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Men’s colognes are available at a wide range of price points, from the insanely expensive, to the super cheap. The thing is, the price doesn’t necessarily correlate to how good a fragrance smells or performs.
In fact, there are some inexpensive options which blow niche designer wears, out of the water. Not always in terms of the quality of ingredients used, but utility and a more pleasant wear experience.
In this post, I want to explore some of the best options, of budget perfumes for him. I want to give a fairly large array of different styles, so that, one could hone in one a particular fragrance or pick up a few to cover all occasions. These are in the $20-40 range, max.
My Affordable Fragrances for Men Picks
Most Popular Inexpensive Fragrance
Nautica Voyage 3.4 oz., EDT Spray- A 3.4 oz bottle can be purchased for under $30 and a 1.7 oz for under $20. This is a really great fragrance and is affordable for just about any budget.
Nautica Voyage has an aquatic aroma with musky undertones. However, the main attraction is the fruit which is listed as apple, and has a cold crispness to it. Very fresh with additional floral notes.
This one has a cold aroma, with the crisp cucumber-like juiciness. It’s aquatic but not oceanic or marine, meaning, it doesn’t have that heavy sea salt note as others do.
Floral and green undertones provided by oak moss, mimosa, and lotus. Voyage is one for daytime use and will usually go for about 7 hours on my skin, when wearing it.
Voyage is a constant best-seller because it delivers that bright and sunny aroma with nice performance. It has that usual Nautica marine/aquatic profile with a cedarwood base holding it all together.
It’s light and built for the summertime. Casual or everyday wear. My Full Review of Voyage Cologne
Blue Aquatic at a Reasonable Price
Antonio Banderas Blue Seduction for Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 6.75 Ounce
Blue Seduction is a warm weather fruity aquatic cologne, that is both familiar to other colognes on the market, yet does its own thing.
It is led by a phenomenal melon note compared to how much this costs. The base is watery aquatic with that crisp and cold fruit on top. This is all further chilled/freshened by a dose of mint.
The Bogart
Bogart Pour Homme– I’m actually going to give you two options from the Jacques Bogart line. Pour Homme and Riviera Nights. Both are around $20-25 and are appropriate for grown men, rather than teens.
With Pour Homme, you get a light citrus and floral top. Hints of rose, but it’s mostly about the lavender for much of the wear.
Then comes, the vanilla and tonka bean creaminess paired with musk and woods. It’s sweet, but dry, especially with the oak moss and cedar notes coming in strong at times. Solid performance. Clean and a classic style.
Riviera Nights is the more interesting of the two. Actually, it has a very nice mature profile, great for a multitude of occasions.
The opening has a blast of grapefruit citrus and dried fruits, which provides the sweetness of the scent, that will play a background role for much of the wear. But, that fruitiness will meet the spice of nutmeg and cardamom, creating a good balance.
Dry, hints of tobacco, floral, but those dried fruits add a great element to this one, as well.
Nice Newer Guess
Guess 1981 Los Angeles, 3.4 Oz– Guess has some nice cheapies, on the whole. I don’t know if any of their fragrances are terrible, so you’ll get a decent value with any.
But, 1981 Los Angeles is the latest best addition to the line, following the Seductive series. It starts off with bergamot and plum, a bit sweet and tart. Then, an aromatic blend of ginger and pepper.
It’s fresh and cold at first with a pretty big dose of mint outshining the spices and geranium note. As it dries down, it will feel herbal and warm with an amber base.
It retains its fresh spices, gains woodiness (vetiver and sandalwood), loses much of the fruity sweetness, then comes with an attractive powdery finish.
A Plethora of Picks
#Imagine by The Dua Brand– This entry to the list is actually a lot more than just one. I’m listing one of my favorite fragrances of this type, but Dua has hundreds of more.
The Dua Brand specializes in not only creating their own unique perfumes, but also scents which are ‘inspired by’ popular designer fragrances…at a much cheaper price.
So, I’ve bought 10+ bottles from them of different kinds. Listed above, is their version of the Imagination by LV formula.
This can give you the opportunity to get high quality near matches of some of the more expensive designer and niche perfumes. They usually have discount codes to knock prices back within our range, also.
A Linear Spicebomb
Spice & Black Vanilla by Cremo– Cremo has a few very nice fragrances for around $20. Spice & Black Vanilla is a popular one because it pretty closely mimics the popular Spicebomb.
I for sure see the connection, between the two. To me, it’s sort of like Spicebomb with touches of Spicebomb Extreme, but simplified. Sweeter, too.
The spice mix seems to be a cardamom and cinnamon blend, with the latter being weaker, and not to the same extent as the Viktor & Rolf cologne. That top is spicier, but the dry down is vanilla based and quite woody.
Maybe a hint of tobacco here? Not sure, as I tried this once a while ago. But, again not to the same extent as Spicebomb. Very smooth and pleasant wear.
The longevity is actually decent, but the sillage here isn’t overly powerful. It seemed to hit that 5-7 hour mark of wear, just mostly sitting close to the skin. For the price? Great quality and aroma. Also, available at Target and Wal-Mart currently.
Red Spice
Davidoff Hot Water Eau De Toilette Spray for Men 3.7 Ounces, Oriental Spicy– A lot of attention goes to the classic Cool Water, but I want to highlight Hot Water here.
The name indicates its spicy profile, but that belies its rather unique profile overall. Basil and paprika are two prominent notes, which just doesn’t happen all that often in the world of men’s fragrances.
But, it’s not just a hot mess. It has sweetness and a smooth warmth provided by the amber. Moderate sillage and rather fresh as a cologne.
Once the paprika has fallen into the background Hot Water becomes more herbal, with a touch of that sweetness.
Golden Performance
Jaguar Classic Gold Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– Jaguar is a brand that I’ve overlooked for a long time, with their fragrances. Classic Gold from their line, really is a nice cologne, and usually only runs about $20 per bottle.
It’s mostly a big blast of citrus and apple, other floral notes, and vanilla to round things out. Sweet and sharp up top, but settles down to unveil the light floral aroma.
The woodsy base gives this one a more substantial composition, than the early stages might indicate.
Smells nice. The real prize is the performance, though. This one lasts on the skin as long as many higher end designer fragrances, even if it’s not to the same quality with the ingredients.
Cheap Daily Wear for Younger Guys
Tommy by Tommy Hilfiger for Men – 3.4 oz EDT Spray
That sliced juicy apple is met by a cool batch of mint, which intermingle among the grapefruit and bergamot.
I think one of the reasons that this caught on so well, is that, Tommy has the familiar young men’s fragrance ingredients while adding notes such as cranberry and cactus.
This allows the fragrance to be distinct, as these unusual notes beautifully play a support role within the composition. Very clean and juicy. Tommy Full Review
Best Affordable Woody Fragrance
Encre Noire– A very popular scent that is inexpensive but provides a lot of bang for your buck. Encre Noire is a wood based cologne with cypress, vetiver, and cashmere being the main attractions here.
Of course as the name suggests, it is a dark scent with an air of mystery, and a nice dash of smokiness.
It is dry and features a vetiver note that feels a bit unique than some of the others on the market. Encre Noire is a fragrance for guys who want a woody/earthy sort of scent, at a very fair price. It’s not always on sale, but it can still be found within our range.
The Acqua Alternative
Just Me by Paris Hilton for Men – 3.4 Ounce EDT Spray
Just Me, often gets compared to the famous Acqua di Gio. The similarities are definitely there, and nowadays, the performance is pretty much on equal footing. This one opens sweeter with a blueberry note, that is paired with citrus.
Add to that hints of spice, smokiness, sea breeze, grass, and floral notes. It’s a citrus aquatic with hints of woods and incense smoke, at the end. Just Me Review
Top Low Key and Sweet Fragrance
Versace Versace Versus Blue Jeans – Edt Spray 2.5 Oz, 2.5 oz
Lavender and vanilla are probably the two most noticeable of the notes, though, it’s a well blended scent. As such, you’ll detect slight whiffs of different floral, citrus, and woody notes. Blue Jeans has a classic clean powdery/shaving cream aroma.
During the dry down, this one gets a bit sweeter, as the vanilla seems to be draped over the sandalwood, rosewood, and cedar notes. It’s not too heavy but has a nice longevity. Blue Jeans works well in a variety of situations from casual to more formal wear.
The New Nautica
Nautica Midnight Voyage– The massive continued success of the original Voyage, has led Nautica to keep trying their hand at making another scent under this banner a hit. Most of them, have been pretty much forgettable.
However, that changed with the more recent Midnight Voyage. Amber, mint, and pink peppercorn blend with seemingly a bit of the original Voyage DNA.
It has that amber/ambroxan sort of aroma, like found in the popular Dior Sauvage. It’s not the same, but you get that kind of vibe.
Midnight Voyage is a bit spicy, but in a fresh and cooling way, while retaining its nautical and summery mystique. I think there is a hint of citrus in here, also, but I haven’t seen it listed. This is worth a try and the large bottles are starting to go on sale for cheap.
A Citrus Floral Based Citrus Cheapie
Nikos Sculpture Homme for men Eau De Toilette Spray, 3.4 Ounces– Sculpture is a really nice cheapie and has been around for multiple decades now. The opening act is full of a bright/sour/sweet lemon note that stands out in the summer months.
The citrus opening, prominent orange blossom and floral notes, and at times bitter herbal qualities. Light with a clean and somewhat powdery finish in the latter stages. This one routinely goes for under $20 per bottle.
Maybe not the best formal wear, but as an all-around scent, this has got plenty to recommend about it.
Another Greek Legend
Ulysse by Vicky Tiel– Ulysse is a really nice and rather unique cologne to wear for around $20. Up top it’s green, fresh, and citrusy. With some musk added. Yet, it will dry down softer with lavender led floral and some powdery vanilla.
Light and the greenish notes have a dewy, almost aquatic aroma in the early stages. That lime note really stands out in the early sprays. It’s a refreshing fragrance for the daytime, while not being weak and having great longevity for this price point.
Sweeter and floral as it dries down. Super sophisticated? No, but pleasant and a fun wear for chill days.
The Celebrity Cologne for Cheap
David Beckham Instinct EDT Spray For Men, 2.5 Ounce
It is fresh and warm when it dries down with a vetiver and amber blend.
Instinct opens up with those citrus top notes leading the way. Bergamot and orange are the main attraction but you get some rugged and earthy notes playing supporting roles, here.
Not too spicy but there’s enough of a kick to make this one distinct. It becomes warmer and drier as the fragrance plays itself out.
You’re left with something that is citrus, woodsy, and with an anise spice. Very nice at this price point. It’s been a top seller in this dollar range, for many years now Instinct Review
Designer Style for a Low Cost
Ferrari Scuderia Black Eau De Toilette Spray For Men- Scuderia Black opens with red apple, plum, and bergamot leading the way. This fruity aroma is warm and spicy with the added notes of cinnamon and cardamom.
This Ferrari scent is like a cheaper version of Boss Bottled. It dries down with woods, vanilla, and amber. A very nice buy for under $20.
I like the plum note in here, which while not too heavy, does add tart aroma to the composition. This gives Scuderia Black a more unique feel than just being a Boss Bottled clone.
The Ferrari line does produce a lot of scents that provide a great bang for your buck and Scuderia Black is among my favorites. Sweet/warm/slight spice/woodsy. It hits so many different check marks and is something that will work well for lots of guys. Ferrari Scuderia Black Review
Third Time’s the Charm
Versace L’Homme by Versace for Men – 3.4 Ounce EDT Spray
L’Homme has depth and style. It opens up with that signature Versace Italian citrus, this time, lemon and bergamot.
The next level is cinnamon, leather, and a woodsy floral mix. Clean citrus and leather, with a rough finish from the dry earthy notes in the base. Smooth, dry, and fresh spice. Versace L’Homme is still one of their best and most affordable parfums.
Best Clean Crowd Pleaser
Curve by Liz Claiborne for Men – 4.2 Ounce Cologne Spray
People always react positively to this one it seems, as Curve’s unique blend of notes, just draws people in. For an inexpensive cologne, this is a complement machine.
There are fruity elements such as pineapple, citrus, and juniper berries which play off a calm and clean lavender note. It is super fresh with a slight spice provided by pepper and ginger. However, the outdoorsy elements really set this Liz Claiborne creation apart.
It’s got a floral charm while being masculine and uses mahogany and cactus as a part of its base. An almost perfect choice for the younger guy, as it is non-offensive, doesn’t cost much, and is quite versatile in a number of situations. My review of Curve
Woody Inexpensive Masterpiece
Zino Davidoff by Zino Davidoff for Men Eau De Toilette Spray, 4.2 Ounce
Masculine with enough sweetness in vanilla and floral notes. Yet, it is mainly a deep woody/patchouli fragrance that sits beautifully in the colder air of late autumn and winter. Very well done. Smooth and not too heavy, but with enough performance to get through a standard work day.
Earthy with a dry woods, it comes together as clean, but definitely has an underlying dirtiness. 80s fragrance, that gives you something different from most modern colognes.
Masculine, Designer Style
Ferragamo Black– Ferragamo Black is a very popular option for guys, who want something awesome for under $30. This is probably because of its similarities to La Nuit by YSL which it does share plenty of overlap with, but it isn’t an exact clone.
It features a very prominent lavender note, which is paired with crisp apple from the opening, this is a familiar aroma in a lot of men’s scents.
Later, the creamy tonka bean comes out with a sharp black pepper note, to give it a great masculine blend. For the price, this has to be included in a list of the best cheapies for men.
Unique and Attractive for a Small Price
Guess Seductive Men Edt Spray, 3.4 Ounce
Guess Seductive begins with mandarin orange and a wonderful cardamom milk, which gives it a blend of fruity sweetness and warm spice. Then, the pink pepper comes in, and begins its strengthening from there.
It’s all wrapped up together with musk and amber, with some orchid bringing a floral vibe underneath the main notes. The performance has always been solid for me, with a decent sillage, that can get noticed.
Notes include: Cardamom Milk, Pink Pepper, Patchouli, Sandalwood, And Musk. Read my review here!
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Best Men’s Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with different fragrances, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, I have written hundreds of reviews and other pages about perfumes and colognes.