8 Best Dior Sauvage Alternatives in 2024 – All Budgets

If you had to pick one cologne to exude confidence and sophistication anywhere, Dior Sauvage would be near the top of my list.

It’s a versatile blend that suits pretty much all seasons and occasions with an impeccable balance between freshness and a touch of deep, woodsy spice. 

Dior Sauvage
Dior Sauvage. Photo taken by Joe Manktelow-Pimm. Copyright: 7Gents ©.

My two favorite Dior Sauvage alternatives come from Armaf. They do a great job at capturing the classic Sauvage pepper, ambroxan, and bergamot blend, and last a very respectable 6 hours.

Ventana smells about 95% similar with that iconic Dior Sauvage, woodsy-citrus blast in the opening, while Pride of Armaf is a subtly warmer, creamier take on Sauvage DNA.

Smooth Sauvage
Best Overall
Long-lasting Scent
4.5
4.8
4.1
$32.90 ($9.68 / Fl Oz)
$26.84 ($7.89 / Fl Oz)
$90.00$83.99 ($24.85 / Fl Oz)
  • A touch sweeter and softer than Dior Sauvage - but still very close.
  • Smells impossibly expensive for the low price tag.
  • Very similar to the original Dior Sauvage - around 90% likeness.
  • Excellent value for money in terms of quality and performance.
  • Top-tier longevity at over 10 hours of consistent fragrance. Strong performer.
  • Smoother compared to Dior Sauvage - rounds out some of the rougher edges.
Smooth Sauvage
4.5
$32.90 ($9.68 / Fl Oz)
  • A touch sweeter and softer than Dior Sauvage - but still very close.
  • Smells impossibly expensive for the low price tag.
Best Overall
4.8
$26.84 ($7.89 / Fl Oz)
  • Very similar to the original Dior Sauvage - around 90% likeness.
  • Excellent value for money in terms of quality and performance.
Long-lasting Scent
4.1
$90.00$83.99 ($24.85 / Fl Oz)
  • Top-tier longevity at over 10 hours of consistent fragrance. Strong performer.
  • Smoother compared to Dior Sauvage - rounds out some of the rougher edges.
03/07/2024 07:34 pm GMT

If you’re less constrained by budget, I’d also recommend taking a look at Prada’s Luna Rossa Carbon for a smoother, gentler Dior Sauvage alternative.

It lasts a huge 10 hours, so you’re covered all day with this toned-down representation of the Sauvage fougere.

I’ll step you through the 8 Dior Sauvage alternatives that I’ve enjoyed the most, and discuss when and where I recommend deploying these scents, based on:

  • Note profile (what does it smell like)
  • Longevity (how long does it last)
  • Projection (how subtle/strong is it)
  • Occasion (season, time of day, setting)
  • Value for money

But as always, the choice is ultimately yours.

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Best Dior Sauvage Alternatives for Men in 2024


Best Dior Sauvage Alternatives for Men in 2024

Armaf Ventana Pour Homme – Best Dior Sauvage Alternative Overall

When I used Ventana Pour Homme, my first reaction was genuine laughter. I found it funny how close it was to Sauvage, and I really can’t see why anyone would pick up the original when Ventana exists.

Armaf Ventana Pour Homme
$26.84 ($7.89 / Fl Oz)

Very similar to the original Dior Sauvage - around 95% likeness.

Excellent value for money in terms of quality and performance.

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Unless you really want that Dior clout, in which case, good luck to you.  It almost smells identical.

It shares all of the keynotes that make the original special –  I’d say around 95% to Dior Sauvage.

You get the iconic Sauvage sense straight away with an aggressive ambroxan blast in the opening. It smells sharp, in-your-face, and has no problem making an entrance. 

Within half an hour, the harshness dies away to make space for a warmer mid-section with floral freshness from lavender and geranium. 

The most noticeable difference between Ventana and Dior Sauage – perhaps the only real change, in terms of notes – is the absence of pepper. Most people won’t be able to tell the difference, though. It’s just as crisp, fresh, and alluring as Dior Sauvage in every other way. 

The dry down has that familiar, woodsy feel emerging from the base of cedar and vetiver. The amber note does exactly what it should, mellowing out and brightening up some of the harsher masculine woods. 

Sure, it’s not as long-lasting of a fragrance, but Ventana is no slouch, either. 6 – 7 hours of significant fragrance from a budget cologne is good going, and above average for the price point. 

If I were to be super picky, I’m struggling with this bottle design a little. Sure, the scent is what really matters – but the feels like a missed opportunity to produce something a little more beautiful.

The bars on the front feel a little like a car’s front grill, and I think the faux leather wrap does more harm than good.

Top Notes:Grapefruit, Lemon and Mandarin Orange
Middle Notes:Lavender, Geranium, Vetiver and Patchouli
Base Notes:Cedar, Amber and Precious Woods
Ventana Pour Homme Fragrance Notes

The Pride of Armaf for Men – A Hidden Gem of a Dior Sauvage Alternative

Pride of Armaf is not quite as similar to Sauvage as Ventana Pour Homme, but it does share a bulk of the same DNA. The opening notes smell similar to the Dior original, but throughout the 6-hour lifetime Pride begins to go its own way, and ends up smelling like a Sauvage flanker.

The Pride of Armaf for Men
$32.90 ($9.68 / Fl Oz)

A touch sweeter and softer than Dior Sauvage - but still very close.

Smells impossibly expensive for the low price tag.

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It feels like a version of Sauvage where the ambroxan freshness has been replaced by touches of cinnamon and nutmeg to develop a fragrance that smells warmer, creamier, and slightly softened.

Pride of Armaf is slightly sweeter than Ventana from lemon and bergamot in the opening, with notes of tonka and sandalwood from the base that arrive surprisingly early, and stick around to the end. 

It’s also less harsh than Ventana, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for something 100% safe and accessible. 

Wearing Pride of Armaf makes you feel like you’re wearing a $100 cologne. It’s one of a handful of fragrances I would actually recommend as a blind buy – you really can’t go wrong with this compliment-ripe cologne that smashed my expectations.

Armaf colognes aren’t nuclear, they’re not weak scents either. Ventana has a little more punch and great sillage, but you’ll still get 6 hours of life out of Pride of Armaf – and probably more in warmer weather.

While Ventana might be slightly more popular, Pride of Armaf is a bit of a hidden gem.

Top Notes:Bergamot, Lemon and Lemon Verbena
Middle Notes:Nutmeg, Cinnamon and Oakmoss
Base Notes:Tonka Bean, Vanilla and Sandalwood
The Pride of Armaf Fragrance Notes

Prada Luna Rossa Carbon – A Smoother Version of Dior Sauvage

If you’re someone who has tried to like Dior Sauvage but has found it a little brash or overpowering, this is the fragrance for you. Prada Luna Rossa Carbon is a smoother, more gentle version of the classic fragrance. 

Prada Luna Rossa Carbon
$90.00 $83.99 ($24.85 / Fl Oz)

Top-tier longevity at over 10 hours of consistent fragrance. Strong performer.

A smoother version of Dior Sauvage that rounds out some of the rougher edges.

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03/07/2024 09:14 pm GMT

While Dior Sauvage sprints out the gates and smacks you on the face, Luna Rossa Carbon takes the same DNA and makes it a little less obnoxious.

If Sauvage is the designer suit and the gold chain, Luna Rossa Carbon is the reserved business partner with the black tie. Equally impressive, but far more gentle.

The ambroxan freshness in particular is toned down, but the blend as a whole is incredibly well-balanced and will collect plenty of compliments.

For me, Dior Sauvage is just a little too loud for office wear, but I’d be perfectly comfortable with this smooth scent from Prada. It just feels a little more “sensible”.

Also, unlike other colognes on this list, Prada Luna Rossa Carbon can actually compete with Sauvage in terms of longevity and great sillage.

You’ll get around 8 hours of fragrance from a few sprays in the morning, and I normally receive a few compliments a week from colleagues – or even when I’m just commuting into the office.

Top Notes:Bergamot and Pepper
Middle Notes:Lavender, Metallic Notes, Coal, Watery Notes and Soil Tincture
Base Notes:Ambroxan and Patchouli
Luna Rossa Carbon Fragrance Notes

Ajmal Zeal – A Dior Sauvage Alternative With a Twist of Pine

Similar to Prada Luna Rossa Carbon, Ajmal Zeal presents the essence of Dior Sauvage DNA in a way that feels a little more toned down, refined, and natural smelling than the original.

Ajmal Zeal
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The ambroxan and pepper combination that can feel a little overpowering for some is replaced by a pine freshness that maintains a bit of bright bite without turning overly woodsy. 

It opens with a bit of a citrus blast that mellows within 20 minutes or so. It’s zesty and a little acerbic, but not enough to be off-putting at all. It’s just energizing, like a freshly squeezed orange. 

By hour 2, you’ll start to notice shades of vetiver slide into the frame, which linger on throughout the dry down and lend Zeal some of its longevity. You get up to 7 hours of fragrance out of Ajmal Zeal, which is super impressive from a breezy citrus scent at this price range. 

In terms of quality, Ajmal Zeal is comparable to western houses like Dunhill or Montblanc – it smells like it operates in that mid-tier price territory.

I have to admit that I think Prada Luna Rossa Carbon is the superior scent for a chilled-out Dior Sauvage alternative, but Ajmal Zeal puts up a great fight for just a third of the price.

Unless you love pine notes. In which case, Ajmal Zeal is still the way to go.

Plus, the bottle looks amazing. It’s a beautiful glass design, and very impressive for something so cheap.

Top Notes:Pine Nut, Lemon and Bergamot
Middle Notes:Pine Needle, Lavender and Geranium
Base Notes:Vetiver and Patchouli
Ajmal Zeal Fragrance Notes

Aromatic Star Anise – Best Dior Sauvage Dossier.co Alternative

Dossier is not shy about taking “inspiration” from designer colognes, so this scent smells very similar.

Aromatic Star Anise by Dossier
Dossier.com
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Aromatic Star Anise straddles the sweet and spicy line that makes Dior Sauvage so special and offers a refined and sophisticated representation of modern masculinity.

The fragrance rumbles open with top notes of bergamot, pepper, and the titular star anise for a spicy start that still feels moderated and controlled. 

Then, a floral heart of lavender, germanium, and nutmeg lends the sensual herbaceousness that many people love in the original Dior Sauvage. It’s a soft florality that is more about balancing the spicy elements than anything inherently feminine. 

The familiar amber wood base brings a familiar end to the journey, but the base notes do lack the muskiness of the original – which I think contributes to the shorter lifespan when you compare it to Dior Sauvage.

That may be the only thing that might swing you away from Aromatic Star Anise: longevity. I only get 3 – 4 hours per application with this scent.

Now – that isn’t bad, considering the price. But you’d struggle to say it’s good, either. Just meh. 

On the plus side, all Dossier fragrances are produced ethically. With cruelty-free and vegan principles at the heart of their business, your new cologne with help you do good while you smell good. 

Top Notes:Bergamot, Pepper, and Star Anise
Middle Notes:Lavender, Nutmeg, and Geranium
Base Notes:Patchouli, Amberwood, and Vetiver
Aromatic Star Anise Fragrance Notes

Dior Sauvage Alternatives

If you’re looking for something that will smell similar to the iconic fragrance without being a direct Dior Sauvage knockoff, I’ve got you covered.

Here are 3 excellent fragrances if you already happen to have Dior Sauvage in your rotation:

Dylan Blue Pour Homme by Versace – Lighter and Zestier Dior Sauvage Alternative

Versace Dylan Blue is an enchanting aquatic scent designed to mimic the cool Mediterranean breeze – and it’s a great pick for anyone looking for something a little less typical than Dior Sauvage.

Versace Pour Homme Dylan Blue
$92.00 $54.69 ($16.09 / Fl Oz)

Fresh and clean scent with a hint of sweetness and a subtle smokey element.

This versatile and masculine scent collects way more compliments than the price might suggest.

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The composition starts with top notes of grapefruit, fig leaves, and bergamot that smell clean and fresh.

This soft, fruity combination develops into a heart of violet, ambroxan, pepper, and patchouli, with an aquatic sense throughout that keeps the scent feeling light, airy, and uncluttered.

The combination of Tonka bean, musk, saffron, and incense makes the calming, endnote smell so enjoyable.

It’s got a lot of versatility, and you can wear it in the evening or during the day, casual or dressy. It has a moderate sillage for masculine freshness that will linger on throughout the day.

Like Dior Sauvage, Dylan Blue is a long-lasting cologne. Just add a spray or two to your pulse points in the morning, and you’ll smell masculine and fresh all day.

Photo taken by Joe Manktelow-Pimm. Copyright: 7Gents ©

Plus, the deep blue bottle with a gold cap and a medusa seal makes it a beautiful addition, even as an object.

Top Notes:Calabrian Bergamot, Water Notes, Grapefruit and Fig Leaf
Middle Notes:Ambroxan, Black Pepper, Patchouli, Violet Leaf and Papyrus
Base Notes:Incense, Musk, Tonka Bean and Saffron
Dylan Blue Pour Homme Fragrance Notes

YSL Y Eau de Parfum – Rooted in the Sauvage DNA For Shower Freshness All Day

YSL Y exists in the same genre of sharp blue fragrances as Dior Sauvage, but the prickle arises from a herbaceous blend of apple and sage rather than the pepper you find in the original.

YSL Y EDP
$81.99 ($41.00 / Ounce)

A versatile favorite almost guaranteed to collect compliments.

The alluring, powdery dry down really lasts all day.

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03/06/2024 08:39 pm GMT

The ambroxan, fresh-out-of-the-shower sense is back in full force, with a universally clean-smelling appeal that works for men across generations. It’s always good to smell fresh, and it never feels like a bad time to wear Yves Saint Laurent’s Y.

Y was formulated around and named after Generation Y (those who were born in the 1980s and 1990s) and does a great job of capturing that sense of young professional energy. It works in the office but will collect compliments by the water cooler, too. 

Just like Dior Sauvage, the simple ingredients in the blend also make it a versatile perfume that you can use for almost any situation. It might not be the mindblowing showstopper for a private party or the coziest fragrance for cuddles on the sofa – but it will perform to an 8/10 standard in both scenarios. 

You’ll get 10 hours of life out of Y, which is plenty to keep you smelling fresh over a full day at the office. Handle with care: anything more than 3 sprays might be too loud. 

Just be aware that it’s more of a general confidence booster than something I would call a signature scent. You won’t win any prizes for groundbreaking originality here, but you will get a very versatile fragrance that is unlikely to offend anyone.

Top Notes:Aldehydes, Bergamot, Ginger, Mint and Lemon
Middle Notes:Apple, Violet Leaf, Sage, Pineapple and Geranium
Base Notes:Ambergris, Musk, Cedar, Vetiver, Balsam Fir and Incense
YSL Y Fragrance Notes

Armani Code Absolu – A Touch of Spice in this Classy Dior Sauvage Alternative

Code Absolu is a bombshell of an Eastern cologne. The top notes are warm, balanced, and smooth—like cashmere. It’s a gorgeous scent, one that easily transitions through seasons.

Code Absolu by Armani
$99.95 ($199.90 / Fl Oz)
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03/06/2024 05:50 pm GMT

Armani Code is a spicy scent with notes of amber and eastern spices. The fragrance is beautifully balanced and very smooth.

Seductive, good-enough-to-eat vanilla is the main event here, making Armani Absolu a perfect aromatic fragrance for winter or date night. 

Put it this way – if Dior Sauvage feels “blue”, Armani Code Absolu is closer to “gold”.

The scent opens with mandarin and apple over a bed of suede. Moments later, orange blossom adds a sweet breath of floral air. 

I’d best describe the scent first hour as juicy and bright—the fragrance of a freshly peeled orange. After that, nutmeg and carrot seed gradually add their lovely woodsy notes to the mix.

Those heart notes help to keep the blend from being too overly sweet. The bitter almond and dry suede help balance Absolue and conserve its masculinity, rather than becoming just a typical attention-seeking vanilla bomb.

Top Notes:Green Mandarin and Apple
Middle Notes:Nutmeg, Orange Blossom and Carrot Seeds
Base Notes:Vanilla, Tonka Bean, Suede and Woody Notes
Code Absolu Fragrance Notes

What to Look For in a Good Dior Sauvage Alternative

Dior Sauvage is one of the best men’s fragrances of all time, and as far as I can tell it’s successful for three main reasons:

Versatility

Dior Sauvage is one of the few colognes you can genuinely wear all year round. Okay, it might be a bit much for those couple of weeks in summer when everything is just too hot, but you get the idea. It is not a fragrance that’s pigeonholed by a season, which makes it a good pick to buy in bulk for better value as a year-round signature fragrance.

Performance

Dior Sauvage is a notorious performance beast. It lasts for over 10 hours, which will have you covered for a full day.

Longevity is normally where most budget scents fall down, so any suitable Dior Sauvage cologne needs to last at least 6 hours to be practical for daily wear.

FragranceLongevity in Hours
Armaf Ventana6 – 7 hours
The Pride of Armaf6 hours
Prada Luna Rossa Carbon10 hours
Ajmal Zeal7 hours
Dossier Aromatic Star Anise3 -4 hours
Sauvage Dior Alternatives Longevity Comparison

If performance is a priority for you, it’s probably best to consider Prada Luna Rossa Carbon, which lasts up to 10 hours per application.

It’s the more expensive option on this list, but its impressive longevity means each spray goes further and a bottle lasts longer. Otherwise, Amraf’s Ventana and Pride both last a respectable 6 hours and are cheap enough that you can easily reapply them after work to refresh yourself.

While Dossier’s Star Anise smells very similar to Dior Sauvage, its longevity is disappointing at 3 – 4 hours. If you want to pick up compliments throughout the day, there are better choices available for the price.

High Compliment Factor

People – and particularly women – seem to love being around Dior Sauvage. Any successful alternative needs to have similar head-turning qualities, otherwise what’s the fun?

Sure, Dior Sauvage 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”.

Which Dior Sauvage Alternative is the Best Value for Money?

The best-value Dior Sauvage alternative is Ventana by Armaf. It happens to be the cheapest, as well as the most faithful Dior Sauvage imitation (95% similar). It’s a win-win.

However, if you find it’s out of stock, pride of Armaf is a solid backup. It’s like Dior Sauvage’s softer, more mature older brother – about 85% similar.

If price is your primary concern, you’ll probably want to skip Prada’s Luna Rossa Carbon. It basically costs the same as Dior Sauvage – but it makes up for the price tag with an impressive 10-hour longevity.


Consider Picking up a Decant of the Real Deal From Microperfumes.com

If none of these scents 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.

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A huge range of the most popular colognes, with quick and easy shipping options.

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Once you’ve tried Dior Sauvage, 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.


Smooth Sauvage
Best Overall
Long-lasting Scent
4.5
4.8
4.1
$32.90 ($9.68 / Fl Oz)
$26.84 ($7.89 / Fl Oz)
$90.00$83.99 ($24.85 / Fl Oz)
  • A touch sweeter and softer than Dior Sauvage - but still very close.
  • Smells impossibly expensive for the low price tag.
  • Very similar to the original Dior Sauvage - around 90% likeness.
  • Excellent value for money in terms of quality and performance.
  • Top-tier longevity at over 10 hours of consistent fragrance. Strong performer.
  • Smoother compared to Dior Sauvage - rounds out some of the rougher edges.
Smooth Sauvage
4.5
$32.90 ($9.68 / Fl Oz)
  • A touch sweeter and softer than Dior Sauvage - but still very close.
  • Smells impossibly expensive for the low price tag.
Best Overall
4.8
$26.84 ($7.89 / Fl Oz)
  • Very similar to the original Dior Sauvage - around 90% likeness.
  • Excellent value for money in terms of quality and performance.
Long-lasting Scent
4.1
$90.00$83.99 ($24.85 / Fl Oz)
  • Top-tier longevity at over 10 hours of consistent fragrance. Strong performer.
  • Smoother compared to Dior Sauvage - rounds out some of the rougher edges.
03/07/2024 07:34 pm GMT

FAQ: What You Should Know About the Best Dior Sauvage Alternatives

What is the Best Dior Sauvage Alternative?

The best Dior Sauvage alternative is either Pride of Armaf or Ventana (also by Armaf). Both colognes are 90% similar to Dior Sauvage with their own little twist.

What is the Cheapest Dior Sauvage Alternative?

The cheapest Dior Sauvage cologne that’s still worth buying is Ajmal Zeal. Excellent value for money on this underrated scent. 


What’s Changed?

We updated this guide in January 2024 to reflect the most recent pricing information.

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