Best Shopify App for Cookies Comparison Guide
A balanced comparison of Cookiebot, CookieYes, Iubenda, and Secomapp to help Shopify merchants choose the best Shopify app for cookies based on
Overview
The best shopify app for cookies depends on whether you need full legal compliance, lightweight consent banners, or enterprise-grade consent management. This guide compares four real solutions that Shopify merchants commonly use: Cookiebot, CookieYes, Iubenda, and Secomapp GDPR Cookie Banner. I evaluate them on detection and blocking, multi-language support, legal documentation, Shopify integration, performance impact, and price.
Key decision criteria are: automatic cookie scanning and categorization, script-blocking before consent, integration simplicity with Shopify themes and apps, support for GDPR/CCPA/UK-GDPR, consent logging for audits, and cost for your store size and page views. Quick summary: Cookiebot and CookieYes are strong all-round CMPs with automatic scanning and script blocking - Cookiebot skews enterprise-ready while CookieYes aims for SMBs. Iubenda focuses on bundled legal policy generation plus a consent solution, good for merchants who want policy + consent in one vendor.
Secomapp is a lightweight, budget-friendly banner geared toward stores that only need a simple banner and basic opt-out controls.
This guide gives feature details, pricing line items, tradeoffs, a decision checklist, a compact comparison table, and an FAQ so you can pick the best match for your Shopify store.
Cookiebot
Overview and Positioning
Cookiebot (by Cybot) is a widely used consent management platform (CMP) focused on automated cookie scanning, granular consent, and strict script-blocking capabilities. It is popular with merchants who need a robust, auditable consent history and automated cookie classification across multiple domains. Cookiebot positions itself between SMB and enterprise: it scales from small stores to high-traffic, regulated sites.
Key Features and Strengths
- Automatic monthly cookie scans that identify cookies, trackers, and their purpose.
- Granular consent categories (necessary, preferences, statistics, marketing).
- Automatic script blocking: prevents third-party scripts from running until consent is provided.
- Consent logs and audit trails usable for GDPR/CCPA defense.
- Multi-language banners and customization options.
- Subdomain and multi-domain support on higher tiers.
- Easy Shopify integration via the Cookiebot Shopify app or manual script.
Limitations and Tradeoffs
- Pricing can grow quickly for sites with many pages or subdomains because Cookiebot counts scanned pages and subdomains.
- Visual customization is solid but some merchants find theme styling needs manual CSS tweaks.
- Setup for advanced script-blocking with custom apps or certain Shopify app scripts may require technical knowledge.
- Not a one-stop legal policy generator; focused on consent management rather than policy writing.
Pricing and Value
- Free: Basic plan for a single domain with limited pages (free for small sites, limited functionality).
- Paid tiers (approximate as of 2024): starting around EUR 9 to EUR 19 per month for small sites, scaling up to EUR 49 to EUR 79 per month for larger footprints; enterprise pricing available for multi-domain and large page counts.
- Pricing is usually based on number of subpages scanned per month and number of domains/subdomains.
Note: Cookiebot invoices often show prices in EUR. Confirm current rates on Cookiebot’s site for exact numbers.
Best For
- Merchants needing strict script-blocking and auditable consent logs.
- Stores with significant EU traffic or multi-domain setups.
- Brands that require regular automatic scanning and a high level of compliance certainty.
Cookieyes
Overview and Positioning
CookieYes is a popular CMP targeted at small to mid-market merchants who need an easy-to-configure cookie banner, automatic scanning, and consent logging at a lower price point. It emphasizes simplicity and direct Shopify integration while offering enough enterprise features for many growing stores.
Key Features and Strengths
- Automatic cookie scanning and categorization.
- Script-blocking capabilities with simple integration for most third-party scripts.
- Prebuilt templates for banners and customizable UI, including cookie policy links.
- Geo-targeting (show consent banner to specific regions, e.g., EU only).
- Consent logs and CSV export for audits.
- Integrations with Google Tag Manager and common analytics tools.
- Shopify app available with guided installation.
Limitations and Tradeoffs
- Advanced enterprise features (SAML SSO, advanced API access) are reserved for higher-priced plans.
- Larger merchants might find scanning limits restrictive unless they upgrade.
- Some merchants report needing manual tweaks for custom script blocking with complex third-party apps.
Pricing and Value
- Free: Basic plan with core features and limited monthly page scans.
- Starter/Plus: roughly USD 9 per month for small sites (monthly billed) with higher scan frequency and custom branding.
- Pro: roughly USD 29 per month with multi-domain support, enhanced scanning, and consent logs.
- Business/Enterprise: USD 59+ per month for large sites and advanced features.
Prices vary with billing cadence and page-count thresholds. CookieYes is typically cheaper than enterprise CMPs while covering most SMB needs.
Best For
- Small to medium Shopify stores that want a low-cost CMP with easy setup.
- Merchants who need geo-targeting and basic script blocking without heavy overhead.
- Stores that want a good balance between compliance features and price.
Iubenda
Overview and Positioning
Iubenda is a privacy platform that combines policy generation (privacy policy, cookie policy, terms) with a consent management solution. It targets merchants who want a combined legal documentation and consent stack. Iubenda sells legal text and automated updates alongside a consent tool, which makes it attractive for merchants who prefer integrated legal documentation.
Key Features and Strengths
- Policy generator for privacy, cookie, and terms of service that keeps language compliant and updated.
- Consent solution that integrates cookie banners, preference centers, and consent records.
- Auto-translation options and multi-language content for policies and banners.
- Ability to embed policy links and consent flows easily in Shopify themes.
- Option to bundle legal documents and consent for a single vendor relationship.
- API and script to block trackers until consent is given.
Limitations and Tradeoffs
- Iubenda’s strength is legal content; the CMP features are solid but not as feature-rich as Cookiebot for automated scanning or as turnkey as CookieYes for cheap setups.
- Pricing for both policies plus consent can be confusing because different components are billed separately (policy generator vs consent solution).
- Script-blocking may need extra configuration for some Shopify apps and complex tag setups.
Pricing and Value
- Policy generator: prices typically start around EUR 27/year for a single policy (one site) with renewal; multi-site or advanced clauses add cost.
- Consent solution: available as an add-on; entry-level consent tools may start around EUR 9 to EUR 20 per month depending on traffic and features.
- Bundled discounts sometimes available when purchasing policies and consent together.
Exact figures depend on annual vs monthly billing and the number of sites. Iubenda is cost-effective if you need both legal documents and a consent banner.
Best For
- Merchants who want bundled legal policies plus consent in one vendor.
- Stores that prefer professionally drafted, automatically updated policy pages.
- Businesses that need clear, translatable legal text alongside basic consent management.
Secomapp GDPR Cookie Banner
Overview and Positioning
Secomapp (also seen as Secomapp GDPR Cookie Banner) is a Shopify-focused developer offering a lightweight cookie banner tailored to Shopify stores. It is aimed at merchants who want a quick, low-cost, easy-to-install cookie banner without the full complexity of a CMP.
Key Features and Strengths
- Easy Shopify app installation with theme integration and minimal configuration.
- Basic consent banner with text, styling options, position choices, and cookie policy link.
- Optional cookie blocking for some scripts and third-party apps.
- Geo-targeting options, basic consent logs, and cookie categories on paid tiers.
- Low learning curve and quick deployment, minimal site performance impact.
Limitations and Tradeoffs
- Not a full CMP: fewer advanced features like automated scanning, deep script-blocking for complex tags, or extensive audit logs.
- Limited multi-domain or enterprise-level features.
- Customization beyond templates may require CSS or developer help.
Pricing and Value
- Free plan: basic banner and minimal options.
- Paid plans: commonly range from USD 4.99 to USD 14.99 per month for unlocked features like geo-targeting, cookie blocking, and consent logs (typical Shopify app pricing structure).
- One-time setup or small monthly cost makes it attractive for budget stores.
Best For
- Small Shopify merchants who only need a compliant-looking cookie banner.
- Stores with minimal third-party tracking that do not need strict script-blocking.
- Merchants who prioritize low cost and quick setup over enterprise compliance features.
How to Choose
Choose based on your store size, technical resources, legal risk exposure, and budget.
- Compliance scope: Do you need full GDPR/CCPA audit trails and strict script-blocking, or is a simple banner enough? If you sell to the EU and use many third-party trackers, prefer a CMP with blocking (Cookiebot or CookieYes).
- Store traffic and page count: Large catalogs or high page counts increase scanning needs. Cookiebot and enterprise tiers handle large sites better; Secomapp and CookieYes are better for smaller catalogs.
- Legal documentation needs: If you want updated, translated privacy policies bundled with consent, choose Iubenda for combined documentation and consent.
- Budget and simplicity: For minimal cost and fast install, Secomapp is attractive. For cost-effective CMP with more features, CookieYes balances price and functionality.
- Technical flexibility: If your store uses complex tag management or many Shopify apps that inject scripts, choose a CMP that supports script-blocking and manual script categorization; Cookiebot provides advanced blocking but may require configuration.
Run a short pilot: install the app in a non-production theme, test script-blocking and integration with analytics and ads, and export consent logs. That will reveal real-world tradeoffs.
Quick Comparison
Feature | Cookiebot | CookieYes | Iubenda | Secomapp — | —: | —: | —: | —: Pricing (typical entry) | ~EUR 9-19/mo | ~USD 9/mo (Starter) | Policy EUR 27/yr + Consent add-on ~EUR 9-20/mo | ~USD 0 - 14.99/mo Auto cookie scanning | Yes (monthly) | Yes | Limited (depends on plan) | No/limited Script blocking | Strong, granular | Good for most scripts | Available, may need config | Basic blocking Consent logs/audit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Basic Multi-domain support | Paid tiers | Paid tiers | Bundles / add-ons | No Best for | Compliance-heavy stores, multi-domain | SMBs who want balance | Merchants needing legal docs + consent | Budget stores needing simple banner
Pricing breakdowns (examples)
- Cookiebot: Free for small sites; small paid plan ~EUR 9/mo for limited pages; mid-tier ~EUR 19-49/mo; enterprise custom. Billed monthly or annually depending on account.
- CookieYes: Free tier; Starter ~USD 9/mo; Pro ~USD 29/mo; Business ~USD 59+/mo. Pricing depends on pages and domains.
- Iubenda: Privacy policy generator ~EUR 27/yr for basic policy; Consent solution add-on ~EUR 9-20/mo; combined plans available with different pricing.
- Secomapp: Free tier for basic banner; paid ~USD 4.99 - 14.99/mo to unlock cookie blocking, logs, and geotargeting.
Always confirm current prices and billing cycles on each vendor site before purchasing.
FAQ
What is a Consent Management Platform (CMP) and Why Do I Need One for My Shopify Store?
A CMP is a tool that shows cookie consent banners, records user consent choices, and typically blocks non-essential scripts until consent is given. You need one if you collect personal data via trackers or analytics and sell into jurisdictions with strict consent laws (EU GDPR, UK-GDPR, CCPA) to reduce legal risk and stay compliant.
Can These Cookie Apps Block Shopify App Scripts and Third-Party Tags?
Many CMPs offer script-blocking, but blocking behavior depends on how scripts are injected. Cookiebot provides strong blocking for scripts you can tag or control, while CookieYes handles most common tags. Some Shopify app scripts are rendered server-side or injected by the theme and may require manual changes or developer help to block correctly.
Will Adding a Cookie App Slow Down My Store?
Any additional script can add slight overhead. Good CMPs minimize performance impact by loading asynchronously and offering selective loading. Lightweight banners like Secomapp have lower overhead, while feature-rich CMPs that scan and block scripts might add more processing.
Test on a staging theme and measure page speed after install.
Do I Need a Paid Plan to be Compliant?
Not always. Free plans can be compliant for basic consent capture, but paid plans add features important for auditability and complex setups: consent logs retention, multi-domain support, frequent scans, and blocking advanced trackers. If your store handles significant EU traffic or uses many tracking tags, a paid plan is often necessary.
How Do I Test Whether the Cookie App Blocks Scripts Until Consent?
Use an incognito browser with Developer Tools open and network/console tabs to observe scripts and network calls before and after granting consent. Also, test advertising and analytics endpoints (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel) to ensure they do not fire prior to consent. Many CMPs provide test modes or debug tools.
Can I Use a CMP for Multiple Shopify Stores or Subdomains?
Some CMPs support multiple domains or subdomains on higher tiers (Cookiebot, CookieYes, Iubenda bundles). Secomapp usually focuses on single-store installations. Check vendor documentation and pricing for multi-store licensing and cross-domain consent sharing.
Further Reading
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