A11yScan vs Lighthouse
Compare A11yScan with Google Lighthouse to understand which accessibility testing approach fits your needs.
The Verdict
Lighthouse is a great free tool for quick accessibility spot-checks and fits naturally into developer workflows. However, its accessibility testing is a small subset of WCAG requirements. A perfect Lighthouse accessibility score does not mean WCAG compliance. Organizations serious about accessibility need a dedicated tool like A11yScan for comprehensive testing and compliance management.
Google Lighthouse Accessibility Audit Overview
Google Lighthouse is an open-source tool for auditing web page quality, including performance, SEO, and accessibility. Built into Chrome DevTools, Lighthouse provides accessibility scores based on a subset of axe-core rules. While convenient for quick checks, Lighthouse's accessibility testing is limited compared to dedicated accessibility tools like A11yScan.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | A11yScan | Lighthouse |
|---|---|---|
| Core Features | ||
| Automated WCAG Testing | Complete WCAG 2.1/2.2 | Subset (~40 rules) |
| Chrome DevTools Integration | Via extension | Built-in |
| Full Site Scanning | Single page only | |
| Monitoring | ||
| Continuous Monitoring | ||
| Scoring | ||
| Accessibility Score | Detailed WCAG scoring | 0-100 score |
| Reporting | ||
| Issue Prioritization | WCAG impact-based | Basic severity |
| Remediation Guidance | Detailed with code examples | Basic guidance |
| VPAT Generation | ||
| Workflow | ||
| Team Collaboration | ||
| Integration | ||
| CI/CD Integration | Via Lighthouse CI | |
| Additional | ||
| Performance Testing | Accessibility focus | Full performance audit |
| SEO Testing | Accessibility-related SEO | Full SEO audit |
| Testing | ||
| Manual Testing Guidance | ||
Why Choose A11yScan
Complete WCAG 2.1/2.2 coverage
Full site scanning and monitoring
Detailed accessibility-focused reporting
Team collaboration and workflow tools
VPAT and compliance documentation
Guided manual testing for complete audits
Lighthouse Strengths
Free and built into Chrome
Combines accessibility with performance/SEO
Quick single-page audits
Familiar to developers
Open source
Good for general web quality
Lighthouse Limitations
Only ~40 accessibility rules (vs 90+ in A11yScan)
Single page testing only
Simplified scoring can be misleading
No monitoring or tracking
Limited remediation guidance
Not sufficient for compliance
Pricing Comparison
A11yScan Pricing
Starting at $99/month for comprehensive accessibility testing
Lighthouse Pricing
Free (built into Chrome)
Our Take
Lighthouse is free and convenient for basic checks. A11yScan is purpose-built for accessibility with complete WCAG coverage, site-wide scanning, and enterprise features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Lighthouse accessibility score of 100 enough for compliance?
No. Lighthouse tests roughly 40 rules, while WCAG 2.1 AA has 50 success criteria, many requiring manual testing. A perfect Lighthouse score is a good start but doesn't indicate WCAG compliance.
Why does Lighthouse test fewer accessibility rules?
Lighthouse is a general web quality tool, not an accessibility-specific tool. It uses a subset of axe-core rules focused on easily automated checks. Dedicated tools like A11yScan provide comprehensive coverage.
Can I use Lighthouse and A11yScan together?
Yes, Lighthouse is great for catching basic issues during development. Use A11yScan for comprehensive testing, site-wide scanning, and compliance documentation. They complement each other.
Is Lighthouse good for finding accessibility issues?
Lighthouse catches common issues like missing alt text, low contrast, and missing form labels. It's a good first check but misses many WCAG requirements including keyboard navigation, focus order, and content structure.
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Ready to Try A11yScan?
Start with a free accessibility scan and see why teams choose A11yScan over Lighthouse.