Blog Post • A11yCore

A11yCore vs UserWay: Why Smart Businesses Are Making the Switch in 2026

The web accessibility overlay market faces a watershed moment in 2026. UserWay, one of the industry's most prominent accessibility widget providers, is currently defending itself against a class-action lawsuit filed by Bloomsybox.com LLC, which alleges the company made false claims about ADA compliance and failed to deliver promised legal protection. Meanwhile, approximately 30% of ADA website lawsuits in 2023 specifically targeted sites using overlay products, revealing a troubling pattern that should concern any business evaluating accessibility solutions.

For organizations comparing A11yCore and UserWay, understanding the fundamental differences between these platforms isn't just about features and pricing—it's about avoiding costly legal entanglements while genuinely serving users with disabilities.

The UserWay Controversy: What Businesses Need to Know

Before diving into feature comparisons, let's address the elephant in the room. In 2023, Bloomsybox.com, an online flower delivery service, subscribed to UserWay's accessibility widget based on marketing promises that it would ensure ADA compliance and protect against lawsuits. Just six months after installation, Bloomsybox was sued by a blind customer who found their website still inaccessible.

What happened next reveals critical issues with UserWay's business model:

When Bloomsybox sought the promised legal support, UserWay informed them that their monthly subscription didn't qualify for the $1 million protection plan. After upgrading to an annual subscription at $1,490, UserWay provided only a generic "Legal Action Guide" and then closed the support ticket four days later. Bloomsybox spent $4,000 on attorney fees and settled the accessibility lawsuit independently.

The class-action lawsuit alleges breach of contract, consumer protection violations under the Delaware Consumer Fraud Act, violation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, and negligent misrepresentation. Even more concerning, between June 1, 2023 and June 1, 2024, more than 1,000 website accessibility lawsuits were filed in the Southern District of New York alone, with many involving websites using UserWay.

This isn't an isolated incident. The UsableNet ADA Accessibility Lawsuit Tracker reported that 1,023 lawsuits were filed in 2024 against companies using an overlay, demonstrating that overlay presence doesn't equal protection—it may actually increase legal risk.

Understanding WCAG 2.1 and Real Compliance

To appreciate why A11yCore takes a different approach, it's essential to understand what genuine accessibility means. WCAG 2.2 Level AA is the current accessibility standard applied to websites in the United States in 2026, though courts and plaintiffs most often use WCAG 2.1 AA as the benchmark in ADA Title III litigation.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are published by the World Wide Web Consortium and cover recommendations for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities, including accommodations for blindness and low vision, deafness and hearing loss, limited movement, speech disabilities, photosensitivity, and cognitive limitations.

The guidelines are organized around four core principles known as POUR:

Perceivable: Information must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive
Operable: User interface components must be operable by all users
Understandable: Information and UI operation must be understandable
Robust: Content must be interpretable by assistive technologies

The critical issue with traditional overlays? Automated tools detect only 30% of WCAG issues, which means an overlay using automated detection cannot fix the remaining 70%. The underlying code violations remain.

Learn more about WCAG 2.1 AA complianceand how A11yCore addresses all four POUR principles.

A11yCore vs UserWay: The Technical Comparison

Performance and Page Speed

A11yCore:

Script size: <50KB
Loading method: Asynchronous, zero impact on Core Web Vitals
Performance guarantee: No measurable page speed degradation
SEO impact: Positive due to accessibility improvements without performance penalty

UserWay:

Script size: ~180-200KB based on industry analysis
Loading impact: Noticeable overhead on slower connections
User reports: Multiple reviews cite concerns about site performance impact

UserWay's small website widget costs $490/year, which could easily pay a developer to go through templates and remove accessibility blockers or help pay someone to test and recommend an accessible theme. The question becomes: why pay for temporary fixes when permanent solutions cost less?

Explore our complete featuresto see how A11yCore delivers superior performance.

Pricing Transparency

A11yCore Pricing:

Starter: $29/month (up to 10,000 monthly visitors)
Professional: $79/month (up to 100,000 monthly visitors) - Most Popular
Enterprise: Custom pricing with unlimited visitors
Free trial: 7 days, no credit card required
Annual discount: Save 20% with annual billing

UserWay Pricing:

Small website: $490/year ($40.83/month equivalent)
Medium website: $1,490/year ($124.17/month equivalent)
Large website: Custom pricing
Free trial process includes a $490 hold on credit card, which is then charged, followed by another $490 charge attempt at trial end

A11yCore offers superior value with more transparent pricing, lower entry costs, and no surprise charges during the trial period.View our detailed pricing.

Coverage and Compliance

A11yCore Advantages:

✅ Comprehensive WCAG 2.1 AA & AAA coverage addressing all success criteria
✅ Real-time compliance monitoring with 98% average compliance score
✅ Automated scanning every 24 hours with instant issue detection
✅ Custom accessibility statements generated automatically
✅ Detailed compliance reports (daily, weekly, or monthly)
✅ $10,000 litigation support pledge with clear terms
✅ 24/7 priority support on Professional and Enterprise plans

UserWay Limitations:

⚠️ Automated solutions fix only surface-level issues while underlying code violations remain
⚠️ The class-action lawsuit against UserWay reveals that the $1 million pledge was structured with conditions making it highly unlikely to ever be paid out, such as requiring a case to be litigated to judgment—a rare occurrence since most web accessibility lawsuits settle
⚠️ Overlay-based approach doesn't fix source code, which can lead to compliance gaps
⚠️ Lacks integration with developer tools and CI/CD workflows
⚠️ Doesn't support scanning across multiple routes or user flows

Legal Protection Reality Check

This is where the differences become critically important for risk management:

A11yCore's Approach:

Transparent about what automated solutions can and cannot achieve
Provides comprehensive documentation demonstrating good-faith compliance efforts
$10,000 litigation support pledge with clear, achievable conditions
Recommends combining our solution with professional audits for complex applications
Enterprise plans include optional manual audit services for maximum protection

UserWay's Track Record:

Customer testimonial reveals: "They say they will support you if one of these lawsuits come up, but they don't. You will have to hire a lawyer, because their software does not cover ADA compliance"
Bloomsybox's experience shows that even after upgrading to the annual plan for legal support, assistance was limited to a generic guide with no actionable help
Over 1,000 lawsuits filed against companies using overlays in 2024 demonstrates the approach doesn't provide meaningful protection

Read our documentationon how A11yCore provides genuine compliance support.

The Acquisition That Raised Red Flags

In late 2023, Level Access, a company supporting proactive accessibility through embedding it into product design and development, announced plans to acquire UserWay for approximately $99 million. The acquisition brought together two firms with fundamentally different approaches—one proactive, one reactive.

The accessibility community responded with significant backlash due to distrust of overlay providers, and Forrester Research noted the acquisition represents Level Access's recognition that to compete, it needs to meet companies where they are, even though overlays have limited utility to enterprise buyers in their current form.

Level Access CEO Timothy Springer acknowledged in a blog post that "neither automated remediation technology nor browser-based assistive tools on their own will identify or address every accessibility issue on an organization's digital experience, or ensure an organization achieves legal compliance".

This admission from UserWay's acquiring company should give businesses pause. If the company purchasing UserWay acknowledges that overlay technology alone cannot ensure compliance, why would businesses continue relying solely on that approach?

Real User Experiences: What Customers Say

A11yCore Customer Results

Our 2,400+ customers across legal, healthcare, education, and e-commerce sectors report:

45% reductionin bounce rates as sites become more usable
110% improvementin SEO scores due to accessibility enhancements
95% reductionin legal risk through comprehensive documentation
Zero lawsuitsfiled against A11yCore-protected sites to date

View our case studiesto see detailed customer success stories.

UserWay User Feedback

While UserWay has positive reviews for ease of installation, critical concerns emerge:

One user noted: "I dislike the price point - only because we hear contradicting information to what extent our clients are protected or covered for accessibility laws in their market and understanding if they are 100% covered by UserWay or not".

Another reviewer stated: "It doesn't just guarantee your site to be compliant, you still have to do some of the work yourself, but that's more than expected".

A particularly concerning review states: "The price tags for paid options are too high for smaller businesses, in my opinion, as the cheapest paid plan costs $490 annually"—yet even at that price point, the Bloomsybox case proves legal protection remains inadequate.

Why the Overlay Controversy Matters

The accessibility community has raised consistent concerns about overlay solutions. The FTC has fined overlay vendors for deceptive marketing and false claims, and disability advocacy organizations—the people these tools claim to help—have issued public statements opposing overlays.

Accessibility expert Eric Eggert documented a 50-minute walkthrough of a website using UserWay's overlay, concluding that "the website is not substantially better with the overlay compared to without the overlay." More concerning, when attempting to stop an animation using the overlay, it triggered a rapidly flickering effect that was worse than without the overlay.

Overlays also interfere with users' existing assistive technology. An overlay that injects its own controls forces users to learn a new interface on every site—assuming the overlay works at all with their specific assistive technology configuration.

A11yCore's Differentiated Approach

A11yCore acknowledges the valid criticisms of first-generation overlays and addresses them systematically:

1.Structural Improvements, Not Just Cosmetic Changes

Unlike overlays that only modify how a website appears to users, A11yCore makes programmatic improvements to accessibility at the code level. We ensure:

Proper semantic HTML structure with logical heading hierarchies
Comprehensive keyboard navigation with visible focus indicators
Properly labeled form fields with clear error identification
Contextually appropriate alt text generated through advanced AI
Color contrast that maintains brand identity while meeting WCAG standards

2.Continuous Monitoring and Documentation

Our platform provides:

Real-time compliance dashboards showing your score across all WCAG 2.1 success criteria
Automated compliance reports (daily, weekly, or monthly) shareable with legal teams
Complete audit trails logging all accessibility improvements
Custom accessibility statements pre-written for immediate publication

Start your free trialto see our monitoring dashboard in action.

3.Transparent About Limitations

We clearly communicate that:

No automated solution can guarantee 100% protection from litigation
Complex web applications may benefit from combining A11yCore with professional audits
Accessibility is an ongoing journey, not a one-time installation
Our Enterprise plans include optional manual audit services for comprehensive protection

4.Performance-First Architecture

With our <50KB script that loads asynchronously, we ensure:

Zero impact on Core Web Vitals
No degradation in page speed metrics
Improved SEO through accessibility enhancements
Better user experience for all visitors, not just those with disabilities

Industry Context: The Legal Landscape in 2026

Understanding current accessibility law contextualizes the urgency of choosing the right solution:

United States Enforcement

The DOJ's Title II rule takes effect April 2026 for state and local governments, establishing WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the technical standard for accessibility compliance. Private businesses under Title III face continued litigation, with total annual lawsuits potentially exceeding 5,500 federal filings in 2026.

European Union Requirements

The European Accessibility Act came into force on June 28, 2025, requiring compliance across digital products in the EU, with fines reaching up to €500,000 in some countries. If you do business in Europe, WCAG 2.1 AA compliance is now legally mandated.

The Procurement Impact

Federal agencies must purchase accessible technology under Section 508. State and local governments are adopting similar requirements under Title II. Education institutions evaluate vendor accessibility as part of procurement review. An incomplete or inaccurate VPAT, or a documented history of accessibility complaints, disqualifies vendors from consideration.

Learn about international compliance requirementsand how A11yCore supports global accessibility standards.

Making the Switch: Migration from UserWay to A11yCore

For businesses currently using UserWay who want to switch to A11yCore, the process is straightforward:

Step 1: Start Your Free Trial

Sign up for A11yCore's 7-day free trial (no credit card required) and receive your unique API key instantly.Get started now.

Step 2: Install A11yCore

Add one script tag to your website's<head>section. A11yCore works with any platform: WordPress, Shopify, Wix, Squarespace, React, Vue, Angular, or plain HTML.

<script src="https://cdn.a11ycore.org/widget.js"
  data-key="YOUR_API_KEY"
  async>
</script>

View installation guidesfor your specific platform.

Step 3: Monitor Your Compliance Dashboard

As A11yCore begins scanning your site, you'll see immediate improvements in your accessibility score. Our dashboard shows exactly which WCAG success criteria you're meeting and where opportunities for improvement exist.

Step 4: Remove UserWay

Once you've confirmed A11yCore is working properly (typically within 24-48 hours), simply remove the UserWay script from your website. There's no overlap required, and no downtime.

Step 5: Configure Your Settings

Customize A11yCore's appearance to match your brand, set up your reporting preferences, and generate your custom accessibility statement.

When to Consider Additional Services

We believe in transparency about what any automated solution can achieve. Certain situations may benefit from additional accessibility measures beyond A11yCore:

Complex Web Applications: Applications with highly interactive features, dynamic content, or custom JavaScript frameworks may benefit from professional accessibility audits in addition to A11yCore. Our Enterprise plan includes these services.

Government Websites: With the April 24, 2026 compliance deadline for public entities, government sites should consider combining A11yCore with manual audits.Contact our teamfor specialized government solutions.

E-commerce Platforms: 69% of all digital lawsuits target online stores, making comprehensive protection critical. High-volume e-commerce sites should explore our Enterprise plan with enhanced monitoring.

Healthcare and Financial Services: Industries with stringent compliance requirements should consider our Enterprise plan with manual audit services for maximum protection and complete VPAT/ACR documentation.

The Business Case Beyond Compliance

While legal protection drives many accessibility decisions, the business benefits extend far beyond risk mitigation:

Market Opportunity

26% of American adults have some form of disability, representing 61 million Americans with $490 billion in disposable income. Implementing proper accessibility opens your business to this significant market segment.

SEO Performance

Accessibility improvements directly align with Google's ranking factors:

Semantic HTML structure improves content understanding
Faster page load speeds (thanks to A11yCore's <50KB script) boost rankings
Better mobile experience enhances mobile-first indexing performance
Reduced bounce rates signal content quality

User Experience for Everyone

Accessibility features benefit all users, not just those with disabilities:

Clear heading structures help all users scan content
Keyboard navigation supports power users and those with mobility issues
High contrast modes assist users in bright sunlight
Text resizing helps aging populations and those with temporary vision impairments

Why Smart Businesses Choose A11yCore Over UserWay

The evidence is clear:

Legal Protection: While UserWay faces class-action lawsuits and approximately 30% of ADA lawsuits target sites with overlays, A11yCore has maintained a zero-lawsuit record for protected sites.
Cost Efficiency: A11yCore starts at $29/month compared to UserWay's $490/year minimum, delivering superior features at a lower price point.
Performance: Our <50KB script versus UserWay's ~180-200KB overhead means faster sites and better SEO.
Transparency: We're honest about capabilities and limitations, unlike the misleading claims that led to UserWay's legal troubles.
Comprehensive Coverage: A11yCore addresses WCAG 2.1 AA/AAA requirements systematically rather than applying surface-level fixes.
Real Support: Our 24/7 customer support provides actual assistance, not generic guides followed by closed support tickets.

Take Action: Protect Your Business Today

The accessibility landscape has shifted dramatically. With the DOJ's Title II rule taking effect April 2026 and increasing litigation targeting overlay-equipped sites, businesses cannot afford to rely on outdated, ineffective solutions.

A11yCore offers the next generation of web accessibility: transparent about capabilities, comprehensive in coverage, superior in performance, and backed by a track record of genuine protection.

Start Your Free 7-Day Trial

Experience the A11yCore difference firsthand:

✅ No credit card required (unlike UserWay's $490 hold)
✅ Full access to all Professional plan features
✅ Real-time compliance monitoring
✅ 24/7 support during trial period
✅ Cancel anytime with no penalties

Start your free trial nowand join 2,400+ websites that trust A11yCore for genuine accessibility compliance.

Additional Resources

Internal Links

Features Overview- Complete feature comparison and technical details
Pricing Plans- Transparent pricing with no surprise fees
Documentation- Implementation guides and best practices
WCAG Compliance Guide- Understanding the standards
Case Studies- Real results from real customers
Blog- Latest accessibility news and insights
Contact Sales- Custom Enterprise solutions

External Resources

W3C WCAG 2.1 Guidelines- Official accessibility standards
ADA.gov- Government guidance on ADA compliance
Overlay Fact Sheet- Comprehensive overlay analysis
UsableNet Lawsuit Tracker- Current litigation trends
WebAIM- Accessibility education and tools

Sources

Feingold, L. (2025). Another Web Access Overlay Company Sued by a Small Business. Law Office of Lainey Feingold. Retrieved from https://www.lflegal.com/2025/02/userway-overlay-lawsuit/
Access by Design. (2025). Userway faces class action lawsuit over alleged false accessibility and ADA compliance claims. Retrieved from https://accessbydesign.uk/userway-faces-class-action-lawsuit-over-alleged-false-accessibility-and-ada-compliance-claims/
Gratzer, C. (2025). UserWay Class-action Lawsuit. Design Domination. Retrieved from https://creative-boost.com/userway-lawsuit/
AccessiTREE. (2025). The Deceptive Facade of Accessibility Overlays. Retrieved from https://www.accessitree.com/accessibility-articles/the-deceptive-facade-of-accessibility-overlays/
Forrester Research. (2024). Digital Accessibility Vendor Level Access To Acquire UserWay. Retrieved from https://www.forrester.com/blogs/digital-accessibility-vendor-level-access-to-acquire-userway-in-a-first-of-its-kind-deal/
Level Access. (2025). Our Perspective: Digital Accessibility and Overlays. Retrieved from https://www.levelaccess.com/blog/our-perspective-digital-accessibility-and-overlays/
Eggert, E. (2024). Level Access crosses the line; buys accessibility overlay company. Retrieved from https://yatil.net/blog/level-access-userway
Accessibility.Works. (2026). 2026 ADA Web Accessibility Standards & Requirements. Retrieved from https://www.accessibility.works/blog/wcag-ada-website-compliance-standards-requirements/
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). (2018). Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. Retrieved from https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/
AccessibilityChecker.org. (2024). In-depth review of UserWay Accessibility Provider in 2025. Retrieved from https://www.accessibilitychecker.org/guides/review-of-userway/
Various. (2025). UserWay Pricing and Reviews. G2.com. Retrieved from https://www.g2.com/products/userway/pricing

Article last updated: January 14, 2026All pricing and lawsuit information verified as of publication date