7 Best Bleu de Chanel Alternatives For Men – Switch Scents in 2023

Let’s face it: Bleu de Chanel’s allure is undeniable. With its hypnotic blend of fresh notes, the summer-ready scent often leaves many wondering if it’s the world’s quintessential cologne (or perfume!). That said, even the most well-known options can have some seeking an alternative.

You may desire an elixir that breaks free from the generic — one that doesn’t melt into the crowd like everyone else – or you’re seeking something more budget-friendly without skimping on lineage. Luckily for you, the fragrance world is overflowing with Bleu de Chanel alternatives, leaving men all over the place with an opportunity to reach nasal nirvana without smelling too basic. And your luck just got better, because I pinned down the best options available online, so keep reading and rid yourself of the blues.

Key Takeaways

On my journey to narrow down the best Bleu de Chanel alternatives, I scoured the perennial database for fragrance fanatics: Fragnatica. When finding one that works for you, the key things to consider are its scent, price, and longevity. At the end of the day, there’s no use in picking up something similar to the classic fragrance if it doesn’t smell alike, costs the same exact amount, or doesn’t last long enough.

Perusing the bounty of Bleu de Chanel alternatives is a challenging feat. Just imagine how many similar high-end brands and esteemed perfumers have had their hand at making something that matches BDC’s prowess — now imagine it doubled. Lucky for you, I’ve done the grunt work.

If you couldn’t guess or haven’t smelled it, Dior Sauvage is the archetypal alternative to the Parisian fashion house’s popular fragrance. But, if you’re looking to buy something more affordable than either option, Nautica Voyage has been tricking people for years.

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a bottle of colonia by acqua di parma — cruzzalegui_peru / Instagram

Why it’s great: Dior Sauvage is also incredibly refreshing and subtle, making it the perfect choice and my best Bleu de Chanel alternative for a day-to-day spray. Plus, the Johnny Depp-cosigned perfume leaves a trail that won’t soon be forgotten.

How It Feels: An equally iconic and timeless fragrance, Dior Sauvage is the perfect alternative to Bleu de Chanel. Its sophisticated earthy and woody notes are courtesy of Calabrian bergamot, Sichuan pepper, and ambroxan notes, creating a magnetic scent that demands attention.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Backed by its long-lasting appeal, this ubiquitous fragrance may not set you apart from the crowd, but that’s part of what makes it foolproof — after all, if everyone wears it, then that means it’s working.

Why It’s great: Nautica Voyage is a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative to Bleu de Chanel and its similar pricey counterparts.

How It Feels to Use: Boasting notes of crisp green apple, hearty mimosa, and soothing amber, Voyage has no excuse for being affordable as it is; and the same goes for the scent’s remarkable longevity, which can last up to a whopping 10 hours!

Flaws but not dealbreakers: All things considered, its affordable price point doesn’t compromise on quality, only longevity. Regardless, it’s a top-tier option for those seeking a versatile scent without breaking the wallet.

Why It’s Great: Crafted by famed perfumer Olivier Creed in 2010, Aventus’ history doesn’t dictate just how long the now Kering-owned Creed has dominated the fragrance world. Dating back to the 1700s, they’ve been known for delivering nothing short of premium perfumes, and this is as iconic as it gets.

How It Feels to Use: The luxurious elixir features a unique blend of fruity, woody, and smoky notes that come together to deliver a transcendent aroma — bold and powerful but sweet and inviting. The base notes of oak moss and ambergris evoke an air of sophistication, while the top notes are bright, fresh, and fit for summer, including bergamot, pineapple, apple, and blackcurrant.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: On paper, it might sound like a fruit salad, but it’s so much more indescribably complex than that. Plus, it’s pretty damn expensive.

Why it’s great: Aside from its impressive history, these top notes of Bergamot, Lavender, and Red Apple that lead to heart notes of Red Grapefruit, Geranium, and Rose, make it a quintessential summer fragrance.

How It Feels to Use: These are all followed by base notes of Oakmoss, Sandalwood, and Tonka bean that pave the way for a warm and woody scent with a signature touch of sweetness.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: You’ll come across countless fragrances on Amazon, but Montblanc Legend is impossible to overlook, making it one of many great Bleu de Chanel alternatives stocked by the e-commerce giant.

Why it’s great: The boutique fragrance house has grown impossible to ignore, and the same applies to anyone who enters a room after spraying a bit of this Bleu de Chanel alternative. Thanks to its versatile array of notes, it’s suitable for wearing all day long.

How It Feels to Use: With its lively blend of violet, iris, and sandalwood, Le Labo’s Santal 33 insists warmer weather is upon us.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Keep in mind that it’s on the pricier side, but you shouldn’t let that deter you from picking it up when accounting for its trusted longevity and rave reviews.

Why It’s Great: Tom Ford’s Noir is one of many alternatives to Bleu de Chanel, but the best of all the transcendent fragrances the menswear maestro sells. Although the brand has some similar spice offerings, few compare like Noir.

How It Feels to Use: From the first spray, you’re greeted by a spicy blend of bergamot, verbena, and pink pepper, followed by lighter, floral scents, like violet and Tuscan iris.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Aside from being a fantastic winter fragrance, you’re likely better off limiting this to nighttime usage — those base notes of vanilla and amber may be a bit too strong for any daytime activity.

Why It’s Great: It doesn’t get much more timeless than Acqua di Parma’s Colonia. The best Bleu de Chanel alternative? I think so, at least if you’re looking for a classic, cult favorite that’s similar enough for the naked nose to mistake it entirely. Engulf yourself in a fragrance that’s sat at the top of the charts since 1916 and worn by everyone from Cary Grant and David Nevin to Jude Law and Kate Moss — yes, it’s that versatile!

How It Feels to Use: With produce aisle-adjacent top notes and a spicy finish, you can depend on this all spring and summer.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Don’t let that discourage you, though, because it’s still suitable for younger crowds.

holding a small bottle of santal 33 by le labo — mooooooti / Instagram

Buying Considerations When Buying Alternatives

Scent

Picking up the proper vile goes beyond finding a different bottle with a niche logo. Moreover, you should select a scent that you genuinely appreciate.

The fact of the matter is you’re probably opting to buy Bleu de Chanel alternatives for one of three reasons: one, there’s something about the original you just don’t like enough; two, you want to find something that suits your budget (whether it’s less or more); and, lastly, three… you’re tired of smelling like everyone at work. So, consider the classic fragrance’s blend of peppery, fruity, and smoky notes when picking an alternative.

Price

Considering it’s such a safe choice, most fragrance fanatics (i.e. the typical Fragnatica browser) would suggest that Bleu de Chanel is priced pretty fairly. For $145, 3.4 ounces of the relatively new perfume iteration should last you quite some time.

Keep your budget in mind when making your purchase, as there are options on either end of the spectrum; but, if you plan on spending around the same amount, rolling with the classic is your best bet.

Is it long-lasting?

Typically, the classic option’s longevity is pretty dependable, capable of performing as long as eight hours. So, when you’re buying Bleu de Chanel alternatives, keep in mind that you should aim for something that lasts just as long if you’re spending more.

On the other hand, if you’re spending under $145, then you get what you pay for. Lingering aromas and stronger ingredients are often matched by heftier price points, which can be worth it as long as you love the scent enough.

Why You Should Trust Us

I’m a fashion writer who covered all things grooming in my time at HiConsumption. In the years before my stint there, I’ve always had an interest in the art of fragrance making and the ingredients that go into concocting them.

a bottle of montblanc legend and base notes in raw form — petalscosmetics / Instagram

Final Verdict

While I do note a few things to consider before picking up a vile, the most important element in finding the best Bleu de Chanel alternatives, is matching the scent.

The famous, reimagined fragrance kicks off with grapefruit, lemon, mint, and pink pepper; meanwhile, Dior Sauvage’s top notes are Calabrian bergamot and pepper which leads into middle notes of pink pepper – you see where this is going, right? When accounting for the similar price and everyday readiness, there’s no question Sauvage is the smartest way to go.

FAQ

- Seemingly, finding a doppelganger for Bleu de Chanel is pretty damn simple. The cologne’s striking spicy, fruity blend has been proven easy to imitate and, for some fragrance houses, possible to improve. Outside of Dior Sauvage, similar options include Nauitca’s Voyage and Perfumehead’s Somewhere — a pair of scents that are on two separate ends of the price spectrum but exude a similar aroma and are debatably just as enticing.