8 Fragrances that Smell Similar to Armani Code

Ahhh, Armani Code. It has been around for 15+ years or so now, had its time in the sun, and still remains pretty popular. Nowadays, there are better options, especially in the Armani Code lineup than the original. However, the classic does still manage to have its charms.

This is why so many fragrance companies have created comparable scents to this cologne. In this post, I want to present some options for men, who want a similar smell to Armani Code or an alternative for less money.

---

What Colognes Smell Similar to Armani Code?

An Inspired Code

Ambery Lavender by Dossier– As far as fragrances that are inspired by the DNA of the original Armani Code, this one from Dossier is probably your best bet.

It seeks to get as close as possible to Code, by using the same sort of notes, and Ambery Lavender accomplishes this well. For under $30 (as of writing).

Clean with the light citrus, lavender, and tonka bean keeping things smooth. Plus, just enough spice to make it interesting. Worth trying out, if you want a good take on the original Code EDT.

---

Sporty Code

Code of Dua– So, Dua, went in another direction and created an inspired take on the old Armani Code Sport flanker.

That one, was a very fresh take with a greater use of the citrus top notes and a fairly strong mint coming through. Sport was discontinued a long time ago, but if you want to try it out, without spending crazy amounts on unsold bottles…this is what you’ll want.

The mint is joined by ginger, vetiver, and some kind of aquatic accord to give it that slightly spice and cool sporty vibe.

---

Close but Distinct

Ermenegildo Zegna Intenso Eau De Toilette Spray for Men, 3.4 Ounce– Intenso is a quality and fairly close aroma to Armani Code. The opening act is quite similar, with citrus, and then the later tonka bean smoothness. This Zegna cologne is similiar to Armani Code, yet, different enough to be it’s own thing.

Intenso is smooth with a solid dark feel that is balanced by a citrus sweet undertone. Intenso is softer, with more of a powdered aroma than Code, thanks to the attractive iris note. Not the best sillage, but it can be double sprayed, as it isn’t very expensive.

---

Dirt Cheap Impression

Hollywood Playboy by Coty for Men Eau De Toilette Spray 3.4 oz– Soft, powdery, and sweet like a very poor man’s Armani Code. But hey, for $5-10, you can go nuts with the sprays to make it last longer than the few hours it usually gives.

Hollywood is a mixed bag performance wise, though, it could serve a place in a teenager’s or younger man’s collection. The citrus in the beginning, isn’t of the same quality as the Armani, but the later vanilla, amber, and lavender are much better.

In the end, Hollywood overcomes its shaky start, and has a really nice aroma with a bit of floral and woods underneath.

---

Another Super Cheap Option

Cuba Brazil Copacabana Eau de Toilette Spray for Men, 3.3 Ounce– One of the lesser known fragrance offerings from Cuba. Copacabana opens up with a great citrus blend and floral notes, which gives it a bit of a powdery edge.

There’s a noticeable lavender and at least some rose within the composition. It is a fresh sorts of fragrance, which dries down with some clove spice, and underlying woody notes. Pretty straightforward fragrance, but smells quite nice, and has good performance.

Copacabana shares the citrus and powdery qualities of Code. A bit spicier and the dry down doesn’t have the same leathery vibe. If you want the absolute cheapest options, go with this and/or Playboy Hollywood.

---

Similar Style and Inexpensive

Antoino Banderas Seduction In Black for Men Eau-de-Toilette Spray, 3.4-Ounce– This one is more of an inexpensive cousin of Armani Code, rather than, being a clone of our target scent. Seduction in Black, is however, a very nice scent for the price.

The main similarities are the use of citrus and the heavy tonka bean in this Antonio Banderas fragrance. However, the black currant note gives this one more of a juiciness and sharpness.

This shares spicy qualities, but nutmeg, in lieu of anise. Dries down with some amber and musk. Performance is pretty good for this price level, but nothing insane. Just another cheapie option.

---

Newer and Better Code Flanker

Giorgio Armani Code Absolu EDP Eau de Parfum For Men 3.7oz– Code Absolu is a similar yet stand alone flanker to Armani Code…and it is better. Code Absolu opens up with nutmeg, rum, suede, and tonka bean. There is also a hint of citrus and crisp apple, in the background.

The spice of the nutmeg is dominant for a few minutes, before the suede and tonka bean really take over. The fresh spice here is great, nutmeg and rum, are surprisingly great together. The fruit notes, are also just strong enough, to prevent it being a completely dark fragrance.

This one is fresh, warm, with a nice sweetness from vanilla and tonka bean. The projection is strong, but not absurdly so, and the longevity consistently hits 10+ hours, on my skin. Again, it shares a similar DNA to the original Code, but stands alone with its fragrance. Code Absolu Full Review

Update: It’s been discontinued.

---

Another one in the $10-15 Range

Password By La Rive for Men EDT 2.5 oz / 75 ML– Password isn’t an exact one to one of Code, just pretty darn similar. It’s powdery and there is citrus in the mix, but it’s different on that aspect than the early stages of the Armani.

What you’re really going to get here is violet. Once the bergamot has settled down, it is a fresh lightly spiced powdery floral blend. Violet and jasmine. Not the highest quality, but the performance isn’t awful.

Is La Rive Password better than Code? No, but it’ll get you a very inexpensive alternative that can cover most of your bases.