Tool Comparison
Scanly vs. Google PageSpeed & Lighthouse
This page is for non-technical site owners and marketers who need user-friendly reports with AI-powered clear fixes, combined with automated security validation.
Feature Comparison at a Glance
| Capability | Scanly | Google PageSpeed Insights & Lighthouse |
|---|---|---|
| Combined 4-in-1 website audit Scanly packs SEO, performance, accessibility, and security checks. Lighthouse lacks HTTP security header verification. | ||
| Cloud-based, no-install crawls PSI is cloud-based, but running Lighthouse audits directly requires using Chrome DevTools or CLI scripts. | PageSpeed only | |
| WCAG 2.2 accessibility validation Both scan for basic accessibility tags, contrast, and structure. | ||
| HTTP security headers check Scanly evaluates security headers (CSP, HSTS). Google Lighthouse does not test this server setup. | ||
| Core Web Vitals & speed audit Both tools use the Lighthouse engine to gauge Core Web Vitals. | ||
| AI recommendations in plain English Scanly translates problems (e.g. explains which scripts block rendering). Lighthouse uses technical developer jargon. | ||
| White-label PDF export Scanly generates polished white-labeled client exports. Lighthouse only outputs static, default JSON or HTML views. | ||
| Affordable starting price Lighthouse is free, making it great for developers. Scanly starts at $10/mo, adding white-labels, history, and AI breakdowns. | $10/mo | Free |
Pricing Snapshot Comparison
Free & Affordable Plans
$0 – $49/mo
- Free on-demand homepage audits
- Starter: $10/mo for 50 scheduled scans
- Scale: $49/mo for unlimited scans & API
Flexible subscriptions. Cancel online in one click with no contracts.
Google PageSpeed Insights & Lighthouse Rates
100% Free
Verified from official Google PageSpeed Insights & Lighthouse pricing options as of 2026.
When to Use Each Tool
PageSpeed Insights and Lighthouse are standard benchmarking resources. While useful for local profiling, they present highly technical recommendations, lack ongoing tracking, and omit server security headers analyses.
Choose Scanly if:
You want a fast, cloud-based check of your core channels (SEO, web speed, access compliance, security response headers) at an affordable rate. It flags exactly which scripts block rendering or highlights design contrast errors without complex setups.
Choose Google PageSpeed Insights & Lighthouse if:
Your goals demand Developer-focused local page speed and accessibility profiling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lighthouse check my site's security headers?
No. Lighthouse checks HTTPS status but does not test advanced security headers (such as Content Security Policy, HSTS, or X-Frame-Options). Scanly includes a complete security header audit in every report.
Are Lighthouse recommendations hard to understand?
For non-developers, yes. Lighthouse reports technical warnings (like "eliminate render-blocking resources") without detailing where those assets are located or how to fix them. Scanly breaks down issues in plain English.
Does Scanly use Lighthouse data?
Yes, Scanly uses Lighthouse as part of its engine to capture Core Web Vitals and performance benchmarks. However, it layers on custom audits for security, WCAG accessibility, and plain-English recommendations.
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Read our details comparison at Scanly vs Google Lighthouse: Best AI SEO and Performance Audit Tool in 2026 or check out a real rendering in our Sample Audit Report.