10 Best Automatic Gate Opener Reviews for 2022
In today’s post, our goal is to help you find the best automatic gate opener. We have 10 excellent picks to showcase, and we’ve also prepared a handy buyer’s guide to help you understand what to look for in an automatic gate opener!
If you don’t want to go through our entire post, then here are our top picks:
Best Product - Our Top Picks
Best swing gate opener
Homeland Hardware Dual Swing Gate Opener.
This is a heavy-duty gate opener intended for dual swing gates (single-gate variant available). It is also a perfect choice for sunny areas thanks to the included solar panels!
Best sliding gate opener
G.T.Master GT1300 Automatic Sliding Gate Opener.
GT1300 is a relatively pocket-friendly gate opener that is tough enough to work for most people’s needs. It has a good range of adjustments, soft start/stop, and includes an IR auto-stop too!
The remaining 8 picks also have a lot to offer, so we highly recommend that you go through our full review!
10 Best Automatic Gate Openers Review
When choosing products for our automatic gate opener review, we’ve tried to shortlist openers that are priced fairly for their features and have good buyer feedback. We’ve also paid special attention to negative buyer reviews to ensure that you don’t have to deal with subpar options.
Although our top picks offer very distinct benefits and features, you should be safe no matter which one you buy. With that said, try to buy a gate opener that is perfect for your needs and budget – our reviews should be able to help you with that!
1. E8 400MM Swing Gate Opener
QUICK SUMMARY
If you are ready to pay the money to buy a great automatic gate opener, then consider the 400MM gate opener from E8. This model is rather pricey, but it’s worth the money, in our opinion.
400MM is intended to work with a single swing gate. The max length and weight supported by 400MM are 13 feet and 600 pounds respectively. This isn’t the highest on our list, but for most people shopping at this price range, it should be more than enough.
In terms of controls, this particular 400MM package includes an IR beam, wired keypad, and 3 remotes – pretty versatile. When it comes to setup, the 400MM gate opener is rather nice as well. You may adjust its swing range for up to 100 degrees, and the included universal brackets allow you to set up the gate to open in or out.
As a power source, 400MM relies on AC current, but it also has battery backup to keep the gate opener operational during blackouts. It’s also compatible with solar power sources, but you’ll have to purchase a panel separately.
WHAT WE LIKED
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE
2. Homeland Hardware Dual Swing Gate Opener
QUICK SUMMARY
This auto gate opener from Homeland Hardware is a little more advanced than the E8 400MM gate opener. It’s also tougher, intended for dual gates with a combined length of 16 feet and weight of up to 1,200 pounds.
What we especially like about this gate opener set the most is its safety features. This model has things like emergency release in case of blackouts and auto stop/reverse – important features for ensuring your and others’ safety.
In setup, the Homeland Hardware gate opener also offers versatile adjustments. You may adjust the opening or closing intervals between your two gates, set the movement range of each gate, adjust the auto-close feature, and more.
Control-wise though, this gate set is more limited than 400MM – it only comes with a pair of remotes. This should be enough for most people, but 400MM is more versatile out of the box.
However, this opener has emergency manual release, which 400MM doesn’t have (it instead relies on the backup battery in blackouts).
Notably, for decreased maintenance and better longevity, this gate opener employs a soft start and stop mechanism. This should allow for reduced stress on the motor, as well as will increase safety.
The power supply is also no less remarkable in this gate. Homeland Hardware includes a pair of solar panels with this model. This will make setup easy (since you won’t need to connect the opener to your home’s electrical system), and you also will be able to enjoy uninterrupted power in sunny areas.
However, note that this opener requires a pair of 12V DC batteries, which are not included.
WHAT WE LIKED
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE
3. Wandisy Sliding Gate Opener
QUICK SUMMARY
If you want a pocket-friendly sliding gate opener, then this model from Wandisy is a good option. It’s not dirt cheap, but it’s way more affordable than our previous picks.
Although not too expensive, the Wandisy gate opener offers a good range of gate adjustments. For example, you may adjust the timings of the gate auto-closure and regulate the motor’s thrust for faster or slower opening.
Safety features are also nice – this gate has infrared anti-pinch, overheating shutoff, and IP44 waterproofing.
Power-wise, the Wandisy gate opener is different from our other picks too. It relies on 220V current, which probably isn’t readily available in most US households. The opener also doesn’t have battery backup, though it has a manual clutch to allow you to operate the gate when the power is out.
WHAT WE LIKED
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE
4. Ghost Controls DTP1 Auto Swing Gate Opener
QUICK SUMMARY
This absolute unit of a gate opener is an excellent option for huge gates. Supporting up to 20 feet long gates weighing up to 1,000 pounds, this auto gate opener can probably satisfy the needs of the vast majority of homeowners.
Aside from its toughness, what we also like about the DTP1 auto swing gate opener is the variety of opening methods. Although this particular set includes just a single remote, Ghost Controls offers a good range of compatible keypads, vehicle sensors, and additional remotes for this gate opener.
The included remote is rather interesting by itself too. It is advertised to operate at up to 1,000 feet and supports Ghost Controls’ Partymode feature. In Partymode, the gate is kept open as long as you need so that other members of your party can enter your property even if auto-closing is on.
DTP1 is also compatible with Ghost Controls smart gate control devices that allow you to hook the gate opener to Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
In terms of power, DTP1 operates on a 12V battery (one battery included) that is charged via an AC transformer (also included). There’s also a solar variant available, but it requires an additional 12V battery (so two batteries in total).
Safety is nice in DTP1 as well – thanks to SafeForce technology, this gate opener automatically limits the force exerted onto the gate to prevent injury in people and animals. With the advanced adjustments, you may also set up auto close, gate alarm, or swing range settings.
Notably, Ghost Controls also provides a lifetime warranty on the motor assembly, which is a good sign of durability and longevity.
All this beauty costs quite a lot, however – Ghost Controls DTP1 is one of the most expensive models on our top. With that said, its features make it worth the money for those who truly need something like DTP1.
WHAT WE LIKED
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE
5. Mighty Mule MM260 Single Swing Gate Opener
QUICK SUMMARY
If you don’t need 1k+ pounds of weight capacity, then an automatic gate opener like the MM260 from Mighty Mule might be a good option. It’s also rather inexpensive, so it’s a good option for those whose budget is limited.
Now, keep in mind that this gate is intended for light-duty use. It won’t take more than 300 pounds, and it also probably isn’t durable enough for very frequent gate openings. Once or twice a day should be fine for it, but if you want more, look for something more durable.
This particular gate opener set is intended for single gates, but there also is a dual variant available. When it comes to controls, the Mighty Mule gate opener includes a simple single-button remote. For power, Mighty Mule also includes an AC transformer for battery charging.
Speaking of battery, the Mighty Mule gate opener requires an automotive 12V battery with at least 250 cold-cranking amps. If you don’t already have one, then this auto gate opener may turn out more costly to set up than its price implies.
WHAT WE LIKED
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE
6. ALEKO AC1400ACC Sliding Gate Opener
QUICK SUMMARY
If you want a heavy-duty sliding-style gate opener, then ALEKO’s AC1400ACC may be the best option for you. This thing is designed to work with up to 40 feet gates weighing up to 1,400 pounds!
For safety, AC1400ACC also automatically stops upon contact with obstructions, so it should keep you and your property secure. For emergency purposes, it has a manual key release button too.
When it comes to controls, ALEKO includes a single remote with this gate opener, and you can purchase more if you want. Additionally, ALEKO offers wireless keypads and a bunch of other accessories for this gate opener.
As a power source, AC1400ACC relies on household 110-120V AC current. ALEKO also offers batteries in their shop for backup power, but you’ll have to buy them separately.
Keep in mind that this opener is chain-operated and includes only 20 feet of chain. So out of the box, it will only work with up to 20 feet gate openers. You can buy extensions for up to 40 feet gates, but this will add to the already high costs of this opener.
WHAT WE LIKED
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE
7. SPECSTAR Sliding Gate Opener
QUICK SUMMARY
The SPECSTAR sliding gate opener is similar to ALEKO AC1400ACC spec-wise – most importantly, it’s rated at the same weight and again works with up to 40 feet gates. However, this gate opener is much cheaper than the ALEKO model!
Now, if we were to guess, the SPECSTAR gate opener won’t be as long-living as AC1400ACC, especially with heavy use. But if you aren’t going to open or close your gate too often, then it should work fine for years of use.
In terms of controls and power, the SPECTSAR opener is similar to AC1400ACC out of the box – it again works from 110V AC current and includes a remote plus a manual release key. However, you are actually getting two remotes and release keys, so more people can use this thing without additional accessories.
With that being said, what you may need and should buy for this gate opener is the auto-stopping infrared safety sensor. You aren’t getting one out of the box, and it’s a must if you want to keep yourself and others safe.
WHAT WE LIKED
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE
8. CO-Z Automatic Sliding Gate Opener
QUICK SUMMARY
The CO-Z automatic sliding gate opener is a nice alternative to the SPECSTAR opener at the same price point. The two gate openers have similar features, but there are a few small details that may matter to you.
First up, the CO-Z opener has a weaker 280W motor (the SPECSTAR unit had 370W). In theory, this implies that the CO-Z sliding gate opener won’t be able to open your gate as quickly.
The second difference lies in opening methods. CO-Z only includes 2 remote controls, while SPECSTAR also included manual release keys. Not only that, but SPECSTAR remotes work at up to 150 feet, while CO-Z have a 50 feet shorter connection range.
However, one big advantage that the CO-Z opener has is CE certification – this may matter a lot for those who are worried about safety. Additionally, this opener is more popular than the SPECSTAR model, so there’s more information and buyer feedback that you can find about it.
But keep in mind that like the SPECSTAR opener, this gate opener comes with no auto-stop devices. You will have to buy one separately.
WHAT WE LIKED
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE
9. G.T.Master GT1300 Automatic Sliding Gate Opener
QUICK SUMMARY
The GT1300 automatic opener is yet another pocket-friendly option for sliding gates, but it’s more functional than the SPECSTAR and CO-Z openers. Most importantly, this is thanks to the included infrared auto-stop sensor – you won’t have to purchase one separately!
Additionally, the GT1300 sliding gate opener has soft start & stop, so it may be heavier-duty than the previous openers. It will be safe too thanks to its smoother operation.
But in terms of specs, the GT1300 sliding gate opener looks inferior to SPECSTAR and CO-Z gate openers. It “only” works with up to 27 feet gates that weight no more than 1,300 pounds. Although the numbers are lower on paper, in practice, this won’t matter since GT1300 isn’t the best choice for such large & heavy gates anyway.
Control-wise, GT1300 comes with a pair of remotes & manual release keys. Its 280W motor operates on 110V current as well, so you can’t pair it with DC solar panels or batteries without an inverter.
WHAT WE LIKED
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE
10. Mighty Mule MM271 Automatic Swing Gate Opener
QUICK SUMMARY
Finally, we have the Mighty Mule MM271, which is a slightly upgraded version of MM260 we reviewed earlier. The specs, features, and installation are basically the same – what differs is the design and the included remote control.
The remote control is the more advanced 3-button MMT103 remote. This remote allows for more convenient operation of multiple Mighty Mule devices, such as other gate openers or auto garage openers.
The design of the MM271 opener is a little different as well – it seems a little tougher and more dependable, although it works with the same kind of gates as MM260.
Other than these differences, the two Mighty Mule gate openers are identical. They have the same power requirements, are UL325-listed, and deliver roughly the same performance. With that said, MM271 is a little pricier than MM260, so MM260 remains a good option to consider despite MM271’s advantages.
WHAT WE LIKED
WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE
What To Look For When Shopping For The Best Automatic Gate Opener
To help you better understand our top picks and hopefully also help you with choosing the best gate opener for your needs, let’s talk about key things to consider in an auto gate opener.
Final Words
Know that your gate is the frontline of your home security system, so be sure to get yourself a good electric gate opener.
The “good” will vary from homeowner and homeowner, but if you follow our tips & recommendations, you should be pretty safe. Make sure to thoroughly inspect the desired gate opener’s manual and spec sheet to know what you are dealing with.
Gather as much info as you can, don’t forget about your needs, and finding the best automatic gate opener for your home should be no big challenge!
