We are going to compare two LiftMaster garage door openers, both residential Jackshaft & Wall-Mount for top performance and security. Let’s explain what are the differences between 8500 and 8500W. Read this comparison, and discover the features these models deliver.
LiftMaster 8500W
DC Battery Backup Wall Mount Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener.
LiftMaster 8500
DC Battery Backup Capable Wall Mount Garage Door Opener.
| Features | 8500 | 8500W |
| Drive Type | Direct | Direct |
| Battery Backup | No | Yes |
| Security Lock | Yes | Yes |
| Soft Start/Stop | Yes | Yes |
| Power AC/DC | DC | DC |
| Auto. Lights Turn On | Yes | Yes |
| Smartphone Control | No | Yes |
| Timer To Close | Yes | Yes |
| Homelink Compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Max. Lifting Door Weight | 650 lbs. | 850 lbs. |
We are going to compare the 2 openers to help you select the best option for yourself. Check out for LiftMaster 8500 vs. LiftMaster 8500W.
They both are jackshaft wall-mount garage door openers, which means they are space-saving and the most secure option to choose from. They do cost more than other model designs but sometimes that is worth the money you’ll spend.
The Elite Series 8500 is a side mount garage door opener that comes equipped with Security+ 2.0 & MyQ Technology features meant to enhance your system.
8500W is another wall-mount design garage door opener that frees up ceiling space in your garage and reduces noise and vibration. It has Built-in Wi-Fi and allows for smartphone control with the myQ app.
What exactly a jackshaft wall-mount design stands for? Well, it removes the need for the garage door opener rail. The garage door opener installs directly on the garage door, on either side you are comfortable with. That way you’ll have clear headspace, available for something else. As we wrote before, the jackshaft wall-mount opener mounts directly on the header wall beside the garage door. The opener (8500 and 8500W) attaches directly to the spring bar on the outside of the end bearings. When the opener is activated, the motor rotates and turns the spring bar, which in turn opens and closes the garage door. This design doesn’t use a lot of moving parts, and there is not so much to wear out or break.
Both models are for residential use, without so many differences between them. The biggest difference is that the LiftMaster 8500W is a new model, delivering some new features, and more power. For a detailed comparison take a look at the sheet above.
The LiftMaster 8500 was the most common model from this company for many years. Now, with a new model coming, things are changing and LiftMaster 8500W taking its place in the US market.
LiftMaster 8500 features review
The 8500 is the most common model for residential garage doors made by LiftMaster. It uses a quiet DC motor with a rating to lift a door up to 650 pounds with sizes up to 14 feet tall by 18 feet wide. The 8500 is MyQ enabled, which means that the 8500 is capable of smart options if you buy an internet gateway that is sold separately.
If you buy a LiftMaster 8500 you won’t get a battery backup with a package. Still, the battery backup is available and sold separately.
The 8500 opens and closes at 7.6 inches per second. For security, the 8500 utilizes Security +2.0.
The Warranty for the LiftMaster 8500 is a lifetime on the motor, 5 years on the parts, and 1 year on accessories.
LiftMaster 8500W features review
The 8500W is the current model LiftMaster has released. The LiftMaster 8500W uses a quiet DC motor, just like the previous one, with a power rating difference. This new DC motor can lift garage doors up to 850 pounds and up to 14 feet tall.
The 8500W is equipped with built-in MyQ technology. This means that you’ll get it inside the opener and you don’t need to buy it separately. It comes with a battery backup.
The LiftMaster 8500W opens at 8.4 inches per second and closes at 7.6 inches per second.
This model utilizes the Security +2.0 system and has a built-in logic board surge protector. The warranty for the 8500W is a lifetime on the motor, 5 years on parts, and 1 year for accessories and battery backup.
LiftMaster 8500 vs 8500W differences
Both openers are good, with some slight differences. The first one, LiftMaster 8500 is a good quality opener with upgrades available. It requires additional parts at additional costs. The second one, LiftMaster 8500W is rated for heavier doors and has all of the modern features built-in with no additional out-of-pocket expenses. It cost a bit more, just the amount you would probably spend don’t the features the 8500 is missing.