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axe-core
axe-core · Herndon, Virginia, USA · founded 2015
What it is
axe-core is a free, open-source accessibility testing engine for websites and other HTML-based interfaces. It runs alongside functional tests and can integrate with unit, integration, browser, and other test environments. Its rules address WCAG 2.0, 2.1, and 2.2 at levels A, AA, and AAA, plus additional best practices. Deque says automated checks identify an average of 57% of WCAG issues, while uncertain results are marked for manual review. The project supports installation through npm or pnpm and exposes the axe.run() API for tests. API-supported browsers include Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari; Internet Explorer 11 is deprecated. Chrome and Firefox are tested on every pull request. JSDOM support is limited, and color-contrast checks do not work there. axe-core uses the Mozilla Public License 2.0. Deque requests vulnerability reports by email, states a 24-business-hour response, and offers no bug bounty program.
For and against
For
- Free under MPL-2.0 license
- Covers WCAG 2.0 through 2.2
- Integrates with multiple test environments
- Supports major modern browsers
- Provides an axe.run() API
Against
- Automation finds only an average 57% of issues
- Uncertain results need manual review
- JSDOM support is limited
- Internet Explorer 11 is deprecated
The verdict
axe-core provides a standards-focused engine for incorporating accessibility checks into development tests. It is most useful alongside manual review because automated coverage is incomplete.
Who it suits
axe-core suits developers and accessibility teams adding automated WCAG checks to existing web and functional test workflows.
Plans and prices
axe-core
Open-source accessibility testing engine · MPL-2.0 license
Read 11 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- API access
- Yesgithub.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Automated coverage
- Deque says axe-core finds an average of 57% of WCAG issues automatically and marks uncertain results for manual review.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Browser testing limits
- Only Chrome and Firefox are tested on every pull request, and JSDOM support is limited, with color-contrast known not to work there.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- CI/CD integration
- Yesgithub.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Integration
- The engine is designed to integrate with existing unit, integration, browser and other functional test environments.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- License
- axe-core is distributed under the Mozilla Public License, version 2.0.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Maintainer
- Deque says it released axe-core in 2015 and identifies Deque Systems, Inc. as its maker.deque.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Maker headquarters
- Deque Systems, Inc. lists its address as 13800 Coppermine Road, Herndon, Virginia 20171.deque.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Package
- The README shows installation through npm or pnpm and use of the axe.run() API in tests.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- axe-core is an accessibility testing engine for websites and other HTML-based user interfaces that can run alongside functional tests.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Scan scope
- pagegithub.com · read 21 Sep 2026
- Security updates
- Deque says security updates are available for minor version lines up to 18 months old.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Standards
- Its rules cover WCAG 2.0, 2.1 and 2.2 at levels A, AA and AAA, plus additional best practices.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Supported browsers
- The API lists Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Apple Safari as supported; Internet Explorer 11 is deprecated.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Vulnerability reporting
- Deque asks researchers to report vulnerabilities by email rather than through public GitHub issues and says it responds within 24 business hours; it has no bug bounty program.github.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- WCAG version
- wcag 2.2github.com · read 21 Sep 2026
