Is The Essence Vault 3+2=... - 21 a dupe of Chanel No 5?

No 5 EDC

Chanel by Ernest Beaux Original Acquired

3+2=... - 21 EDP

The Essence Vault   Inspired Statement
Share
Card A shareable image comparing these two fragrances - verdicts, profiles and what they share. Save or copy it to post anywhere.
No 5 Cologne bottle No 5 EDC
EDC Concentration EDP
F Gender U
1921 Year -
££ Price Tier £
3+2=... - 21 Eau de Parfum bottle 3+2=... - 21 EDP
No stockist yet
We have not found it at a shop we track that delivers to you
Check price on →
No stockist yet
We have not found it at a shop we track that delivers to you
Check price on →

Where they differ

Biggest gaps first. The bolder side leads.

ScentArt

View Liquid → No 5 EDC
View Liquid → 3+2=... - 21 EDP

Which Should You Buy?

Our Verdict - No 5 EDC
Chanel No 5 Eau de Cologne is far from being the 'old lady' scent some sniff at; this particular vintage concentration is a civet-rich, aldehydic powerhouse that commands attention. It's a classic for a reason, if you can get your hands on a well-preserved bottle.
Acquired
Our Verdict - 3+2=... - 21 EDP
No. 21 chases Chanel No 5's legendary aldehyde-floral signature and gets the sparkling opening reasonably close, but the powdery base is thinner and the whole composition reads flatter and less layered than the original's famous depth.
Statement

Scent Profile

How they compare
No 5 EDC A 3+2=... - 21 EDP B
Where they part company by gap size

How They Wear

Showing: Overall Blend

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding
No 5 EDC
3+2=... - 21 EDP

Notes

Shared Notes
Iris 21% vs 33%
Rose 20% vs 25%

Note weights are our estimate from each note's place in the pyramid, not the share of the formula. Brands do not publish formulations.

Performance

No 5 3+2=... - 21
Long (6-10h)
Longevity
Moderate (4-6h)
Strong
Projection
Intimate
Strong
Intensity
Moderate

Season and Occasion Fit

No 5

Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer Autumn Winter

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

While a 'cologne', reviews indicate strong performance and presence, making it less ideal for office wear. Its complex, luxurious, and sensual character makes it perfectly suited for dates and formal events, resonating with its historical reputation for elegance.

3+2=... - 21

Seasons

Best For:
Autumn Winter
Also Works:
Spring

The powdery aldehyde-floral profile suits cooler months best, where its warmth reads as elegant rather than heavy; it can feel dated and cloying in summer heat.

Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

Its classic, poised character fits formal occasions and evenings out; too old-fashioned and quiet for casual or active wear.

Similarity Breakdown

Our estimate of how alike these two fragrances smell, calculated from their published notes. It is a position on our scale, not a measured percentage of shared smell.

Overall scent match
37%
Key Similarities

Shares 6 of its 17 notes, including Musk, Sandalwood, Rose

Key Differences

Adds amber and bergamot

Where to buy

No 5 EDC
3+2=... - 21 EDP

Pick a size. The two cheapest offers, then the rest.

No 5 EDC

Check price on →

No shop we track outside your country has it.

Import charges may apply

These shops deliver to the United States from the United Kingdom. How import charges work

0.17 fl oz (5 ml)
1.0 fl oz (30 ml)
3.4 fl oz (100 ml)

ScentVerdict earns a commission from purchases - this doesn't affect our verdicts.

Compare Another Pair

VS