Top 5 Email Tools for Accessible Campaigns (2025)
Email remains one of the most effective marketing channels, generating an average ROI of $36 for every $1 spent. But this success depends on reaching every subscriber, including the 25% of users who rely on assistive technologies to access their inbox. When emails aren’t built with accessibility in mind, businesses miss connections with millions of potential customers-and risk legal complications along the way.
Email accessibility isn’t just a nice-to-have feature anymore-it’s essential for any brand that wants to maximize reach and demonstrate social responsibility. The good news? Today’s email marketing platforms offer built-in tools that make creating accessible campaigns simpler than ever before.
Why Email Accessibility Matters in 2025
The importance of email accessibility has grown significantly in recent years, and in 2025, it’s become a non-negotiable aspect of email marketing. According to research from the Email Markup Consortium, a staggering 99.97% of emails tested have accessibility issues that affect users with disabilities. This represents a massive gap between current practices and best practices.
The Business Case for Accessible Emails
Making your emails accessible isn’t just about doing the right thing-it makes business sense:
- Emails that work for everyone expand your potential audience by up to 25%
- Accessible designs drive higher engagement metrics across all users
- Clear, structured content leads to better conversion rates
- Properly tagged content performs better in email client filters
- Improved deliverability through better code structure
Research shows that online stores with accessible designs see revenue increases of 23% on average. While this statistic focuses on websites, the same principles apply to email-when more people can use your content without barriers, more people engage with your brand.
Legal Requirements and Risks
Email accessibility falls under the same legal frameworks that govern websites:
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to digital communications, including marketing emails
- WCAG guidelines provide the technical standards for digital accessibility
- Legal cases related to inaccessible digital communications have increased yearly
- By 2025, European Accessibility Act requirements have broadened the international scope of compliance
Companies that ignore email accessibility face potential lawsuits, brand damage, and lost business. Being proactive about accessibility means protecting your organization while building goodwill with all subscribers.
Email Accessibility Basics | What Makes an Email Accessible?
Before diving into specific tools, it’s important to understand what makes an email accessible. These fundamentals should inform your choice of platform and how you use it.
Clear Structure and Navigation
Emails need logical organization that makes sense to both visual users and those using assistive technologies:
- A single-column layout works best for most accessible emails
- Proper heading hierarchy (H1 → H2 → H3) helps screen reader users navigate
- White space between sections improves readability for everyone
- Consistent design patterns make emails predictable and easier to use
Text Alternatives for Visual Content
Images carry important information, but not everyone experiences them the same way:
- Alt text descriptions make images accessible to screen reader users
- Avoid putting critical information in images without text alternatives
- Decorative images should have empty alt attributes to avoid cluttering screen reader output
- Ensure text has enough contrast against backgrounds (4.5:1 ratio for normal text)
Input and Interaction Design
- How users interact with your email affects accessibility:
- Include plain text alternatives for complex content
- Links need descriptive text (avoid “click here” or “read more”)
- Buttons must be large enough for users with motor limitations (at least 44×44 pixels)
- Interactive elements should work with keyboard navigation, not just mouse clicks
Platform Comparison | Top 5 Email Tools for Accessibility
Let’s examine the five leading email platforms and how they stack up for accessibility features in 2025.
1. Litmus | The Accessibility Testing Powerhouse
Litmus has positioned itself as a leader in email accessibility testing and implementation.
Key Accessibility Features
- Automated accessibility checks for over 40 specific issues
- Visual impairment simulation filters that show how emails appear to users with color vision deficiencies
- Integration with NVDA screen reader for testing how content sounds
- Real-time fix suggestions while building emails
Strengths
- The most advanced testing suite for catching accessibility problems
- Excellent documentation and education around email accessibility
- Works with all major ESPs (Email Service Providers)
- Detailed reports that map issues to WCAG success criteria
Limitations
- Premium pricing may be out of reach for smaller businesses
- Focuses more on testing than providing accessible templates
- Steep learning curve for some features
Litmus is ideal for teams that send high-volume, high-stakes email campaigns where accessibility is a priority worth investing in. Their “checklist” feature makes it easy to verify accessibility before sending.
2. Moosend | Accessible Email Made Simple
Moosend combines accessibility with ease of use, making it particularly suitable for small to mid-sized businesses.
Key Accessibility Features
- Accessible email templates with built-in best practices
- Color contrast checkers to ensure readability
- Alt text prompts that remind you to add descriptions to images
- Tools for testing font size and readability
Strengths
- User-friendly interface that makes accessibility approachable
- Strong focus on readability and clear content structure
- Affordable pricing for small businesses
- Simple setup for accessible emails without deep technical knowledge
Limitations
- Fewer advanced testing options than Litmus
- Less detailed reporting on specific WCAG criteria
- Smaller template library than some competitors
Moosend is a great option for marketers who need to create accessible emails quickly without becoming accessibility experts themselves.
3. Mailchimp | Mainstream Accessibility
As one of the most popular email platforms, Mailchimp has worked to incorporate accessibility features into its mainstream service.
Key Accessibility Features
- Accessible template designs with clean, simple layouts
- Clear guidance on adding alt text to images
- Plain-text email generation alongside HTML versions
- Content structure tools that encourage proper heading use
Strengths
- Widely used platform with substantial documentation
- Good balance between accessibility and general email features
- Strong mobile responsiveness in templates
- Simple interface for adding accessibility elements
Limitations
- Some advanced accessibility features require coding knowledge
- Button accessibility can be challenging without customization
- Limited automated testing for accessibility issues
Mailchimp provides a solid foundation for accessible emails, especially for businesses already using the platform for their marketing.
4. Email on Acid | Advanced Testing Focus
Email on Acid specializes in email testing across platforms, with accessibility as a key testing component.
Key Accessibility Features
- Accessibility checkers that scan for common issues
- Color contrast analysis tools
- Screen reader previews to test how content will be read aloud
- Code validation to ensure proper structure
Strengths
- Excellent for catching technical accessibility issues
- Integration with multiple email service providers
- Detailed reporting on specific issues
- Strong focus on cross-platform consistency
Limitations
- Less focus on creation tools compared to testing
- Requires technical knowledge to implement fixes
- Premium pricing for full feature access
Email on Acid works best for technical email teams who need to verify accessibility across multiple email clients and devices.
5. Mailmodo | Interactive Accessibility
Mailmodo has focused on making interactive email elements accessible, addressing a challenging area of email accessibility.
Key Accessibility Features
- Accessible interactive elements that work with assistive technologies
- Built-in accessibility checkers for common issues
- Template library with accessibility-focused designs
- Alt text management tools
Strengths
- Makes interactive emails more accessible than traditional approaches
- Good balance of features for marketers without technical backgrounds
- Focuses on both creation and testing aspects
- Strong mobile accessibility
Limitations
- Newer platform with evolving features
- Smaller community for support
- Some advanced features still in development
Mailmodo offers an interesting option for marketers who want to use interactive elements while maintaining accessibility.
Critical Features to Look For in Email Accessibility Tools
When choosing an email platform, certain accessibility features matter more than others. Here’s what to prioritize:
Alt Text Management Tools
Effective alt text is one of the most important aspects of email accessibility. Look for:
- Prompts that remind you to add alt text during the creation process
- Character limits that encourage concise, useful descriptions
- The ability to add empty alt attributes for decorative images
- Tools that suggest alt text based on image content
Email tools that make alt text easy to implement show a strong commitment to accessibility. Litmus excels here, with built-in prompts and clear guidance on writing effective descriptions.
Color Contrast Analyzers
Color contrast directly impacts readability for many users, including those with low vision or color blindness. Valuable features include:
- Real-time contrast checking as you design
- Visual simulations of how different color combinations appear to users with color vision deficiencies
- Warnings when text doesn’t meet WCAG contrast requirements
- Alternative color suggestions that maintain your brand identity
Litmus offers the most robust color testing with its visual impairment filters, showing exactly how emails appear to users with different types of color blindness.
Keyboard Navigation Testing
Many users access emails without a mouse, relying instead on keyboard commands. Look for:
- Tools that verify all interactive elements are keyboard accessible
- Tab order verification to ensure logical navigation
- Focus indicator testing to confirm visibility when elements are selected
- Support for ARIA attributes that enhance keyboard accessibility
Email on Acid provides good keyboard accessibility testing, helping identify elements that might be difficult to access without a mouse.
Screen Reader Compatibility
Screen readers convert text to speech, allowing users with visual impairments to hear email content. Valuable features include:
- Preview functionality that simulates screen reader output
- Verification of heading structure for easy navigation
- Testing for proper image descriptions
- Identification of problematic elements like empty links
Litmus leads in this area with its NVDA screen reader integration, allowing marketers to hear how their emails will sound to users of assistive technology.
Responsive Design Testing
Mobile accessibility requires special attention, as touch interfaces present unique challenges:
- Tools that verify touch targets are large enough (minimum 44×44 pixels)
- Testing across multiple screen sizes and orientations
- Verification that text remains readable without zooming
- Checking that layouts adjust appropriately for different devices
Email on Acid and Litmus both offer strong mobile testing capabilities, ensuring emails remain accessible across devices.
How to Audit Your Existing Email Templates for Accessibility
Before creating new accessible emails, audit your current templates to identify improvement opportunities:
Step 1 – Check Your Email Structure
Start by examining how your emails are built:
- Is there a clear, logical heading structure (H1 → H2 → H3)?
- Does the email use a single-column layout for simplicity?
- Are sections clearly separated with adequate white space?
- Does the email make sense when read linearly from top to bottom?
Many accessibility issues stem from poor structural choices that make navigation difficult for assistive technology users.
Step 2 – Evaluate Visual Elements
Next, look at how you’re handling images and visual design:
- Do all images have appropriate alt text?
- Is there sufficient contrast between text and backgrounds?
- Are you relying on color alone to convey important information?
- Are fonts large enough and in a readable style?
Tools like the Litmus Visual Impairment filters can help you see your emails as users with visual impairments do.
Step 3 – Review Interactive Components
Examine how users interact with your emails:
- Are all links descriptive (avoiding “click here” or “read more”)?
- Are buttons and clickable areas large enough for easy tapping?
- Can all interactions be completed using only a keyboard?
- Do forms include proper labels and error messages?
These elements often present the biggest barriers for users with motor disabilities.
Step 4 – Test with Actual Tools
Use email accessibility testing tools to verify your findings:
- Run automated checkers like those in Litmus or Email on Acid
- Test with screen reader technology if available
- Check mobile responsiveness across multiple devices
- Verify keyboard navigation works as expected
Automated tools can catch up to 40% of accessibility issues, according to current research.
Step 5 – Create an Improvement Plan
Based on your audit results:
- Prioritize fixes based on impact and frequency
- Update templates to address common issues
- Document accessibility requirements for future emails
- Schedule regular re-testing to maintain standards
Making these improvements incrementally can significantly enhance email accessibility without overwhelming your team.
Implementing Accessibility in Your Email Workflow
Building accessibility into your process is more effective than treating it as an afterthought:
Planning Stage
Start thinking about accessibility from the beginning:
- Choose accessible templates as your foundation
- Plan content with a clear, logical structure in mind
- Consider how the message will work for all users
- Identify any complex content that needs alternatives
Design Stage
As you create the visual aspects of your email:
- Select colors with sufficient contrast
- Choose readable fonts at appropriate sizes
- Design simple layouts that work for everyone
- Create visual elements with accessibility in mind
Development Stage
When building the actual email:
- Use proper HTML structure with semantic elements
- Add alt text to all images
- Ensure all interactive elements are keyboard accessible
- Test as you build to catch issues early
Testing Stage
Before sending, verify accessibility:
- Use automated tools to check for common issues
- Test with keyboard navigation
- Review with screen reader technology if possible
- Check on multiple devices and email clients
Review and Learn
After sending, gather insights for future improvement:
- Monitor engagement metrics for different user groups
- Collect feedback on accessibility
- Document lessons learned for future campaigns
- Share best practices with your team
This workflow helps make accessibility a natural part of email creation rather than a burdensome add-on.
Real-World Impact | Case Studies
Seeing how accessibility affects actual email campaigns helps illustrate its importance:
Case Study 1 | E-commerce Retailer
An online clothing retailer redesigned their email templates for accessibility, focusing on:
- Clear product descriptions in text (not just images)
- Proper alt text for all product photos
- Improved color contrast for prices and CTAs
- Simple, logical layout
Results:
- 18% increase in click-through rates
- 12% higher conversion from emails
- Positive feedback from customers using screen readers
- Reduced customer service inquiries about email navigation
Case Study 2 | B2B Software Company
A B2B software provider audited their email accessibility and made these changes:
- Restructured content with proper heading hierarchy
- Added alt text to all screenshots and diagrams
- Created plain text alternatives for complex feature explanations
- Improved button size and contrast
Results:
- 27% increase in mobile engagement
- Higher completion rates for in-email surveys
- Better performance in email client filtering
- Improved brand perception among accessibility-conscious clients
These examples show that accessibility improvements deliver measurable business benefits beyond compliance.
Using Automated Tools for Quick Insights (Accessibility-Test.org Scanner)
Automated testing tools provide a fast way to identify many common accessibility issues. They can quickly scan your website and point out problems that might be difficult for people with disabilities to overcome.
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Looking Ahead | Email Accessibility Trends for 2025-2026
The email accessibility landscape continues to evolve:
AI-Assisted Accessibility
Artificial intelligence is transforming how we approach email accessibility:
- Automated alt text generation that’s increasingly accurate
- Smart contrast suggestions that maintain brand identity
- Layout recommendations based on accessibility best practices
- Predictive testing that identifies potential issues before sending
While these tools help, human oversight remains essential to ensure AI-generated content truly meets user needs.
Interactive Email Accessibility
As emails become more interactive, new accessibility challenges emerge:
- Making AMP-powered emails work with assistive technologies
- Ensuring forms within emails meet accessibility standards
- Creating accessible carousels and tabs that work for everyone
- Building interactive elements that work without JavaScript
Email platforms are developing new ways to make these features accessible to all users.
Personalization & Accessibility
The future of email marketing combines personalization with accessibility:
- Adapting content formats based on user preferences
- Offering alternative versions tailored to different needs
- Using engagement data to improve accessibility
- Creating customized experiences that work for everyone
This approach recognizes that accessibility isn’t one-size-fits-all-different users have different needs.
Final Thoughts
Investing in accessible email marketing delivers multiple benefits:
- Expanded audience reach by including users with disabilities
- Improved engagement metrics across all subscriber segments
- Better deliverability through cleaner, more structured code
- Protection against potential legal issues
- Enhanced brand reputation as an inclusive organization
The tools available in 2025 make email accessibility more achievable than ever. By choosing the right platform and implementing best practices, you can create email campaigns that truly work for everyone.
Remember that accessibility isn’t just about compliance-it’s about communication. When your emails are accessible, your message reaches more people, more effectively. That’s not just good ethics; it’s good business.
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