Roller Shutter Motor Brands Compared: Somfy vs Becker vs Generic

The motor is the part of an electric roller shutter that fails first. Here's the honest comparison of the three motor classes you'll see in quotes, and what each one means for warranty and reliability.

10 May 2026 5 min read

The quick answer

Somfy and Becker are the tier-one motor brands. Both German/European, both 7-10 year motor warranties, both quiet and reliable. They cost installers $100-$200 more than generic motors. Generic motors (often Chinese-manufactured) work fine in year one but typically carry 2-3 year warranties. Always ask for motor brand and model in writing.

Compare Quotes →

If you\'re buying electric roller shutters, the motor is the bit you\'ll think about most over the next 15 years. Because it\'s the bit most likely to fail. Here\'s the lineup.

Tier 1: Somfy

French/German engineering. 7-10 year motor warranty. Quietest motors on the market (sub-50 dB). Full smart-home ecosystem (TaHoma). Available in tubular and outdoor variants. Premium price. Worth it for living-area shutters you\'ll run twice daily.

Tier 1: Becker

German engineering. 5-10 year warranty depending on model. Centronic smart-home ecosystem. Robust and well-regarded by Australian installers. Comparable to Somfy on quality, slightly more common in commercial installs.

Tier 2: Selve, Nice

European brands with shorter Australian distribution history. Quality is generally good, warranties typically 5 years. Less smart-home integration. Fine if the installer specifically endorses them.

Tier 3: Generic / unbranded

Often Chinese-manufactured, sometimes private-labelled under the installer\'s own brand. 2-3 year warranties are common. Work fine when new. Fail rates climb noticeably in years 4-6. The installer\'s "we\'ll just replace the motor under warranty" only works for 2-3 years.

The brand-in-writing rule

Quotes that say "premium European motor" or "10-year motor" without naming the brand and model are misleading by omission. Push back. Ask:

What\'s the motor brand and model number?
What\'s the motor-specific warranty length? (separate from the shutter warranty)
Who handles motor warranty claims. You, the manufacturer, or the importer?

If any of those answers are vague, the motor is generic. Not the end of the world, but pay generic prices for it.

Request roller shutter quotes and ask each installer to spell out the motor brand on the line item. You\'ll learn a lot.

FAQs

How long does a Somfy motor actually last?

In Australian residential use, Somfy motors typically run 15-20 years before any service is needed. The 10-year warranty is conservative.

Can I replace a generic motor with a Somfy later?

Yes. Motor replacement is straightforward and costs roughly \$400-\$700 per shutter including labour. Check compatibility with your shutter tube diameter first.

Are silent motors worth the extra money?

For bedroom shutters that run on a morning schedule, yes. The difference between 65 dB (cheap) and 45 dB (Somfy quiet) is the difference between waking the household and not.