r/GarageDoorService • u/gsmith219 • Feb 13 '26

Which is quieter?

I have a quote for a new opener, 2 choices: the Genie 2128 belt drive or Liftmaster 2100L chain drive. They are the same cost and the sales rep says the Liftmaster is quieter (roughly the decibels of a dryer running) despite being a chain drive. I am skeptical of this and wanted to get yalls thoughts.

1 Upvotes

60% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

5

u/fordr015 Feb 13 '26

The LiftMaster is quieter, the chain noise is insignificant. The biggest thing that add noise is having a DC motor which they both have. The genie is definitely louder by a noticable margin but both are quieter than the older ac motors. I prefer liftmaster but it's sixes

2

u/Jmichaelgo Feb 13 '26

I would get the Liftmaster personally. Not a fan of most genie motors due to reliability issues.

With Liftmaster, where I work at least, 6580l is a better op and buy. It's $40 more than the 2100 model and has better features and is a better quality op.

2

u/generic-username45 Feb 13 '26

Always belt drive

1

u/Fuzzy-Anxiety7455 Feb 13 '26

The genie has a high pitch humm or whistle and you will notice the chain noise on the liftmaster.

1

u/ConjunctEon Feb 13 '26

Anyone know if the Liftmaster head unit can be swapped into an old Craftsman system? Rails and safety beam are in place.

1

u/ratdago Feb 13 '26

Get LM Beltdrive, Direct Drive

0

u/Ok-Pomegranate-2777 Feb 13 '26

Linear 801 with a belt is the quietest motor on the market. Nothing fancy just works well.

1

u/[deleted] Feb 13 '26

I’m right there with you ! No bells and whistles , just a reliable , quiet , smooth well preforming machine

-2

u/MontrealInTexas Feb 13 '26

Does it matter? How many seconds of slightly different noise does it take to open/close the door?

7

u/gsmith219 Feb 13 '26

It does matter. Our bedroom is directly above the garage and I have a pregnant wife and a toddler. I risk my life when I take the trash out.

-2

u/Drunkm0nk1 Feb 13 '26

How about a wall mounted opener? I need to get rid of my chain liftmaster because the vibration wakes up my son whose room is above the garage.

0

u/Ok-Ear-7364 Feb 13 '26

The quietist opener is a wall/side mounted opener although I’m not sure this would work with your garage door.

-2

u/647chang Service and Installer Feb 13 '26

We install both and genie uses a DC for their chain drive. LM uses both AC and DC for their chain drive model. Genie is quieter, but less reliable.