Retractable screen doors are stored out of the way when not in use, making them fundamentally a better choice than traditional screen doors. Retractable screen doors have been around for decades now, but there is a fairly wide variation in quality, performance, and features. There are many manufacturers in the market, and knowing what to look for will impact the satisfaction of your experience when using this product in your home.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Retractable Screen Door
Build Quality and Material
The thickness of aluminum used in a retractable screen door is an important factor. If the aluminum is too thin it will flex when the door is used which in turn can make the unit not run smoothly. It also feels less solid in the hands of the user, creating an inferior user experience.
The care and precision in constructing a retractable screen door is also apparent when it is used – Are screws loose? Are screw heads painted to match the unit? Are there sharp edges? Is the overall construction sleek or bulky looking?
Ease of Use and Glide System
Perhaps the most important aspect of a retractable screen door is how smoothly it operates. The concept of a door that hides away is wonderful but if each time you use the door it sticks or has a clunky feel to it then the benefit is overridden by poor performance. The door should be easy to open and close and should glide effortlessly when it is pulled across the door opening.
Customization and Sizing
Fitting your retractable screen door exactly to your door opening is vital both for an attractive look and for smooth functioning. If a retractable screen door is limited in its ability to be custom-fit to a doorway it either cannot be installed outside a limited scope of height or width, or otherwise it may be improperly mounted to force-fit it to a door jamb. Utilizing a retractable screen door that is designed to be customized to your door opening will help to ensure smooth operation and a long-lasting install.
Manual vs. Motorized Operation
Retractable screen products come in manual and motorized options and it’s up to you to determine what the best fit for your home is. If you are looking to install a retractable screen on a front door, sliding patio door, or french doors, then you would want to choose a manual retractable screen such as the 1750 or 3500.
If you are looking to install a retractable screen on your outdoor patio, garage door, gazebo, or other large opening, then you should opt for the 4500 motorized screen. Your local Mirage retractable screen specialist will be able to assess your screening needs and offer the best solution tailored for you.
Installation Type: DIY or Professional
The retractable screen door market is split into DIY and professionally installed types of doors. The DIY models typically are limited in terms of the height and width of doorway they can be mounted on whereas most professionally installed models are more customizable.
DIY models usually have a lower cost but do not factor in the time a homeowner must spend to install the DIY door. A customer that opts for a DIY retractable screen door runs the risk of challenges to install the door due to limited size range, imperfect door frames to mount on to, and a general lack of knowledge and experience in working with such products.
Warranty and Customer Support
Most retractable screen door manufacturers and the authorized installers that install these doors offer some sort of warranty on the product and the installation. For the product, typically the mesh in the door is not warrantied for the simple reason that homeowners can easily walk into and through screen doors. However, retractable screen doors can usually be easily re-screened if this occurs.
Regarding the installation, companies that install these products should warranty that the door will function properly for a year from install date, assuming normal use by the customer. Customer support in the event there are issues with a retractable screen door should initially be provided by the company that installed the door. If this support is not adequate or unsatisfactory the manufacturer will often provide support to the homeowner.
Our Top Choice for Retractable Screen Door Brands in 2025
1. Mirage Screen Systems
The top choice for retractable screen doors is Mirage Screen Systems. Mirage has been manufacturing screen doors for over twenty-five years, and their doors are made to last for decades – a brass bushing installed in the end cap prevents the spinning motion of the roller tube from breaking down the plastic end cap. This durability is no doubt appreciated by customers, but the biggest reason that Mirage tops our list is that their doors run more smoothly than any other retractable screen door in the market. Mirage deploys Teflon-infused plastics for the guides that run along the track, creating a smooth-running experience.
Mirage’s Pivot Pro handle was introduced in 2018, and it was a game-changer – the handle allows the user to pivot the handle and easily release the door when retracting it, not having to force the pull bar off of the magnet that holds it in place. Mirage has eight standard colors but adds to that eighteen “Diamond” series colors, ensuring homeowners can match the door frame color and allowing the retractable screen door to blend seamlessly into their home. Add to all of the above a solid warranty, excellent customer service, and a wide network of installer/authorized dealers across North America, and it is apparent why Mirage is the industry leader in retractable screen doors.
2. Genius Retractable Screens
Genius Retractable Screens is an established manufacturer of retractable screen doors. They have a wide dealer network, and their doors are made with powder-coated aluminum. You can also find Genius retractable screens on the shelves of Costco and on Amazon as a DIY option. The aluminum in the Genius screen is not as thick as some other brands, creating a less enjoyable consumer experience when operating the door. Genius has a solid retractable screen, but the quality lacks compared to Mirage, Phantom, Clearview, and Wizard.
3. Wizard Retractable Screens
Wizard Retractable Screens is a Canadian manufacturer of retractable screens that has various products for doors, windows, large openings, outdoor patios, etc. Wizard screens are sold through their network of dealers across Canada with some exposure to the United States. Wizard screens has a good quality retractable screen door and motorized screen, but their best product is the VistaView and Horizon large opening retractable screen that can be installed on bi-folding doors, Nanawalls, large French doors, and other large openings. These products are the cream of the crop in terms of large opening retractable screens in the industry.
4. Stoett Industries
Stoett Industries is a US-based company that specializes in retractable screen doors, retractable glass walls, and enclosures. They have several retractable screen products for doors, windows, large openings, outdoor patios, etc. They also have various retractable screen models with manual and motorized operation, depending on what your needs are. Overall, Stoet retractable screens are high-quality, durable, and can be installed on a wide range of applications.
5. Brisa by Larson
Brisa is a line of retractable screens that was acquired by Larson manufacturing with the intention of offering a modern screening solution compared to traditional hinged screen doors and fixed screens. Brisa by Larson only manufacturers retractable screen doors and not large opening retractable screens or motorized screens.
They have a retractable screens for single doors, French doors, patio sliding doors, and other door styles. Brisa retractable screens are offered in a variety of different colors to choose from to match with your home. Overall, Brisa retractable screens are a solid option, but not as premium and high-quality of a product compared to Mirage and Phantom retractable screens.
6. Phantom Screens
Phantom Screens is a large manufacturer of retractable screen doors that has been established in this industry for more than twenty-five years. They offer several standard colors for their screen doors and a wide network of dealers to install them. The Phantom product’s weakness is that it does not run as smoothly as other brands, which can be a source of frustration for customers.
Phantom Screens also manufactures retractable screen products for doors, windows, large openings, outdoor patios, and other applications. Phantom is considered a premium product and typically is the most expensive retractable screen option in the industry. Retractable screen products by Phantom can come in manual and motorized operation, depending on what your needs are.
7. ClearView Screen Doors
Clearview Screen Doors is an American manufacturer of retractable screen doors, power screens, and large opening retractable wall screens. ClearView screens are sold through distributors and dealerships across Canada and the United States, with a focus on customization, safety, appearance, and high-quality materials as key company attributes.
Clearview Screen Doors are a good option for homeowners that want a high-quality retractable screen product that will look good, without having to pay a premium price. Clearview Screen Doors are offered in a variety of colors to choose from so you don’t have to worry about finding a match for your home’s aesthetic.
Where to Buy: Online vs. Dealer vs. Big-Box Stores
Retractable screen doors can be bought through a few different avenues, such as in-store, mobile dealers, and online. The retractable screen products you will find online are DIY products that you order and then install yourself. DIY retractable screens are a cost-saving option, but you sacrifice quality and durability.
You can also find DIY retractable screens in stores, and you may find some branded retractable screens through installed services in Big-Box stores. We recommend that you purchase retractable screen products through authorized dealers and installers of your favorite brand to ensure the quality of the product and installation.
Final Thoughts
The best retractable screen manufacturers in 2025 can be a subjective opinion, and one that depends on your specific needs and wants for your retractable screen project. Mirage Screen Systems takes great pride in offering the smoothest retractable screen products to homeowners across North America, delivered with high-quality customer service through our installation partners.
When you order a Mirage retractable screen, you can rest assured that the quality and customer service will be satisfactory. To start the process of finding the perfect retractable screen solution for your home, reach out to your local Mirage retractable screen specialist to explore options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are retractable screens that you can install yourself, but we don’t recommend purchasing a DIY product. DIY products are less expensive than other premium retractable screen options, but that does come at a different cost. DIY retractable screens are made of low-quality materials that aren’t made to last. Mirage retractable screens, on the other hand, are installed by a professional and will last 15-20 years in your home with daily use.
Mirage retractable screens are the most durable retractable screen doors on the market. Mirage retractable screens are made of high-quality material that is made to last. To ensure our quality, we regularly cycle-test our retractable screens in our facility over 250,000 times, which simulates 69 years of regular use. Mirage retractable screens are all installed by a professional to ensure the product will last up to 15-20 years.
The best retractable screen door product for large patio doors would be the Mirage 3500 large opening retractable screen door. The Mirage 3500 was designed for large doors such as bi-folding, nanawall, and large patio doors as it can be made up to 14 feet wide and 10 feet high. The mesh is retained in the track for the Mirage 3500 so you don’t have to worry about blowout or anything getting inside your home.
Mirage is known for having a retractable screen door that is easy to install. Our network of Mirage retractable screen specialists across North America rave about how easy it is to cutdown and install our retractable screens on a versatile range of doors and openings.
Yes, retractable screen doors are durable as they’re an exterior home improvement product that are intended to last for 15-20 years on your home. Mirage retractable screens are made of high-quality materials that are built to last and endure the harsh conditions outdoors. If you take care of and regularly maintain your retractable screen door it will function for years and years.
Yes, multiple brands offer innovative features and automation options. For Mirage motorized screens we have smart home automation system hookups that can connect to your existing smart home technology. You can operate Mirage motorized screens through a remote control, wall-switch, on an application on your phone, or through your smart home system. If you are interested in automation software connected with your Mirage motorized screens please consult with your local retractable screen specialist.
