Comparison

Rako vs Below The Surface

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Rako

Control lighting, curtains, and blinds in any room. Manage scenes and channels with custom names for easy identification. Supports advanced color features for enhanced ambiance.

Highlights
  • Room control
  • Scene management
  • Channel customization
  • Color temperature control
  • Wireless and wired system support
  • User-friendly interface
Features
Read full description

The App 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. This App also provides support for Rako's new colour features, enabling users to control colour temperature and also supports single channel colour commands within their rooms. 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 HUB. System requirements: To allow the iPhone to communicate with the network a RK-HUB (for use with wireless-only systems) or WK-HUB (for wired or hybrid wireless systems) needs to be installed along with a wireless router for the Wi-Fi link with the iPhoneβ„’. The HUB 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.

About

Below The Surface

Features
Read full description

Below the Surface is your personal mental wellness companion, helping you build resilience and healthy habits one step at a time. PRIVACY FIRST - BUILT FOR SECURITY - No account required - no email, no password, no personal data collected - No camera access - ever - No location tracking - we do not know or care where you are - No microphone access - your voice stays with you - No contacts access - your network is your business - Works fully offline - use anywhere without internet - No data shared with third parties - What happens in the app, stays in the app Your mental health journey is private. Period. WHATS INSIDE - Breathing Exercises - Calm your mind with guided breathing techniques including Box Breathing, 4-7-8, and more - Daily Rituals - Build morning and evening routines that set you up for success - Mindful Games - Relax with calming activities like Zen Garden drawing, Memory Match, and puzzle games - Affirmations and Quotes - Daily inspiration to boost your confidence and motivation - Learn Library - Articles and insights on mental health, relationships, stress management, and personal growth - Mood Tracking - Check in with yourself and understand your emotional patterns - Scenarios and Protocols - Practice communication skills and learn healthy response strategies TAILORED SUPPORT Special sections designed for: - Military Personnel - Mission planning, daily briefs, and transition support - Veterans - Skills translator, career resources, and peer connection tools - Young People - Big feelings toolkit, confidence builder, and interest explorer SIMPLE PRICING Start exploring free, then unlock everything with one affordable subscription. No hidden costs, cancel anytime. YOUR JOURNEY, YOUR PACE Whether you have 2 minutes or 20, Below the Surface meets you where you are. No pressure, no judgment - just practical tools for everyday mental wellness.

Screenshots

Rako4 screens
Below The Surface4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Rako at none against Below The Surface's 2. Below The Surface's advantage is update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. Below The Surface sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Rako asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Rako ships an update every 2 months, Below The Surface every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 6, 2026 and October 12, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences Β· 6 level
Rako versus Below The Surface: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRakoBelow The Surface
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviews66.7% of reviewsβ€”
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsEvery 3 weeks β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo β€” betterYes
MonetizationFreeβ€”
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS14.013.0 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size21 MB138 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRako Controls LtdTazmin Kirk

In-app purchases

None

Rako

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Below The Surface

Subscriptions2
  • Below the Surface Premium – Monthly$4.991 Month
  • Below the Surface Premium – Yearly$24.991 Year

Questions

Is Rako free?
Rako is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Below The Surface free?
Below The Surface is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Rako or Below The Surface have ads?
Neither Rako nor Below The Surface shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Rako or Below The Surface?
Rako ships an update every 2 months, and Below The Surface every 3 weeks. Most recently, Rako was updated on October 6, 2026 and Below The Surface on October 12, 2026.

Other comparisons