Why Switch From accessiBe?
accessiBe pioneered the "one-line-of-code" accessibility widget, but the approach has fundamental problems:
- Overlays don't fix your code — They add a cosmetic layer over broken HTML. Screen readers and assistive technology still encounter the underlying issues.
- Legal protection is disputed — Multiple lawsuits have been filed against companies using accessiBe, and courts have not accepted overlay usage as proof of compliance.
- The accessibility community objects — The Overlay Fact Sheet, signed by 700+ experts, states overlays "do not provide full conformance with any accessibility standard."
- Expensive for what you get — At $490+/year per site, you're paying for a widget that masks problems rather than fixing them.
- Creates dependency — Remove the widget and you're back to square one. Real fixes are permanent.
Top 5 accessiBe Alternatives Compared
1. RatedWithAI
RecommendedAI-powered accessibility scanning with axe-core
$29/month
Approach: Transparent scanning — finds real issues in your code
Pros
- ✓Uses industry-standard axe-core engine
- ✓Identifies actual WCAG violations at the source
- ✓Monthly pricing with no long-term commitment
- ✓Free scan to try before you buy
- ✓Brand accessibility ratings and monitoring
- ✓No overlay widget — fixes the real problem
Cons
- •Requires developer effort to fix identified issues
- •No quick-fix overlay option
Best for: Teams that want to actually fix accessibility issues and build inclusive products
2. WAVE
Free browser-based accessibility evaluation
Free (browser extension) / API from $100/mo
Approach: Visual overlay showing errors on your page
Pros
- ✓Free browser extension for manual checks
- ✓Visual indicators directly on the page
- ✓Well-established and widely used
- ✓API available for automated testing
Cons
- •Manual — no scheduled monitoring
- •API pricing can be expensive at scale
- •No fix recommendations
- •One page at a time for free version
Best for: Developers who need a free spot-checking tool
3. axe DevTools
Developer-focused accessibility testing by Deque
Free extension / Pro from $400+/year
Approach: Browser extension + CI/CD integration
Pros
- ✓Gold standard axe-core engine
- ✓Excellent CI/CD integration
- ✓Guided issue fixing in Pro version
- ✓Trusted by enterprise teams
Cons
- •Pro version is expensive
- •Developer-focused — not accessible to non-technical users
- •No website monitoring or scoring
- •Steep learning curve for Pro features
Best for: Enterprise development teams with accessibility maturity
4. Siteimprove
Enterprise digital accessibility platform
Custom pricing (typically $10,000+/year)
Approach: Comprehensive platform with scanning + CMS integration
Pros
- ✓Full platform with content, SEO, and accessibility
- ✓CMS integrations
- ✓Detailed compliance reporting
- ✓Enterprise support
Cons
- •Very expensive — enterprise pricing only
- •Overkill for small-to-medium businesses
- •Long implementation cycles
- •Complex interface
Best for: Large enterprises with dedicated accessibility teams and big budgets
5. UserWay
Accessibility widget + scanning hybrid
From $49/month
Approach: Widget overlay with some scanning capabilities
Pros
- ✓Combines widget and scanning
- ✓Lower price than accessiBe
- ✓Quick to install
- ✓User-facing accessibility menu
Cons
- •Still relies on overlay approach
- •Same fundamental issues as accessiBe overlays
- •Doesn't fix underlying code
- •Community criticism of overlay approach
Best for: Teams wanting a quick accessibility improvement with budget constraints
Quick Comparison: accessiBe vs Top Alternatives
| Feature | accessiBe | RatedWithAI | WAVE | axe DevTools |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixes actual code issues | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| No overlay dependency | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automated monitoring | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free option available | Trial only | ✓ Free scan | ✓ Extension | ✓ Extension |
| Starting price | $490/yr | $29/mo | Free / $100+/mo | Free / $400+/yr |
| Non-technical friendly | ✓ | ✓ | Moderate | ✗ |
| Community approved | Controversial | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
How to Switch From accessiBe to Real Accessibility
Migrating from an overlay to a scanning-based approach is straightforward:
Run a baseline scan
Use RatedWithAI's free scan to see your actual accessibility issues. This gives you a real picture of where you stand — not what an overlay masks.
Prioritize critical violations
Focus on WCAG Level A issues first — these are the most impactful for users and the most likely to trigger legal action.
Fix issues at the source
Each RatedWithAI scan report includes specific WCAG criteria references, making it clear what to fix and why. These are permanent improvements.
Remove the overlay widget
Once your site passes scanning without critical violations, remove the accessiBe widget. Your site is now genuinely accessible.
Set up monitoring
Subscribe to automated monitoring to catch regressions. New code changes can introduce accessibility issues — continuous scanning catches them early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is accessiBe really that bad?
accessiBe isn't inherently malicious — they're trying to solve a real problem. But the overlay approach has fundamental limitations. The accessibility community's criticism is based on technical reality: overlays can't fully fix issues they don't control at the code level. Many users with disabilities report that overlays actually interfere with their assistive technology.
Will removing accessiBe expose me to lawsuits?
accessiBe's overlay has not been accepted by courts as proof of ADA compliance. In fact, companies using overlays have been sued. The strongest legal protection comes from actually fixing accessibility issues in your code and documenting your ongoing remediation efforts.
How long does it take to fix accessibility issues without an overlay?
Most critical WCAG violations can be fixed in hours, not weeks. Common fixes include adding alt text to images, ensuring proper heading hierarchy, fixing color contrast, and adding form labels. RatedWithAI identifies exactly what needs fixing, so you can work through issues systematically.
What if I'm not technical?
RatedWithAI reports are designed to be understandable by non-developers. Each issue includes a plain-language description and links to WCAG guidance. For the actual fixes, you may need a developer — but at $29/month for scanning plus a few hours of dev time, it's still cheaper than accessiBe's $490+/year.
Ready to switch from overlays to real accessibility?
Get your free accessibility scan in 30 seconds. See what accessiBe has been hiding behind its widget.
Scan your site free — no overlay neededRelated Resources
- RatedWithAI vs accessiBe: Full Comparison
- RatedWithAI vs WAVE
- accessiBe Review 2026: Honest Analysis
- ADA Compliance Checklist 2026
- Overlay Fact Sheet — Why accessibility professionals oppose overlays