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Lumi vs EqualWeb

Why code fixes beat accessibility overlays every time

EqualWeb is an accessibility overlay provider that offers a JavaScript widget claiming to make websites compliant with WCAG standards. Like other overlay solutions, it injects a UI layer on top of existing code rather than fixing the underlying issues. The overlay approach has faced significant criticism from the accessibility community.

Feature
Lumi
EqualWeb
Approach
Find & fix issues
Overlay widget
Scanning engines
5
0
Fixes underlying code
Screen reader compatible
Can interfere
WCAG 2.2 checks
Keyboard testing
CI/CD integration
No site JavaScript
Score tracking
Scan comparison
Professional audit path
Starting price
£29/mo
$49/mo

What Lumi finds that EqualWeb misses

Identifies actual code-level issues for permanent fixes
Five scanning engines for comprehensive issue detection
No JavaScript injected into your site - no performance or privacy impact
CI/CD API prevents new accessibility issues from deploying
Score tracking shows genuine compliance progress
WCAG 2.2 checks included by default
Transparent about what automation can and can't catch

Where EqualWeb falls short

Overlay approach doesn't fix underlying code issues
Criticised by disability advocacy organisations
Can interfere with screen readers and assistive technologies
No CI/CD integration for developer workflows
False sense of compliance - doesn't guarantee legal protection
No actual accessibility scanning or issue detection

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