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CNET reviewer Tyler Lacoma tested Chamberlain’s $379 Premier Smart Garage Door Opener with MyQ, an all-in-one system that combines a garage door opener, camera and bright LED lights. The review reports quieter door operation and extensive app controls, while noting that installation involves replacing hardware and some camera features require a subscription.
CNET reviewer Tyler Lacoma tested Chamberlain’s $379 Premier Smart Garage Door Opener with MyQ, a system that combines a garage door motor and app controls with a security camera and bright LED lights. The review describes quieter door movement and remote monitoring, but says the upgrade requires replacing key garage hardware and that advanced camera features require a subscription.
The opener lets users operate the door through the MyQ app, wall controller, remotes or outdoor keypad. According to Lacoma’s review, the app can send alerts when the door opens or closes, control it remotely, and set timers to close it after a chosen interval. Users can also schedule opening and closing times. The system works with HomeLink, though compatibility depends on the vehicle and setup.
The review says the MyQ app also supports one-time access for Amazon Key-In deliveries, which can allow a delivery person to place a shipment in the garage. Lacoma did not test that feature because no Amazon deliveries arrived during the review period, so the article does not establish how it performed in practice.
Lacoma tested a model with two LED lights rated at 2,000 lumens and said they lit the garage without relying on existing overhead lights. Motion detection and the time the lights remain on can be adjusted; the reviewer says brightness cannot. The product line includes versions with one or two lights, according to the supplied review.
A Garage Upgrade With Security Trade-Offs
Combining door control, camera monitoring and lighting in one system could appeal to homeowners who want to check whether a garage is shut or monitor a vehicle and entry points. Remote alerts and automatic closing timers address common practical concerns, while the brighter lights may reduce reliance on separate overhead fixtures.
The same combination also brings trade-offs. Some users may not want a camera in the garage, and the review says advanced camera functions require a subscription. The system is also a substantial hardware replacement, rather than a small add-on to an existing opener. Buyers therefore need to weigh the convenience and monitoring features against the installation work and any ongoing service costs.
Replacing the Opener Hardware
The review characterizes the product as a major upgrade to the garage door system. The garage door itself can remain, but the motor, at least part of the rail, aligned sensors and wired controller need replacement. Lacoma recommends professional installation, although the article says a do-it-yourself installation is technically possible.
In Lacoma’s installation, a local installer found that the supplied rail was too short for the garage and replaced it with a compatible one. After installation, the reviewer reported that the new motor and rail made the door move more quietly and smoothly than the old setup, which had undergone years of repairs. The review describes the test motor as 1¼ horsepower; its product summary separately lists 1.4 HP, so the supplied material gives differing power figures.
““far quieter and more fluid””
— Tyler Lacoma, CNET reviewer
Camera Costs and Compatibility
The supplied review does not state the subscription price or specify which AI camera features are included without a subscription. It also does not provide detailed camera performance results, such as detection accuracy, or explain how long recordings are stored.
Compatibility details remain limited. The review says the system works with HomeLink and can connect to compatible car dashboards, but it does not list supported vehicles. The Amazon Key-In delivery feature was not tested, and the source material does not include results for the article’s camera controls or motion-zone settings. It also presents two different motor power ratings: 1¼ horsepower in the installation account and 1.4 HP in the product summary.
Further Testing of Delivery Access
Lacoma said he would try the Amazon Key-In delivery feature when an eligible delivery becomes available and report on the result. The supplied material gives no date for that follow-up. Readers considering the system can also check their vehicle’s HomeLink compatibility, confirm the right rail length and model for their garage, and ask the installer about subscription costs and camera options before purchase.
Key Questions
How much does the tested Chamberlain opener cost?
The review lists the Premier Smart Garage Door Opener at $379 and says Chamberlain offers several similar models. The supplied material does not give prices for each version.
Does installing it require replacing the garage door?
No. According to the review, the garage door itself remains unchanged, while the motor, at least part of the rail, aligned sensor and wired controller need replacement.
Can the opener be controlled remotely?
Yes. Lacoma says the MyQ app allows remote door control and can send opening and closing alerts. Users can also set timers and schedules.
Were Amazon Key-In deliveries tested?
No. Lacoma said no Amazon deliveries arrived during testing, so the delivery access feature was not evaluated in the review.
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