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CNET’s Tyler Lacoma tested Chamberlain’s $379 Premier Smart Garage Door Opener with MyQ, which combines remote door controls, a security camera with AI detection and bright LED lights. The upgrade required replacing the motor, rail, sensors and wired controller; the report says installation by a professional is advisable. Subscription costs and the camera’s full capabilities are not specified in the supplied report.
CNET reviewer Tyler Lacoma tested Chamberlain’s $379 Premier Smart Garage Door Opener with MyQ, a system that pairs remote garage-door controls with an AI-equipped security camera and bright LED lighting. The upgrade could help homeowners monitor garage access and check whether a door is closed, but it requires replacing several parts of the existing opener setup and some advanced features require a subscription, according to CNET.
The system can be operated using its wall controller, included remotes or an outside keypad. Through the MyQ app, Lacoma said he could open or close the door remotely and receive alerts when it moved. The app also offers timers to close the door after a selected interval and schedules for setting opening or closing times. Chamberlain says the opener works with HomeLink, allowing connection to compatible vehicle dashboards.
The tested model had two LED lights, each part of a setup CNET described as rated at 2,000 lumens. Lacoma found the lights bright enough to illuminate the whole garage. The app and controls let users adjust settings such as motion-triggered lighting and how long the lights stay on, though the reviewer said brightness could not be adjusted.
The installation changed the motor, at least some of the rail, the aligned sensor and the wired controller, while leaving the garage door itself in place. Lacoma said an installer found the kit’s rail too short for his garage and supplied a compatible replacement. He reported that the new motor and rail made the door movement quieter and smoother. CNET listed 1.4 horsepower among the model’s specifications; its report also describes the test motor as 1¼ horsepower.
One System for Garage Access and Security
The product brings door access, monitoring and lighting into a single garage upgrade. Remote controls and alerts may help users check a door when away from home, while timers can address the risk of leaving it open. The camera adds a way to monitor a garage or nearby entry point, and CNET says its AI detection and motion zones can be adjusted.
That combination also asks buyers to weigh added surveillance against convenience. The reviewer notes that not everyone wants a camera in the garage and says camera features can be turned off or adjusted. The report identifies a subscription requirement for advanced features, but the supplied details do not state its price or which functions require payment.
Replacing the Existing Opener Hardware
This is a review of a tested product, not a report of a newly announced product launch. Chamberlain offers several similar models, according to CNET, with versions that differ in the number of LED lights. The tested Premier model cost $379.
The garage door itself can remain, but the opener project involves more than attaching a smart accessory to an existing motor. CNET’s reviewer recommends professional installation because components must be replaced and fitted. The installer’s rail adjustment in this test illustrates why compatibility with a specific garage may affect the work.
MyQ also offers one-time access options for Amazon Key-In deliveries, which can allow a delivery person to leave a package in the garage. Lacoma did not test that feature because no Amazon deliveries arrived during the review period. Its real-world performance is not established by the report.
““I wouldn’t recommend a DIY installation of a smart garage, although technically it’s possible.””
— Tyler Lacoma, CNET reviewer
Subscription and Delivery Features Untested
The supplied report does not state the subscription price or list exactly which advanced camera and app functions require a subscription. It also does not provide enough detail to assess camera recognition accuracy, data handling or performance in different garage layouts.
Lacoma had not tried the Amazon Key-In delivery option during testing, so the report offers no firsthand results for that feature. The reviewer also says the opener is not suitable for side-mounted garage motors, limiting compatibility; the source does not detail compatibility with other configurations.
Check Fit, Features and Ongoing Costs
People considering the system can check whether their garage uses a compatible opener arrangement and ask an installer about the required motor, rail and sensor changes. Buyers can also compare the available one- and two-light models, review MyQ’s subscription terms and decide whether they want a camera in the garage.
CNET’s reviewer said he would try Amazon Key-In when a suitable delivery became available. The supplied report does not give a date for that follow-up or describe any additional testing.
Key Questions
What does Chamberlain’s Premier Smart Garage Door Opener include?
According to CNET, it combines MyQ remote controls, a security camera with AI detection and motion-zone settings, and LED lighting. Included controls include a wall controller, remotes and an outdoor keypad.
How much did the tested model cost?
CNET listed the tested Chamberlain Premier model at $379. The report says the product line includes several similar models.
Does installation require replacing the garage door?
The reviewer said the garage door itself remained in place. The motor, at least some railing, the aligned sensor and the wired controller were replaced; CNET recommends professional installation.
Did CNET test Amazon Key-In deliveries?
No. Lacoma said he had not received an Amazon delivery during testing and planned to try the feature later. The report does not provide results from that use.
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