AllyShield vs PDFix Desktop

AllyShield is a web-based service for automated accessibility scans against WCAG 2.2. It supports mobile testing, CI/CD integration, and remediation guidance, with plans ranging from a free allowance to higher-volume options. The Free plan costs nothing, billed monthly, and allows 3 scans per month, 1 page per scan, and 1 domain. Starter costs €49/mo and includes 25 scans per month, 5 pages per scan, 3 domains, and 5 AI fixes per scan. Pro costs €99/mo and raises the limits to 100 scans per month, 25 pages per scan, and 10 domains; it also includes scheduled scans and API access. Agency costs €149/mo, with 500 scans per month, 50 pages per scan, 50 domains, white-label reports, and custom rules. Enterprise costs €799/mo, with unlimited scans, 100 pages per scan, unlimited domains, SSO/SAML, and dedicated support. AllyShield does not offer manual review tools or a browser extension.

PDFix Desktop is a desktop application for PDF accessibility remediation, auto-tagging, and validation against PDF/UA and WCAG standards. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux and offers automated scans as well as manual review tools. Four auto-tagging methods are available: basic tagging, templates generated from preflight checks, AI-generated templates, and predefined layout templates. A visual Accessibility Panel lets users refine tables, headings, and alternative text. Its built-in veraPDF engine checks PDF/UA-1 and PDF/UA-2, WCAG 2.1 and 2.2, Section 508, and the European Accessibility Act; audit reports can be exported in HTML, XML, or JSON. The free download exposes all features, but saved PDFs may contain redacted content and a watermark. Desktop Pro costs $599 a year, and Desktop Enterprise costs €1,000 a year; Enterprise adds batch processing with layout templates. The product page says validation is local and documents are not uploaded to a server. PDFix cautions that human checks and intervention remain necessary for full compliance.