Overview
ReasonLabs at a Glance
What Is ReasonLabs?
ReasonLabs offers device and online browsing protection through its antivirus software—RAV Endpoint Protection—and online safety apps. It is suitable for personal users of all kinds, protecting you against vulnerabilities like the following:
- Online extortion—where criminals access your devices through nefarious links, phishing attacks, etc., to obtain your personal information and use it to blackmail you.
- Identity theft—stealing your name, social security number, and other personal information to use in criminal activities, such as getting a credit card in your name.
- Malicious software (malware)—harmful and intrusive software—such as viruses, ransomware, spyware, and worms—that invade your devices, enabling hackers to steal your data and identity, spy on you, commandeer your computer resources for activities like cryptomining, and more.
- Ransomware—where hackers gain access to your device and lock you out, then ask you to pay a significant sum to regain your data.
- Spyware—whereby your device is infected with malware, such as keyloggers, for cybercriminals to monitor your computer usage and activity, log your passwords, and send the information to a remote server.
ReasonLabs Features
ReasonLabs designs its software specifically for Windows but has several apps that work on Android and a browser extension that works on Mac. Its software offers several features to keep your devices safe and protected. They include:
Real-time protection
Installing ReasonLabs RAV Endpoint Protection software gets you 24/7 real-time protection against identity trackers, malicious ads and pop-ups, malware, intrusive cookies, and more. The software extends this protection to your browsing through its Online Security extension for your Chrome web browser—available on Windows and Mac.
Webcam and microphone protection
ReasonLabs’ antivirus blocks criminals from installing spyware on your device and turning on your webcam to spy on you. Similarly, the software will prevent people from eavesdropping on your conversations through your microphone.
Antivirus scan and threat removal
Unlike other antivirus software, ReasonLabs uses a varied approach through AI, big data, and machine learning to anticipate, detect, and thwart attacks. You can use the quick, deep, or custom scan to check your devices for malware, and any infected objects will be quarantined or removed entirely.
Virtual private network (VPN)
ReasonLabs offers a virtual private network (VPN) on its two top tiers. VPNs create a secure connection between your device and the internet when you’re browsing, enabling you to stream safely and protect your personal details. Moreover, the VPN offers 100% data encryption and doesn’t store any browsing logs. In addition, there are no geo restrictions limiting your online experience. That means you can bypass location-based restrictions on accessing content and websites in different parts of the world.
Parental Controls
For parents, ReasonLabs offers filtering tools through its Safer Web and FamilyKeeper apps. You can block trackers, malicious websites, channels delivering inappropriate content for kids, and more. You can also control screen time, monitor for cyberbullying, and use GPS to know your child’s location.
Endpoint detection and response (EDR)
An endpoint is a technical term for a device connected to a network. Real Labs’ endpoint detection and response (EDR) is an additional layer of security that complements the antivirus to protect your devices in real time from being breached.
Is ReasonLabs Safe and Reliable?
ReasonLabs has been operating for about seven years, and the company states that its product is used in over 180 countries and trusted by millions of people. In 2021, ReasonLabs raised the alarm that people pirating the Spiderman movie—No Way From Home—would be infected by hidden malware. Last year, the company exposed a credit card fraud scheme that had been going on since 2019 and had affected customers of large corporations.
In 2022, the company received a gold certification from critical infrastructure protector Access Technologies (OPSWAT). OPSWAT’s certification program validates a company’s capability in access control and anti-malware effectiveness.
It is also a member of the independent, non-profit Association of Anti-Virus Asia Researchers (AVAR), formed in 1998 to fight against malware. In addition, the company releases reports like the State of Consumer Cybersecurity 2022, showing its commitment to fighting malware globally.
With that said, ReasonLabs has a low rating of 2.9 on TrustPilot, based on four reviewers. Some complaints include unauthorized app installations and difficulty in uninstalling the software. We tested the second claim and confirmed that uninstalling the software failed repeatedly. That raises questions about its safety and reliability.
How ReasonLabs Works
ReasonLabs’ software uses integrated technologies like AI and machine learning to monitor your networks and endpoints to detect and thwart malware. It maintains a library of malicious files—updated in real time—enabling the software to anticipate attacks and defend against them. You can scan your devices for malware that may have snuck onto your device, quarantine it, or choose to delete it permanently.
ReasonLabs also provides additional solutions, such as parental control tools, the mobile app Safer Web, and a VPN to help protect your children, home devices, and networks.
How to Get Started with ReasonLabs / How to Sign Up for ReasonLabs
After choosing a plan, you’ll be redirected to a payments page to complete the purchase. You may be offered a discount that lowers your subscription price further. When the payment is processed, you’ll receive a link to download your antivirus software to your Windows device.
I found it challenging to get to the plan page to buy the software as there was no download button. When I spoke to customer support, they explained that they were transitioning from an old website and that this would soon be available.
Signing up for Android mobile apps like Safer Web was much more straightforward. Just download and install the software and input your details. You may be directed to a payments page or be able to use a trial version. After that, you’re ready to start enjoying your new product.
ReasonLabs Customer Service
You can contact ReasonLabs’ customer service via email, an online web form, phone, and live chat. I reached out to the live chat, and a human agent immediately connected to answer my query. But when I tested the live chat again, it was unavailable numerous times. I was directed to leave a message and wait for an email response.
The support team says they will respond to emails within 24 hours, but I waited 28 hours to get one.
ReasonLabs’ blog has expert insights on online safety, and its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section answers queries about the company and its products. You can follow the company through social media on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram and get additional information or resources about the world of cybersecurity. Its YouTube page provides a few technical support videos showing you how to use the antivirus software.
How to Cancel or Pause a ReasonLabs Subscription
You can’t pause your ReasonLabs subscription, but you can cancel it any time by sending an email to support@reasonlabs.com. If it’s within the first 30 days after purchase, you’re eligible for a refund minus the shipping and handling costs and any applicable local taxes.
Is There a ReasonLabs App?
While ReasonLabs is specifically designed for Windows, it has some apps on the Google Play Store for Android users: Safer Web, Reason VPN, and FamilyKeeper Parental Control, along with its companion app, FamilyKeeper - Kids. FamilyKeeper also comes as an iOS app.
Safer Web protects against trackers, ads, malicious websites, and more. The app isn’t free, but it offers a free Safer Web Premium trial for 30 days. I tried it, and it was easy to use. FamilyKeeper Parental Control and its companion app enable parents to guard their kids against online threats like cyberbullying and offensive content.
Overall, the apps are straightforward to install and use. They may collect information about your location or personal details and share your data, app activity, and app performance with third parties. ReasonLabs provides details about its privacy policy for your review. Collected data is encrypted in transit and you can request that your data be deleted.
ReasonLabs Pricing
How Much Does ReasonLabs Cost?
ReasonLabs has three annual subscription plans: RAV Premium, RAV Elite, and RAV Family Pack. Each plan gets a 60% discount or more in the first year, and the service will be automatically renewed at the end of the year at the total price. After paying for a subscription, you have 30 days to request a refund (minus shipping costs or taxes).
Cost in the First Year
$44.99
60% discount
$62.99
60% discount
$72.99
60% discount
Cost in the Second Year and beyond
$112.48
$157.48
$182.48
Number of Devices
One
One
Five
Real-time Protection
Yes
Yes
Yes
Webcam Protection
Yes
Yes
Yes
Antivirus Scan and Threat Removal
Yes
Yes
Yes
VPN
None
Yes
Yes
RAV Premium is best for the average personal user who may not be very tech-savvy but needs to use the internet safely. It offers antivirus solutions, such as virus scanning and real-time 24/7 protection. RAV Elite is the mid-tier package, adding more features to your antivirus, such as a VPN, to enhance your online safety.
Finally, the third and highest tier is RAV Family Pack, which can be accessed by up to five devices compared to one for other plans, making it suitable for families.
The average starting cost of an antivirus product is around $26. The price tends to increase depending on features, location, and number of devices to be protected.
What Can You Do with ReasonLabs for Free?
ReasonLabs has a free package known as RAV Essentials. It provides basic features like real-time protection and malware scanning.
Optional Add-Ons
Additional ReasonLabs products can be purchased separately:
- Safer Web - Safer Web protects your mobile device from malicious websites, online trackers, pop-up ads, and more. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee, and it costs $4.20 per month on a per-month subscription, $3.72 per month on a one-year subscription or $44.64, and $3.15 per month on a two-year plan billed every 24 months at $75.60.
- Reason VPN - Reason VPN creates a secure connection when you’re browsing. You get a 30-day money-back guarantee, and it costs $12.95 per month on a one-month subscription, $6.15 per month on a one-year subscription billed every 12 months at $73.80, and $3.45 per month on a two-year plan billed every 24 months at $82.80.
- FamilyKeeper - FamilyKeeper is a parental control app. It costs $12.64 monthly on a one-month subscription and $3.16 monthly on a one-year plan.
ReasonLabs Alternatives
How Does ReasonLabs Compare to Other Antivirus Software?
Price per year
(Introductory price)
$44.99-$72.99
$29.99-$89.99
$19.99-$99.99
$29-$49
Cost per year in the second year and beyond
$112.48-$182.48
$84.99-$179.99
$79.99-$269.99*
$59.99-179.99
$119-$179
Number of devices
Up to five
Unlimited
Up to ten
Up to six
Customer support
Limited
24/7
24/7
24/7
Real-time protection
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
*Family plan
ReasonLabs vs McAfee
Similar to ReasonLabs, McAfee has a VPN and parental control tools. However, ReasonLabs has a slightly higher price than McAfee and serves up to five devices compared to McAfee’s unlimited sharing.
McAfee also offers early identity theft detection, a 100% virus protection pledge or money back, a password manager, and 24/7 customer support, none of which are offered by ReasonLabs.
ReasonLabs vs Norton
Norton is an all-round solution with a 100% virus protection promise. Like Reason Labs, it uses multiple technological tools to provide protection, including AI and machine learning. It also offers free trials, a 60-day money-back guarantee—longer than that of others—anti-theft features, a free antivirus, and antivirus apps for macOS and Windows.
Finally, you also get 24/7 customer support, which is better than ReasonLabs' more limited offering.
ReasonLabs vs TotalAV
TotalAV and ReasonLabs both have limited feature sets of their basic versions (for example, lacking a password manager or VPN). TotalAV covers up to six devices compared to ReasonLab’s five. Its Antivirus Pro product includes browser cleanups, junk file deletion, system tune-up tools, disk cleaners, and more, none of which ReasonLabs offers.
Bottom Line (Is ReasonLabs Worth It?)
ReasonLabs’ antivirus solution has excellent features and a strong team of cybersecurity experts constantly innovating new product solutions. It has a free version and competitively priced premium software, enabling you to protect your devices from cybercriminals through its virus scanning, parental controls, and VPN features.
Even though customer support agents were friendly and helpful, the response time took longer than a day and live chat wasn’t always available. Customers also found it difficult to uninstall the software, but support agents informed me they can assist in cases where uninstallation issues occur. However, these challenges mean I can’t currently recommend ReasonLabs’ products.