Key takeaways
- The best electric gate opener system is ButterflyMX.
- Electric gate openers are motorized devices that can open gates automatically.
- You can install an electric gate opener on both sliding and swinging gates.
- There are three main ways to open a gate with an electric gate opener: a timer, a vehicle sticker, and a smartphone app.
If you’re in charge of a gated property, your tenants are especially concerned with security. But how can you provide that security while keeping property access convenient? Modernizing with an electric gate opener might be your best bet.
In this post, we go over five of the best electric gate openers, plus how it works. Then, we explain how to choose the right electric gate opener!
This post covers:
- 4 best electric gate openers
- What is an electric gate opener?
- How does an electric gate opener work?
- How do I pick the best electric gate opener?
4 best electric gate openers
Four of the most highly-rated gate opener systems include:
1. ButterflyMX
The ButterflyMX vehicle access control system is the best gate opener on the market. Additionally, it’s the only end-to-end solution currently on the market, which empowers access starting at the garage and through the entire building — all the way to the tenants’ unit.
ButterflyMX empowers your tenants, employees, and even guests to access the property at the gate using their smartphones or a unique PIN code.
If guests don’t have a PIN, visitors can use the built-in directory to request access from the person they’re visiting. Tenants will receive a video call on their smartphone from the guest before granting them access remotely. Then, once access is granted, the intercom signals the gate to unlock, allowing the visitor to enter.
ButterflyMX is also known for a fully integrated ecosystem of access control products, such as:
- Keypads
- Elevator controls
- Vehicle readers and windshield tags
- Wireless Bluetooth access
- Fob and card readers
- Apartment intercoms
- Elevator controls
- Integrations with numerous smart locks
2. CO-Z
The CO-Z automatic gate opener is a good bargain system that offers security, convenience, and peace of mind.
The CO-Z automatic sliding gate operator features:
- Affordability. CO-Z gate openers are all less than $500, with the most affordable option priced at just under $200.
- Solar compatibility. CO-Z solar-powered gate opener kits are an eco-conscious solution for sustainable buildings.
- Quality construction. CO-Z electric gate openers are constructed from high-quality aluminum alloy with corrosion-resistant copper motors.
3. LiftMaster
Owned by the Chamberlain Group, LiftMaster is an access control solutions provider that has been serving homes and businesses for over 50 years. LiftMaster is perhaps best known for its line of garage door openers, but the company also sells WiFi gate controllers and accessories for both residential and commercial properties.
The gate opener system includes:
- Heavy-duty construction. LiftMaster’s automatic gate openers are designed for high-traffic areas. The company even offers options that can support gates up to 5500 lbs.
- Advanced security. LiftMaster’s automatic gate openers offer manual security features like motion detection sensors and obstruction detection.
- Smooth technology. Advanced noise reduction technology makes this opener great for residential properties.
Read the full LiftMaster review »
4. ALEKO
ALEKO offers a range of electric sliding gate opener kits that elevate security at an affordable price point.
An ALEKO gate opener offers:
- Easy setup. ALEKO gate opener kits come with everything you need for easy installation, including a remote control, an electric sliding gate motor, and mounting hardware.
- Durability. The ALEKO sliding gate system is built to handle up to 1,000 feet of aluminum or iron gates weighing up to 2,500 lbs each.
- Anti-theft feature. The ALEKO sliding gate has a programmable keypad and an automatic timer-to-close for added convenience and security.
What is an electric gate opener?
An electric gate opener is a motorized component that activates and automatically unlocks a gate after being triggered by an authorized credential. While you can use different credentials — like a PIN code or a smartphone app — to trigger the motor, it’s the gate opener system that actually physically moves the gate to allow entry.
What parts make up an electric gate opener?
Two parts that make up an electric gate opener are credential readers and control panels:
- Credential reader. The type of credential reader you install determines how residents will present their credentials and open the gate. For instance, a resident might punch in a PIN number if you install a keypad, or they might swipe-to-open on their smartphones if you install a mobile access reader.
- Control panel. The control panel is the part that stores data about authorized users and their credentials. Using the control panel, staff can make changes to the gate opening system, adjust how it works, and add new tenants or assign new credentials.
Watch how you can use ButterflyMX to open a gate:
What are three ways you can open an electric gate?
While an electric gate opener physically moves a gate in and out of position, it’s not the part that people will interact with most. You have a lot of leeway in choosing how visitors and tenants can open the gate and enter your property. So how do you make a gate open automatically?
Three ways you can open an electric gate are:
- Timer. Many gate openers work with a timer that automatically opens or closes the gate at certain times. For some properties, this is the most convenient option.
- Vehicle sticker. A vehicle sticker is a sticker that contains an RFID tag. Your residents can place these on their cars, and you can add an RFID sensor to your gate opener to detect these stickers.
- Smartphone app. You can open your electric gate opener with your phone when the gate is integrated with an access control system. Whether somebody’s walking up to a gate or pulling up in a car, they can simply swipe-to-open from their phones.
How does an electric gate opener work?
Electric gate openers work by activating upon receiving an electric signal. This electric signal is how the gate opener knows to start moving physical gate components, like motors or levers. This signal is created by a tenant scanning their credential or pushing a button on a remote.
There are two main types of electric gate openers:
- Sliding gate openers. A sliding gate is a type of gate that moves horizontally out of the way to let someone in. When a tenant triggers a sliding gate, it slides out of the way and stays behind an adjacent section of wall or fencing before returning to its original position.
- Swinging gate openers. A swinging gate swings outwards or inwards to let someone in. Installing a swinging gate isn’t as straightforward as installing a sliding gate, but swinging gates tend to be quieter than sliding gates and require less maintenance.
Can you motorize an existing gate?
In most cases, an existing gate can be motorized and automated with the right tools.
The operating system you ultimately end up with greatly depends on the weight and size of your gated entry. Furthermore, a hinged gate is more likely to have a smoother automation transition.
How do I pick the best electric gate opener?
Make sure your automatic electric gate opener has these qualities:
Weather-resistant
Outdoor electric gate openers should be tough enough to withstand any weather — and they should be functional for years before you have to replace them.
To check if the electric gate opener you’re interested in is weather-resistant, you need to see more than just the manufacturer’s specifications. Search the internet for customer reviews and testimonials to see how the gate opener performs in the real world.
Compatible with the gate on your property
As we’ve mentioned, your property might use either a sliding or a swinging gate. And even within those two categories, there’s a lot of variation.
Don’t go through the time and hassle of ordering an opener that simply isn’t the kind your gate requires! Instead, consult with an installer before making a final decision.
Multiple power sources
Depending on your property’s needs, you can choose between different power sources. Consider installing a backup battery so that your electric gate opener can still function during power outages.
Having another power source isn’t just a redundancy — it can also help your property become more sustainable. For example, a solar electric gate opener gives your gate an additional power source while reducing your utility bill in the long run!
