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7 Best Garage Door Sensors: Better Build Quality & Security

When it comes to the safety of your garage door, having reliable sensors is crucial. These sensors act as a watchdog, guarding against mishaps and ensuring that your garage door opens and closes without difficulty.

Garage door sensors work by projecting an invisible beam across the door opening. The sensors automatically alert the door to reverse its motion if they detect any object or obstruction, protecting you and your belongings.

Any homeowner would be wise to make the investment in high-quality garage door sensors, which will give them piece of mind and offer an extra layer of security to their garage door.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best garage door sensors on the market today, and discuss what makes them stand out from the competition.

Whether you’re looking for enhanced security or simply a better-quality product, we’ve got you covered. So without further ado, let’s get started!

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Quick Table for Best selling garage door safety sensors

Buying Guide for Garage Door Sensors

A garage door sensor is a device that is used in automated garage doors. It helps to keep the garage door closed when there is no one around and also allows the garage door to be opened automatically when someone is approaching the garage.

Buying Guide for Garage Door Sensors

There are many different types of garage door sensors available in the market, and it is important to choose the right one for your garage door.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a garage door sensor:

Build quality

The build quality of the garage door sensor is important because it needs to be able to withstand the elements and last for a long time. Choose a sensor that is made from durable materials and has a good reputation for being rugged and reliable, because most garage door openers do not last long.

Security

A garage door sensor should also be able to provide security for your garage. Garage door sensors work by projecting an invisible beam across the door opening. Make sure that the sensor you’ve bought is working properly when there’s an obstruction between them.

Installation & Compatibility

Installation is another important factor to consider when choosing a garage door sensor. Some sensors are very easy to install, while others require more work. If you are not experienced in installing garage door sensors, it might be best to choose a model that is easier to install.

Read Also: How to Align Garage Door Sensors

List of 7 Best Garage Door Sensors with Pros & Cons

As an avid researcher and reviewer of garage door safety sensors, I’m thrilled to share my findings on the Chamberlain G801CB-P Garage Door Opener Replacement Safety Sensors. These sensors are an absolute game-changer when it comes to ensuring the safety of your garage door operation.

One standout feature that caught my attention is the sensors’ ability to project an invisible light beam across the inside of the garage door.

This innovative technology is crucial in preventing accidents and is actually required for the safe use of garage door openers. With these sensors in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that the garage door will automatically reverse if any obstruction is detected.

The package includes two sensors, mounting brackets, 18 inches of extension wire, and an instruction manual that guides you through the process step by step. It’s an all-in-one kit that takes away the hassle of finding compatible parts.

Instead of going through the trouble of replacing the entire garage door opener system, you can simply swap out the faulty sensors with the Chamberlain G801CB-P and restore the safety features of your garage door.

My garage door has not worked for months. I was days away from calling for an expensive service call when I saw this. Thirty minutes to install and soooo easy. Why didn’t I do this months ago.

~ Ron Browne (Amazon Customer)

Pros

  • Whenever there is an obstruction, the garage door will automatically reverse
  • Cheap price
  • LED indicators are much brighter and larger.
  • Takes about 10 mins to install

Cons

  • Will require wire strippers for the install
  •  Wing nuts, crimps, or brackets Not included

First and foremost, these safety beams are designed to replace broken or faulty sensors, breathing new life into your Genie garage door opener. They are specifically compatible with Genie openers, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free installation process.

One standout feature of the Genie GSTB-R STB-BL Safety Beams is their ability to create an invisible infrared beam across the door opening.

This cutting-edge technology allows the sensors to detect any objects passing through and triggers an automatic reversal of the garage door. This crucial safety measure helps prevent accidents and ensures the protection of your loved ones.

Moreover, these safety beams come with an added perk. They alert you of any malfunctions in operation, providing you with peace of mind and allowing you to take prompt action if needed.

To ensure optimal performance, it is essential to install the sensors at least 5 feet above the floor. This height ensures accurate detection and reliable operation.

Bought to replace a failed sensor on our opener. It was easy to swap out and actually more responsive than what came with the house so probably a newer model. Instructions were clear and set came with all needed hardware (not wiring but I didn’t need to replace that).

~ Rob M (Amazon Customer)

Pros

  • Direct replacement for broken or faulty safety beams.
  • Compatible with Genie garage door openers for seamless integration.
  • Automatic door reversal upon detecting an object, enhancing safety.
  • Alerts you of any malfunction in operation for timely maintenance.

Cons

  • Limited compatibility with Genie brand only.

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable option for your garage door safety sensors, this product should be on your radar.

One of the standout features of this sensor is its compatibility with Liftmaster, Sears, Chamberlain, and Craftsman garage door openers. This wide compatibility ensures that it can seamlessly integrate into your existing garage door system, providing you with enhanced safety and peace of mind.

The automatic obstruction detection feature is a game-changer. It ensures that your garage door automatically opens if there is an obstruction, preventing accidents and keeping your loved ones and belongings safe.

The package includes all the necessary components for installation, such as brackets, wire connectors, wingnuts, and a round head bolt, along with detailed installation instructions. The simple installation process can be completed in a matter of minutes, saving you time and effort.

In terms of affordability, the FEITON Garage Door Safety Sensor stands out among the top models in the market. You can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with reliable safety sensors without breaking the bank.

Works great with mighty mule gate opener. Less expensive than any I saw. Easily programmed and ready to go in five minutes for all three remotes.

~ Jack (Amazon Customer)

Pros

  • Wide compatibility with popular garage door opener brands (Liftmaster, Sears, Chamberlain, Craftsman).
  • Automatic obstruction detection for added safety.
  • Complete installation package included for convenience.
  • Affordable price compared to other top models.

Cons

  • No mention of specific warranty or customer support options.

The product is amazing and quick and installation was a breeze. The Beam is very powerful and can be reflected off things across the room and then come back and hit the eye.

One notable feature of the Liftmaster 41a5034 is its inclusion of two sensors: one with a green light and another with a yellow light.

This dual-sensor setup allows for enhanced accuracy and safety, ensuring that your garage door operates smoothly and efficiently.

Aligning the sensors is a breeze, thanks to their user-friendly design. They effortlessly fit into existing brackets, eliminating the need for complex modifications or additional equipment. This means you can swiftly replace your defective or damaged sensors without any hassle.

Installation is a Easy with the Liftmaster 41a5034 Garage Door Opener Safety Beam Kit. The replacement process is straightforward, and the included kit provides everything you need for a seamless installation experience.

Easy to install. I had wire strippers already. The lights are good size and easily visible when connect them to power. The sweet spot is generous. I didn’t have adjust mine at all. The one with the white label was the receiver. Super happy.

~ Robert Kosowski (Amazon Customer)

Pros

  • Comes with quick connection clips that make installation easy
  • Cheap price

Cons

  • The item is shorter than it looks in the image

Pretty good product. Inexpensive and it replaces the original sensors exactly. Very easy to align, mostly because the original sensors were lined up properly.

The wire connectors are pretty nice, but one of the four was either messed up or I messed it up myself and the wires wouldn’t fit in it properly. Three out of four were fine, although they were a little snug to fit the wires. 

The sensors are specifically designed for Linear garage door opener models LD033, LD050, and LS050, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance.

One major advantage of the LINEAR Garage Door Safety Sensor Kit is its affordability. It’s an incredibly cost-effective option without compromising on quality or functionality. You can enhance the safety of your garage door without breaking the bank.

Installing this sensor kit is a breeze, thanks to its user-friendly design. The straightforward installation process means you’ll have your replacement sensors up and running in no time, providing you with peace of mind and a reliable garage door operation.

Easy to install and worked perfectly right away. Loved the 3M connectors included also. Better to spend a little more for name brand vs generic on these I think.

~ Danny Tanner (Amazon Customer)

Pros

  • The sensors worked perfectly.
  • It’s very easy to install
  • No Batteries required

Cons

  • Little pricy

One standout feature of these sensors is their compatibility with both LiftMaster and Chamberlain brands. This wide compatibility ensures that you can seamlessly integrate these sensors into your existing garage door opener system, regardless of the brand.

Each sensor is equipped with a green light, providing a clear indication of their operational status. This visual cue allows you to easily verify that the sensors are functioning properly and providing the necessary safety measures.

A notable design element of the Chamberlain Liftmaster 41A4373A Safety Sensors is the bolt that runs through the center of each sensor. This feature ensures sturdy and secure installation, minimizing the risk of misalignment or accidental displacement.

Installing these sensors is made convenient by their design, which allows for splicing into your existing wires.

The package includes one sending unit, one receiving unit, wire connectors, and detailed instructions. While brackets are not included, the straightforward installation process makes it easy to incorporate these sensors into your garage door system.

We were so happy to find these replacement eyes for our garage door! Since our door is 20+ yrs old, we were afraid we would have to replace the entire door opener. Amazon is the place to find everything!

~ Sharon Smith (Amazon Customer)

Pros

  • Wide compatibility with LiftMaster and Chamberlain brands.
  • Clear green light indicators for easy operational verification.
  • Sturdy bolt design for secure installation.
  • Convenient splicing into existing wires for hassle-free installation.

Cons

  • Brackets not included, requiring separate purchase if needed.
  • Limited to one sending unit and one receiving unit in the package.

One remarkable feature of these sensors is their broad compatibility with popular garage door opener brands, including Liftmaster, Sears, Chamberlain, Craftsman, Master Mechanic, and Wayne Dalton.

This wide range of compatibility ensures that you can seamlessly integrate these sensors into your existing garage door system.

The package includes two safety sensors, each with attached wires. These sensors are designed to replace older-style sensors with a convenient plug-in wire connection. This makes the installation process much simpler and hassle-free.

It’s important to note that the wiring and polarity on this unit are reversed compared to some other models. Therefore, it’s crucial to double-check the wiring before usage to ensure proper functionality.

To assist with alignment, the sensors feature a bright green light indicator. A dull green light indicates that the sensors are not properly aligned, allowing you to easily identify and rectify any alignment issues.

Easy to install (as long as you know the wiring is backwards). Took about 30 minutes and works well so far. There is only enough wire to splice to existing wire. Will not run all the way to opener. Works well on my old Craftsman opener.

~ Michelle L Breitbach (Amazon Customer)

Pros

  • Wide compatibility with popular garage door opener brands
  • Convenient plug-in wire design for easy installation.
  • Replaces older style sensors, providing an upgraded solution.
  • Bright green light indicator aids in proper alignment.

Cons

  • Wiring/polarity reversal may require additional attention during installation

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How to Align Garage Door Sensors

An essential step in making sure your garage door operates smoothly and safely is aligning the sensors. To successfully align your garage door sensors, adhere to these easy step-by-step instructions:

  • Step 1: Clean the area – by removing any dirt or items that might obstruct the sensors’ line of sight.
  • Step 2: Check Sensor Positions –Verify that both sensors are firmly installed on their respective brackets. Ensure that they are horizontally aligned and facing each other.
  • Step 3: Adjust Sensor Heights – Make sure both sensors are at the same height, which is normally 4-6 inches above the ground. If necessary, use a level to make sure they are precisely aligned.
  • Step 4: Fine-Tune the Alignment – If the sensors are just a little out of alignment, make the necessary adjustments. Make minor modifications and check the indicator lights for any changes.
  • Step 5: Test the Sensors – Close the garage door and ensure that the sensors are in good working order. To trigger the obstruction detector, wave a long object between the sensors, like a broomstick. The door should swing the other way.
  • Step 6: Secure the Sensors – After ensuring proper alignment and proper operation of the sensors, tighten the brackets to keep them in place.

For optimal performance, inspect and clean the sensors frequently. Always keep in mind that a correctly aligned sensor system guarantees the security of your garage door operation and aids in accident prevention.

These simple instructions will help you align your garage door sensors and have a hassle-free, safe experience.

FAQ: Best Garage Door Sensor

Is there a difference in garage door sensors?

Yes, different sensors are designed to monitor different types of openings, such as overhead doors or side-hinged carriage doors. Some also offer additional features, such as motion sensors, wireless connectivity, and remote access. Be sure to choose a sensor that fits your specific needs.

Do I need to hire a professional to install a garage door opener?

In most cases, no. Most modern garage door openers come with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions that allow the average homeowner to install them without any professional assistance. However, if you are unsure of your ability to safely and properly set up the opener, it is best to call in a professional.

How long does a garage door sensor last?

Most garage door sensors are designed to last for many years. However, age and wear and tear can diminish their longevity. Regular maintenance checks will help extend the life of your sensor. Additionally, be sure to check your sensor periodically to make sure it is working properly and providing maximum protection.

Wrap Up On Best Garage Door Sensor

Garage door sensors are a great way to add security and convenience to your home. With the variety of options available, you can find the perfect sensor to fit your needs.

Whether you choose a basic model or an advanced option with WiFi connectivity, motion sensors, and remote access, you can be sure that your garage door is secure when you’re not home. And with the added peace of mind, you can enjoy the convenience and security that a garage door sensor provides.

Trisha Mae Raymundo
Trisha Mae Raymundo

Senior Writer and Editor of The Home Spot.