1. WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool)

Website: wave.webaim.org

Best for: Quick visual feedback

Features:

• Generates a visual overlay of your webpage with icons marking errors, alerts, and features
• Checks for contrast, missing alt text, ARIA labels, form labels, and structural issues
• Provides detailed explanations for each issue

How to use: Paste your URL or upload a file

2. axe DevTools (Browser Extension)

Website: deque.com/axe

Best for: Developers (Chrome/Firefox extension)

Features:

• Integrates with browser DevTools for real-time testing
• Scans for 57%+ of WCAG issues (automated)
• Zero false positives
• Highlights issues directly in the DOM

How to use: Install the extension, open DevTools, and run the scan

3. Lighthouse (Built into Chrome DevTools)

Website: developers.google.com/web/tools/lighthouse

Best for: Performance + accessibility audits

Features:

• Free, built into Chrome (no install needed)
• Tests against WCAG 2.1 AA automatically
• Covers color contrast, focus management, ARIA, and more
• Generates a report with scores and fixes

How to use: In Chrome DevTools → Lighthouse tab → Select “Accessibility” → Generate report

4. Accessibility Insights (Microsoft)

Website: accessibilityinsights.io

Best for: Guided manual + automated testing

Features:

• FastPass (automated checks) + Assessment (step-by-step manual tests)
• Covers WCAG 2.1 AA comprehensively
• Visualizes focus order, keyboard traps, and color contrast
• Free browser extension (Chrome/Edge)

How to use: Install the extension, open a page, and run tests

5. AChecker

Website: achecker.ca

Best for: Detailed guideline validation

Features:

• Validates against WCAG 2.1 AA (and other standards)
• Checks HTML, CSS, and ARIA
• Provides “known problems,” “likely problems,” and “potential issues”

How to use: Enter URL or upload HTML/CSS files

6. Siteimprove Accessibility Checker

Website: siteimprove.com/accessibility-checker

Best for: Quick scans (browser extension)

Features:

• Free Chrome/Firefox extension
• Scans for WCAG 2.1 AA violations
• Shows issues in-page with severity levels

How to use: Install the extension and run on any webpage

7. Tenon.io

Website: tenon.io

Best for: API-driven testing (free tier available)

Features:

• Tests against WCAG 2.1 AA
• Prioritizes critical issues
• Free tier allows 5 tests/month

How to use: Sign up for free, paste URL, and run tests

Key Notes for Effective Accessibility Testing

Automated vs. Manual Testing

• Automated tools catch ~30% of WCAG issues (e.g., missing alt text, color contrast)
• Manual testing is essential for keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and cognitive accessibility
• Tools like Accessibility Insights and WAVE guide you through manual checks

Complementary Tools

• Color Contrast Checkers:
  • WebAIM Contrast Checker
  • Contrast Ratio
• Screen Reader Testing: Use NVDA (Windows), VoiceOver (Mac), or TalkBack (Android)

Enterprise Tools (Paid)

Deque WorldSpace, Siteimprove, and Level Access offer advanced scanning + reporting for large sites

Recommendation

• Start with: Lighthouse (quick audit) + WAVE (visual feedback)
• For developers: axe DevTools + Accessibility Insights (for guided manual tests)
• For comprehensive checks: Combine automated tools with manual testing using a screen reader and keyboard

Always remember: No automated tool is 100% accurate. Use these as a starting point, and validate with real users where possible!