7 Best Shopify Accessibility Apps in 2026 (Tested & Compared)
77% of ADA web accessibility lawsuits in 2025 targeted ecommerce sites. Your Shopify store is a prime target. We tested the most popular accessibility apps to find what actually works — and what's just a liability in disguise.
8,667+
ADA lawsuits filed in 2025
77%
targeted ecommerce sites
$25-75K
average lawsuit settlement
⚠️ The Overlay Problem: What You Need to Know First
Most Shopify "accessibility apps" are overlay widgets — they add a toolbar to your site that lets visitors adjust visual settings. But overlays don't fix your underlying code. The FTC fined accessiBe $1 million in 2025 for falsely claiming their overlay made sites WCAG-compliant. In H1 2025, 22.6% of ADA lawsuits targeted websites with overlay widgets already installed. Courts require actual code-level fixes, not surface-level visual adjustments.
We've included both overlay apps and code-based scanners below so you can make an informed choice. Each listing clearly labels which approach it takes.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison: Shopify Accessibility Apps at a Glance
| App | Type | Price | WCAG Coverage | Rating | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RatedWithAI ⭐ | Code-based scanner | Free / $29-49/mo | 50/50 criteria tested | N/A (external tool) | Finding real code issues |
| Accessibly | Overlay widget | Free / $19-49/mo | ~10-15% of criteria | 4.4 ★ (23 reviews) | Budget-friendly first step |
| All in One Accessibility | Overlay widget | Free / $19-49/mo | ~10-15% of criteria | 5.0 ★ (61 reviews) | Stores wanting free tier |
| accessWidget | Overlay widget | $490-3,990/yr | ~10-16% of criteria | 4.1 ★ (14 reviews) | Not recommended |
| Accessibility Spark | Overlay widget | $99.99/mo | ~10-15% of criteria | 4.7 ★ (37 reviews) | Automation features |
| UserWay | Overlay widget | Free / $49+/mo | ~10-15% of criteria | 4.8 ★ (68 reviews) | Multi-store operations |
| Dawn Theme (Manual) | Code-based (DIY) | Free | Varies (depends on effort) | N/A | Technical store owners |
1. RatedWithAI — Best Code-Based Scanner for Shopify
Unlike every other tool on this list, RatedWithAI doesn't add an overlay widget to your Shopify store. Instead, it scans your pages using the industry-standard axe-core engine (the same engine behind Deque's enterprise tools) and identifies the actual WCAG violations in your code — broken alt text, missing form labels, incorrect heading hierarchy, insufficient color contrast, and every other testable criterion.
This matters because courts and regulators don't accept overlay widgets as evidence of compliance. They want to see that you've fixed the underlying issues. RatedWithAI gives you a prioritized list of exactly what to fix, with code-level guidance on how to fix it.
Strengths
- ✓Tests all 50 WCAG 2.1 AA success criteria
- ✓Powered by axe-core — the industry standard engine
- ✓Identifies exact code elements to fix with recommendations
- ✓No JavaScript injection — zero impact on page speed
- ✓Works with any Shopify theme, including custom builds
- ✓Free tier scans your homepage — no signup required
Limitations
- ✗Not a Shopify App Store app (external tool)
- ✗Doesn't auto-fix issues — you need to apply the fixes
- ✗Some WCAG criteria require manual testing (not automatable)
Pricing
Free
1 page scan, instant results
$29/mo
Full site scanning, monitoring
$49/mo
Priority scanning, daily monitoring
2. Accessibly — Best Budget Overlay WidgetOverlay Widget
Accessibly is a Shopify App Store native widget that adds an accessibility toolbar to your store. It provides visual adjustments for text size, contrast, cursor size, and link highlighting, plus keyboard navigation shortcuts. With 4.4 stars from 23 reviews, it's one of the more established options in the Shopify app ecosystem.
The free tier offers basic visual adjustments, while paid plans ($19-49/month) unlock compliance monitoring and additional customization options. At this price point, it's the most affordable entry-level option for stores that want a visible accessibility commitment.
Strengths
- ✓Native Shopify App Store installation — one click
- ✓Affordable pricing ($19/mo for most features)
- ✓Free tier available for basic adjustments
- ✓ADA, EAA, and WCAG reference in compliance features
Limitations
- ✗Overlay approach — doesn't fix underlying code
- ✗Won't protect against ADA lawsuits (overlay limitation)
- ✗Adds JavaScript that may impact Core Web Vitals
- ✗Custom themes may need additional tweaks
Pricing: Free plan available. Basic: $19/mo · Pro: $29/mo · Enterprise: $49/mo
3. All in One Accessibility — Best Free PlanOverlay Widget
All in One Accessibility has earned a perfect 5.0-star rating from 61 reviews, making it the highest-rated accessibility app on the Shopify App Store. It offers a comprehensive toolbar with font adjustments, color contrast modes, cursor options, link highlighting, keyboard navigation, and content readability tools.
The free plan is surprisingly generous, offering core accessibility adjustments without time limits. Paid plans unlock additional customization, branding options, and multi-language support. It's the best choice for stores that want to start with zero cost.
Strengths
- ✓Highest rated on Shopify App Store (5.0 ★)
- ✓Generous free plan with core features
- ✓Covers visual, motor, and cognitive adjustments
- ✓Multi-language support on paid plans
Limitations
- ✗Overlay approach — doesn't fix source code issues
- ✗Screen reader users report overlays often interfere
- ✗Cannot address structural HTML issues (headings, landmarks)
Pricing: Free plan available. Starter: $19/mo · Pro: $29/mo · Enterprise: $49/mo
4. accessWidget (accessiBe) — Most Popular Overlay⚠️ Caution
accessWidget by accessiBe is the most well-known accessibility overlay in the market, backed by $58 million in venture funding and installed on 180,000+ websites. However, it comes with significant baggage: the FTC fined accessiBe $1 million in January 2025 for deceptively claiming their AI overlay could make websites WCAG-compliant. The FTC also found that accessiBe paid for fake "independent" reviews.
Despite these issues, accessWidget remains on the Shopify App Store. It's significantly more expensive than alternatives ($490-3,990/year) while providing the same fundamental limitation as every other overlay: it modifies the frontend without fixing your underlying code.
Strengths
- ✓Most feature-rich overlay widget available
- ✓Litigation support included on paid plans
- ✓Monthly audit reports for documentation
Limitations
- ✗FTC fined $1M for deceptive compliance claims
- ✗22.6% of ADA lawsuits in H1 2025 cited overlay widgets
- ✗Most expensive option — $490-3,990/year
- ✗700+ accessibility professionals oppose overlays (Overlay Fact Sheet)
- ✗Screen reader users report interference, not help
Pricing: Standard: $490/yr · Advanced: $1,490/yr · Advanced Plus: $3,490/yr. At $490/yr minimum, accessWidget costs more than RatedWithAI's $29/mo plan ($348/yr) while providing less reliable compliance.
📖 Read our full accessiBe review and accessiBe alternatives comparison.
5. Accessibility Spark — Best Automation FeaturesOverlay Widget
Accessibility Spark positions itself as the most automated Shopify accessibility solution, using AI to scan and modify page elements. It supports ADA, WCAG 2.1, BFSG (Germany's accessibility law), and EAA compliance standards. With 37 reviews and 4.7 stars, it has a solid reputation on the App Store.
What sets Accessibility Spark apart from cheaper alternatives is its automatic scanning and modification features — it claims to proactively identify and adjust elements rather than waiting for user interaction. However, at $99.99/month, it's the most expensive monthly option and still carries the fundamental limitation of the overlay approach.
Strengths
- ✓AI-powered automatic scanning and element modification
- ✓EAA and BFSG compliance features (EU/Germany)
- ✓Proactive element adjustments (not just toolbar)
Limitations
- ✗Most expensive monthly option ($99.99/mo)
- ✗Still an overlay — modifications are surface-level
- ✗"AI-powered fixes" can introduce unpredictable behavior
Pricing: From $99.99/mo after a 5-day free trial. No free tier available.
6. UserWay — Best for Multi-Store BrandsOverlay Widget
UserWay is one of the largest accessibility overlay providers, used by enterprise brands and often mentioned alongside accessiBe. Their Shopify app integrates their AI-powered widget with features like font adjustments, contrast modes, text-to-speech, and keyboard navigation. With 68 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, it's well-regarded by Shopify merchants.
UserWay's main advantage is its enterprise scalability — if you run multiple Shopify stores or need to coordinate accessibility across a brand portfolio, their dashboard and multi-site management tools are more mature than smaller competitors. They also offer litigation support and compliance reporting.
Strengths
- ✓Enterprise-grade multi-site management
- ✓Strong Shopify App Store rating (4.8 ★)
- ✓Litigation support and compliance documentation
- ✓Free widget tier for basic functionality
Limitations
- ✗Overlay approach — same fundamental limitation
- ✗Premium plans can be expensive for small stores
- ✗Listed in the Overlay Fact Sheet alongside accessiBe
Pricing: Free widget tier available. Paid plans from $49/mo for enhanced features and support.
7. Manual Accessibility with Dawn Theme — Best Free ApproachCode-Based (DIY)
If you're technically inclined or have access to a developer, the most effective approach is choosing an accessible Shopify theme and manually fixing WCAG issues. Shopify's Dawn theme is built with semantic HTML, ARIA landmarks, and proper heading structure — giving you the strongest accessible foundation of any free Shopify theme.
This approach is the only way to achieve genuine WCAG compliance. No overlay can replace properly structured HTML, descriptive alt text, and correctly implemented form labels. The trade-off is time and expertise — you'll need to audit your store, identify the issues, and fix them in your theme's Liquid template code.
Strengths
- ✓The ONLY approach that achieves genuine WCAG compliance
- ✓Zero additional cost (Dawn is free)
- ✓No JavaScript injection — best possible page speed
- ✓Courts recognize code-level fixes as good-faith compliance
Limitations
- ✗Requires technical knowledge (Liquid templates, HTML, ARIA)
- ✗Time-intensive — audit + fix can take weeks
- ✗Ongoing maintenance needed as you add products/pages
- ✗Need a scanning tool to identify issues first
Best practice: Use a code-based scanner like RatedWithAI to identify your issues, then fix them in your Dawn theme's Liquid code. This gives you the precision of automated detection with the permanence of code-level fixes.
Overlay Widgets vs. Code-Based Scanners: The Critical Difference
This is the single most important distinction when choosing a Shopify accessibility solution. Understanding it will save you money, protect your store from lawsuits, and actually help your disabled customers.
🎨 Overlay Widgets
Add a toolbar to your site that lets visitors adjust visual settings.
- • Modify the presentation layer only
- • Address ~10-15% of WCAG criteria
- • Can't fix: missing alt text, broken headings, form labels, ARIA roles
- • Add JavaScript that slows your page (Core Web Vitals impact)
- • Screen reader users report overlays hinder navigation
- • 700+ accessibility pros signed the Overlay Fact Sheet opposing them
- • FTC has taken action against deceptive overlay claims
🔍 Code-Based Scanners
Test your pages against WCAG criteria and identify code-level issues to fix.
- • Identify issues in your source code
- • Test all 50 WCAG 2.1 AA success criteria
- • Find: missing alt text, heading errors, form label issues, contrast failures
- • Zero impact on page speed (external scanning)
- • Fixes are permanent and improve the actual user experience
- • Recommended by W3C, WCAG authors, and accessibility experts
- • Courts recognize code fixes as genuine compliance efforts
| WCAG Category | Overlay Can Fix? | Scanner Detects? |
|---|---|---|
| Image alt text | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Heading hierarchy | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Form labels | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Color contrast | ⚠ Partial | ✓ Yes |
| Keyboard navigation | ⚠ Partial | ✓ Yes |
| ARIA roles & landmarks | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Link text (descriptive) | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Table structure | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Text resizing | ✓ Yes | — N/A |
| Focus indicators | ⚠ Partial | ✓ Yes |
Our recommendation: Use a code-based scanner to find and fix your real issues. If you still want an overlay for user preference tools (font size, etc.), add a free-tier widget after your code is compliant — not instead of fixing your code.
Scan Your Shopify Store Free →Shopify-Specific Accessibility Challenges
Shopify stores face unique accessibility challenges that generic solutions often miss. Understanding these helps you choose the right tools and prioritize your fixes.
🛍️ Product Images Without Alt Text
The #1 accessibility issue on Shopify stores. Product images need descriptive alt text that includes the product name, color, material, and key visual features. "IMG_4532.jpg" tells a screen reader user nothing. Shopify lets you set alt text in the product editor, but most merchants skip this for hundreds of product images. A scanner can identify every image missing alt text so you can bulk-fix them.
🎨 Theme Color Contrast Issues
Many Shopify themes use trendy but inaccessible color schemes — light gray text on white backgrounds, low-contrast buttons, and placeholder text that fails WCAG 4.5:1 requirements. This is the most common WCAG violation on the web (81% of sites fail, per WebAIM). Use our free color contrast checker to test your theme's color combinations.
📱 Dynamic Cart and Checkout Modals
Shopify's dynamic cart drawers, quick-view modals, and checkout overlays are often keyboard traps — screen reader users can't close them, navigate through them, or understand their content. Focus management in modals is one of the hardest accessibility issues to fix, and most overlay widgets can't address it because it requires changes to the modal's JavaScript and ARIA attributes.
🔤 Heading Structure in Product Pages
Shopify themes frequently use headings for visual styling rather than document structure. A product page might jump from H1 (product name) to H4 (reviews section), skipping H2 and H3. Screen reader users rely on heading hierarchy to navigate — broken headings make your store unusable for them. This is a theme-level issue that no overlay can fix.
🔌 Third-Party App Accessibility
Review widgets (Yotpo, Judge.me), email popups (Klaviyo), chat widgets (Tidio), and recommendation carousels inject their own HTML into your page. Many of these third-party elements are not accessible — and your store is responsible for all content on your pages, including third-party widgets. Scan your store after installing apps to catch the issues they introduce.
The 2026 Legal Landscape for Shopify Stores
Multiple deadlines are converging in 2026, creating the most legally urgent environment for ecommerce accessibility in history. Here's what Shopify store owners need to know:
ADA Title II Deadline
All state and local government websites must meet WCAG 2.1 AA. While this directly applies to government sites, courts are using the same standard for commercial sites under Title III — making WCAG 2.1 AA the de facto legal standard for all websites.
HHS Section 504 Deadline
Healthcare-related ecommerce (telehealth platforms, medical supply stores, pharmacy delivery services on Shopify) must comply. Penalty: loss of federal funding.
European Accessibility Act (EAA)
Enforced since June 2025 across all EU member states. Any Shopify store selling to EU customers must meet WCAG 2.1 AA. Fines vary by country.
ADA Title III Lawsuits (2025)
Serial ADA litigants specifically target ecommerce sites. 77% of 2025 web accessibility lawsuits targeted ecommerce. Average settlement: $25,000-75,000 plus legal fees and mandatory remediation.
📖 Learn more in our ADA Website Compliance Guide, Healthcare Accessibility Deadline Guide, and European Accessibility Act Overview.
How to Choose the Right Accessibility Solution
🏪 Small Shopify Store (under 50 products)
Recommended: Scan with RatedWithAI (free), fix the top issues manually, add alt text to all product images, and optionally add a free-tier overlay (All in One Accessibility) for user preference tools. Budget: $0-29/mo.
🏬 Medium Shopify Store (50-500 products)
Recommended: RatedWithAI Starter ($29/mo) for ongoing monitoring, hire a developer for a one-time WCAG audit ($500-2,000), and fix theme-level issues. Consider Dawn theme migration if your current theme has deep accessibility problems. Budget: $29-49/mo + one-time dev costs.
🏢 Large Shopify Plus Store (500+ products)
Recommended: RatedWithAI Pro ($49/mo) for daily monitoring plus a professional accessibility audit from a certified consultant ($2,000-10,000). Enterprise stores should also consider manual testing with real assistive technology users. Consider SaaSIntegrate for full-service accessibility consulting. Budget: $49/mo + audit costs.
5-Step Accessibility Action Plan for Shopify
Scan Your Store Today
Run a free RatedWithAI scan on your homepage. This gives you a baseline accessibility score and identifies your most critical issues in under 60 seconds. No signup required.
Fix Critical Issues First
Start with high-impact, easy wins: add alt text to product images, fix color contrast failures, ensure all forms have labels, and check that your heading structure is logical. These alone address 60-70% of common WCAG violations.
Audit Your Theme
If your Shopify theme has deep structural issues (broken headings, no ARIA landmarks, keyboard traps in menus), consider migrating to Dawn or hiring a developer for a theme-level accessibility overhaul.
Check Third-Party Apps
Scan your store again after installing review widgets, popups, chat tools, and other apps. Third-party elements often introduce new accessibility violations that you're legally responsible for.
Monitor Continuously
Accessibility isn't a one-time fix. New products, theme updates, and app changes can introduce new issues. Set up ongoing monitoring (RatedWithAI Starter at $29/mo) to catch regressions before they become lawsuit risks.
Don't wait for a lawsuit. Scan your Shopify store now.
Most Shopify stores have 15-40 WCAG violations. Our scanner finds them in 60 seconds. Fix them before a serial litigant finds them first.
Scan Your Store Free →No credit card. No signup. Results in 60 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Shopify stores need to be ADA-compliant?
Yes. Any Shopify store that sells to customers in the United States is generally considered a 'place of public accommodation' under ADA Title III. Courts have consistently ruled that commercial websites, including ecommerce stores, must be accessible to people with disabilities. In 2025, 77% of ADA web accessibility lawsuits targeted ecommerce sites, making Shopify stores a primary target.
Are Shopify accessibility overlay apps enough for compliance?
No. Overlay widgets modify the frontend appearance but don't fix underlying code issues. The FTC fined accessiBe $1 million in 2025 for claiming their overlay could make sites WCAG-compliant. In H1 2025, 22.6% of ADA lawsuits targeted websites with overlay widgets installed. Courts require actual code-level remediation, not surface-level visual adjustments.
What WCAG level should a Shopify store meet?
Most legal frameworks reference WCAG 2.1 Level AA. This is the standard cited by the ADA, Section 508, the European Accessibility Act (EAA), and the upcoming April 2026 Title II deadline. Level AA requires meeting all 50 success criteria across the four POUR principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust.
How much do Shopify accessibility apps cost?
Prices range from free (limited features) to $490+/year for overlay solutions like accessWidget. Code-based scanners like RatedWithAI start at $29/month. Most Shopify-native apps charge $19-30/month. Free plans typically offer only basic visual adjustments without addressing structural WCAG issues. The cost of NOT being accessible — ADA lawsuits average $25,000-75,000 in settlements.
Can I make my Shopify store accessible without an app?
Partially. You can choose an accessible Shopify theme (Dawn is the best default option), write descriptive alt text for all images, ensure proper heading structure, and use sufficient color contrast. However, many WCAG issues are theme-level or require code changes that most store owners can't make themselves. A scanner identifies the exact issues so you (or a developer) can fix them properly.
Does the European Accessibility Act apply to Shopify stores?
If your Shopify store sells products or services to customers in the EU, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) applies. Enforced since June 2025, the EAA requires WCAG 2.1 AA compliance for all ecommerce platforms operating in EU member states. Fines vary by country but can be significant. This applies even if your business is based outside the EU.
What's the difference between an accessibility widget and a scanner?
An accessibility widget (overlay) adds a toolbar to your website that lets visitors adjust visual settings like font size and contrast. It does NOT fix your underlying code. A scanner analyzes your pages against WCAG criteria and identifies specific code-level issues to fix. Widgets address maybe 10-15% of WCAG criteria; scanners test all 50 and guide you to fix the actual problems.
Which Shopify theme is most accessible?
Shopify's Dawn theme is the most accessible free theme, built with semantic HTML and ARIA landmarks. However, no theme is fully WCAG-compliant out of the box — your content, images, color choices, and customizations all affect accessibility. After choosing a theme, scan your store with a WCAG testing tool to identify remaining issues.