AccessMonitor review
A free, open-source WCAG 2.1 validator with browser-based checks for logged-in pages.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
AccessMonitor is a free, open-source web accessibility validator from Agência para a Reforma Tecnológica do Estado, I.P. It is suited to web teams that need to evaluate pages against WCAG 2.1 practices, including pages that require a login. Checks can begin with a URL, HTML code, or an HTML file in the online service; the Chrome extension can evaluate pages directly in the browser. Its reports distinguish acceptable, manually reviewable, and unacceptable practices, giving teams a way to separate automated findings from checks that need human judgment.
The strongest fit is its combination of report detail and practical access options. Issue views include HTML code and the affected DOM location, and visual highlighting points to page elements involved in findings. Reports can be downloaded as CSV. Teams can use the extension to inspect logged-in pages, while local-server deployment supports larger-scale evaluations. That mix makes AccessMonitor useful beyond a one-off public URL scan, particularly for teams that need to inspect internal or in-development pages and then work through findings in a report.
AccessMonitor’s scope is narrower than a broad accessibility testing program: its stated testing is based on WCAG 2.1, and it does not provide mobile testing. The extension is for Chrome, so teams relying on another browser would need to use the online URL or HTML submission options instead. It is a sensible choice for web teams seeking a free validator, detailed findings, and a route to check logged-in pages. Teams whose evaluation depends on mobile testing or coverage beyond WCAG 2.1 should look for a tool that addresses those needs.
AccessMonitor pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Tests URLs, HTML code, and HTML files against WCAG 2.1 practices
- Shows issue details with HTML, DOM locations, and visual highlighting
- Chrome extension can check logged-in pages; local-server deployment is available
- Where it doesn't
- Coverage is centered on WCAG 2.1 practice testing
- Does not provide mobile testing
- The browser extension is limited to Chrome
AccessMonitor fact sheet, pricing and score →
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