As a self-proclaimed fragrance snob, I always stuck my nose up at perfume subscription boxes, thinking there’s no way a monthly sampling could include the same luxury perfumes I exclusively wear. Then, I faced the nearly impossible task of testing and researching the best perfume subscription boxes to see if any met my exceptionally high standards. Spoiler alert: a few did. I even discovered some long-lasting fragrances, I swear I will never live without.
“Fragrance subscriptions are a great way to discover your next favorite scent without the hassle of shopping in person and with a minimal financial investment,” says Bettina O’Neill, the executive vice president of business development and merchandising at Scentbird. “You get to experiment and discover new fragrance brands in the comfort of your own home! It’s pure fun!”
To make sure every brand was judged fairly, I tested a variety of fragrances offered in each box, and considered the smell (of course) of each perfume and the value. I also considered the appearance of the boxes and the subscription options available. I consulted with fragrance experts who gave me their top-tier insights into finding the best perfume subscription box for your unique tastes.
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Why We Love It: Scentbird has remained an editor-favorite for good reason–it offers exceptional variety, value, and convenience. Starting at under $17 per month, you’ll get an 8-milliliter vial of perfume or cologne, which amounts to roughly 120 sprays (enough to last you about a month). The brand also kicks things off with a short quiz to tailor selections to your preferences, making the experience more personal. Subscribers can choose from over 900 fragrances, including picks from niche, popular, or designer brands you know and love. Even better? They usually offer discounts up to 50 percent off for your first month to boot.
Who It’s For: If you like to try before you buy, are tight on counter space, or want to test a scent before committing to the full bottle, Scentbird is a perfect fit. It’s also a smart, low-commitment, high-reward way to explore the most buzzed-about fragrance on the market.
Worth Noting: While the base subscription starts at $16.95, the brand offers several upgrade options, including additional samples per month, premium scent tiers, and protective cases. I have personally tested out the Discovery Set, which includes 10 mini tester samples for $60–a great option if one scent isn’t enough for you. As someone who has very limited storage space, I love the size and range of scents of this sampler.
Starting Price: $16.95 | Sample Size: 8 mL | Fragrances: 1-3 | Bonus Items: Perfume case
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Credit: InStyle
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Credit: InStyle
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Why We Love It: Skylar is known for crafting clean, hypoallergenic fragrances that are safe for sensitive skin. Expect unexpected scent notes like banana candy, milk, or sticky mango, all artfully blended to feel playful and wearable. If you join the brand’s Scent Club, you’ll get access to exclusive perks like discounted shipping, early access to new launches, and a customizable box. Each month, you’ll receive an email introducing the limited-edition rollerball of the month, with the option to skip, swap, or add to your box, putting you fully in control. Not sure where to start? Take Skylar’s Scent Club quiz to get matched with something you’ll love.
Who It’s For: If clean ingredients and sustainable packaging are top priorities for you, Skylar delivers on both. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking skin-safe, out-of-the-box scents you won’t find anywhere else. “We create exclusive, one-of-a-kind fragrances you won’t find anywhere else,” says David Dreyer, chief marketing officer of Starco Brands (parent company of Skylar). “While all of our fragrances are also clean, vegan, and safe for sensitive skin, that’s just an added bonus to the creativity and quality at the heart of everything we do.”
Worth Noting: At $20 per month, Skylar’s subscription is slightly pricier than some, but you’re paying for high-quality, consciously formulated perfumes. I tested out seven of their rollerballs and found them refreshingly light without being headache-inducing. Bonus: The vials are surprisingly durable and have survived being tossed around even in my overpacked weekender bags.
Starting Price: $20 | Sample Size: 10 mL | Fragrances: One rollerball | Bonus Items: Customizable perfume box
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Credit: InStyle
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Credit: InStyle
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Why We Love It: Quite similar to Scentbird, ScentBox makes gifting fragrance easy, personal, and fun. Starting at $17 a month (or $10 for the first month), recipients get to choose a travel-sized vial from designer brands like Prada, Burberry, Giorgio Armani, and more. For those who lean luxe, upgraded tiers offer access to higher-end picks. You can also opt to receive up to three different scents per month, making it the gift that truly keeps on giving.
Who It’s For: Perfect for the fragrance lover in your life–or someone just starting their scent journey–ScentBox offers flexibility, variety, and the joy of discovery. The included atomizer case is a thoughtful touch, especially for on-the-go spritzing.
Worth Noting: Each box includes free shipping, and you can cancel the subscription anytime.
Starting Price: $16.95 | Sample Size: 0.27 oz | Fragrances: 1 | Bonus Items: Atomizer
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Why We Love It: LUXSB offers one of the largest sizes available in the perfume subscription world–a generous 9 ml, or roughly 150 sprays. Members can create a fragrance calendar to plan which scents they’ll receive each month, and if you fall in love with one, you can purchase a full-size bottle at a discounted member rate. Access to more luxurious scents is available for an added fee, too. And yes, there’s of course a fragrance survey to guide your picks
Who It’s For: This subscription is made for fragrance connoisseurs who know exactly what they like–and want more of it. The larger vial size means fewer re-ups and more time to enjoy each scent, making it ideal for perfume pros and self-proclaimed snobs alike.
Worth Noting: While LUXSB operates on a month-to-month basis, using a new subscriber promo code requires a minimum two-month commitment. Just something to keep in mind when signing up.
Starting Price: $16.95 | Sample Size: 9 mL | Fragrances: 1 | Bonus Items: Shipping
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Why We Love It: Royalty Scents brings a luxury touch to the subscription game. Plans start at $19.95 a month, making it one of the pricier options on our list, but with that comes flexibility and elevated choices. You can select one to two premium vials per month, and queue your picks up to 12 months in advance. The sleek, minimalist packaging and atomizer are just the cherries on top, making every delivery feel like a treat.
Who It’s For: Ideal for fragrance aficionados who enjoy the finer things, know their way around a scent wheel, and don’t mind investing a little more in their signature scent.
Worth Noting: The brand ships to several international destinations, including Canada, Australia, and countries across Europe. International shipping ranges from $9.95 to $12.95, depending on your location.
Starting Price: $19.95 | Sample Size: 8 mL | Fragrances: 1-2 | Bonus Items: Atomizer
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Why We Love It: If you’re not looking to spend a pretty penny, Fragrance.net has its Purpl Lux subscription service, which offers two flexible pricing options: an annual plan at $9.95 a month or a month-to-month option for $14.95. To sweeten the deal, the first month is just $6.95, and shipping is always free—that’s less than my morning matcha.
Who It’s For: As the most affordable of the bunch, this subscription is ideal for anyone looking to explore fragrance without spending a fortune. For under $15 a month, it’s a simple and accessible way to test-drive luxury scents without the price tag.
Worth Noting: You can choose “premium” products that will be added to your monthly subscription price, which will either be an upcharge of $5, $10, $15, or $20 (it’ll be located in bold directly underneath the product). Just don’t forget to pick your monthly selection, or the system will default to your last pick.
Starting Price: $14.95 | Sample Size: 8 mL | Fragrances: 1 | Bonus Items: Atomizer
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Why We Love It: If you’re a hard-working mom, shopping for one, or just appreciate a good deal, Perfume.com offers a no-fuss subscription that won’t disappoint. A trusted name in the industry for nearly 30 years, the brand lets you choose from over 500 scents to build your unique queue. You could also let their in-house perfume experts select bestselling options for you. Each month, you’ll receive one atomizer filled with your chosen scent, offering about 120 sprays.
Who It’s For: This is a straightforward, no-frills subscription perfect for anyone who knows what they want and wants a reliable way to get it.
Worth Noting: Subscription options are divided by gender, which might not align with everyone’s preferences. The website feels a bit dated and doesn’t offer a quiz or discovery tool to help narrow down things.
Starting Price: $14.95 (first month is $7.47) | Sample Size: 0.27 oz | Fragrances: 1 | Bonus Items: Atomizer
What to Keep in Mind
- Cost: There’s a perfume subscription box for just about every budget, but it’s worth reading the fine print before committing. Be sure to check for any additional fees (like shipping or premium scent upgrades), confirm exactly what your plan includes, and make sure the value aligns with your expectations.
- Fragrances Included: Most subscriptions include one travel-size vial per month, typically around 8 milliliters, which translates to about 120-150 sprays. Some services allow you to upgrade your plan to receive additional fragrances for an additional cost. If you’re someone who likes to rotate scents based on season or mood, or simply enjoys more variety, those upgrade options can be well worth considering.
- Types of Samples: Most fragrance subscriptions feature a mix of designer labels like YSL, Valentino, and Tom Ford. Some also spotlight niche and indie options you won’t find in any retail store. These lesser-known labels often bring a more curated, artisanal approach to scent, offering a chance to discover something truly unique.
Your Questions, Answered
How does a perfume subscription work?
A perfume subscription works by delivering curated or customizable fragrance samples to your door each month for a flat fee. Most services allow you to take a quiz or browse a scent library to select the fragrances you’d like to try. You typically receive a travel-size vial (often 8-10 mL), which offers enough sprays to last about 30 days. Many also offer perks such as discounts, early access to new launches, or bonus items with your subscription.
What is the best scent for perfume?
The best scent for perfume is entirely personal—it depends on what you’re drawn to. Some people gravitate toward fruity, fresh notes, while others prefer warm, woodsy ones. That’s the beauty of fragrance: there’s no one-size-fits-all, and the right scent is simply the one that works for your body and makes you feel good. “I believe the best scent is deeply personal—it’s the one that makes you feel most like you,” says Dreyer. “Right now, we’re seeing a major interest in gourmand and edible-inspired notes like brown sugar, whipped cream, and vanilla, as well as fruity florals that feel playful yet elevated. There’s also a growing love for bright, juicy citrus scents that add a fresh twist.”
What is the best women’s perfume subscription box?
The best women’s perfume subscription box depends on what you’re looking for. Scentbird stands out for its versatility, value, and convenience. If clean ingredients are of importance, Skylar is a strong choice, offering hypoallergenic scents made for sensitive skin. Prefer something more luxurious? Royalty Scents delivers high-end fragrances straight to your doorstep.
Why should I get a perfume subscription box?
If you’re curious about fragrance but don’t have the time to sample scents in-store, or simply want a more fun, flexible way to explore, perfume subscription boxes offer a smart alternative.
“A perfume subscription is the best way to discover a world of fragrance at an affordable price,” says O’Neill. “A perfume subscription allows you to test different scents and find your favorites without having to commit to a costly full-sized bottle.”
Are perfume subscription boxes worth it?
Perfume subscriptions are worth the investment if you’re looking to discover your signature scent, are limited on space, or enjoy wearing a range of fragrances without overspending. They offer a convenient, cost-effective way to sample a variety of scents over time. And because fragrance is so personal, it’d also make a thoughtful gift to friends and loved ones. “My advice to anyone considering a subscription is to find one that truly fits your lifestyle,” says Dreyer.
Why Shop With Us
Amanda Le is a freelance writer specializing in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. With over three years of experience reporting on the beauty industry and as a fellow perfume snob and hoarder, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her work. For this story, she tested out Scentbird and Skylar subscription boxes and spent hours compiling insights from other brand sites. She also consulted the following fragrance experts:
- Bettina O’Neill is the executive vice president of business development and merchandising at Scentbird.
- David Dreyer is the CMO of Starco Brands (parent company of Skylar).
