Rako Classic vs Control4 for OS 3
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Rako Classic
Control lighting, curtains, and blinds in any room. Organize and access all your scenes and channels with custom names for easy identification. Works with existing wireless, new wired, or hybrid systems.
- Room control
- Lighting control
- Curtain/blind control
- Scene management
- Channel access
- Custom naming
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The application gives control of any room, whether it be lighting or curtain/blind control. Access to all available rooms, scenes and channels, all of which can be named for easy identification. The App can be used with existing wireless systems, the new wired network or combined systems. No configuration by the user is required, all information is stored within the Rako ethernet bridge System requirements: To allow the iPhone to communicate with the network a Rako APR-Bridge (for use with wireless-only systems) or WRE-Bridge (for wired or hybrid wireless systems) needs to be installed along with a wireless router for the Wi-Fi link with the iPhone™. The Bridge needs to be uploaded with the RASOFT programming file of the project. The file can either be an existing project file, if available, or created using the Rasoft programming software (included) which requires a PC running Windows XP or Vista.
Control4 for OS 3
Transform your iPhone or iPad into a personal interface for your smart home. Control all connected devices, including lights, thermostats, security, and media, with a redesigned, personalized experience. Requires a Control4 Smart Home OS 3 system.
- Personalized user interface
- Control lights, thermostats, security
- Manage music and video
- Access favorites and room-specific settings
- Intuitive volume control
- Customizable room wallpapers
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This Control4 app is specifically designed to be used with Control4 Smart Homes running OS 3. It turns your iPhone or iPad into your personal user interface to control all your smart home devices. ------------ NOTE: Prior to using this app, your Control4 system must be updated to Control4 Smart Home OS 3 or later. If you are unsure of the software version on your system, check with your Control4 Dealer or login to your Control4 account at control4.com. ------------ Smart Home OS 3 was thoughtfully redesigned to make it more personal and the smart home OS of choice for families. It enables you to check on the status and control your entire smart home including music, video, lights, thermostats, security system, cameras, door locks, garage doors, pools, and much more. New features in OS 3 • Favorites give you fast access to the devices and sources that you use most • Quickly personalize the interface right from the app • Each room can have its own favorites for fast access to the things you use most • Hide icons that are less important, but easily access them through the room menu • Swipe between favorite rooms to quickly navigate around the home • Filtering lets you see all lights, locks and shades, or just those that are on, unlocked or open • All-new Active Media Bar shows what’s currently playing and gives you fast control of media • Easily adjust volume through a new, intuitive volume slider control • Background wallpapers for each room can now be easily changed right from the app Visit Control4.com to learn more, find a showroom near you, or find a independent professional integrator.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is rating: Control4 for OS 3 at 3.0 against Rako Classic's 1.0. Control4 for OS 3 also leads on ratings volume (577 vs 1) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 weeks). Rako Classic's advantage is iOS requirement (12.4 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Control4 for OS 3 holds the better App Store score, 3.0 against 1.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Control4 for OS 3 has 577 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 13% of Rako Classic's written reviews are positive against 22% of Control4 for OS 3's.
Rako Classic ships an update every 6 weeks, Control4 for OS 3 fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 22, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Rako Classic | Control4 for OS 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 1.0 (1 ratings) | 3.0 (577 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 12.7% of reviews | 21.8% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 1 | 577 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch — better | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Requires iOS | 12.4 — better | 18.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 46 MB | 207 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Rako Controls Ltd | Snap One, LLC |
Customer experience
Rako Classic
Control4 for OS 3
User reviews
Rako Classic
From 1 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 👍 Functionality when working
- 👍 Quick turnaround from developers (recent)
Room to improve
- 🐛 App frequently stops working
- 🐛 Connection issues with hub/bridge
- 🐛 Broken after app updates
- 🐛 Loss of functionality
- 🐛 Clumsy/messy interface post-update
Control4 for OS 3
From 577 App Store ratingsWhat we love
- 🚀 Responsive and fast
- 🌟 Elegant and modern UI
- 🔒 Robust security features
- 👍 Customizable and personalized
- 🎨 Improved visual design
Room to improve
- 🐛 Frequent crashes and bugs
- ⏱️ Slow load times and reconnections
- 🔌 Unreliable connectivity
- 🤖 Lacking integration with smart home platforms
- 💰 Expensive and costly to maintain
Bugs and requests
Rako Classic
Reported bugs
24 issues- App doesn't connect to hub/bridge
- App says 'searching for systems' repeatedly
- Hub won't connect with Alexa
- Sliders controlling multiple elements
- Custom photo icons disappeared
Show 19 moreShow fewer
- Bridge discovery not working
- Widget faulty (cannot switch off lights)
- App updated and doesn't recognise bridge
- Unable to locate system after update
- App stopped working after update
- Screen shrunk on iPhone
- App does not work on 4G on Os12
- App not working correctly after update
- Blinds loop disappeared
- No option for lighting since update
- App stopped working after new app update
- Doesn't work at all since recent App update
- Stopped working as soon as app updated
- App doesn't work in the today screen
- Latest download wiped all settings
- App does not connect to system
- Latest update does not work on iOS 8.4.1
- Updated and now won't connect
- App won't even load
Requested features
5 requests- Allow users to change room names
- Option for adjustable icon box sizes
- Integrate with Apple HomeKit
- Improve Apple Watch app functionality
- Revert to previous app version or fix bugs
Control4 for OS 3
Reported bugs
5 issues- Intercom and doorbell issues
- Thermostat controls not working as expected
- Inability to connect to the system remotely
- Compatibility problems with newer iOS versions
- Unexpected app crashes and freezes
Requested features
5 requests- Apple Watch app support
- Better integration with Apple ecosystem
- Improved voice control and Alexa integration
- More customization options for users
- Faster and more responsive app performance
In-app purchases
Rako Classic
No in-app purchases
Control4 for OS 3
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Rako Classic free?
Is Control4 for OS 3 free?
Which has better reviews, Rako Classic or Control4 for OS 3?
Do Rako Classic or Control4 for OS 3 have ads?
Which is updated more often, Rako Classic or Control4 for OS 3?
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