Axe DevTools vs IBM Equal Access Accessibility Checker
Axe DevTools
deque.com
IBM Equal Access Accessibility Checker
ibm.comSide by side
| Figure | Axe DevTools | IBM Equal Access Accessibility Checker |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $40/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 2 |
| Spec score · Accessibility Testing Software | 9.5 (#1) | 9.0 (#7) |
| Spec score · Website Accessibility Tools | 9.5 (#1) | 9.0 (#6) |
| Spec score · Web Accessibility Software | 9.1 (#2) | 8.4 (#6) |
| API access | Yes | Yes |
| Browser extension | Yes | The Chrome extension runs inside Developer Tools and helps locate accessibility problems and possible fixes. |
| CI/CD integration | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Scan scope | page | page |
| WCAG version | wcag 2.2 | wcag 2.2 |
| What it does | Axe DevTools combines automated and AI-assisted accessibility testing for web and mobile applications across the software-development lifecycle. | IBM Equal Access Accessibility Checker automates accessibility checks in browsers and continuous-development environments. |
Plans
Axe DevTools
- Axe DevTools Extension (Free)Free
- Axe DevTools Extension (Pro)Priced on request
- Axe DevTools Extension (Pro)$40 a month
- Axe DevTools EnterprisePriced on request
- Axe DevTools for Web (Bundle)Priced on request
IBM Equal Access Accessibility Checker
- Free and open sourceFree
- Free/open-source toolkitFree
In their own words
Axe DevTools
Axe DevTools is an accessibility testing product with automated scans, manual review tools, and remediation guidance. Its stated standard coverage is WCAG 2.2, and the product lists mobile testing, API access, and CI/CD integration. The free browser extension costs nothing and checks one page at a time. The Pro extension adds AI-enhanced features, Intelligent Guided Testing, user flow analysis, Jira integration, and advanced reporting and sharing; no price is listed for it. The Axe DevTools for Web Bundle includes a browser extension, CI/CD and API integrations, linting, business intelligence reporting and monitoring, and on-premises and private-cloud options; its price is also not listed. The pricing model is freemium. The maker, Axe DevTools, was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, United States. The listed platform is API, alongside the browser extension. Plan descriptions distinguish single-page checks in the free extension from broader testing and workflow capabilities in the other plans.
IBM Equal Access Accessibility Checker
IBM Equal Access Accessibility Checker automates accessibility checks for web content and applications, with tools aimed at web developers and accessibility auditors. Its rule engine connects checks to accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.2, and scans at page level. Results can identify the issue type, applicable WCAG success criteria, affected element, XPath, progression level, and a help link. Browser extensions are available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. They work in browser DevTools and include a visualization mode for keyboard checking. For CI/CD workflows, packages are available for Node, Cypress, and Java; the project Wiki also lists a Karma plugin and names Selenium, Puppeteer, Playwright, and Zombie as testing or parsing engines. The extension can combine up to 50 stored scans into a Microsoft Excel report. The Wiki says web data, rules, and the engine stay local rather than sending web data to servers or third parties. The tool is free at free. IBM cautions that automated checks cover only part of its accessibility requirements, so manual and screen reader testing should follow.