# SmartShave vs Gillette Labs: Do Premium Razor Features Justify the Refill Cost? _Published: 2026-11-14_ UK Razor Comparison · Premium Systems ## SmartShave vs Gillette Labs Do premium features change the shave enough to justify the price? Start with the facts and the refill maths. **Quick answer:** Gillette Labs differentiates itself with an exfoliating bar positioned in front of the blades and a premium handle system. SmartShave focuses on straightforward three- or five-blade cartridges, a pivoting action head and a Vitamin E and Aloe lubricating strip. Gillette Labs refills are premium-priced; SmartShave SELECT is also a higher-priced monthly plan. The right choice depends on whether you want the Labs-specific design or a simpler cartridge system. This guide compares published product features and prices. It does not claim that either product was independently tested against the other. ## At a glance Category SmartShave Gillette Labs Blade format 3-blade S3 or 5-blade S5 Labs cartridge system; exfoliating-bar design Distinctive feature pivoting action head; quality rubber grip; Vitamin E and Aloe strip Exfoliating bar positioned ahead of the blades Refill price checked SELECT 5-blade package: £24.99 for four replacement heads plus one handle (handle included; not a refill-only unit price) Four-pack £19.99 (£5 each); 16-pack £52.78 (£3.30 each) Entry option Starter kit listed at £9.99 Handle bundles vary; Labs handle and refill kits are higher-priced Buying format Recurring SELECT delivery One-off refills and subscribe-and-save on selected packs ## 1. What makes Gillette Labs different? Gillette Labs’ exfoliating razor uses a bar ahead of the blades, designed to help clear the skin’s surface before the cartridge passes over it. The Labs range also includes premium handles and different editions. If that specific design is the reason you are considering Labs, check that you are comparing the correct handle and refill type: Labs cartridges belong to the Labs system. SmartShave takes a more conventional cartridge approach. Buyers can choose between S3 three-blade and S5 five-blade replacement systems. Its listed features include a pivoting action head, quality rubber grip and a strip with Vitamin E and Aloe. These are different product philosophies. More features do not automatically mean a better result for every person. Consider whether you will actually benefit from the exfoliating bar and premium handle design, or whether a straightforward cartridge system meets your needs. ## 2. What do replacement blades cost? Gillette UK listed a four-pack of Labs refills at £19.99, or £5 per cartridge. Its 16-refill value pack was listed at £52.78, around £3.30 per cartridge. These prices may vary with promotions and pack selection. 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. It is important to compare like with like. The Gillette Labs refill is designed for the Labs handle and includes the exfoliating-bar format; SmartShave’s cartridge is a different system. The lowest unit price is not the only factor, but it should be part of an honest buying decision. ## 3. Is the premium design worth paying for? That depends on how much value you place on the Labs exfoliating-bar feature, handle design and brand ecosystem. If those details are important to you and you enjoy the shave, the premium price may feel worthwhile. If your priority is a dependable cartridge, a simple handle and an easy-to-understand delivery arrangement, compare the SmartShave options too. Neither a five-blade count nor an exfoliating bar guarantees a closer or more comfortable shave for everyone. Your skin type, beard growth, preparation and pressure are all relevant. For irritation-prone skin, a gentle technique and timely cartridge replacement can matter as much as the razor model. ## 4. Buying and subscription considerations Gillette offers one-off Labs refill purchases and subscription discounts on selected products. SmartShave’s SELECT is a recurring plan with four replacement heads plus one handle in the monthly package, and the company says customers can change, delay or cancel. Check the current terms, delivery frequency and next payment date before signing up. If you do not want recurring charges, make sure the brand offers the one-off option you want. If you do subscribe, set the delivery cadence to match how often you shave rather than allowing unused cartridges to build up. ## Who should choose each? - Consider Gillette Labs if you specifically want the exfoliating-bar design and premium handle ecosystem. - Consider SmartShave if you want a simpler choice between three- and five-blade cartridges and a recurring delivery option. - Compare the refill cost before deciding: the larger Labs pack checked here has a lower per-cartridge price than SmartShave SELECT. ## Our verdict Gillette Labs offers a distinctive premium design, but its refills are expensive compared with many conventional systems. SmartShave is simpler and offers S3/S5 choice, but its SELECT plan is not the lowest-cost option on the refill prices checked. If you value the exfoliating bar, Labs may justify its premium for you; if not, compare simpler cartridge systems and total annual spend before buying. ## FAQs ### What is different about Gillette Labs? The Labs exfoliating razor features a bar positioned ahead of the blades, along with a dedicated handle and refill system. ### Do Gillette Labs refills fit SmartShave handles? No. They are separate systems. Always use the refill designed for your handle. ### Is SmartShave cheaper than Gillette Labs? Not on every comparison. The Labs four-pack was listed at £19.99 and its 16-pack at £52.78; SmartShave SELECT was listed at £24.99 for four. Compare the actual pack size and service included. ### Does SmartShave have a five-blade option? Yes. SmartShave lists S5 five-blade cartridges as well as S3 three-blade cartridges. Prices checked 14 November 2026 from official UK brand product pages. Offers and pack pricing can change. Product features are summarised from published specifications, not independent performance testing. Related reading: [How to choose the right men’s razor](https://smartshave.co.uk/best-mens-razors-uk-how-to-choose/) · [Where to buy affordable replacement razor blades](https://smartshave.co.uk/where-to-buy-affordable-replacement-razor-blades-uk/). ## Choose your SmartShave 5-blade package The £9.99 starter kit includes one replacement head and one handle. Monthly SELECT at £24.99 includes four replacement heads plus one handle. [Buy the £9.99 5-blade starter kit](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/) [Choose monthly SELECT – £24.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb5/)