The Best Cologne for Men in 2024 to Smell Great and Feel Confident

Men have more than 400 types of complex olfactory receptors in our brains. Evolutionary science suggests they initially helped with survival, but today they affect the way we enjoy food, nature, and even romantic relationships. Consider that the next time you decide to walk out the door without putting on a men’s cologne (a blanket term we’ll use in this story for all types of fragrance).

“Fragrance is a way to communicate one’s individuality,” says Linda G. Levy, president of The Fragrance Foundation in New York City. “It’s an invisible accessory that has incredible power to define, attract, and empower.” She also mentions cologne for men has been linked to higher self-reported levels of wellbeing.

The best smelling cologne for men—and those it can attract—is highly subjective. Everyone’s tastes are different. However, we recommend you not let your body wash or deodorant be the first thing people smell. Because that’s what too many men do and, frankly, you deserve better. With men’s cologne, you want to stand out. But with so many options out there, it’s best not to start from scratch.

In my search for the top cologne for men—ranging from the best cologne for young men to the best cheap cologne—I found Armani/Privé Santal Dan Sha to be second to none. It’s everything you’d want in a fragrance. Delicate yet masculine, intoxicating, and somewhat mysterious. By that, I mean others won’t know what they’re smelling. They'll just know they want another whiff. But it’s not the only option on this list. Keep scrolling to find the best cologne for men in 2024. 

And for some of the other greatest hits from our 2024 Men's Journal Grooming Awards, including best face sunscreen, shaving cream, aftershave, beard oil, and beard brushes.

The Best Deodorants for Men in 2024, Tested

Read More

The Best Deodorants for Men in 2024, Tested

Read More

Best Cologne for Men at a Glance

• Overall Best Cologne for Men: Armani/Privé Santal Dan Sha
• Best Award-Winning Cologne: Arquiste L’Or de Louis
• Best Travel Cologne: Le Labo Lavande 31 Liquid Balm
• Best Cologne for Young Men: Calvin Klein Eternity for Men
• Best Intense Cologne: Valentino Uomo Born In Roma Coral Fantasy
• Best Cologne With Well-Rounded Ingredients: Caswell-Massey 2571
• Best West Coast Cologne: Baxter of California Valley Mist
• Best Eclectic Cologne: Fulton & Roark Thousand Palms
• Best Luxury Cologne: Parfums de Marly Perseus
• Best Italian Cologne: Ferragamo Red Leather
• Best Smoky Cologne: Tom Ford Oud Minerale
• Best New Cologne: Montblanc Legend Blue
• Best Boutique Cologne: DS&Durga Black Magenta
• Best Celebrity Cologne: David Beckham Aromatic Greens
• Best Cologne for Date Night: Trudon VIXI
• Best Cheap Cologne: Cremo Reserve Collection Palo Santo
• Best Musky Cologne: Kiehl’s Original Musk
• Best Woody Cologne: Diptyque Tam Dao
• Best Cologne for a Night Out: Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club
• Best Classic Cologne: Ralph Lauren Polo Blue
• Best International Bestselling Cologne: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Aqua Media Cologne Forte
• Best Small-Batch Cologne: Officine Universelle Buly Triple Sumi Hinoki

Overall Best Cologne for Men: Armani/Privé Santal Dan Sha

Armani/Privé Santal Dan Sha is truly one of the best new fragrances to come out in the past decade or so. Like so many out there, it starts with sandalwood and bergamot (an Italian green orange). Then it layers on a hint of cardamom, which makes it warm, fresh, and guaranteed to leave anyone who smells it wanting more.

It’s the scent I kept using after testing concluded, and I highly recommend spending a bit more for its elevated experience. You won’t regret it when you start receiving heaps of compliments on how great you smell.

Best Award-Winning Fragrance for Men: Arquiste L’Or de Louis

Wearing boutique fragrances shows that you’re scent savvy, but also means you won’t smell like anyone else in the room. Arquiste L’Or de Louis—named Indie Fragrance of the Year 2024 by The Fragrance Foundation—evokes the Grand Orangery in Versailles, an indoor orchard where bonfires kept King Louis XIV’s flowering orange trees alive year-round. Think orange blossoms, pomegranate, honey, and firewood smoke. It’s simply sublime.

Best Travel Cologne: Le Labo Lavande 31 Liquid Balm

You don’t have to love lavender to get into this scent. Le Labo Lavande 31 Liquid Balm is mixed with bergamot and neroli (an essential oil made from bitter orange blossom) for fresh greenery to balance, as well as notes of amber and musk that make it slightly more masculine. Plus, this handy roll-on balm is great for travel and keeping your scent right where you want it, i.e. not on your clothes, if that’s not your thing.

Best Cologne for Young Men: Calvin Klein Eternity for Men

New to cologne? Calvin Klein Eternity for Men is a safe place to start. It’s an oldie but a goodie that’s not expensive and appeals to most noses. It features classic ingredients like mandarin and refreshing green notes. Start with three sprays on your pulse points (think neck and wrists), and you’re good to go.

Best Intense Cologne: Valentino Uomo Born In Roma Coral Fantasy

This scent is not for the faint of heart—or nose. However, Valentino Uomo Born In Roma Coral Fantasy is not as intense as the others in the Born in Roma collection. This one relies on fruit accords, amber, and sage to balance the tobacco base notes. It strikes a charming balance between intense and fresh—perfect for this time of year.

Best Cologne With Well-Rounded Ingredients: Caswell-Massey 2571

Caswell-Massey 2571 has it all—earthy cardamom, sandalwood, and cypress mixed with verdant bergamot and vetiver, plus powdery orris root for a scent that’s undeniably warm and rich. The ingredients span many different ingredient families, making it an incredibly balanced scent. Don’t want to commit to full size? Buy the travel size first instead.

Best West Coast Cologne: Baxter of California Valley Mist