Real Cookie Banner: open source, but WordPress-only
Real Cookie Banner is a well-built WordPress plugin from the German developer devowl.io, distributed as open source through WordPress.org, with Google Consent Mode v2 and full TCF standard support on paid tiers. Its free core includes unlimited services and content blockers, though reviewers note many templates and conveniences are reserved for PRO, and some describe the free version's real-world usefulness as limited as a result.
Conzent vs Real Cookie Banner at a glance
| Conzent | Real Cookie Banner | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Per-site pricing, drops as you add sites, from a few euros/site/month; self-host for free. See current tiers | Free core plugin (WordPress.org) → Single €59/yr (1 site) → Starter €89/yr (3) → Professional €129/yr (5) → Business €229/yr (10) → Agency €299/yr (25) |
| GDPR / IAB TCF / Consent Mode v2 | ✓ GDPR, CCPA & 25+ regional laws ✓ IAB TCF v2.4 ✓ Consent Mode v2 (Basic & Advanced) — all included, every plan | GDPR/ePrivacy-focused · Google Consent Mode v2 supported · full TCF standard requirements implemented, Google/IAB-certified |
| CMS & platform integrations | 7 native integrations: WordPress, Wix, Joomla, Drupal, TYPO3, Umbraco, Shopify — plus a universal script tag for anything else | WordPress only |
| Self-hosted / open source | ✓ Yes — OCI, Apache 2.0, one-line installer, unlimited sites & pageviews, runs on any server | ✓ Yes — listed as open source on WordPress.org, runs on your own WordPress install |
| EU data residency | ✓ Yes — managed cloud data hosted in Germany; self-host it and it never leaves your own server | German developer; no separate hosted-data question since it runs on your own server |
| Free tier / trial | ✓ Everything included on the free self-hosted OCI, no PRO tier | Core functions free; many templates and conveniences are PRO-only, and some reviewers call the free version's real-world usefulness limited |
| Support | Priority email (cloud) · community & GitHub (self-hosted) | Community support, plus paid support on PRO tiers |
Real Cookie Banner figures are drawn from its official pricing page and WordPress.org listing as of 2026; confirm current numbers directly before switching. See Conzent's current plans.
Switching from Real Cookie Banner? Here's what to expect
The general shape of any CMP switch applies: install the new script or plugin alongside the old one for a short test window, run a fresh cookie scan on the new platform to rebuild your category list, configure and preview the banner, then cut the live script over and remove the old plugin. Historical consent logs generally stay with the vendor that recorded them and don't carry across to a new CMP — standard for switching any consent tool, so plan for a fresh consent record on the new platform.
Why teams switch from Real Cookie Banner to Conzent
Real open source, on any platform
Real Cookie Banner and Conzent's OCI share a genuine open-source commitment — but Real Cookie Banner only runs on WordPress, while OCI runs anywhere via one Docker command.
Nothing held back behind PRO
Reviewers describe a wide gap between Real Cookie Banner's free and PRO tiers; Conzent's self-hosted OCI has no PRO upsell — everything's included.
Covers what WordPress can't
If any site in your portfolio isn't WordPress, you need a second tool alongside Real Cookie Banner. Conzent covers WordPress plus six other platforms from one account.
Frequently asked questions
Is Real Cookie Banner worth it?
For a WordPress site with a developer comfortable running and updating the plugin, yes — especially if TCF and Consent Mode v2 are must-haves.
How much does Real Cookie Banner cost?
The core plugin is free; paid licenses run from €59/year (1 site) to €299/year (25 sites) for the templates and extras.
What's the best alternative to Real Cookie Banner for non-WordPress sites?
Conzent's OCI is self-hostable the same way, but works across seven platforms instead of one.
Does Real Cookie Banner support Google Consent Mode v2?
Yes. So does Conzent, with both Basic and Advanced modes, on every plan.