Is Scanluma more accurate than WAVE or Lighthouse?

Both use reliable detection technology. Scanluma uses the same underlying engine as enterprise accessibility platforms, so accuracy is comparable. The difference isn't what they find. It's what happens after: Scanluma stores your results, tracks your score, and alerts you when new issues appear.

Can I use Scanluma alongside free tools?

Yes. Many users run Scanluma for ongoing monitoring and use browser-based tools like the axe extension for developer-level checks during builds. They serve different purposes and work well together.

What does accessibility monitoring actually mean?

Scanluma automatically re-scans your site on a weekly schedule and compares the results to the previous scan. If new issues appear after a content update, plugin change, or theme edit, you get an email alert. Free tools only scan when you manually ask them to.

How often does Scanluma scan my site automatically?

Pro and Agency plans include automated weekly scans. You can also run a manual scan at any time from your dashboard.

Is there a free version of Scanluma?

Yes. The free tier includes 10 on-demand scans per month so you can see what Scanluma finds before committing to a paid plan. Automated monitoring is available on the Pro plan.

Scanluma vs WAVE, Lighthouse and axe extension

What free accessibility checkers are good for

WAVE, Google Lighthouse, and the axe browser extension are all widely used and reliable. Built on proven detection technology, free to use, and a reasonable starting point for anyone who wants to know where their site stands today.

For one-off audits, developer spot-checks, or a quick snapshot before a launch, a free checker does the job well. If you’re already tracking your Lighthouse accessibility score as part of your build process, that’s a solid habit worth keeping.

What they can’t do

Free tools are built for snapshots. They answer one question: what’s wrong with my site right now? That’s useful, but it leaves a gap that matters for ongoing compliance.

No monitoring

A scan tells you the state of your site today. It can’t watch your site and alert you when something breaks next week after a plugin update or content change.

No alerts

If a new accessibility issue appears after a site update, a free tool won’t tell you. You’d only find out when you remember to scan again.

No score tracking

Free tools give you today’s result. There’s no way to see whether your compliance is improving, staying flat, or getting worse over time.

Built for developers

Raw technical reports are useful for developers running code audits. They’re harder to act on if you’re a site owner without a development background.

How Scanluma compares

Free accessibility checker

One-time scans that tell you what's wrong right now. Useful for developers running audits and one-off checks.", "checks

✓ Scan on demand

✓ Technical issue report

✓ Free to use

Scanluma

Everything a free checker does, plus monitoring and tracking so you stay compliant as your site changes.", "checks

✓ Scan on demand

✓ Plain-language report with code guidance

✓ Automated weekly monitoring

✓ Email alerts when new issues appear

✓ Score tracking over time

✓ Full scan history

Scanluma uses the same underlying scanning engine as enterprise accessibility platforms, so detection accuracy is on par with what free tools offer. What’s different is everything around the scan: results are stored, your score is tracked over time, and your site is re-scanned automatically each week.

See how accessibility monitoring works for what’s included.

Who each tool is right for

This isn’t a strict either/or. Many developers use the axe browser extension during builds and Scanluma for the live site.

Use a free tool if you’re a developer running audits during a project, spot-checking a specific component, or need a one-off snapshot of a page you’re working on.

Use Scanluma if you own or manage a live website and need to know when something changes. Whether it’s a plugin update, a new page, or a template tweak, the next weekly scan will catch it and alert you if new issues have appeared. Run a free scan to see what it finds on your site before committing to a plan.

What free accessibility checkers don't include