Automate vs Somfy Wall Switches: Which Control System Do You Need?
Updated: Sep 15
Automate and Somfy both offer neat wall-mounted controls for motorised blinds, but they are not two interchangeable styles of the same product. The motor technology determines which system you need.
Automate wall switches communicate with compatible Automate ARC motors. Somfy Smoove RTS II controls communicate with compatible Somfy RTS motors and receivers. An Automate ARC wall switch cannot control a Somfy RTS motor, and a Somfy RTS wall switch cannot control an Automate ARC motor.
The Short Answer
Choose Automate when the blind has a compatible Automate ARC motor. Choose Somfy Smoove RTS II when the blind uses Somfy RTS. If your Somfy motor uses Zigbee or Wired Technology, stop and confirm the correct control method before buying a Smoove RTS wall switch.
Automate Wall Controls
Automate’s Paradigm wall-controller range is available in one, two and fifteen channels. This provides a simple progression from a single blind or group through to a larger multi-room system. The fifteen-channel version adds an LCD display to help navigate the additional channels.
The Automate Surface Mount Wall Switch offers five channels. It attaches directly to the wall and can use a magnetic backing plate, allowing the centre control to be removed when convenient, or a fixed backing plate for a permanent control point.
These are wire-free radio controllers for compatible ARC motors. The switch location does not need a control cable to the motor.
Somfy Smoove RTS II Wall Controls
Somfy’s current Smoove RTS II choices covered here are the Smoove 1 RTS II and Smoove 4 RTS II. Smoove 1 provides one channel for a single blind or a group. Smoove 4 provides four selectable channels for multiple blinds or groups.
The controls include open, close, stop and the Somfy “my” favourite-position function. They use RTS radio and a replaceable button battery. The Pure single frame is normally included, with alternative outer-frame choices available for different interiors.
Channels and Groups Compared
The channel number does not have to equal the number of motors. One channel can operate several compatible motors as a group. The number of channels should reflect how many independent selections you want.
Automate gives a wider spread of wall-controller channel counts: one, two, five or fifteen depending on the model. The Smoove RTS II choices discussed here provide one or four channels. A large Somfy installation may combine wall controls with a multi-channel handheld remote or TaHoma rather than relying on one wall control for every selection.
Physical Design and Mounting
Both systems can provide a permanent-looking wall control without running control wiring. Automate’s Surface Mount model stands out when a removable magnetic controller is useful. Somfy’s Smoove system stands out for interchangeable outer frames, including Pure, Black and Silver single frames and the Double Pure frame for two Smoove 1 modules.
The Double Pure frame is not a four-channel or two-channel electronic control by itself. It is an outer frame designed to hold two separate compatible Smoove 1 modules, which are purchased separately.
Smart Hub Compatibility
A wall switch provides fast local control and does not require internet access for everyday operation. A hub adds app control, voice integration, flexible schedules, scenes and away-from-home access.
Compatible Automate ARC systems generally use Automate Pulse Pro. Compatible Somfy systems use Somfy TaHoma, with compatibility depending on the exact Somfy motor technology. A hub belongs to the same motor ecosystem; it does not bridge an incompatible wall switch to another brand.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose an Automate wall control if:
Your motor is confirmed as Automate ARC, and you want a one, two, five or fifteen-channel wall-mounted controller.
Choose a Somfy Smoove RTS II if:
Your motor or receiver is confirmed as Somfy RTS, and you want one or four channels in the Smoove wall-control format.
Ask for a compatibility check if:
The motor label is unavailable, the existing Somfy control is Zigbee, the blind currently uses a hardwired switch, or you are trying to replace a control from an older installation.
The most reliable comparison is not Automate versus Somfy as brands. It is your installed motor technology versus the protocol supported by the new control.
Related Guides
Choose and Compare Wall Switches
Compare compatible Automate and Somfy wall controls or continue through our complete controls guide.