Every website that uses cookies must comply with privacy regulations such as the GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, UK GDPR/PECR, PIPEDA, and LGPD. These laws require websites to obtain user consent before placing non-essential cookies (for example, those used for analytics, advertising, or personalization).
While the GDPR, UK GDPR, and LGPD mandate prior consent, the CCPA/CPRA focuses on notice and an opt-out mechanism, making it important to tailor your site’s banner to visitor location.
For WordPress users, cookie consent plugins simplify compliance by displaying banners, blocking non-essential cookies, and securely storing consent records. With so many options, choosing the right plugin can be tricky.
This guide compares six leading WordPress cookie consent plugins — CookieYes, Complianz, Real Cookie Banner, GDPR Cookie Compliance (by Moove), WPConsent, and Cookie Notice & Compliance — to help you decide.
Why use a cookie consent plugin for your WordPress site?
If your website uses cookies for analytics, advertising, or improving user experience, you are collecting data that may be subject to privacy laws. Regulations such as the GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, LGPD, and UK GDPR require websites to obtain and record user consent before setting non-essential cookies.
A cookie consent plugin helps automate this process. It enables you to:
- Display a consent banner to inform users about the cookies used on your site.
- Block non-essential cookies until visitors give consent.
- Record and manage consent preferences for audit readiness.
- Generate cookie policies that stay updated with your site’s cookie data.
- Comply with global privacy laws automatically, ensuring your site adapts to regional requirements.
Instead of writing code or manually managing cookie scripts, a plugin handles everything for you, from scanning and categorising cookies to storing consent records. For WordPress users, tools like CookieYes make this simple with automated compliance, accessibility, and seamless integration.
Quick comparison
| Plugin | Active installs | Rating |
| CookieYes | 1 million+ | ★4.8 |
| Complianz | 1 million+ | ★4.8 |
| Real Cookie Banner | 100,000+ | ★4.9 |
| GDPR Cookie Compliance (Moove) | 300,000+ | ★4.6 |
| WPConsent | 90,000+ | ★4.7 |
| Cookie Notice & Compliance | 1 million+ | ★4.8 |
CookieYes – Cookie Banner for Cookie Consent
CookieYes is one of the most popular cookie consent plugins on WordPress, with over a million active installations. It helps websites comply with major privacy laws including the GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, LGPD, and UK GDPR.
Key features
- Automatically blocks non-essential cookies until the user gives consent
- Customisable banner with Accept, Reject, and Preferences buttons
- Cookie scanner that detects and categorises cookies on your website
- Automatically generates a cookie policy based on the scan results
- Consent logs that can be exported for audits
- WCAG/ADA-compliant design with support for 40+ languages
- Integration with Google Consent Mode v2, IAB TCF v2.2, and Google Tag Manager
Connecting the plugin to the CookieYes web app unlocks additional tools such as geo-targeted banners, multi-site management, and consent analytics. All consent data is securely stored on EU-based servers.
CookieYes combines automation, accessibility, and flexibility, making setup straightforward for beginners while offering the depth larger sites need. Its wide adoption and consistent user satisfaction give it a slight edge for teams that want reliable compliance with minimal manual work.
Complianz – GDPR/CCPA Cookie Consent
Complianz takes a structured, wizard-based approach to cookie compliance. It supports multiple privacy regulations, including GDPR, CCPA, LGPD, and POPIA, and guides users step by step through the setup process.
Key features
- Configuration wizard that walks users through compliance setup
- Option to select privacy laws such as GDPR, UK GDPR, CCPA, and LGPD
- Automatically generates legal documents like cookie and privacy policies
- Region-specific consent banners and script blocking
- Built-in website scan to identify cookies and scripts
- Integrations with Google Consent Mode v2, advertising frameworks, and other WordPress tools
- Accessible banner design meeting WCAG 2.1 standards
The dashboard provides an overview of progress and pending compliance tasks, helping users stay on track. It also includes access to consent records, data processing agreements, and banner testing tools (in premium).
Complianz offers granular control through its guided setup.
Real Cookie Banner – GDPR & ePrivacy Cookie Consent
Real Cookie Banner focuses on GDPR and ePrivacy compliance, offering a blend of automation and customisation.
Key features
- Guided checklist that explains each compliance step
- Pre-built service templates and content blockers
- Automatically blocks scripts, iframes, and external content until consent is given
- Customisable design with multiple templates and style options
- Stores consent data locally on your website
- Meets WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards and includes translations for 17 languages
The PRO version includes Google Consent Mode, IAB TCF support, geo-restriction, and multi-site consent synchronisation.
GDPR Cookie Compliance (by Moove)
Developed by Moove Agency, this plugin focuses on delivering GDPR and CCPA compliance through an easy-to-use interface.
Key features
- Customisable cookie banner with Accept, Reject, and Settings buttons
- Local storage of all consent data for enhanced privacy
- Control over which scripts load before and after consent
- Fully responsive and WCAG/ADA accessible
- Supports multiple languages (22 translations included)
The premium upgrade adds features such as consent logs, geo-targeting, cookie wall mode, and multisite management.
WPConsent – Cookie Consent Banner
WPConsent offers a straightforward approach to cookie compliance, focusing on automation and simplicity.
Key features
- Multiple banner layouts and positioning options
- Automatic detection and blocking of known trackers such as Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel
- Built-in cookie scanner that lists cookies and their purposes
- Placeholder system for blocked content (e.g., YouTube, Google Maps)
- Support for Google Consent Mode v2
- Local data storage for privacy compliance
The Pro version includes geolocation-based banner display, consent logs, and multi-language support.
Cookie Notice & Compliance for GDPR/CCPA
Previously known as “Cookie Notice”, this plugin by Hu-manity.co can be used as a simple cookie banner or expanded into a complete Consent Management Platform (CMP).
Key features
- Simple cookie banner with customisable message, layout, and position
- Manual script blocking to prevent non-essential cookies from loading before consent
- Integration with WordPress’s privacy page feature
- Connection to web app for extended functionality
- Autoblocking for cookie categories like site optimisation and ad personalisation
- Consent analytics and trust score dashboard
- Integrations with Google, Facebook, and Microsoft consent modes
Why CookieYes is a leading cookie consent plugin for WordPress
CookieYes has grown to become one of the most trusted cookie consent solutions for WordPress, with over a million active installations worldwide. Its appeal lies in how it simplifies compliance without compromising on flexibility or design. The plugin offers all essential compliance tools, such as automatic cookie blocking, scanning, consent logging, and policy generation, while remaining easy to set up directly from the WordPress dashboard.
For websites that manage visitors across different regions, CookieYes provides extended coverage for laws like the GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, LGPD, PIPEDA, and UK GDPR. It also integrates with Google Consent Mode v2 and IAB TCF v2.2, supporting ad and analytics compliance needs. The banner design follows accessibility standards and adapts seamlessly to multilingual websites.
Get the #1 WordPress cookie consent plugin
Install CookieYes plugin on your WordPress website & make cookie compliance effortless
1.5 M+ active installs Easy to set up
Built with scalability in mind, CookieYes can serve both small business websites and enterprise-level setups. With options like geo-targeting, multi-site management, and consent analytics through its connected web app, it gives site owners the flexibility to manage cookie compliance efficiently while maintaining user trust.
FAQ on WordPress Cookie Consent Plugins
Yes, if your website uses cookies that collect personal data or track visitors, privacy laws such as the GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, and LGPD require you to obtain user consent before setting them. A cookie banner ensures transparency and helps you stay compliant.
Yes. Many plugins, including CookieYes, Complianz, and GDPR Cookie Compliance, offer free versions that cover the basic requirements. For advanced options such as consent logging, geo-targeting, or integration with ad networks, premium versions may be needed.
Yes. CookieYes supports GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, LGPD, POPIA, PIPEDA, and UK GDPR compliance. It blocks non-essential cookies until consent, logs user preferences, and integrates with Google Consent Mode and IAB TCF for ad consent management.
These plugins scan your website for cookies, generate a cookie declaration, and display a banner asking users for consent. Based on their choice, the plugin either blocks or allows cookies and records the consent for audit purposes.
Even if your website is not based in the EU, if you have visitors from the EU, UK, California, or other regions with privacy laws, you must display a compliant cookie consent banner. Most plugins, like CookieYes, offer geo-targeting options to display banners only where required.
Shreya is the Senior Content Writer at CookieYes, focused on creating engaging, audience-driven blog posts and related content. Off the clock, you’ll find her happily lost in the world of fiction.
