In our honest opinion, Le Labo Thé Matcha 26 Eau de Parfum wins as the best overall cologne for men, thanks to its all-year-round suitability to wear, airy and soft scent, blends well together and clever release.
It's much more noticeable and attractive when a man can take good care of his hygiene and smell amazing. That’s indeed what most women want all men to do. By smelling great, it’s easier for women to remember you and what scent signifies you as a person. And the easiest way to do that is to acquire a great cologne.
But not every scent will suit you, just as women do with their perfumes. You might like something sweet, but for others, maybe on the musky, floral or woody side. There could be occasions when you want to find a cologne that accompanies you for work, date nights, etc. Maybe you don’t care about all that, maybe you want any cologne that is within your budget. Maybe under $500, $100, $50 or much less.
This is where you can find what you prefer and keep coming back to see what you want to try next. We compiled the ultimate mega list of all of the best colognes for you—whether you want to sort them on prices, scents or situations.
Read on after our picks for more info on how we review these products as the best colognes for men and what you should look for when shopping for them.
The Best Colognes for Men in 2025
Pros
Cons
While most colognes are seasonal or occasion-specific, Thé Matcha 26 works year-round and transitions seamlessly from office to evening. It's also remarkably comforting—something few premium colognes achieve. The creamy, slightly sweet character makes it addictive without being cloying. You'll find yourself reaching for it day after day, and isn't that exactly what the "best overall" should deliver?
- Key notes: Matcha tea accord, fig, vetiver, cedar woods, bitter orange
- Size: 0.5 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “It's a creamy, tiny bit citrusy, very light scent to be noticed by someone intimately. My husband loves this scent, said it was pleasant and calm, so I am buying a full bottle haha. Don't expect it to be something for people around you to notice. It's perfect for a relaxing day, cuddle and hug your loved one. Also suitable for work because it lingers long, yet only for you to enjoy it."
Pros
Cons
When someone unwraps this iconic dark brown bottle, they're getting more than cologne. They're receiving a modern classic that stands out in any collection. Since its 2007 debut, it's become a signature scent for those who appreciate luxury with substance. While it shines brightest in fall and winter, it's versatile enough for special occasions year-round. The unisex appeal makes it a safe yet impressive choice for anyone who appreciates sophisticated fragrances. Yes, it's a premium purchase, but that's exactly what makes it gift-worthy—they might not splurge on it for themselves.
- Key notes: Tobacco leaf, ginger, spice notes, tonka bean, cocoa, fruit accord
- Size: 1.0 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
A Sephora reviewer says: “Very powerful scent that is great for the winter weather. This smells like you are sitting in a Cigar Lounge with how realistic the tobacco note is; This scent is not for the feint of heart though as it pumps off the skin."
Related: Best Tom Ford Colognes
Pros
Cons
If you are new to fragrances, Nautica Voyage is a safe place to start. If you already have a collection, it’s a reliable go-to when you need something easy. It layers well, too. Try mixing it with a stronger cologne to create a more personal scent. Even though it’s affordable, it does not smell cheap or synthetic. It holds its own against more expensive brands.
- Key notes: Green leaves, apple, lotus, mimosa, musk, cedar, oakmoss, amber
- Size: 3.4 oz, 6.0 oz, 6.7 oz
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have completely finished this cologne now, and after using it almost every day for work, I can say it is very good for its price. It's a nice summery scent and projects well, although it only lasts around 5 hours—depending on whether you're doing physical activity. Would definitely recommend if you're looking for a cheap cologne for school or work."
Related: Best Cheap Colognes
Pros
Cons
Few fragrances have stood the test of time like Polo Ralph Lauren. Since 1978, this iconic scent has defined American masculinity in a bottle – sophisticated without trying too hard. While the collection has expanded to include Blue, Black, and Red variations for different occasions, the original Green remains the standard against which classic men's fragrances are measured. It's not just cologne; it's tradition in a bottle, passed down through generations of men who understand that true style never goes out of fashion.
- Key notes: Juniper berries, basil, artemisia, caraway, coriander, bergamot, pine tree needles, leather, chamomile, pepper, carnation, geranium, jasmine, rose, tobacco, oakmoss, patchouli, cedar, vetiver, musk, amber
- Size: 4.2 oz, 6.7 oz
An Amazon reviewer says: “This has been my favored scent since it hit the market in the late 70s."
A Macy's reviewer says: “My husband has used this brand for 20 years and only the green toilette. Thank you for keeping it on for sale. He gets compliments for the wonderful scent, and he's 75 years old."
Pros
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The sleek black bottle looks as sophisticated as the scent inside—something you won't mind displaying on your dresser. And if sustainability matters to you, Prada offers refillable options that reduce waste without sacrificing luxury.
- Key notes: Fresh patchouli, magnetic coumarin presence, wild musk
- Size: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
A Prada Beauty reviewer says: “Lasting effect is about 4 hours and gives off a good scent on date night when cuddling. It is best worn during cool weather, like springtime or in the fall. It is one of my favorites in my collection."
Pros
Cons
This 2015 release improves on the original EDT with richer concentration and better longevity. What makes it exceptional is its perfect balance of warmth and refinement—never cloying or overwhelming. Unlike many winter fragrances that feel heavy or dated, The One maintains a modern elegance. With 5-8 hours of longevity, it's the olfactory equivalent of dim lighting and good conversation—sophisticated, inviting, and undeniably attractive.
- Key notes: Grapefruit, coriander, basil cardamom, ginger, orange blossom amber, tobacco, cedar
- Size: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 5.1 oz
A Macy's reviewer says: “This is a very subtle fragrance. Even if you spray on a lot, the scent will mellow out. This is the type of fragrance that you spray on and you stop smelling it, but when your wife gets close, she smells it."
Pros
Cons
Since its 2008 launch, Versace Pour Homme has become the go-to for guys who want to smell amazing without trying too hard. It's fresh enough for daytime but has enough depth to carry into evening plans. It lasts 5-8 hours—long enough to get you through whatever the day throws at you without needing to reapply constantly. The bottle itself looks sharp on your shelf—sleek blue glass with that iconic Versace emblem that adds a touch of luxury to your daily routine. Perhaps most importantly for young guys, it sits in that sweet spot of quality and affordability. You're getting a premium designer fragrance without emptying your wallet.
- Key notes: Bergamot, neroli, citron of Diamante, bitter orange leaves, geranium, clary sage, blue hyacinth, oud wood, mineral amber, cedar wood
- Size: 1.0 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz
A Sephora reviewer says: “It's light, breezy, citrusy, fresh, aquatic, slightly woodsy.. and smells like a beach vacation but still sophisticated and not feminine or floral at all.. If I smelled this on someone else while closing my eyes, I'd say it smells like a fresh, sophisticated aquatic cologne that appeals to younger men."
Pros
Cons
It's smoother, slightly sweet, and elegantly refined. Performance is where many designer fragrances fall short, but not Elixir. Its longevity is remarkable—often lasting 8-12 hours on skin and days on clothing. The projection commands attention without overwhelming, plus the bottle itself reflects the premium nature of the scent—deep midnight blue with sleek lines and Dior's signature magnetic cap. And it's available exclusively in a 60ml size. While pricier than typical designer offerings, Elixir justifies its cost through concentrated ingredients that require fewer sprays, making the bottle last surprisingly long.
- Key notes: Nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom, grapefruit, lavender, licorice, sandalwood, amber, patchouli, Haitian vetiver
- Size: 2.0 oz, 3.4 oz
A Dior Beauty reviewer says: “Sauvage Elixir is what happens when Sauvage grows up and puts on a tux. It’s powerful, polished, and complex — a must-have if you want a fragrance that commands attention without shouting."
