I’ve been a fan of Acqua di Gio for years now. This summer cologne captures the essence of the Mediterranean, of energizing citruses carried by the salty oceanic breeze.
However, its longevity lets itself down. Acqua di Gio only lasts 3 – 4 hours, while some of the best Acqua di Gio alternatives I’ve discovered last all day.
G Eau by Parfums Belcam, for example, lasts about 8 – 9 hours on me, despite only costing 15% of the Armani price. It projects a little more subtlety, but to be honest that’s what I tend to look for in a fresh cologne anyway.
|
Best Cheap Alternative
|
Top Pick
|
Premium Pick
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.2
|
4.8
|
4.5
|
|
$29.80
|
$8.08
|
$55.00
|
|
|
|
|
|
- A very successful budget scent.
- Does a great job of imitating the delicate florals of the Armani original, with an added hint of blueberry.
- The closest Acqua di Gio imitation on the market, with twice the longevity of the original.
- A no-brainer for the price, whether you've never tried Acqua di Gio before or if you're a true aficionado.
- Clean and fresh, led by citrus, neroli, and bergamot on a woodsy base.
- Perfect for casual outings in warmer weather.
It’s a similar story for 360° Red by Perry Ellis. It’s a little more expensive than G Eau, but lasts even longer. It’s got a slightly rougher spiced edge, but has the Acqua di Gio DNA at its core.
I also found a surprisingly impressive scent from Paris Hilton. It’s a super cheap alternative that imitates the floralscents of Acqua di Gio well.
Best Acqua di Gio Alternatives for Men in 2024
- Best Overall: Parfums Belcam G Eau
- Armaf’s High-Quality Alternative: Armaf Blue Homme
- Cheap Alternative That Still Smells Legit: Just Me by Paris Hilton for Men
- Cheapest Pick (That’s Still Worth It): Quality Fragrance Oils
- Best For Building Your Collection: Zara Lisboa
- Longest-Lasting Acqua di Gio Alternative: 360° Red by Perry Ellis
- Best “Inspired By” Fragrance: Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue
- Best For Beginners: Michael Jordan 23
1. Parfums Belcam G Eau Eau De Toilette – Best Acqua di Gio Alternative Overall
The closest Acqua di Gio imitation on the market, with twice the longevity of the original.
A no-brainer for the price, whether you've never tried Acqua di Gio before or if you're a true aficionado.
G Eau by Parfums Belcam smells identical to Acqua De Gio – at an 85% discount.
| Parfums Belcam G Eau | Rating |
|---|---|
| Projection: | Light/Moderate |
| Longevity: | 6 – 8 Hours |
| Value for Money: | 5/5 |
This refreshing and woody fragrance blends citrus and spices with an underlying cedar that keeps it on the masculine side of the tracks.
It’s the perfect pick for a value-conscious Gent who wants a budget version of the classic Armani “pretty boy” fragrance.
It smells like the sexy man who turns everyone’s head when he enters the room. All of a sudden, you become the point of intrigue.
I’ve been using the real Acqua di Gio for years, but always begrudged paying 60 – 70 dollars for a cologne that never seemed to last longer than 3 – 4 hours.
Quite amazingly, G Eau lasts about twice as long. I get a full day of beautiful fragrance indistinguishable from the original Acqua, which makes it one of the best “inspired-by” scents I’ve ever had.
And despite the excellent longevity, this isn’t a scent that’s going to blow anyone’s head off. It’s not an aggressive projector that floods every room you walk into, but people will get the idea when you’re standing by them.
It is one of the few colognes in my collection I’d be confident recommending on a blind buy. Don’t hesitate and stock up on this excellent scent.
| G Eau | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|
| Top Notes: | Lime, Lemon, Bergamot, Jasmine, Mandarin and Neroli |
| Middle Notes: | Sea Notes, Jasmine, Rosemary, Violet, Nutmeg and Rose |
| Base Notes: | White Musk, Cedar, Oakmoss, Patchouli and Amber |
2. Armaf Blue Homme – Armaf’s High-Quality Alternative
Clean and fresh, led by citrus, neroli, and bergamot on a woodsy base.
Perfect for casual outings in warmer weather.
Armaf Blue smells fresh, clean, and expensive. For the money, it feels like theft.
| Armaf Blue Homme | Rating |
|---|---|
| Projection: | Moderate |
| Longevity: | 5 – 6 Hours |
| Value for Money: | 5/5 |
It opens up with the neroli and citrus notes we’re looking for, rounded out by a woodsy, amberish base straight out of the Acqua di Gio playbook.
The heart does lack some of the aquatic quality of the original, but the fougère of fruits, lavender, and bergamot has enough compliment-collecting potential to compensate.
Overall, I’d say Blue Homme is 85 – 90% similar to the original Acqua di Gio fragrance and is slightly better at reproducing the sense of quality ingredients than cheaper options like Just Me for Men by Paris Hilton.
Like the other Armaf scents I’ve tested, performance here is excellent at 5 – 6 hours of scent. It doesn’t last as long as beasts like G Eau, but it surpasses the original Armani fragrance, which is my benchmark for success here.
There’s a slightly spiced sense here, too, adding some vitality to the background. Nothing too noticeable – it’s more herbal than warming – but it’s there.
It’s a solid pick-up for a fresh, daytime fragrance that’s best for a confident Gent in the city on spring/summer days.
- Learn more about the best Armaf colognes here
| Blue Homme | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|
| Top Notes: | Grapefruit, Mandarin Orange, Bergamot and Neroli |
| Middle Notes: | Nutmeg, Rosemary, Lavender and Jasmine |
| Base Notes: | Vanilla, Amber, Cedar, Vetiver, Patchouli and Musk |
3. Just Me by Paris Hilton for Men Eau de Toilette – Cheapest Alternative (That Still Smells Legit)
A very successful Acqua di Gio alternative for just $20.
Does a great job of imitating the delicate florals of the Armani original, with an added hint of blueberry.
If you’re turning your nose up at the celebrity connection here, just hear me out. Or continue to be embarrassed, while I collect all the compliments.
| Just Me by Paris Hilton | Rating |
|---|---|
| Projection: | Moderate |
| Longevity: | 5 – 6 Hours |
| Value for Money: | 5/5 |
Just Me for Men by Paris Hilton smells seriously good. It’s very similar to Acqua di Gio, and it’s really successful in replicating the florals in the base in a way that still feels masculine at its core.
The main differences between Just Me and its inspiration are the inclusion of a juicy blueberry note in the opening (which I appreciate), and a smokier, incense-infused base that lends an air of mystery to this fresh cologne.
All while providing everything I love about the sexy and aromatic Acqua di Gio DNA for a fraction of the price.
The longevity here is even better than the original Acqua di Gio. From 3 – 4 sprays you’ll get 5 – 6 hours of meaningful projection, which is very impressive for the price tag.
An absolute bargain. If you come across Just Me for Men in the wild, do yourself a favor and just buy it – it’s one of the best cheap colognes out there.
| Just Me | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|
| Top Notes: | Lime, Bergamot, Lemon, Blackcurrant, Tangerine and Green Grass |
| Middle Notes: | Sea Notes, Sage, Lotus, Cloves and Nutmeg |
| Base Notes: | Mahogany, Incense, Oakmoss, Patchouli and Crystal Amber |
4. Quality Fragrance Oils’ Impression of Acqua di Gio – The Cheapest Option (That’s Still Worth Buying)
Here’s a pick for anyone where budget is the primary concern. Fragrance oils are the cheapest way to achieve a strong representation of a fragrance without resorting to low-quality imitations.
| Quality Fragrance Oils’ Impression | Rating |
|---|---|
| Projection: | Subtle |
| Longevity: | 8 Hours |
| Value for Money: | 4.5/5 |
And it’s a very successful imitation, by the way. Almost exactly the same.
It really nails the zestiness of the original, full of freshness and energy in the salty lime top notes. This roll-on also captures the marine, ocean-breeze element that Armaf’s Blue Homme misses.
These essential oils are basically the same as regular colognes, but without the evaporating alcohol that dilutes and releases the fragrance in the air.
This means it lasts an impressive 8 hours – but only as an intimate scent that clings close to the skin. This makes it suited to indoor environments like the office, where you want to smell fresh without obnoxiously overpowering your colleagues.
| Quality Fragrance Oils | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|
| Top Notes: | Bergamot, Lime, and Watermelon |
| Middle Notes: | Marine Notes, Jasmine, Rosemary |
| Base Notes: | Cedarwood, Oakmoss, and Vetiver |
5. Zara Lisboa – Best For Building Your Collection
Zara LISBOA Colombo Avenida Do Colegio Militar Eau de Toilette 100 ML (3.4 FL. OZ)
Lisboa is another example of Zara colognes punching well above their weight in terms of price.
| Zara Lisboa | Rating |
|---|---|
| Projection: | Moderate |
| Longevity: | 3 – 4 Hours |
| Value for Money: | 4/5 |
It reminds me of Acqua di Gio before it was reformulated a few years ago. It’s lighter than the current version, with a slightly sour element in the top notes that has been rounded out in subsequent iterations.
It has the same airy, aquatic feel that I love in the Armani original, with clean citrus and florality leading a descent into woods with a hint of spice.
I’d recommend this as a daily-use fragrance that you can spray without thinking, perfect for spring and summer.
Girls seem to love it too, by the way. If I wear Lisboa to the office, it’s only a matter of time before I receive compliments from female colleagues.
Longevity is similar to the current Acqua di Gio at 3 – 4 hours, which might sound a little underwhelming – until you remember the Zara scent is less than half the price.
- Check out our guide to the best Zara colognes here
| Lisboa | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|
| Top Notes: | Lemon, Grapefruit and Orange |
| Middle Notes: | Jasmine |
| Base Notes: | Woodsy Notes |
6. 360° Red by Perry Ellis – Longest-Lasting Alternative
A masculine and lightly-spiced fragrance that works best in high heat.
A capable Armani Acqua di Gio alternative.
If you’re a fan of Aqua Di Gio, Perry Ellis 360 Red is a twist with a slightly rougher, spiced edge.
| 360° Red by Perry Ellis | Rating |
|---|---|
| Projection: | Moderate/Strong |
| Longevity: | 10 Hours |
| Value for Money: | 4.5/5 |
This vibrant and fresh cologne is perfect for high heat. You know, those days when it’s too hot.
Spicy, masculine, and energizing. Everything I value in a signature summer fragrance.
There’s a citrus spice duality that runs throughout the core of this fragrance, with lime and mandarin orange meeting cloves and nutmeg embracing each other in a very friendly hug.
It’s got some heat, but it’s bright rather than warm and cozy. For the price, it’s wonderfully sparkling and versatile.
Performance is where this cologne really shines compared to the original Aqua di Gio. I get an average of 10 hours longevity, but I’ve had particularly hot days where I’ll detect 360 Red 12 hours in.
| 360° Red | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|
| Top Notes: | Lime, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Orange, Mandarin Orange, Cloves and Nutmeg |
| Middle Notes: | Lavender and Coriander |
| Base Notes: | Musk, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Red Cedar, Vetiver and Oakmoss |
7. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme – Best Acqua di Gio Inspired Designer Fragrance
A breezy summer fragrance that will pick up compliments in the sun.
Zesty citrus on a bed of masculine oakmoss and musk - with a mysterious incense accord.
Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue gives you a vibe of a casual and breezy summer walk along the beach, with fruity and floral notes that remain masculine.
| Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Pour Homme | Rating |
|---|---|
| Projection: | Light/Moderate |
| Longevity: | 5 – 6 Hours |
| Value for Money: | 4/5 |
The grapefruit opening is natural-smelling and energizing, with enough tartness to make me think of the rind rather than the flesh.
While a light cologne, Light Blue is not without a sense of masculinity. Oakmoss, musk, and incense all play a part in producing a slightly obscure, mysterious dry down that will leave those in your company eager to find out more.
With a moderate sillage, this masculine fragrance may be intriguing for anyone who wants to impress that special lady or collect compliments during a night on the town.
- You can read more about my favorite Dolce & Gabbana colognes here
| Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|
| Top Notes: | Grapefruit, Bergamot, Sicilian Mandarin, Frozen Grapefruit Peel, and Juniper |
| Middle Notes: | Sichuan Pepper, Rosemary, and Rosewood |
| Base Notes: | Oakmoss, Musk, and Incense |
8. Michael Jordan 23 – Best For Beginners
Jordan 23 was probably the 5th or 6th fragrance I ever wore.
| Michael Jordan 23 | Rating |
|---|---|
| Projection: | Moderate |
| Longevity: | 3 – 4 Hours |
| Value for Money: | 3.5/5 |
It reminds me of a lower-resolution version of Acqua Di Gio – with an added watermelon note thrown in for good measure.
On application, you get quite a strong “rubbing alcohol” sense, which mercifully fades after the first few minutes. Then you get sweet, floral soapiness from Magnolia and Fig leaf, before meeting the fresh, juicy watermelon.
There’s a lick of sourness from what I think is blackcurrant or grapefruit, but it’s a tricky one to place.
Overall it’s very pleasant. I’m a male in his twenties, and it suits me just fine as a fresh afternoon scent with a hint of masculinity when I’m working out or running errands.
When I was younger I’d probably have given MJ 23 an 8/10, but now I’m a little more experienced I’d have to call it a 7. I was a real Michael Jordan fanboy back then and got a little carried away.
Longevity leaves a little to be desired at 3 or 4 hours, but it packs enough punch for a trip to the gym or kicking it for a court session. I’d consider that “mission accomplished” at this price point.
| Jordan 23 Cologne Spray | Fragrance Notes |
|---|---|
| Top Notes: | Watermelon and Grapefruit |
| Middle Notes: | Geranium, Blackcurrant and Fig Leaf |
| Base Notes: | Musk and Woodsy Notes |
What to Look for In a Good Acqua Di Gio Alternative?
Acqua di Gio is one of the best summer fragrances for men out there, and as far as I can tell it’s successful for three main reasons:
What Does Acqua Di Gio Smell Like?
Acqua di Gio is made for summer – or at least a particularly bright spring/fall day.
It’s a light, classy fragrance that exudes sophistication and pairs perfectly with the sunshine on your skin.
Balances zesty citrus and oceanic notes with a woodsy masculine base.
A top-tier summer fragrance that smells fresh and mature - a real confidence boost.
- Refreshing Scent Profile: Acqua di Gio offers a harmonious blend of citrus top notes with a heart of aquatic and floral scents, grounded by a woody base.
- Elegant Packaging: The simple yet sophisticated bottle design reflects the cologne's character, making it an aesthetically pleasing addition to any collection.
- Moderate Longevity: Lasts around 6 hours, requiring a reapplication for full-day coverage.
- Seasonal Limitation: Less effective in colder months, as the light, aquatic scent doesn't hold up well against the stronger, muskier fragrances typically worn in winter and fall.
The zesty top notes combine with an aquatic, oceanic heart that conjures the sense of an afternoon by the Meditarean sea. A woodsy base keeps things masculine and confident, without veering into boastful alpha-male territory.
Any successful alternative needs to mirror these core notes, as well as the inflections of jasmine, rosemary, and bergamot that lend Acqua di Gio its sense of luxury.
For the most faithful recreation of this iconic note profile, consider one of the closer scents like G Eau by Parfums Balcam or Just Me by Paris Hilton for Men.
High Compliment Factor
People – and particularly women – seem to love being around Acqua di Gio. Any successful alternative needs to have similar head-turning qualities, otherwise what’s the fun?
Sure, Acqua di Gio is not one of the most niche fragrances in the world, and most people have probably smelt it once or twice before.
But we have to remember that most people aren’t genuine frag-heads and spend a lot less time than you or I wondering about the subtleties of notes or batch variations.
Does it smell good? Because that’s more than enough for most strangers you’ll meet. They usually won’t care about your “famous perfumes”.
How Long Does Acqua di Gio Last?
Sometimes, a little less can be a little more. Acqua di Gio does not dominate space. It’s there to be discovered, rather than smack anyone in the nose.
You should feel comfortable wearing an Acqua di Gio-style fragrance to the office. The best Acqua di Gio alternatives will be noticed by standing near you, but not by everyone in the building.
On that note, the longevity of Acqua di Gio can leave a little to be desired at 3 – 4 hours. So, I’m prioritizing the scents in this list that right that particular wrong and can last at least 7 hours.
| Fragrance | Longevity |
|---|---|
| Parfums Belcam G Eau | 6 – 8 Hours |
| Armaf Blue Homme | 5 – 6 Hours |
| Just Me by Paris Hilton for Men | 5 – 6 Hours |
| Quality Fragrance Oils | 8 Hours |
| Zara Lisboa | 3 – 4 Hours |
| 360° Red by Perry Ellis | 10 Hours |
| Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue | 5 – 6 Hours |
| Michael Jordan 23 | 3 – 4 Hours |
If performance is a priority for you, your best bet is G Eau by Parfums Balcam, which manages between 6 – 8 hours for a great price
If you’re happy to consider a spiced twist on the original Acqua di Gio, Perry Ellis Red 360 lasts between 10 – 12 hours per application.
Which Acqua di Gio Alternative is the Best Value for Money?
The best value Acqua di Gio alternative is Parfums Belcam. It lasts twice as long as the Armani original, and delivers a scent that is a 90% match.
Another cheap choice is the roll-on from Quality Fragrance Oils, which lasts an impressive 8 hours. Just be prepared to sacrifice some projection with this more intimate scent.
All of the scents on this list are a fraction of the cost of Acqua di Gio. Even though Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue seems more expensive than other choices, you have to remember it’s a huge bottle that works out very cheaply per spray.
Consider Picking up a Decant of the Real Deal From Microperfumes.com
If none of these alternatives are jumping out at you, maybe consider getting a sample decant of the real deal instead.
Stores like Microperfumes will let you order 2ml vials of fragrances for just a few bucks so you can try out designer colognes without blowing the bank.
The most affordable place to try genuine samples of designer colognes - starting at 99 cents.
A huge range of the most popular colognes, with quick and easy shipping options.
Once you’ve tried Acqua di Gio, there’s a good chance you’ll fall in love and be able to justify splashing out on a full-sized bottle. At least, that’s what happened to me.
FAQs
What is the Best Acqua di Gio Alternative?
The best alternative to Acqua di Gio is either Parfums Belcam G Eau, or 360° Red by Perry Ellis.
G Eau is a very similar scent and a great budget pick, while Perry Ellis is a longer-lasting, premium choice with a hint of cinnamon spice.
What is the Cheapest Alternative for Acqua di Gio ?
The best budget-friendly alternative to the Acqua di Gio brand (that’s still worth buying) is – surprisingly – Just Me by Paris Hilton for Men.
This underrated scent which comes with an excellent value for money comes from Jean-Louis Grauby the same nose behind 360° Red by Perry Ellis.
What’s Changed?
We updated this guide in January 2024 to reflect the most recent pricing information.
3rd June 2024: This guide was overhauled with changes to our recommendations, latest reviews, and was re-fact checked to make sure our reviews are as up to date as possible.
Write a comment