Motorised blind controls · Zigbee vs RTS
RTS keeps motorised blind control straightforward and reliable. Zigbee adds two-way communication and stronger smart-home integration. Both can be the right choice — it depends on how you want to use the blinds now and what you may want to add later.
The short answer
Zigbee is a two-way communication standard. Compatible blinds can send information back to the control system, which can include blind position and battery status on suitable wirefree motors.
RTS — Radio Technology Somfy — is Somfy's established one-way radio system. It is widely used for motorised blinds and works particularly well when you want dependable remote or wall-switch operation without needing status feedback.
Zigbee
Zigbee is bi-directional. The control system can send a command to a compatible blind and receive information back.
That makes Zigbee particularly useful in homes where app control, scenes and wider smart-home integration are important. On compatible systems you can see where a blind is positioned and, with suitable wirefree motors, check its battery status.
RTS
RTS sends a one-way radio command from the control to the blind. You do not need to point the remote directly at the motor, and Somfy's current guidance gives a typical range of around 20 metres with the signal able to pass through walls.
For many homes that is exactly what is required: press a button, move the blind and carry on with the day.
It remains a practical option where straightforward blind control matters more than live position or battery feedback.
Compare them side by side
Smart-home control
The difference is not simply “smart” versus “not smart”.
Compatible RTS blinds can be brought into a TaHoma setup for app control, programming and supported smart-home functions. RTS communication itself, however, remains one-way, so it does not provide the same live blind-position or battery feedback as a compatible Zigbee system.
Zigbee is therefore the stronger choice when connected feedback, future expansion and richer smart-home interaction are priorities.
Which one suits you?
There is no reason to replace a working RTS system simply because Zigbee is newer. If you are adding blinds, the right choice depends on the existing setup, the motors being considered and whether you want new connected features.
Power is a separate choice
Motorised blinds may use rechargeable battery power or mains power, depending on the motor, blind size and product specification.
Do not choose Zigbee because you assume it means battery power, or RTS because you assume it must be wired. Communication technology and power supply are separate parts of the specification.
Typical choices around the home
A remote or wall control may be all you need unless morning routines or app visibility are important.
Grouping several blinds and recalling scenes can make larger spaces easier to manage.
Zigbee is particularly attractive when blinds are part of a wider connected-home setup.
Keep comparing
Common questions
Zigbee uses two-way communication, so compatible systems can receive information back from the blind. RTS is a one-way radio system: the control sends a command to the blind, but the blind does not send live status back through RTS.
Not in every situation. Zigbee is stronger when you want connected feedback and richer smart-home integration. RTS is still a very practical choice for straightforward remote or wall-switch control.
Compatible RTS blinds can be incorporated into suitable TaHoma setups for app control and programming. RTS itself remains one-way, so it does not provide the same status feedback as compatible Zigbee blinds.
Yes. Compatible Zigbee blind motors can use dedicated remote controls as well as connected smart-home control.
RTS does not provide the two-way battery-status feedback available from suitable wirefree Zigbee motors on compatible systems.
Compatible Zigbee blinds can continue to respond locally to dedicated remotes and stored local automations if the internet connection is lost. Remote app access from outside the home will not be available until the connection returns.
Somfy states that RTS radio transmissions can pass through walls and gives a typical operating range of around 20 metres, although actual range can vary with the building and installation.
Usually not simply for the sake of changing technology. A working RTS installation can continue to provide reliable control. Zigbee becomes more relevant when you are adding new blinds and want features such as two-way status and stronger connected-home integration.
Available control technology depends on the chosen blind, motor and current product range. Village Blinds and Shutters can show suitable motorised options during a free home appointment across Northern Ireland.
Manufacturer information: features and compatibility vary by product. Current information is available from Somfy Zigbee Blinds and Somfy RTS.
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