What Is an Opt-out Cookie?

Opt-out cookies are essentially cookies used to avoid cookies. When a website creates an opt-out cookie in your browser folder, it enables you to block that same website from installing future cookies. 

We'll go over reasons to use opt-out cookies, drawbacks to using opt-out cookies, and how to block cookies altogether with the best ad blockers.

Why should I use opt-out cookies?

The opt-out cookie tells the website not to install third-party advertiser cookies or other types of cookies on your browser. This prevents the third-party ad server from tracking your page preferences within a website or among websites within their network.

Other reasons to use opt-out cookies include telling the website that you don't want to participate in any type of online profiling or having your browsing history tracked.

Many of the biggest third-party ad-serving companies offer opt-out cookies. You can find a full list of third-party ad networks that offer opt-out cookies on the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI) site and you can use its opt-out tool for online ads. 

Are there drawbacks to using opt-out cookies?

The drawback to using opt-out cookies is that they are site-specific. They can only block cookies from a specific server and won't block cookies from other websites. To generally block cookies from all sites or specific sites, you can manage your cookies via your browser's cookie settings.

How to block cookies

You can also block cookies by using an ad blocker or a virtual private network (VPN) with an ad-blocking feature. Along with blocking ads, ad blockers can minimize or stop trackers, which helps you maintain your privacy online. Here are some recommended ad blockers, or virtual private networks: 

• Total Adblock: Total Adblock is a solid option if you're seeking an easy-to-use free ad blocker. If you opt for the paid plan, you can also block browser notification and get antivirus protection.

  Get Total Adblock | Read Our Total Adblock Review

• NordVPN: NordVPN is a top-tier VPN, and its extensive set of features is a big reason for it. Nord comes with Threat Protection, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites for a more secure online experience.  

  Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review

• Private Internet Access: Private Internet Access is an affordable VPN provider, but that doesn't mean it skimps on features. The PIA MACE feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware so long as you have an active VPN connection. 

  Get Private Internet Access | Read Our Private Internet Access Review