The best garage door sensors

By 21Oak Published April 20, 2021

Sensors malfunction for a number of reasons, but look for a dirty or broken lens, misalignment, component burnout, or cabling issues to isolate the problem. If you find that you have an issue, it is advisable to replace the whole units with quality replacement like the ones we offer in this highly vetted list.

Garage door sensors use two photo-eye-based posts in front of each other placed on both sides of the garage door. When they sense an obstruction, they will override the system and reverse the door completely to prevent any accidents. Don’t risk it by ignoring a repair that can be done easily. Get it done in a budget-friendly manner with the best garage door sensors we could find.

Recommended Videos

Chamberlain Garage Door Safety Sensors

Best overall

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Chamberlain Garage Door Safety Sensors are the premium choice for use with all Chamberlain, LiftMaster, and Craftsman garage door openers manufactured after 1997. It provides easy installation and includes 18 inches of extension wire for custom rigging and mounting brackets.

Genie Replacement Safe-T-Beams

Best for Genie garage door openers

Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you own a Genie garage door opener, the Genie Replacement Safe-T-Beams are the top choice for you. This kit works with all models made after 1993 and keeps your family and pets safe from any possible accidents. Easy-installation instructions and all hardware needed for assembly are included.

Digi-Code Universal Garage Door Sensor

Most versatile garage door sensor

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Digi-Code Universal Garage Door Sensor is the most versatile model we came across. It is compatible with all major brands of garage openers. It features a nonpolarized lens that avoids placing them backward and quick retrofit installation that is easy to perform.

“Safety first” should be the mantra for all garages, and keeping your door sensors in working condition is one of the top actions you can take to ensure there are no accidents. We are confident that you will find the best garage door sensor in our carefully selected list.

Topics

Home Maintenance

How to insulate your garage door for winter (Your heating bill will thank us)

Sometimes overlooked, garage doors also need to be prepped for winter

Unfocused shot of snow falling on driveway with garage in the background

If you’ve ever stood by an old single-pane window on a cold day, you may have noticed that the cold passes right through it. That’s because glass is a poor insulator, allowing virtually free heat exchange. Similarly, your wood or metal garage door becomes like a wall of ice on freezing cold days, and that cold transfers into the rest of the house. Additionally, your home’s heat escapes through the uninsulated garage door. So, how do you insulate a garage door?

To make your garage more comfortable and save money on your energy bills, you can block out the cold. Follow along as we walk you through the process.
Choose the best garage door insulation

Home Maintenance

Sanding, primer, or both? This is how to prepare a wall for painting

Don't skip these important steps before you start your next paint job

Two people painting an interior wall

Painting is the easiest way to transform any room in your home. A simple coat of paint is all it takes to make a drab space become a vibrant, bright room that everyone will love hanging out in. However, when it comes to actually getting the painting job done, there are some preparation steps that you need to consider. So, should you sand or prime before painting?

Painting requires a bit of prep work, regardless of what condition your walls are in. Walls with holes and dents may take longer to prep than walls that just need a coat of paint. Additionally, you may need to consider sanding, priming, and other prepping methods that'll help your painting project go smoothly and ultimately result in a stunning, finished look.

Home Maintenance

How to paint over wallpaper without making the room look worse

You don't have to remove the wallpaper. Instead, save the hassle and paint over it

Small blue paint can with paint brush set on top.

Outdated or damaged wallpaper can be an eyesore. A fresh coat of paint can revitalize out-of-style rooms, but first, you have to figure out what to do about the wallpaper. Home improvement experts often advise homeowners not to paint over wallpaper — if it isn’t done right or the wallpaper is in bad condition, the results can be disastrous.

Sometimes, though, it's much easier to paint over it than it is to deal with the time-consuming process of removing it. If this is the case for you, be sure to follow a few expert tips to ensure your paint job won't look like an amateur, rushed DIY project.
Why experts recommend removing wallpaper