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WAVE vs axe DevTools: catalog facts
WAVE	axe DevTools
Freemium The online tool and extensions are free; the API and stand-alone testing engine are paid.	Freemium The browser extension has a free tier; wider toolkits are paid and sold through Deque.
Web, Browser extension	Web, Browser extension
Shows issues in place on the page Extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Edge	Built on the widely used axe-core rules engine Checks run directly in the browser on the current page
Bulk testing requires the paid API or engine Automated results still need human judgement	Automated checks do not replace manual accessibility testing Advanced features are enterprise products sold through sales
Web application, Browser extension	Hosted service, 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.