Somfy Altus 28 vs Sonesse 30 vs Sonesse 40: Which Motor Should You Choose?
- Craig Radcliff
- Aug 31
- 4 min read
The Altus 28, Sonesse 30 and Sonesse 40 are not three versions of the same motor. They are different motor platforms for different tube systems, blind loads and installation priorities.
If you have not identified the tube, power source or radio system yet, start with the Somfy Roller Blind Motor Buying Guide Australia.
The best choice is the smallest motor platform that fits the tube, carries the blind correctly and works with your chosen controls.
Quick comparison
Motor | Control | Power | MMB tube choices | Best suited to |
Altus 28 WireFree RTS 1.5/28 | RTS | Rechargeable | S45, 38mm STD, S35 STD/HD | Compact, lighter retrofits |
Sonesse 30 WireFree RTS | RTS | Rechargeable | S45, 38mm STD, L45 | Quiet small-to-medium blinds |
Sonesse 40 WireFree RTS | RTS | Rechargeable | S45, S60, HD50 | Larger compatible tubes and loads |
Sonesse 28/40 Zigbee | Zigbee | Rechargeable | Model dependent | Two-way smart control |
Sonesse 40 RTS 240V | RTS | Hardwired | S45, S60, HD50 | Permanent power and heavier duties |
Somfy Altus 28 WireFree RTS
Altus 28 is the compact RTS choice in the current MMB range. The 1.5Nm, 28rpm model is aimed at compatible lighter internal roller blinds where motor diameter and tube fit matter.
Rechargeable WireFree installation.
Direct control from compatible Somfy RTS remotes.
MMB tube selections: S45, 38mm STD and S35 STD/HD.
Best considered for lighter blinds after checking torque.
Useful for retrofits where a 240V cable is not available.
Choose Altus 28 because its compact platform fits the job—not simply because it is the lowest-cost or smallest motor.
View the Altus 28 WireFree RTS product.
Somfy Sonesse 30 WireFree RTS
Sonesse 30 is the quiet rechargeable RTS option for compatible small-to-medium internal roller blinds. It is a strong middle choice when you want built-in WireFree convenience and the established Somfy RTS control ecosystem.
Rechargeable WireFree installation.
Ultra-quiet Sonesse operation.
Compatible with Somfy RTS remotes and supported hubs.
MMB tube selections: S45, 38mm STD and L45.
Suited to compatible internal blinds after tube and load checks.
Sonesse 30 does not automatically fit every tube described as 38mm or 45mm. The internal profile and correct crown and drive remain essential.
View the Sonesse 30 WireFree RTS product.
Somfy Sonesse 40 WireFree
Sonesse 40 moves into a larger motor platform for compatible S45, S60 and HD50 tube systems. It is the option to consider when the compact 28–30mm motors do not provide the required tube fit or capacity.
Available in rechargeable RTS and Zigbee versions through MMB.
The RTS model suits direct remote control and established RTS installations.
The 4Nm Zigbee model suits larger or linked blinds requiring two-way smart feedback.
The larger platform is not suitable for every narrow tube.
Tube, load and protocol must all be selected before ordering.
What about Sonesse 28 Zigbee?
Sonesse 28 Zigbee sits outside the RTS comparison because it uses a different control protocol. It provides 2Nm torque, rechargeable power and two-way feedback for compatible Zigbee/TaHoma installations.
Read Somfy RTS vs Zigbee before choosing between an RTS and Zigbee motor.
Choose by tube, not by motor name
Tube selected on MMB | Motor options to investigate |
S35 STD/HD | Altus 28 RTS |
38mm STD | Altus 28 RTS, Sonesse 30 RTS, Sonesse 28 Zigbee |
S45 | Altus 28, Sonesse 30, Sonesse 28 Zigbee, compatible Sonesse 40 models |
L45 | Sonesse 30 RTS, Sonesse 28 Zigbee |
S60 or HD50 | Compatible Sonesse 40 rechargeable or 240V models |
That table reflects the tube selections currently offered on MMB product pages. It does not replace checking the blind load, adaptor set, bracket and idler.
Choose by control system
Choose RTS if you want direct control from a compatible Somfy RTS remote and an established, simple radio system.
Choose Zigbee if you want supported two-way position and battery feedback and are planning a TaHoma-based connected system.
Choose 240V RTS when permanent power and higher-duty operation matter more than WireFree convenience.
Do not buy RTS remotes for a Zigbee motor or Zigbee controls for an RTS motor.
Choose by power and use
Rechargeable motors are usually the easiest retrofit because they avoid a permanent mains connection. Hardwired Sonesse 40 RTS motors suit planned electrical work, frequent operation and larger loads. The 240V range includes 3/30, 6/20 and 9/12 models, where the first number is torque in Nm and the second is speed in rpm.
Compare the installation trade-offs in Rechargeable vs 240V vs 12V Roller Blind Motors.
Our practical recommendation
Use Altus 28 when compact fit and a lighter RTS retrofit are the priorities.
Use Sonesse 30 when quiet rechargeable RTS operation suits the tube and load.
Use Sonesse 40 when the larger tube platform or blind load requires it.
Use Sonesse Zigbee only after deciding that two-way smart control is worth changing protocol.
Use Sonesse 40 RTS 240V when permanent power is planned and the load calculation supports the selected torque.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sonesse 40 always better than Sonesse 30?
No. Sonesse 40 is a larger platform. If Sonesse 30 fits the tube and carries the blind correctly, a larger motor may add cost without improving the installation.
Can Altus 28 and Sonesse 30 use the same remote?
The RTS versions can use compatible Somfy RTS controls, but the exact remote features and channel count should be selected for the installation.
Can an RTS remote control Sonesse Zigbee?
No. Zigbee and RTS are different protocols. Choose matching controls.
Which motor is quietest?
Sonesse motors are specifically designed around quiet internal-blind operation. Actual sound also depends on the tube, brackets, blind construction and installation.
How do I know whether 1.5Nm, 2Nm or 4Nm is enough?
Use the blind width, drop, fabric weight, tube diameter and linked-blind arrangement. Check the MMB torque guide or ask us before ordering.
