Side by side
axe-core vs Total Validator
Both stand on accessibility testing software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APIExtensionWeb
axe-core offers free automated accessibility rules that can be added to several kinds of test environments. Its stated coverage is partial, so flagged uncertainty and the JSDOM limitations matter when choosing a testing setup.
Visit axe-core
Free plan APIExtensionLinux+3
Total Validator focuses on automated website validation, with broader access and site coverage available in Pro. The free version can summarize issues, but full findings and some workflows require a paid licence.
Visit Total ValidatorThe facts
| axe-core | Total Validator | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Extension, Web | API, Extension, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Basic: $10 per licence, paid once |
| Plans published | 1 | 4 |
| Maker | axe-core | Total Validator |
| Website | github.com | totalvalidator.com |
| On accessibility testing software | #7 of 169 | #11 of 169 |
axe-core: what it does well
- Free under the Mozilla Public License 2.0.
- Covers WCAG 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2.
- Designed to integrate with existing test environments.
- API lists four supported modern browsers.
What to know first
- Automated checks find an average of 57% of issues.
- JSDOM support is limited.
- Color-contrast checks do not work in JSDOM.
- Internet Explorer 11 is deprecated.
Total Validator: what it does well
- Accessibility checks cover WCAG 2.2, 2.1, and 2.0.
- Validates HTML, XHTML, and CSS against listed standards.
- Browser extensions can test JavaScript-based site DOMs.
- CI version supports Jenkins, Team City, and Selenium.
- Free Test version is available.
What to know first
- Manual review tools are not included.
- Mobile testing is not supported.
- Free Test shows only a one-page issue summary.
- Basic checks one web page at a time.
Alternatives to axe-core Alternatives to Total Validator The whole list