Video Keypads Review: LiftMaster vs. Chamberlain (2025 Guide)

For decades, the keypad outside your garage was a dumb, beige brick. You punched in a code, the door opened, and that was it.

But in 2025, the keypad has grown up. Just like the video doorbell revolutionized your front porch, the Video Keypad is revolutionizing the garage. It allows you to visually verify who is entering your home (dog walker, kids, or delivery driver) without opening the main door.

The two biggest players, LiftMaster and Chamberlain, both released nearly identical units this year. Are they worth the $100 price tag? And do they survive the California heat?

At CaliforniaGarageDoors.us, we tested both models to see if they are a gimmick or a security essential.

The Hardware: LiftMaster VKP1-LM vs. Chamberlain VKP1-MYQ

Let’s get the secret out of the way immediately: These are the exact same device.

Both brands are owned by the Chamberlain Group. The plastic housing, the camera lens, the battery, and the app software are identical.

• LiftMaster VKP1-LM: Sold primarily through professional dealers. It often comes with a longer “Pro” warranty (1 year) if installed by a certified dealer.
• Chamberlain VKP1-MYQ: Sold at retail stores (Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon). Designed for DIY installation.

The Verdict: Unless you are having a pro install a whole new opener system, buy the Chamberlain version on Amazon. It is usually $10-$20 cheaper and is the exact same product.

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Key Features: 1080p, Night Vision, and Wide Angle

We were skeptical at first, but the specs are impressive for a device that runs on a battery.

1. 1080p HD Video with 160° View

The 160-degree field of view is the killer feature here. Because keypads are mounted on the side of the door frame, a normal camera would only see the side wall. The wide-angle lens captures the entire driveway, making it a surprisingly effective security camera for your cars parked outside.

2. Night Vision

It uses infrared sensors to see in pitch black. If you live in a rural area (like the Sierra Foothills) with no streetlights, this helps you see if that movement at 2 AM was a bear or a burglar.

3. Two-Way Audio

You can talk through the myQ app to whoever is at the keypad.

Use Case: “Hey, just leave the package inside, the code is 1-2-3-4.”

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California Privacy: Face Detection & CCPA

This is where living in California matters.

The myQ app offers AI Face Detection. It can learn your face and send you a notification saying “John opened the garage” rather than just “Person detected.”

While this feature is banned in some states (like Illinois and Texas) due to biometric privacy laws, it is currently ENABLED in California. However, under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you have the right to delete your face data at any time inside the app settings.

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The “Hidden” Cost: myQ Video Subscriptions

Here is the catch. The device itself is affordable ($60-$90), but it is a “brick” without the subscription.

Without a subscription, you get:

• Live Streaming (View only).
• Motion Alerts (but no recording).

To record video history or use Face Detection, you must pay for a myQ Video Storage Plan:

• 7-Day History: ~$4/month per device.
• 30-Day History: ~$10/month (unlimited devices).

Our Advice: If you already pay for Ring or Nest, this is yet another monthly bill. Decide if seeing the history of who entered is worth $50/year to you.

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Battery Life Reality Check

Both units use a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery (Model VKP1-MYQ-BT1). You take it out and charge it via USB-C.

• Claimed Life: “Up to 3-6 months.”
• Real World (California): In our testing, high-traffic households (kids coming home from school, Amazon deliveries) get about 1 to 2 months per charge.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Need to program an older, non-video keypad? Check our guide on How to Reset Standard Garage Keypads.