WE'VE SAID it before and we’ll say it again—cologne is a personal game. Some of us stick with the same signature scent for years, others switch it up daily based on our moods, outfits, the weather, a whole host of other reasons. There’s no right way to do it, just like there’s no right way to buy it.
Some people are willing to spend a little more on luxury fragrances—more power to them—but many of us don’t see the need to shell out an entire paycheck just for a bottle of cologne. Luckily, the options for affordable colognes are endless. That doesn’t mean they’re all good, however. You don’t want to be that guy who reeks of overpowering “cheap” cologne. That’s where we come in. Pick up any of the affordable options on this list and we guarantee no one will know you didn’t drop some serious coin.
Like the Drakkar Noir you may remember, this new update is sexy and deep, but now features an herbal freshness with the addition of sage, bergamot, lavender, and juniper and a more modern vibe that lasts from day well into the night.
When you think of your classic masculine cologne, you’re probably thinking of something like this Stetson scent. It was released four decades ago, but still smells just as tough and masculine as it did back then. It’s not subtle, but isn’t that the point?
Not every cologne needs to be in-your-face. This fresh, sporty scent is ideal to spray on after the gym or during the day when you need a little pick-me-up. It’s fresh and clean smelling, but isn’t so intense that it lasts for hours.
Not only does this body spray smell just as fancy as some colognes five times the price, but it also deodorizes your body—helping to neutralize odor instead of just covering it up. It’s surprisingly subtle, so don’t be afraid to use it throughout the day to freshen up.
LIke the original Vince Camuto Homme, this version plays heavy into woody notes that stick around your skin and give you a strong, masculine vibe. What’s different, though, is the added freshness of citrus and ginger that give a little zing of crispness to your first sprtizes.
Polo Blue is a classic because its fresh, crisp scent is instantly identifiable. It lends a confident air without overpowering the room like some similar scents, but still lasts for hours on our skin. It’s the ultimate versatile scent—equally appropriate in the office as it is on a date.
First introduced in the 1920’s as the original Kiehl’s apothecary’s “Love Oil,” this scent has stood the test of time because it’s just that good. It’s very musk forward, but is tempered with notes of bergamot, neroli, orange blossom and more.
The carton is Forest Stewardship Council certified
Cons
Not great for night
Aquatic fragrances are ideal for warmer months, when the pull of the ocean is at its strongest. But they’re also good year round to bring a little sunshine and freshness to your vibe. Spray some of this whenever you want to feel the ocean breeze.
Fragrance Family
Aquatic, Fresh
Size
1.6 oz
Notes
Eucalyptus, bergamot, water lily, jasmine, sandalwood, cedar
Is there any scent that better captures the 90’s? The answer, of course, is no. It’s genderless, but what that means for you is a subtle fresh, citrusy scent that gets muskier—and sexier—as it dries down.
This smokey, spicy fragrance is genderless in the best way possible. It has traditionally masculine notes like juniper, fir balsam and white moss but then is tempered down a bit with tonka bean and patchouli for a completely unique scent that will definitely make a statement.
Fragrance Family
Woody, Spicy
Size
30 ml, 10 ml
Notes
Juniper, bergamot, fir balsam, tonka, vanilla bean, white moss, patchouli
Best Spicy Affordable Cologne
Hawthorne Sophisticated and Spicy Oud Play Cologne
Best Spicy Affordable Cologne
Hawthorne Sophisticated and Spicy Oud Play Cologne
You’ll usually find rich-smelling, earthy oud in luxury fragrances because, well, it’s expensive. Somehow, this scent captures the vibes of fragrances three times the price. The deep, spicy quality of this cologne will make an impression—and have everyone wondering how much you shelled out.
A scent this fresh and clean deserves an award, which is why we gave it a Men’s Health Grooming Award. It’s incredibly versatile, but best used during the day when you want that just showered freshness to stick with you until the sun goes down.
Not only does this body spray smell just as good as any cologne on this list, but the formula also contains prebiotics to help reduce body odor and sweat absorbing ingredients to keep you dry. Spray it on in the morning, after the gym, or any other time you want without the risk of a cloud of chemically scent.
Fragrance Family
Fresh
Size
3.4 oz
Notes
Lemon, green apple, mandarin orange, green violet leaves, patchouli, white musk
Garrett Munce writes about men's style and grooming. He's written for Esquire, New York Magazine, Spotlyte, and Very Good Light and held staff positions at GQ and W. Follow his skincare obsession on Instagram at @garrettmunce.