain comparison explains why.

Sources and specifications

Manufacturer specifications support the product details in this guide. Fit and availability need to be confirmed for your door before ordering.