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axe DevTools vs WAVE: catalog facts
axe DevTools	WAVE
Freemium The browser extension has a free tier; wider toolkits are paid and sold through Deque.	Freemium The online tool and extensions are free; the API and stand-alone testing engine are paid.
Web, Browser extension	Web, Browser extension
Built on the widely used axe-core rules engine Checks run directly in the browser on the current page	Shows issues in place on the page Extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Edge
Automated checks do not replace manual accessibility testing Advanced features are enterprise products sold through sales	Bulk testing requires the paid API or engine Automated results still need human judgement
Hosted service, Browser extension	Web application, Browser extension
Closed source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.