Both kinds of remote open your garage door. The difference is who makes it, what warranty covers it and what it costs.
| Genuine | Aftermarket | |
|---|---|---|
| Who makes it | The company that made your opener, such as Merlin, ATA or B&D | Another company, made to work with the same openers. Our own range is Auto Openers |
| Warranty | The manufacturer’s warranty. We handle the claim for you | Our warranty: 2 years on Auto Openers, 1 year on other aftermarket remotes |
| Price | Usually more | Usually less |
| Which openers it suits | The maker’s own openers, including newer security systems | The openers listed on each product page. Some newer openers only accept genuine remotes |
| How it’s labelled here | Genuine | Aftermarket, or Compatible in the product name |
Genuine remotes
A genuine remote is made by the same company that made your opener. It’s designed for that opener range and is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Choose genuine if you want the exact original part, or your opener uses a newer security system that only the manufacturer supports.
- Keep in mind genuine remotes usually cost more.
Aftermarket replacement remotes
An aftermarket remote is made by a different company to work with your opener. Each product page lists exactly which openers it works with. Aftermarket remotes are not made or endorsed by the opener’s manufacturer. They’re covered by our warranty instead of the manufacturer’s.
- Choose aftermarket if your opener is listed on the product page and you’d like to pay less.
- Keep in mind some newer openers only accept genuine remotes. If yours isn’t listed, it isn’t confirmed.
Looks can be misleading
Many aftermarket remotes use the same plastic case, but the electronics inside are different. Two remotes that look identical can suit completely different openers. So go by your opener model, not the look of the remote. Check it against the list on the product page, or ask us.
Examples: genuine and aftermarket for the same opener
- ATA SecuraCode openers: the genuine ATA PTX-4 or the aftermarket Auto Openers AOTX4.
- Merlin Security+ openers: the genuine Merlin E960M or the aftermarket Auto Openers AO945v2.
- Boss openers: the genuine Boss BHT4 or the aftermarket Auto Openers AOHT4.
Each product page lists the exact openers it suits. Check yours before you buy.
How we label them
Every product carries a Genuine or Aftermarket label, so you always know which one you’re buying. We only list an opener as compatible once we’ve confirmed it. Where we believe a remote works but haven’t confirmed it, we say so and ask you to check with us first.
Not sure which you have?
Genuine remotes usually carry the opener brand’s logo. If you can’t tell, identify your remote from a photo, or find your remote by opener model to see both options side by side.