LiftMaster 3900 Vs 8500: Which Is A Better Buy?

We all know how much electric garage doors are essential. It gives us security and ease of control. So today, we will be mainly talking about LiftMaster electric door openers. Among these, we will be primarily comparing the LiftMaster 3900 and LiftMaster 8500. Both the models are almost similar but have thin line of differences too. Read the article to know more about them.

Our Verdict

When we compare both the products, we find that the LiftMaster 8500 is better when compared to the LiftMaster 3900. Mainly considering the value for money and the features, we do feel that the LiftMaster 8500 is a better buy. However, to get a clearer picture, let us compare and review the products in depth.

LiftMaster 3900 Vs 8500: Comparison Chart

Similarities

1. Appearance

When it comes to looks, both look almost similar. It comes in black color and with a logo in the front. When we talk about the size, the LiftMaster 3900 weighs 25.9lbs with 17 x 8 x 8 inches dimensions. The LiftMaster 8500 is 2 x 10 x 12 inches in dimensions with 28lbs as weight. Hence the LiftMaster 3900 is more compact.

2. Power

When it comes to power, both have the option of running the doors using a battery in case of a power cut. LiftMaster 3900 uses a voltage of 240v, which is enough to lift a door weighing 650lbs. The LiftMaster 8500 uses P3 motors. It as well uses 240v but is meant for electronic garage door openers. So, in this case, the LiftMaster 8500 is better.

3. Controls

Control Panel is the one that will help you to open and close the door quickly. In the LiftMaster, 3900 has a push button to control. With just a single button, you can open and close the door soon. On the other hand, LiftMaster 8500 has a bit of modern technology. It has an LCD control panel that can be used to open and close the door. Another advantage is that you can control your garage door from your smartphone. This is possible with the MyQ technology, which lets you check the status of the garage doors. It also has a three-button control panel that can be placed in your car for easier access.

4. Security

LiftMaster, along with features, also provides security to our home. With almost the same type of security, there are some minute differences. LiftMaster 3900 uses a light beam that emits from both the end of the garage door. If anything interrupts the light, the garage door closes or open. The LiftMaster 8500 comes with a light beam, as well as the audio and visual features. When someone tries to enter the garage without any permission, the audio goes off. And once the garage door is open, the garage lights turn on, and you can quickly enter. So, in the case of security, LiftMaster 8500 is better.

5. Drive Type

The drive type in both devices is different. It will determine the space the opener will require, the noise, and the efficiency. The LiftMaster 3900 has a jackshaft drive. It has a smooth mechanism. It has cranks and bearings at both ends with pulleys or gears. Because of this, it also produces less noise when it opens the garage doors. The LiftMaster 8500 has an internal chain and sp rocket drive type. So, the door operates with wheels and an internal chain that is connected to the motor; hence it has a louder noise.

Similarities

1. The Jackshaft System

The earlier versions use chain and teeth with the help of a motor. But both the models of the LiftMaster use the Jackshaft system with cranks, gear, and pulley. Hence the door opens smoothly and reduces noise.

2. Mounting

The LiftMaster 3900 and LiftMaster 8500 are wall-mounted rather than the ceiling. This helps to save a lot of space. It is easier to install on the wall rather than the ceiling.

Features And Technical Specifications of LiftMaster 3900

• Sectional single and Doublewide door type
• Maximum door width
• JackShaft Drive type
• Maximum door height: 14ft 
• Maximum door weight: 650 lbs. 
• Dimensions: 17 x 8 x 8 inches 
• Wall-mounted
• Rotational torque: 255 in-lb 
• Travel rate: 6 in./sec
• HomeLink Automation
• Operating range: 200 ft. 
• 315 remote control frequency
• Warranty: Five years

Features And Technical Specifications of LiftMaster 8500

• Sectional single and Doublewide door type
• Maximum door width
• Internal chain and sprocket
• Maximum door height: 14ft 
• Maximum door weight:650 lbs. 
• Dimensions: 24 x 10 x 12 inches inches dimensions
• Wall-mounted
• Rotational torque: 255 in-lb 
• Travel rate: 6 in./sec. 
• MyQ Automation
• Operating range: 200 ft. operating range
• Works with 310, 315 & 390 MHz Security and Anti-Burglary Coding
• 315 MHZ / 390 MHZ Dual-Band Remote control frequency
• Warranty: Five years warranty

What’s In The Box?

LiftMaster 3900 

• The Protector System
• Safety Reversing Sensors
• Cable Tension Monitor
• ApBS Single Button Control Station

LiftMaster 8500

• MyQ Control Panel
• 895MAX Premium Remote Control
• Garage Door Opener Head
• Power Door Lock
• Cable Tension Monitor
• Remote Light
• The Protector System
• Safety Reversing Sensors

Overview Of LiftMaster 3900

LiftMaster 3900 is a door opener mostly used in the commercial industry. It uses the Jackshaft door opener system and lifts the door with torsion power. With ten cycles per hour, it has a flexible size and easy installation. It runs with a 24V DC with a smooth start and stops. These do not require to be mounted on the ceilings and can be installed on the walls, and hence saves space. It can control a door of weight 650lbs and works on doors with a maximum size of 14ft. It has a light beam for security and will be alerted when it is disturbed. We can easily control the door using a single button.

Overview Of LiftMaster 8500

The LiftMaster 8500 is mostly used for residential purposes. It can be installed in the wall rather than the ceiling. It also has a 200 Watt remote for easier access. It also has the option of using a battery during situations like a power cut. With the MyQ technology, you can connect the opener to your smartphone. Using this, you can view the status of the door and control it easily. For security, it also uses the beam system along with the audio and visual. It has a three-button control panel that can be placed anywhere. Just like the 3900, it can withstand a maximum door weight of 650lbs.

FAQs

Bottom Line

Both devices have their unique features. One advantage is that the 3900 is smaller in size when compared to 8500. But this difference is not enough to attract buyers. We would recommend the LiftMaster 8500 because it additionally has the feature of motion sensing. Also to know more about Liftmaster 8500, check out Liftmaster 8500 vs 8550.

You can also control the door quickly with a touch on your smartphone. However, if you are going for a more commercial approach, go for the LiftMaster 3900.