Burberry Hero EDT vs. Parfum

Hero is the popular line of men’s fragrances from Burberry. What started with an original EDT release, has now included an EDP, and a Parfum. I have tested out each of them and put these scents through their paces.

In this post, I want to focus on comparing the original EDT with Hero Parfum. Break down how each smells, performs, and which I think is the better buy from Burberry.

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Tale of the Tape: Hero EDT vs. Parfum

Hero EDT

Notes include: cedar, bergamot, juniper, black pepper

Click here to try: Hero EDT

Read my review: Hero by Burberry

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Hero Parfum

Notes include: cedar, amyris, cypriol oil

Click here to try: Hero Parfum by Burberry

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Opening

Hero EDT starts things off with a lightly spiced, citrusy aromatic tone. The citrus note isn’t overwhelming, but it does have a major role in the start. Along with, the ever-present cedar accord, which will really dominate the latter parts of the wear.

But, early, the cedar and juniper will pretty much split duties. Aromatic, but a touch sweet and quite fresh. Black pepper isn’t highly concentrated in the blend. However, I do think that it is a great addition to the citrus and woods.

With Hero Parfum, there’s going to be a lot of cedar in the mix. This one is earthier, woodsy, with a pine/balsamic aroma from the amyris note up top.

The pine is similar to Hero EDP, but this fragrance has a different smell to my nose, than that one.

Warm, fresh/spice, dry, and woodsy character. To me, this just comes across like a Santal 33, but with cedar as the main attraction instead of sandalwood. No, it doesn’t have papyrus or anything like that, just really has a similar style.

Hero Parfum is darker and starts to take on a sweeter and more resinous smell, as we move along.

Between them, I seem to come back to the opening act of Hero EDT more often. It’s got a very nice start, mass appealing, and not too complicated.

Edge: Hero EDT

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Projection

EDT starts out above average in its ability to project. It’s not a heavy fragrance, pretty moderate, but can get a decent sent trail going.

After the first hour, it’s middle of the road, before descending into a skin scent in the waning hours.

Hero Parfum isn’t a complete powerhouse, but the first few hours are strong on me. If I spray it on a shirt that I have laying around, the projection is quite good, and definitely gives you more than the EDT.

After that, it’s in the upper range of moderate. Never weak until the very end of the wear, on that is going to be noticeable on you throughout the day.

Edge: Hero Parfum

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Longevity

Hero EDT is a solid performer, especially for an eau de toilette concentration. For me, it’s always gone 7-8 hours on skin before disappearing. A full work day, is about what it’s capable of.

However, Parfum takes this category. I’m not sure when it quits, but this newer release got me 10+ hours of wear out of it. Better than both of the previous entries in the series.

Burberry Hero Parfum is a really good performer. If you like the scent, you get your money’s worth for sure.

Edge: Parfum

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Versatility

Hero EDT can venture into the warmer days of the year, much better than Parfum. It’s they type of scent that can pretty much go year round. I wouldn’t go with it on the hottest or coldest days, but outside of that EDT is better at fitting in.

Parfum is better suited for autumn through early spring. It’s not so heavy that it’s a winter only scent or anything, I actually think it’ll be best to wear in the autumn.

Both of these scents can be daily wears, but I think that’s truer for EDT, at least for most people. I could see using Hero Parfum on a night out, when it is a bit crisp outside.

Not too much separation in this category, but I’ll say EDT has the edge.

Edge: Hero EDT

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Overall Scent

Overall, which of these two fragrances do I prefer?

While I think that Hero Parfum is an improvement over the EDP version, I still like the original Hero EDT most of all.

It’s a close call, but EDT is one that I have a slight preference for. Neither of these is a scent that I completely love.

Hero Parfum is a nice woody fragrance. Again, it strikes me as a more masculine and cedar-based Santal 33. Earthier, a bit fresher, without the same level of a powdery dry down.

Although, Parfum does have some powdery qualities here. Actually, I like Santal more than this, as the Le Labo works well on my skin.

With Hero EDT, I like the more varied mix of notes. Not just a mass of cedar, I also get citrus, juniper, and some spice from the black pepper.

Sure, it doesn’t have the same level of performance as Hero Parfum, but EDT is just more enjoyable for me to wear.

I’m not personally in the market to buy either one of these colognes, but the price difference is substantial. I’ve seen bottles of Hero EDT for well under $100 at discounters, and Parfum, I saw retail for $180.

Of course, you should still try Parfum out if you get a chance, to see how you feel about it. But, I think most people will be better served by picking up the original.

Winner: Hero EDT