Remember when your garage was just a place you parked your car? Not anymore! Modern garages are an extension of your living space. They tend to get a little stuffy, so here are the 3 best garage door screens you can buy.
A garage door screen turns your garage into usable living space without a full renovation. You raise your garage door, the screen blocks bugs and debris, and suddenly you've got a covered outdoor area that actually works — for a home gym, a workshop, a spot to watch the kids play, whatever.
Simple concept. But I've been in this industry for over 20 years, and I still see homeowners make the same mistake: they shop by price first and end up replacing a cheap screen two summers later - if they are lucky!
The garage door screen market ranges from $40 magnetic curtains you hang yourself to $3,500+ motorized systems with professional installation. That's a massive spread, and the right choice depends entirely on how you'll actually use the space. A magnetic screen works fine if you're in the garage twice a month. But if you're out there every weekend — or you want something that doesn't look like an afterthought — you need a real system.
This guide breaks down the three main types of garage door screens, what separates the good products from the junk, and where your money actually goes when you move up in price. I'll be upfront: I manufacture motorized screens, so I'm biased toward the premium end. But I'll also tell you when a $200 manual screen makes more sense than a $3,500 motorized one.
There are three main types of garage door screens, and they're not all competing for the same buyer. Each one fits a different use case and budget. All showcase benefits of garage screen doors Here's how they break down:
These are the screens you see on Amazon for $40-80. They attach to your garage door frame with velcro or magnets and have a split down the middle so you can walk through. They're cheap, they're easy to install yourself, and they work — for a while.
The problem is durability. The mesh tears easily, the magnets lose grip, and they look exactly like what they are: a temporary fix. If you use your garage occasionally and just want to keep mosquitoes out while you tinker on a Saturday afternoon, fine. But don't expect these to last more than a season or two of regular use, and don't expect them to handle any wind.
This is where you start getting into real screen systems. Manual retractables mount at the top of your garage opening and roll down when you need them. When you don't, they retract into a housing and disappear. Lifestyle Screens is the big name here, typically running $800-1,500 installed.
You're pulling the screen down by hand using a handle or pull bar, so there's some physical effort involved — especially on larger two-car garages where the screen gets heavy. But the build quality is a significant jump from magnetic or sliding options, and the retractable design keeps the screen protected when it's not in use.
Motorized systems work the same as manual retractables, except you're pressing a button instead of pulling. That sounds like a minor upgrade until you've used both. On a 16-foot double garage, a manual screen takes real effort to pull down smoothly. A motorized system takes three seconds.
Motorized screens run $1,800-3,500+ depending on size, features, and installation complexity. You're paying for the motor, the remote control or wall switch, and typically a heavier-duty build overall. The better systems also include things like adjustable stop positions, integration with smart home systems, and wind sensors that automatically retract the screen in a storm.
If you want a retractable garage door screen but don't want to pay for motorized, Lifestyle Screens is the standard. They've been around since 2007 and they've sold a lot of units — which means parts are available, installers know the product, and there's a track record to look at.
The system mounts inside your garage door opening using spring-loaded side tracks. You pull the screen down with a handle, and it stays in place until you push it back up. The housing at the top hides everything when retracted, so you're not looking at a screen when you don't want one.
What's good:
Lifestyle builds a solid product for the price point. The frame is powder-coated aluminum, the spring tension system works reliably, and the screen material holds up well in normal use. They offer a few mesh options including a standard fiberglass and a privacy mesh that blocks visibility from outside. Installation is straightforward enough that a competent DIYer can handle it in a few hours. You can follow this step by setp installation guide.
The price is the main draw. For a single-car garage you're looking at $600-900 for the kit, or $1,000-1,400 installed. That's significantly less than motorized options.
What's not:
The manual operation gets old. I hear this constantly from homeowners who started with a Lifestyle and later upgraded to motorized. On a single-car garage it's manageable. On a 16-foot two-car opening, you're pulling down a heavy screen and fighting to keep it level. Do that twice a day and it stops feeling convenient.
The warranty is also thin — one year on the frame and screen material. For a product in this price range, that's not unusual, but it's worth knowing. And color options are limited to three standard colors, so matching your home's trim can be hit or miss.
Who it's for:
Lifestyle makes sense if you're screening a single-car garage, you're on a budget, or you only plan to use the screen occasionally. It's a quality manual system at a fair price. Just know what you're getting into on larger openings.
Full disclosure: this is my product. I've been manufacturing retractable screens for over 20 years, and Apollo PowerScreens is what I'd put in my own garage. Take that with whatever grain of salt you want, but I'll explain why.
Motorized garage screens all do the same basic thing — press a button, screen goes down. Press it again, screen goes up. The differences are in the build quality, the motor, the warranty, and how the system holds up after five or ten years of daily use.
The frame is 6063 aluminum at twice the wall thickness of most competitors. That matters because garage screens span big openings, and a thin frame will flex and bind over time. Ours doesn't. The motor is a tubular unit rated for 50,000+ cycles, and it runs quieter than most systems on the market.
The warranty is where we really separate ourselves. 15 years on the fabric. 7 years on the motor. Most competitors offer one to three years on fabric and two to three on the motor. I can offer longer coverage because I know how long these components actually last when they're built right.
We also make our screens to order, which means near-limitless color options on the housing and frame. Lifestyle gives you three colors. Most motorized competitors give you five or six. We match your trim color because there's no reason a screen housing should be an eyesore.
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We offer SuperScreen mesh for pet owners — it's tear-resistant and holds up to claws far better than standard fiberglass. We have one-way privacy mesh that lets you see out but blocks visibility from the street. And every unit can integrate with smart home systems or work from a simple wall switch and remote.
Price. Apollo PowerScreens aren't cheap. For a two-car garage you're looking at $2,500-3,500 installed, depending on size and options. That's two to three times the cost of a manual Lifestyle system. If you're on a tight budget or you'll only use the screen a few times a month, that math might not work for you.
We also require professional installation. This isn't a DIY kit you pick up at Home Depot. That ensures it's done right, but it adds to the cost and means you're coordinating with a local dealer rather than handling it yourself.
Apollo makes sense if you're screening a two-car garage, you'll use it frequently, and you want something that looks built-in rather than bolted-on. It's a premium product at a premium price, and I think it's worth every dollar — but I'm also the guy who builds them, so factor that in.
Universal Screens is Apollo's main competition in the motorized garage screen space. They make a decent product, and if you're shopping motorized systems you'll probably come across them. Here's an honest assessment.
Universal has been around for a while and they've built a reputation for reliable motorized screens at a slightly lower price point than Apollo. Their systems work, their dealers are generally competent, and most homeowners who buy one are satisfied with it.
The price is typically $200-500 less than a comparable Apollo system, depending on size and options. If budget is tight but you still want motorized, that gap matters. Their motor is solid — not as quiet as ours, but it does the job without issues. Installation is similar to Apollo: professional only, which keeps quality consistent.
They also offer a range of mesh options including standard fiberglass, no-see-um mesh for smaller insects, and a solar shade mesh that blocks more light and heat.
The frame. Universal uses standard-thickness aluminum, and on larger openings you can see the difference over time. I've replaced Universal systems where the tracks started binding after a few years because the frame flexed just enough to throw off the alignment. It's not a universal problem — plenty of their screens work fine for years — but it's a weakness compared to a heavier-gauge build.
The warranty tells the story. Universal offers 3 years on fabric and 3 years on the motor. Compare that to Apollo's 15 and 7. If their components lasted as long as ours, they'd warranty them longer. They don't.
Color options are also limited. You get six or seven standard colors, and custom matching isn't available on most models.
Universal makes sense if you want motorized but can't stretch to Apollo's price point, or if you're screening a smaller single-car garage where frame rigidity matters less. It's a solid mid-tier option. Just go in knowing you're trading longevity for upfront savings.
| Magnetic Mesh | Lifestyle (Manual) | Universal (Motorized) | Apollo (Motorized) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $40–80 | $800–1,500 installed | $2,000–3,000 installed | $2,500–3,500 installed |
| Operation | Walk-through slit | Pull down by hand | Button/remote | Button/remote |
| Installation | DIY, 30 minutes | DIY or professional | Professional only | Professional only |
| Frame Material | Plastic / velcro mount | Powder-coated aluminum | Standard aluminum | 6063 aluminum, 2× thickness |
| Fabric Warranty | None | 1 year | 3 years | 15 years |
| Motor Warranty | N/A | N/A | 3 years | 7 years |
| Color Options | Black only | 3 colors | 6–7 colors | Near-limitless |
| Best For | Occasional use, tight budget | Single-car garages, budget-conscious | Motorized on a budget | Daily use, two-car garages |
A few notes on reading this chart:
Price ranges assume a standard two-car garage (16' x 7'). Single-car garages will run 20-30% less. Installed prices include professional installation where required — if you're DIYing a Lifestyle system, subtract $300-500.
The warranty gap is the biggest tell. Manufacturers warranty what they trust. Cheap components get short warranties because the company knows they'll be fielding claims. I back Apollo's fabric for 15 years because I've watched the same mesh hold up for that long in real installations.
This is the first question everyone asks, and the honest answer is: it depends on what you actually want.
Magnetic mesh screens from Amazon or Harbor Freight. You're getting a temporary solution that might last a season or two. Fine for testing whether you'll actually use a screened garage before investing in something permanent.
Manual retractable systems like Lifestyle Screens. This is the sweet spot for homeowners who want a real screen but don't want to spend $3,000. Figure $600-900 for a single-car DIY kit, or $1,000-1,500 installed for a two-car garage.
Motorized systems from Universal, Apollo, and a handful of smaller manufacturers. For a two-car garage, Universal runs around $2,000-2,800 installed, Apollo $2,500-3,500. Single-car garages drop those numbers by 25-30%.
Size is the biggest factor. A 16' x 8' opening costs significantly more than a 9' x 7'. After that, it's options: specialty mesh like pet-resistant SuperScreen or privacy fabric adds $100-300. Custom color matching adds $50-150 on systems that offer it. And if your garage opening is non-standard — arched top, extra wide, unusual mounting situation — expect a custom quote.
Manual systems like Lifestyle can be DIY-installed if you're handy and comfortable on a ladder. Budget 3-4 hours and a second set of hands. Professional installation adds $300-500 but guarantees it's done right.
Motorized systems require professional installation. The electrical work, the calibration, and the sheer weight of the components make this a job for someone who's done it before. That installation cost is already baked into the prices I quoted above.
A garage screen adds usable square footage to your home for a fraction of what any other renovation would cost. No permits, no construction, no losing your garage for a month. For what most people spend on a single piece of patio furniture, you get a bug-free, shaded space you'll actually use.
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Getting the size right matters more than most people realize. Order a screen too small and it won't seal properly. Order too big and it won't fit the opening. Neither situation is fixable without starting over.
Measure the width at the top of the opening, where the screen housing will mount. Then measure again at the bottom. If those numbers don't match, use the smaller one. Garage openings aren't always perfectly square, especially in older homes.
For height, measure from the floor to the point where you want the housing to mount — typically the bottom of the header or just below where your garage door tracks start. Don't assume your "16 x 7" garage door opening is actually 16 feet by 7 feet. Measure it yourself. I've seen "standard" openings vary by several inches in either direction.
Single-car garages typically run 8-10 feet wide by 7-8 feet tall. The most common size is 9' x 7'.
Two-car garages typically run 14-18 feet wide by 7-8 feet tall. The most common size is 16' x 7'.
If you're outside those ranges — RV garages, oversized doors, or commercial applications — you'll need a custom-sized screen. Both Apollo and Lifestyle offer custom sizing, though lead times are longer.
This is where DIYers get tripped up. The screen housing needs to mount somewhere, and that somewhere needs clearance above it. Most systems require 3-4 inches minimum between the top of the housing and the ceiling or any obstructions like tracks, openers, or lights.
If your garage door opener is mounted close to the header, or you have low ceilings, measure carefully before ordering anything. A good dealer will ask about this upfront. A bad one won't, and you'll find out during installation that the screen doesn't fit.
If your opening is non-standard, if you have limited headroom, or if you're spending $2,000+ on a motorized system, have the installer come measure. Most dealers offer free measurement as part of the quote process, and it eliminates the risk of ordering the wrong size. On a $3,000 screen, a free site visit is cheap insurance.
Some garage screens you can install yourself. Others you shouldn't try. Knowing the difference saves money on the simple jobs and prevents disasters on the complex ones.
If you can hang a picture frame, you can install a magnetic screen. You're sticking velcro strips to your garage frame, attaching the mesh, and calling it done. Total time: 20-30 minutes. No tools required beyond maybe a step stool.
Systems like Lifestyle are designed for homeowner installation, and plenty of people do it successfully. You're mounting brackets, securing the housing, attaching side tracks, and tensioning the spring system. It requires a drill, a ladder, a level, and ideally a second person to help hold things in place.
Budget 3-4 hours for a single-car garage, 4-6 hours for a two-car. Watch the manufacturer's installation videos before you start — not after you're stuck halfway through. The most common mistakes are mounting the housing out of level and over-tensioning the springs.
That said, DIY isn't for everyone. If you're not comfortable working on a ladder, if you don't own basic tools, or if your garage opening has any quirks, pay for professional installation. The $300-500 you'll spend is worth it compared to fighting a crooked install for years.
Don't try to DIY a motorized garage screen. I'm not saying this to drum up installation business — I'm saying it because I've seen the results when people attempt it.
Motorized systems are heavy. A two-car housing with motor can weigh 80-100 pounds, and you're lifting it overhead while trying to align mounting brackets. The margin for error is small, and a misaligned install means the screen binds, the motor strains, and components wear out early.
There's also electrical work involved. The motor needs power, which means either running a new outlet or wiring directly to an existing circuit. Unless you're a licensed electrician, this isn't a YouTube tutorial situation.
Professional installation for a motorized screen typically takes 2-4 hours and includes calibration, testing, and adjustments to get the screen tracking perfectly. The installer handles the electrical, the heavy lifting, and the troubleshooting. It's built into the price for a reason.
See what sets Apollo's motorized systems apart from competitors.
| Apollo Advantage | Apollo | Competitors |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric Warranty | 20 years | Lifestyle: 1 year Universal: 3 years |
| Motor Warranty | 20 years | Most offer 2–3 years |
| Frame Material | 6063 aluminum, 2× thickness | Standard aluminum or plastic |
| Privacy Options | One-way privacy screens | Rarely offered |
| Pet-Proof Fabric | SuperScreen mesh available | Not available |
| Color Options | 13 standard plus custom | Lifestyle: 3 colors |
Anywhere from $40 to $3,500 depending on the type. Magnetic mesh screens run $40-80. Manual retractable systems like Lifestyle run $800-1,500 installed. Motorized systems run $2,000-3,500 installed. The biggest price drivers are the size of your opening and whether you're going manual or motorized. For more you can read this article about how much motorized screens cost.
If you'll actually use the space, yes. A garage screen turns a hot, buggy garage into a usable outdoor room for a fraction of what a patio enclosure or sunroom would cost. I've seen homeowners get more use out of a $1,500 screen than a $15,000 deck. The ones who regret it are the ones who bought the cheapest option and it fell apart, or the ones who installed a screen and then never raised their garage door. Be honest about how you'll use it before you spend the money.
Yes, on almost any garage with a sectional door. The screen mounts to the opening, not the door itself — your garage door goes up, the screen comes down. The only situations that get tricky are garages with very low headroom, unusual opening shapes, or side-swing carriage doors instead of standard overhead doors. A good dealer can usually find a solution even for non-standard setups, but expect a custom quote.
For a two-car garage, figure $1,200-1,500 installed, or $600-900 if you buy the kit and install it yourself. Single-car garages run about 30% less. Prices vary a bit by region and dealer, but that range covers most situations.
Depends entirely on the product. Cheap magnetic screens might last one or two seasons. A quality manual system like Lifestyle should last 5-10 years with normal use, though the fabric may need replacement before the frame wears out. A well-built motorized system can last 15-20 years — that's why Apollo warranties the fabric for 20 years and the motor for 20. The components are built to hold up.
No. The screen has to be fully retracted before you operate the garage door. Running your garage door into a deployed screen will damage both. Most homeowners build a habit quickly: screen up, door down, then open the door again when you're leaving. Motorized systems make this easier since retracting takes a few seconds.
Standard mesh screens block insects and debris, not weather. If a storm rolls in, you're retracting the screen and closing the garage door. Some systems offer solar shade mesh that blocks more wind and adds some rain resistance, but no mesh screen is weatherproof. If you need full weather protection, you're looking at a different product category — vinyl enclosures or hard-panel systems — not a retractable screen.
It helps more than you'd expect. A screen lets you open the garage door for airflow while keeping the sun's intensity down — especially with solar mesh. You're not getting air conditioning, but you're getting shade and ventilation instead of a closed box baking in the sun. Most homeowners report their screened garage is noticeably more comfortable during summer months.
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