Somfy Roller Blind Motor Buying Guide Australia
Somfy makes a huge range of blind motors. That is useful for manufacturers, but it can make choosing one motor for an existing roller blind unnecessarily confusing. Motorise My Blinds deliberately sells a smaller, practical range for Australian internal roller blinds.
This guide narrows the choice using the things that actually decide whether a motor will work: the roller tube, blind size and weight, required torque, power source, and whether you want Somfy RTS or Zigbee control.
Do not choose a Somfy motor by name or torque alone. Identify the tube first, then choose the smallest suitable motor and control system.
The quick answer
For a compact rechargeable RTS retrofit: start with the Altus 28 WireFree RTS.
For quiet rechargeable RTS control in common small-to-medium tube systems: consider the Sonesse 30 WireFree RTS.
For larger compatible tubes and larger blinds without hardwiring: consider a Sonesse 40 WireFree model.
For two-way position and battery feedback: choose a compatible Sonesse Zigbee motor and plan for TaHoma.
For permanent power, high use or heavier blinds: choose a correctly sized Sonesse 40 RTS 240V motor and use a licensed electrician.
If you are comparing only the compact rechargeable models, jump to Altus 28 vs Sonesse 30 vs Sonesse 40.
Somfy motors sold by Motorise My Blinds
Motor family | Power and control | Typical role | Tube choices offered by MMB |
Altus 28 WireFree RTS 1.5/28 | Rechargeable, RTS | Compact retrofits and lighter blinds | S45, 38mm STD, S35 STD/HD |
Sonesse 30 WireFree RTS | Rechargeable, RTS | Quiet small-to-medium internal blinds | S45, 38mm STD, L45 |
Sonesse 40 WireFree RTS | Rechargeable, RTS | Larger compatible tubes and blinds | S45, S60, HD50 |
Sonesse 28 WireFree Zigbee 2Nm | Rechargeable, Zigbee | Small-to-medium smart blinds | S45, 38mm STD, L45 |
Sonesse 40 WireFree Zigbee 4Nm | Rechargeable, Zigbee | Larger or linked smart blinds | S45, S60, HD50 |
Sonesse 40 RTS 3/30, 6/20, 9/12 | 240V hardwired, RTS | Permanent power and heavier duties | S45, S60, HD50 |
The table is a buying shortcut, not a load calculation. Blind width, drop, fabric weight, tube diameter and linked-blind arrangements all affect the required torque.
Step 1: Identify the roller blind tube
A tubular motor sits inside the roller tube. The crown and drive must match the tube’s internal profile, not just its outside diameter. Two tubes that both measure around 45mm can use different internal keys and therefore different adaptors.
Use the roller blind tube identification guide before ordering. If you are unsure, remove the blind safely and send clear photos of the tube end and internal profile with measurements.
S45 is not automatically interchangeable with every 45mm tube.
A motor that physically fits may still need the correct crown, drive, bracket adaptor and idler.
For an existing blind, identify the tube before choosing motor diameter or torque.
For a new blind, select the whole tube-and-motor system together.
Step 2: Work out how much motor the blind needs
Torque is measured in newton metres (Nm). More torque is not automatically better. Oversizing can increase cost and motor diameter without solving a poor tube fit, weak brackets or an unsuitable blind.
Use our roller blind motor torque guide to assess blind width, drop, fabric weight, tube size and linked-blind loads.
1.5–2Nm compact motors are commonly considered for lighter small-to-medium internal blinds when the tube is compatible.
The 4Nm Zigbee option provides more capacity for larger or linked interior blinds in compatible S45, S60 and HD50 systems.
The hardwired Sonesse 40 RTS range steps through 3Nm, 6Nm and 9Nm options for increasingly demanding applications.
Very wide, tall, heavy or linked blinds should be checked rather than selected from a rule of thumb.
Step 3: Choose rechargeable or 240V power
Rechargeable WireFree motors
Rechargeable motors are usually the simplest retrofit. There is no permanent mains cable at the window and no electrician is required for the motor connection. You do, however, need practical access for charging.
Best for existing blinds, apartments, finished rooms and DIY-friendly retrofits.
Charging access must remain reachable after the blind is installed.
Battery life depends on blind size, motor load, daily use and operating conditions.
Use the correct charger for the exact Somfy motor generation and protocol.
240V hardwired motors
A 240V motor suits new builds, renovations, frequent operation and larger blinds where permanent power is preferable. The Sonesse 40 RTS 3/30, 6/20 and 9/12 models provide a clear progression in torque and speed.
All 240V connection work must be completed by a licensed electrician in Australia. Plan the cable route, isolation and access before the blind is installed.
For the full power comparison, read Rechargeable vs 240V vs 12V Roller Blind Motors.
Step 4: Choose RTS or Zigbee
Somfy RTS
RTS is Somfy’s established one-way radio system. A compatible RTS remote can operate the motor directly, without Wi-Fi or a hub. TaHoma can add app control and automation to compatible RTS motors, but a normal RTS handset does not receive live position or battery feedback.
Somfy Zigbee
The Zigbee motors in the current MMB range provide two-way feedback through supported systems, including blind position and battery information. They are controlled with compatible Somfy Zigbee controls and TaHoma—not RTS Situo or Telis remotes.
RTS and Zigbee remotes are not interchangeable. Choose the protocol before buying the motor and controls.
Read the complete Somfy RTS vs Zigbee compatibility guide before mixing motors, remotes or hubs.
Which Somfy motor should you choose?
Choose Altus 28 WireFree RTS when…
You need a compact rechargeable RTS motor.
Your tube is S45, 38mm STD or compatible S35 STD/HD with the correct adaptors.
The blind load suits 1.5Nm.
You want direct control from a compatible Somfy RTS remote.
View the Somfy Altus 28 WireFree RTS.
Choose Sonesse 30 WireFree RTS when…
Quiet rechargeable RTS operation is a priority.
Your tube is S45, 38mm STD or L45 with the correct crown and drive.
The blind is within the motor’s supported load.
You want Somfy RTS remote control without hardwiring.
View the Somfy Sonesse 30 WireFree RTS.
Choose Sonesse 40 WireFree when…
The blind uses a compatible S45, S60 or HD50 tube system.
You need more capacity than the compact 28–30mm platforms.
You want rechargeable power rather than a permanent 240V connection.
You have chosen either RTS simplicity or Zigbee feedback before ordering.
Compare the Sonesse 40 WireFree RTS and Sonesse 40 WireFree Zigbee 4Nm.
Choose Sonesse 40 RTS 240V when…
Permanent power is available or being planned.
The blind will operate frequently or charging access would be inconvenient.
The blind requires the 3Nm, 6Nm or 9Nm hardwired platform after calculation.
A licensed electrician will complete the electrical connection.
The correct buying order
Identify the roller tube and internal profile.
Measure the blind width and drop and identify the fabric.
Check whether the blind is single or linked.
Calculate the torque requirement.
Choose rechargeable or 240V power.
Choose RTS or Zigbee control.
Select the compatible motor, crown, drive, bracket adaptor and idler.
Choose the matching remote, wall control, hub and charger.
If any of those steps are unknown, stop before ordering. One clear photo and measurement is cheaper than buying the wrong motor.
More detailed Somfy motor guides
Altus 28 vs Sonesse 30 vs Sonesse 40: model comparison
Somfy RTS vs Zigbee: motors, remotes and compatibility
Rechargeable vs 240V vs 12V roller blind motors
Roller blind motor torque guide
Automate vs Somfy roller blind motors
How to identify your roller blind tube
How to motorise existing roller blinds
Open the model comparison: Altus 28 vs Sonesse 30 vs Sonesse 40. Read the power guide, torque guide, Automate vs Somfy comparison, tube guide and retrofit guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which Somfy motor should I use for an existing roller blind?
Start by identifying the tube and blind load. A compact Altus 28 or Sonesse 30 may suit a compatible lighter blind, while larger compatible tubes and loads may require a Sonesse 40. Do not select from width alone.
Do rechargeable Somfy motors need an electrician?
The rechargeable WireFree motors do not require a 240V motor connection. A 240V hardwired motor must be connected by a licensed electrician in Australia.
Is a higher-torque motor always better?
No. The motor still needs to fit the tube and suit the system. Select enough torque with a sensible margin rather than choosing the largest motor by default.
Can an RTS remote control a Zigbee motor?
No. RTS and Zigbee are different radio systems. Use a compatible control for the motor protocol you choose.
Does a Somfy Zigbee motor need TaHoma?
The Zigbee motors sold by MMB are designed around compatible Somfy Zigbee controls and TaHoma-based smart control. Third-party hub compatibility should not be assumed.
What information should I send MMB if I am unsure?
Send the blind width and drop, fabric type, clear photos of the tube end and internal profile, tube measurements, and whether you want rechargeable, hardwired, RTS or smart control.
Need help before ordering? Contact Motorise My Blinds with your tube photos, measurements and control preference. We will help narrow the choice to the motor systems we actually supply.
