Managing Cookies and User Consent in PHP: Best Packages for Plain PHP, Laravel, and WordPress Plugins

Introduction to Cookie Management and Consent

As a seasoned PHP developer working with plain PHP, Laravel, and WordPress for over a decade, I’ve seen how privacy laws like the EU’s GDPR, ePrivacy Directive, California’s CCPA, and others have transformed web development. Cookies are essential for functionality, analytics, and personalization, but non-essential ones require explicit user consent before being set.

A proper cookie consent solution must: display a clear banner, allow granular consent (e.g., categories like necessary, analytics, marketing), block scripts until consent is given, and log consents for audits. This guide covers reliable, actively maintained options for plain PHP libraries, Laravel packages, and WordPress plugins. We’ll focus on ease of use for novices while providing advanced tips for experts.

Basics of Cookie Management in Plain PHP

PHP’s built-in setcookie() function is straightforward but lacks modern features like the SameSite attribute (critical for security) and consent handling. Always use HTTPS for secure cookies and consider HttpOnly flags to prevent XSS attacks.

For consent, check if the user has agreed before setting non-essential cookies. Store consent in a cookie or database, and provide a way to revoke it.

Here are some popular plain PHP libraries to simplify secure cookie handling:

Delight-IM PHP-Cookie

A modern, lightweight library for secure cookie management. It wraps setcookie() with support for SameSite (Lax/Strict/None), secure, and HttpOnly flags by default.

• Easy to install via Composer: composer require delight-im/cookie
• Features: Compatible with sessions, simple API for setting/getting/deleting cookies.
• Great for beginners: Just replace setcookie() calls.
• Link: GitHub Repository

Pixelbrackets Cookie Consent

A standalone JavaScript/PHP hybrid for displaying consent banners. It handles opt-in/opt-out levels and integrates with PHP for server-side checks.

• Supports GDPR opt-in requirements.
• Customizable levels for different cookie types.
• Packagist: pixelbrackets/cookie-consent

Other Options

ParagonIE/Cookie (secure fork) or simple custom wrappers for basic needs.

Top Laravel Packages for Cookie Consent

Laravel’s ecosystem shines with dedicated packages that integrate seamlessly via middleware, Blade components, and config files. These handle banners, granular consent, script blocking, and Google Consent Mode.

Spatie/laravel-cookie-consent (Most Popular)

The go-to package from Spatie, with millions of installs. Simple banner with “Accept” button; stores consent in a cookie.

• Installation: composer require spatie/laravel-cookie-consent
• Features: Customizable texts, Tailwind styling, middleware for conditional scripts.
• Pros: Lightweight, easy for novices. Cons: Basic (no granular categories in free version).
• Advanced: Publish views to customize JS for script blocking.
• Link: GitHub | Packagist

Whitecube/laravel-cookie-consent

Excellent for granular consent. Define categories (essential, analytics, marketing) and block scripts until approved.

• Supports translations, revocation link.
• Configurable via published files; integrates with Google Tag Manager.
• Ideal for expert setups needing full GDPR compliance.
• Link: GitHub

Devrabiul/laravel-cookie-consent

Fully customizable GDPR solution with category-level control and automatic script blocking.

• Responsive design, change preferences link.
• Great performance optimization.
• Link: GitHub

Statikbe/laravel-cookie-consent

Extended from Spatie with modal for preferences, Filament support.

• Custom CSS/JS publishing, ignored paths.
• Link: Packagist

Other Notable: Justijndepover/laravel-cookie-consent

Database-stored cookies for per-cookie consent.

Best WordPress Plugins for Cookie Consent

WordPress makes compliance easy with plugins that scan cookies, block scripts, and support geo-targeting.

CookieYes (Formerly Cookie Law Info)

One of the most popular (millions of installs). Free version covers basics; premium adds scanning, logs, geo-banners.

• Supports GDPR, CCPA, LGPD; Google Consent Mode v2.
• Auto-block scripts, consent logging.
• Easy dashboard for novices.
• Link: WordPress.org | Official Site

GDPR Cookie Compliance (Moove Agency)

Powerful free plugin with granular categories, script blocking, shortcodes.

• Custom layouts, multilingual support.
• Premium for advanced features like GTM integration.
• Link: WordPress.org

Cookie Notice & Compliance for GDPR / CCPA

Lightweight, customizable banner; integrates with compliance tools.

• Simple setup, no bloat.
• Link: WordPress.org

Complianz – GDPR/CCPA Cookie Consent

Wizard-based setup, cookie scanner, policy generator.

• Excellent for multilingual sites.
• Free with premium upgrades.
• Link: WordPress.org

WP Cookie Consent (WebToffee)

Google-certified CMP; script blocker, geo-targeting.

• Supports multiple layouts and positions.
• Link: Official Site

Best Practices and Conclusion

Always: Use prior opt-in for non-essential cookies, provide easy revocation, log consents, and test with tools like Google Tag Assistant.

For Laravel/WordPress, start with popular packages/plugins and customize. In plain PHP, combine a management library with a JS banner.

Staying compliant builds user trust. Choose based on your project’s needs – simple for small sites, granular for larger ones.

If you have questions or recommendations, feel free to share!