Hardly anything affects our perception as much as a fragrance. Fragrances can make us find a person incredibly desirable and attractive. Likewise, certain fragrances may be uninteresting and repulsive. The goal of a good perfume, of course, is to create a very positive feeling for yourself and the people you meet.
As diverse as the connections we associate with special fragrances is the selection of colognes for men. To help you make the decision to find the right perfume for you, we have put together a top selection of 10 colognes and summarized their key features. So nothing stands in the way of an attractive and captivating fragrance!
For bargain hunters, also check out our review on 9 Best Armaf Cologne. This is a newcomer in the perfumery scene, having launched into the market since 2015. This brand is particularly known for its high quality colognes at a modest to low price.
Below are the best men’s cologne candidates we will look at. We will discuss each of these fragrances.
Item | Fragrance Family | Seasons | Year Released | Concentration | Our Score | Check Price | Our Review |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dior Sauvage | Aromatic | Spring; Summer; Autumn | 2015 | Eau de Toilette (EdT) | |||
Boucheron Jaipur Homme | Oriental; Spicy | Autumn; Winter | 1997 | Eau de Parfum (EdP) | |||
Dior Homme Intense | Woody; Powdery | Autumn; Winter | 2011 | Eau de Parfum (EdP) | |||
Price Range $$$ Above | |||||||
Dolce and Gabbana The One For Men | Spicy; Woody | Autumn; Winter; Spring | 2008 | Eau de Parfum (EdP) | |||
Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’Homme | Aromatic; Spicy; Fresh | Autumn; Winter | 2009 | Eau de Toilette (EdT) | |||
Acqua Di Parma Colonia | Citrus; Aromatic; Fresh | Spring; Summer | 1916 | Eau de Cologne (EdC) | |||
Price Range $$ Above | |||||||
Terre d’Hermes by Hermes | Woody; Earthy; Fresh | Spring; Summer; Autumn; Winter | 2006 | Eau de Toilette (EdT) | |||
Versace Eros | Aromatic; Green; Sweet | Autumn; Winter; Spring | 2012 | Eau de Toilette (EdT) | |||
Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man | Citrus; Leather; Smoky | Spring; Summer; Autumn | 2015 | Eau de Toilette (EdT) | |||
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male | Aromatic; Sweet; Synthetic | Spring; Summer | 2017 | Eau de Toilette (EdT) | |||
Price Range $ Above |
For daily use, work, casual, evening from cheap, budget, to expensive
We have come up with a practical top 10 list of men’s colognes that covers for most if not all occasions – daily use, work, date, casual, dinner, party. And the list includes all price ranges from cheap, budget affordable, to high end luxury. So this list should provide the most suitable cologne for you, no matter what you are looking for or your type of presence. We have limited the number of high end colognes to 3 in this list to make it practical. We know that most people are looking for quality perfumes with mass appeal at a reasonable price.
Price does not always equal quality
And it is important to note that although it is expected that expensive colognes may offer the absolute best quality there are cheap or budget priced alternatives that are just as good. Often times premium is charged based on the prestige of brands but not necessary the quality of the fragrances.
Check out our review of Best Colognes to Attract Females, if getting women’s attention is your major concern.
Factors we considered when evaluating quality of a fragrance
Factor | General Meaning |
---|---|
Scent | How nice and unique it smells? |
Longevity | How long does it last? |
Sillage | How is my aura and presence felt? Is it strong or mild? And how far from a distance can other people smell it? |
Practicality | How often can I wear it in daily use? Can I wear it to work, on a date, in a dinner, or a party? |
Also check out our review of Best Tom Ford Cologne for Men. Tom Ford is a fashion designer, whose eponymous luxury brand is particularly known for its highly regarded fragrance segment. It has produced some of the best quality fragrances for men and women.
Dior Sauvage EdT
Here we have a real all-rounder. Dior Sauvage is suitable for anyone looking for a scent for all sorts of situations . That’s a plus and a minus at the same time. On the one hand, such a perfume is enough for all occasions. On the other hand, that’s what makes the fragrance nothing special. The scent seems somehow familiar in the first moment. As if every fragrance has something of this in it.
But women love this scent. Whether on an appointment or while walking in the park. Dior Sauvage convinces the women’s world. No matter if you wear chino & shirt or jeans and t-shirt, Dior Sauvage convinces. The longevity is only mediocre compare to the other colognes on this list.
Price Range
High End $$$
Best Occasions
1st – Daily Use & Work
2nd – Leisure
Ranked
Our Score
7.7 / 10
Also check out our review of Best Men’s Summer Cologne. While this page contains fragrances for all seasons and occasions, that summer page is more gear towards hot weather, outdoor, leisure, and of course, the beaches.
Boucheron Jaipur Homme EdP
Boucheron Jaipur Homme EdP has been enjoying immense popularity with self-confident and adventurous men who know what they want for years. The distinctive perfume from the French fragrance house exudes pure oriental mystery. It consists of a unique top note of heliotrope, lime, cardamom, bergamot and lemon, from a heart of rose, nutmeg, jasmine, cinnamon, amber and vanilla, and a base of tonka, patchouli, cedar, benzoin and clove.
This is a strong fragrance with a nice aroma. With a number of sprays you can enjoy this cologne all day long and you will receive many compliments! This perfume costs a bit more than average, but it is definitely worth the money! Boucheron is very exclusive and definitely recommended! This is definitely one of the top quality fragrances for men overall, across all price ranges.
Price Range
High End $$$
Best Occasions
1st – Evening
2nd – Leisure
Ranked
Our Score
8.4 / 10
Find out the Best Hugo Boss Cologne. Hugo Boss is a well-known global luxury fashion brand with a mass appeal. Its fragrance line started in 1988 and has a diverse fragrance product line for both men and women.
Dior Homme Intense EdP
Dior Homme Intense, being the 2nd “intense” incorporation in the famous “Dior Homme” saga, and as a flanker(new perfume that shares some qualities of an existing perfume), is the most daring, sensual and seductive. On him, Dior expresses a new vision of masculinity, far removed from the stereotypes imposed by society.
This is an elegant perfume that impresses with its woody notes, an accent of musk and a slightly floral chord. The scent of men’s perfume exudes sensuality despite its masculine scents and is the ideal companion for a perfect evening, whether formal events or evenings between friends. The various ingredients such as lavender, pear and cedar provide a unique perfume with a wonderful aroma that is very popular with many men.
This “Dior Homme” version is from 2011. Are you planning to purchase this expensive perfume? Then buy the large package of this perfume that is much cheaper.
Price Range
High End $$$
Best Occasions
Evening only
Ranked
Our Score
8.6 / 10
Discover the Best Prada Cologne. The Prada brand stands for exclusive luxury and was the official supplier to the Italian royal family in 1919. Extravagant fragrance combining elegant luxury with provocative notes and still maintaining the lightness of La Dolce Vita is the trademark of the Milanese company.
Dolce and Gabbana The One For Men EdP
The goal of The One For Men from Dolce & Gabbana has simply been to create a classic and masculine scent. It is something that has succeeded in more than excellent ways.
It has many interesting scent notes, however. Especially count the more woody, oriental and spicy. And it is precisely for this reason that it is a very unique fragrance for men.
The unique perfume opens with notes of bergamot, coriander and basil. If you dig further into the heart notes, you will find notes of cardamom, ginger and neroli, which are eventually rounded to the bottom note with a masculine trace of both cedar, amber and tobacco. These are notes that together form a characteristic and elegant men’s scent.
Price Range
Budget $$
Best Occasions
Evening only
Ranked
Our Score
8.1 / 10
Also check out our review of Best Versace Men’s Cologne. Versace is a well-known Italian luxury fashion brand with a mass appeal. While its fragrance segment is not their biggest, nonetheless, it produces quality perfumes for men and women, including the very popular Versace Eros men’s cologne.
Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de L’Homme EdT
La Nuit De L’Homme belongs to the category of fragrances that make women crazy for you. It is oriental and has a spicy woody note. Here it must be said that not all women love this fragrance. But those who like him love him.
It is a very intense fragrance that I use mainly for evenings or for dates. On dates it should not be sprayed too much. And the fragrance is not very versatile, during the day or at work I would not wear the fragrance.
Price Range
Budget $$
Best Occasions
Evening only
Ranked
Our Score
7.9 / 10
Discover the Best Nautica Cologne. Nautica is an American sportswear brand founded in 1983. The name Nautica was inspired by the sea and seafaring. The aquatic roots of the brand are also evident from the numerous sailors sponsored by Nautica. Indeed, this is for the adventurous man with an independent spirit.
Acqua Di Parma Colonia EdC
This perfume is considered ‘the first Italian cologne’ since most of its ingredients are from that country. Since year 1916, the centennial formula has remained totally unchanged throughout its life cycle, a characteristic of the brand style of fine perfumery, governed by tradition.
Behind the fragrance composition is a select blend of Sicilian citrus fruits, rosemary, lavender, damask rose, vetiver, patchouli and sandalwood, which combine to form a noble unisex fragrance.
Legends such as Ava Gardner, Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant loved the citrus-fresh fragrance, which has lost nothing of its fascinating effect even in the 21st century. Mediterranean, classic, timeless: a fragrance experience that survives the centuries.
Price Range
Budget $$
Best Occasions
1st – Daily Use & Work
2nd – Leisure
Ranked
Our Score
7.4 / 10
Also check out our review of Best Lacoste Cologne. Lacoste is known as the luxury brand with a sporty touch. No wonder, since it was founded by former French tennis pro Rene Lacoste. Its “crocodile” logo become one of the most recognized in fashion. The men’s fragrances from Lacoste perfectly reflect the sporting orientation of the company. They are mostly spicy, modern and classic and are suited for the successful man who does not miss out on any challenge.
Terre d’Hermes EdT by Hermes
Terre d’Hermes by Hermes is a fragrance journey through the elements of air, earth and water. Hence the name “Terre”, which means “earth” in French. A composition of orange, grapefruit, warm woods, fertile soil and green leaves.
The uniqueness of this fragrance lies is its minimum number of elements, which together make the smell of a wood plant standing in a large masculine silhouette.
A men’s fragrance of the classic kind. Not intrusive, but nevertheless with that certain depth. For some, however, the orange might be too strong. This fragrance underlines a neat and mature appearance, and it lasts a long time. The fragrance is a true all-rounder. It suits every situation and all seasons.
Price Range
Cheap $
Best Occasions
1st – Daily Use & Work
2nd – Leisure
3rd – Evening
Ranked
Our Score
8.1 / 10
Also Do you wear fragrance to the office? Then also check out the Best Office Cologne, in professional formal settings and cubicles. These scents are not intrusive to your colleagues. They smell clean, inspire calmness, with elegance and subtlety.
Versace Eros EdT
With this cologne, the bottle has convinced me – just noble, what Versace has brought out here. You can also say that about the content. Versace Eros is the fragrance for a nice evening.
I use the scent mainly for parties or events where many people meet. With crowds you need a cologne with a great performance, that’s what the Versaces Eros offers. The fragrance does not smell like any other perfume and stands up to other scents.
However, you should like sweetish, slightly woody scents. Women definitely do. I like that. The longevity is great.
Price Range
Cheap $
Best Occasions
1st – Evening
2nd – Leisure
Ranked
Our Score
7.4 / 10
Check out the Best Woody Cologne if you are like other men who find woody fragrances particularly appealing.
Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man EdT
Do you know Creed Aventus? That is a very expensive cologne and has a legendary status in the fragrance scene. If Creed Aventus was not so expensive, I would have included that fragrance in my top 10 men’s perfumes.
Fortunately, there is a favorable way out. Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man is a clone of Creed Aventus. I would say that the match is over 90%. I did a little test on that: I gave 10 persons a scent strip from Creed and a Club de Nuit sample. Many could hardly tell a difference. That’s why I preferred Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man.
Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man is a challenging scent that opens with fresh, fruity notes of lemon, apple and black currant. Below that are the heart notes of birch, jasmine and rose. This intense scent continues with sensual base notes of ambergris, musk, patchouli and vanilla. That’s what makes Club de Nuit a woody-smokey fragrance for men.
The price-performance ratio is excellent. Of course, this men’s cologne also convinces with its smell. The smoky aroma was perfectly modeled by Creed Aventus. Overall, Club de Nuit is a very masculine men’s perfume. Be ready to get steady compliments wherever you are – office, leisure, on a date, or in a party. The fragrance is most suitable for seasons from Spring to Autumn.
Price Range
Cheap $
Best Occasions
1st – Daily Use
2nd – Leisure
3rd – Evening
Ranked
Our Score
8.1 / 10
Discover the Best Jimmy Choo Cologne for Men. Designer Jimmy Choo stands for originality. He has brought from his native Malaysia everything he has learned in his youth years to conceive men’s perfumes that move away from the path of the monotonous.
Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male EdT
Le Male is THE Signature Perfume by Jean Paul Gaultier. A unique combination of strength and sensuality that consciously breaks new ground. The fresh, erotic perfume is not in vain for years one of the most popular men’s perfumes. Le Male gives strength and sensitivity at the same time. An extraordinary scent of aromatic herbs and sensual vanilla.
The fragrance was inspired by the figure of a nonconformist sailor and is characterized by a soothing yet modern effect. The oriental scent opens with refreshing top notes of mint that blend with a heart of lavender. It also boasts exuberant orange blossom that is seasoned really well with a base of sensual notes of vanilla and cedar. This fresh scent is very seductive, intense, and lasts a long time.
Price Range
Budget $$
Best Occasions
1st – Evening
2nd – Leisure
Ranked
Our Score
7.7 / 10
France is home to the world capital of perfumes. They are are a symbol of class and elegance. And we have dedicated a long review on top 8 candidates for the Best French Cologne For Men. It wasn’t easy to rank the top ones, given how high-quality French colognes are, but it was definitely worth the effort.
Discover the Best Italian Cologne. Italian colognes for men represent elegance, pride and seduction, especially when they are from the brands with the greatest recognition like those presented in the review provided.
Popular colognes that are not included in this list
There are other colognes that are not included in this list but have mass appeal and may even be considered classics.
Fragrances such as CK One and Paco Rabanne Invictus provide great value for their price, they certainly are very popular and common, and Invictus has great longevity. But we have included others ones in our list instead of these 2, based on the overall quality factors considered. But these 2 will just win as many hearts as the others with their absolute mass appeal popularity, which is a good and bad thing.
In the high end segment, Bleu de Chanel Eau de Parfum is definitely one of the most recognized perfume and it has a top-notch quality overall. But due to our own rule of limiting just 3 high-end colgones in our top 10 list, we prefer the 3 luxury ones we have selected instead.
Conclusion
Instead of purely looking the the ranking, the best cologne for you is the one that fits you. Where do you wear it? What type of scents are you comfortable with? What is your personality like? After all, the smell we carry should flatter both the people we interact with and ourselves.
If you are looking for:
The best smell and performance overall and money is not a factor
Dior Homme Intense EdP
The most versatile cologne that you can wear almost anywhere
Terre d’Hermes EdT by Hermes
High quality cologne and the most value for your money
Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man EdT
Exotic scents with great performance for special nights and events
Boucheron Jaipur Homme EdP
The best smell for nights and events but one that disappears quickly
Dolce and Gabbana The One For Men EdP
Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit de L’Homme EdT
A cologne that is extremely common
Versace Eros EdT
A true classic fragrance
Acqua Di Parma Colonia EdC (made since 1916)
And there are multiple options if you are just looking for a daily use or an evening cologne with no other requirement.
Discover the Best Ferragamo Cologne. This line was created by the great Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo, a name familiar to those in the world of fashion. It is influenced by Hollywood, combining American style with its Italian roots. It is for men who want to be James Bond. Elegance and masculinity.
Lastly, we note that price does not always equal quality
In our scores, there are 2 colognes in the “cheap” category- Terre d’Hermes EdT, Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man EdT, 1 in the “budget” category- Dolce & Gabbana The One For Men EdP with scores of 8 or more, with points higher than Dior Sauvage EdT’s 7.7, which is 1 of the 3 “high end” colognes we have included in our top 10.
After getting your first cologne, we recommend reading the following additional guides so that you can make the most out of your cologne:
1. How to Apply Cologne Properly For Men? – Detailed Guide
2. Does Cologne Expire? – How to Store Properly to Last Longer
3. How to Make Cologne Last Longer on Clothes and Skin
4. How to Get Rid of Cologne Smell on Clothes and Skin Quickly
Further Reading – more reviews
Discover the Best Bond No. 9 Men’s Cologne. Do you want to feel American? As its name suggests, Bond No. 9 is an American company based in New York. Many of its fragrances are inspired by New York’s surrounding places. The company embraces American values. It is for men who are confident being direct with people.
Discover the Best Acqua di Gio Cologne for men. This line by Giorgio Armani is noted for its freshness and aquatic scents which highlight his Italian and Mediterranean origins. The original Acqua di Gio pour Homme is one the best known and appreciated men’s fragrances in the world. We also look at 3 other best variants in the Acqua di Gio line.
Discover the Best Sweet Smelling Cologne. Sweet fragrances are fairly recent in the history of perfumery. They first appeared in the 1990s.
Also find the Best Musk Cologne. Musky scents are easy to get noticed. Popular in men’s fragrances, musky scents contain sensual, subtle and virile notes.
Check out our review of Best Creed Cologne for Men. Creed is one of the most prestigious perfume house that was found in 1760. It has produced one of the most successful men’s cologne ever in Creed Aventus.
If you are a professional, also check out the Best Cologne for Work. The scent would be light and subtle, but still offers variety and individuality in a business and formal setting.
Discover the Best Citrus Cologne For Men. The citrus fragrance family is the oldest in perfumery. They are are easy to wear, fitting most occasions.
Also see our review of Best Everyday Cologne for Men. There are fragrances for different occasions. But sometimes we just want to find a scent that fits all, especially in today’s busy lifestyle.
See our review of Best Cheap Men’s Cologne. Price does not equal quality. Find out nice fragrances that smell good even if you just want to pay the minimum. The list features well-known designer brands like Hugo Boss as well as niche ones.
Discover the Best Antonio Banderas Cologne. The renowned actor has successfully brought his style and expertise in seduction to his fragrances, be it “Seduction in Black” or “Blue Seduction”… Not only that they work wonders for attraction, they also reflect his values towards people- security, trust, and eloquence.
And as men, we can make use of the Best Masculine Cologne. These fragrances for sure bring out the greatest impressions of your masculinity that is of strength, independence, assertiveness, vigor, and much more.
Individual cologne reviews
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