Accessibility Tools Comparison

Compare popular web accessibility tools, services, screen readers, and testing solutions. Find the best tools for your specific needs, budget, and technical requirements.

Important Note About Accessibility Overlays

While accessibility overlay widgets (like UserWay, accessiBe) may seem like quick solutions, they are controversial in the accessibility community. Many experts recommend fixing accessibility issues at the code level rather than relying on overlays, as overlays may not work with all assistive technologies and can create additional barriers. Always prioritize proper implementation over overlay solutions.

AI-Powered Accessibility Tools

Next-generation accessibility tools powered by artificial intelligence. These tools from accessibility.build use AI to understand context and provide intelligent recommendations.

AI Audit Helper

AI-Powered Accessibility Auditor

Unique Feature:

AI-powered context understanding

Pricing:Free

Free

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.2

Features:

•AI-powered comprehensive website scanning
•Context-aware issue identification
•Intelligent, actionable recommendations
•WCAG 2.2 guideline compliance
•Understands content context
•Tailored recommendations per page

Pros:

✓Free to use
✓AI understands context, not just rules
✓Provides intelligent recommendations
✓Comprehensive WCAG 2.2 coverage
✓Easy to use interface
✓No technical knowledge required

Cons:

•Online tool only
•May require manual verification
•Newer tool (less community feedback)

Best for: Developers, designers, content creators

AI Alt Text Generator

AI-Powered Alt Text Generator

Unique Feature:

Context-aware AI alt text generation

Pricing:Free

Free

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.2 (1.1.1, 1.4.5)

Features:

•AI analyzes images with full context
•Considers surrounding content
•Understands page context and image purpose
•Generates descriptive, contextually appropriate alt text
•Meets WCAG 2.2 requirements
•Context-aware descriptions

Pros:

✓Completely free
✓AI understands image context
✓Considers surrounding content
✓Generates meaningful descriptions
✓Saves time on manual alt text writing
✓WCAG compliant output

Cons:

•Online tool only
•May need review for complex images

Best for: Content creators, designers, developers

Color Contrast Analyzer

Color Contrast Testing Tool

Unique Feature:

WCAG 2.2 specific contrast testing

Pricing:Free

Free

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.2 (1.4.3, 1.4.6, 1.4.11)

Features:

•Test color combinations instantly
•WCAG 2.2 contrast requirements
•Pass/fail results with detailed ratios
•Normal and large text calculations
•Real-time color picker
•Multiple color format support

Pros:

✓Free
✓Instant results
✓WCAG 2.2 compliant
✓Easy to use
✓Detailed contrast ratios
✓No installation needed

Cons:

•Online tool only
•Basic features

Best for: Designers, developers, QA testers

Color Palette Generator

Accessible Color Palette Generator

Unique Feature:

Generates accessible palettes automatically

Pricing:Free

Free

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.2 (1.4.3, 1.4.6)

Features:

•Generate accessible color palettes
•All combinations tested against WCAG 2.2
•Harmonious color schemes
•Inclusive design focus
•Multiple palette options
•Contrast ratio validation

Pros:

✓Free
✓Generates WCAG-compliant palettes
✓Beautiful, harmonious colors
✓Saves design time
✓Accessibility built-in
✓Multiple options

Cons:

•Online tool only
•Limited customization

Best for: Designers, UI/UX professionals

Why AI-Powered Tools?

Traditional accessibility testing tools check against rules, but AI-powered tools understand context. They can analyze how content relates to surrounding elements, understand user intent, and provide more intelligent recommendations that go beyond simple rule checking.

Context Awareness: Understands how elements relate to each other and the page context
Intelligent Recommendations: Provides actionable suggestions, not just error lists
WCAG 2.2 Support: Up-to-date with the latest accessibility guidelines
Free to Use: All accessibility.build tools are currently free

Automated Testing Tools

Tools for developers and testers to identify accessibility issues in code and websites.

Quick Comparison Table

Tool	Type	Pricing	WCAG	Best For
axe DevTools	Browser Extension & API	Free / Paid Free (extension), Paid (enterprise)	WCAG 2.1, 2.2	Developers and development teams
WAVE	Browser Extension & Online Tool	Free Free	WCAG 2.1	Designers, content creators, beginners
Lighthouse	Built-in DevTools	Free Free	WCAG 2.1	Web developers using Chrome
Accessibility Insights	Browser Extension	Free Free	WCAG 2.1	Manual testing and assessments
Tenon.io	API Service	Paid Custom pricing	WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2	Enterprise automation
AChecker	Online Tool	Free Free	WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2	Quick checks and validation

axe DevTools

Browser Extension & API

Pricing:Free / Paid

Free (extension), Paid (enterprise)

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.1, 2.2

Features:

•Browser extension (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
•CI/CD integration
•Detailed violation reports
•React, Vue, Angular support
•Command-line interface
•API access

Pros:

✓Free browser extension
✓Excellent developer integration
✓Comprehensive testing
✓Active community support
✓Regular updates

Cons:

•Enterprise features require paid plan
•Can be overwhelming for beginners
•Requires technical knowledge

Best for: Developers and development teams

WAVE

Browser Extension & Online Tool

Pricing:Free

Free

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.1

Features:

•Browser extension (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
•Online evaluation tool
•Visual feedback overlay
•Detailed error reports
•Contrast checking
•ARIA evaluation

Pros:

✓Completely free
✓Visual, easy-to-understand feedback
✓Beginner-friendly
✓No installation needed (online version)
✓Educational resources included

Cons:

•Limited to single-page testing
•No API access
•Less suitable for automated testing
•May miss some complex issues

Best for: Designers, content creators, beginners

Lighthouse

Built-in DevTools

Pricing:Free

Free

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.1

Features:

•Built into Chrome DevTools
•Command-line tool
•CI/CD integration
•Performance + Accessibility
•Mobile testing
•Automated reports

Pros:

✓Free and built-in
✓Part of Chrome ecosystem
✓Performance + accessibility together
✓Easy CI/CD integration
✓Regular updates

Cons:

•Chrome/Chromium only
•Less detailed than specialized tools
•Limited manual testing features

Best for: Web developers using Chrome

Accessibility Insights

Browser Extension

Pricing:Free

Free

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.1

Features:

•FastPass automated checks
•Assessment manual testing
•Tab stops visualization
•Landmarks visualization
•Chrome and Edge support
•Windows app available

Pros:

✓Completely free
✓Microsoft-backed
✓Great for manual testing
✓Visual tab stops
✓Comprehensive assessment mode

Cons:

•Windows-focused
•Limited browser support
•Less automation than axe

Best for: Manual testing and assessments

Tenon.io

API Service

Pricing:Paid

Custom pricing

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2

Features:

•RESTful API
•Batch testing
•Detailed reports
•CI/CD integration
•Custom rules
•Priority scoring

Pros:

✓Powerful API
✓Flexible integration
✓Detailed reporting
✓Good for automation
✓Custom rule support

Cons:

•Paid service
•Requires API knowledge
•Less user-friendly interface

Best for: Enterprise automation

AChecker

Online Tool

Pricing:Free

Free

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2

Features:

•Online accessibility checker
•Multiple standard support
•Detailed reports
•Source code analysis
•HTML/CSS validation

Pros:

✓Free
✓Multiple WCAG versions
✓No installation needed
✓Open source

Cons:

•Online only
•Less modern interface
•Limited automation

Best for: Quick checks and validation

Accessibility Services & Platforms

Comprehensive services and platforms that offer accessibility audits, remediation, and compliance solutions.

Quick Comparison Table

Tool	Type	Pricing	WCAG	Best For
UserWay	Accessibility Widget & Services	Free / Paid Free (Lite) / $49+/month	WCAG 2.1 Level AA	Small to medium businesses
accessiBe	Automated Compliance Platform	Paid $49-$149/month	WCAG 2.1 Level AA	Businesses needing quick compliance
AudioEye	Hybrid Solution	Paid Custom pricing	WCAG 2.1 Level AA	Enterprise organizations
Level Access	Enterprise Services	Paid Custom pricing	WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2	Large enterprises and government
Deque Systems	Tools & Services	Free / Paid Free (axe) / Paid (services)	WCAG 2.1, 2.2	Development teams and enterprises
Siteimprove	Enterprise Platform	Paid Custom pricing	WCAG 2.0, 2.1	Large organizations with multiple sites

UserWay

Accessibility Widget & Services

Pricing:Free / Paid

Free (Lite) / $49+/month

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.1 Level AA

Features:

•AI-powered accessibility widget
•Real-time adjustments
•Screen reader optimization
•Keyboard navigation
•Customizable interface
•Accessibility audits

Pros:

✓Free tier available
✓Easy installation
✓Quick implementation
✓Customizable widget
✓Multiple service tiers

Cons:

•Overlay solution (controversial)
•May not fix underlying issues
•Paid plans can be expensive
•Limited code-level fixes

Best for: Small to medium businesses

accessiBe

Automated Compliance Platform

Pricing:Paid

$49-$149/month

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.1 Level AA

Features:

•AI-powered scanning
•Automated remediation
•Screen reader optimization
•Keyboard navigation
•Compliance monitoring
•Legal documentation

Pros:

✓Quick setup
✓Automated daily scans
✓Legal documentation
✓Multiple integrations
✓Continuous monitoring

Cons:

•Overlay solution (controversial)
•Expensive
•May not address root causes
•Limited manual control

Best for: Businesses needing quick compliance

AudioEye

Hybrid Solution

Pricing:Paid

Custom pricing

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.1 Level AA

Features:

•Automated scanning
•Human expert audits
•Code-level remediation
•Continuous monitoring
•Compliance dashboard
•Training services

Pros:

✓Combines automation + human review
✓Code-level fixes
✓Comprehensive solution
✓Expert support
✓Ongoing monitoring

Cons:

•Expensive
•Custom pricing
•May require longer implementation

Best for: Enterprise organizations

Level Access

Enterprise Services

Pricing:Paid

Custom pricing

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2

Features:

•Comprehensive audits
•Manual testing
•Remediation services
•Training programs
•Legal support
•Compliance tracking

Pros:

✓Industry leader
✓Comprehensive services
✓Expert team
✓Legal support
✓Government contracts

Cons:

•Very expensive
•Enterprise-focused
•Long sales cycles

Best for: Large enterprises and government

Deque Systems

Tools & Services

Pricing:Free / Paid

Free (axe) / Paid (services)

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.1, 2.2

Features:

•axe testing tools (free)
•Professional services
•Training programs
•Consulting
•Remediation services
•Compliance audits

Pros:

✓Free tools available
✓Industry expertise
✓Comprehensive services
✓Strong developer focus

Cons:

•Services are expensive
•Enterprise-focused

Best for: Development teams and enterprises

Siteimprove

Enterprise Platform

Pricing:Paid

Custom pricing

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.0, 2.1

Features:

•Accessibility + SEO + Analytics
•Site-wide crawling
•Policy compliance
•Reporting dashboard
•CMS integrations
•Training resources

Pros:

✓All-in-one platform
✓Comprehensive reporting
✓Multi-site management
✓Enterprise features

Cons:

•Very expensive
•Complex setup
•Enterprise-only

Best for: Large organizations with multiple sites

Screen Readers

Screen reading software used by people with visual impairments. Essential for testing your website's accessibility.

Quick Comparison Table

Tool	Type	Pricing	WCAG	Best For
NVDA	Windows Screen Reader	Free Free (open source)	N/A	Windows users, developers, testing
JAWS	Windows Screen Reader	Paid $90/year (home), $1200/year (professional)	N/A	Professional users, enterprise
VoiceOver	Built-in Screen Reader	Free Free (built-in)	N/A	Mac/iOS users, developers
TalkBack	Android Screen Reader	Free Free (built-in)	N/A	Android users, mobile testing
Narrator	Windows Built-in	Free Free (built-in)	N/A	Basic testing, Windows users

NVDA

Windows Screen Reader

Pricing:Free

Free (open source)

WCAG Support:

N/A

Features:

•Free and open source
•Windows support
•Multiple languages
•Braille display support
•Regular updates
•Active community

Pros:

✓Completely free
✓Open source
✓Regular updates
✓Good performance
✓Active development

Cons:

•Windows only
•Requires learning curve
•Less polished than JAWS

Best for: Windows users, developers, testing

JAWS

Windows Screen Reader

Pricing:Paid

$90/year (home), $1200/year (professional)

WCAG Support:

N/A

Features:

•Professional screen reader
•Advanced features
•Braille support
•OCR capabilities
•Multiple languages
•Enterprise support

Pros:

✓Industry standard
✓Most features
✓Excellent support
✓Professional quality
✓Widely used

Cons:

•Very expensive
•Windows only
•Steep learning curve

Best for: Professional users, enterprise

VoiceOver

Built-in Screen Reader

Pricing:Free

Free (built-in)

WCAG Support:

N/A

Features:

•Built into macOS and iOS
•Gesture controls
•Braille support
•Voice control
•Multiple languages
•Regular updates

Pros:

✓Free and built-in
✓Excellent integration
✓Modern interface
✓Regular updates
✓iOS and macOS

Cons:

•Apple ecosystem only
•Different from Windows readers
•Learning curve

Best for: Mac/iOS users, developers

TalkBack

Android Screen Reader

Pricing:Free

Free (built-in)

WCAG Support:

N/A

Features:

•Built into Android
•Gesture navigation
•Braille support
•Multiple languages
•Regular updates

Pros:

✓Free and built-in
✓Android integration
✓Regular updates
✓Good performance

Cons:

•Android only
•Varies by device
•Learning curve

Best for: Android users, mobile testing

Narrator

Windows Built-in

Pricing:Free

Free (built-in)

WCAG Support:

N/A

Features:

•Built into Windows
•Basic screen reading
•Multiple languages
•Regular updates

Pros:

✓Free and built-in
✓No installation
✓Windows integration

Cons:

•Limited features
•Less powerful than JAWS/NVDA
•Basic functionality

Best for: Basic testing, Windows users

Color Contrast Checkers

Tools specifically designed for checking color contrast ratios against WCAG requirements.

Quick Comparison Table

Tool	Type	Pricing	WCAG	Best For
WebAIM Contrast Checker	Online Tool	Free Free	WCAG 2.1	Quick contrast checks
Colour Contrast Analyser	Desktop App	Free Free	WCAG 2.1	Designers, offline use
Contrast	macOS App	Paid $4.99	WCAG 2.1	macOS designers

WebAIM Contrast Checker

Online Tool

Pricing:Free

Free

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.1

Features:

•Color picker
•Contrast ratio calculation
•WCAG AA/AAA compliance
•Large text support
•Multiple color formats

Pros:

✓Free
✓Simple interface
✓Accurate calculations
✓No installation

Cons:

•Online only
•Basic features

Best for: Quick contrast checks

Colour Contrast Analyser

Desktop App

Pricing:Free

Free

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.1

Features:

•Desktop application
•Color picker
•Contrast ratio
•WCAG compliance
•Windows/Mac/Linux

Pros:

✓Free
✓Works offline
✓Cross-platform
✓Eye dropper tool

Cons:

•Requires installation
•Basic interface

Best for: Designers, offline use

Contrast

macOS App

Pricing:Paid

$4.99

WCAG Support:

WCAG 2.1

Features:

•Native macOS app
•Color picker
•Real-time contrast
•WCAG compliance
•Multiple formats

Pros:

✓Native macOS experience
✓Real-time updates
✓Beautiful interface

Cons:

•Paid
•macOS only

Best for: macOS designers

Quick Recommendations

For Developers

Start with: AI Audit Helper (free, context-aware) or axe DevTools (free extension)
For CI/CD: axe CLI or Lighthouse CI
For testing: NVDA (free) or VoiceOver (built-in)

For Designers

Quick checks: WAVE browser extension or AI Audit Helper
Contrast: Color Contrast Analyzer (accessibility.build) or WebAIM Contrast Checker
Alt text: AI Alt Text Generator (context-aware, free)

For Enterprises

Comprehensive: Level Access or Deque Systems
All-in-one: Siteimprove (accessibility + SEO)
Hybrid approach: AudioEye (automation + human audits)

For Beginners

Start simple: AI Audit Helper (free, intelligent) or WAVE (free, visual feedback)
Learn basics: Lighthouse in Chrome DevTools
Screen reader: NVDA (free) or Narrator (built-in)