A11yScan vs UserWay
Compare A11yScan's accessibility testing approach with UserWay's accessibility widget to understand which solution fits your compliance needs.
The Verdict
A11yScan and UserWay take different approaches to accessibility. A11yScan is a testing tool that identifies code-level issues so you can fix them permanently. UserWay provides a widget overlay that lets users adjust display settings but doesn't fix the underlying accessibility barriers. UserWay has faced class action lawsuits over compliance claims, and sites using overlay widgets continue to receive ADA lawsuits. For genuine accessibility, use testing tools like A11yScan to identify and fix actual issues.
UserWay Accessibility Widget Overview
UserWay offers an AI-powered accessibility widget that adds user-adjustable controls to websites for contrast, text size, and other display options. A11yScan is a testing tool powered by axe-core that scans your pages and identifies accessibility issues that need to be fixed in your code. While UserWay provides a quick installation, A11yScan helps you achieve genuine compliance by fixing the actual accessibility barriers in your site.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | A11yScan | UserWay |
|---|---|---|
| Core Function | ||
| Accessibility Testing | Basic scanning | |
| Code Issue Identification | ||
| User Features | ||
| User Adjustment Widget | ||
| Dyslexia Font Option | ||
| Focus Indicator Tools | Tests for issues | Widget feature |
| Testing | ||
| axe-core Engine | ||
| Standards | ||
| WCAG 2.2 Testing | Claims support | |
| Localization | ||
| 50+ Language Support | ||
| Services | ||
| Manual Audit Services | Available | Available separately |
| Support | ||
| Remediation Guidance | Limited | |
| Pricing | ||
| Free Single Page Scan | ||
Why Choose A11yScan
Free single-page accessibility scan
Powered by axe-core testing engine
Identifies actual issues in your code
Permanent fixes that don't require subscription
Clear remediation guidance
Works for all users regardless of JavaScript
Manual audit services available
UserWay Strengths
Quick widget installation
User-adjustable display settings
Multiple accessibility profiles
Wide language support
CMS integrations available
UserWay Limitations
Does not fix underlying code issues
Subject of class action lawsuit over compliance claims
Criticized by accessibility experts
Requires ongoing subscription
May not work with all assistive technologies
Widget-based approach has limitations
Sites using overlays still face lawsuits
Pricing Comparison
A11yScan Pricing
Free single-page scan; paid manual audits available
UserWay Pricing
From $49/month ($490/year) for small sites; enterprise bundles from $12,000-$29,000/year
Our Take
UserWay requires ongoing subscription for the widget to work. A11yScan offers free scans and the fixes you make are permanent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UserWay make my site WCAG compliant?
UserWay's widget provides user adjustments but does not fix underlying code accessibility issues. Automated tools can only detect about 30% of WCAG requirements. For true compliance, you need to fix issues in your actual code, which A11yScan can help identify.
Is UserWay facing legal issues?
UserWay has faced a class action lawsuit alleging misleading claims about its accessibility widget. Sites using UserWay and similar overlays continue to be targets of ADA lawsuits.
Why are overlay widgets controversial?
Accessibility experts criticize overlays because they don't fix actual code issues, can interfere with assistive technologies, and create a false sense of compliance. In 2024, 25% of ADA lawsuits specifically cited overlay widgets as barriers.
Should I use UserWay or A11yScan?
We recommend using A11yScan to identify accessibility issues, then fixing them in your code. This provides genuine, permanent accessibility. UserWay's widget approach doesn't address the underlying problems that cause accessibility barriers.
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Ready to Try A11yScan?
Start with a free accessibility scan and see why teams choose A11yScan over UserWay.