Every CMP has a free tier. None of them are the same.
If you're looking for a free cookie consent tool, you have options. CookieBeam, Cookiebot, CookieYes, Osano, and Termly all offer free plans. But "free" means different things to different providers. Some cap pageviews. Some cap domains. Some strip out features you'll need the moment you have real traffic.
This guide compares the free tiers honestly. We make CookieBeam, so we're biased, but we'll tell you where the other tools win too.
Free tier comparison
| Feature | CookieBeam | Cookiebot | CookieYes | Termly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pageview limit | 5,000/mo | 500/mo | 100 pages | 10,000 visits |
| Domains | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Google Consent Mode v2 | Yes | Yes | Paid only | Yes |
| Cookie scanning | Yes (automated) | Monthly | Quarterly | Yes |
| Banner customization | Full visual editor | Limited | Basic colors | Templates |
| Branding removal | Paid | Paid | Paid | Paid |
| Consent analytics | Yes | Paid | Paid | Basic |
| TCF v2.2 support | Yes | Paid | Paid | No |
| Microsoft Consent Mode | Yes | No | No | No |
When free is enough
A free cookie consent tool works fine if you:
- Run a personal blog or small portfolio site
- Get fewer than 5,000 pageviews per month
- Only need one domain
- Don't run Google Ads or Meta Ads (so you don't need conversion tracking optimization)
- Don't mind the CMP's branding on your banner
If that's you, any of these free tiers will keep you compliant. Pick the one whose banner editor you like best and move on.
When free isn't enough
You'll outgrow a free plan fast if you:
- Run ads. You need Consent Mode v2 with Advanced implementation, consent analytics to track opt-in rates, and ideally server-side tracking. Most free plans either don't include Consent Mode or only offer the Basic implementation that loses all non-consented data.
- Have multiple sites. Every free plan limits you to one domain. Agency owners and multi-brand companies hit this wall immediately.
- Care about consent rates. A/B testing different banner designs, copy, and timing is the fastest way to improve consent rates. That's a paid feature everywhere.
- Need compliance evidence. Consent logs, audit trails, and DSAR (data subject access request) handling are paid features. If you're serious about compliance, you need the paper trail.
- Want the branding gone. Every free plan shows the CMP's logo on your banner. For a professional site, that's a non-starter.
The honest case for CookieBeam's free tier
CookieBeam's free plan includes more than most competitors at the same price (zero). You get Google Consent Mode v2 (Advanced), Microsoft Consent Mode, automated cookie scanning, consent analytics, and TCF v2.2 support. The main limits are pageviews (5,000/mo), one domain, and CookieBeam branding on the banner.
Where CookieBeam's free plan is weaker: if you need more than 5,000 pageviews, you'll need to upgrade. Termly's free tier allows 10,000 visits, which is more generous for traffic-heavy sites.
The upgrade path is straightforward. CookieBeam's Starter plan removes the pageview cap, adds multiple domains, and removes branding. Professional adds A/B testing, team collaboration, and API access. Business adds server-side GTM and enterprise features.