Automate vs Somfy for Retrofitting Existing Roller Blinds

Automate and Somfy both make high-quality tubular motors that can be used to motorise existing roller blinds. There is no universal winner for every retrofit. The better choice is the brand that has a confirmed motor for your tube, enough torque for the blind, the power option you want and the control ecosystem that suits the rest of your home.

Start with the tube, not the brand

This is the most important point in the comparison. If you already own the blind, the tube exists before the motor decision does. Identify whether it is S45, S40, S60, 38mm, HD50, S35, L45 or another profile, then look at the brands and motors confirmed for that tube.

Use the MMB tube identifier as the starting point. Each recognised profile links to its current compatible-motor page, so you are comparing realistic options rather than brand catalogues in isolation.

Where Automate can make sense

Automate has a broad range of rechargeable roller blind motors and a strong retrofit presence across common Australian tube systems. For customers already using Automate remotes, ARC controls or an Automate hub, staying in that ecosystem can also simplify day-to-day control.

Where Somfy can make sense

Somfy has long-established RTS control products and also offers smart-home options across its current motor range. It can be a natural choice when a home already contains Somfy motors or controls, or when the specific tube profile has a Somfy motor that best matches the installation.

Rechargeable vs hardwired matters as much as brand

For many residential retrofits, rechargeable motors are attractive because there is no need to run 240V power to the window. On large, high-use or already-wired installations, a compatible hardwired motor may make more sense. Not every tube accepts every motor format, so check the tube-specific page rather than assuming both power types are available.

Compare control after compatibility

Once you know which motors physically fit, compare remotes, wall controls, hub integration, app control and the smart-home platform you actually plan to use. If the blind will only ever use a handheld remote, the hub ecosystem may be less important than quiet operation, torque and price. If the blind is part of a larger smart home, the control system may carry more weight.

Which brand is better for DIY retrofit?

The easiest DIY retrofit is the one where tube compatibility has already been solved. A confirmed motor, correct crown/drive set and compatible bracket remove most of the mechanical guesswork. That can be Automate on one tube and Somfy on another. We would not choose the logo first and force the blind to suit it.

A simple way to choose

1. Identify the existing tube.

2. Open the compatibility page for that tube.

3. Eliminate motors that do not suit the blind size or required power type.

4. Compare Automate and Somfy controls among the options that remain.

5. Buy the motor with the correct crown, drive and bracket configuration for the retrofit.

If you want to see the full retrofit process before choosing either brand, read our step-by-step motor retrofit guide.