SUBSCRIPTION
UK
How to choose the best razor subscription in the UK: seven things to compare, red flags to avoid, and how to trial one properly.
The best razor subscription is the one with a razor you like, clear pricing, flexible deliveries and an easy way out. Plenty of UK brands offer a low-cost starter kit, so you can try before you commit. Here are the seven things to compare, how SmartShave answers each one, and how to trial any subscription properly.
We make razors, so we’re not a neutral judge. Instead of ranking brands, we’ve set out the questions to ask any provider, and our own answers so you can judge for yourself.
Seven Things to Compare
A subscription is only worth it if you like shaving with the razor. Look at the handle, the head and the blades, and read independent tests and customer reviews where you can.
Action: Check recent reviews, not just star ratings.A low-cost starter kit lets you try the razor before you commit to a plan.
Action: Look for a clear starter price and what’s in it.Compare the cost of each cartridge, not the headline plan price. Divide the monthly price by the number of cartridges, and include delivery. See how much shaving costs.
Action: Work out the unit price for every brand you consider.Can you skip, delay or change a delivery? A shaving routine changes, and your subscription should too.
Action: Look for “change, delay or cancel”.You should be able to cancel online, at any time, for free, with no long-term contract.
Action: Check how to cancel before you join.Check whether delivery is free, how long it takes and how it arrives.
Action: Include delivery in your price comparison.Check customer reviews on an independent site. Look at how recent they are, how many there are, and how the company responds to criticism.
Action: Read the lowest ratings as well as the highest.How SmartShave Answers the Seven Questions
| Question | SmartShave |
|---|---|
| The razor | A pivoting action head, a quality rubber grip and a strip with vitamin E and aloe, in 3-blade or 5-blade |
| Starter offer | £9.99 for a premium handle and one cartridge |
| Price per cartridge | See the starter kit page and our plans for current pricing |
| Flexibility | Change, delay or cancel at any time for free |
| Cancellation | At any time, for free, from your account, with no long-term contract |
| Delivery | Free in the UK, by 2nd class mail, usually 2 to 5 days |
| Reviews | Rated 4.5/5 on Trustpilot from 15 reviews. It’s a small number, so read them and decide |
How to Trial a Razor Subscription Properly
Use a new cartridge, light pressure and your usual prep. Don’t judge on the first shave. See switching razors: what to expect.
Check how your skin feels: tugging, redness, nicks, or a comfortable finish? Compare it with your old razor.
If it suits you, add a plan. If not, cancel, and you’ve lost very little. Read the cancellation terms first.
Red Flags vs Green Flags
✗ Red Flags
- A trial that auto-renews at a much higher price
- No clear way to cancel
- Delivery charges added at checkout
- No reviews, or only very old ones
- Pressure to buy a long-term plan up front
✓ Green Flags
- A clear starter price and renewal price
- Cancel online at any time
- Free delivery with no minimum spend
- Recent, independent customer reviews
- The freedom to change, delay or cancel
- Premium handle with a quality rubber grip
- Pivoting action head
- Strip with vitamin E and aloe
- Free UK delivery
What customers say
“Very good quality yet reasonably priced”
“Excellent product, handle has a real weighty and quality feel”
“My now razor of choice”
“Such a smooth shave, will definitely be getting more”
Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews. Read them all on Trustpilot.
Frequently asked questions
There isn’t one best for everyone. Compare the razor, the unit price, the flexibility, the cancellation terms and the reviews, and try a low-cost starter kit first.
They’re worth it if you shave regularly and the plan is flexible and clearly priced. See Razor Subscriptions Worth It?.
About once a week for regular shaving, so a plan with four cartridges a month suits most people. See how often to change your blade.
With SmartShave, yes. You can change, delay or cancel at any time for free. Always check this before you join any subscription.
Look for a pivoting head, a lubricating strip and a razor that lets you keep fresh blades. See Best Razor for Sensitive Skin UK.
Start with the £9.99 starter kit, delivered free in the UK. You can change, delay or cancel your subscription at any time for free.
The best subscription is the one you’d still be happy with after a few months: a razor you like, a price you understand and no pressure. Try a starter kit, give it two weeks, then decide.