Digital accessibility is critical for any modern website or application. For API developers, backend engineers, QA professionals, and technical leads, ensuring your digital products are accessible isn’t just about compliance—it’s about building usable, robust experiences for every user.
With a surge in lawsuits and growing legal requirements around the world, accessibility testing is no longer optional. Fortunately, a suite of online tools now makes it easier than ever to identify and resolve accessibility barriers—without needing to be a specialist.
Whether you’re integrating accessibility into your CI/CD pipeline or just looking for a quick audit, this guide details the six best online accessibility testing tools, plus how Apidog strengthens accessibility from the API layer up.
💡 Looking for an API testing solution that generates stunning API documentation? Want a unified, all-in-one platform for your dev team to maximize productivity? Apidog delivers—and offers a more affordable Postman alternative.
Why Accessibility Testing Is Essential for Developers
Accessibility is now a legal requirement in many regions, with organizations facing lawsuits for non-compliant websites. But it’s more than risk mitigation—accessible products:
- Enable users with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments to use your content
- Improve SEO and discoverability
- Enhance usability for all users, not just those with disabilities
- Strengthen your brand’s reputation for inclusion
Manual accessibility testing, while thorough, is time-consuming and prone to missed issues. Online accessibility tools empower engineering teams by delivering:
- Speed: Automated scans reveal issues in seconds
- Consistency: Systematic checks against recognized standards like WCAG 2.1 and Section 508
- Cost savings: Routine scans reduce the need for expensive manual audits
- Workflow integration: Many tools fit directly into CI/CD pipelines
- Actionable reports: Clear, prioritized recommendations for quick remediation
For best results, combine these tools with manual reviews and real user feedback.
What Is Online Accessibility Testing?
Online accessibility testing is the process of evaluating digital products—websites, apps, APIs—using web-based tools to ensure they meet standards like WCAG 2.1 or Section 508. This practice checks for issues such as:
- Low color contrast
- Missing alt text
- Incorrect heading structure
- ARIA attribute misuse
Most online testers require no software installation. They quickly scan your site or app, highlight accessibility barriers, and often integrate with your development workflow—making them ideal for fast-moving teams.
The 6 Best Online Accessibility Testing Tools
1. Axe by Deque Systems
Axe is a leading accessibility engine trusted by developers for its robust automated scans and seamless integration with modern workflows.
Key Features:
- Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox
- Developer tools plugin with actionable, WCAG-based insights
- Open-source core and enterprise-grade options
- Integrates into CI/CD and automated testing pipelines
Best for: Developers seeking deep, automated accessibility scans as part of their daily workflow.
2. WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool)
WAVE by WebAIM delivers immediate, visual feedback by overlaying accessibility errors directly on your webpage.
Key Features:
- Free browser extensions for real-time, in-page testing
- Highlights errors, alerts, and structure visually
- Contrast analysis and ARIA label checking
- Detects common issues like missing alt attributes
Best for: Beginners and teams needing quick, visual accessibility overviews.
3. Lighthouse
Lighthouse, developed by Google, is an open-source auditing tool built into Chrome DevTools.
Key Features:
- Automated audits for accessibility, performance, SEO, and best practices
- One-click testing inside Chrome; no setup required
- Generates accessibility scores and prioritized recommendations
- Integrates with CI/CD for ongoing quality checks
Best for: Developers who want a holistic view of web quality, including but not limited to accessibility.
4. Tenon.io
Tenon.io specializes in automated, API-driven accessibility testing for dynamic apps and enterprise workflows.
Key Features:
- API-first design for seamless integration with existing dev/test tools
- Supports WCAG 2.1 AA compliance
- Highly customizable tests and detailed remediation suggestions
Best for: Engineering teams who need scalable, automated accessibility checks across multiple projects.
5. Siteimprove Accessibility Checker
Siteimprove provides a Chrome extension for in-browser accessibility checks, with a focus on continuous monitoring and content governance.
Key Features:
- Ongoing site scans with compliance tracking and alerts
- Role-based dashboards for team collaboration
- Integrates with CMS and analytics platforms
- User-friendly for non-technical team members
- Step-by-step remediation advice
Best for: Content teams, marketers, and organizations needing scalable, collaborative accessibility management.
6. UserWay
UserWay combines an accessibility widget with automated scanning to help businesses quickly address compliance and usability.
Key Features:
- Real-time accessibility widget for instant fixes
- Automated scans for common issues
- Simple implementation and ongoing monitoring
Bonus: Apidog—Elevating Accessibility at the API Layer
While traditional accessibility tools focus on frontend issues, Apidog ensures that your APIs deliver clean, structured, and reliable data—crucial for assistive technologies like screen readers to interpret dynamic content.
How Apidog Supports Accessibility:
- Visual API design and automated testing to ensure consistent responses
- Mock servers for early frontend-backend integration
- Real-time monitoring to catch regressions that could impact accessibility
If your APIs provide inconsistent or poorly structured data, even the most accessible UI can fail users with disabilities. By using Apidog alongside tools like Axe and WAVE, teams can guarantee both frontend and backend accessibility—creating robust, inclusive digital products.
Benefits of Using Accessibility Testing Tools
- Find Issues Early: Reduce compliance risks and costly post-release fixes
- Save Resources: Automate routine checks and minimize manual overhead
- Boost SEO: Search engines favor accessible sites
- Reach More Users: Unlock your site for millions of potential users
- Enhance UX: Accessibility improvements often benefit everyone
Tips for Effective Accessibility Testing
- Combine automated and manual testing for comprehensive coverage
- Test with users who have disabilities for real-world feedback
- Use multiple tools—no single tool catches everything
- Integrate testing early and continuously in your development process
- Monitor and iterate; accessibility is ongoing, not a one-off fix
Conclusion
Accessibility testing is vital for shipping digital experiences everyone can use. With tools like Axe, WAVE, and Siteimprove, you can quickly identify and resolve frontend accessibility barriers. But don’t neglect the backend—using Apidog ensures your APIs deliver data that supports accessible user interfaces.
By integrating the right online accessibility tools and API testing platforms, your team can deliver inclusive, compliant, and truly user-friendly products.
