When it comes to shaving, the subscription service model has gained massive popularity in recent years. Two of the biggest names in the razor subscription world are Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club. Both brands offer high-quality razors, shaving products, and convenient subscription options that can save you time and money. However, choosing between the two can be tricky. In this article, we’ll compare Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club across key areas like product quality, pricing, subscription plans, and customer service to help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
Table of Contents
Overview of Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club
Harry’s
Founded in 2013, Harry’s set out with a clear goal: to provide a premium shaving experience at an affordable price. By cutting out the middleman and selling directly to consumers, Harry’s aims to offer high-quality razors at a fraction of the price of traditional retail brands. The company is known for its minimalist approach, sleek razor design, and superior performance.
Dollar Shave Club
Launched in 2011, Dollar Shave Club became a household name after its viral marketing campaign. The brand offers a wide variety of razors and other grooming products through a subscription service. Dollar Shave Club stands out for its humor-filled approach to marketing and its broad product range that extends beyond razors to include shaving creams, body washes, deodorants, and more.
1. Pricing and Subscription Plans
One of the most important factors when choosing a razor subscription service is the cost. Both Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club offer affordable options, but their pricing structures vary slightly.
Harry’s Pricing and Subscription Plans:
- Starter Kit: Harry’s offers a starter kit that costs around $5 and includes a razor handle, three razor cartridges, and shaving gel.
- Refill Prices: After the initial purchase, razor refills typically cost around $2 per cartridge, with a subscription option available for $15 for 8 razor blades per month.
- Subscription Flexibility: Harry’s offers flexible subscription options, allowing you to select how often you want your blades delivered (every 1, 2, or 3 months). You can easily adjust or cancel your subscription at any time.
Dollar Shave Club Pricing and Subscription Plans:
- Starter Kit: Dollar Shave Club’s starter kits begin at $5, which includes a razor handle and a set of razor blades. The kits include a variety of options, from the basic $1 razor to the more advanced 6-blade razor for around $9.
- Refill Prices: Dollar Shave Club’s razor refills start at around $1 for the basic razor and go up to about $9 for the 6-blade razor.
- Subscription Flexibility: Dollar Shave Club also offers flexible subscription options. You can choose the frequency of deliveries (monthly, bi-monthly, etc.) and pause or cancel your subscription at any time.
Verdict: Harry’s tends to be more affordable for razor refills, with a per-blade cost of about $2. However, Dollar Shave Club offers a wider range of pricing options for various types of razors, allowing you to select one based on your personal preferences and budget.
2. Product Quality
Both Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club are known for their high-quality razors, but there are some differences in terms of blade design and shaving experience.
Harry’s Razors:
- Blade Design: Harry’s razors feature five precision-engineered blades, designed to provide a close, comfortable shave with minimal irritation.
- Handle: The handle is made from ergonomic, non-slip material, which ensures a secure grip even when wet. It’s sleek and stylish, making it stand out from other brands.
- Shaving Experience: Customers frequently praise Harry’s for delivering a smooth, effortless shave with minimal tugging or nicks. The razor’s design is intended to reduce the risk of irritation.
Dollar Shave Club Razors:
- Blade Design: Dollar Shave Club offers several different razor models, including the 4-blade, 6-blade, and sensitive skin razors. The 6-blade option is particularly popular for those looking for an ultra-close shave.
- Handle: Dollar Shave Club’s handles are also ergonomic and come in a range of designs, including a heavy-duty metal handle for a premium feel.
- Shaving Experience: Dollar Shave Club’s razors are known for being sharp and durable, offering a clean shave with minimal drag. The 6-blade razor is ideal for a smoother, more luxurious shave.
Verdict: Both brands offer exceptional quality, but Harry’s features a 5-blade razor that is designed for precision and comfort, while Dollar Shave Club offers more variety, including its 6-blade razor, which some users prefer for an even closer shave.
3. Additional Products
In addition to razors, both Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club offer a range of complementary products to complete your grooming routine.
Harry’s Products:
- Shaving Cream and Gel: Harry’s shaving cream and gel are designed to create a rich, protective lather that allows for a smoother shave.
- Post-Shave Balm: The company also offers a post-shave balm, which helps soothe the skin and reduce irritation after shaving.
- Body Wash and Skincare: Harry’s also offers a selection of body washes, deodorants, and skincare products, though the selection is not as extensive as Dollar Shave Club’s.
Dollar Shave Club Products:
- Shaving Cream and Gel: Dollar Shave Club offers a variety of shaving creams and gels, including products for sensitive skin.
- Post-Shave Balm and Aftershave: Dollar Shave Club’s aftershave balms and post-shave lotions are designed to reduce irritation and moisturize the skin.
- Body Wash and Other Grooming Products: Dollar Shave Club offers a wide range of products, including body wash, deodorant, hair care, oral care, and even fragrances. The company’s variety is one of its biggest strengths.
Verdict: While Harry’s offers solid options for shaving creams and post-shave products, Dollar Shave Club wins when it comes to variety. With a broader selection of grooming products, Dollar Shave Club is a great choice for those who want more than just razors.
4. Customer Experience and Service
When it comes to customer service, both Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club offer excellent support, though there are some differences in terms of the overall customer experience.
Harry’s Customer Service:
- Ease of Use: The Harry’s website is easy to navigate, and the subscription process is simple. You can manage your subscription, adjust delivery frequencies, or cancel at any time.
- Customer Support: Harry’s customer service is highly rated, with options for email and phone support. Customers report quick response times and helpful solutions to any issues.
Dollar Shave Club Customer Service:
- Ease of Use: Dollar Shave Club’s website is user-friendly, and the subscription process is also straightforward. The company offers flexibility with the delivery of products and allows you to pause or cancel subscriptions easily.
- Customer Support: Dollar Shave Club offers support via phone, email, and live chat. Many customers find the service responsive and helpful when they need assistance.
Verdict: Both companies offer great customer service, but Dollar Shave Club stands out for its more extensive support options, including live chat.
Conclusion: Harry’s vs. Dollar Shave Club
Both Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club offer high-quality razors, shaving products, and convenient subscription services. However, your choice will depend on your priorities:
- Choose Harry’s if you want a sleek, minimalist design, excellent value for a 5-blade razor, and a straightforward grooming experience.
- Choose Dollar Shave Club if you want more product variety, including body washes, hair care, and other grooming essentials, as well as flexibility with different razor options (such as the 6-blade razor).
Ultimately, both companies offer a great shave at an affordable price, so you can’t go wrong with either option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which is cheaper, Harry’s or Dollar Shave Club?
Harry’s tends to be slightly cheaper in terms of razor refills, with cartridges priced at around $2 each. Dollar Shave Club, however, offers more options and customization, with razors starting as low as $1.
Q2: Can I pause or cancel my subscription?
Yes, both Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club allow you to pause or cancel your subscription at any time with no penalties.
Q3: Are Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club razors suitable for sensitive skin?
Both brands offer razors and shaving creams designed for sensitive skin. Dollar Shave Club offers a specific razor for sensitive skin, while Harry’s has a 5-blade razor that provides a smooth shave with less irritation.
Q4: Can I try a starter kit before committing to a subscription?
Yes, both Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club offer starter kits at a low cost, allowing you to try their products before committing to a full subscription.
