6 Best Accessibility Testing Tools for Websites

As someone who values accessibility and inclusivity, I understand how important it is to ensure that websites are designed with ALL types of users in mind. However, testing for accessibility can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the tools and techniques involved.

That’s why I’m excited to share my top 6 accessibility testing tools for websites with you today. Whether you are a developer, a UX designer, or a digital marketer, these tools will help you identify and fix accessibility issues so that your website can be used by everyone, regardless of their abilities.

So, if you’re ready to improve your website’s accessibility and craft a better experience for all users, keep reading to discover the top accessibility testing tools that I recommend.

What are the Best Accessibility Testing Tools for Websites?

From automated tools that quickly scan your website for issues to more in-depth manual tools that allow you to simulate various disabilities, there is something here for everyone.

1. Google Lighthouse

Overview

Google Lighthouse is a free and open-source tool offered by Google that helps developers improve the quality of their websites by auditing their performance, accessibility, best practices, and SEO. It can be used on any website, including those built with popular frameworks such as React, Vue.js, and Angular.

Top Features

• Provides an overall performance score and detailed report on opportunities to improve speed and loading times.
• Offers an accessibility audit and suggestions for improving the user experience for people with disabilities.
• Evaluates the best practices of a website, such as HTTPS usage and responsive design.
• Analyzes SEO and suggests ways to improve the website’s ranking on search engines.
• Can be run via the command line, integrated into the Chrome DevTools, or used as a web app.

Pricing

Google Lighthouse is a completely free tool.

In my perspective

Google Lighthouse is best suited for developers, designers, and website owners who are looking for a reliable, easy-to-use accessibility testing tool that can help them optimize the performance and accessibility of their website.

It’s an ideal tool for those who want to make sure their website is fast, accessible, and optimized for search engines without having to pay for expensive auditing tools.

2. axe DevTools

Overview

Axe DevTools is a browser extension and a web-based accessibility testing tool that helps developers and designers catch accessibility issues early in the development process.

Developed by Deque Systems, axe DevTools provides a comprehensive accessibility audit that helps users identify and fix issues related to color contrast, image alt text, ARIA attributes, and more.

Top Features

• Easy-to-use browser extension that integrates with popular browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
• Instantly identifies and highlights accessibility issues on a webpage and provides detailed guidance on how to fix them.
• Offers a suite of accessibility rules that are continuously updated to ensure the tool stays current with the latest accessibility guidelines.
• Supports testing for WCAG 2.1 and Section 508 compliance.
• Provides a variety of export options, including CSV, HTML, and JSON.

Pricing

The basic version of axe DevTools is completely free to use. However, Deque Systems does offer enterprise-level products and services for organizations that require more advanced accessibility testing solutions.

In my perspective

Axe DevTools is ideal for developers and designers who want a simple, easy-to-use accessibility testing tool that can be integrated into their existing workflow.

It’s especially useful for those who want to catch accessibility issues early in the development process and ensure their website is compliant with the latest accessibility guidelines.

Overall, axe DevTools is a powerful tool that can benefit anyone who is committed to creating more inclusive and accessible digital experiences.

3. WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool)

Overview

Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (WAVE) is a free and easy-to-use web accessibility testing tool that checks web pages for accessibility issues. It provides feedback on various aspects of accessibility, including contrast, font size, and image alt text.

WAVE also provides detailed guidance on how to fix any issues that it identifies, making it a valuable web accessibility testing tool for web developers, designers, and content creators.

Top Features

• Identifies accessibility errors and provides clear guidance on how to fix them
• Provides a detailed report of accessibility issues found on a web page
• Offers a browser extension for easy accessibility testing during the development process
• Offers various viewing options for different types of users, such as screen reader users or users with cognitive disabilities
• Integrates with popular web development tools like Chrome Developer Tools and Firefox Developer Tools

Pricing

WAVE is completely free to use and accessible from any web browser.

In my perspective

WAVE is an excellent tool for anyone involved in the development or maintenance of a website. It is particularly useful for those who are new to web accessibility and need a simple and user-friendly tool to help them get started.

Whether you’re a web developer, designer, or content creator, WAVE can help you ensure that your website is accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities.

4. AChecker

Overview

AChecker is a free online accessibility testing tool that helps users identify accessibility errors on their web pages. This tool allows users to enter the URL of their website and scan it for accessibility issues. The results are displayed in a report that includes a detailed list of errors, warnings, and other potential problems.

Top Features

• Scans entire websites or individual web pages for accessibility issues.
• Provides detailed reports on accessibility errors and warnings.
• Includes tips on how to fix accessibility issues.
• Offers support for various accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.0 and Section 508.
• Provides options for customization and filtering of results.

Pricing

AChecker is a completely free tool that can be accessed through its website.

In my perspective

AChecker is best suited for web developers, designers, and content creators who want to ensure that their websites meet accessibility standards. It’s a great option for those who are just starting with accessibility testing, as it is easy to use and provides clear guidance on how to fix any issues found.

Additionally, it can be used by organizations and individuals who want to ensure that their websites are accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities.

5. Color Contrast Analyzer

Overview

The Color Contrast Analyzer is a tool designed to help web developers and designers evaluate the color contrast of their web pages, ensuring that the content can be easily read and understood by all users, including those with visual impairments.

Top Features

• Instantly analyze color contrast ratios for text and background colors
• Offers WCAG 2.1 AA and AAA compliance checks
• Ability to simulate different types of color vision deficiencies
• Provides suggestions for color combinations that meet accessibility standards
• Available as a standalone desktop application or as a browser extension

Pricing

The Color Contrast Analyzer is a free and open-source tool, available for download on its official website or as a browser extension from the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons.

In my perspective

The Color Contrast Analyzer is an essential tool for any web designer or developer who wants to ensure that their website is accessible to all users. It is especially useful for those who may not have a deep understanding of color accessibility guidelines, as it provides clear feedback and suggestions for improvement.

6. W3C Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)

Overview

W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) is an international community that develops open standards to ensure the long-term growth of the web. They provide guidelines and specifications for web accessibility, HTML, CSS, and other web technologies.

Their aim is to make the web accessible to everyone, regardless of disability, device, or location.

Top Features

• Provides guidelines and specifications for web accessibility, HTML, CSS, and other web technologies
• Develops open standards to ensure the long-term growth of the web
• Offers a wide range of resources for web developers, including code validators, testing tools, and educational materials
• Supports the development of innovative web applications through research and development projects
• Facilitates collaboration among industry leaders, academics, and government organizations to advance the web’s capabilities.

Pricing

Most of the resources provided by W3C are freely available, though they do offer a paid membership program for organizations that want to contribute to and participate in the development of web standards.

In my perspective

W3C is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in web development or interested in ensuring web accessibility. Their guidelines and specifications provide a framework for creating inclusive, user-friendly web applications.

Their educational materials and testing tools make it easy to learn about and implement web standards. W3C’s work benefits everyone who uses the web, and their resources are particularly useful for web developers, designers, and accessibility specialists.

What Is accessibility testing?

Accessibility testing is the process of evaluating a product or service to ensure that it can be accessed and used by people with disabilities. The goal of accessibility testing is to identify and address any barriers that may prevent people with disabilities from using a website, application, or device.

This type of testing helps to ensure that products and services are inclusive and can be used by all individuals, regardless of their abilities.

Summary

In conclusion, accessibility testing is crucial for ensuring that all users, regardless of their abilities, can fully access and use a website or application. With the right tools and techniques, testers can identify and address potential barriers, improving the overall user experience for everyone.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive accessibility testing tool, we highly recommend trying out the AChecker software. With its intuitive interface and top-notch features, it’s a must-have for any web developer or designer. Don’t wait any longer to make your website more inclusive.

FAQ

Why is accessibility testing important?

Accessibility testing is important because it ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to digital content, just like any other user. By making a website accessible and adhering to web content accessibility guidelines, businesses can avoid discrimination and legal issues, reach a wider audience, and improve the user experience for all users.

How can I perform accessibility testing on my website?

You can perform accessibility testing on your website by using automated tools, such as WAVE, Axe, or Google Lighthouse, which can detect common accessibility issues.

However, usability testing on users with disabilities is also recommended to ensure the website is accessible and usable for everyone. Additionally, you can consult with accessibility experts or hire third-party vendors to conduct accessibility audits and provide recommendations for improvement.