Table of Contents
Having an automatic garage door opener isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. In bad weather or if you have lots to carry into your home, you need to be able to pull into your garage without having to get out of the car. Today, we will look at the LiftMaster 8500 vs 8550.
We will cover their size, functions, compatibility, and value for money. We will go into the differences and similarities and put them in a comparison chart for a quick view. We will finish off with some pros and cons of the two LiftMaster garage door openers before the final verdict. Let’s start with what the LiftMaster 8500 and the LiftMaster 8550 have in common.
LiftMaster 8500 vs 8550 – Similarities
Mounting
Both of these are wall-mounted rather than ceiling mounted. This saves ceiling space. It is recommended that a professional installs either one, as you are dealing with heavy garage doors and important mechanisms.
Features
The LiftMaster 8500 and LiftMaster 8550 come with audio and visual warnings. This makes both of them suitable for people who are hard of hearing or visually impaired. It’s also a nice little extra to have for those with children.
There is a motion detector light installed in both the Liftmaster. This will prevent you from tripping or knocking into things when the garage is dark. As soon as you enter the garage, the light will come on. This is both convenient and safe.
There is a light projector-beam that goes across the door with the LiftMaster 8500 and Liftmaster 8550. If the light beam is broken or interrupted, the door will stop closing.
Noise
Some may not find this important, but if your garage is next to the living room or the bedroom, this feature might be a top priority. Both of these garage door openers are ultra-quiet and eliminate sounds and vibrations.
Title
LiftMaster 8500 Wall Mount Garage Door Opener Package
Our Pick
LiftMaster 8550W Belt Drive Garage Door Opener Elite Series DC Battery Backup Without Belt/Rail Assembly
Image
Weight
28lbs
22.1lbs
Maximum Weight Capacity
650lbs
650lbs
Voltage
240v
120v
Mount
Wall-mounted
Wall-mounted
Power
P3 motors
1.07HP
Security/Control
Security 2.0, MyQ compatible
Security 2+, Built-in Wi-Fi for MyQ
Noise
Ultra-quiet
Ultra-quiet
Compatibility
Front mount torsion bar system
All LiftMaster garage door openers made after 01/93
Audio/Visual Warnings
Motion Detector Light
Projector Light beam
Warranty
5 years
5 years
Prime Status
-
-
Title
LiftMaster 8500 Wall Mount Garage Door Opener Package
Image
Weight
28lbs
Maximum Weight Capacity
650lbs
Voltage
240v
Mount
Wall-mounted
Power
P3 motors
Security/Control
Security 2.0, MyQ compatible
Noise
Ultra-quiet
Compatibility
Front mount torsion bar system
Audio/Visual Warnings
Motion Detector Light
Projector Light beam
Warranty
5 years
Prime Status
-
Price
Our Pick
Title
LiftMaster 8550W Belt Drive Garage Door Opener Elite Series DC Battery Backup Without Belt/Rail Assembly
Image
Weight
22.1lbs
Maximum Weight Capacity
650lbs
Voltage
120v
Mount
Wall-mounted
Power
1.07HP
Security/Control
Security 2+, Built-in Wi-Fi for MyQ
Noise
Ultra-quiet
Compatibility
All LiftMaster garage door openers made after 01/93
Audio/Visual Warnings
Motion Detector Light
Projector Light beam
Warranty
5 years
Prime Status
-
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Video Comparison
Now let’s take a closer look at the differences between LiftMaster 8500 and LiftMaster 8550.
Differences Between LiftMaster 8500 and LiftMaster 8550
LiftMaster 8500 vs 8550 – Appearance
It’s difficult to describe the average garage door opener. They come in all shapes and sizes and the design will often depend on the style of the door.
Liftmaster 8500
It’s a sleek black and burgundy opener. The product dimensions are 24 x 10 x 12 inches. It weighs 28 pounds.
Liftmaster 8550
It’s white with a burgundy strip around the middle. It weighs 22.1 pounds but the dimensions are not specified.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Read next: LiftMaster 3900 vs 8500: Which Garage Door Opener is Better?
LiftMaster 8500 vs 8550- Power
A garage door opener is going to need sufficient power to lift a large amount of weight. It is recommended that garage door openers have a minimum horsepower of 1/2HP.
Liftmaster 8500
This LiftMaster comes with p3 motors. These motors are specially designed to open and close garage doors. It has a maximum weight capacity of 650 pounds.
Liftmaster 8550
The LiftMaster 8550 has 1.07 horsepower, so well above the recommendations. The great thing is that it also has a battery backup. If for any reason your home is out of power, you will still be able to get into your garage.
The Winner Is- Liftmaster 8550
Read next: LiftMaster 3800 vs 8500: Which Garage Door Opener is Better?
LiftMaster 8500 vs 8550 – Security and Controls
Logically, your garage door opener must be safe and only permit entrance to those you decide. You also need to make sure that the controls work quickly and smoothly, rather than having to spend 5 minutes waving it in the air trying to get the right angle.
Liftmaster 8500
It comes with Security 2.0. This means each time you click the control, a new code is sent allowing only you to open the door. It has a MyQ. This means there is the option to open, close, and monitor the garage door from your mobile but you will need to buy an extra Internet Gateway or MyQ Home Bridge.
Liftmaster 8550
The security feature is the same; it will send new codes with each click. It comes with Security 2+, we aren’t sure if it’s the same as the 2.0 or a newer version. On the other hand, this has a built-in Internet gateway so you can control the garage door via the MyQ app without having to buy extra equipment.
The Winner Is- Liftmaster 8550
Read next: Liftmaster 8355 vs 8550: Which Garage Door Opener is Better?
LiftMaster 8500 vs 8550 – Compatibility
It is important that you check carefully the current door opener you have and whether it is compatible with the LiftMaster models.
Liftmaster 8500
This is compatible with doors with a front mount torsion bar system. It can’t be used with roll-up doors, low headroom track doors, and Wayne Dalton torque master doors.
Liftmaster 8550
It is compatible with all other LiftMaster door openers made after January 1993.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Value for Money
The main difference between the prices depends on whether you have a chain-drive opener, which can cost around $150, or a belt-driven opener. Belt-driven openers have an average cost of around $300.
Liftmaster 8500
It’s a belt-driven opener and sits quietly a bit over the average price. It comes with a 5-year warranty.
Liftmaster 8550
Again, it’s also belt-driven but is cheaper than the LiftMaster 8500 and much closer to the average price. It also has a 5-year warranty.
The Winner Is- Liftmaster 8550
Pros and Cons
Now we will look at a few of the pros and cons of these LiftMaster garage door openers.
Liftmaster 8500
Pros:
- It has auto-locking when the door is closed
- Looks great, nice and compact design
- The movement is smooth and there is hardly any noise
Cons:
- It’s a shame that for the price, you have to buy an Internet gateway
Liftmaster 8550
Pros:
- It’s whisper-quiet
- Can be set up with Google Home for voice activation
- Slows down slightly towards the end so the door doesn’t bang
Cons:
- It may not have the longest lifespan
The Final Verdict
There is a clear winner for us. The Liftmaster 8550 outshines LiftMaster 8500 in a couple of ways. First of all, we loved the battery back up; this is a really useful feature. It is also good that it comes with everything you need to set it straight up with your Wi-Fi. It has excellent power and many of the great features the LiftMaster 8500 has but for a better price.
Last update on 2023-02-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Related posts:
- Liftmaster 8355 vs 8550: Which Garage Door Opener is Better?
- LiftMaster 3800 vs 8500: Which Garage Door Opener is Better?
- Chamberlain B730 vs B750: Which Garage Door Opener is Better?
- Chamberlain B980 vs B970: Which Garage Door Opener is Better?
FAQs
How many hp is LiftMaster 8550? ›
ListMaster 8550W 3/4 HP Belt Drive With MyQ New Garage Door Opener. The first Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener makes control from your smartphone reassuring and simple. The 8550W comes fully equipped with Security+ 2.0®, MyQ® Technology, Battery Backup and the Timer-to-Close feature.
Is the LiftMaster 8550wlb discontinued? ›THE 8550 HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED AND REPLACED WITH THE LIFTMASTER 8500.
What size door will a LiftMaster 8500 lift? ›The 8500 is compatible with sectional garage doors that have a front mount torsion spring with 1” shaft. The 8500 will handle a door up to 180 square feet in size 14' tall and up to 650LB maximum weight.
What is the most reliable garage door opener? ›- LiftMaster 8500W : Best Overall.
- Genie Stealth 500 Essentials : Quietest.
- Skylink Atoms ATR-1611C : Best Value.
- Chamberlain B4643T : Best Opener with Integrated Camera.
- Chamberlain myQ Smart Garage Control : Best Upgrade Tool for Existing Openers.
The Lifespan of Garage Door Openers
We see LiftMasters last between 15 – 20 years. However, that's in excellent conditions. Anything less than excellent conditions can reduce the lifespan to 8 – 12 years. However, beyond just brand, you also have to consider which type of opener will give you the best life expectancy.
THE DIRECT REPLACEMENT IS THE LIFTMASTER 8500. Complete garage door opener kit includes: Deluxe Smart Wall Console with motion sensor and timer to close feature.
Does LiftMaster 8550 have Wi-Fi? ›Features belt drive system and DC motor for quiet operation. Built-in Wi-Fi® allows for smartphone control with the myQ® app.
How much weight can a LiftMaster 8500 Lift? ›The 8500 is the base model for residential Jackshaft/Wall-Mount garage doors made by LiftMaster. The 8500 uses a quiet DC motor that is rated to lift a door up to 650 pounds with sizes up to 14 feet tall by 18 feet wide.
What horsepower is the LiftMaster 8550wlb? ›Lifetime Warranty 3/4 HP DC Motor.
Which is better LiftMaster or Chamberlain? ›While LiftMaster door openers tend to be aimed at the professional market or people with large garages, Chamberlin openers are better suited to you if you're interested in DIY or have a small garage.
Does the LiftMaster 8500w come with a light? ›
Includes myQ Remote LED Light featuring 1,500 lumens. Automatic Garage Door Lock deadbolts your door after closing. Works with Amazon Key: Enables convenient and secure In-Garage Delivery.
What is the motor warranty on a LiftMaster 8500? ›The LiftMaster 8500 opener comes with a lifetime motor warranty, 5-year parts warranty, 1-year battery backup warranty (sold separately).
Does LiftMaster 8500 have a battery? ›These batteries meet or exceed the original manufacturer's specifications. The Lift Master Model 8500 replacement battery pack is covered by our industry leading 1 year replacement warranty.
How much horsepower do I need to lift a 2 car garage door? ›Ratings ranging from 1/2 horsepower to 1-1/2 horsepower are typical for residential models. If you have a sectional double-car garage door, a 1/2-horsepower motor should be sufficient, but a higher-power model will operate with less effort and less wear and tear on the motor.
Which garage door opener lasts the longest? ›A chain drive garage door opener uses a chain to move the door open and closed. It's suitable for most garage doors. Chain drive has been around for many years and will last a long time with routine maintenance. Chain drive openers are typically available at an opening price point.
Which company makes the best garage door? ›- Clopay.
- Amarr.
- Wayne Dalton.
- CHI.
- Martin.
- Northwest.
Most experts consider belt drive systems to be superior, and there are many quality products in this line. A belt drive garage door opener uses a rubber belt instead of a metal chain to open the garage door. Because of this, the system is much quieter than a chain drive system.
What does Lowes charge to install a garage door opener? ›Lowe's charges between $199 and $599 (CAD 270 and CAD 800) to fit both a new garage door and the opener. This figure is for labor fees only; the door would cost extra. Fitting an opener to an existing door is less expensive than having a new door installed.
What is the average time to install a garage door opener? ›It typically takes about four to six hours to install a garage door opener. However, the time can vary whether you're installing a garage door opener in a garage that doesn't have one or if you're replacing an existing unit.
Is Chamberlain and LiftMaster the same? ›About Chamberlain Group (CGI)
CGI is a global leader in access solutions and products. As the corporate parent company to LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Merlin and Grifco, we design and engineer residential garage door openers, commercial door operators and gate entry systems.
Why is my LiftMaster so loud? ›
Noisy garage doors are usually caused by worn rollers, loose hardware, parts that need lubrication or an opener in need of anti-vibration pads—all simple fixes.
Who owns LiftMaster? ›Chamberlain Group (CGI), the corporate parent company to LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Merlin, and Grifco, designs and engineers residential garage door openers, commercial door operators, and gate entry systems.
Does the LiftMaster 8550 come with keypad? ›The Liftmaster Professional Series Model 8550 comes with a digitial wireless keypad. Simply type your 4 digit code to open this quiet garage door opener, and only have to press the Enter button to close it!. The Liftmaster Professional Series Model 8550 comes with a built in battery backup incase of power failure.
What is the warranty on a LiftMaster 8550wlb? ›Warranty*: Lifetime on motor and belt. * Other parts of the opener are guaranteed for five years (accessories are not covered by this warranty). * Integrated battery backup, remote and control panel are guaranteed for one year.
Is LiftMaster 8550 compatible with myQ? ›The LiftMaster 8550 MyQ Internet Gateway and iPhone App. myQ Internet Gateway will let you rule the world, or at least your door, from almost anywhere!
What remotes work with LiftMaster 8500? ›...
The location of the learn button
- Press and release the learn button twice. ...
- Press the button on the remote control that you want to operate the door.
Frequency: - Remote Control: 315 MHZ / 390 MHZ Dual Band.
How much current does a LiftMaster 8500w draw? ›A: According to the manual on page 4, it operates at 1.0 amp, 120 volts.
What is the best horsepower for a garage door opener? ›If you have a single door, commonly 9 x 7 ft. (2.7 x 2.1 m), then a ½ HP or 500 N motor will be sufficient. If you have a double garage door, 16 x 7 ft. (4.9 x 2.1 m), or a solid wood garage door, then a ¾ HP or 700 N motor is recommended.
Can a LiftMaster garage door opener be hacked? ›No matter what type of garage door opener or remote control you have, there is the potential for it to be hacked. You can, however, reduce your chances of a break-in by: Keeping your remote with you at all times, such as on your keychain, instead of inside your car.
How much can a 1/2 horsepower garage door opener lift? ›
A half of horsepower can lift roughly around 300 pounds. This is the average load of a two-vehicle steel door, and a one horsepower door opener can, without much of a stretch, lift roughly 400 pounds.
What is the most popular garage door? ›The roll-up style of garage door may be most common and the most popular. In this style of garage door, a series of panels roll up and down along a track. Roll up garage doors can mimic historic styles yet offer the convenience of a modern garage door.
Which garage door is extremely durable and the most economical? ›Steel garage doors are excellent for homeowners who need a durable installation. These garage doors are low-maintenance and economical, and you can often select from various colors. Most installations let you incorporate insulation to enhance R-value. Properly maintained steel doors won't dent or rust.
How many horsepower is LiftMaster 8500W? ›The 1/2-horsepower motor lifts doors of all sizes, even tall doors that other openers can't lift, as long as they have torsion springs. The LiftMaster 8500W is extremely expensive, costing around $500, which is almost twice as much as our pick for the best garage door opener, the Chamberlain B970.
How do I connect my LiftMaster 8500 to Wi-Fi? ›...
- Access the internet on your SmartPhone, tablet or laptop.
- Enter 'setup.myqdevice.com'
- Follow the On-Screen prompts.
- Be sure to write down the MyQ Serial Number.
Beeping is a good sign that you need a LiftMaster battery replacement. To confirm your need for a LiftMaster backup battery replacement, check the battery status LED light on the opener — the 8550's battery indicator is located on the wall button, while the 8500 has an external battery.
Do LiftMaster remotes wear out? ›Opener remotes typically last 10 to 15 years, so you should replace yours if it's getting old or worn out. Also, consider technological advancements in safety — upgrading your remote could improve your home's security. Your remote might need replacing if it's any of the following: Broken.
How often do you need to replace garage door motor? ›The average garage door opener's lifespan is between 10-15 years. An opener can last for more or less time, depending on how you take care of it. Most people use their garage doors thousands of times per year.
How long should a garage motor last? ›Typically, electric garage door openers have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. This is, of course, provided that there isn't some change in the regulations or major technological upgrade that comes along.
How long is the power cord on a LiftMaster 8500w? ›The 8500 will handle a door up to 180 square feet in size 14' tall and up to 650LB maximum weight. Includes a 6 foot grounded power cord.
Which is better 1/2 hp or 3/4 hp garage door opener? ›
Different Levels of Garage Door Opener Horsepower
If you have a double-car garage door, 1/2 HP will work. Models with more power, like 3/4 HP, are perfect for larger doors. The general rule of thumb for large doors is that the higher the HP, the lower the strain on the door when opening and closing over time.
A garage door opener for an oversized garage door or a heavier garage door will need a higher-horsepower garage door opener. You may be able to use an opener with a lower horsepower for these kinds of doors, but it will put a greater strain on the system and your opener will not last as long.
How tall does a garage need to be for a 2 post lift? ›If you want to install a typical 2-post or 4-post lift in your garage, you need a ceiling that's higher than 11 feet. While you can get a 2- or 4-post lift that works with a lower ceiling, almost all these lifts are not ANSI certified.
What is the difference between LiftMaster 8500 and 8500W? ›The 8500 is a good quality opener with upgrades available, requiring additional parts at additional costs. The 8500W is rated for heavier doors and has all of the modern features built in with no additional out of pocket expenses.
What is the difference between a Chamberlain and LiftMaster garage door opener? ›Chamberlain's openers are high quality, but with a simpler design aimed at do-it-yourselfers. Liftmaster's openers are professional grade, meant for operations that need more power (such as a garage door taller than 7 foot).
Which garage door opener is better belt or chain? ›Most experts consider belt drive systems to be superior, and there are many quality products in this line. A belt drive garage door opener uses a rubber belt instead of a metal chain to open the garage door. Because of this, the system is much quieter than a chain drive system.
How much should a new garage door opener cost installed? ›Garage Door Opener Costs
If you have a pro install a garage door opener, expect to pay between $220 and $550. The opener itself will typically run between $150 and $500 with another $65 to $85 an hour for labor, which can run between two to six hours.
About Chamberlain Group (CGI)
As the corporate parent company to LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Merlin and Grifco, we design and engineer residential garage door openers, commercial door operators and gate entry systems.
Built-in Wi-Fi® allows for smartphone control with the myQ® app. Battery Backup allows you to open/close your door even when the power is out. Includes myQ Remote LED Light featuring 1,500 lumens. Automatic Garage Door Lock deadbolts your door after closing.