15 of the best cheap perfumes, from designer names to high street favourites

Finding the best cheap perfume means striking the perfect balance between price and quality. With more affordable fragrances on the market than ever before, you can expect to find a low-cost scent scent that will serve you just as well as, if not better than, premium options.

The widely regarded best perfumes for women tend to come from designer labels and established fragrance brands, so it can take some searching to find budget friendly picks that you can trust. But whether you favour perfumes with jasmine or classic rose perfume, great affordable scents are easier to come by than you might think. 

"Choosing a scent is a personal choice, so always go with what appeals to your senses and style and you can't go far wrong," advises Cathy Newman, Marketing and Customer Experience Director at The Perfume Shop. "Understanding fragrance ingredients and families is key," explains Newman, as once you settle on your favourite family out of floral, sweet, woody, and fresh, you'll know that you're more likely to enjoy fragrances within it. With options in every scent family and high street heroes as well as cult favourites, these are our favourite affordable perfumes to shop today.

 The best cheap perfumes, chosen by our beauty team 

If you're looking for the best perfume deals, Zara fragrances are not to be missed. At just £12.99 / $17.90 for 90ml, Applejuice smells remarkably similar to Chanel Chance for a fraction of the cost, making it one of the best Chanel dupes on our list.

Though we have found Applejuice to be slightly less potent than Chance throughout the day, we love how light and fresh this fragrance is. If you don't like scents that are too powdery or sweet but still want that hint of femininity, this is for you. With fruity top notes mellowed out by a woody base, it manages to strike the perfect balance of youthful and sophisticated. 

We love using our affordable perfumes like this for everyday wear, saving the pricier purchases for special occasions. We would happily sacrifice some of our other designer fragrances in favour of Applejuice, as it is a scent we know we will never grow tired of. One of the best Zara perfumes for summer. 

Victoria's Secret body sprays have long been popular with a younger crowd, thanks to their accessible and affordable price point. Not only are they cheap, but the brand also offers some seriously gorgeous fragrances that boast impressive lasting power. Pure Seduction is the brand's most popular scent and probably the most recognisable, and for good reason.

Light, floral and sweet, this body mist only needs a couple of spritzes to deliver a beautiful scent that won't budge. It is a typically feminine fragrance that will work for anyone who likes classic fruity scents. But we think that Pure Seduction has a little bit more edge, ideal for those who want their signature scent to be universally appealing but not at all boring. When using this fragrance, we found that the smell stuck to us all day long - even leaving traces right into the next day. We love the generous 250ml bottle that takes a while to get through, as well as the gorgeous gold lid that adds a premium feel. 

The pink packaging and sweeter smell may be slightly too youthful for some tastes, but there are over 10 body mist scents on offer from this brand, so it's well worth checking out the Victoria's Secret fragrance selection no matter your taste. 

Ted Baker may not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of fragrance, but the brand actually offers a range of beautiful and very affordable perfumes that we would recommend to anyone. Navigating how to buy fragrance online is particularly tricky, which is why sticking to brands we already know we can trust, like Ted Baker, is a smart first step.

Amelia is one of our absolute favourite fragrances for year-round wear as the sweet yet warm base notes work for summer and winter alike. When testing, the maple base notes are what really stuck out. Though subtle, they cut through the floral middle to deliver a sweetened scent that is also distinctly mature. We also found that this perfume becomes richer and warmer as it dries down, making it an ideal pick for colder seasons. Although this perfume is slightly sugary, it is not at all sickly.

We only wish that Amelia came in a 50ml bottle, as many other Ted Baker fragrances do. As the 30ml is fairly small and the 100ml has a weighty feel. We would welcome an in-between size to solve both problems. However, the 100ml version comes in at only £32 / $65, so still won't break the bank if you're happy with larger perfume bottles.

The Body Shop fragrances all fall under the affordable category, and each of them is well worth testing out when hunting for the best cheap perfume. White Musk Flora in particular is a classic scent that will never fall out of favour, and one we always reach for. Its minimal notes and simple, light finish make this a perfect spritz-and-go perfume for the days you want something fresh and casual to see you through. 

A gorgeous balance of floral and musky, this perfume is for those who like typically feminine scents. When testing, we loved how quickly this settled on the skin and that the perfume hardly changed as it dried down. Plus, a little goes a fairly long way with this product, as the misting nozzle distributes the fragrance evenly. We love to liberally douse ourselves in our favourite perfume, and the low price tag of White Musk means that we don't feel bad about doing it. 

If you have been wondering do perfumes expire and want something that you know you will fully use up before that happens, this has our vote. It is just the right size for traveling and ideal for both day and nighttime wear. Its only downfall is that it isn't as long-lasting as other affordable perfumes we tested, but for the price, reapplying throughout the day is easily justified.

If you are looking for the best cheap perfume that will really stand out from the crowd, Karma has to be at the top of your list. To us, this perfume is impossibly comforting, thanks to its rich orange and patchouli notes that are powerful enough to last all day long.

Despite the minimal notes, Karma doesn't feel like a simple fragrance. When testing, we found this perfume to be distinctively earthy and spicy – quite unusual, while also possessing universal appeal. It is a fragrance that we always notice on others and one that will certainly bring in compliments. Thanks to being a perfume with Patchouli, it feels mature and refined compared to other affordable fragrances, so we recommend it for those who want a strong signature scent. Karma rivals the best scented candles in terms of potency and evokes the same warming feel, making it an ideal pick for winter wear. 

Although the 30ml bottle isn't huge, it will last a very long time thanks to its strength. We also love the solid version, which is even cheaper, for a more concentrated scent that travels well. Karma is one of Lush's original fragrances and has been on sale for years, so it is a timeless scent that you can be sure will never go out of style.

This light, floral scent is the ultimate feminine fragrance for day-to-night wear. With hints of bergamot, lychee, cedarwood, and white musk, OUAI describes this scent as a one-way ticket to LA in a bottle. Certainly at the sweeter end of the spectrum, this perfume is ideal for anyone who is on the hunt for a bold scent that will rake in the compliments. 

When we first smelled Melrose Place we were instantly reminded of the iconic Burberry Her Eau de Parfum due to the floral and woody undertones. However, where Burberry fades fast, Melrose Place lingered; for hours after applying, the sweet top notes were still strong without being overwhelming. 

Floral fragrances are amongst the hardest to get right, due to the large variation in the base notes. However, OUAI has struck just the right balance with Melrose Place. Plus, the round bottle and magnetic close lids add a sleek touch, making it one of our favourites in terms of packaging. For those who like a more unisex fragrance, this probably isn't the one for you. However, OUAI offers three equally gorgeous scents with a more neutral smell. We recommend North Bondi or Dean Street for peppery and crisp scents respectively. 

One of the standouts on this list, as soon as we first spritzed L'Eau D'Issey we were totally hooked. Inspired by fresh water, this perfume is delicate and crisp with top notes of lotus and rose, though it does not smell floral in the typical sense. It is overwhelmingly fresh with a subtle hint of flowers, ideal for those who want a scent to be noticeable but not too sweet or musky. 

Launched in 1992, this set the bar as the first aquatic floral women's fragrance - and it is no wonder that many brands have since followed suit. We love that this perfume's combination of notes is perfectly balanced to create a smell that is familiar yet striking, without being overwhelming. Certainly among the best long lasting perfume for women, we also found that L'Eau D'Issey settles on the skin and won't budge for hours - a must for everyday or evening wear. 

The Issey Miyake brand is known for simplicity and timelessness, which this fragrance captures perfectly. From the design of the bottle, said to be inspired by a full moon over the Eiffel Tower, to the fragrance itself, this is a scent that has felt modern yet classic for three decades. The fact it happens to be affordably priced is just another bonus!

This sample was provided by Perfume Direct and is available to shop here.

For those who want to channel the brightness of summer year-round, Cheirosa 62 is a perfect scent for summer, thanks to its sweet and light top notes. However, the salted caramel and sandalwood base notes work just as well for the colder months, bringing a touch of warmth and spice to your everyday scent. If you tend to gravitate towards anything pumpkin spice-related as we approach fall, you will love Cheirosa 62. Another sweet perfume, this is one for those who want a noticeable and youthful smell to rival the best vanilla perfumes. 

As a perfume body spray hybrids that can also be used on the hair, Sol de Janeiro fragrances really give some bang for your buck. Available in 90ml or a whopping 240ml, this is by far one of the largest affordable perfumes we sampled, yet it still comes in at the lowest end of the price spectrum. But, with a body-mist formula, it does fade faster than traditional perfumes. To keep the scent strong it is necessary to reapply in the middle of the day, or just before going out for the evening. But with a low price point, we didn't find the need for re-application to be an issue. 

The plastic bottle (which is refillable in the 240ml size) is ideal for traveling and on the go, as you don't have to worry about a glass bottle smashing. We took the 90ml size on a three-week trip with us, and it made for the perfect day-to-night scent that worked beautifully for the summer season.

Perhaps one of our all-time favourite perfumes, Glossier You is a standout for any taste. It's made up of mainly base perfume notes, which means it will last longer and allow more of your natural scent to blend with the perfume to create your unique 'You' smell. The idea is that this perfume smells slightly different on everyone, and for that reason, You is a particularly tricky scent to describe. Both fresh and musky, peppery and light, it is the ultimate fragrance for those who want a bit of everything in their smell, but don't want anything that will overwhelm the nose. 

We found that it was easy to forget you're wearing this perfume. At times it seems like the fragrance has faded after a few hours, but then that familiar scent blows through at unsuspecting moments and it suddenly smells as fresh as when it was first applied. The beauty of You is that while you may become accustomed to the smell, passers-by will be struck by the subtle freshness of it - trust us, you will get compliments when wearing this. 

The thick baby pink glass bottle with a bright red lid also builds on the appeal, by adding a feminine touch that looks gorgeous on display in your beauty cabinet. For anyone hunting for the best cheap perfume, You is a foolproof option that also won't break the bank when it is time to repurchase. It also comes in solid balm form, which we reckon is one of the best solid perfume options for gifting, thanks to its ageless and timeless aroma. 

Looking for a perfume with the allure and lasting power of a designer label, but not the price tag? Look no further than Ghost Orb of Night. Reminiscent of YSL Libre Eau de Parfum but at less than half the price, Orb of Night is the perfect sexy scent for evening time that definitely smells more exorbitant than it is. The top notes of cherry and almond offer a subtly sweet aroma, whilst the musky base notes add nighttime attraction. 

When we tested Orb of Night we were surprised by how strong the scent is, however it settled after a few minutes to become much more subtle and floral on the skin. This is certainly a fragrance that improves with time, thanks to the different layers that reveal themselves slowly. When shopping for an evening fragrance, lasting power is key, which is why Orb of Night has our vote. 

Moreover, the crescent moon packaging of this perfume is a standout amongst other fragrance bottles and is unique without being tacky, thanks to its neutral bronze colour. For a reliable yet distinctive scent that will see you through nights out and special occasions alike, opt for this gorgeous Ghost fragrance. 

Though we think there is no going wrong with any of the best Zara perfumes, Gardenia is one of the most popular picks thanks to its similarities to YSL's Black Opium. With a dark, evening-time feel, it is one of the best cheap perfumes to wear for special occasions or nights out when you want to feel expensive without actually having to break the bank. 

When testing this perfume, we liked that it is not quite as hard-hitting as Black Opium, which can sometimes feel slightly too strong for everyday wear. With no distinction between top, middle and base notes, the scent hardly alters from initial spritz to the end of the day - a pro if you like to keep a consistent smell from day to night, but a con if you prefer more complex scents that develop as they dry down. 

However, the unique blend of coffee and fruits is undeniably sophisticated, making for a perfume we will never tire of. This will become an everyday product that you rely on just as much as your best foundation when you want to feel sophisticated, no matter the season or occasion. For such a low price for a huge 180ml bottle, it will also make a beautiful gift. 

Known for the range of distinctive and vivid scents that perfectly match their namesakes, Replica fragrances are undoubtedly some of the best on the market. From Under the Lemon Trees and Coffee Break to Springtime in a Park, there is no scenario that Replica scents don't cater for. As we move towards fall and prepare for darker and colder evenings, there is no more fitting scent than By the Fireplace. 

This fragrance really does exactly what it says on the tin, smelling identical to a glowing, crackling fireplace that instantly carries you to a cozy Holiday setting. With top notes of clove oil and pink pepper, the spice-infused eau de toilette is unmissable. It is a particularly strong scent that will set you apart from the floral and powdery perfumes that are usually popular, so this smell is not for the fainthearted. 

On testing, it lingered both on the skin and in the air for hours after spraying, leaving that familiar and authentic bonfire-like smell on our clothes too. This is certainly one of the more potent Replica fragrances, so it is really worth the slightly higher price tag. If you like the sound of Replica fragrances but aren't a huge fan of smoky, wintry scents, consider shopping other perfumes from the Replica range that all retail for the same price; our favourites are Bubble Bath and Sailing Day. 

This fruity Jimmy Choo fragrance is one of the more mature scents on this list, ideal for those who want a sophisticated yet soft perfume that will last all day. With top notes of peach and orange, plus fragrant jasmine middle notes, this natural and clean smell is noticeable without being overbearing. And with a collection to rival the best Chanel perfumes, Jimmy Choo has many gorgeous scents for him and her, all within a reasonable price range, making it one of our top picks when it comes to the best cheap perfumes from a famous designer brand. 

The main thing we noticed when testing this perfume is how it changes on the skin. When we first sprayed it on we weren't entirely convinced by the smell due to its fruitiness, but after a few minutes, it settled to become the perfect soft daytime scent. This only improved throughout the day, as it left a lovely clean, and natural smell on our clothes and skin. We also found that this fragrance leaves a beautiful glowy sheen on the skin after application, something that we haven't noticed with any other perfumes. This is especially flattering when sprayed around the neck and collar bones to reveal a beautiful radiance. 

The only thing we don't totally love about this perfume is the packaging, due to the rounded spray lid that can be slightly slippery and harder to grip when applying the perfume. Be mindful of this, particularly when you have other beauty products on your hands such as makeup or hair oil. 

This fragrance is a classic in the perfume world, largely thanks to its iconic packaging that has become synonymous with the JPG brand. Just as the best Jo Malone perfume is instantly recognizable, Classique is a scent that is known and loved by many, which is why it is one of our favourites. A floral yet hearty scent, it is a typically feminine fragrance that would suit almost any age or occasion, from 30th birthday gift to a romantic anniversary present, making it the perfect all-rounder. 

One of the challenges that come with choosing the best cheap perfume, or any perfume, is the distinction between daytime and evening scents. Though there is no hard and fast rule, certain notes lend themselves better to particular times and settings than others. However, we found that Classique is the ideal transitional perfume thanks to its mix of hearty amber and soft rose that work in harmony. 

One thing to keep in mind is that there are three different sizes of Classique, and we would only class the smallest one as a truly affordable perfume. However, as this scent has been on the market for a while, there are almost always discounts and offers available on larger sizes. Don't be afraid to search a few different retailers to get the best possible deal. 

This sample was provided by Perfume Direct and is available to shop here.

When you think of high-end perfume, Marc Jacobs Daisy is one of the first to come to mind, as it's adored by fragrance connoisseurs and newcomers alike. Daisy Dream takes the classic Daisy scent and reinvents it slightly for a more youthful, modern smell that is ideal for everyday wear. 

Reminiscent of the best men's cologne due to its woodiness, Daisy Dream lasts brilliantly on the skin and sticks particularly well to hair and clothes, meaning your smell will follow you all day. A subtly floral yet woody scent, it is delightfully fresh and light, reminding us of crisp and sunny winter mornings. When we tested Daisy Dream we were reminded of L'Eau D'Issey in terms of the light yet alluring smell on the skin, however, Daisy Dream features berry top notes which makes for a more typically fruity-floral scent. If you are shopping for perfume for someone else, we think Daisy Dream is the perfect safe pick that is bound to be adored by the receiver. 

The only downfall, which is common when shopping for affordable designer fragrances, is the small bottle. Due to the beauty of this scent, you are likely to want to wear it every day, meaning you may get through it quickly. However, as with the JPG fragrance, Daisy Dream is very often on sale with some excellent deals. 

This sample was provided by Perfume Direct and is available to shop here.

How we tested the affordable perfume for this guide

Every perfume included in this guide was tried and tested by us to give you the best possible idea of what each scent is like. We paid attention to factors such as how the scent lasts, how it changes throughout the day, and how much you really get for your money. We have also taken into account the brand, packaging, price, and occasion each scent can be worn for. Despite the subjectivity of scents, our guide will tell you what you need to know to make the best cheap perfume purchase for you. 

How to choose the best affordable perfume

• Bigger is better: “If you’re shopping for a fragrance it’s always better to buy the biggest bottle that you can afford. A 100ml bottle will always give you a much better cost per wear than a 30ml bottle, for example," says PerfumeDirect.com’s Head of Ecommerce, Jonny Webber. 
• Don't depend on duty free: “In the past, the airport duty free shop would be the perfect place to stock up on a bargain holiday scent – but the days of duty-free always giving you the best deals are behind us. Do your research before you go on holiday to see how your favourite fragrance compares online to the price you will be paying at the airport to guarantee the best deals."
• Search clearance sections: “The clearance section is where you will find the best deals. Brands will discontinue scents, remove certain sizes or packaging may change. The clearance section is therefore a great place to look for the best deals on your favourite scents. You might also find out-of-season gift sets in there – if you’re someone that starts their Christmas shopping six months early you might find some fantastic deals."