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First, they are very similar and have pros and cons regarding lighting control systems.
Lutron Have released the RA2 Select Product Line, which has made me update this article.
Let’s break this down into different sections and discuss the pros and cons.
Price: Rako USED TO win this area, hands down. Lutron will cost you 30% – 40% more and sometimes higher for the same system. However, Lutron Ra2 Select is now cheaper than Rako’s wireless by around 15%.
This is now a Lutron WIN.
Style and Plate Finishes: Lutron takes this area. They offer the most stylish plates like the Palladiom and Alisse, which are fabulous and different from standard UK fittings. They have an excellent architectural style – note the American-style fittings need other back boxes to install. But both Lutron and Rako offer all types to fit your home, including screwless and mirror finishes. This is still a Lutron Win Area, and they have designer plates like the Palladium and Engraving of the Pico.
Retrofitting (wireless Systems): This WAS a massive Rako win here. Rako built its brand on its wireless technology… retrofitting Rako in homes where redecoration or rewiring is impossible is something we believe Rako is the best at!
The installation and ease of the Lutron Ra2 Select app make installation a breeze using just a smartphone. You do not need to bring a laptop anymore, and the way that the Lutron Ra2 App finds the lights and flashes them for you before you name them is genius!
Rako Wireless Switch Batteries last for around four years. You can have the same functions as a wired system with a well-installed Rako retrofitted lighting system. Without the damage caused, you are wiring the house again!
Rako Wireless has more features in programming than Lutron Ra2 Select.
Rako has a more extensive wireless range of products, 0-10v, and Rako pills for pendants.
Lutron Ra2 Select PICO Keypads last ten years, and they guarantee this.
Right now, this is so tight it takes work to pick. Rako always had the edge and still has the features, but the straightforward installation of Ra2 is a game changer.
Home Automation: Lutron wins because Lutron is a colossal brand all around the world. All the leading brand makers will consider Lutron for automation and the development of their drivers. This is not so much of an issue in the UK because our top home automation brands are well aware of Rako and will continue developing platforms allowing you to integrate both brands.
The problems happen when you choose brands that are not so well known in the UK – Savant, as an example, Savant in our opinion, is one of the best home automation products on the market, but their Lutron HomeWorks integration is on another level – and I mean in a good way, the Rako integration works and works well.
This has stayed the same. Lutron's Homeworks Qs Platform integrate into absolutely everything.
Wired Systems: A very slim Lutron win here on HomeWorks (it’s excellent); however, of the software to program Lutron, the client won't see this benefit as this is the black magic of the installers domain. On the other hand, Rako software is fine once you get the hang of it.
Lutron and Rako have excellent wired products, work exceptionally well, and offer identical features.
One thing to note is that the Rako Wireless system works flawlessly with the wired system once you have a bridge installed, which gives you the option to add in circuits that you have not planned for (those changes that our wonderful clients like to add just at the last minute when all the ceilings and walls are finished). Lutron also has a hybrid repeater; you can add HomeWorks QS Stick dimmers.
Rako wired is cheaper than Lutron HomeWorks QS if the cost is critical.
Lutron phase adaptive modules have RTISS (real-time illumination stability system), which cleans up our mains 230v supply.
Nothing Changed—still both good products.
Mobile App: A Lutron victory here. The Lutron app is very well designed. The Rako app is also great and very easy to use (and now the Rako app lets you adjust scenes directly). But the Look and feel of the Lutron app is a very user-friendly user experience!
Lutron has now released the Radio Ra2 Select, allowing the home user to program stuff directly via the app.
Dimming Loads and Types: It’s a Draw. The reason for a draw here is because, ultimately, it is the electrical contractor's duty (us) to make sure that they thoroughly check on the lighting types (trailing edge/leading edge/phase adaptive), lighting loads on the equipment, etc. and order the correct equipment for the lighting that is to be installed.
However, one impressive Lutron feature is its Din Rail Phase Adaptive Modules. I would love to see Rako produce a similar module in the future (from an electrical point of view).
Lutron took this area, and they now have trim settings for the loads and have moved forward with developing the lighting dimming. And with shade integration, you can dim the sun, and they have RTISS built into the dimming modules.
Racking and Space needed for wired installations: Lutron Win: The Lutron modules are all DIN RAIL mounted. So you can build installations in tight spaces.
Rako RAk4 Modules are much more extensive (loads are higher, though). I have always had a slight bugbear about the RAK4’s sizes against the Lutron Homework’s QS Modules.
And with super-prime London residences, space is always a premium.
Note: Rako has a new Rak8, around the same form factor as the RA4, with double the space (excellent). However, the DIN Rail nature of Lutron Modules means we can make or buy any racking housing and fit anywhere.
Customer Support: Rako Slight Win, Rako manufacture nearly all of their equipment here in the UK (around 99%), and their staff are fantastic and go out of their way to help you.
I have had them send out engineers free to get my clients out of trouble. For us, this is a massive plus for Rako.
Lutron support has increased support drastically. We have been installing many Lutron systems, and they have been outstanding.
Summary
Lutron has been the winner since the release of Ra2 Select, and they have a more designer, stylish look. However, Rako is a fantastic brand and a good choice all around. I would not be disappointed with either system.
Thank you for reading.