As attention towards data privacy intensifies globally, the need for compliance with various data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) has become paramount for website owners.
One key aspect of these regulations is obtaining user consent for the use of cookies. In this regard, we will explore some of the best GDPR cookie consent plugins for WordPress in 2025.
These plugins not only help websites become compliant with various privacy laws but also offer features like automatic scanning and categorization of cookies, consent logging, and customizable cookie consent banners.
Table of Contents
GDPR Cookie Consent Plugins Introduction
GDPR Cookie Consent Plugins for WordPress are essential tools for website owners who need to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a privacy law in the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). This regulation governs the processing of personal data of individuals within these regions.
Cookies, which are small text files stored on users’ browsers, often collect personal data. Therefore, if your website uses cookies (and most do, for analytics, advertising, functionality, etc.) and you have visitors from the EU/EEA, you likely need to obtain their explicit consent before setting most types of cookies.
Here’s what GDPR Cookie Consent Plugins for WordPress do:
Key Features and Functionalities:
- Cookie Consent Banner/Popup: They display a noticeable banner or popup to website visitors informing them about the use of cookies.
- Granular Consent Options: They allow users to provide specific consent for different categories of cookies (e.g., necessary, analytics, marketing, functional). This is a key requirement of GDPR, as users need to have a genuine choice.
- “Accept” and “Reject” Buttons: They provide clear options for users to either accept all cookies or reject non-essential ones.
- “More Options” or “Cookie Settings” Links: They often include a link that directs users to a more detailed settings page where they can manage their cookie preferences granularly.
- Record of Consent: Some plugins keep a record of the consent given by each user, which can be important for demonstrating compliance.
- Blocking Cookies Before Consent: A crucial feature is the ability to prevent non-essential cookies from being set on a user’s browser until they have given their explicit consent.
- Customization of Appearance: They usually offer options to customize the design, text, and placement of the consent banner to match your website’s branding.
- Policy Integration: They often allow you to link to your website’s privacy policy and cookie policy for more detailed information.
- Automatic Script Blocking: Some advanced plugins can automatically detect and block scripts that set cookies until consent is given.
- Integration with Cookie Databases: Certain plugins might integrate with databases that categorize cookies, making it easier for you to manage and explain their purpose to users.
Best GDPR WordPress Plugin to Checkout
Here are some of the best and useful GDPR WordPress plugins that you can trust blindly.
1. CookieYes
The CookieYes GDPR Cookie Consent plugin is a tool that simplifies GDPR (RGPD, DSVGO) compliance by seamlessly integrating a cookie consent banner into your WordPress website.
This plugin is beneficial as it not only supports various global privacy regulations but also offers automatic scanning and categorization of cookies, auto-blocking of non-essential cookies, and consent logging among other features.
Tip: Use a built-in performance scanning tool to ensure your chosen GDPR plugin doesn’t bog down site speed, especially with scripts loading in the header or footer.
Key Features:
- Cookie consent banner: The plugin enables a cookie consent banner with Accept and Reject options.
- Customization: Customize the cookie notice style to blend with your existing website.
- Automatic scanning: Single-click automatic scanning and categorization of cookies.
- Cookie auto-blocking: Automatically block non-essential cookies to ensure GDPR compliance.
- Cookie list: Display the list of cookies neatly in a table on your Privacy & Cookies Policy page by using a shortcode.
- Preference center: Allow site visitors to provide granular consent for specific cookie categories.
- Revisit consent button: Visitors can either permanently dismiss the cookie banner or access it later through a revisit consent button.
- Consent logging: Log users’ consent and export it into a CSV file.
- CCPA/CPRA opt-out: The plugin can be configured to have a CCPA/CPRA ‘Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information’ control on the cookie notice.
- Auto-translation: Auto-translate the banner in 30+ languages as per the user’s browser language.
- Policy generators: Includes Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy generators.
- Integration with CookieYes Web App: Free connection with CookieYes web app to access advanced features and manage all settings from the web app account.
Additional Features:
- Opt-In and Opt-Out banner: Opt-in consent banner for GDPR & opt-out banner for CCPA/CPRA.
- Footer link: Add the “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” link to your website footer using an HTML code.
- Placement options: Choose to display the cookie banner in either the header or footer of your website.
- Integration compatibility: Compatible with major caching servers and plugins.
- Preview functionality: Easily preview the cookie banner within the admin settings.
The CookieYes GDPR Cookie Consent Plugin uses the following cookie only
cookieyes-consent – CookieYes sets this cookie to remember users’ consent preferences so that their preferences are respected on their subsequent visits to this site.
Pricing Structure
For premium features, the plugin offers a paid plan (Basic, Pro, or Ultimate) on the CookieYes web app account.
2. Complianz
Complianz is a GDPR/CCPA Cookie Consent plugin that helps your WordPress website comply with various international privacy laws like GDPR, ePrivacy, DSGVO, TTDSG, LGPD, POPIA, APA, RGPD, CCPA/CPRA, and PIPEDA. This plugin provides a conditional cookie notice and customized cookie policy that changes based on the results of the built-in cookie scan.
The Complianz plugin helps businesses comply with various regional and international privacy laws, avoiding potential legal issues. It allows businesses to customize their cookie consent notices and policies, ensuring clarity and transparency for users. It also offers automatic configuration based on wizard questions, cookie scans, and dedicated service and plugin integrations.
Tip: Create pre-configured WordPress templates with the Compliance GDPR plugin already installed and styled, so every new client site starts with compliance built in from day one.
Key Features:
- Customizable cookie consent notices for different regions.
- Specific cookie consent configuration per subregion.
- WCAG Level AA and ADA Compliant cookie consent and conditional cookie notice.
- Banner templates including GDPR-friendly Cookie Wall and Consent per Service.
- Cookie Banners and Legal Documents conform to WCAG 2.1 AA Accessibility Guidelines and ADA Compliance.
- Automatic website configuration based on wizard questions, WordPress scans, and dedicated service and plugin integrations.
- Blocking of 3rd party cookies like Google Maps, Facebook, Instagram, AdSense, Hubspot, Recaptcha, Twitter, ActiveCampaign, and more.
- Automatic detection and blocking of iFrames, like YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion embedded videos, and Social iFrames.
- Periodical Cookie Scan for changes in Cookies, Plugins, and 3rd Party services.
- Automatic detection of need for a Cookie Notice.
- Compliance with various regional and international privacy laws.
- Differentiation between GDPR, ePrivacy, and DSGVO/CNIL or between CCPA/DNSMPI and NRS 603A, if needed.
Pricing Structure
Complianz offers both a free version and a premium version with additional features. The premium version includes features like A/B testing for cookie banners, record keeping for consent management changes and user consent registration, Geo IP Cookie Consent, and premium support from the Complianz team. Please visit the Complianz website for detailed pricing information.
3. GDPR Cookie Compliance (CCPA, DSGVO, Cookie Consent)
GDPR Cookie Compliance (CCPA, DSGVO, Cookie Consent) is a powerful, easy-to-use, and free WordPress plugin that prepares your website for cookie consent requirements related to GDPR, CCPA, DSGVO, EU cookie law, and notice requirements. This plugin supports local data storage and does not collect or store any user data on its servers, ensuring user data privacy.
Benefits of GDPR Cookie Compliance Plugin:
- Easy to install and set up: Gives users full control over cookies stored on their computer, including the ability to revoke their consent.
- Customization options: Allows you to upload your logo, change colors, fonts, and text.
- Direct integration support: Supports direct integration of GTM, GA, Meta Pixel, GTM4WP, and more.
- Cookie Consent Banner position: Allows setting the position at the top or bottom of your pages.
- Script loading flexibility: Offers flexibility in deciding which scripts will be loaded by default or only when the user gives consent.
- SEO and mobile responsiveness: Supports SEO, is mobile responsive, and optimized for WCAG & ADA accessibility guidelines.
- Compatibility with translation plugins: Compatible with WPML, QTranslate, WP Multislang, TranslatePress, and Polylang, offering translations in 18 languages and supporting all major caching servers and plugins.
Key Features:
- Google Site Kit integration
- Cookie wall / Full-screen layout
- Export & import settings
- WordPress Multisite features
- Accept on Scroll / Hide timer
- Renew Consent
- Hide Cookie Banner
- Cookie Declaration
- Consent Log
- Analytics
Pricing Structures
The plugin offers a premium add-on that includes various additional features.
4. Real Cookie Banner
The Real Cookie Banner is a plugin developed for WordPress websites that primarily manages cookies and obtains consent from website visitors. It adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the ePrivacy Directive. The plugin helps identify services and cookies that require legal consent from website visitors, ensuring legal compliance.
The Real Cookie Banner plugin is beneficial as it assures legal compliance by obtaining website visitors’ consent to load services and set cookies. This plugin helps avoid legal risks by identifying services and cookies that require consent. It also has content blockers that maintain compliance by blocking content that transfers personal data.
Key Features
- Consent Management: Real Cookie Banner allows you to store all technical and legal information about services and cookies, ensuring informed consent. It offers over 150 service templates and over 120 content blocker templates for quick and secure information provision.
- Content Blocker: This feature ensures that features that transfer personal data and set cookies are only executed after obtaining consent.
- Customize Design: This plugin offers over 20 design templates and over 200 customization options to tailor the cookie banner to your needs.
- Guided Configuration: A checklist guides you through all necessary steps to set up the Real Cookie Banner in a legally compliant manner.
- Documentation of Consents: The plugin documents consent to ensure proof of visitor consent to cookies and processing of personal data.
Pricing Structure
The Real Cookie Banner plugin offers a free version with all core functions that align with the GDPR and ePrivacy Directive. A PRO version is also available with additional features and service and content blocker templates. Pricing for the PRO version is available on the developer’s website.
5. Cookie Notice & Compliance for GDPR
The Cookie Notice & Compliance for GDPR / CCPA is a plugin that helps your website comply with cookie consent requirements under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) regulations. It provides a customizable website banner and integrates seamlessly with Cookie Compliance, a fully featured Consent Management Platform (CMP) that helps your site comply with the latest updates to existing consent laws.
Benefits of the Cookie Notice & Compliance for GDPR / CCPA include:
- Compliance with GDPR and CCPA regulations: The plugin helps your website adhere to the cookie consent requirements stipulated by these laws, thereby avoiding legal penalties and ensuring user trust.
- Enhanced user experience: The plugin provides a customizable banner for cookie consent, which can be tailored to match your website’s design and branding, enhancing the user experience.
- A proactive approach to data protection: The Cookie Compliance features help websites take a proactive approach to data protection and consent laws.
Key Features:
- Customizable Notice: The plugin allows you to customize the notice message on your website’s banner.
- Consent Options: Consent can be given through clicking, scrolling, or closing the banner.
- Cookie Expiry Options: The plugin provides multiple cookie expiry options.
- Privacy Policy Link: You can link your website’s Privacy Policy page from the banner.
- WordPress Privacy Policy Page Synchronization: The plugin can synchronize with your WordPress Privacy Policy page.
- Consent Analytics Dashboard: This feature in the web application shows event data for the number of visits and provides a “trust score” to help you track how site visitors are setting their consent.
Pricing Structure
The pricing structure for the Cookie Notice & Compliance for GDPR / CCPA plugin is not specified in the provided text and may be available on the plugin’s official website or upon request.
6. Beautiful Cookie Consent Banner
The Beautiful Cookie Consent Banner is a plugin designed to help website owners comply with various cookie laws and regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, PIPEDA, LGPD, and OAIC. This plugin is beneficial as it does not load any resources from third parties, ensuring everything is hosted on your domain. This minimizes potential security risks and enhances website performance.
Key Features
- Customization: Fully customizable texts, colors, fonts, and position of the banner and buttons.
- Google Tag Manager dataLayer: Supports dataLayer pushes in the free version.
- Compliance types: Just Inform, Opt-in, Opt-out, Differentiated.
- Persistent banner: Displayed until the user accepts all cookies.
- Cookie settings persistence: Prevents user setting cookies from being automatically deleted by many browsers.
- Developer features: Friendly with filter hook to change cookie message and API for Settings and auto block support with premium add-on.
- Google Consent Mode v2: Including new ad_personalization and ad_user_data with premium add-on.
- GTM integration: Full Google Tag Manager integration with premium add-on.
- Cookie management: Plugin sets cookies like cookieconsent_status which stores the user setting if cookies are allowed or not.
Pricing Structure
The plugin is available for free with premium add-ons.
7. Cookies and Content Security Policy
The Cookies and Content Security Policy is a plugin that offers a comprehensive GDPR and CCPA compliance solution. It enables you to block cookies and undesired external content by setting up a Content Security Policy. This not only ensures compliance with data protection regulations but also adds an extra layer of protection for your site as it blocks iframes, scripts, and images from unknown domains.
The plugin is beneficial as it allows you to fully control what kind of resources are accepted on your site. A modal will be displayed on the front-end, giving the visitor the option to choose which resources to accept. Moreover, the plugin is multilingual, making it adaptable and practical for a global audience.
Key Features:
- GDPR and CCPA Compliance: The plugin helps your site to be in full compliance with these data protection and privacy regulations.
- Content Security Policy: You can block unwanted external content, providing an extra layer of security for your website.
- Front-end Modal: A modal is shown to the visitors to choose the type of resources they want to accept.
- Quickstart: You can choose common resources from a list that are automatically added to your domains list, making the setup process easier.
Pricing Structure
The plugin is free to use.
8. iubenda
The iubenda plugin is an all-in-one GDPR/CCPA Cookie Consent solution designed to make your website compliant with various global data privacy laws including GDPR (DSGVO, RGPD), UK-GDPR, ePrivacy, LGPD, CPRA / CCPA, CalOPPA, PECR and more. The plugin scans your site and auto-configures to match your specific needs, providing a comprehensive 360° compliance solution that includes a customizable cookie banner, cookie consent management, CCPA notice, IAB’s TCF for maximizing ad earnings, and more.
Benefits of using iubenda as a Cookie Consent plugin
- Quick and easy setup: The plugin auto-detects your site’s needs and auto-configures itself accordingly.
- Full compliance: It supports a wide range of data privacy laws and ensures your site is fully compliant.
- Automated updates: The plugin auto-updates when the law changes to ensure your compliance is always up-to-date.
- Privacy and cookie policy generation: Quickly generate a fully customizable privacy and cookie policy.
- Auto-detection of user location: The plugin auto-detects user location and applies the correct data privacy settings.
- Consent records: It allows you to capture, store, and manage GDPR consent records for your web forms.
Key Features:
- Site scanning and auto-configuration
- Customizable cookie banner and cookie consent management
- CCPA notice generation
- IAB’s TCF activation
- Privacy and cookie policy generation
- Auto-detection of user location and auto-application of the correct data privacy settings
- Consent records capture, storage, and management for web forms
- Terms and Conditions generation
Pricing Structure
In terms of pricing, basic setup is completely free with iubenda. For more advanced features and requirements, they offer different pricing plans that cater to various needs and budgets. You can choose the plan that best suits your website’s needs.
8. Cookiebot CMP by Usercentrics
The Cookiebot Consent Management Platform (CMP) by Usercentrics is a WordPress cookie banner plugin that provides an easy-to-use and fully automated solution for compliance with various privacy regulations including GDPR, DMA, LGPD, CCPA, and more. It also aims to enhance trust with website visitors by offering them more control over their data.
The Cookiebot CMP plugin seamlessly integrates with Google Tag Manager and Google Consent Mode providing high quality, more compliant data. It’s highly customizable, easy to implement, and automates the process of user consent collection and signaling on your websites. Using industry-leading scanning technology, Cookiebot CMP detects and controls all cookies and trackers on your website, minimizing non-compliance risk.
Key Features:
- High Customization: The plugin allows you to tailor your WordPress cookie banner to match your user experience and enable visitors to opt in or out of individual cookie categories.
- Automated Cookie Scan: Regular automated scanning helps to detect and update cookies and tracking technologies used on your website.
- Automated Cookie Policy: The plugin allows automatic creation and updating of your cookie declaration on your privacy page.
- Integration with Google Consent Mode: The plugin integrates seamlessly with Google Consent Mode and signals user consent decisions to all Google services for DMA compliance.
- Automatic Cookie Blocking: The plugin blocks cookies and trackers until user consent is given.
- Compliance with Regulations: The plugin enables compliance with GDPR, DMA, ePrivacy, LGPD, POPIA, CCPA, CPRA, VCDPA, and TCF v2.2.
- Consent Widget: The plugin provides an easy-to-use widget for visitors to update their consent.
- Secure Data Storage: User consent data is securely stored in a cloud-based environment with EU-based servers.
Pricing Structure
The pricing details for the Cookiebot CMP by Usercentrics have not been provided. Please refer to the official website or contact the provider for more information.
Why is GDPR Cookie Consent Important for Your Website
GDPR cookie consent refers to the requirement for websites to obtain explicit consent from users before storing or accessing any non-essential cookies on their devices. GDPR, or the General Data Protection Regulation, is a European Union regulation designed to protect the privacy and personal data of individuals within the EU and European Economic Area (EEA).
Cookies are small pieces of data stored on users’ devices by websites to track browsing behavior, personalize content, and serve targeted advertisements. While some cookies are essential for website functionality, such as those used for authentication or shopping carts, others, known as non-essential or third-party cookies, collect data for analytics, advertising, or tracking purposes.
Here are the reasons why GDPR cookie consent is important for your website, explained in bullet points:
- Legal Compliance: GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is a legal requirement in the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) that mandates websites to obtain explicit consent from users before storing or accessing non-essential cookies on their devices.
- User Privacy Protection: GDPR cookie consent ensures that users have control over their personal data by requiring websites to inform them about the types of cookies used, their purposes, and obtaining their explicit consent before deploying non-essential cookies. This protects users’ privacy rights and fosters trust.
- Transparency and Informed Decision-Making: By requiring websites to provide clear and comprehensive information about cookies and obtain explicit consent, GDPR promotes transparency and enables users to make informed decisions about their online privacy.
- Enhanced User Experience: Implementing GDPR cookie consent mechanisms can lead to an enhanced user experience by allowing users to tailor their cookie preferences based on their preferences and privacy concerns. This can result in increased user satisfaction and engagement with the website.
- Mitigation of Legal Risks: Failure to comply with GDPR cookie consent requirements can result in significant legal consequences, including fines and penalties. Ensuring GDPR compliance helps mitigate legal risks and safeguards the website’s reputation and legal standing.
- Global Reach: Even if your website is not based in the EU or EEA, it may still be subject to GDPR requirements if it processes personal data of individuals located in these regions. Implementing GDPR cookie consent measures demonstrates a commitment to respecting users’ privacy rights regardless of geographical location.
- Trust and Reputation: Demonstrating compliance with GDPR cookie consent requirements enhances the trust and credibility of your website among users, stakeholders, and regulatory authorities. It shows that your website respects users’ privacy rights and is committed to upholding high standards of data protection.
- Competitive Advantage: GDPR compliance can also provide a competitive advantage by distinguishing your website as one that prioritizes user privacy and data protection. It can attract users who value privacy-conscious businesses and differentiate your website from competitors who may not prioritize GDPR compliance.
Final Word
In a landscape where data privacy is paramount, GDPR cookie consent plugins for WordPress emerge as the unsung heroes of website compliance. With user-friendly interfaces and robust features, these plugins empower website owners to uphold regulatory standards without compromising on design or functionality.
Embrace the power of transparency and consent, and watch as your website flourishes in both user trust and legal compliance.
FAQs
What is GDPR cookie consent and why is it important for my WordPress website?
GDPR cookie consent refers to the requirement for websites to obtain explicit consent from users before storing or accessing non-essential cookies on their devices. It is important for WordPress websites to comply with GDPR cookie consent regulations to protect user privacy rights, ensure transparency, and avoid potential legal consequences.
Are there specific GDPR cookie consent plugins available for WordPress websites?
Yes, there are several GDPR cookie consent plugins specifically designed for WordPress websites. These plugins help website owners easily implement cookie consent mechanisms, customize consent banners or pop-ups, and ensure compliance with GDPR regulations.
How do GDPR cookie consent plugins for WordPress work?
GDPR cookie consent plugins for WordPress typically offer features such as cookie scanning, cookie categorization, customizable consent banners, cookie consent logs, and cookie blocking options. They enable website owners to inform users about the types of cookies used, obtain explicit consent, and manage cookie preferences effectively.
Do I need to use a GDPR cookie consent plugin if my website is hosted on WordPress.com?
Yes, regardless of whether your website is self-hosted using WordPress.org or hosted on WordPress.com, you are still required to comply with GDPR cookie consent regulations if your website processes personal data of individuals in the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA). Using a GDPR cookie consent plugin is essential to ensure compliance.
Can I customize the appearance and behavior of GDPR cookie consent banners or pop-ups on my WordPress website?
Yes, most GDPR cookie consent plugins for WordPress offer extensive customization options, allowing you to customize the appearance, content, style, position, and behavior of consent banners or pop-ups to align with your website’s design and branding.
Are there any free GDPR cookie consent plugins available for WordPress?
Yes, there are free GDPR cookie consent plugins available for WordPress, offering basic features such as cookie consent banners, cookie scanning, and cookie blocking. However, for advanced features and customization options, you may need to opt for premium plugins or upgrade to paid versions of free plugins.
Do GDPR cookie consent plugins for WordPress automatically make my website GDPR compliant?
While GDPR cookie consent plugins for WordPress help facilitate compliance by providing essential features and functionalities, they do not guarantee automatic GDPR compliance. It is essential to implement other GDPR requirements, such as data protection policies, data processing agreements, and privacy notices, to ensure full compliance with the regulation.
What are the consequences of not implementing GDPR cookie consent on my WordPress website?
Failing to implement GDPR cookie consent mechanisms on your WordPress website can lead to potential legal consequences, including fines and penalties imposed by data protection authorities. It can also damage your website’s reputation and trust among users, resulting in loss of credibility and potential loss of business. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize GDPR compliance and implement cookie consent measures effectively.
