Imagine you’re waiting in line at airport security to catch a flight when you suddenly remember you left the garage door open. With a garage door opener app, you can check the status of your door and close it remotely.

The best garage door opener apps often require the use of a smart garage door opener. If you don’t own a smart garage door opener, there may be other solutions to help you operate your door using a compatible app or an additional controller.

Here are the best garage door opener apps that can help give you peace of mind and avoid stressful situations.

The best garage door opener apps include features like schedule automation, guest permission levels, and real-time notifications.

We compiled this list by choosing a variety of smart garage door openers to review, ranging from compatible apps to retrofit controllers. Compatibility was also at the top of mind since not all smart garage door controllers or apps work with every existing garage door opener.

We’ve also listed special features, prices, and a “best for” use case for each option, as some will be better for certain needs than others. For instance, you may appreciate a smart garage door opener app that offers live video like the Wyze Cam v3, while for others, the myQ app may already be compatible with their garage door opener and provide all the features they require.

Best for: Overall use

The PDS ULTRA 901® is a smart garage door opener that pairs with the Linear app. Beyond convenient remote access, this opener makes for a powerful garage door with an 800 DC motor for smooth operation.

It’s also compatible with HomeLink and integrates seamlessly with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. As long as you have Wi-Fi, you can connect to a live view of your garage door and operate it from anywhere.

Price: Contact your local Precision Garage Door Service™ for a quote

• Adjust brightness: It includes a built-in lighting system with six different dimmable brightness levels, providing up to 6,000 lumens of brightness for a well-lit garage.
• Set permission levels: For added security and control, you can set three permission levels: owner, administrators (can invite others, set/change permissions, operate/view all devices), and regular members (operate/view only specified devices).
• View activation history: You can also track who opened and closed the door for added transparency.

Best for: Retrofit

Genie Aladdin Connect can retrofit to most existing garage door openers. The free Aladdin Connect app lets you monitor your garage door’s position and sends alerts if there’s a change, whether it’s triggered by the app or manually. You can also see who opened the door and when, thanks to user access logs.

A single Wi-Fi RetroFit Kit includes one Door Control Module that can manage up to three garage doors, along with a Door Position Sensor for one door. You can purchase additional sensors separately if you have more than one door. Genie also offers compatibility with popular smart home applications like Alexa, allowing you to integrate your garage door opener into your smart home ecosystem.

Price: $59.99

• Grant temporary access: Create virtual keys through the app for authorized users (family, friends, service technicians) for a specified timeframe (hours, days, months).
• Schedule automatic closing: Set a specific time for your garage door to automatically close, ensuring it’s closed at night or whenever desired.
• Set an automatic close time: You can also program the door to automatically close after a certain period of inactivity, preventing it from staying open for too long.

Best for: Versatility

Arguably the most versatile garage door app of them all, myQ is compatible with most garage door openers manufactured after 1993, including LiftMaster. Those who don’t have myQ compatibility may need to purchase a myQ Smart Garage® Control device. Otherwise, the app itself is free.

Unlike other options, the myQ Smart Garage® Control device has a completely wireless installation process. It also works with popular delivery services like Amazon Key and Walmart+ InHome Delivery.

Price: $26

• Schedule: Set custom times for your garage door to open or close. You can also set times for your garage door lights to turn on or off.
• Receive notifications: Get real-time notifications whenever your garage door opens or remains open unexpectedly, allowing you to take immediate action for peace of mind.
• Grant multi-user access: Invite up to five users to control your myQ devices for added convenience.

Best for: Security

To connect to the GarageMax app, you’ll need to purchase the GarageMax receiver. It works with most garage door openers manufactured in the last 50 years (excluding certain Chamberlain and LiftMaster models after 2011).

The GarageMax Receiver is wired, and instead of Wi-Fi, the GarageMax app uses Bluetooth to operate. This eliminates potential vulnerabilities associated with Wi-Fi but also means you can’t control or monitor the door remotely if you’re outside Bluetooth range (about 100 feet).

The app also can’t provide real-time door status updates and doesn’t offer smart home compatibility. However, you can control more than one garage door.

Price: $49.95

• Secure with password protection: GarageMax prioritizes security with a multi-layer approach. Set a password to access the app itself, ensuring unauthorized users are locked out even if they get ahold of your mobile device.
• Enable vacation mode: For added security, while you’re away, activate vacation mode to completely disable access and prevent anyone from opening the garage door.
• Manage users and track activity: Grant access and easily remove unwanted users at any time. The app also tracks all garage door activity in a log so you can track multiple users easily.

Best for: Compatibility

A wide range of included and optional (but free) adapters allows the Tailwind iQ3 controller to work with most garage door openers, including Chamberlain, LiftMaster, and Craftsman models with yellow learn buttons (often incompatible with third-party systems).

The system can control up to three garage doors with additional sensors. It also integrates with popular smart home ecosystems and even has a local control API so you can create integrations if needed.

Price: $89.99

• Grant flexible access: Share control of your garage door with an unlimited number of people. You can also schedule, restrict, or revoke access privileges.
• Receive detailed notifications: Activity notifications not only tell you when the door opened or closed but also identify who or what triggered the actions — for example, “Alexa opened garage door 3.”
• Disable temporarily: If you’re working in the garage or yard and don’t want other users accidentally opening or closing the door, you can disable the door until a specific time or until you’re ready to re-enable it.

Best for: Responsiveness

This controller works with over 200 brands and 1,600 models, and you can buy a separate adapter for Chamberlain, LiftMaster, or Craftsman openers with a yellow learn button.

While the setup is a bit more complicated due to wired installation, some users report it’s a very fast controller as a result, responding instantly to commands. One potential downside is that it doesn’t allow for guest access; anyone needing control would require your account login credentials.

Price: $48.99

• Opt into voice control: Use voice commands to open and close your garage door with Alexa and Google Assistant integrations.
• Set alerts: Receive real-time alerts about door status (open, closed, left open too long) and even set up bedtime reminders to ensure the door is closed.

Best for: Video

The Wyze Cam v3 goes beyond simply being a smart garage door opener; it’s a full-fledged security solution with a built-in camera. This allows you to keep an eye on your garage remotely using the Wyze app, with 1080p HD video streaming (full color for day and night vision).

Installation is also easier than some, as it doesn’t require a separate wired door sensor. Instead, the camera detects the door’s position by looking for a QR code you attach to the door.

Price: $49.99

• Schedule and automate commands: Set schedules to automatically close the garage door at a certain time or create location-based automations that trigger the door to close when you leave home.
• Position the camera with ease: Mount the camera wherever it provides the best view, and the Wyze app allows you to easily flip the camera image digitally if you mount it upside down.
• Enhance security monitoring: Receive notifications whenever motion is detected in your garage. It supports 24/7 recording with a local microSD card (sold separately) so you can review footage. You can even set a mini siren to deter potential intruders.

Best for: One garage door

The ismartgate MINI is a wired solution for controlling your garage door remotely. It includes a Wi-Fi controller and a waterproof wired magnetic sensor for reliable operation. This makes it a great option for outdoor gates or humid areas.

With the ismartgate MINI app or through voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant, you can control and monitor your garage door from anywhere. It offers many of the same automation and notification features as the ismartgate LITE and PRO but only works for one garage door.

Price: $43.95

• Grant extensive user access: Add up to 100 users with the ability to open and close the garage door from the app. Unlike the LITE and PRO models, you can’t restrict users by time or location.
• Automate with IFTTT and GPS: Set up automatic door opening or closing based on your phone’s GPS location or a given time using IFTTT.
• Receive temperature alerts: The garage door sensor detects and notifies you of temperature fluctuations within your garage, allowing you to monitor conditions and take action if necessary.

Best for: Smart homes

The ismartgate PRO is likely the most smart home-compatible garage door controller with support for Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings, and more. This allows for voice control and integration into your existing smart home ecosystem.

It has all the same features as the ismartgate MINI, plus the ability to control up to three gates or garages. It also offers a fully local system that doesn’t rely on the cloud unless you choose to use a cloud connection.

Price: $179

• Add a camera: Integrate a video camera (either your own IP camera or the ismartgate camera) for remote monitoring. You can choose a three-year video streaming license with 1GB of cloud storage for $29.95, or the ismartgate camera includes a free one-year license.
• Automate with geofencing (IFTTT): Utilize IFTTT to create custom geofencing routines so your garage door automatically opens when you arrive home or closes after you leave.
• Personalize with entry/exit audio: Set custom music or tones to play when you enter or leave your garage for a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

Still debating whether or not to give garage door apps a try? From automating when your garage door opens or closes to boosting your home security, these apps offer a suite of features for convenience and peace of mind. Check out some of the other benefits they offer:

• Flexible for those on the go: Joggers, cyclists, and motorcyclists won’t need to pack a remote any longer.
• Offers security at the tap of a screen: Just getting settled or out for the night and suddenly wondering whether you left the garage door open? No need to worry; you can check right from your phone.
• Convenient deliveries: You can have packages securely delivered inside your garage.
• Emergency-friendly: Want to open and close the garage door for a relative who needs access to your home? No problem.

One of the biggest advantages of garage door apps is your ability to customize them. You can set up closing schedules, create permission levels for guests, and even integrate your app with smart home assistants for a personalized garage access system. Take a look at some of the other customization options that exist:

• Integrate with smart devices: Some apps can be synced with smart gadgets you may already have in your home, such as Alexa or even security cameras.
• Set timers: Want your garage to close every day at 9 p.m.? Certain apps allow you to put your garage door on a scheduler. Make your garage door operation convenient for your lifestyle no matter the time of day.
• Create alerts for added security: Afraid you’ll just go to bed and leave the garage door open? Set an alert reminding you to check.
• Grant levels of access: Give your family members and the repair person different levels of access to your garage by customizing your app’s controls.

The best garage door opener apps help you operate and monitor your garage door activity for next-level convenience. Think you may need a new garage door opener? Contact the experts at your local Precision Garage Door Service for expert installation. We’ll install your opener and help you connect to your garage door app in the process. Our team of experienced pros will also check to ensure your garage door system is working perfectly for smooth and efficient operation.

To get started, find the Precision Garage Door Service expert nearest you.