Top 10 Accessibility Testing Tools

Why Are Accessibility Testing Tools Important?

As websites grow more complex, ensuring they are accessible to all users is crucial. Accessibility testing tools identify issues that may hinder users with disabilities from navigating web content. 

These tools evaluate compliance with guidelines like WCAG, Section 508, and the ADA.

In addition to compliance, accessibility tools offer several key benefits:

• Improved User Experience: They create a more inclusive experience for users with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments.
• Boosted SEO: Accessible websites are better structured, which can enhance search engine rankings.
• Risk Mitigation: These tools help reduce the risk of legal actions due to non-compliance with accessibility laws.

Types of Accessibility Testing Tools

Accessibility testing tools come in various forms to suit different testing needs. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Automated Tools: These tools comprehensively analyze the website's code and content, identifying accessibility issues without human intervention. Examples include BrowserStack, axe Monitor, and Siteimprove.
2. Browser Extensions: These tools work within a browser to evaluate the accessibility of web pages. They are typically easy to use for quick checks. Examples include WAVE and Tota11y.
3. Screen Readers: These tools simulate the experience of a blind or visually impaired user by reading the content aloud. Common screen readers include JAWS and NVDA, which are often used in conjunction with other testing tools.
4. Disability Simulators: These tools help simulate how users with different disabilities will experience a website. Funkify, for example, offers simulations for cognitive and physical impairments.‍
5. Manual Testing: Manual testing tools are often used alongside automated tools to provide more in-depth insights. These tools allow human testers to evaluate accessibility based on the user's perspective.

Top 10 Accessibility Testing Tools

Below are the top 10 accessibility testing tools in 2025, each chosen for its capabilities to help developers and testers create more accessible websites.

1. BrowserStack Accessibility Testing

BrowserStack offers a comprehensive suite of accessibility testing features designed to ensure your website meets key compliance standards:

• WCAG Compliance: Supports WCAG 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, ADA, Section 508, and AODA standards.
• Automated Issue Detection: Identifies common issues like missing alt text, low contrast, heading structure errors, and ARIA violations.
• Screen Reader Testing: Tests with native VoiceOver (Mac), NVDA (Windows), and TalkBack (Android) on real devices.
• Dynamic & Responsive Checks: Handles SPAs, dynamic content, and multi-device responsiveness for inclusive user experiences.
• Color Contrast Analyzer: Real-time checks for AA/AAA compliance with full-page and component scans.
• Reporting & Monitoring: Unlimited scans, scheduled monitoring, and exportable reports for audit tracking.

Free Accessibility Testing: BrowserStack provides free unlimited website scans, automated WCAG compliance checks, and testing for up to five unique pages per scan.

2. Siteimprove Accessibility Checker

Siteimprove is a versatile platform with a browser extension and detailed reporting to help developers identify and address accessibility issues. 

It covers multiple compliance standards and helps monitor accessibility over time, making it ideal for ongoing testing.

Key Features:

• Detailed accessibility reports
• Color contrast analyzer
• Continuous accessibility monitoring

3. axe Monitor by Applause

axe Monitor is an advanced accessibility testing tool that provides automated audits, tracks issues over time, and offers detailed analytics for large-scale organizations. 

It integrates well with various development environments and suits enterprises needing extensive compliance reporting.

Key Features:

• Enterprise-scale accessibility audits
• Detailed issue tracking and analytics
• WCAG and Section 508 compliance

4. ARC Toolkit by TPGi

The ARC Toolkit is a robust suite of tools that helps identify accessibility issues in real time. It’s a free Chrome extension developed by TPGi that offers a range of checks, including color contrast, ARIA roles, and element focus.

Key Features:

• Free Chrome extension
• Real-time accessibility audits
• Color contrast and ARIA role checks

5. AChecker (Accessibility Checker)

AChecker is an online tool that performs website accessibility checks based on WCAG and Section 508 guidelines. 

It provides detailed breakdowns of accessibility issues, offering recommendations for remediation.

Key Features:

• Supports multiple accessibility standards
• Detailed issue categorization
• Web-based, no installation required

6. MAUVE++

MAUVE++ is a research-driven tool designed for in-depth accessibility analysis. 

It focuses on static and dynamic evaluation, helping uncover issues related to content structure, navigation, and user interaction.

Key Features:

• Static and dynamic accessibility testing
• Comprehensive analysis and rule-based checks
• Ideal for academic and research-driven projects

7. Funkify – Disability Simulator

Funkify simulates various cognitive and physical disabilities, allowing developers to visualize how users with impairments experience a website.

It helps identify user experience issues that may not be visible in standard accessibility audits.

Key Features:

• Simulates cognitive and physical disabilities
• Provides a unique perspective on user experience
• Browser extension for easy integration

8. Accessibility Evaluation Assistant (AEA)

The Accessibility Evaluation Assistant (AEA) is a free tool developed by the U.S. Department of Health to assist with basic accessibility checks. 

It’s designed for organizations looking to quickly evaluate their websites for WCAG compliance.

Key Features:

• WCAG 2.1 compliance checks
• Free and easy-to-use
• Provides an introductory guide to accessibility testing

9. Dynomapper Accessibility Tool

Dynomapper is primarily a visual sitemap generator but also offers accessibility auditing features. 

It’s beneficial for developers working on large websites and helps pinpoint areas where accessibility improvements are needed.

Key Features:

• Visual sitemap and accessibility auditing
• Suitable for large websites
• Supports dynamic content testing

10. Tota11y

Tota11y is a simple yet effective browser extension designed for accessibility testing. 

It provides real-time feedback on a website’s accessibility status, highlighting common issues such as contrast problems, missing alt text, and broken ARIA roles.

Key Features:

• Real-time accessibility feedback
• Lightweight browser extension
• Ideal for quick checks during development

How to Select the Right Accessibility Testing Tool

Selecting the right accessibility testing tool depends on various factors such as your team’s size, the complexity of the website, and your specific compliance needs. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

1. Compatibility: Ensure that the tool works with your website’s technologies and integrates into your existing development and testing workflow.
2. Scalability: If you’re working on a large-scale website, choose a tool that can handle high volumes of content and track accessibility issues over time.
3. Ease of Use: Consider tools with user-friendly interfaces and clear reports, especially for teams without accessibility expertise.
4. Cost: Many accessibility tools offer both free and premium versions. Choose a tool that fits your budget while meeting your testing requirements.
5. Compliance Requirements: Ensure the tool supports the accessibility standards relevant to your region, such as WCAG, ADA, or Section 508.
   

Conclusion

As accessibility becomes crucial for inclusive online experiences, using the right testing tools ensures compliance and usability for all users. Tools like real-time audits and disability simulators help developers quickly identify and resolve issues. 

Choosing the right tools enhances UX, reduces legal risks, and creates a more accessible web. Staying updated with the latest testing methods ensures your digital content is accessible to everyone.