Cookie Banner Examples: 11 Best Cookie Banners That Work

11 Cookie Banner examples

Some websites have seen a 20% to 60% drop in recorded visits after adding cookie banners that let users accept or reject all cookies, along with granular settings. If you’re running a website today, you’ve probably noticed that cookie consent banners have become as essential as having a homepage. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about implementing these cookie banner examples properly – keeping both your visitors and the law happy.

What Is a Cookie Banner?

A cookie consent banner is more than just a pop-up – it’s your website’s way of being transparent with visitors about data collection. Think of it as having a clear conversation with your users about how you’ll handle their information before they start browsing your site.

These banners need to include:

  • A clear explanation of the cookies you use
  • Simple options for accepting or declining cookies
  • An easy way to choose specific cookie preferences
  • A link to more detailed information

What Is GDPR Cookie Consent Banner?

What Is GDPR Cookie Consent Banner?

GDPR has changed how websites handle user privacy, especially when it comes to cookies. The key requirement is simple: you need clear permission from users before collecting any non-essential data about them. This means:

  1. No pre-checked boxes
  2. Clear explanations in plain language
  3. The ability to say “no” as easily as saying “yes”
  4. Detailed information about how you’ll use their data

Here is the right way to ask for consent. Your cookie banner should be:

  • Visible: Easy to spot but not blocking important content
  • Clear: Written in straightforward language that anyone can understand
  • Honest: Explaining exactly what you’re collecting and why
  • User-friendly: Making it as easy to decline as it is to accept

What’s the difference between a cookie banner and a GDPR cookie banner?

difference between a cookie banner and a GDPR cookie banner

While a cookie banner informs users about cookies, a GDPR cookie consent banner actively seeks user consent and gives them control over which cookies are used, ensuring legal compliance in regions with strict privacy laws.

  • Cookie Banner
    • Purpose: Inform users that the website uses cookies, usually via a simple message at the top or bottom of the page.
    • Compliance: Not designed to meet GDPR or similar legal standards. It may only notify users about cookie usage without offering choices.
    • User Options: Often limited to an “Accept” button, with no way to reject or customize preferences.
    • Use Case: Common in regions without strict cookie laws or when no explicit consent is needed.
  • GDPR Cookie Consent Banner
    • Purpose: Ensures compliance with GDPR and similar laws like CCPA, giving users control over cookie settings.
    • Compliance: Fully meets legal requirements by:
      • Explaining the types of cookies (e.g., necessary, analytics, marketing).
      • Allowing users to accept, reject, or customize cookies before they are used.
      • Linking to detailed cookie policies for transparency.
    • User Options: Provides buttons like “Accept all,” “Reject all,” and “Manage preferences.” Users can update their settings anytime.
    • Use Case: Required for websites targeting EU users or processing personal data to comply with GDPR.

Top 11 GDPR Cookie Banner Examples

Himalaya Wellness

Cookie Banner Examples - Himalaya Wellness

Ever get overwhelmed by cookie banners? Not this one. Here’s why Himalaya Wellness’s banner, made with the Consentik, is awesome:

  • It keeps things friendly and easy to understand—no confusing tech-speak.
  • You get super clear options: “Dismiss,” “Preferences,” or “Accept All” – your call.
  • Want to customize? No problem. You can tweak your settings just like building your perfect playlist.
  • And the best part? No guilt trips if you decide to say “no.”

This banner nails it—simple, transparent, and totally user-focused!

Linkbuilder

Cookie Banner Examples - Linkbuilder

Do you know how most cookie settings are super confusing? Not this one. Here’s what’s cool about Linkbuilder’s cookie banner:

  • They explain things like you’re talking to a friend
  • Each option is super clear – no legal jargon
  • You can pick and choose what you’re okay with, just like customizing your pizza toppings
  • It doesn’t make you feel bad for saying no

The Spectator

Cookie Banner Examples - The Spectator

Ever been annoyed by a cookie banner blocking that article you’re trying to read? The Spectator fixed that:

  • Shows up on the side, so you can keep reading
  • Looks like it belongs on a news site
  • Easy to find when you need it
  • Not all in-your-face about it

Crazy Games

Cookie Banner Examples - Crazy Games

The Crazy Games actually made a cookie consent banner look … fun. Here is what we spot:

  • They added their gaming brand’s personality to it
  • The banner pops up in the middle but doesn’t feel annoying
  • Their logo makes it feel trustworthy
  • The whole thing feels like part of the game, not a legal thing they had to add

la Repubblica

Cookie Banner Examples - la Repubblica

I love how straightforward this cookie banner is about the whole ads-vs-subscription thing. Shout out to la Repubblica!   

  • They actually explain why they need ads
  • Give you a clear choice: see personalized ads or subscribe
  • No sneaky stuff – just straight talk about how they make money
  • Makes you feel like they respect your intelligence

Max Mara

Cookie Banner Examples - Max Mara

The Max Mara site’s cookie banner, discreetly placed at the footer, ensures visibility without disrupting browsing. Here are what we think as pros: 

  • Clean, simple design that matches their style
  • Sits quietly at the bottom of the page
  • Makes “no” just as easy as “yes”
  • Everything feels smooth and elegant

Leeds City College

This banner is from the UK’s – Leeds City College. They use their footer banner with a cookie category preview. The institution effectively implements an educational approach:

  • Comprehensive cookie categorization
  • Clear, accessible explanations of data usage
  • Immediate access to preference management
  • Structured information architecture
  • Professional integration with privacy documentation
Cookie Banner Examples - Leeds City College

EORTC

For a medical research organization, trust is everything. EORTC did it. Their banner shows:

  • Clear, professional language
  • Explains how they protect patient data
  • Makes privacy the top priority
  • Everything feels secure and trustworthy
Cookie Banner Examples - EORTC

OBR UK

Still from the UK, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) uses a compact, unobtrusive cookie banner that fits seamlessly into the site’s design without occupying much screen space.

Cookie Banner Examples - OBR UK

Decathlon Assurances

The French website Decathlon Assurances uses a cookie popup that lets users reject cookies, following EU rules. Cookie walls, which force users to accept cookies to use a site, are not allowed under these laws.

Cookie Banner Examples - Decathlon Assurances

Axel Springer

A study of 1,000 consent notices found that 58% used a footer banner, compared to 27% that used a top banner. That is what German publisher Axel Springer’s Ideation Council has implemented. They use a footer banner that blends well with the site’s design, including a matching Preference window.

Cookie Banner Examples - Axel Springer

Checklist From Best Cookie Consent Banner Examples

After seeing the best 10 cookie banner examples, let’s break down exactly what information needs to be in your cookie banner to make it both legal and user-friendly. After helping many websites set up their cookie notices and read the full ePrivacy Regulation, Consentik found these key elements that can make your cookie banner different.

  • Purpose statement

“We use cookies to improve your experience on our site. Some help the site work better, while others help us understand how you use it.”

Feel familiar? This is one of the commons we usually meet in a cookie banner. So first, the check box is always to explain why cookies are used and how they enhance the user experience.

  • Types of cookies: Distinguish between essential and non-essential cookies.
    • Essential cookies: These keep the site working properly
    • Analytics cookies: Help us understand how people use our site
    • Marketing cookies: Help show you relevant ads
    • Preference cookies: Remember your settings for next time
  • Help users have clear choices: Your visitors should have these options clearly displayed:
    • “Accept All”: For those who are fine with all cookies
    • “Reject Non-Essential”: For those who want only the basics
    • “Customize”: For those who want to pick and choose
    • “More Information”: A link to your detailed cookie policy
  • Making your cookie banner user-friendly: Remember to:
    • Keep your message short and clear
    • Use bullet points for easy reading
    • Highlight the most important choices
    • Make buttons stand out visually
  • Accessibility: Ensure the banner is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
  • Common mistakes: Some things to watch out for:
    • Don’t use pre-checked boxes
    • Don’t hide the ‘reject’ option
    • Don’t use complex legal language
    • Don’t force acceptance to use the site

“Is there a way to make this simpler?” Absolutely!

Managing cookie banners can often feel overwhelming, but with the Consentik app, it doesn’t have to be. This tool streamlines the process by offering customizable cookie banners that seamlessly integrate with your website’s design. Consentik also automatically scans and organizes cookies, ensuring they are disclosed and managed according to regulations like GDPR and CCPA. For added convenience, Consentik includes the Consentik Cookie Checker, an online tool that analyzes your site’s cookie compliance, helping you easily meet legal requirements specific to your region.

Try Consentik For Free

FAQs

What Should My Cookie Banner Say?

Your cookie banner should transparently inform users about the use of cookies on your website and seek their consent. Key elements to include are:

  • Purpose of cookies
  • Consent options
  • Link to detailed policy

For example: “We use cookies to improve your experience and analyze our traffic. By clicking ‘Accept All’, you consent to our use of cookies. You can manage your preferences or read more in our [Cookie Policy].”

What Are the Different Types of Cookie Banners?

Cookie banners can be categorized based on their consent mechanisms:

  1. Notice-Only Banners: Inform users about cookie usage without actively seeking consent. These are generally not compliant with regulations like GDPR.
  2. Implied Consent Banners: Assume consent if the user continues to use the site after being informed about cookies. This approach is also typically non-compliant with strict privacy laws.
  3. Explicit Consent Banners: Require users to actively accept or decline cookies, often providing options to customize preferences. This method aligns with GDPR requirements.

Implementing an explicit consent banner ensures compliance with most data protection regulations.

What Is an Example of a Cookie in Advertising?

In advertising, cookies are used to track user behavior and preferences to deliver targeted ads. For instance, a third-party advertising cookie may collect data on the websites a user visits and the products they view. This information is then used to display personalized advertisements across different sites, enhancing the relevance of ads to the user’s interests.

Final words

Your cookie banner is often the first thing users see on your site—make it meaningful! Whether setting up a new one or improving an existing banner, prioritize transparency, user control, and alignment with your brand. Begin by auditing your current setup using our checklist and start today!

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