12 Of The Best Cheap Colognes That Would Fool Even The Best Fragrance Experts in 2022

Finding a cheap fragrance is easy, but choosing the best cheap cologne can be tough. It seems like tons of colognes promise a manly musk at a dirt cheap price yet fade quickly. Meanwhile, scents that are seemingly worthwhile cost hundreds of dollars per ounce. 

When choosing your signature scent or the perfect gift, good taste doesn’t have to come at a steep price. There’s no reason to invest in a $400 bottle of Creed when you can keep scrolling and purchase a near flawless knockoff.

Choosing the best cheap cologne is crucial for tastemakers men who crave the scent that smells the most like them while also suiting every occasion. Finding that signature fragrance without breaking the bank is icing on the cake. 

You don’t need a good sense of smell to find the best cheap cologne for men. With the following list, every single option is worth considering. With base, heart, and top notes that are woody, fruity, fresh, and mellow, we have all of the best men’s cheap colognes right under your nose. 

Get ready to indulge your senses and scroll on for the best scents, from trendy to truly timeless.

For the guy searching for just one versatile but one of the best cheap colognes that will do it all, day or night, this is the option for you.  

When it comes to smell, price, and staying power (both on the marketplace and on the skin), Curve by Liz Claiborne tops every list. It contains the perfect blend of top notes like lavender with longer-lasting developing notes like cardamom. 

Dry elements like sandalwood and black pepper also offer a slow burn with an exotic flair. Don’t believe us? Just check the nearly 12,000 positive Amazon reviews. Not only will this scent stick with you, but it’ll also trail behind you in a memorable fashion.

Whether you spritz it on during the day for the office or at night for drinks, Curve is truly the most versatile cologne on the marketplace. Perfectly balanced and manly with just the right hint of spice, snag this choice for about $20. 

Notes: Pineapple, Juniper, Sandalwood, Lavender, Pepper | Size: 4.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Type: Eau de cologne

While the smell is certainly subjective, consistency is key when searching for the best of all. Time and again, reviewers are drawn to the intoxicating scent of the aptly named Seductive from Guess, which is best for the guy looking to stand out with a unique yet undeniably delicious scent. 

We love it because it is a rather unique scent that should attain classic status, but for whatever reason, this one flies under the radar. Warm and smooth with opening notes of mandarin orange, this sweet scent lingers. 

Once the amber notes open up, it becomes unbelievably inviting. Mellow ingredients like pink pepper, which is calmer than black pepper, pair well with cardamom milk. The slight orchid note blends everything together for a scent that truly glows on the skin. 

Notes: Orchid, Cardamom milk, Pink pepper, Amber | Size: 3.4oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Type: Eau de toilette

For the classic guy searching for that perfect blend of floral and masculine, this Versace scent will be sure to impress.

When it comes to scents, it’s always a good idea to turn to Versace. At roughly $41 for 1.7 ounces, it’s not exactly the best bang for your buck, but it’s an extremely high-quality fragrance that is available for under $50. 

This scent is for the man who wants it all sophisticatedly. Citrusy top notes give way to the floral sage and hyacinth before mellowing into amber and musk base notes. It is suitable for all weather, both day and night. 

Notes: Orange, Sage, Amber, Musk | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Type: Eau de toilette

You don’t have to know much about scents to know about this best cheap cologne, Drakkar, launched by the Guy Laroche fashion house in 1982. For decades, this cologne has provided spicy and sharp notes for guys of all ages — especially those who are not afraid of an intense scent.

Notes of citrus and spice combine with subtle fruit notes for a unique, even scent that lasts from the afternoon into the wee hours of the morning. It’s known to be quite strong, so it definitely takes a confident man to pull off this musk. 

Notes: Sandalwood, Lavender, Spicy Berries | Size: 1.7oz | Type: Eau de toilette

Launched in 1974, this fragrance has endured the test of time, to say the least. The woody and oriental fragrance is described as sexy and sensual with an undeniable masculine sense of comfort and ease.

Halston Z-14 is known for smelling great to both men and women, with lots of natural notes combined to create a highly aromatic scent with citrus, woody, and warm spicy undertones. 

Top notes of lemon, gardenia, and basil provide an airy sweetness, while middle notes of jasmine, vetiver, and cedar sharpen. Lastly, a strong, woody base of patchouli and coriander will leave you feeling grounded. For around $20 on Amazon, I’d say this scent really packs the punch. 

Notes: Gardenia, Bergamot, Patchouli, Cedar | Size: 4.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Type: Eau de cologne

Forget everything you know about floral because Versace Man Eau Fraiche proves that the scent can indeed be masculine. Time and again, reviewers note how much this is the best cheap cologne to attract compliments, especially from women during the warmer months. And coming from a sexy brand like Versace, we believe them.

Citrusy and aromatic with the right balance of earthy thanks to sycamore wood, saffron, and amber, Versace Man Eau Fraiche has an aquatic feeling, so it’s perfect for spring, and summer, casual daytime wear, and of course, romantic dates. 

Notes: Lemon, Rosewood, Tarragon, Sycamore wood | Size: 1.7oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Type: Eau de toilette

F Black by Salvatore Ferragamo always finds its way onto the best cheap cologne lists as one of the perfect cold weather scents for mature men. It may be because of the man who created it, famed perfumer Olivier Polge, who currently works in-house at Chanel. It could also be because of its sophisticated and elegant scent, one of the main reasons why most men prefer it for a brisk night out.  

Notes of leather and amber constitute its base, while lavender, apple, and black pepper from Madagascar round things out. The initial scent often reads powdery, but the dry-down is much more balanced and lingers on the skin for over 6 hours. Not bad for under $50. 

Notes: Tonka beans, lavender  | Size: 3.4oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Type: Eau de toilette 

With a clear, crisp blue bottle and a name like Voyage, it’s clear that this scent is brisk, fresh, and perfect for making daily memories. Nautica makes many great scents that sparkle in the summertime. And they’re wildly popular, too. This easy, breezy scent boasts a whopping 72,000 positive Amazon reviews.

Because of its easy, clean scent, Nautica Voyage is the best option for everyday wear. If you’re taking this as a subtle hint that it doesn’t smell very strong, then think again. Notes of amber and cedarwood balance out green leaf apple and drenched mimosa for a manly musk that is both striking yet subtle. 

Notes: Amber, Cedarwood, Green Leaf, Apple | Size: 3.38 fl | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Type: Eau de toilette 

If you love the iconic One from Calvin Klein, then you’re sure to enjoy the modernized version, CK Everyone. Comprised of refreshing notes like ginger, citrus and fresh water, this scent is the ideal blend of both grounding wood and intoxicating floral.

Just as the name says, Everyone is for truly any person, so don’t be surprised if you find your girlfriend or roommate reaching for it as well. One of the best parts of CK Everyone is its dedication to cleanliness: this best budget cologne is vegan, and alcohol-free, and both the bottle and box are made of recyclable materials. 

Additionally, they boast a certified clean badge. While it tops just over $55, it’s still a great deal from a luxury brand. 

Notes: Citrus, Ginger, Fresh Water, Cedarwood | Size: 3.3 fl | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Type: Eau de toilette 

Celebrating its 41st year, Quorum is another one of those scents that has withstood the test of time. It’s definitely not your light and fresh scent that dominates the marketplace today, but rather a rich and heavy musk that helps you to stand out.

Quorum is a true musk with a rich leather scent that a manly man might flock to. Like many fragrances of this variety, it’s best in a casual environment. 

Don’t think because Quorum brings the heat that the scent isn’t well balanced. Pinetree, jasmine, lemon, grapefruit and bergamot provide plenty of depth. For around $15, what are you waiting for?

Notes: Artemisia, Lemon, Pinetree, Leather, Amber | Size: 3.40z | Type: Eau de toilette 

We all know Tommy Hilfiger as the classic all-American brand that evokes imagery of wholesome preppiness. This scent only furthers that notion and has been doing so since its creation in 1995. The most notable feature of this Tommy scent is its deliciously distinctive aroma. 

This scent evokes a feeling of youth packaged in a clean, fresh scent dominated by citrus notes. Juicy apple is cut by the tart bitterness of cranberry and grapefruit for a well-rounded smell. While it’s strong and definitely lasts, reviewers prefer this scent during the day. 

Notes: Apple, Mint, Cranberry, Cactus | Size: 3.3 oz | Cruelty Free: No | Type: Eau de cologne 

Nearly 14,000 people who have reviewed it would agree, Armaf Club de Nuit is sexy and masculine. Though looks shouldn’t matter, it’s hard to resist the sleek matte black bottle containing this intoxicating scent. 

While it isn’t quite as bright as Creed Aventus, it’s known that this is the best cheap cologne that acts as an imposter for the bougie man on a budget. With just the right amount of fruity notes, lemon and pineapple give way to smokey woods and musk undertones. 

It must be stated that it often smells harsh in the first 15 minutes after spraying, but the dry-down is more than worth it. Because of the delicious blend between fruity and masculine, this highly versatile cologne is great any time of day but is especially perfect for date night. 

Notes: Black currant, Pineapple, Vanilla, Birch | Size: 3.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No | Type: Eau de toilette 

What To Look For When Searching For The Best Cheap Cologne For Men

Notes/Smells

Perhaps the most crucial elements of the best affordable colognes are the notes that comprise its formula. Regardless of whether a scent is intentionally woodsy, floral, fruity, or balanced, most decent colognes contain top notes that are typically sweet or bitter. 

Heart or middle notes comprise 70% of the cologne and are usually fruity or floral. Earthy base notes are rich and provide the scents’ foundation. 

Size/Quantity

While the best bang for your buck is always a must, there are times when less is more. Smaller ounces make traveling a breeze and are perfect for trying out a scent that may be new to you. When purchasing one of the best cheap colognes, checking the size will determine how much fragrance you’ll get. Most are 3.4 ounces, but some come in around 1.7 ounces, which can drastically alter the price. 

Lasting appeal

Sure, a product can promise that it lasts a long time, but the only way to really know is to wear it on yourself. Luckily, nearly every website contains hundreds, if not thousands, of reviews.

It never hurts to do a little research to see how most people feel about the scent over time. Keep in mind, it’s the base notes of a fragrance that linger the longest.