Ensuring web accessibility is crucial for creating inclusive digital experiences that cater to all users, including individuals with disabilities. Despite its importance, only about 2% of websites globally are fully accessible. To bridge this gap, developers can utilize various accessibility tools designed to identify and rectify accessibility issues. Below is a curated list of top web accessibility tools for 2025:
1. WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool)
Developed by WebAIM, WAVE offers a unique visual approach to accessibility testing. It provides visual feedback on accessibility issues directly within the web browser, allowing developers and content creators to identify and address problems efficiently. Features include unlimited automated scanning and consolidated reporting.
2. axe by Deque Systems
axe is a comprehensive suite of accessibility testing tools that integrates seamlessly into development workflows. It offers browser extensions, APIs, and mobile testing capabilities, enabling developers to detect and fix accessibility issues early in the development process.
3. Lighthouse
Lighthouse is an open-source, automated tool by Google that audits web pages for performance, accessibility, SEO, and more. It provides developers with insights and recommendations to improve their websites’ overall quality and accessibility.
4. Accessibility Checker
This free tool allows developers to quickly scan their websites for accessibility issues. It provides an overview of detected problems along with clear instructions on how to fix them, ensuring compliance with ADA and WCAG standards.
5. IBM Equal Access Accessibility Checker
IBM’s Accessibility Checker is an open-source tool designed for web developers to test websites for accessibility. It conducts comprehensive audits of web pages, checking for conformance with WCAG guidelines, and presents a list of detected violations along with a compliance percentage.
6. UserWay
UserWay offers AI-powered web accessibility solutions, including widgets, scanners, audits, and PDF remediation services. These tools help ensure ADA and WCAG compliance, making websites more accessible to all users.
7. EqualWeb
EqualWeb provides a range of web accessibility solutions, including AI widgets, compliance management, scanners, and checkers. Their tools ensure adherence to ADA, WCAG 2.2, and Section 508 standards, helping businesses create inclusive digital environments.
8. Oswald Labs’ Agastya
Agastya is a cross-platform JavaScript library and web accessibility plugin that adds support for keyboard navigation, automatic generation of alternate text for images using computer vision, and font adjustments. It also includes features like color temperature adjustment and a dyslexia-friendly mode.
9. Siteimprove Accessibility Checker
Siteimprove offers a browser extension that evaluates web pages against WCAG guidelines. It breaks down accessibility issues into manageable tasks, tracks progress toward compliance, and provides recommendations and guidance.
10. Tenon
Tenon is an accessibility testing tool that offers both automated and manual testing capabilities. It integrates with various development environments and provides detailed reports to help developers address accessibility issues effectively.
By incorporating these tools into your development process, you can significantly enhance the accessibility of your websites, ensuring they are usable by a broader audience and compliant with current accessibility standards.
