kitio.aiReality Defender vs Link Shield
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Reality Defender starts at See pricing page and Link Shield starts at $10/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
At a glance
Best for
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Audio, video and image detection
- RealCall for live calls
- RealMeeting for video calls
- RealAPI for apps
- RealScan browser review
- 0-100 risk scoring with reasons
- Redirect and short link unwrapping
- Bulk URL scanning
- Category detection
- REST API
| Feature | Reality Defender | Link Shield |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Deepfake and AI caller detection for calls, meetings and files | URL scanning API that scores links for phishing, malware and scams |
| Category | Legal, finance & HR | Legal, finance & HR |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free trial |
| Starting price | See pricing page | $10/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | No, 5-day trial |
| Made by | Reality Defender | Link Shield |
| Based in | United States | – |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Reality Defender starts at See pricing page and Link Shield starts at $10/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
3 plans
Hobby
$10/mo
- 10,000 scans per month
- API access
- Email support
Pro
$100/mo
- 100,000 scans per month
- Priority scanning
- Team seats
Business
$1000/mo
- 1,000,000 scans per month
- Custom thresholds
- Dedicated support
Prices in USD, checked Nov 5, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Reality Defender
- Covers voice, video and images
- Works on live calls and meetings
- Free API key to start
- Enterprise pricing not public
- Results still need human judgment
- Built for organizations, not individuals
Link Shield
- Explains why a link is risky
- Follows redirects to the final page
- Low entry price for side projects
- No free plan after the trial
- Big price jumps between tiers
- Team seats only from the Pro plan
Which one should you choose?
Choose Reality Defender if you want:
- Covers voice, video and images
- Works on live calls and meetings
- Free API key to start
Watch out: enterprise pricing not public.
Choose Link Shield if you want:
- Explains why a link is risky
- Follows redirects to the final page
- Low entry price for side projects
Watch out: no free plan after the trial.
Reality Defender vs Link Shield FAQ
What is the difference between Reality Defender and Link Shield?
Reality Defender: Deepfake and AI caller detection for calls, meetings and files. Link Shield: URL scanning API that scores links for phishing, malware and scams. Both are legal, finance & hr tools.
Is Reality Defender or Link Shield cheaper?
Reality Defender starts at See pricing page and Link Shield starts at $10/mo. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Reality Defender and Link Shield have free plans?
Reality Defender: Yes. Link Shield: No, 5-day trial.
Who makes Reality Defender?
Reality Defender is made by Reality Defender, based in United States.
Who makes Link Shield?
Link Shield is made by Link Shield.
Which should I choose, Reality Defender or Link Shield?
Choose Reality Defender if you value covers voice, video and images and works on live calls and meetings. Choose Link Shield if you value explains why a link is risky and follows redirects to the final page.