4 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.
For most homeowners, we love the CO-Z Automatic Sliding Gate Opener. However, you’ll need easy access to electricity to run it. If you don’t, the GC GHOST CONTROL Solar Automatic Gate Opener is a great alternative. It’s pricey, but it’ll get the job done.
To learn about our top picks, read our review below on the best gate openers that are suitable for any type of property gate.
Compare Top Gate Openers
| Product | Design | Usage | Threshold | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Solar-powered |
Single-leaf swinging gates |
Up to 900 pounds or 20 feet |
18 months for kit, lifetime for motor |
|
|
Electricity-powered |
Single-leaf sliding plates |
Up to 1,400 pounds or 40 feet |
One year |
|
|
Electricity-powered design |
Dual-leaf swinging plates |
Up to 550 pounds or 16 feet |
One year |
|
|
Electricity-powered design |
Single-leaf swinging gates |
Up to 550 pounds or 16 feet |
One year |
Top 4 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 Mid-Sized Single Swinging Gates: Mighty Mule Automatic Smart Gate Opener
Best Solar-Powered Opener
GC GHOST CONTROL Solar Automatic Gate Opener
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.
Our Testing Experience
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 People Are Saying About The GC GHOST CONTROL Solar Automatic Gate Opener
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
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.
Our Testing Experience
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 People Are Saying About The CO-Z Automatic Sliding Gate Opener
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
Our Testing Experience
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 People Are Saying About The TOPENS Automatic Gate Opener
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 Mid-Sized Single Swinging Gates
Mighty Mule Automatic Smart Gate Opener
Our Testing Experience
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 People Are Saying About The Mighty Mule Automatic Smart Gate Opener
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.
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