# Cheaper Alternatives to Gillette Fusion Blades in the UK

_Published: 2026-11-13_

SMART BUYING GUIDE · UK

## Cheaper Alternatives to Gillette Fusion Blades

A practical guide to comparing refill costs, blade systems and the real price of switching.

If you regularly buy Gillette Fusion5 refills, the cost can add up. The best alternative is not simply the cheapest pack on the shelf: it is a razor system that gives you the shave you want, has replacement cartridges you can actually use, and makes sense over time.

This guide compares current UK prices and explains how SmartShave’s separate 3-blade and 5-blade systems work. Prices are examples checked against the brands’ UK websites and can change.

## What do Gillette Fusion5 replacement blades cost?

On Gillette UK’s website, a standard Fusion5 refill listing is £12.99, a four-pack of Fusion5 Power blades is £14.99, and a 16-pack of Fusion5 blades is £35.00. That works out at about £2.19 per blade for the 16-pack. Different Fusion5 variants and promotions can have different prices.

Gillette UK listing
Displayed price
Approx. price per cartridge

Fusion5 blades (single listing)
£12.99
Depends on pack quantity shown at checkout

Fusion5 Power 4-pack
£14.99
£3.75

Fusion5 16-pack
£35.00
£2.19

Always check the exact product and pack size before comparing. A promotional value pack can look very different from a small refill pack, and delivery charges may change the final cost.

## What should you look for in an alternative?

- **Compatibility:** replacement cartridges are system-specific. A SmartShave cartridge does not fit a Gillette Fusion handle, and Fusion blades do not fit a SmartShave handle.
- **Cost per cartridge:** divide the pack price by the number of cartridges, then factor in how often you replace them.
- **Your preferred shave:** compare 3-blade and 5-blade systems based on your own skin, hair and technique rather than assuming more blades are automatically better.
- **The handle:** grip, pivoting action and how comfortably you can control the razor matter as much as the refill price.
- **The ongoing commitment:** check whether you are buying a one-off pack or entering a recurring delivery plan.

## How SmartShave compares

SmartShave offers its own cartridge systems rather than Fusion-compatible refills. The current range includes 3-blade SB3 and CB3 options and 5-blade GG5 and BB5 options. The website lists starter kits at £9.99, with a handle and an initial cartridge, and SELECT at £24.99 per month with four replacement cartridges. Check the product page for the exact kit contents and current terms before ordering.

**Important:** Switching to SmartShave means choosing a SmartShave handle and compatible SmartShave cartridges. It is not a drop-in replacement for a Gillette Fusion handle.

## Is a cheaper refill always better value?

Not necessarily. Work out how many cartridges you genuinely use in a year, compare like-for-like pack sizes and include postage. If you shave less often, a large pack may sit unused. If you shave daily, convenience and a dependable supply may matter more than saving a few pence on one cartridge.

## A simple way to compare annual spend

Use this calculation: annual cartridge use × cost per cartridge, plus any handle or delivery costs. For subscriptions, multiply the recurring charge by the number of billing periods you actually expect to pay. Do not compare a monthly plan with a one-off four-pack without making the time period clear.

## Who should consider switching?

A switch may be worth investigating if you are unhappy with the price of your current refills, want to compare a 3-blade option with a 5-blade option, or prefer a planned delivery arrangement. If you are happy with your existing handle, remember that changing cartridge systems also means changing handles.

## Compare the SmartShave range

Explore the 3-blade and 5-blade options, starter kits and SELECT delivery on the SmartShave website.

[Explore SmartShave razors](https://smartshave.co.uk/#products)

## Frequently asked questions

### Do SmartShave blades fit a Gillette Fusion handle?

No. SmartShave and Gillette use different cartridge fittings. You need the matching SmartShave handle for SmartShave replacement cartridges.

### Is a 5-blade razor always better than a 3-blade razor?

No. Comfort and results depend on your skin, hair, technique and preference. Compare both systems and choose the one that works best for you.

### How can I compare refill prices fairly?

Compare the same number of cartridges, include delivery, and calculate the cost over the same period. Check current prices because retailer promotions change.