Top 5 Web Accessibility Audit Tools: Enhance Compliance and Inclusivity!
Add accessibility and compliance to your digital assets with our top 5 web accessibility audit tools. Built by experts, these accessibility audit tools can help identify and remediate barriers to accessibility. Take advantage of the latest in accessibility audit technology, comply with legal standards and make your websites more inclusive and accommodating environments for everyone.
More details for each of our top 5
Accessibility Audit Tools
UserWay
See how UserWay can improve your website's accessibility
- Price per Audit: $490
- Remediation Consulting: Yes
UserWay are market leaders in AI-powered accessibility solutions. With a full suite of advanced accessibility products, UserWay’s website accessibility audit tool provides a range of features to meticulously flag accessibility violations and accurately reveal recurring problems. Led by certified experts in digital accessibility, UserWay audits provide guidance for actionable remediation of violations in real-time. Their team of certified accessibility experts assess WCAG 2.0/2.1 AA compliance levels, providing a full audit report with guidance on how to action necessary fixes to help meet ADA and Section 508 requirements. UserWay has over 20 one-click integrations for all major platforms like Shopify, Wix, and WordPress. They offer excellent UI/UX interfaces and a full framework of solutions, including accessibility plugins, scanning and monitoring tools, manual audits, VPAT, document accessibility, empathy labs, legal support, and accessibility training.
Why we chose UserWay:
We chose UserWay for our web accessibility audit because they share our values and are committed to creating a more inclusive online world. Their website accessibility audit detected our accessibility issues, and the UserWay team gave us clear, actionable guidance across every accessibility violation on our site, along with direct remediation instructions. UserWay’s support and training have also been invaluable in creating a culture of accessibility and improving our overall digital content.
Key Points
- Web Audit
- Design Audits
- VPAT
- Meets all major regulations and standards
AccessiBe
See how AccessiBe can improve your website's accessibility
The AccessiBe audit testing tool leverages AccessiBe's AI technology, specifically through accessFlow, which can uniquely identify elements such as menus, form validations, and page landmarks. It provides tailored suggestions for remediation, focusing on WCAG success criteria and on user behavior and usability. accessFlow's AI emulates real user interactions during auditing sessions, including clicking buttons, utilizing keyboard shortcuts, submitting forms, and other actions. accessFlow has the capability to identify accessibility issues and provide comprehensive solutions to allow users to learn how to address accessibility challenges and understand their impact on individuals with disabilities.
I was impressed with AccessiBe’s audit tool capabilities. Its user-friendly interface made the auditing process straightforward, despite my lack of extensive technical skills. What stood out most was its comprehensive approach, covering various aspects of accessibility, from WCAG guidelines to user behavior. The tool also provided feedback and highlighted areas where remediation was required. Overall, it's an easy to use tool for organizations committed to creating inclusive digital experiences.
Key Points
- WCAG
- Implementation Report
- Web Audits
- AODA
Equally AI
See how Equally AI can improve your website's accessibility
Equally AI's audit service adopts a thorough and dual-faceted strategy to assess website accessibility, employing a team well-versed in technical and content standards. The team conducts automated and manual assessments, utilizing tools essential for people with disabilities and evaluating aspects like color contrast and keyboard accessibility to identify crucial enhancements. The output is an actionable audit report accessible through the Equally AI project dashboard. This report highlights identified issues and their potential impact on users, with recommendations for effective remediation.
What distinguishes Equally AI is their advanced approach to image content analysis. Their system initially generates alt text via AI, which is then assessed for context and relevance. In instances where AI-derived alt text lacks significance, their team intervenes to refine or validate it, ensuring precise image descriptions. By integrating AI with human review, Equally AI ensures a comprehensive accessibility solution that fosters inclusivity and an enhanced user experience for all site visitors.
“If you're in search of an affordable and smooth website accessibility audit solution, Equally AI stands out as a strong choice. Their audit process is simple, useful for those of us with limited tech expertise. The tool's depth, scrutinizing a spectrum of accessibility facets from WCAG compliance to end-user interaction, was particularly remarkable. It not only gave meaningful insightful feedback but also pinpointed specific areas needing attention. For any organization intent on forging inclusive digital spaces, this tool emerges as a remarkably user-friendly and thorough solution.”
Key Points
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Analysis
- Review Report
- Remediate
- WCAG Compliant
Level Access
See how Level Accsess can improve your website's accessibility
Level Access offers comprehensive accessibility audits that utilize both automated and manual testing to cover all WCAG success criteria. Their team of expert accessibility consultants performs testing on the most critical user paths across a variety of digital products, including websites, mobile apps, and PDF documents. Level Access’ website audits provide detailed descriptions of any accessibility issues, pinpointing exactly where they were found and providing actionable guidance for how to fix them, helping teams to achieve compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines.
Level Access website accessibility audits helped us navigate the complex world of ADA compliance and accessibility. Their audit identified our HTML and other functional issues, leaving our team with a clear remediation strategy and actionable steps towards compliance. I appreciated the detailed feedback that the Level Access team provided on compliance issues, outlining the issues to prioritize based on their impact, and having the ability to test our site’s coverage against WCAG guidelines and Section 508 standards.
Key Points
- Health reports
- Remediation recommendations
- Component Testing
UsableNet
See how UsableNet can improve your website's accessibility
Usablenet provides a comprehensive audit service with a custom cloud-based accessibility management platform, UsableNet AQA. This tool combines automated and manual testing and includes continuous monitoring for ongoing compliance. UsableNet’s audits are performed by Accessibility Developers and managed on their Accessibility Management Platform to streamline remediation and reporting (based on WCAG 2.0 AA). Audits can be completed in as fast as 2 weeks, pointing to high visible accessibility issues for quick remediation.
Why we chose Usablenet
I found UsableNet’s AQA Testing Platform an easy-to-use tool for auditing our business websites for accessibility compliance. If you’re looking for a comprehensive and customized solution, I recommend UsableNet; they have a custom evaluation tool that was tailored to our specific business needs and we also benefit from continuous monitoring to ensure we are always compliant. Overall, their audit service is a great investment for businesses looking to ensure their website or digital properties are accessible to all users.
Key Points
- WCAG
- AQA
- Mobile Accessibility Audits
- Digital Accessibility Training
What is web accessibility?
Web accessibility refers to the design and development of websites, tools, and technologies in a manner that enables people with disabilities to effectively use them. It involves creating digital environments where individuals can perceive, comprehend, navigate, interact with, and contribute to the web.
Making websites accessible accommodates the needs and expectations of people with a wide range of disabilities, including auditory impairments, cognitive limitations, neurological conditions, physical disabilities, speech impairments, and visual impairments.
The goal of web accessibility is to remove barriers and make information and functionality available to everyone, regardless of their abilities. It involves employing inclusive design practices, implementing accessibility standards and guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), and considering the diverse needs and preferences of users with disabilities.
Why is web accessibility important?
The importance of website accessibility has increased due to the growing prevalence of people living with disabilities worldwide.
The World Health Organization and the CDC report that approximately 16% of the global population and 26% of the U.S. population live with disabilities. These figures amount to over 1 billion individuals worldwide and 86 million people in the U.S. who may face barriers when accessing websites lacking proper accessibility considerations.
According to W3C, (the World Wide Web Consortium), an international community that develops open standards to ensure web accessibility, have stated that many sites and tools are built with accessibility barriers, making them difficult or impossible for some people to use.
Web accessibility is undeniably a prominent concern in today's digital landscape. By making websites accessible, organizations can cater to the needs of people with disabilities, providing them with a seamless and inclusive user experience.
Why is web accessibility and compliance crucial for businesses?
Web accessibility is vital to businesses due to a multitude of compelling reasons. Implementing web accessibility tools play a vital role in evaluating and improving the accessibility of websites. By catering to the requirements and expectations of people with disabilities, businesses can tap into an often neglected market segment and unlock significant opportunities for increased revenue, growth, and enhanced engagement, sales, and customer satisfaction.
Investing in web accessibility tools is also an essential factor for legal compliance reasons. Many countries, including the United States, have laws and regulations mandating website accessibility for people with disabilities. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal consequences such as fines, penalties, and lawsuits. Prioritizing web accessibility helps businesses avoid legal risks and ensures compliance with accessibility standards.
Web accessibility has emerged as a compelling business case, particularly in the realm of design and user interface (UI). The integration of accessibility principles into design and UI practices has gained significant prominence and importance. Businesses are realizing that making their websites accessible not only ensures inclusivity but also provides them with a competitive advantage. Accessible websites attract and retain customers who value inclusive practices, giving businesses a positive edge in the market. Additionally, implementing accessible design can improve search engine optimization (SEO) through better structured content and metadata, leading to higher search rankings and increased visibility.
Implementing accessible design practices can also improve website usability, making the experience more user-friendly and intuitive. Accessible websites typically feature clear navigation, well-organized content, and responsive design, benefiting all users, regardless of their abilities.
Addressing web accessibility involves considerations beyond compliance, design and revenue growth. Making websites accessible also demonstrates a commitment to corporate social responsibility and inclusivity. By designing websites with accessibility in mind, businesses create an inclusive digital environment, promoting equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It allows everyone, regardless of abilities, to access information, engage with content, and participate fully in online activities. Embracing inclusivity as a core business value aligns with ethical principles and upholds the belief in equal access for everyone.
Accessibility Testing Tools vs Accessibility Audits. What is the difference?
Accessibility testing tools and accessibility audits are two different approaches to ensuring that digital content is accessible to people with disabilities. While both aim to identify and address accessibility issues, they differ in their methods, scope, and level of human involvement.
Accessibility Testing Tools: Accessibility testing tools are software applications or browser extensions that assist in identifying potential accessibility issues on a website or digital product. These tools typically automate the testing process by scanning the website's code, structure, and content. They may provide automated checks against accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG) and highlight specific issues, such as missing alt text for images, improper heading structure, or inaccessible form elements. Accessibility testing tools are efficient for conducting initial assessments and identifying common accessibility issues, but they may not catch all types of accessibility barriers or provide a comprehensive evaluation.
Accessibility Audit: An accessibility audit, on the other hand, involves a more comprehensive evaluation of a website's accessibility. It typically includes a combination of manual and automated testing processes conducted by accessibility experts or auditors. During an accessibility audit, professionals review the website's design, code, and content, employing a range of techniques such as manual testing with assistive technologies, keyboard navigation testing, and user testing with people with disabilities. An accessibility audit provides a detailed assessment of a website's compliance with accessibility standards and guidelines, with actionable recommendations for resolving identified issues.
Organizations should use a combination of automated accessibility testing tools and human-led audits to ensure the best possible outcome for their accessibility initiatives.
Which industries and personas can benefit from accessibility auditing tools?
Web auditing accessibility tools can benefit industries such as web development, government, education, healthcare, e-commerce, media, nonprofits, and professionals involved in digital marketing and SEO. By utilizing these tools, organizations and individuals can ensure their websites are accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities.
Understanding Web Accessibility Standards: WCAG, Section 508, and ADA
Accessibility standards, such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), Section 508, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), provide guidelines and regulations for ensuring web accessibility and inclusive design.
WCAG is an internationally recognized set of guidelines developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that outlines best practices for making web content accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
Section 508 is a U.S federal law that requires federal agencies to make electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. It provides specific accessibility requirements that must be met by government websites and digital content.
ADA is a U.S civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and covers various areas, including websites and digital services.
While WCAG provides comprehensive guidelines, Section 508 and ADA offer legal frameworks that mandate accessibility compliance for specific entities. Adhering to these accessibility standards helps ensure that websites and digital content are accessible to all individuals, promoting inclusivity and equal access to information and services online.
What should you consider when choosing accessibility auditing tools?
When choosing accessibility auditing tools, there are several factors to consider to make an informed decision. These considerations help ensure that the selected tool is effective, efficient, and aligns with the specific needs of your organization.
Accuracy and reliability: These two factors play a crucial role in the context of auditing tools for accessibility. These qualities are essential because they ensure that accessibility issues are accurately identified and addressed. An auditing tool that lacks accuracy may produce false positives, incorrectly flagging elements as inaccessible or presenting false negatives, failing to detect actual accessibility problems. Both situations can be problematic and lead to inefficient allocation of resources.
Detection of accessibility issues: The most effective accessibility auditing tools will enable you to effortlessly scan one page or thousands in a matter of minutes to detect any accessibility problems. This rapid identification of issues gives you an eagle-eyed view of how accessible – or inaccessible – your site is. Whether it's missing alt text, improper heading structures, or color contrast issues, choose an accessibility auditing tool that can detect accessibility errors with precision.
Ease of use and integration: Ease of use and integration are important factors when selecting an accessibility auditing tool. Choose tools with a user-friendly interface, accessible to a wide range of users, regardless of their technical expertise. Users should be able to easily navigate through the features and functionalities of the tool, with clear instructions and prompts to guide them through the auditing process. Accessibility auditing tools will also seamlessly integrate with existing workflows and development processes. Integration may involve compatibility with popular content management systems (CMS), code editors, or browser extensions, allowing developers to incorporate accessibility checks directly into their workflow without disrupting existing tools and processes.
Automation: Automated accessibility auditing tools are efficient in identifying common accessibility issues. These tools utilize algorithms to scan web content and detect potential violations of accessibility guidelines. They provide a quick and systematic way to flag issues such as missing alt text, improper heading structures or color contrast problems. While automated testing is valuable for quickly identifying common issues on a large scale, it may not capture all accessibility barriers and may generate false positives or false negatives.
Manual testing: When considering an accessibility audit, choose a vendor who combines automated testing with manual testing in the evaluation process. Having a ‘human in the loop’ involves manual evaluation and examination of the website to identify accessibility issues that automated tools may miss. Manual testing allows for a more nuanced evaluation and can uncover complex accessibility barriers that require human judgment. This method involves navigating through the website, using assistive technologies like screen readers, and verifying the proper implementation of accessibility features. Manual checking is vital for identifying issues that require human interpretation, such as logical tab order, meaningful link text, or complex interactive elements.
User Testing: When choosing a vendor or assembling a testing team, consider the team’s composition, placing significant importance on the expertise and firsthand experience of individuals with disabilities as essential contributors. Organizations can gain valuable insights into the specific barriers and difficulties that these individuals may encounter when interacting with the website or application. Including disabled users as part of the auditing team can contribute to the identification of potential accessibility issues that might go unnoticed by others involved in the process.Their input can shed light on specific challenges related to assistive technologies, keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, alternative text, and other accessibility considerations.
To achieve optimal accessibility testing, auditing teams should combine various approaches, including automated tool testing, manual checking, accessibility audits, and user testing. This comprehensive approach ensures a thorough evaluation of a website's accessibility and provides valuable insights into potential barriers for users with disabilities.
Can overlay technology help to make websites accessible?
Overlay technology is a technique where additional functionality or modifications are added to an existing system without directly changing its core components. In the context of accessibility, overlay technology allows you to improve your websites without requiring access to their underlying source code. It enables you to enhance accessibility and fix issues by adding a layer of accessibility features and adjustments on top of the existing system.
Why is testing for compliance with accessibility auditing tools important?
Website accessibility testing is an essential part of ensuring universal access to your site for all people, regardless of abilities. A top-rated auditing tool will conduct tests to assess compliance with WCAG 2.1 guidelines to ensure full coverage of accessibility criteria for disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, speech, cognitive, language, learning, and neurological impairments. By addressing the issues detected by the auditing tool, businesses will adhere to accessibility compliance, creating more inclusive and user-friendly experiences for all.
