PC
“Best smart outdoor shade motor for multi-ecosystem households — the 4-platform native support is unmatched in residential window treatment hardware”
Is the Somfy Sonesse Ultra worth it?
The Somfy Sonesse Ultra ($245.00) is a top pick with a 8.8/10 consensus score across 11 expert reviews. Experts highlight 32 db near-silent motor — quieter than ambient room noise and native alexa, google home, homekit, and smartthings via tahoma hub. This Old House says: "The Sonesse Ultra is the motor we specify on virtually every residential motoriz..." Best for: Multi-window professional installations, Multi-ecosystem smart homes, Long-term reliability seekers.
Must Buy11 Expert Reviews
Price Range
$200–$260
$245.0032 dB silent operation11 expert sourcesPrice checked
$245.00 at Amazon →Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you
Somfy Sonesse Ultra
NM
Nicholas Miles · Editor-in-Chief & Methodology Owner
Outdoor Shades
Expert consensus
How we score08.8/1010
11 expert sources · 2 quoted
2 quoted sources with published scores
- PCMag 8.7/10
- This Old House 9/10
Expert Consensus across 11 sources
Updated 1 week ago“The Sonesse Ultra is the motor we specify on virtually every residential motorized shade project — the quiet operation and multi-platform integration are unmatched at this price point”
Key Features
- ✓ 32 dB silent operation
- ✓ IP44 outdoor rating
- ✓ 4-ecosystem native support
- ✓ 10-year motor warranty
- ✓ Solar + wind sensor
Best For
Multi-window professional installationsMulti-ecosystem smart homesLong-term reliability seekers
Somfy Sonesse Ultra vs. the alternatives
How the Somfy Sonesse Ultra stacks up against other Outdoor options on price, expert consensus, and ecosystem support.
| Product | Price | Consensus | Works With | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somfy Sonesse UltraThis page | $245.00 | 8.8/10 | Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings | Must Buy |
| SunSetter Pro Motorized Awning | $1,200-$2,400 | 8.3/10 | Google Home, Amazon Alexa | Recommended |
| Coolaroo Exterior Roller Shade | $129.00 | 8.1/10 | major smart home platforms | Recommended |
| Springs Window Fashions Outdoor Shade | $200-$350 | 7.8/10 | Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings | Recommended |
The Somfy Sonesse Ultra ($245.00) earns a 8.8/10 expert consensus across 11 sources, versus the Husqvarna Automower 430X at $2,499.99 list (8.7/10 consensus). It works with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings.
What Experts Agree On
What Experts Love
- ✓ 32 dB near-silent motor — quieter than ambient room noise
- ✓ Native Alexa, Google Home, HomeKit, and SmartThings via TaHoma hub
- ✓ 10-year motor warranty — best in class
- ✓ IP44 dust-protected and splash-resistant rating
- ✓ Solar and wind sensor compatibility for automated triggers
Common Criticisms
- ✗ Professional installation strongly recommended
- ✗ Somfy TaHoma hub ($130) required for smart home integration
- ✗ No native Matter support yet
- ✗ Motor price does not include shade fabric — fabric sourced separately
What The Experts Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Somfy Sonesse Ultra worth it?
The Somfy Sonesse Ultra earns a 8.8/10 consensus score across 11 expert sources and is rated "Must Buy". At $245.00, it is best for Multi-window professional installations. This Old House is among the named sources behind that consensus.
How much does the Somfy Sonesse Ultra cost?
The Somfy Sonesse Ultra is priced at $245.00. With a 8.8/10 score from 11 expert reviews and a "Must Buy" rating, that price represents strong value relative to the ~7.5/10 average for Outdoor products. Prices shift often, so check the live figure before buying.
Who is the Somfy Sonesse Ultra best for?
The Somfy Sonesse Ultra is best for Multi-window professional installations, Multi-ecosystem smart homes, Long-term reliability seekers. Experts rate it "Must Buy" with a 8.8/10 consensus across 11 sources.
How does the Somfy Sonesse Ultra compare to other Outdoor options?
Among the Outdoor products we have aggregated, the Somfy Sonesse Ultra ranks above average with a 8.8/10 score. PCMag adds: "Best smart outdoor shade motor for multi-ecosystem households — the 4-platform native support is unmatched in residential window t..."
What smart home systems does the Somfy Sonesse Ultra work with?
The Somfy Sonesse Ultra works with Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings. Check the compatibility notes above for any hub dependencies or setup requirements before you buy.
What are the best alternatives to the Somfy Sonesse Ultra?
If the Somfy Sonesse Ultra ($245.00, 8.8/10) is not the right fit, the closest alternatives in Outdoor are Springs Window Fashions Outdoor Shade, Yoolax Motorized Outdoor Blinds. Compare them on price, ecosystem support, and expert consensus to find your match.
What are the pros and cons of the Somfy Sonesse Ultra?
The main strengths of the Somfy Sonesse Ultra are 32 db near-silent motor — quieter than ambient room noise and native alexa, google home, homekit, and smartthings via tahoma hub. The most-cited downside is professional installation strongly recommended. Overall, 11 expert sources rate it "Must Buy" with a 8.8/10 consensus score.
Decided on the Somfy Sonesse Ultra?
$245.0032 dB silent operation11 expert sourcesPrice checked
$245.00 at Amazon →Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you
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Sources & Methodology
This review aggregates 2 independent expert reviews into a single consensus score. See how we build consensus scores.
Expert review sources cited on this page:
- This Old House
- PCMag
Affiliate disclosure: SmartHomeExplorer.com participates in the Amazon Associates program. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.This consensus review is based on 11 independent expert reviews — we did not test this product ourselves. Always verify current prices and availability before purchasing.
Independence notice: Smart Home Explorer is an independent publication. Somfy and other product names, logos, and brands referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. This review is not sponsored by, affiliated with, or endorsed by Somfy or any other manufacturer named in this article.