HTML_CodeSniffer vs IBM Equal Access Accessibility Checker
HTML_CodeSniffer
squizlabs.github.io
IBM Equal Access Accessibility Checker
ibm.comSide by side
| Figure | HTML_CodeSniffer | IBM Equal Access Accessibility Checker |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 0 | 2 |
| Spec score · Accessibility Testing Software | 7.4 (#135) | 9.0 (#7) |
| Spec score · Website Accessibility Tools | 7.3 (#111) | 9.0 (#6) |
| API access | Yes | Yes |
| Browser extension | No | The Chrome extension runs inside Developer Tools and helps locate accessibility problems and possible fixes. |
| Purpose | HTML_CodeSniffer checks HTML source code for violations of a defined coding standard. | The checker automates accessibility checking of web content and applications for web developers and accessibility auditors. |
| Scan scope | page | page |
| Self-hosting | The README describes building the auditor and moving its build directory to a web-accessible location. | The repository documents local builds of browser and Node engine bundles and includes a rule-server component. |
| Support | The project README directs users to its GitHub issue tracker to report problems and welcomes contributions through pull requests. | The project Wiki directs users to submit bugs, questions, and suggestions through GitHub issues. |
| WCAG version | wcag 2.1 | wcag 2.2 |
Plans
IBM Equal Access Accessibility Checker
- Free and open sourceFree
- Free/open-source toolkitFree
In their own words
HTML_CodeSniffer
HTML_CodeSniffer 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.