Premium vs Standard SmoothGlide Blades: Key Differences
By Women's Razor Subscription | Which? Best Buy | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: Comparisons
Compare Premium SmoothGlide and Standard SmoothGlide blades to find the right refill for your shaving routine. Learn about blade count, coating, and built-in trimmers.
Quick answer
Choose Premium SmoothGlide blades if you want six diamond-coated blades and a built-in bikini trimmer for fewer strokes and better control in tricky areas. Choose Standard SmoothGlide blades if you prefer five diamond-coated blades and a top-mounted styling trimmer at a lower price.
Blade count and coating: why it matters
Both Premium and Standard SmoothGlide blades use diamond-coated edges, but the Premium version has six blades per cartridge while the Standard has five. More blades mean fewer strokes to cover the same area, which can reduce the chance of missed patches and irritation from repeated passes.
The diamond coating itself helps each blade stay sharp longer, so both options deliver a close shave. The trade-off is that six blades create a slightly bulkier head, which may feel less maneuverable around ankles or knees for some users.
Built-in trimmers: bikini vs styling
Premium SmoothGlide blades include a built-in bikini trimmer designed for precise grooming in sensitive areas. Standard SmoothGlide blades have an accublade styling trimmer on the top for tidying edges and hard-to-reach spots.
If you regularly trim bikini lines, the dedicated bikini trimmer on the Premium version offers a more tailored tool. If you only need occasional edge-ups, the top-mounted styling trimmer on the Standard version works well and keeps the cartridge slimmer.
Lubricating strip: both are vegan-friendly
Both blade types feature a vegan vitamin E lubricating strip that helps the razor glide smoothly and reduces friction. This is a shared benefit, so you don't have to choose one over the other for skin comfort.
The strip's performance depends on how long you use a single cartridge. As the strip wears down, replace the blade to maintain glide and avoid irritation.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Blade count: Premium has six blades; Standard has five. Six blades mean fewer strokes but a slightly larger head. Five blades are more compact and still very efficient.
- Trimmer type: Premium includes a built-in bikini trimmer; Standard has a top-mounted styling trimmer. Choose Premium if you regularly groom bikini lines; choose Standard for occasional edge-ups.
- Price: Premium costs USD 8.96 (compared to USD 11.95); Standard costs USD 7.53 (compared to USD 11.95). Standard saves about USD 1.43 per 4-pack. If you rarely use the bikini trimmer, the Standard pack offers the same diamond coating and vitamin E strip for less.
Blade refill facts
- 4 Premium SmoothGlide Blades: Six diamond-coated blades cut closer in fewer strokes for a clean, even shave every time. The vegan Vitamin E strip calms skin, and the built-in bikini trimmer handles awkward areas. The extra blade and dedicated bikini trimmer make this a strong choice if you shave large areas quickly and need precision for sensitive zones.
4 Premium SmoothGlide Blades - 4 SmoothGlide Blades: Five diamond-coated blades with an accublade styling trimmer on the top for effortless shaving. The vegan vitamin E strip lubricates skin to help blades glide without friction. The five-blade design and top trimmer offer a balanced, slightly more compact cartridge at a lower cost, ideal for general shaving with occasional touch-ups.
4 SmoothGlide Blades
Which blade fits your routine?
Best for
- Premium SmoothGlide: Shavers who want maximum efficiency with six blades and a dedicated bikini trimmer for sensitive areas.
- Standard SmoothGlide: Shavers who prefer a more compact cartridge and occasional styling trimmer at a lower cost.
Not ideal for
- Premium SmoothGlide: Budget-conscious shoppers who don't need the extra blade or bikini trimmer.
- Standard SmoothGlide: Anyone who regularly grooms bikini lines and wants a purpose-built trimmer.
