Universal garage door opener remotes provide a convenient way to control multiple garage door openers (even from different brands) with a single device. Below we compare some of the top models available from major brands like Chamberlain and Genie, as well as highly rated third-party options. Key features such as compatibility, number of doors supported, battery type, programming ease, range, security features, current prices, pros/cons, and purchase availability are outlined for each. A comparison table is also provided for quick reference.
Chamberlain Clicker Universal Remote (Model KLIK5U)
Chamberlain’s “Clicker” Universal Remote is one of the most popular and reliable options on the market. It is a 2-button remote capable of controlling two garage doors (or a door and a gate) independently. Chamberlain claims it works with over 90% of all garage door openers in North America, including major brands such as Chamberlain, LiftMaster, Craftsman (Sears), Genie, Linear, Stanley and more.
In practice, it is compatible with most units made since 1993 that have safety sensors, supporting a wide range of frequencies and coding systems (it recognizes Security+ 390 MHz & 315 MHz, Security+ 2.0 (yellow learn button), “Billion Code” green learn button, Genie Intellicode 315/390 MHz, Linear MegaCode 318 MHz, Stanley SecureCode 310 MHz, etc.). This broad compatibility makes the Clicker a top choice for households with different opener brands.
Programming & Use: Setup is straightforward – you press the learn button on your opener and the corresponding button on the Clicker remote to pair. Users report the programming is fast and easy; an instruction manual is included and no tools or dip-switch adjustments are needed. Each button is programmed separately, so you can mix brands (e.g. one button for a Genie opener and the other for a LiftMaster). The remote comes with a visor clip for convenience, and it uses a 3V CR2032 lithium coin-cell battery (included) for long life.
Range: The Clicker offers excellent range – up to 800 feet according to Chamberlain’s specifications. In real-world use, you can typically activate your door from well down the driveway before reaching the garage. This long range provides “immediate access,” meaning you won’t have to wait at the door for the remote to respond.
Security: The Chamberlain universal remote employs modern rolling-code security. It is compatible with Chamberlain’s Security+ and Security+ 2.0 systems, which use encrypted rotating codes to thwart code grabbing. It likewise works with Genie’s Intellicode and other rolling code systems, ensuring that each button press sends a unique code. This means the remote is highly secure – only your opener will respond, and would-be intruders cannot easily clone the signal.
Pricing & Availability: The Chamberlain Clicker (model KLIK5U) typically costs around $25–$35 (its MSRP is about $41.99, but it often sells for ~$30). It’s widely available at major retailers – you can find it on Amazon, at Home Depot (usually in the $30–$40 range), Lowe’s, Walmart, and other hardware stores. Given Chamberlain’s brand recognition and the remote’s broad compatibility, it has very high sales and extensive customer feedback (often 4+ star average reviews).
Pros reported by users include its ease of setup and reliable performance. Some cons noted are that it only supports two doors (which is plenty for most, but those with three+ doors might need additional remotes) and occasional compatibility hiccups with very old or very new proprietary systems. Overall, the Clicker is praised as a versatile, easy-to-use universal remote that “just works” in the vast majority of cases.
Genie Universal Garage Door Opener Remote (Model ACSCTG-UNIV2)
The Genie Universal 2-Button Remote has a compact “tombstone” design and can control two different garage door openers, even from different brands.
Genie’s Universal Remote is another top contender, particularly if you need cross-brand compatibility. This 2-button remote (Genie model ACSCTG-UNIV2) can control up to two garage door openers or gate operators. What sets it apart is Genie’s claim of truly universal support across all major rolling-code systems. In addition to Genie’s own Intellicode openers, this remote works with Chamberlain and LiftMaster units (including Security+ coded models), Overhead Door openers (Genie’s sister brand), Sommer openers, Wayne Dalton rolling code openers, Linear MegaCode, Craftsman, and more.
In short, if your opener uses a rolling code system and was sold in the U.S. from the mid-90s onward, the Genie universal remote will likely be compatible. (One caveat: it does not support older openers that use DIP-switch fixed codes, as it is “rolling code only”. Owners of very old openers without rolling-code tech would need an external receiver upgrade or a different remote solution.)
Specifications: The Genie Universal remote is small and lightweight, making it easy to carry or clip to a visor. It uses a single CR2032 coin-cell battery (accessible by removing one screw), and the battery is included in the package. Each of the two buttons can be programmed to a different opener – even different brands – so you could control (for example) a Genie door at one property and a Chamberlain door at another with one remote.
Genie provides clear step-by-step programming instructions (and even video tutorials online), so while programming involves a few steps (using the opener’s learn button and the remote’s program button), users generally find it easy to program with a bit of patience. The remote features Genie’s auto-seek dual frequency, meaning it will use 315 MHz or 390 MHz as needed for best performance with the paired opener.
Performance: In day-to-day use, the Genie universal remote is very reliable. Its signal range is good, though some users note it might have a slightly shorter range than the original remotes that come with certain openers. In practice, you may need to be a bit closer to the door (within maybe 100 feet) for consistent operation – a minor trade-off for the flexibility of a universal unit. The remote’s buttons are responsive and have LED indication for feedback during programming.
Security: Like Genie’s other Intellicode remotes, this universal unit transmits rolling security codes. It will sync with the secure coding of whatever system it’s programmed to (Intellicode, Security+™, etc.), ensuring that each press uses a unique code and unauthorized devices cannot spoof it. Intellicode technology (Genie’s rolling code) is built-in, and the remote can also speak Security+ and other protocols as needed. This keeps your garage secure – an important consideration since Genie highlights that security is “backed by Genie” on this official OEM product.
Pricing & Where to Buy: The Genie 2-Button Universal Remote is similarly priced to the Chamberlain. It typically retails in the $25–$35 range. We found it online for about $28 at Walmart and around $30 on Amazon (often listed with a “typical price” of ~$34, but actual sale price may be lower). It’s also sold through home improvement stores (you can find it at Lowe’s and Home Depot in the garage opener accessories aisle) and through Genie’s own website or authorized dealers. As an official Genie product, it comes with Genie’s customer support and usually a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros and Cons: Users appreciate that this Genie remote is versatile with different brands and saves them from juggling multiple remotes. It’s compact and the two buttons are sufficient for most families. Being an OEM product, it’s considered high quality and durable. On the downside, as mentioned, the range might be a touch less than some factory remotes (you might have to pull a bit closer to your door).
Another limitation is for those with very old openers (pre-1995): this remote won’t work on those without Intellicode/rolling-code security. In those cases, Genie offers a separate retro-fit kit (receiver + remote) to modernize an old unit. For the vast majority of modern garage openers, however, the Genie universal remote is an excellent, highly-rated choice – reviews show strong user satisfaction (often 4.5★ on retailer sites). It provides peace of mind that no matter which opener brand you have now or might install in the future, this remote can likely be programmed to operate it.
Garage Stop Universal Garage Door Opener Remote
The Garage Stop Universal Remote is a popular third-party option that offers broad compatibility at a budget price. It’s a visor-style remote, usually sold in packs (often a 2-pack) for under $25, making it very economical per door. Each Garage Stop remote has a single large button, meaning one door per remote (but with two in a package, you can cover two doors, or keep a spare).
This unit is designed to work with a wide range of brands: it supports most Chamberlain, LiftMaster, Craftsman openers made since the early 1990s (those with learn buttons of various colors), as well as Genie/Overhead Door Intellicode models, Linear MegaCode models, and more. However, it does have a few notable exceptions. The Garage Stop remote will not work with certain less-common systems like Allstar/Allister, Marantec, or Hörmann openers, and it cannot interface with LiftMaster’s newest Security+ 2.0 (MyQ) openers. Essentially, it covers the standard North American openers but not the proprietary encrypted MyQ technology or some European-made openers.
Programming: One of the selling points of the Garage Stop remote is its ease of programming. It uses a straightforward learning process: you’ll need to access the garage opener unit, press its learn button, then press the remote’s button to sync – similar to programming an official remote. The manufacturer provides a video tutorial to walk users through the steps, which many find helpful.
In general, setup is reported to be quick and simple for most users, with the caveat that you must follow the compatibility chart (to ensure your opener is one of the supported types). The remote comes with a visor clip and a pre-installed battery (a lithium coin cell, typically a CR2032 or comparable, giving it long battery life).
Performance: The Garage Stop remote has a standard range roughly on par with most OEM remotes – expect it to work from at least a few car lengths away (around 100 feet or more). It may not boast an extreme range like Chamberlain’s 800 ft claim, but in everyday use it opens the door by the time you reach it. Build-wise, this remote is fairly basic: the casing is plastic and the design is utilitarian (nothing flashy).
It’s not as sleek as some other remotes, but it’s durable enough for regular use. A minor critique from some users is the aesthetics – it’s plain-looking (often just a black casing with a gray button) – though that doesn’t affect functionality. The included instructions reportedly have very small print, which can make initial setup a little annoying until you watch the video or enlarge the text.
Security: In terms of security features, the Garage Stop remote will utilize the rolling-code protocol of whatever opener you pair it with (except the ones it can’t do). For example, if you connect it to a Genie Intellicode opener, it transmits Intellicode rolling codes; if you connect to a Chamberlain Security+ opener, it uses the rolling code for that. This means it maintains the secure, hopping code nature of modern systems. However, because it does not support the newest Security+ 2.0/MyQ technology, it cannot be used on those encrypted systems – effectively avoiding that complexity. For all compatible systems, it’s as secure as the original remote would be. It’s also FCC-registered in the USA (meaning it meets transmission regulations).
Price & Availability: One big advantage here is cost. A Garage Stop Universal Remote two-pack can often be found around $18–$20 (on sale, sometimes less than $10 per remote). Even when not on sale, it’s usually cheaper than single official remotes from the big brands. These are commonly sold on Amazon (sometimes under various listings – ensure it’s the Garage Stop brand for the features described) and via some retailers like Sears online or Walmart’s marketplace. Because it’s a third-party product, you won’t typically see it in big-box home improvement stores, but it’s easy to order online.
User Feedback: Overall user ratings are positive – people appreciate the low cost and broad compatibility. Many have successfully used Garage Stop remotes as replacements for lost Chamberlain/Genie remotes and report that they work “as advertised” with minimal fuss. The included programming video is a plus for those who are less technical. Pros include the easy setup, included visor clip, and the convenience of having an extra remote in the pack.
Cons reported have been the previously mentioned instruction font size and the fact that it’s not a universal solution for every brand (if you unknowingly have a MyQ opener or a rare brand, it won’t work). Also, since each remote only has one button, if you have multiple garage doors you’ll need to use multiple remotes (which is why they sell them in multi-packs). In summary, Garage Stop provides great value for standard opener systems, making it a top budget pick for a universal remote.
Solidremote Universal Visor Remote (for Chamberlain/LiftMaster Craftsman)
Solidremote visor-style universal remotes are popular replacements for Chamberlain/LiftMaster/Craftsman systems, offering multiple buttons and broad compatibility within those brands’ frequencies.
For those whose openers are primarily in the Chamberlain/LiftMaster family, the Solidremote visor remote is a highly rated solution. Solidremote is a third-party brand known for making aftermarket replacement remotes. Their universal visor-clip model focuses on compatibility with Chamberlain Group openers – including Chamberlain, LiftMaster, Craftsman, Raynor, AccessMaster, etc. – from 1993 to present.
Essentially, if your opener has a learn button that is green, orange/red, purple, or yellow, the Solidremote will work (these correspond to Chamberlain’s Billion Code, Security+ 390 MHz, Security+ 315 MHz, and Security+ 2.0 systems, respectively). It does not claim to work with Genie or other brand rolling codes; thus its “universal” label is limited to the universe of Chamberlain-made openers. Within that scope, however, it’s very comprehensive – covering the vast majority of Sears Craftsman units and LiftMaster residential openers in use.
Design & Capacity: The Solidremote visor unit typically comes with two or three buttons (depending on model variant). One popular version has 2 buttons, allowing control of 2 doors, while another variant offers 3 buttons (to control up to 3 doors or devices). Each button is independent, so you can program different garage doors or gates to each. The remote itself has a modern rectangular design with a robust plastic housing. It clips onto a sun visor and is relatively compact (approximately 3″ x 1.7″). Users often comment that it feels solid and not fragile despite the low price. The unit comes with a battery pre-installed (a lithium coin cell for long life) and instructions.
Programming: Setting up the Solidremote is quite straightforward. Since it’s made to mimic Chamberlain-style remotes, you program it exactly as you would an original Clicker: press the learn button on the opener, then press the remote button to sync. Some Solidremote models use a small switch or “program” button on the remote to cycle through different code modes (for instance, to switch between Yellow Learn vs Purple Learn mode, etc.), but this is explained in the manual.
One minor complaint is that the instruction sheet uses very small text, which can make the initial programming step a bit frustrating until you decipher it. However, the process itself isn’t hard – many users report that if they can program this, anyone can, often taking only a few seconds to get it working. In fact, the simplicity of programming and installation is a highlighted benefit.
Performance: Within its compatible range, Solidremote performs on par with OEM remotes. Users note the range is good – you can typically trigger your door from a comfortable distance (likely on the order of 100+ feet, similar to original remotes). The signal is strong and reliable; plus, it operates on the same frequencies (315 MHz, 390 MHz) as the originals, automatically handling whichever is needed for your opener.
Solidremote remotes also have a feature seen on LiftMaster’s original 3-button units – a slide-off cover or lock on some models – which prevents accidental button presses, a nice touch if you carry it in a pocket or bag. Build quality is well-regarded given the price point (often around $10 per remote in a multi-pack). Many reviewers are pleasantly surprised by its durability and feel.
Security: The Solidremote supports all the Chamberlain security protocols from the mid-90s onward, including the latest Security+ 2.0® encrypted rolling code used in MyQ-enabled openers. This means it’s just as secure as the branded remotes – it sends a new code with each press and works with the high-security handshakes required by newer openers (it is essentially cloning the code algorithms of Chamberlain’s remotes).
Universal Garage Door Opener RemotesBy covering the “billion code” (an early rolling code format), Security+, and Security+ 2.0 systems, it has you covered across multiple generations of opener tech. However, note that it doesn’t work with openers outside of that ecosystem – so it’s not going to operate a Genie Intellicode opener, for example. In that sense, it’s “universal” only to the subset of brands that share Chamberlain technology.
Price & Availability: Solidremote products are primarily sold online. A common bundle is a 2-pack of visor remotes for roughly $20–$25. This is significantly cheaper per unit than official remotes, making them a cost-effective replacement or addition. You can purchase Solidremote remotes on Amazon (where they are often best-sellers in the garage remote category), as well as through some resellers on eBay or the Solidremote website. They are generally not found in brick-and-mortar stores. With thousands of customer ratings, the Solidremote visor units usually hold around a 4.5★ average, indicating a high level of user satisfaction.
Pros commonly mentioned include the extensive compatibility range within the LiftMaster family and the ease of installation. People also like that the build is sturdy and the remote has good range of operation. Cons are few; the main one (as noted) is that the printed manual could be better (small text), and importantly, this remote is not a true universal across all brands – if you have a Genie or other non-Chamberlain opener, this isn’t the right choice. As long as buyers understand its intended use, the Solidremote is a top-notch remote for Chamberlain-type openers, offering great value and functionality.
Where to Buy and Final Tips
All the remotes discussed are available through major retail channels:
- Amazon: Carries Chamberlain, Genie, and many third-party remotes (Solidremote, Garage Stop, etc.), often with customer reviews and fast shipping.
- Home Depot / Lowe’s: These home improvement stores stock the Chamberlain Clicker and Genie Universal remotes in their garage door opener accessories section (useful if you need one immediately). Prices are competitive (around $30). They may not carry the smaller third-party brands in-store, however.
- Walmart: Sells Chamberlain and Genie remotes, and sometimes third-party ones online. For example, the Genie universal was listed at about $27.98 on Walmart’s site. Availability in physical Walmart stores can vary.
- Sears (Craftsman): Sears’ website and affiliates list some universal remotes like Garage Stop (marketed as replacements for Craftsman openers). Craftsman-branded universal remotes are essentially rebranded Chamberlain units (since Chamberlain made most Craftsman openers).
- Direct from Manufacturer: Genie’s website sells the universal remote directly, and Chamberlain’s site also offers the Clicker. Solidremote has an official site, though it often directs buyers to Amazon for convenience.
Final Tips: When choosing a universal remote, first verify the compatibility with your garage door opener model or the color/year of your opener’s learn button. The Chamberlain and Genie units cover almost all modern openers, whereas some third-party ones have a narrower focus. If you have multiple garage doors, consider how many devices each remote can control – a 2-button universal remote might be more convenient than managing multiple single-button fobs.
Also, keep in mind security: all the options above use rolling code technology, which is standard for safety. If your opener is extremely old (pre-1993), you may need to upgrade its receiver or choose a kit (like the Genie Universal Upgrade Kit) that includes a new receiver, since the remotes here prioritize rolling-code openers for security reasons.
Each of these remotes has high user satisfaction in its category. For the broadest compatibility, the Chamberlain Clicker and Genie Universal are standout choices, as they can handle mixed-brand garages with ease. For Chamberlain/LiftMaster-only households, the Solidremote (or even Chamberlain’s own Clicker) offers a cost-effective, reliable solution. And for those on a tight budget, the likes of Garage Stop (or similar) provide solid performance at a fraction of the cost. By considering the specs and pros/cons outlined above, you can pick the remote that best fits your needs and enjoy the convenience of simplified, secure access to your garage.
