Axe.Windows vs IBM Equal Access Accessibility Checker
Axe.Windows
github.com
IBM Equal Access Accessibility Checker
ibm.comSide by side
| Figure | Axe.Windows | IBM Equal Access Accessibility Checker |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Accessibility Testing Software | 8.0 (#77) | 9.0 (#7) |
| Browser extension | No | The Chrome extension runs inside Developer Tools and helps locate accessibility problems and possible fixes. |
| CI/CD integration | Yes | Yes |
| Command line | The AxeWindowsCLI command-line tool lets users scan applications from an existing scripting system. | The command-line utility scans files, directories and URL lists supplied through a text file. |
| Purpose | Axe.Windows is a NuGet package for running automated accessibility tests on Windows applications. | The checker automates accessibility checking of web content and applications for web developers and accessibility auditors. |
| Telemetry | Axe.Windows does not collect telemetry on its own, but provides telemetry data for calling applications to handle through an interface they implement. | The Node package documents collection of de-identified telemetry and provides an opt-out route. |
Plans
IBM Equal Access Accessibility Checker
- Free and open sourceFree
- Free/open-source toolkitFree
In their own words
Axe.Windows
Axe.Windows has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
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.