What does a cookie consent checker do?

A cookie consent checker analyses any website to verify it has a GDPR-compliant cookie consent banner — checking whether consent mechanisms exist and if cookies fire before user consent is given.

Is cookie consent legally required?

Yes — under GDPR (EU) and PECR (UK) websites must obtain explicit consent before setting non-essential cookies. Non-compliance can result in significant regulatory fines.

Is the cookie consent checker free?

Yes — completely free, no signup required. Enter any URL to check compliance instantly.

Privacy Tool

Cookie Consent Checker

Check if any website has a valid GDPR cookie consent banner. Detects consent management platforms (CMPs), identifies the tool used and flags potential compliance issues.

Website URL

Try: bbc.com · cnn.com · github.com

What is a cookie consent banner?+

A cookie consent banner (or CMP — Consent Management Platform) is the popup that appears on websites asking for your permission to set tracking cookies. Under GDPR and ePrivacy laws in the EU, websites must obtain explicit consent before setting non-essential cookies on visitors from the EU.

What makes a cookie banner GDPR-compliant?+

A compliant banner must: (1) appear before any non-essential cookies are set, (2) offer a clear "Accept" and "Reject" option with equal prominence, (3) not use dark patterns that trick users into accepting, (4) record and store consent, and (5) allow withdrawal of consent at any time.

What CMPs are most commonly used?+

The most common consent management platforms are Cookiebot (Usercentrics), OneTrust, TrustArc, Quantcast Choice, Axeptio, Termly and Osano. Larger enterprise sites often use OneTrust or TrustArc; smaller sites often use Cookiebot or CookieYes.

Does GDPR apply to my site?+

GDPR applies if you have any visitors from the EU or UK, regardless of where your business is located. If your site uses any non-essential cookies (analytics, advertising, social widgets) and receives EU traffic, a compliant consent mechanism is required.

What is Cookie Consent?

Cookie consent is the legal requirement, under laws like GDPR and ePrivacy, that a website ask a visitor’s permission before setting non-essential cookies — things like analytics or advertising trackers — rather than dropping them automatically on page load.

GDPR Cookie Requirements

Under GDPR, consent must be freely given, specific, and easy to withdraw — meaning a cookie banner with only an “Accept” button and no equally visible “Reject” option, or one that sets tracking cookies before the visitor responds, doesn’t meet the legal bar.

How to Test Cookie Compliance

This tool loads the target URL and checks which cookies are set before any consent action is taken, flagging non-essential cookies (like those from ad networks or analytics platforms) that appear too early — a common and easily fixed compliance gap.