Somfy RTS vs Zigbee: Motors, Remotes and Compatibility Explained
For remote selection, pairing and programming, start with the Somfy Remote Controls: Complete Australian Guide.
Somfy RTS and Somfy Zigbee are different radio systems. They can both motorise a roller blind, but their remotes, feedback and smart-home setup are not interchangeable.
If you are still choosing the motor itself, start with the Somfy Roller Blind Motor Buying Guide Australia.
An RTS remote does not directly pair with a Zigbee motor, and a Zigbee control does not directly pair with an RTS motor.
RTS vs Zigbee at a glance
Feature | Somfy RTS | Somfy Zigbee |
Communication | One-way radio commands | Two-way communication |
Direct handheld control | Compatible RTS remote | Compatible Somfy Zigbee control |
Hub needed for basic control | No | Plan around TaHoma for the MMB Zigbee range |
Position feedback | Not from a standard RTS handset | Available through supported systems |
Battery feedback | Not from a standard RTS handset | Available through supported systems |
Established retrofit choice | Yes | Best for planned smart systems |
Examples sold by MMB | Altus 28 RTS, Sonesse 30/40 RTS | Sonesse 28 2Nm, Sonesse 40 4Nm |
What is Somfy RTS?
RTS stands for Radio Technology Somfy. A compatible RTS transmitter sends commands directly to an RTS motor. That makes normal open, close, stop and favourite-position control independent of Wi-Fi and a smart hub.
Simple direct motor-to-remote control.
No hub required for everyday handheld operation.
Compatible with established Somfy RTS ranges such as Situo and Telis, subject to feature and channel requirements.
TaHoma can add app control, schedules and integrations to compatible RTS devices.
A standard RTS handset does not show live blind position or battery percentage.
What is Somfy Zigbee?
Zigbee is a two-way smart-home protocol. The Sonesse 28 and Sonesse 40 Zigbee motors sold by MMB can report information such as blind position and battery level through supported Somfy systems.
Two-way communication through supported systems.
Position and battery feedback.
Compatible Somfy Zigbee controls rather than RTS handsets.
Designed around TaHoma and supported Somfy Zigbee commissioning.
Third-party Zigbee hub compatibility should not be assumed or guaranteed.
Do you need TaHoma?
For RTS
No hub is needed to use a compatible RTS remote directly with an RTS motor. Add TaHoma only if you want app control, schedules, voice-assistant integration or broader automation.
For Zigbee
The Zigbee motor range sold by MMB is intended for a supported Somfy Zigbee/TaHoma setup. Plan the hub and commissioning process as part of the motor purchase rather than treating them as an optional extra afterward.
Can TaHoma control both RTS and Zigbee?
TaHoma Switch can bring compatible RTS and Zigbee devices into one app and automation environment. That does not convert one radio protocol into the other, and it does not make their handheld remotes interchangeable.
Read the practical Somfy TaHoma Switch guide for supported-use examples.
Remote compatibility
Control | RTS motor | Zigbee motor |
Somfy Situo RTS | Yes, compatible models | No |
Somfy Telis RTS | Yes, compatible models | No |
Somfy Ysia Zigbee control | No | Yes, compatible models |
TaHoma Switch app | Compatible devices | Compatible devices |
Generic Zigbee hub | No | Not guaranteed by Somfy |
Browse the current Somfy controls sold by MMB and match the protocol before ordering.
Which system should you choose?
Choose RTS when…
You want straightforward handheld control.
You already have Somfy RTS motors or remotes.
You do not need live position or battery feedback.
You may add TaHoma later but want the motor to operate without it.
You are retrofitting an existing blind and value simplicity.
Choose Zigbee when…
You are planning a connected-home system from the start.
Position and battery feedback matter.
You are comfortable using TaHoma and compatible Somfy Zigbee controls.
You are buying all motors and controls as a matched Zigbee system.
You are not trying to reuse existing RTS remotes.
What if your home will contain both?
A mixed RTS and Zigbee home can be sensible when existing RTS blinds are retained and new Zigbee blinds are added. TaHoma can centralise compatible devices, but keep the physical remotes and programming procedures clearly separated by protocol.
Label remotes and rooms during installation.
Do not assume an RTS programming guide applies to a Zigbee motor.
Keep the correct charger for each motor generation.
Document which motors use RTS and which use Zigbee before adding automations.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pair a Somfy Situo RTS remote with a Zigbee motor?
No. Situo RTS transmits Somfy RTS commands. Use a compatible Somfy Zigbee control for a Zigbee motor.
Can I use a Zigbee motor without a remote?
Yes, when it is commissioned into the supported smart-control system. Add a compatible local control if you also want physical button operation.
Will TaHoma make an RTS remote control a Zigbee motor?
No. TaHoma can control compatible devices in one app, but it does not change the radio protocol transmitted by a handheld remote.
Does RTS work if the internet is down?
Direct RTS remote-to-motor control does not depend on Wi-Fi or internet access. App and cloud functions may be unavailable.
Does every Zigbee hub work with Somfy Zigbee motors?
No. Do not assume generic Zigbee compatibility. MMB supports the Somfy TaHoma-based setup described for the products it sells.
Should I replace an existing RTS system with Zigbee?
Usually not just for the sake of changing protocol. Extend an existing RTS installation unless two-way feedback and a planned Zigbee system justify the change.
