10 Best Soft Starters For Industrial Motors In 2026

Choosing the right soft starter for industrial motor applications can reduce mechanical stress, protect driven equipment, and improve starting performance.

This roundup highlights 10 options across common voltage and horsepower ranges so you can match the starter to your motor and load.

Best 10 Soft Starter for Industrial Motor Picks for 2026

Compact 68A Three-Phase Soft Starter – ABB PSE72-600-70, 60 hp

If you need a soft starter for industrial motor control in a compact package, the ABB PSE72-600-70 is built for three-phase systems from 208 to 600 VAC. With a 68 A rating and support for 60 hp applications, it fits straightforward starting needs where a smaller form factor and basic soft start functionality matter.

Best For: Three-phase industrial motors needing a compact 68 A soft starter for up to 60 hp.

Pros:

• Rated for 68 A and 60 hp applications
• Supports three-phase operation with 208-600 VAC range
• Includes 120/240/208 V control options and 24 V DC control
• Compact dimensions for tighter panel layouts

Cons:

• Lower current rating than larger industrial soft starters
• Less detailed feature set than premium models in this roundup

This is a practical choice when your priority is a simple ABB soft starter sized for moderate industrial motor loads. It is best matched to installations that want a three-phase starting solution without moving into much higher-amperage hardware.

High-Capacity Industrial Soft Starter – ABB PSTX210-600-70

The ABB PSTX210-600-70 is a high-current soft starter for industrial motor applications that need more headroom. It is specified for three-phase use, 208-600 VAC control range, and a 210 A rating, with notes listing a 690 V value and 24 V DC control support.

Best For: Larger three-phase industrial motors that need a 210 A soft starter with broad control-voltage support.

Pros:

• High 210 A amperage rating for demanding motor loads
• Three-phase design with 208-600 VAC range
• Supports 120/208/240 V AC control and 24 V DC control
• Suited to larger industrial starter applications

Cons:

• Bulkier and more specialized than smaller soft starters
• Product notes do not list detailed application examples

For buyers comparing a soft starter for industrial motor use, this ABB unit stands out for its higher current capacity. It makes the most sense where the motor load is larger and you want a three-phase soft starter with broad voltage compatibility.

Internal-Bypass Altistart Option – Schneider ATS22D47Q

The Schneider Electric ATS22D47Q is a soft starter for industrial motor setups that value built-in bypass and flexible motor ratings. According to the notes, it supports 3-phase asynchronous motors from 230V to 440V AC, with ratings up to 22 kW in supply line connection and up to 45 kW in motor delta connection.

Best For: Three-phase motors where an internal bypass and compact installation are important.

Pros:

• Internal bypass contactor helps reduce enclosure size
• Designed for 3-phase asynchronous motors
• Supports up to 47 A and 230V to 440V AC
• Compatible with pumps, fans, compressors, and material handling equipment

Cons:

• Lower current rating than larger industrial starters in this list
• Power ratings depend on line or delta connection

This Schneider Electric soft starter is a strong fit when you want smoother starting and less heat buildup without adding extra bypass hardware. It is especially appealing for installations where space, noise, and installation time all matter.

480V 100hp Soft Starter – ATO Three-Phase 75kW

The ATO 480V soft starter is aimed at three-phase industrial motor applications that need a 100 hp, 75 kW starting solution. It accepts three-phase 440V to 500V input and is described as suitable for 440V, 460V, and 480V AC motors, with 150 A current and soft start/soft stop control.

Best For: 480V three-phase motors needing a 100 hp soft starter with added protection features.

Pros:

• Rated for 100 hp / 75 kW applications
• Supports three-phase 440V-500V input, including 480V motors
• Soft start and soft stop help reduce motor stress
• Built-in protection for open phase, overload, and phase imbalance

Cons:

• Requires a three-phase 440V-500V supply range
• Notes do not list advanced communication as standard

If your priority is a soft starter for industrial motor protection at 480V, this ATO model offers a strong mix of capacity and safeguards. It is a practical fit for users who want both controlled starting and multiple fault-protection features in one unit.

Compact Industrial Soft Starter – Abb-entrelec PSR30-600-70 30A

If you need a soft starter for industrial motor applications with a broad operating range, the Abb-entrelec PSR30-600-70 is built around simple three-phase starting control. It supports operating voltages from 208 to 600 V AC and a control supply of 100–240 V AC, making it a practical fit for installations that need flexibility rather than extra complexity.

Best For: Three-phase industrial setups that need a compact, wide-voltage soft starter for straightforward motor starting.

Pros:

• Supports 208 to 600 V AC operating voltage range
• 100–240 V AC control supply adds installation flexibility
• Three-phase design suits industrial motor applications
• Compact and lightweight at 1.5 pounds

Cons:

• Only 30 A, so it is not intended for larger motor loads
• Basic listing details provide limited information on advanced control features
• Plastic fabric construction is less rugged than metal enclosures

Overall, this ABB soft starter is a sensible option when you want broad voltage compatibility and a compact footprint. It looks best suited to lighter industrial motor duties where the main priority is reliable soft start behavior rather than advanced communications or protection features.

Automation-Ready Soft Starter – ATS48D22Q 22kW Industrial Motor Controller

The ATS48D22Q is a soft starter for industrial motor use when you need more than basic ramp-up control. Its torque control system, built-in bypass contactor, and protection set make it a strong fit for three-phase asynchronous motors in automation environments where smooth acceleration, reduced heat, and safer operation all matter.

Best For: Industrial automation systems that need torque control, motor protection, and integrated bypass features.

Pros:

• Patented torque control system for smooth acceleration and deceleration
• Includes thermal, overload, underload, and rotor stall protection
• Integrated bypass contactor helps reduce heat dissipation
• Supports Modbus and Profibus DP communication protocols

Cons:

• At 22 kW, it is sized for specific mid-range motor applications
• Communication and display features may be more than needed for simple installs
• Heavier and larger than compact starter options

This model stands out for control and integration rather than minimalism. If your project needs a more capable industrial soft starter with protection, network compatibility, and easier configuration, it offers a well-rounded feature set for automation-focused setups.

High-Power Soft Starter – ATO 50hp 480V 37kW Three-Phase Starter

The ATO 50hp soft starter is aimed at industrial motor applications that need a higher-power soft start and soft stop solution. With support for 240V, 400V, 480V, or 690V and multiple control modes, it gives you the flexibility to match the starter to different three-phase AC motor setups such as pumps, fans, and conveyors.

Best For: Higher-power industrial motors that need flexible voltage options and multiple control methods.

Pros:

• Supports 240V, 400V, 480V, and 690V applications
• Offers panel, external, and COM control options
• Includes current-limiting, voltage ramp, and torque control modes
• Protection features cover over-heat, phase, and overload conditions

Cons:

• IP20 enclosure is intended for indoor use only
• No communication hardware is listed beyond COM control support
• Large 75 A, 37 kW unit may be oversized for smaller motors

For buyers comparing a soft starter for industrial motor duty, this ATO unit is appealing because of its voltage range and control flexibility. It is a practical choice where the application calls for robust starting and stopping behavior across common industrial loads.

Model-Identified Industrial Soft Starter – 1SFA897103R7000, 18.5 kW, 600V AC

If you need a soft starter for industrial motor control in an automation setup, this 1SFA897103R7000 model is built for clear identification and steady three-phase performance. It is aimed at reducing startup stress, helping smooth acceleration and deceleration, and adding protection against common electrical faults in demanding environments.

Best For: Automation systems and industrial installations that need a clearly specified 18.5 kW, 600V AC soft starter.

Pros:

• Specific model number makes it easier to match to existing systems
• Supports smooth acceleration and deceleration for three-phase motors
• Includes protection against overloads, phase loss, and other electrical faults
• Built with a durable industrial design for heavy-duty use

Cons:

• Single 18.5 kW, 600V AC specification limits flexibility outside that range
• Product notes focus on control and protection rather than detailed setup features

This is a straightforward industrial option when the priority is accurate model matching and dependable motor management. Its value is strongest in systems that need a robust soft starter for industrial motor applications rather than extra communication or advanced configurable extras.

High-Capacity 480V Soft Starter – ATO 40hp, 30kW, 3-Phase

This soft starter for industrial motor use is geared toward higher-power three-phase applications, with 40hp and 30kW capacity plus 480V input support. It is designed for soft start and soft stop control while adding protection from over-voltage, over-current, phase unbalance, and open-phase conditions.

Best For: Higher-capacity 3-phase motor applications that need 480V soft start and soft stop control.

Pros:

• 40hp / 30kW capacity for larger motor loads
• Supports multiple input voltages, including 480V AC
• Provides soft start and soft stop operation
• Includes protection for overload-style and phase-related faults

Cons:

• Listed as NO Communication, so it lacks built-in comms in the base version
• Best fit is narrowed by the specified voltage and power ratings

For buyers prioritizing power handling and basic protection, this model covers the core needs well. It stands out as a practical industrial motor starter when you want strong 3-phase soft-start capability without communication features.

Mid-Range Three-Phase Soft Starter – ATO 20hp, 15kW, 240V

For a compact soft starter for industrial motor applications, this ATO unit targets 20 hp and 15 kW three-phase systems with 240V input support. It focuses on soft start and soft stop operation while offering protection against over-voltage, over-current, phase unbalance, open-phase conditions, and overload.

Best For: Mid-range three-phase motor applications that need 240V-compatible soft start and soft stop control.

Pros:

• 20 hp / 15 kW rating suits mid-range motor loads
• Supports soft start and soft stop for AC motors
• Covers several protection types, including open-phase and overload
• Supports multiple input voltages with 50Hz / 60Hz operation

Cons:

• NO Communication version may not fit automation needs requiring connectivity
• Power and voltage range are more specific than a universal-use unit

This is a solid fit when you want the essentials of motor starting control without unnecessary complexity. It makes the most sense in installations that need a practical three-phase soft starter matched to its stated voltage and power range.

How We Picked the Best Soft Starter for Industrial Motor

We focused on specifications that matter in real industrial use: motor voltage range, current and horsepower capacity, starting and stopping control, and suitability for automation environments. We also favored models from established brands and units with practical installation profiles for typical three-phase systems.

Quick Comparison

In this set, ABB and Schneider Electric options lean toward established industrial control platforms and broader system integration, while ATO models cover a wide spread of common horsepower ranges at 240V and 480V. That makes the list useful whether you are replacing a smaller pump starter or specifying a higher-capacity unit for heavier-duty equipment.

Key Buying Factors for Soft Starter for Industrial Motor

Voltage and Phase Match

Always confirm the motor nameplate voltage and whether the supply is single- or three-phase. A Soft Starter for Industrial Motor use must match the system voltage closely, or it may not operate safely or effectively.

Horsepower, Current, and Duty

Size the starter for the motor’s full-load current and application type, not just horsepower. Fans and centrifugal pumps are easier starts than conveyors, compressors, or loaded machines, which may require extra margin.

Starting and Stopping Control

Look for adjustable ramp-up and ramp-down settings if your process benefits from reduced water hammer, belt shock, or sudden stops. Soft stop is especially useful on pumps and fragile mechanical systems.

Controls, Protection, and Integration

Industrial users should check for built-in protections such as overload, phase loss, and undervoltage handling. If the starter must tie into PLCs or automation panels, verify communication or control terminal compatibility before buying.

Enclosure and Installation Needs

Make sure the unit fits the panel space, heat dissipation requirements, and wiring layout of your application. For retrofit work, a compact footprint and straightforward terminal access can save significant installation time.

Who Should Buy Which Soft Starter for Industrial Motor?

If you need a premium industrial platform for demanding control environments, ABB and Schneider Electric models are strong candidates. If you want broader horsepower coverage and straightforward selection by motor size, the ATO options are practical picks.

For smaller motors or simpler retrofit jobs, lower-current units such as 30A and 18.5 kW models may be the best fit. For larger three-phase loads, step up to the 40 hp, 50 hp, or 100 hp class and verify that the starter’s ratings exceed the application’s real starting demand.

The best choice is the one that matches the motor, the load profile, and the control system—not just the headline horsepower number.