1 Million vs Armani Code Cologne Comparison

Over the past 10-15 years, two of the best selling men’s fragrances, have been our two competitors featured in this post. 1 Million by Paco Rabanne vs. Code by Giorgio Armani. They are extremely well known, well loved, but which option is the better cologne? Which lasts longer? Which should you buy?

Tale of the Tape

1 Million

Notes include: Mint, Grapefruit, Rose, Patchouli, Amber, Cinnamon, White woods, Blond leather, Blood orange, Spice notes

Click here to try: Paco Rabanne 1 Million By Paco Rabanne For Men Edt Spray, 3.4 Ounce

Read my review: 1 Million

Armani Code

Notes include: citrus, lavender, apple, leather, tobacco, star anise, woods

Click here to try: Armani Code By Giorgio Armani For Men. Eau De Toilette Spray 4.2 Oz.

Read my review: Armani Code

Opening

The opening of 1 Million is a blend of notes, that is quite bold, and starts off with plenty of power. It’s a mix of mint, blood orange, leather, rose, and grapefruit. It’s a mix of spice and sweet, with warmth and cooler elements. All of this is surrounded by a nice amber note.

Armani Code kicks off with citrus and apple, being fairly strong at the top. It turns more powdery with some spiciness from notes anise, tobacco, and leather. The fruity notes start to fade, somewhat after the first minutes.

Which is better? I like how Code starts off, its quite nice. However, I prefer the beginning of 1 Million. It’s intensity and depth, is a bit more engaging, and the smell is better to me.

Edge: 1 Million

Projection

Armani Code has some power, at the start, but is really pretty moderate for the majority of the wear. The newer bottles, don’t seem to have the same strength. Meanwhile, 1 Million has a very strong sillage, and has always had the reputation of being able to fill up a room.

Update: Newer 1 Million bottles also don’t seem to have that same power and longevity, but are still better than Code EDT.

Edge: 1 Million

Longevity

Code used to be better, in this regard. I could get 8 hours of wear from it. Now, it seems to go 5-6 hours. Either way, it never hit the same level as the Paco Rabanne. 1 Million will go for over 10 hours. It pretty easily wins this category. Update: 1 Million is now around 8 hours.

Edge: 1 Million

Versatility

Due to its sillage and somewhat youthful vibe, 1 Million mainly gets relegated to nighttime use. Plus, it holds up better in the colder months of the year. So, a casual or nightlife scent. Not a workplace wear.

Code, on the other hand, can venture into the office. It is good for nighttime wear, casual, or even more formal events. It’s also better in the colder climate, but it has more uses than 1 Million.

Edge: Code

Overall Scent

Armani Code is still a really good pick for a daily wear. It’s got solid versatility and performance, even if it’s lost a step. The smell itself is still a beautiful composition. The powdery elements, the apple, citrus, leather, and creamy tonka bean are all great. For many guys, it will be the better choice, out of these two based on lifestyle and need.

However, which one is better? I still like 1 Million more than the Armani. Yes, it skews to a younger wearer, but this scent can still be a great wear. I’ve always loved its boldness and the awesome blend and balancing act between different aromas and styles.

Beyond that, the performance has always been great for me. Strong, bold, and something that I can throw on during certain occasions and completely love wearing it. Both of these scents are great, 1 Million, just a little more so.

Update: If you’re looking for Code, I would nowadays go with Code EDP for the closest thing to the original. Code EDT just doesn’t hold up anymore. You could also go with the other Code flankers, which are great, but smell somewhat different.

Winner: 1 Million

Best Men's Colognes

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.