Choosing the best cheap cologne can seem challenging. With so many fragrance options available, how do you know you are selecting the best scent to compliment your personal style? Is your fragrance attractive to others? Does the best cheap cologne smell, well, cheap?
The Best Cheap Cologne For Men Reviews
Adidas Moves For Men Eau de Toilette Spray
Our Top Recommendation
- MAKE YOUR MOVE: Wear ADIDAS Moves for Him Eau de Toilette Spray, a crisp and invigorating fougère...
- TOPPED WITH FRESHNESS: Energizing top notes of green apple, anise, Italian parsley, peppermint,...
- A TOUCH OF ELEGANCE: Smooth heart notes of cedarwood, musk, lavender, and jasmine
- AN EARTHY BASE: Authentic base notes of muguet, sandalwood, oak moss, and thyme
If you want to save yourself a bunch of reading and see our final vote, the Adidas Moves For Men Eau de Toilette Spray wins as the top choice for the best cheap cologne for men.
Adidas is no longer a brand for just shoes and activewear lines. Their venture into the cologne industry has created Adidas Moves For Men Eau de Toilette spray as a wonderful combination of woody, floral and masculine scents. Top notes of this cologne include black pepper, green apple, mint, pineapple, and mandarin orange.
For the length of your day, the middle notes of cedar, lavender, and geranium flourish. The long-lasting cologne finishes off with notes of sandalwood and thyme. This Eau de Toilette Spray is a delicious, woody, cheap cologne for first-time consumers.
David Beckham Instinct Eau De Toilette Spray
- All our fragrances are 100% originals by their original designers.
- This item is by designer Beckham.
- Due to manufacturer packaging changes, product packaging may vary from image shown.
- Packaging for this product may vary from that shown in the image above
Fame does not equal expense with the David Beckham Instinct Eau De Toilette Spray, with no compromise on quality. This fragrance is as sexy as the star himself, which makes this Eau de Toilette spray an ideal cheap cologne to be worn for a romantic evening out.
A stronger scent, notes found throughout its entire wear include bergamot, vetiver, mandarin orange, pimento, star anise, and patchouli. This is a very sensual product.
Usually, colognes branded using a celebrity’s name are not the best for everyone. The reason is that it suits the needs and preferences of their celebrity namesake. However, David Beckham Instinct Eau de Toilette spray is not such a cologne. Considering the retail price, this Eau de Toilette spray is a great perfume sold at an affordable rate.
The good thing about this cologne is that it has a top note of citrus orange. This note does not fade until red pimento and star anise are medium notes. You can find this Eau De Toilette in most retail stores in the market. Most of these stores have a “try it before you buy it” option to help you make a sound decision.
Nautica Classic For Men
- Aldehydes, Lime, Coriander, Cypress, Cinnamon, Tarragon, Clary Sage, Neroli, Bergamot And Lemon
- Cyclamen, Jasmine, Caraway, Rose And Geranium
- Sandalwood, Amber, Patchouli, Musk, Oakmoss And Cedar
- Packaging for this product may vary from that shown in the image above
Nautica Classic For Men is a cologne staple, and for good reason. Nautica fragrances have a history of making men feel confident while being appealing to others. This best cheap cologne is extremely masculine without being overpowering.
The top notes of this Nautica scent are a beautiful blend of lime, coriander, cypress, aldehydes, clay, sage, and lemon. Underneath are middle notes of geranium, rose, and caraway, which melts into final base notes that include oakmoss, patchouli, sandalwood, amber, and cedar. This Nautica Cologne is a classic, go-to cologne.
Yacht Man Metal By Myrurgia
- Designed for men
- For casual use
- This product is made of high quality material
- Fragrance introduced by Myrurgia
The Yacht Man Metal By Myrurgia is a fan favorite for its masculinity and accessibility. What makes it so appealing is that although it is best worn during the spring and summer, it works appropriately for both daytime and nighttime wear all year long.
This cologne contains a unique blend of aromas which include a number of different citrus notes combined with interesting spicy notes. It is finished off with musky and woody notes that are very appealing. This long-lasting Eau de Toilette is an excellent choice for something fun and different, and definitely more affordable than an Eau de Parfum.
Nautica Voyage
- Aromatic, aquatic fragrance for men
- 100% authentic, unopened and original
- Nautica Voyage n-83 was launched in 2013
- 3.4 Fl Oz
The Nautica Voyage, just as the name suggests, gives you the feeling of setting sail and going on an adventure on the water. On opening the bottle, you will smell good with some musk, mimosa, watery, and apple notes.
Nautica Voyage has a cold water scent that is similar to smelling dew or cucumber. You can also get a fragrance for men of wet moss and floral undertones.
Many colognes for men with an apple aroma have a candied apple scent. For Nautica Voyage, you will find it has more of a light and natural non-candied apple fragrance. For some people, the opening may not wear fast enough. However, once the Nautica Voyage settles, you get a pleasant scent with a summer vibe. The addition of musk and floral notes give it a green smell.
With time you will pick up more oakmoss and cedar. These notes go well with the main apple scent. While the musk will be less noticeable, you can easily smell great with the dew scent. As a result, the Nautica Voyage perfume becomes more smooth and clean.
When it comes to the base, you get a drier profile. At this point, you get less aquatic and more outdoor fresh. This mainly happens as the fresh, light fragrance starts to wear off. You may also notice a hint of saltiness at this point. Take note that some people can pick up the fresh scent while others do not.
For the best results, avoid wearing this light fragrance for a date. It’s better you wear it mostly during the day. You will notice people will enjoy staying close to you thanks to its subtle, fresh charm and youthful sensibility. An hour into wearing it will let you see how it is linear and straightforward.
When it comes to seasons, the recommendation is summer and spring. Although you can use it in fall and winter, it will seem out of place. For such seasons, you should look for other options designed specifically for them.
The good thing about it is it is a daytime perfume. Unlike an Eau de Parfum, you can wear it to work or school. It is a great option for all daytime activities, especially water and beach-related activities.
The fresh, light fragrance for men is more for mature adults and may not work well with young adults and teenagers.
Armaf Club De Nuit Intense Man
- Top Notes: Bergamot , Lemon , Pineapple , Black Current
- Heart Notes: Birch , Jasmine , Rose
- Base Notes: Vanilla, AMbergris, Patchouli
This Armaf Club De Nuit Intense Man is one of the perfumes with the most controversy. For instance, if you go into social forums about perfumes for men, you will see various stories about it that are controversial. The only thing these discussions seem to agree on is the affordability of the perfume.
All the same, the majority of men who have bought it have given positive reviews about the perfume. Some men have said it is more synthetic than other fragrances at the same price point. Club de Nuit Intense Man is more popular among the younger generation like young adults and teenagers.
Apart from being affordable, one of the benefits of getting Club de Nuit Intense Man Eau de Toilette is you can wear it on any occasion. The best time of the year to wear it is during summer. However, it can also work great during early fall and late spring. The fragrance does not give off the best scent if you wear it in winter.
You can also wear this long lasting Eau de Toilette during the day or night as long as it is during the above time of the year. It is fitting during hot and sunny days. It is also great during warm nights. The fruity notes make it more moderate and decidedly virile.
Sean John Unforgivable
- Impress people everywhere you go with the romantic scent of this Sean John Unforgivable body spray....
- Packaging may vary
- Beauty and personal care product
- This product is not a Tester
A new chapter in the celebrity trend was brought about by the launch of Sean John Unforgivable. Since the owner’s clothing label was popular, it is a shame the perfume was not released earlier when Sean John’s clothesline was being launched. Despite Sean Combs’ music not being a favorite among everyone, the fragrance is hands down one of the best affordable colognes for men.
A master perfumer known as Dave Apel created this fragrance. He has developed it to give it sophistication and a subtle and elegant composition similar to an Eau de Parfum that makes it a favorite among men. Additionally, it is quite affordable making it possible for just any man to buy it.
Sean Jean Unforgivable combines its ingredients in a way that gives you a smell similar to oranges and tangerines that are left in the sun. Ozonic notes lace the freshness of the pulp and the warmth permeating the fruit.
Some marine-themed fragrances have a typical synthetic and sharp zing that makes up an ozonic element. Unforgivable doesn’t have this. Instead, it offers a cool and bright leitmotif to the green herbs, warm fruity richness, and sparkling citrus. A sweet element bound by a sea breeze accord balances out the composition.
The top notes you get on opening have a quality of fig skin, silky and soft. There is a fruit tonality emphasized by creamy apple sweetness and spicy verdancy of basil. For the middle notes, you may get some herbal scents such as raisin and rosemary to contrast the spicy notes. Men who have been to Liguria may find the smell similar to one of the raisin tarts sold there.
You may also notice some gourmand notes are not easily smelled. These are balanced out by the aquatic notes to keep them at a comfortable level. Base notes consist of amber woods. These contrast the musky notes that provide a radiant freshness. The base notes ensure the fragrance maintains the crisp coolness and fruity sweetness of the cologne.
The best seasons for wearing Unforgivable is autumn and winter. Although you can wear it during summer and fall, the masculine scent is best for winter and autumn. Since the main scents are fruity, aromatic, and woody, it is best for the evening and casual occasions.
4711 Original Eau de Cologne
- This is a refined fruity fragrance
- This unisex scent possesses a blend of citrus oils, lemon, orange, light floral rose, and sandalwood...
- It is recommended for daytime wear.
- Packaging for this product may vary from that shown in the image above
4711 Original Eau de Cologne is a perfume company that uses a traditional formulation of alcohol, water, flower extracts, herbals, and citrus oils. The formulation has seen subtle changes over the years to update the formula. As a result, the masculine scent of 4711 Eau de Cologne is fresh, crisp, and clean.
When you wear 4711 Eau de Cologne, you will notice top notes of lemon, bergamot, and orange. There are notes of basil, lemon and peach that are a bit subdued. Middle notes are Bulgarian rose, lily, melon, and cyclamen, overshadowed by basil and jasmine. These two notes are more prominent than the rest.
Base notes on the 4711 Eau de Cologne are oakmoss, cedar, sandalwood, Tahitian vetiver, patchouli, and musk. These give the masculine fragrance a lasting impression. Most men state the notes you can smell most are sandalwood, musk, and Tahitian vetiver. You can also smell good with some peach and lemon in the background.
The best time to wear 4711 Eau de Cologne is during spring due to the strong blossoming notes best suited for spring. However, you can also use it during the summer. A splash around the neck during hot summer days will leave you feeling instantly refreshed.
While you can also wear the 4711 Eau de Cologne during autumn, it will not work best in winter. It is mainly a daytime fragrance and will feel out of place if you use it at night. Although it is mainly a mature fragrance, younger men can use it. The 4711 Eau de Cologne is a great layering fragrance that you can combine with other scents to come up with a unique experience.
While it is mainly a casual perfume, it’s best to use the 4711 Eau de Cologne for your workplace. The fact that it is comforting makes it a great choice for men who have stressful working hours. It is also a unisex fragrance, even though the scent is more masculine than feminine.
Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb
- Viktor & Rolf present the male equivalent of the famous Flower bomb fragrance (2005) and the second...
- Spicebomb is recommended for daytime or casual use
- The designer duo wanted to give men the fragrance that is Flower bomb to women, bearing in mind that...
- The package dimension of the product is 7cmL x 7.6cmW x 12.7cmH
Generally, the Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb has a pleasant and rich aroma that evokes winter. It gives off a scent that reminds the user of Christmas spices and potpourri, which are popular around Christmas. These scents may be the reason why some men find it would be also a good option for scenting a room during this festive season.
Men who felt a spray would be distracting when worn think it’s best for scenting a room were older at 30 years old and above. Younger men found it to be very good and they love it. These are people who are teenagers and in their early to mid-twenties.
Without a doubt, Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb is a winter fragrance. You can also wear a spray or two of the bottle during autumn, especially during the cold days of the season. However, it doesn’t have an impact when you use it during summer and spring. This means you should get it mainly for winter occasions and activities.
The perfume is designed with a young person in mind. Anyone between teenage and mid-twenties will appreciate the fragrance. Men who are older than this age group may find they are out of place when they wear it.
This Eau de Toilette spray is an ideal perfume during cold winter days and nights. The fragrance is capable of warming you up a few degrees. You can use it for romantic encounters or casual gatherings. With this mind, you can use it when you are shopping during Christmas or for any occasion during this time.
Adidas Deep Energy Skulls and Roses
- It is recommended for daily wear
- The composition is built of a perfect harmony of sweet and salty notes of sea water and nuances of...
- This is high quality product made of high quality material
One of the things you will notice with Adidas Deep Energy Skulls and Roses is the low price for a great smelling perfume. This spray has a more sporty feel than a casual feel. This is why it may be best to only wear a spray or two for sporting events.
On opening, you get a crisp green apple note spray with a citrus blast of bergamot mandarin orange. You can notice a musky undertone of musk the moment you open the bottle. For most men, this fresh-smelling scent is not heavy and does not offend. As it settles, you may find it hard to differentiate the fruity notes as they seem to blend into one note.
After opening, you will notice a lavender scent kicking in later joined by a wood base of cedar. It will retain its sporty edge but still give a soothing and fresh scent. Deep Energy has a pleasant and crisp scent, and it is not overly fruity.
It is an invigorating choice thanks to the green apples and mandarin notes. Other colognes at the same price point tend to overpower. However, Adidas Deep Energy Eau de Toilette is subtle making it give you a pleasant and unique experience.
When it comes to sillage, this Eau de Toilette is closer to the skin and moderate after the first hour of wearing it. Instead of constantly demanding attention, it is more of a refreshing and light cologne for men. Longevity is quite impressive as it can last for approximately six hours before it starts to fade. It may need one reapplication if you plan on using it for more than 8 hours.
You can wear it as you run errands or when you go to work. It is a great choice for an everyday cologne for men who don’t want to break the bank. You can wear it mostly during the summer and spring.
The sporty scent is great for occasions where you are physically active. It is a great choice for young men who are in school or college and want a simple and fresh scent.
Why You Should Wear The Best Cheap Colognes
Smell is our strongest sense yet studies show that 80% of men go without daily wear of an aromatic fragrance. This is due to:
- a lack of exposure to the practice;
- not enough education on the process;
- and the misunderstanding that wearing cologne means an expensive investment.
Even the best cheap colognes for men build confidence, relieve stress, and appeal to others. They make a statement about who you are, which is the best reason to wear it.
How To Select the Best Cheap Colognes
What is most important, when selecting a cologne you love, is that you enjoy how a fragrance enhances you. As you explore your options, input from others is important but it is you who must appreciate it most.
The method of choosing the best cheap colognes for men is surprisingly simple. It is helpful, when first starting out, to test if the cologne complements your natural body odor over the course of a day and responds well to your skin.
In between testing colognes, refresh your palate by smelling coffee beans or tea leaves. If you are in a store, avoid using test papers as it does not give the range of smells you will experience on your own skin.
When it is time to purchase the best cheap colognes for men, buy a smaller bottle of multiple aromas so you can continue to narrow in on what you love; your preferences may change. Bottle size is usually between 1 oz. to 3.4 oz. but larger bottle sizes may be available as well.
The Four Ranges Of Scent For Cologne
There are four ranges of scent to choose from in men’s cologne:
- Floral;
- Oriental;
- Woody;
- and fresh.
As you test the best cheap colognes for men, notice that each has lighter to bolder notes within their range that shine through depending on the length of wear and test of time of day or evening. Changes in your body chemistry and temperature play an important role in this.
Play with the different ranges of scent to see which is most pleasing to you. Spray or dab a different scent on each wrist. Pay attention to how the fragrance reacts to your body chemistry; you do not want to choose a cheap cologne that is too overpowering. As the saying goes, fragrance should be discovered, not announced.
What To Notice When Buying The Best Cheap Cologne For You
Keep in mind that a fragrance, even the best cheap cologne, has a three-part cycle of strength and smell:
- The lightest notes of a scent are detectable when you first apply the cologne and may last for only a few minutes. These are normally the most aromatic or citrus in odor.
- The main elements of a fragrance are found during two to five hours after application. This is considered the heart of the perfume. During this time you will find the cologne’s most floral, spicy, or green elements will be detected.
- As the day comes to an end, you will find that the boldest, longest lasting notes will arise to finish the cycle. The woody base or smoky fragrances will appear.
Conclusion
Selecting the best cheap cologne for you is an enjoyable experience and enhances what you bring to the table. Have fun with it! And remember, just because the price is inexpensive, it does not mean that the fragrance is cheap.