CookieYes vs Cookiebot: which consent tool is right for you?

If you run a website in the UK, cookie consent is not optional. The Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) require you to get clear, informed consent before setting non-essential cookies. That means you need a consent management platform (CMP), and CookieYes and Cookiebot are two of the most popular options.

Both tools solve the same core problem, but they take different approaches. CookieYes emphasises simplicity and speed of setup. Cookiebot leads with its Google-certified CMP status and deep integration with Consent Mode v2. The right choice depends on your priorities: whether you need tight Google Ads integration, how much you want to spend, and how much control you need over your consent banner.

Feature comparison

Pricing comparison

Cookiebot is the more affordable option over time. At roughly £6 per month, a single-site licence costs around £216 over three years. CookieYes starts at £8 per month after its trial expires, bringing the three-year total to approximately £288. The difference is modest, but it adds up if you manage multiple sites.

Cookiebot's free tier is a genuine advantage for small brochure sites. If your site has fewer than 50 pages, you pay nothing. CookieYes only offers a 30-day trial, after which you must move to a paid plan. For micro-businesses just starting out, that free option from Cookiebot removes a real barrier.

Setup and ease of use

CookieYes is marginally easier to get running. You install the script or WordPress plugin, customise your banner using a visual editor, and you are live within minutes. The interface is clean and intuitive, and the WordPress plugin's 4.8-star rating reflects that polish.

Cookiebot requires a little more configuration, particularly if you want to use Consent Mode v2 properly with Google Tag Manager. The initial scan takes time to complete, and you may need to manually categorise some cookies. However, the automatic monthly re-scan means less ongoing maintenance once set up.

CookieYes: detailed review

Cookiebot: detailed review

Our verdict

For most UK small businesses, particularly those running Google Ads, Cookiebot is the stronger choice. The Google-certified CMP status matters if your advertising depends on accurate consent signals, and the free tier makes it accessible for smaller sites. The automatic monthly re-scan also provides better ongoing compliance assurance.

CookieYes is the better option if you value ease of setup and banner customisation, and you do not rely heavily on Google's advertising tools. Its visual editor is genuinely superior, and the WordPress integration is slightly smoother.

Both tools satisfy the core PECR requirement of obtaining informed consent before setting non-essential cookies. Neither is a bad choice. The decision comes down to whether Google certification and long-term cost savings (Cookiebot) outweigh setup simplicity and design flexibility (CookieYes).

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Google-certified CMP for my UK website?

If you run Google Ads or rely on Google Analytics data for advertising, yes. Google now requires a certified Consent Management Platform to send consent signals via Consent Mode v2. Without it, your conversion data in Google Ads will be incomplete. Cookiebot is Google-certified; CookieYes supports Consent Mode v2 integration but is not on Google's certified list.

Is CookieYes or Cookiebot better for PECR compliance?

Both tools help you meet PECR requirements by blocking non-essential cookies until consent is given. The ICO expects you to obtain clear, informed consent before setting cookies. Either platform handles this well, but Cookiebot's automatic monthly re-scan gives a slight edge for ongoing compliance if your site changes frequently.

Can I use the free tier of either tool for a small business site?

Cookiebot offers a genuinely free tier for sites with fewer than 50 pages, which suits many small brochure sites. CookieYes offers a 30-day free trial but no permanent free plan. If your site is under 50 pages and budget is tight, Cookiebot's free tier is the obvious starting point.