Head to head
Acqua di Parma Colonia and 4711 Echt Kölnisch Wasser are often compared by people choosing between the two. Both belong to the citrus family, and they share lemon, bergamot, lavender and rosemary. They are close in style: much of the character of one is also in the other.
Colonia stands apart with sweet orange, verbena and rose, while Echt Kölnisch Wasser brings orange, neroli and musk. Colonia lasts longer (moderate against very weak), and they project about the same (soft). Echt Kölnisch Wasser is the cheaper one: about $17 against $185 for a standard bottle.
How we picked. We put the two fragrances side by side using the data in our catalog: notes, olfactory family, longevity, projection, the seasons and occasions each one suits and its typical price. A fragrance smells different on each person, so try both on skin if you can. Prices are typical US retail prices and may differ at checkout.
| ColoniaAcqua di Parma | Echt Kölnisch Wasser4711 | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | $185 · 3.4 oz | $17 · 3.4 oz |
| Concentration | Eau de Cologne | Eau de Cologne |
| Launched | 1916 | 1792 |
| Family | Citrus, Aromatic | Citrus, Aromatic |
| Top notes | Lemon, Sweet orange, Bergamot | Bergamot, Lemon, Orange, Neroli |
| Heart notes | Lavender, Rosemary, Verbena, Rose | Rosemary, Lavender |
| Base notes | Vetiver, Sandalwood, Patchouli | Musk |
| Longevity | Moderate | Very weak |
| Projection | Soft | Soft |
| Best seasons | Spring, Summer | Spring, Summer |
| Occasions | Everyday, Office, Formal event | Everyday, Sport |
| Style | Fresh, Elegant, Classic | Fresh, Classic |
Acqua di Parma
$185 · 3.4 oz · Eau de Cologne · Unisex · Citrus
Sicilian citrus, lavender and rosemary over a light woody base. Italian elegance in its simplest, sunniest form.
Choose Colonia if you want longer wear, something better suited to cold weather and a fragrance that covers more occasions.
4711
$17 · 3.4 oz · Eau de Cologne · Unisex · Citrus
The original Eau de Cologne, from the city that named the genre. Citrus and rosemary in a fleeting, invigorating freshness.
Choose Echt Kölnisch Wasser if you want a lower price.
Answer 7 quick questions about the person and the occasion, and we will match the fragrances that fit best.
Take the quizColonia lasts longer (moderate against very weak), and they project about the same (soft). Longevity also depends on your skin and on how much you apply.
Echt Kölnisch Wasser is the cheaper one: about $17 against $185 for a standard bottle. These are typical US retail prices for a standard bottle and change often, so check the current price before buying.
They share lemon, bergamot, lavender and rosemary. They are close in style: much of the character of one is also in the other.
For spring and summer they are about equally suited. For fall and winter, Colonia is the better fit. Colonia is at its best in spring and summer, and Echt Kölnisch Wasser in spring and summer.
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