Axe DevTools vs Octopus Scanner (formerly A11y Scanner)
Axe DevTools
deque.comOctopus Scanner (formerly A11y Scanner)
lachie1999.itch.ioSide by side
| Figure | Axe DevTools | Octopus Scanner (formerly A11y Scanner) |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $40/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 5 | 3 |
| Spec score · Website Accessibility Tools | 9.5 (#1) | 9.0 (#5) |
| Browser extension | Yes | No |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Scan scope | page | Supports single-page audits, full-domain crawling, sitemaps, URL batches, multiple domains, and SPA routes. |
| WCAG version | wcag 2.2 | wcag 2.2 |
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
Octopus Scanner (formerly A11y Scanner)
- Name your own priceFree
- Support contribution$1, paid once
- Free softwareFree
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.
Octopus Scanner (formerly A11y Scanner)
Octopus Scanner, formerly A11y Scanner, is a free desktop tool for auditing website accessibility on Windows and macOS. It uses browser automation and axe-core-powered checks to scan sites against WCAG 2.2; setup also supports requirements including Section 508 and EN 301 549. It can record and replay authenticated flows such as logins and checkouts without code, and handle dynamic interfaces, Shadow DOM, embedded frames and dark mode. Scans produce an interactive HTML report and a companion CSV, and the tool can check the structure of linked PDF documents. Scanning, analysis and reporting stay on the local machine. Scanned-site traffic can be routed through HTTP, HTTPS or SOCKS proxies. Optional update checks use official checksums and signatures, and updates can be reverted. The Windows download is 64-bit and the macOS download is ARM64. Listed version 5.0.9.8 is marked beta. The software is free; contributions to its independent developer are optional.