Octopus Scanner, formerly A11y Scanner, is a free desktop tool for auditing website accessibility on Windows and macOS. It combines browser automation with axe-core-powered checks and supports WCAG 2.2, Section 508 and EN 301 549 requirements. You can record and replay authenticated flows such as logins and checkouts without code. It also supports dynamic interfaces, Shadow DOM, embedded frames and dark mode auditing, and can check the structure of linked PDF documents. Each scan generates an interactive HTML report and a companion CSV. Scanning, analysis and reporting stay on the local machine; scanned-site traffic can be routed through HTTP, HTTPS or SOCKS proxies. Optional update checks use official checksums and signatures, and updates can be reverted. The Windows download is 64-bit and the macOS download is ARM64. The listed version, 5.0.9.8, is marked beta. The software is free, with optional contributions accepted by its independent developer in Scotland.
Who it is for
It suits accessibility practitioners who need to audit websites locally, including sites with authenticated user flows or dynamic content. Teams can share configurations between machines or members.
What is good
- Scans and reports remain on the local machine.
- Supports WCAG 2.2, Section 508 and EN 301 549.
- Records and replays authenticated journeys without code.
- Produces interactive HTML and companion CSV reports.
- Optional update verification and rollback are available.
What to know first
- Listed version 5.0.9.8 is marked beta.
- Windows download is 64-bit; macOS download is ARM64.
- No scan or usage limit is stated.
Verdict
Octopus Scanner offers a broad set of website auditing capabilities while keeping scan data local. Note the beta status and confirm that your computer matches one of its listed download architectures.
Octopus Scanner (formerly A11y Scanner) plans and pricing
All plansCompared on website accessibility tools
- Free plan
- Yes
- Paid from
- $1/mo
- WCAG version
- wcag 2.2
- Scan scope
- site
- Browser extension
- No
