SmartShave vs Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5
Two five-blade systems, two different ways to buy replacement cartridges. Here is what to compare before you choose.
Quick answer: Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 is a conventional five-blade system with water-activated gel pools and individually priced refills. SmartShave offers three- and five-blade cartridge options, a £9.99 starter kit and a £24.99 monthly SELECT plan. The best choice depends on whether you prioritise a familiar retail refill system or a managed delivery arrangement.
This guide compares published product specifications and UK prices, not laboratory shave-performance tests. Your skin, beard density, shaving frequency and technique all affect the result.
At a glance
| What matters | SmartShave | Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Blade system | 3-blade S3 or 5-blade S5 cartridges | 5-blade Hydro 5 cartridge |
| Comfort features | pivoting action head; lubricating strip with Vitamin E and Aloe | Water-activated gel pools; menthol; carbon-coated blades |
| Starter / handle price | Starter kits listed at £9.99 | Hydro 5 handle listed at £8.50 |
| Refill price checked | SELECT 5-blade package: £24.99 per month for four replacement heads plus one handle | Hydro 5 Ultimate: £11 for four (£2.75 each) |
| Buying style | Monthly delivery; change, delay or cancel | One-off refills or optional subscribe-and-save |
1. Blade design and shaving feel
Hydro 5 uses five carbon-coated blades and a water-activated gel reservoir. Wilkinson Sword says the gel pools are enriched with menthol and designed to provide glide during shaving. Its handle and cartridge are part of the Hydro system.
SmartShave gives buyers a choice between a three-blade and five-blade cartridge. Its published product information lists a pivoting action head, quality rubber grip and a lubricating strip containing Vitamin E and Aloe. That choice matters: a five-blade cartridge is not automatically the right answer for every face. Some people prefer fewer blades and a simpler pass; others like the feel of a multi-blade head.
Neither blade count nor marketing language can guarantee less irritation. Good preparation, light pressure, clean rinsing and replacing a cartridge when it starts to tug remain important.
2. What do replacement blades cost?
At the time of checking, Wilkinson Sword listed Hydro 5 Ultimate refills at £11 for four, or £2.75 per cartridge. The same page showed lower per-cartridge prices on larger packs and an optional subscription discount. Prices and offers can change.
SmartShave’s £24.99 monthly SELECT package includes four replacement heads and one handle. This is a complete package price, not a refill-only price: dividing £24.99 by four would allocate part of the handle cost to each head, so it should not be presented as a directly comparable refill unit price. The £9.99 5-blade Starter Kit includes one replacement head and one handle. Competitor prices quoted here are refill-only unless stated otherwise, so compare what each purchase includes, the initial handle cost, ongoing refill costs and delivery frequency.
The value proposition is therefore different: SmartShave sells a planned delivery arrangement with a choice of cartridge format; Hydro 5 lets shoppers buy refill packs as needed, with an optional subscription through its own store.
3. Which system is easier to manage?
If you like choosing a pack when you need one, Hydro 5’s standard retail format is straightforward. Its official site also offers subscribe-and-save on selected refills, with the option to edit or cancel. SmartShave’s SELECT model is designed around recurring deliveries and says customers can change, delay or cancel at any time.
Before signing up to either service, check the next-charge date, number of cartridges per delivery, delivery cost, and how to change the schedule. A subscription only helps if the quantity and timing match your real shaving habits.
Who should choose each razor?
- Consider Hydro 5 if you specifically want its gel-pool design, prefer buying refill packs, or want to compare larger-pack pricing.
- Consider SmartShave if you want a choice between three and five blades, a low-cost starter kit, and a recurring delivery option you can adjust.
- Compare both carefully if refill cost is your main concern: the listed prices are materially different, so calculate your likely monthly spend before buying.
Our verdict
SmartShave’s £24.99 monthly SELECT package includes four replacement heads and one handle. This is a complete package price, not a refill-only price: dividing £24.99 by four would allocate part of the handle cost to each head, so it should not be presented as a directly comparable refill unit price. The £9.99 5-blade Starter Kit includes one replacement head and one handle. Competitor prices quoted here are refill-only unless stated otherwise, so compare what each purchase includes, the initial handle cost, ongoing refill costs and delivery frequency.
Questions to ask before you buy
Is SmartShave cheaper than Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5?
SmartShave’s £24.99 monthly SELECT package includes four replacement heads and one handle. This is a complete package price, not a refill-only price: dividing £24.99 by four would allocate part of the handle cost to each head, so it should not be presented as a directly comparable refill unit price. The £9.99 5-blade Starter Kit includes one replacement head and one handle. Competitor prices quoted here are refill-only unless stated otherwise, so compare what each purchase includes, the initial handle cost, ongoing refill costs and delivery frequency.
Are SmartShave and Hydro 5 cartridges interchangeable?
No. They are separate razor systems. Buy cartridges made for your own handle.
Does a five-blade razor always give a closer shave?
Not necessarily. Blade count is only one factor; hair growth direction, preparation, pressure and skin sensitivity also matter.
Can I change or cancel SmartShave SELECT?
SmartShave says its deliveries can be changed, delayed or cancelled. Check your account and the current terms before subscribing.
Prices checked 14 November 2026 from the brands’ UK product pages. Prices, stock and promotional offers may change. This is a specification and price comparison, not a controlled product test.
Related reading: 3-blade vs 5-blade razors · How to choose a men’s razor.
Ready to try SmartShave?
The 5-blade starter kit is £9.99 and includes one replacement head and one handle. Want more replacements? Monthly SELECT is £24.99 and includes four replacement heads plus one handle.