Having to manually open and close a garage is a daunting task and at times it may be an inconvenience. Installing the best universal garage door remote controller not only modernizes your home but also makes the task of operating the garage door easier. This universal garage door remote review looks at the top 6 universal garage door remote controls that are currently in the market. The main advantage you get from installing the control system is the security. Since garage doors can only be operated using the remote no one can access your garage manually without consulting you. The garage door remotes can also be programmed to suit your specific garage door opener and also to your specifications. This can be done at home without having to engage a professional. Apart from convenience, safety, and security, the universal garage remote controls also offer you full and consistent performance.
- Liftmaster 371LM
- Features: Enhanced Radio Technology, compatible with Chmaberlain models
- Liftmaster 375LM
- Features: Not compatible with Marantec, Hormann, or Napoleon Lynx doors
- Chamberlain KLIK1U
- Features: Smart Learn button, Program up to two openers, works with major garage door brands
- LiftMaster 821LM
- Features: myQ Security Plus, Wifi-Hub, smartphone door controller
- Chamberlain KLIK3U
- Features: Opens up to 2 separate garage doors or gates, Works with most major brands, Includes visor clip, battery, and instructions
- Skylink 318TR
- Features: Works with most major brands, can operate two garage doors
Contents
- 1 Top 6 Universal Garage Door Remote Controls
- 2 Chamberlain KLIK1U
- 3 Liftmaster 371LM
- 4 Liftmaster 375LM Universal Remote Control
- 5 Liftmaster MyQ Universal Smartphone Garage Door Controller 821LM
- 6 Chamberlain KLIK3U
- 7 Skylink 318TR Universal In-Car Garage Door Remote Control
- 8 Universal Garage Door Remote Control Comparison
- 9 How to Program a Universal Garage Door Remote
- 10 Conclusion
Top 6 Universal Garage Door Remote Controls
Chamberlain KLIK1U
This remote control is compatible with 99.9% of the garage openers in the market. It also has a smart learn button that familiarizes a first time user with the gadget. This can be accessed by removing the front panel. You can also match the dip switches to the old remote’s settings.
The Chamberlain KLIKIU is suitable for new users or for a user who wants to replace their previous remote control due to breakage or displacement, etc. The remote has two buttons that can be used to control two garage doors from different manufacturers or different frequencies. It is also easy to program the button to be used with Chamberlain gate operators. One remote for two operations enables you to streamline your garage door system.
Garage doors that are compatible include those that have photo eye safety sensors. The system also has to be compliant with the safety regulations put in place by the federal authorities.
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Liftmaster 371LM
This is a single button garage door visor remote that is compatible with various garage door models. Its dimensions are 5 x 2.4 x 1.6 inches and it weighs 0.8 ounces. The Liftmaster 371LM can only be used with the purple learn button and requires sears craftsman in the case of a need to replace the purple learn button.
It is designed such that it can be used with garage doors that feature the photo eye sensors system. When using the remote, you need to ensure that the photo eye sensor and the beam are in the same path length. The photo eye sensors are sensitive thus facilitating and also acting as a safety measure in case one attempts to close the door using the remote while there is an object in the garage door’s path.
Some of the systems that are compatible with this remote control include; Liftmaster 374LM, 373LM, 372LM and #71LM transmitters. It also features enhanced radio technology, visor clip and uses lithium batteries.
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Liftmaster 375LM Universal Remote Control
The Liftmaster 375LM is compatible with various brands of garage door openers apart from those that are manufactured by Napoleon Lynx, Marantec or Hormann. The remote control is identical to the chamberlain remote control, KLIKIU.
The product dimensions are 2 x 1 x 3 inches and it weighs 1.4 ounces which is appropriate for easy manipulation. It has a program button that is found on the motor unit that can be used to program the remote to function with different brands of garage door openers.
The package received after purchasing the remote includes the programming directions for the various brands that it is compatible with. It can be done setting the dipswitches to the settings of the old remote you were using. The next final step is to press the button a number of times until the small light on the remote starts to flicker. Once the remote control is programmed you will only have to press the button once before opening the garage door.
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Liftmaster MyQ Universal Smartphone Garage Door Controller 821LM
This Liftmaster MyQ Universal Smartphone Garage Door Controller 821LM is among the best universal garage door remotes that is compatible with a lot of devices. It has a special keyless entry system that is easy enough for a first time user to learn.
It can work with two garage door openers as long as they are compatible with the remote system. However, you will have to install a second door sensor. When you want to control 3 openers, you would need to install an extra door sensor and also have two Liftmaster 821LM.
The kit has two parts. One part is the sensor. The sensor helps you to determine the status of the garage door which can be open, closed, opening or closing. The second part acts as a Wi-Fi hub and also as the garage door remote. It also features a Smartphone garage door remote control feature that can receive a signal for the remote triggered by an iPhone app.
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Chamberlain KLIK3U
The Chamberlain KLIK3U is featured in a couple of universal garage door remote reviews as it is compatible with most of the major brands of garage door openers. It can be used to open up to two garage openers that are separate. The programming is easy as it only takes seconds. The device can only be used with garage door opener systems that were manufactured not later than 1993.
The system also has to utilize photo eye sensors for safety. The photo eye sensors are normally located at the bottom of the garage door in order to detect any objects lying in the path of the garage door. The photo eye sensors are not only a requirement for this specific remote control but also a requirement of the federal safety regulations.
The device weighs 1.8 ounces and its dimensions are 2 x 0.5 x 3.2 inches. Programming the remote is done according to the brand of garage door opener that you are currently using.
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Skylink 318TR Universal In-Car Garage Door Remote Control
This remote control is easy to install and to program which is a common hassle when you purchase a new garage door remote. It can also be used with the in car garage door button. You can also use your old remote control if you wish by connecting the new remote control to your wall button.
The transmitter can be used to operate two garage door openers but an additional Garage Door Receiver 318R would be required for the second garage door opener. You can also add an unlimited number of keypads and remotes. By adding a #SW-318R Wireless Switch Receiver, you can operate other in-house small appliances such as fans and plug in lighting among others.
It is designed with a keychain style, is very compact in size and uses lithium batteries. Apart from that, you have an option to either control the garage door openers using the model #318K keypad which is a personal access code or to use the remote model #318TN.
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Universal Garage Door Remote Control Comparison
| Product name | Features |
|---|---|
| Liftmaster 371LM | Enhanced Radio Technology, compatible with Chmaberlain models |
| Liftmaster 375LM | Not compatible with Marantec, Hormann, or Napoleon Lynx doors |
| Chamberlain KLIK1U | Smart Learn button, Program up to two openers, works with major garage door brands |
| LiftMaster 821LM | myQ Security Plus, Wifi-Hub, smartphone door controller |
| Chamberlain KLIK3U | Opens up to 2 separate garage doors or gates, Works with most major brands, Includes visor clip, battery, and instructions |
| Skylink 318TR | Works with most major brands, can operate two garage doors |
How to Program a Universal Garage Door Remote
Programming a universal garage door remote can be a fruitless endeavor if your remote is not compatible with your garage door opener. The first important step is to ensure compatibility before purchasing the remote. You also need to have all the devices you are going to reprogram on hand before you start.
Clear the remote – This is done by locating the learn button and pressing it for about thirty seconds or more. This can be accessed by opening the front cover of the remote. The learn button holds all the information of your existing controller. In case you are reprogramming an old remote control, it is important to clear all the existing information so that it retains none of the old settings.
Programming – This is also an easy first step. You need to hold the remote close to the learn button on the controller and press down on it while holding it in an on status until you hear it make a click sound. In case you are programming more than one remote, follow the procedure with one remote at a time.
You can also program the remote using a different method. You need to open the front cover in order to expose the program button. Press the program button until the Led found at the top starts to flicker or lights up. Once it lights up press the learn button on the garage door opener. The other step is to press the remote button repeatedly until either the light on the garage door opener turns on or until the learn light stops flickering and becomes steady. Different remotes will require you to press the button different number of times. You should press it until you notice the changes as mentioned above. Lastly hit the program button on the remote control so as to save the settings.
Conclusion
Most universal garage door remote controls will be compatible with garage door openers that were manufactured in the late 90’s. However, in order to choose the best universal garage door remote control, it is important for you to know the brand of your garage door opener and which remotes are compatible with it. The remote package always includes a programming manual to help new users manipulate the device appropriately. As seen in this universal garage door remote review, once a user has successfully installed and programmed the remote with the relevant settings, it becomes easy to open and close the garage door. Apart from enhancing security, the remote is convenient and very easy to use. As a precaution, it is important to ensure that you do not leave the remote in your car when leaving it with an unknown person such as the mechanic at the garage. They may get access to your garage using the remote even without your knowledge. In such situations ensure your garage door opener settings are changed.
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