7 Best Cartridge Razors (updated 2024) – Tested, Compared, and Reviewed
I have been looking forward to the time I could put together the Best Cartridge Razors after using, testing, and reviewing most –if not all, that should make it to this list.
I have now tested enough to share various cartridge razor recommendations to suit the different needs of guys. If you are budgeting, have sensitive skin, need a razor for heavier coarse growth, or even want some luxury shaving tool, then I have you covered.
This roundup aims to save you time from sifting through the many razors on the market and reviews on this website. I will give you a breakdown of the main features, pros and cons, and recommendations for each razor.
Things I Consider When Testing A Cartridge Razor
Let’s run through the main features of a cartridge razor and any important aspects to consider that make one razor different from another.
- Blades: You’ll find cartridges can be loaded up with 2 – 5 blades; even a few 6-bladed types are available now. I remember the days of the Gillette Sensor, which only had 2 blades and shaved great when I was a younger man. So, we don’t necessarily have to go for more blades for a great shave. A razor like the Gillette SkinGuard, made for sensitive skin, is only a 2 bladed razor (fewer blades can work better for those prone to irritations).
- Handle: The handle must provide some rubberized grip and have an ergonomically friendly design. Unlike safety razors –weight is not as big of an issue. However, most guys feel better with a good weighted cartridge razor handle.
- Lubrication Strip: The lubrication strip at the top of a razor which improves lubrication, can be found on all cartridge-type razors. A larger strip will provide more lubrication.
- MicroFin Strip: The rubber strip on the bottom of a cartridge blade is known as a MicroFin Strip. This is an important feature as it stretches the skin slightly before the blade hits the skin.
- Blade Replacement: How a blade is attached and removed is a smaller feature of importance to consider. Still worth considering, though!
- Trimming Blade: Many cartridge razors are now designed with a trimming or detail blade on the top of the razor. This is useful for guys trimming detail like under the nose, sideburns, or any other beard-shaping work. If a blade has a large lubrication strip, the additional detail blade helps when shaving under the nose area.
Other important aspects I consider apart from features and design include:
- Longevity: How many uses from a blade and lubrication strip are aspects I consider while testing razors. However, companies offer many variations of how long they could last (e.g., from 10 – 20 shaves. Many men share that you should get at most 3 (the traditional wet shaving gurus), while others state they get months out of one blade. After 5 or 6 shaves, I notice the difference with any of these razors, and while I can go on and use them more –I am not getting the same comfort.
- Cost: This is a biggie as cartridge razor pack replacements and ‘not so much the cost of a starter kit and handle‘ are the biggest expense. That’s why I include the best affordable cartridge razors in this roundup that still provide a great shave comparable to other more expensive options.
- Skin and Hair Type: If you have coarse hair and tough skin, then any razor won’t be an issue, and you’ll be happier with a razor that is a bit more aggressive. Others that have more sensitive skin will need a razor that is milder toward the skin. Cartridge razors are usually sold for either normal or sensitive skin.
Best Cartridge Razor Recommendations
You might start wondering why Gillette gets so many spots within the roundup. The reason is –out of all the brands I have used, and despite wanting others to top Gillette, most are just not quite as good.
1. Gillette ProGlide – Best All-Round Performer
After going through a few razors and comparing them to the quality and shave I got from the Mach3, the Gillette ProGlide stood out on the cartridge razor review campaign.
ProGlide Description & Features
The ProGlide came on the market in 2014 and is what I see as an enhanced Fusion5.
The enhancements made on the ProGlide compared to the Fusion5 includes a slightly larger gunmetal handle with the FlexBall. The FlexBall allows the head to pivot left and right while shaving.
The bottom section of the cartridge is somewhat advanced compared to many other cartridge razors. It has an extra plastic hair guide (MicroComb) after the MicroFin strip and just before the blades, which aims to guide the hair slightly before it’s cut.
The ProGlide has a FlexHead, which is a standard feature necessary for any cartridge razor. It moves back and forth based on the pressure applied.
ProGlide Shaving Experience
It can be challenging to identify why one of these razors is better than another, and this was the case with the ProGlide. The ProGlide topped others for me based on comfort and the ease of shaving, which I can only attribute to the wider lubrication strip, hair guide, and bottom rubberized section.
While the FlexBall aims to allow some movement while shaving along the various contours of the face, I have yet to be able to identify this while shaving and looking closely. Now, maybe this FlexBall assists the shave, but I don’t want to give credit when I am unsure it is due.
ProGlide –Wrapping It Up And Costs
The ProGlide stood out to me and was an improvement in comfort compared to the Fusion5. The comfort factor is something that guys with razor sensitivities will like.
You’ll notice the cost of this razor and replacement blades start to go up compared to the Mach3 and Fusion5, which is something to consider.
—Cost (handle + 3 or 4 blades): Approx $22 USD (4 blades) – £21 UK (3 blades) – €18 EU (3 blades)
––Cartridges cost (4 pack): Approx $20 USD – £15 UK – €16 EU
2. Gillette Mach3 — Best Simplistic Option and Still The Best Seller
The Gillette Mach3 was the standard for me and many others and continues to be for many guys today. According to the Statista report, it is the best-selling in the US.
Mach3 Description & Features
The Mach3 was Gillette’s three-bladed razor, introduced in 1998, and it didn’t take long for many, including myself, to switch from a 2-bladed Gillette Sensor to the Mach3.
A simple curved handle at the top section and rubberized grip alongside a push button blade release enables the cartridge to have a well-designed simple handle to be attached to.
The top lubrication strip is a thin or standard type compared to the ProGlide. However, if that feature is important to you, the Mach3 Turbo has a slightly wider lubrication strip.
Mach3 Shaving Experience
The Mach3 was my go-to razor for many years, giving me a great shave. I started to use the Mach3 for head shaving when enough of my hair was vanishing, and to prevent myself from looking like a Catholic Monk –the Mach3 came to the rescue.
The shave with a Mach3 is not quite as comfortable as the ProGlide and not as quick as the Fusion5. However, the money savings also need to be considered when the quality or lower performance is insignificant for many guys.
Mach3 –Wrapping It Up And Costs
Most guys that use a cartridge razor with normal skin will find the Mach3 a very good razor and not need to look towards anything else that costs more.
I recommend other razors like the ProGlide or SkinGuard if you get irritation problems and are trying to get a more comfortable, less aggressive shave. I’m not saying the Mach3 is aggressive, but it is compared to the SkinGuard and others.
—Cost (handle + 1 blade): Approx $8 + USD – £6 + UK – €8 EU
—Cartridges cost (4 pack): Approx $10 USD – £8 UK – €8 EU
3. Gillette Fusion5 – Best For Coarse Growth & Tough Skin
The Fusion5 was the first Gillette 5-bladed razor introduced by the company. When it first came on the market in 2006, many guys were curious and wanted to test it out to see if it beat the Mach3.
While many guys stayed with the Fusion5 or other 5-bladed razors, others like myself stuck with the more budget-friendly Mach3.
Fusion5 Description & Features
The Fusion5 has a standard lubrication strip and a better-designed handle than the Mach3. The Fusion5 handle is slightly more ergonomically friendly, offering more comfort in the hand, and the side grip and rubberized grip protrude more.
The rubber MicroFin strip underneath the blades is much larger than most others, including the Mach3, ProGlide, and other razors. This strip should enhance the amount of skin stretching before the blades cut hairs.
Fusion5 Shaving Experience
I noticed straight away that the Fusion5 was providing a more aggressive shave. I don’t mean aggressive in a negative way; it just means cutting through hair quicker, which is good for thicker growth or tough skin, but not a great attribute for those with sensitive skin.
It could be the larger rubber MicroFin section at the bottom of the Fusion5 blades pulling the skin taught that makes the razor feel more aggressive. This larger MicroFin aspect might also be why the Fusion5 gives a pretty fast shave.
I did not get the comfort factor I liked with the ProGlide, but it did shave close quickly.
One of the best cartridge razors I have used for head shaving. Very quick!
Fusion5 –Wrapping It Up And Costs
After using and reviewing many cartridge razors, I found the Fusion5 best suited for those needing something more aggressive. Whether that’s because of shaving every three days or more, having coarse hair, or even just having naturally tough skin that never gets any kind of irritation.
The replacement 4 pack of blades costs about an extra 30% on the Mach3 blades and about 30% less than the ProGlide.
—Cost (handle + 4 blades): Approx $19 + USD – £14 + UK – €16 EU
—Cartridges cost(4 pack): Approx $15 USD – £12 UK – €15 EU
4. Schick Quattro Titanium – Best Mild Budget Razor
The Schick Quattro Titanium is the only Schick razor to join this roundup. The Quattro is a surprisingly good razor for its price and balance of quality, and it’s the only 4-bladed razor in this roundup.
This razor leans toward being suitable for those with sensitive to normal skin –it’s quite mild.
When sold in Europe, this razor is known as the Wilkinson Sword Schick Quattro Titanium. It’s the exact same razor!
Quattro Description & Features
The sleek chrome handle, comparable to many Gillette razors, offers excellent performance. Its ergonomic design ensures user comfort, and the rubberized sections at the top and bottom provide ample grip while shaving.
An added 7 vertical wire feature makes the razor suitable for individuals with sensitive skin, as it reduces the chances of nicks, cuts, and irritation by minimizing blade protrusion or gap. However, a drawback of these fine wires is that they tend to cause more blade clogging than other razors.
I also like the pivoting head, which is basically a flex head we find on all cartridge razors, but the Quatrro slides rather than just flips back and forth.
Quattro Shaving Experience
After testing the Quattro out on various days of stubble growth, it was clear that it took longer to shave with three or more days of growth and required more shaving over the same areas to finish the shave. However, shaving every 2 days or daily was much quicker and more comfortable.
I immediately noticed that the Quattro was a razor suitable for sensitive skin types. However, Schick does not state this in their specs, description, or packaging. On further investigation on the UK/European site, I found the Wilkinson Sword Quattro packaging, and the website clearly states — Quattro Sensitive Titanium Sensitive Razor and Precision Sensitive.
So, the Quatrro provides a comfortable shave daily or every two days and has the potential to suit guys with skin sensitivities.
Quattro –Wrapping It Up And Costs
The Schick Quattro Titanium is the real deal of them all and the best quality for the price. However, there are better razors for gents that grow three or more days of stubble or have coarse growth, as you just might have to spend too long going over the same areas to clear up.
—Handle + 3 Blades: $9.99 USD*
––6 Cartridges: $11.49 USD*
*The official Schick website prices and can be bought cheaper elsewhere
5. GilletteLabs Heated – Best Luxury Razor
The GilletteLabs Heated Razor only sees the day of light in this best cartridge razor roundup based on being a luxury item rather than excelling in performance.
GilletteLabs Heated Description & Features
The heated was the first GilletteLabs series of razors first sold in 2019. The GilletteLabs Exfoliating version I have used and reviewed followed in 2021.
The GilletteLabs Heated has all the standard features like a lubrication strip (wide type), top detail trimmer, and five blades. The bottom section is a rubber comfort strip, unlike what we find on many razors, a MicroFin strip.
Like the ProGlide, this razor also has the MicroComb (hair guide) strip and a FlexDisc (ProGlide — FlexBall) that enables the razor to move left and right.
The Labs has a very modern, slick look and feel about it. Its handle is larger and more rounded than any other razor, likely due to the battery and electronics it has to accommodate. The handle is comfortable to hold, provides rubberized grip, and it’s ergonomically friendly.
The star of the show with this razor is obviously the heating element. The gold-colored metal heating pad is part of the handle that fits in the cartridge blade. This heating element has two settings and heats up instantly.
This heated section or bar aims to provide heat like a hot towel traditionally used in a barbers shop for wet shaving. The warmth softens skin and hair.
The shaving kit includes a weighty magnetic charging stand with a sleek and contemporary design. The stand is connected to a wire and plug for charging.
Labs Heated Shaving Experience
The shaves I had were luxurious at first, and as I took my time shaving, I could enjoy the heated bar providing warmth on the skin. After a couple of shaves, I easily forgot about the heated aspect and just got on with the shave normally.
When testing this razor out, I wanted to identify the heating element improving the shave to justify the huge costs. I felt it supported the shave experience, and the warmth benefited, even if not quite what a hot towel shave would provide.
The shave was not any closer, more comfortable, or quicker than other cartridge razors –it was just more luxurious!
Labs Heated –Wrapping It Up And Costs
If you are into luxury grooming products and don’t mind spending a few (or quite a few) extra pennies, you might want to treat yourself with this razor. It is a razor that looks modern while seated on its magnetic stand if appearances are your thing.
Over to the costs!
––Starter Kit (approx.): $135 US, £75 UK, and €85 EU
—4 Blade Refills: $25 US, £20 UK, and €20 EU
6. Gillette SkinGuard – Best For Sensitive Skin
The Gillette SkinGuard was introduced in 2018 after the ProShield. It is primarily geared toward those with sensitive skin issues.
It is worth noting that Gillette mentions that users should not expect the same close shave they get from other Gillette cartridge razors with five blades. And this is the case based on my user experience!
SkinGuard Description & Features
Gillette states that the razor has two raised blades that minimize skin contact, reducing irritation. The blades are ultrathin steel with carbon coating and an added anti-friction layer for enhanced glide. This minimizing contact with skin is what reduces irritations.
Two plastic strips are located between the blades. One strip is positioned below the first blade and another above it. Gillette claims these strips enhance skin smoothness and elasticity while safeguarding against the blades.
The SkinGuard also has two lubrication strips rather than one. One can be found on the top and another at the bottom. This certainly does lubricate plenty, as I have found, which meets the requirements for avoiding irritation.
The handle is exactly the same as the Fusion5, except it is silver. There is no two-directional movement (i.e., FlexBall or FlexDisc –see ProGlide or GilletteLabs Heated); however, the handle is ergonomically friendly, easy to hold, and rubberized sections improve grip.
SkinGuard Shaving Experience
Shaving with the SkinGuard is quite different from any of the other cartridge razors. It is extremely mild and geared toward protecting the skin.
As Gillette also states, it does not give a close shave like others. It’s that smooth on the face that it does not feel like I am shaving, and I had to check that it was cutting hair when I first used it.
I can get a very close shave with this razor. Still, it takes more passes and strokes –and if I run the razor over my face more, that will cause irritation, going against the SkinGuard’s main purpose.
SkinGuard –Wrapping It Up And Costs
The experience was a bit odd with the SkinGuard because of the mildness and protective aspect of the razor. It’s not a razor I will continue to use; however, it’s easy to see how it’s a good option for anyone avoiding razor bumps and other irritations to try out.
—Cost (handle + 4 blades): Approx $19 + USD – £14 + UK – €16 EU
—Cartridges cost (4 pack): Approx $15 USD – £12 UK – €15 EU
7. Harry’s – Best Subscription Service
The two main subscription competitors are Harry’s and the Dollar Shave Club. Gillette also has a subscription service, but they don’t offer a bargain starter kit, and replacement cartridges are cheaper from other stores.
If I was to choose or recommend a cartridge razor subscription service, I would go with Harry’s. I prefer Harry’s because of the simplicity of subscribing to a cheap and simple starter kit and the transparency of their website when buying and subscribing.
Harry’s Description & Features
There is nothing flash about the razor that buyers get with the kit, the Harry’s Truman. The razor has all the standard features of other razors, like a Lubrication Strip, 5 Blades, MicroFin Strip, and a filp type FlexHead.
The handle has an ergonomically friendly rubberized simple design. It’s nothing special, but it has grip and feels fine in the hand while shaving.
The kit comes with the Truman Razor, 1 Blade, Foaming Shave Gel (2oz), and a Travel Blade Cover.
When purchasing the kit and subscribing, buyers can unsubscribe at any time.
Harry’s Shaving Experience
I found the razor was more aggressive than a Mach3 or ProGlide, which means it won’t suit those with skin sensitivities. However, it’s an option for those with normal to tough skin and guys with coarse growth.
Shaving after three days of growth provided a good shave experience, just like after two days. Although there was some tugging and a need for ample lather on my face, I was pleased with the end results of a close-to-the-skin shave. Shaving on consecutive days (daily shaving) kicked off a skin flare-up, but I do have a sensitive neck.
Harry’s –Wrapping It Up And Costs
While Harry’s is not my favorite cartridge razor, and I get a more comfortable shave from the Mach3 and ProGlide, it’s a good razor for those budgeting and considering a subscription service.
The starter kit can be picked up for around $5, so you can’t go wrong at that price.
If a person buys a Harry’s Truman razor without subscribing to the subscription service, then the costs of the handle and replacement cartridge blades are as follows:
Handle + 1 Blade: $9 USD, £8 UK, and €7 Europe*
4 Blades: $10 USD, £10 UK, and €8.50 Europe*
*Harry’s razors and the subscription service are only available in the US, UK, and some European countries. They are likely to expand into other countries.
That just about covers it for the Best Cartridge Razor roundup. Adding too many razors would have overcomplicated the choosing process –so I have kept things relatively simple while covering our various shaving needs.
