5 Best Gate Openers (2024 Guide)

A swinging or sliding gate is an effective way to secure the perimeter of your property. While a manual gate is also secure, it can be a pain to exit your vehicle every time you leave or return home. That’s why gate openers exist.

To learn about our top picks from Amazon, read our review below on the best gate openers that are suitable for any type of property gate.

Top 5 Gate Openers

• Best Solar-Powered Opener: GC GHOST CONTROL Solar Automatic Gate Opener
• Best for Sliding Gates: CO-Z Automatic Sliding Gate Opener
• Best for Mid-Sized Dual Swinging Gates: TOPENS Automatic Gate Opener
• Best for Heavy Dual Swinging Gates: GC GHOST CONTROL Dual Automatic Gate Opener
• Best for Mid-Sized Single Swinging Gates: Mighty Mule Automatic Smart Gate Opener

Best Solar-Powered Opener: GC GHOST CONTROL Solar Automatic Gate Opener

Courtesy Amazon

GC GHOST CONTROL Solar Automatic Gate Opener

• $629

Prices taken at time of publishing.

We liked that this gate opener’s DIY gate opener kit comes with a 10-watt solar panel for power collection and tube brackets for gate attachment. If the panel doesn’t absorb enough energy to operate, you can purchase a 12-volt battery and use it as a backup source.

• $629 at Amazon

Key Features

• Has a solar-powered design
• Meant for single-leaf swinging gates
• Supports gates that are up to 900 pounds or 20 feet
• Comes with an 18-month kit warranty and a lifetime gate motor warranty

What Customers Are Saying

We found that customers who left positive feedback about this gate opener system, stating that the installation process was simple and the build quality met or exceeded their expectations. However, some customers wished that they could adjust the opening speed of the gate.

Best for Sliding Gates: CO-Z Automatic Sliding Gate Opener

Courtesy Amazon

CO-Z Automatic Sliding Gate Opener

• $175.99

Prices taken at time of publishing.

This gate operator comes with two remote controls that can open a sliding gate from up to 100 feet away. If you have a large family, our research showed you can purchase more remotes so that each individual has a way to open and close the gate. In case of power failure, your purchase also includes a manual key.

• $175.99 at Amazon

Key Features

• Has an electricity-powered design
• Meant for single-leaf sliding gates
• Supports gates that are up to 1,400 pounds or 40 feet
• Comes with a one-year warranty

What Customers Are Saying

We found that many users thought this gate opener was effective and useful given its price point. Although most customers had to thoroughly read the included instructions or watch the available YouTube videos, they said that the installation process was DIY as advertised. Some users experienced issues with rust on the chains and sprockets of the gate opener, even with frequent lubrication.

Best for Mid-Sized Dual Swinging Gates: TOPENS Automatic Gate Opener

Courtesy Amazon

TOPENS Automatic Gate Opener

• $459
• $529
• 13% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

We were impressed that this electric gate opener comes with two motors that work with either solar or battery power. Despite its powerful motors, it operates below 50 decibels. Plus, its robust installation kit includes two types of brackets, two remote controls, an extension cable, and more.

• $459 at Amazon

Key Features

• Has an electricity-powered design
• Meant for dual-leaf swinging gates
• Supports gates that are up to 550 pounds or 16 feet
• Comes with a one-year warranty

What Customers Are Saying

Customer reviews that we found cited easy installation, sturdiness, quiet operation, and helpful customer service in their positive reviews. Users also said it moved smoothly without any jittering motions. Some customers we saw had trouble with the device stopping partway through the opening or closing of the gate.

Best for Heavy Dual Swinging Gates: GC GHOST CONTROL Dual Automatic Gate Opener

Courtesy Amazon

GC GHOST CONTROL Dual Automatic Gate Opener

• $899

Prices taken at time of publishing.

Perfect for DIY installation, this high-quality dual gate opener comes with instructions and hardware, and we appreciated that it works with common household tools and doesn’t require welding or high-voltage electrical work.

• $899 at Amazon

Key Features

• Has an electricity-powered design
• Meant for dual-leaf swinging gates
• Supports gates that are up to 1,000 pounds or 12 feet
• Comes with an 18-month kit warranty and a lifetime motor warranty

What Customers Are Saying

Our team noted that satisfied customers appreciated the 1,000-pound weight capacity of this gate opener, stating that the dual arms effectively opened and closed heavy-duty gates. Some customers were confused about the default code to the keypad, reporting that it was different than what was mentioned in the instructions.

Best for Mid-Sized Single Swinging Gates: Mighty Mule Automatic Smart Gate Opener

Courtesy Amazon

Mighty Mule Automatic Smart Gate Opener

• $359.99
• $429
• 16% off

Prices taken at time of publishing.

We like that this swing gate opener’s control box features a hinged design that protects the interior controls from harsh weather while still being easy to open. For additional versatility, you can purchase Mighty Mule solar panels, keypads, alarms, and other compatible accessories.

• $359.99 at Amazon

Key Features

• Has an electricity-powered design
• Meant for single-leaf swinging gates
• Supports gates that are up to 550 pounds or 16 feet
• Comes with a one-year warranty

What Customers Are Saying

Positive reviews we found highlighted this opener’s easy installation and programming. Negatively, we saw were some complaints about the operating range of this gate opener, with some customers sharing that they had to pull up right next to the gate for it to operate.

Buying Guide to Gate Openers

This buying guide will help you gather important information about your gate to choose the gate opener that best matches it. Here are the most important factors to consider for buying a gate opener.

Power Source

Automatic gate openers can be powered in several ways.

• Battery: These openers use a battery for power. They’re easy to install, but they require the occasional recharge.
• Hardwired: Some openers use a powerful motor to move your gate. However, these heavy-duty openers must be connected to an electrical power source, which requires some electrical knowledge and more installation time.
• Solar: Solar-powered gate openers are eco-friendly because they turn the sun’s energy into power. The downside to this type of opener is that the solar panel may not be able to collect enough energy to power the opener throughout the day and evening.

Some gate openers also come with several power options. For example, you may find a hardwired or solar-powered opener with a backup battery in case the power goes out or the solar panel doesn’t collect enough light.

Opener Type

Gates are divided into two categories: swinging and sliding. Most automatic gate openers are optimized to work with only one of these types.

• Sliding: Sliding gates move horizontally along a track. Openers for this type of gate utilize chain links to pull the gate.
• Swinging: Swinging gates feature one or two leaves that swing forward and backward, similar to a door. Openers for swinging gates frequently use arms or pistons to push the leaves open.

Gate Size

Automatic gate openers feature a gate size rating that indicates a maximum length in feet and a maximum weight in pounds that they can safely control. If you don’t know the size of your gate, contact the manufacturer to get that information to ensure that the opener you purchase can handle your specific model.

Frequency of Use

Before purchasing an opener, ask yourself how often you need to open and close your gate. Gates that open multiple times per day need a stronger opener than those that only open once or twice per day.

Interface

Gate openers can be controlled in a number of ways. Some are opened using a keypad next to the gate itself. Others work with a gate opener remote control, a control panel in the house, or a mobile app. In general, smartphone apps are more convenient, while physical control systems, such as keypads, are more secure. Some automatic swing or electric gate openers offer multiple control options, allowing you to choose the one that works best for you.

Home Security Tips

An automatic gate is not only convenient, but it’s also important for home security. Whether you already have multiple home security solutions or you’re beefing up your home’s security after a break-in, check out our home security pointers below.

• Always keep your doors and windows locked, even when you’re home.
• Choose a gate that’s made of strong and durable material, such as steel or iron. Burglars often use brute force to compromise gates. The heavier and stronger the material, the better.
• Consider a security camera or smart doorbell to see who’s at your front door from your smartphone. You can also install your own at-home security system, which you can see in the video below.

• Don’t forget to lock sheds, unattached garage doors, and other auxiliary structures around your property, especially if they’re not fenced.
• If you’re traveling, be mindful of what you and your family post on social media. Sharing an itinerary for your upcoming trip or uploading a photo of your home with the house number visible are details that burglars can use to stake out your property.
• Install motion-detecting lights around the exterior of your home. Trespassers rely on darkness to sneak up on your home. Illuminating entry points can steer them away.
• Place your most important valuables in a fireproof and waterproof safe.
• While you’re out of town, enlist a trusted individual to look after your home. Common housesitting responsibilities include collecting mail, watering plants, and feeding pets to make it seem like someone is home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gate Openers

What’s a stop-and-reverse function?

A stop-and-reverse function helps an automatic gate opener sense when there’s an obstacle in the way and stop closing or remain open. This function prevents you or your vehicle from getting crushed by a closing gate. It also prevents debris, such as fallen branches, from getting caught in the gate.

Can my gate opener detect when my car is near it?

Some gate openers include a detection function that can sense the presence of a car and automatically open the gate. The two main types of detectors are:

• Infrared: Some gates use beams of infrared light to sense large objects within a certain range. Many stop-and-reverse functions work using infrared beams.
• Loop: A loop detector is a magnetic field that you typically create by burying wire underground a few feet away from a gate. These loops sense pressure when a car drives over them and send a signal to the gate opener. Loop detectors are referred to as exit loops if they’re on the inside of the gate and entry loops if they’re on the outside. Most people only install exit loops because loop detectors trigger when they sense any car at all, meaning that they can’t distinguish between property owners and trespassers when they’re on the entry side.

Does having a gate opener improve the value of my property?

If you’re trying to sell a property with a gate, we find that an automatic gate opener usually increases the property’s value. Buyers will likely perceive an automatic gate as more secure and convenient than a manual gate.

Do I need to lubricate my gate opener?

Yes, you need to lubricate your gate opener. Lubricate your gate opener every six months by applying a lubricating spray to all its moving parts. Do the same with the moving parts of your gate, as this helps both operate smoothly.

Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team

This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.

We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.

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