Scrutia vs WAVE
WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) is one of the most well-known accessibility tools. It analyzes static HTML and flags common errors. Scrutia goes further by testing all 106 RGAA criteria (mapped to WCAG 2.1 AA), including real keyboard navigation, dynamic ARIA components and keyboard traps. Here is a detailed comparison.
Feature comparison
| Feature | WAVE | Scrutia |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | WCAG 2.1 (partial) | RGAA 4.1.2 (106 criteria) |
| Criteria tested | ~30% of criteria | 106 complete criteria |
| Keyboard navigation | ✕ | Real Tab navigation |
| Keyboard traps | ✕ | Automatic detection |
| Visible focus | ✕ | Automatic verification |
| ARIA components | Attribute checking | APG pattern testing |
| Menus, modals, tabs | ✕ | Dynamic interaction |
| Contrasts | Main text | All combinations |
| Corrective code | ✕ | HTML/CSS/JS per criterion |
| PDF report | ✕ | 20+ detailed pages |
| WCAG 2.1 AA native | No (English WCAG) | Yes |
Detailed comparison
Criteria coverage
Scrutia covers all 106 RGAA 4.1.2 criteria across 13 themes. Each criterion is evaluated: compliant, non-compliant, not applicable or requires manual verification. The report details each non-conformity with an explanation and corrective code.
WAVE is based on WCAG 2.1 and only covers a subset of criteria. The tool flags HTML errors and alerts but does not test interaction-related criteria (keyboard navigation, dynamic components, keyboard traps).
Dynamic testing
Scrutia runs a real browser and simulates complete keyboard navigation: Tab, Escape, Enter, arrow keys. It detects keyboard traps, verifies visible focus, and tests ARIA components (menus, modals, tabs, accordions) according to APG patterns.
WAVE analyzes the HTML source code without executing JavaScript or simulating interactions. Issues related to keyboard navigation, dynamic components and keyboard traps are not detected.
Code fixes
For each non-conformity, Scrutia provides ready-to-copy HTML, CSS or JavaScript corrective code. The report includes the faulty code and the corrected code, with an explanation of the problem and the solution.
WAVE flags errors and provides links to WCAG documentation, but does not offer site-specific corrective code. The fix is left to the developer.
Standard and language
Scrutia is designed for RGAA, the French accessibility standard mapped to WCAG 2.1 AA. Reports are available in French, criteria are numbered according to RGAA 4.1.2, and recommendations are adapted to the French regulatory context (European Accessibility Act).
WAVE is an English-language tool based on WCAG. Results are in English and do not reference RGAA. For a site subject to French regulations, additional mapping work is required.
Our verdict
WAVE is a good tool for quick verification of basic HTML errors (missing alt, contrasts). But for a complete accessibility audit covering WCAG 2.1 AA, including keyboard navigation, ARIA components and code fixes, Scrutia is the most suitable tool. If your site is subject to European regulations, Scrutia provides a directly actionable report.
Try Scrutia for free
106 RGAA criteria, keyboard navigation, ARIA components, code fixes. Results in 5 minutes.
Run a free audit