Afnan vs Ajmal is modern versus heritage. Afnan is the younger, trend-led house making polished, value-packed, often designer-inspired crowd-pleasers like 9PM and Supremacy Silver. Ajmal is one of the oldest Arabian houses, a genuine oud specialist since 1951 with its own original orientals like Wisal Dhahab and Aristocrat. Below we compare them on style, best sellers, longevity and price, and tell you which to buy first. Both are 100% authentic, and most come as decants to try first.
Afnan vs Ajmal: hero scents at a glance
| Perfume | Full bottle | Scent | Lasts | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afnan 9PM | ₹2,659 | Sweet aromatic | 8-10 hrs | Men |
| Afnan Supremacy Silver | ₹3,599 | Fresh fruity woody | 7-9 hrs | Men |
| Afnan 9PM Elixir | ₹2,749 | Spicy amber | 8-10 hrs | Unisex |
| Ajmal Wisal Dhahab | ₹2,700 | Sweet woody amber | 8-12 hrs | Men |
| Ajmal Aristocrat | ₹2,779 | Fruity floral woody | 7-9 hrs | Men |
| Ajmal Amber Wood | ₹11,200 | Woody amber | 8-10 hrs | Unisex |
| Ajmal Blu | ₹1,849 | Fresh aquatic | 6-8 hrs | Men |
Afnan vs Ajmal: the quick verdict
| Afnan | Ajmal | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 2007, UAE (Sterling Parfums) | 1951, one of the oldest Arabian houses |
| Known for | Modern, value, designer-inspired scents | Heritage oud and original orientals |
| Signature vibe | Polished, versatile crowd-pleasers | Authentic, refined, oud-led |
| Best sellers | 9PM, Supremacy Silver | Wisal Dhahab, Aristocrat, Amber Wood |
| Price (full bottle) | ~₹2,600 to ₹4,900 | ~₹1,000 to ₹11,000+ |
| Best for | Modern value crowd-pleasers | Genuine oud and oriental heritage |
About Afnan
Afnan is a UAE house founded in 2007 under Sterling Parfums (Fakhruddin Holdings group), sold in 120+ countries. It is known for polished, versatile, value-led scents, many inspired by popular designer fragrances, led by the Supremacy and 9PM lines. If you want a modern, easy-to-wear crowd-pleaser, Afnan delivers. Read our best Afnan perfumes guide.
About Ajmal
Ajmal is one of the oldest and most respected Arabian perfume houses, founded in 1951. It grows and distills its own oud, runs its own stores across India (which makes it one of the lower-risk brands for fakes), and is known for original, refined orientals rather than designer-inspired scents. Its heroes, Wisal Dhahab, Aristocrat and Amber Wood, are heritage Arabian craftsmanship. One honest note: some of Ajmal’s fresher sprays sit softer on longevity, and letting a new bottle rest for a few weeks helps. Read our best Ajmal perfumes guide, and for oud, the best oud perfumes.
Which should you buy first?
- Want a modern, versatile value scent? Afnan (9PM, Supremacy Silver).
- Want genuine oud and Arabian heritage? Ajmal (Wisal Dhahab, Amber Wood).
- Best beast for winter? Ajmal Wisal Dhahab or Afnan 9PM Elixir.
- Best fresh daily? Afnan Supremacy Silver or Ajmal Blu.
- Not sure? Try a decant of one hero from each first.
The scents that define each brand
1. Afnan 9PM
- Notes: Apple, bergamot, cinnamon, lavender, tonka, vanilla, amber
- For: Men · Longevity: 8-10 hrs
- Price: from ₹301 (decant) to ₹2,659 (full bottle)
Afnan's most recognised scent, a sweet, warm, easy evening fragrance that made the brand a household name in India. Shop Afnan 9PM.
2. Afnan Supremacy Silver
- Notes: Pineapple, bergamot, apple, oakmoss, patchouli, birch, musk
- In the direction of: Creed Silver Mountain Water territory
- For: Men · Longevity: 7-9 hrs
- Price: from ₹385 (decant) to ₹3,599 (full bottle)
A fresh, expensive-smelling fruity-woody scent that shows Afnan's polish. A smooth office and daytime pick. Shop Afnan Supremacy Silver.
3. Ajmal Wisal Dhahab
- Notes: Pear, apple, peach, grapefruit, rose, orchid, jasmine, sandalwood, musk, cedar
- For: Men · Longevity: 8-12 hrs
- Price: ₹2,700 (full bottle)
One of Ajmal’s most-loved scents, a juicy fruity-floral with pear, apple and peach over rose and jasmine, resting on sandalwood and musk. Elegant, long-lasting, heritage Arabian done right. Shop Ajmal Wisal Dhahab.
4. Ajmal Aristocrat
- Notes: Fruity notes, florals, patchouli, woods, musk
- For: Men · Longevity: 7-9 hrs
- Price: from ₹418 (decant) to ₹2,779 (full bottle)
An elegant, refined fruity-floral-woody that feels dressier than its price. A classy compliment-getter. Shop Ajmal Aristocrat.
5. Ajmal Amber Wood
- Notes: Cardamom, apple, lavender, white pepper, cedar, orris, amber, woody notes, patchouli
- In the direction of: the luxe amber-wood lane
- For: Unisex · Longevity: 8-10 hrs
- Price: ₹11,200 (full bottle)
A smooth, warm amber-and-wood signature and a long-time cult favourite. The pick when you want to go a step up in quality. Shop Ajmal Amber Wood.
Afnan vs Ajmal: best for each need
- Best crowd-pleaser: Afnan 9PM
- Best fresh / office: Afnan Supremacy Silver
- Best overall Ajmal: Ajmal Wisal Dhahab
- Best refined scent: Ajmal Aristocrat
- Best amber wood: Ajmal Amber Wood
- Best budget fresh: Ajmal Blu
Frequently asked questions
Is Afnan or Ajmal better?
It depends what you want. Afnan is better for modern, versatile, value crowd-pleasers like 9PM and Supremacy Silver. Ajmal is better for genuine oud and heritage orientals like Wisal Dhahab and Amber Wood. Afnan leans designer-inspired; Ajmal leans original Arabian craftsmanship.
Which is more premium, Afnan or Ajmal?
Ajmal is the older, more heritage-focused house (since 1951) and distills its own oud, so its top scents feel more refined and original. Afnan offers excellent polish for the price but leans more accessible and trend-led. Both are great value.
Which lasts longer?
Ajmal Wisal Dhahab is a standout for longevity at 8 to 12 hours. Afnan's strongest (9PM, 9PM Elixir) reach 8 to 10 hours. Some of Ajmal's fresher sprays are softer, and letting a new bottle macerate for a few weeks helps them perform.
Are Afnan and Ajmal original?
Yes, both are genuine, established UAE houses, so their perfumes are original, not fakes. Ajmal is especially low-risk because it sells through its own stores in India. Always buy from a trusted seller. Every bottle on FragFreak is 100% original.
Which is best for beginners?
Afnan 9PM or Supremacy Silver are the easiest first buys, sweet and versatile. If you specifically want to explore oud and Arabian orientals, start with Ajmal Wisal Dhahab or Amber Wood.
Which has better oud?
Ajmal, without question. It is a genuine oud house that grows and distills its own agarwood, so for authentic oud and oriental scents, Ajmal leads. Afnan's strength is fresh and sweet crowd-pleasers rather than traditional oud.
Go deeper with the best Afnan perfumes, the best Ajmal perfumes, the best oud perfumes, or the best Arabian perfumes in India. Try a hero from each as a decant first, or browse all Arabian and Middle Eastern perfumes. Every bottle on FragFreak is 100% original.
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