How do I know what perfume or cologne to purchase online?

Most people have a perfume or cologne that they have used for years and know they love. Buying perfume and cologne online is an easy way to replenish your favorite scents when they run out without having to make a trip to the store. When considering fragrances, you've never smelled before, it is a good idea to identify brands you like and read reviews on the different scents they have. You could buy new fragrances in small bottles to try them out.

How much should I expect to pay for perfume online?

The good news is, you can expect to pay less for perfume if you're shopping online than if you go to a department store. The cost of your perfume will depend on the brand and amount you choose to buy. It is reasonable to expect to pay anywhere from $20 - $150 for a nice bottle of perfume or cologne. Watch for sales at your favorite online perfume store to score big discounts!

Why should I buy perfume online rather than from a department store?

If you want to try out a new perfume, shopping online is a great way to browse hundreds of new options, read reviews, and learn about new brands. You won't have to make a trip to the store or deal with salespeople. Many department stores have high mark-ups on their fragrances that you can avoid by ordering online. If you're looking for ease, affordability, and convenience, online shopping is unquestionably the best way to go when buying perfume.

What is a perfume tester?

Testers are small bottles of perfume or cologne that allow you to try out a new scent. They contain the same ingredients as a full bottle, but you don't have to spend the money to buy an entire container if you aren't sure you will like it. Not all online stores offer them, but using testers is a good way to try a bunch of new fragrances if you're looking to find your new go-to perfume or cologne.

How long do perfumes last?

Perfume can last anywhere from 3-5 years. As long as you keep them in a cool, dry area away from sunlight, the ingredients in perfume and/or cologne will be good for a long time. Most people will use up their perfume and replace it well before it surpasses its shelf life.

How much perfume comes in a bottle?

Each perfume product description online will list the amount of its contents. Most bottles of perfume will include between 2.5 oz and 4 oz of fragrance. This is a convenient size for traveling and storage. Many of them come in beautiful glass bottles that make for great accessories on a vanity or shelf.

Is it possible to return perfume?

Yes! Most online perfume retailers allow you to return your unused perfume or cologne within 30 - 60 days for a full refund. It is best practice to read the store's return policy before making a purchase so you know what to expect. You'll need to follow careful packaging instructions to ensure that the perfume bottle does not break or spoil in transit.

How can I make a perfume scent last longer on my skin?

There are a few tips and tricks that might increase the longevity of a perfume or cologne scent on your skin throughout the day. First, apply your perfume right after you get out of the shower. You might try moisturizing the areas you are applying to with a moisturizer like Vaseline. Rather than rubbing a fragrance in, try spraying or dabbing in on and letting it dry. Another idea is to spritz your perfume onto your hairbrush and run it through your hair.

Best Perfume Stores for January 2026

Item: The Best Perfume Stores - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Sunday, January 18th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Perfume Store Reviews

Where Can You Find the Best Perfume Store? Finding the perfect fragrance is a journey for your olfactory senses. Perfume isn't just another beauty or self-care product. It has become a means of expressing your individuality, making a memorable statement, and adding a touch of sophistication to your grooming routine.

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

Perfume.com

Priced from $1.34 to $1,075.24
6,561 fragrances offered
Options for men, women, and unisex

Read Full Review

EXCELLENT

5.0

On the Perfume.com website

Perfume.com, America's leading online destination for discounted fragrances, stands out with its user-friendly interface, an extensive selection of over 6,000 scents, and competitive pricing with discounts up to 70%. With an "A+" Better Business Bureau rating and positive customer reviews, Perfume.com earns a top 5-star rating as the go-to platform for unique and affordable perfume options.

4.5

GREAT

Great

Ulta

Priced from $10.49 to $250
1,088 fragrances offered
Options for men and women

Read Full Review

GREAT

4.5

On the Ulta website

Ulta, a prominent American beauty store chain, offers an extensive range of beauty products, including fragrances. The site's clean design and effective filters make browsing easy, offering 1,088 genuine, name-brand perfumes. While prices aren't particularly competitive here, occasional discounts and free gifts make shopping with Ulta more fun. Ulta's commitment to diversity and an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau contributes to its trustworthiness. With these stand-out features, Ulta earns an excellent rating, securing our recommendation as a top and trustworthy fragrance retailer.

4.4

GREAT

Great

FragranceNet

Priced around $52.99 to $629.99
21,996 fragrances offered
Options for men, women, unisex, and children

Read Full Review

GREAT

4.4

On the FragranceNet website

FragranceNet, established in 1997, has become a reputable online destination for beauty products. While the site design may appear outdated, an extensive inventory of over 20,000 perfumes makes FragranceNet stand out from the pack. The platform's reliability is underscored by an "A+" Better Business Bureau rating and positive customer reviews. Despite some user interface issues, FragranceNet earns a commendable rating for its impressive inventory, discounts, and trustworthy reputation.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Strawberrynet

Priced from $4.50 to $568
3,542 fragrances offered
Options for men and women

Read Full Review

VERY GOOD

4.0

On the Strawberrynet website

Strawberrynet offers a user-friendly website, supporting multiple languages and offering a selection of over 3,500 fragrances. While prices are reasonable, the company lacks some mainstay brands, and customer reviews present a mixed picture, with concerns about customer service and expired products. Despite these considerations, Strawberrynet maintains a high rating, making it a worthwhile option for affordable, name-brand perfumes.

3.5

GOOD

Good

Perfumania

Priced from $4.47 to $470.95
1,180 fragrances offered
Options for men and women

Read Full Review

GOOD

3.5

On the Perfumania website

Perfumania, founded in 1999, is a fragrance retailer with over 100 stores across the U.S. Its modern website offers easy navigation, live chat support, and a store locator tool. While the site design is impressive, the product selection is limited, with 1,180 fragrances and notable exclusions of major brands like Tiffany and Roja. With an "A-" rating from the Better Business Bureau and a high customer rating on Trustpilot, Perfumania receives praise for customer service, but suffers from inventory limitations.

3.4

GOOD

Good

Sobelia

Priced from $5.99 to $960.99
8,000+ fragrances offered
Options for men, women, and kids

Read Full Review

GOOD

3.4

On the Sobelia website

Established in 2004, Sobelia is a global retailer based in the United States, specializing in luxury perfumes for men, women, and children. With over 8,000 fragrance products, Sobelia offers a vast selection. Despite a website with some language issues and a lack of comprehensive information, Sobelia stands out for its broad inventory. The positive customer feedback on Trustpilot contributes to Sobelia's above-average rating, making it a suitable option for those seeking a wide fragrance selection despite a few language challenges.

3.0

AVERAGE

Average

The Perfume Box

Priced from $2.95 to $557.95
4,578 fragrances offered
Options for men and women

Read Full Review

AVERAGE

3.0

On the The Perfume Box website

The Perfume Box, in operation for over 30 years, offers genuine perfumes at discounted prices. With 4,578 fragrance options, there are plenty of choices available, yet some major brands like Roja are missing. The company promises lower-than-average costs, discounts of up to 80%, and has positive customer reviews. However, it earns a mid-tier rating from us due to an "F" rating from the BBB and a limited return policy.

2.5

FAIR

Fair

Fragrance X

Priced from $1.99 to $977.49
5,380 fragrances offered
Options for men, women, and unisex

Read Full Review

FAIR

2.5

On the Fragrance X website

Fragrance X, founded in 2001, offers 5,380 perfumes at discounted prices, with a clean and user-friendly website. Despite impressive sale prices and a high-ish Better Business Bureau rating of "A-," there are concerns about the return policy charges and potential delivery issues, with some customers expressing dissatisfaction over customer service. While recent reviews indicate improvement, lingering concerns suggest caution.

1.5

WEAK

Weak

Planet Beauty

Priced from $20 to $80
28 fragrances offered
Options for men and women

Read Full Review

WEAK

1.5

On the Planet Beauty website

Founded in 1992, Planet Beauty aims to be a one-stop online shop for beauty needs, including perfume. However, finding fragrances on their site can be challenging, with a limited selection of 28 options, and a less intuitive filtering system. On top of that, Planet Beauty's reputation has declined to an "F" BBB rating, and concerns about faulty coupons have surfaced. Overall, Planet Beauty earns a low rating due to its limited inventory and various drawbacks.

1.4

WEAK

Weak

The Perfume Spot

Priced from $3.50 to $436.42
2,671 fragrances offered
Options for men and women

Read Full Review

WEAK

1.4

On the The Perfume Spot website

Based in New Jersey, The Perfume Spot has been a family-owned wholesale perfume business since 1986, transitioning to online sales in 1999. However, the inventory is limited, with 1,671 fragrances, and the search function may not yield accurate results. While the pricing is mid-tier, customer reviews reveal concerns about authenticity and a "D" rating from the Better Business Bureau indicates a lack of trust from consumers. With potential fake items and a restocking fee, The Perfume Spot receives a low rating, making it less reliable compared to higher-rated alternatives.

1.0

POOR

Poor

Beauty Encounter

Priced from $20 to $2,800
6,575 fragrances offered
Options for men, women, unisex, children, and pets

Read Full Review

POOR

1.0

On the Beauty Encounter website

Beauty Encounter, founded in 2000, offers beauty products, including fragrances, skincare, and makeup. However, the website's slow navigation, lack of popular perfumes, and customer complaints about counterfeits raise concerns. With a limited return policy and an "F" rating from the Better Business Bureau, Beauty Encounter earns a low rating overall.

Continued from above...

Where Can You Find the Best Perfume Store?

Finding the perfect fragrance is a journey for your olfactory senses. Perfume isn't just another beauty or self-care product. It has become a means of expressing your individuality, making a memorable statement, and adding a touch of sophistication to your grooming routine.

The overwhelming variety of scents found in the perfume section of a store can often lead to sensory overload, making it challenging to discern the nuances of each fragrance. This is where the convenience and efficiency of online shopping come into play. Many people prefer the comfort of shopping from home where you can still smell the perfume when it arrives and return it if it isn't perfect.

Shopping online lets you avoid hovering employees or wasting gas on a run to the mall. You can get the perfect scent experience shipped right to your home. Considering that many retailers provide free shipping for costly fragrances, you don't have to worry about paying extra to buy online.

More than a simple accessory, the right fragrance can evoke memories and help you bring out your best self through a new or familiar scent. Beyond the surface allure of smelling pleasant throughout the day, perfume serves as a convenient and quick pick-me-up, instilling confidence and a sense of presentability, especially in hectic moments when you find yourself rushing to catch public transport or running errands post-gym. It's a transformative tool that allows you to project a composed and refined image even when time constraints limit your ability to indulge in a full grooming ritual.

Beyond the comfort of browsing from your home, online platforms provide detailed product descriptions and invaluable customer reviews, helping you to make informed decisions before committing to a purchase. Plus, if you're like us and you want to try something new, you can pick out options in sample sizes for you to try out something more floral over fruity this time.

Online shopping also allows you to bundle items or enjoy a one-stop-shop experience where you can buy fragrances for yourself, your spouse, and even your pet at some locations. But, finding the best place to buy perfume can be difficult.

There are a lot of places online where you can buy perfume. To help, we've put together this quick checklist to help you narrow down the best places to shop for perfume online:

Cost. Compare prices across different online retailers so that you're getting the best deal. Pay attention to shipping costs and look for stores offering free delivery or regular sales to bring down prices.
Selection. Opt for retailers with a large selection of perfumes from various brands. Whether you're looking for a luxury perfume or something more natural, finding a store with a one-stop-shop approach can help you find a scent that resonates with you.
Return policy. What if the perfume doesn't meet your expectations? Or what if you need to sniff something before you fully commit? Plenty of stores online offer a return policy. Just check each retailer to make sure you can send it back for a full refund if needed. A customer-friendly return policy adds confidence to your purchase.
Reputation. A company's reputation can go a long way toward making it a trustworthy place to shop. Check the customer reviews as well as ratings from the Better Business Bureau to make sure your chosen retailer is a place you can trust.

To help you find the best scent for your lifestyle, Top Consumer Reviews has taken the guesswork out of perfume shopping by reviewing and ranking the best online stores for purchasing fragrances. We hope this guides you toward a perfume that not only makes you feel fresh and confident but also aligns perfectly with your unique and beautiful style. Happy shopping!