Best Paper Shredders of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2025

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Paper shredders are an essential tool for anyone looking to dispose of sensitive or confidential documents. They come in a variety of sizes and shredding capacities, making it easy to find the right one for any home or office setting. Many shredders also offer additional features, such as the ability to shred credit cards or CDs. Investing in a paper shredder can help protect your personal information and prevent identity theft. With so many options available, finding the perfect paper shredder has never been easier.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Basics Micro Cut Shredder Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Basics Micro Cut Shredder
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder Cover #TOP 2
Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Fellowes 14C10 Paper Shredder Cover #TOP 3
Fellowes 14C10 Paper Shredder
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Paper Shredders

Amazon Basics Micro Cut Shredder

Amazon Basics
C217-C
Black
8 Sheet
Amazon Basics Micro Cut Shredder Cover
Amazon Basics Micro Cut Paper Shredder, CD, and Credit Card Shredder, 8 Sheet (New Model), Black

The Amazon Basics Shredder is designed for high security, cutting paper into tiny pieces measuring about 0.18 x 0.5 inches. You can shred up to 8 sheets at once without needing to remove staples or small clips, making it a convenient choice for your office needs. Additionally, it can destroy CDs, DVDs, and credit cards, although it’s not suitable for metal cards. To prevent overheating, the shredder operates for 5 minutes before needing a 30-minute cooldown, ensuring it lasts longer while protecting the motor.

What We Like
Micro-cut shredding
Large capacity bin
Auto-feed feature
Quiet operation
Easy to move
What We Don't Like
Some paper dust produced
Occasional shreds escape bin

Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder

Amazon Basics
C276-A US
Black
8 Sheet - Black
Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder Cover
Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder and Credit Card Shredder - Black

The Amazon Basics Cross Cut Shredder is an efficient tool for securely disposing of sensitive documents. It can handle up to 8 sheets of paper at once, cutting them into small pieces that ensure your information stays private. You can also shred credit cards, staples, and small paper clips, making it versatile for various materials. With a 3-minute continuous run time, you can quickly shred multiple items, while the 30-minute cool-down period prevents overheating, ensuring safe use. The easy-to-use control switch and LED indicators keep you informed about the shredder's status, enhancing your overall experience.

What We Like
Compact design
Easy to use
Efficient shredding
Quiet operation
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Small waste bin capacity
Can be a bit noisy
#TOP 3

Fellowes 14C10 Paper Shredder

14C10
Black
Fellowes 14C10 Paper Shredder Cover
Fellowes 14C10 14-Sheet Cross-Cut Home Office Paper Shredder

The Fellowes Cross-Cut Shredder is a personal shredder designed for home and office use. With the ability to shred up to 14 sheets of paper into 5/32” x 1-9/16” cross-cut particles, this shredder provides enhanced security for confidential documents. It can also shred credit cards, paper clips, staples, and junk mail, making it a versatile tool for decluttering your workspace. The shredder operates quietly to prevent distractions and comes with a patented safety lock for added protection. Its 5-gallon pull-out bin eliminates mess, while its 10-minute continuous run-time ensures superior efficiency. The sophisticated design of the Fellowes Cross-Cut Shredder complements any home or office interior.

What We Like
Outstanding performance
Quiet operation
Easy assembly
Large bin capacity
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Lock button quality
Not the fastest speed

Bonsaii 12-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder

Black
12 Sheet 5-Minute
Bonsaii 12-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder Cover
Bonsaii 12-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder, 5.5 Gal Home Office Heavy Duty Shredder for Paper, Credit Card, Mail, Staples, with Transparent Window, High Security Level P-4

The Bonsaii 12-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder is a powerful and reliable shredder for home office use. It features P-4 level security, 10-minute shredding, easy operation and safe protection, a compact size, and a 1-year warranty. Customers have praised its performance and reliability, noting that it can shred multiple sheets without clogging and is perfect for home office use.

What We Like
Durable and long-lasting
Handles multiple pages effectively
Ergonomic design
Quiet operation
Good warranty support
What We Don't Like
May slow down with many sheets
Struggles with thick envelopes
#TOP 5

Bonsaii C237-B Paper Shredder

C237-B
6-Sheet Cross cut
Bonsaii C237-B Paper Shredder Cover
Bonsaii Paper Shredder for Home Use,6-Sheet Crosscut Paper and Credit Card Shredder for Home Office with Handle for Document,Mail,Staple,Clip-3.4 Gal Wastebasket(C237-B)

The Bonsaii Paper Shredder is a versatile tool for your home or small office. It efficiently shreds up to six sheets of paper at once, turning sensitive documents into tiny pieces for secure disposal. The compact design, complete with a portable handle, allows you to easily store it under your desk or in a corner. With a continuous shredding capability of 100 sheets for three minutes, you can tackle larger tasks without interruption. Plus, its user-friendly features like auto start/stop and manual reverse help prevent jams, making your shredding experience smooth and hassle-free.

What We Like
Compact design
Efficient shredding
Quiet operation
Easy to empty
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
A bit noisy during operation
May struggle with multiple sheets
#TOP 6

Aurora AU1210MA Professional Grade High Security 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper/CD and Credit Card/ 60 Minutes Continuous Run Time Shredder

AU1210MA
Black
Aurora AU1210MA Professional Grade High Security 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper/CD and Credit Card/ 60 Minutes Continuous Run Time Shredder Cover
Aurora AU1210MA Professional Grade High Security 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper/CD and Credit Card/ 60 Minutes Continuous Run Time Shredder

The Aurora AU1210MA Professional Grade High Security 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper/ CD and Credit Card/ 60 Minutes Continuous Run Time Shredder is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and powerful shredder. It is capable of shredding paper, CDs, DVDs, credit cards into small pieces (5/32 by 15/32 inches), with a security level P-4. It has a nonstop 60-minute continuous run time, anti-jam auto-reverse to clear paper jams, ultra-quiet operation, and a 5.0-Gallon pullout bin with LED indicator lights. Customers have found it to be a great investment, with its powerful shredding capabilities, quiet operation, and long run time.

What We Like
Quiet operation
Efficient multi-sheet shredding
Easy to empty
Compact and portable design
Durable and reliable performance
What We Don't Like
Bin alignment needs care

BONSEN Paper Shredder S3201

S3201
black
10-Sheet Cross Cut
BONSEN Paper Shredder S3201 Cover
BONSEN Paper Shredder for Home Office, 10-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder, P-4 High Security Level, Quiet Credit Card Shredder with Jam Proof System, 4 Gallons Bin (S3201)

The BONSEN S3201 Paper Shredder for Home Office is a high-quality shredding solution that offers convenience and security. With its 10-sheet cross-cut feature, it can shred your documents into tiny pieces, ensuring a P-4 level of security. This shredder can also handle credit cards, staples, paper clips, and junk mail. The easy operation and safe protection features, such as the 4-mode control switch and overheat protection, make it user-friendly and reliable. The 4-gallon transparent bin reduces the frequency of emptying, and the sturdy and durable construction ensures long-lasting performance. With a one-year warranty, the BONSEN S3201 is a trustworthy choice for your shredding needs.

What We Like
Compact design
Efficient cross-cutting
Easy to set up
Good value for money
Handles credit cards
What We Don't Like
Overheats with heavy use
Basket size could be larger
#TOP 8

Bonsaii 12-Sheet Micro Cut Shredders C266-B

C233-B
Black
1 2 Sheet-60Mins
Bonsaii 12-Sheet Micro Cut Shredders C266-B Cover
bonsaii 12-Sheet Micro Cut Shredders for Home Office, 60 Minute P-4 Security Level Paper Shredder for CD, Credit Card, Mails, Staple, Clip, with Jam-Proof System & 4.2 Gal Pullout Bin C266-B

The Bonsaii Micro Cut Shredder is a high-performance paper shredder designed for home office use. With its advanced cooling system and patented cutting technology, this shredder can continuously run for up to 60 minutes, shredding 12 sheets of paper at a time. It also has the capability to shred credit cards, staples, paper clips, and CDs, providing you with a versatile shredding solution. The micro-cut shredding feature ensures a high level of security by shredding paper into tiny particles, protecting your personal privacy. Additionally, the shredder is equipped with a jam-proof system, preventing paper jams and ensuring smooth operation. The Bonsaii Micro Cut Shredder is designed with convenience in mind, featuring 4 universal casters for easy mobility and a visible trash window to check the waste basket capacity. With a 1-year warranty, you can trust in the quality and durability of this shredder.

What We Like
Handles multiple sheets easily
Durable and reliable performance
Micro-cut for security
Quiet operation
Easy to empty waste bin
What We Don't Like
Somewhat loud while shredding
Limited paper capacity for some
#TOP 9

Bonsaii Paper Shredder C261-C

C261-C New
Black
Bonsaii Paper Shredder C261-C Cover
Bonsaii Paper Shredder, 8-Sheet Crosscut Shredder with 4.2 Gallon Bin Shred Credit Card/Mail/Staple/Clip, P-4 Security Level Document Shredder with Handle for Home Office (C261-C)

The Bonsaii C261-C Shredder is a reliable and efficient shredder for home office use. With a shredding capacity of 8 sheets of paper at a time, it can quickly and securely dispose of your sensitive documents. It can also shred credit cards, staples, paper clips, and other small items. The cross-cut shredding feature turns paper into small pieces, meeting security level P-4 standards to keep your information safe. The shredder has a 4-minute continuous shredding time and features automatic start and manual reversal to clear paper jams. It also has overheat protection, ensuring safe and efficient operation. With its compact design and convenient handle, this shredder is perfect for home office use. Bonsaii offers a 1-year warranty and professional customer service to assist you with any questions or concerns.

What We Like
Compact design
Efficient shredding
Quiet operation
Easy to clean
Attractive appearance
What We Don't Like
Can tip over easily
Bottom basket lightweight
#TOP 10

Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Paper Shredder

3229901
Black/gray
99Ci Shredder
Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Paper Shredder Cover
Fellowes ‎Powershred 99Ci 18-Sheet 100% Jam-Proof Heavy Duty Crosscut Paper Shredder Machine for Office and Home, Black/Gray 3229901

The Fellowes Powershred 99Ci is a versatile paper shredder perfect for both home and office use. It can handle up to 18 sheets at once, making it easy for you to quickly dispose of documents, credit cards, and even CDs. With its advanced cross-cut technology, your sensitive information is turned into tiny particles, providing enhanced security. Additionally, the SafeSense feature ensures your safety by automatically shutting off the shredder if hands or paws come too close to the paper opening. Plus, you can enjoy a continuous run time of 30 minutes, allowing you to tackle multiple shredding tasks without interruption.

What We Like
Easy assembly
Quiet operation
Handles various materials well
High-quality construction
Great for home office use
What We Don't Like
Pricey
Bin size could be larger
Buying Guide Image

Ready for the Course: How to Buy the Right Paper Shredders

Introduction

Paper shredders are an essential tool for any business or individual looking to securely dispose of sensitive documents. With so many different options on the market, choosing the right shredder can be a daunting task. In this article, we will discuss the various features and considerations to keep in mind when selecting a paper shredder.

Cutting Style

One of the first things to consider when choosing a paper shredder is the cutting style. There are three main types of cutting styles: strip-cut, cross-cut, and micro-cut. Strip-cut shredders produce long, narrow strips of paper, making it relatively easy for someone to reconstruct the document. Cross-cut shredders, on the other hand, produce shorter and wider strips, making it more difficult to reconstruct the document. Micro-cut shredders produce the smallest pieces of paper, making it virtually impossible to reconstruct the document.

Security Level

Another important consideration is the security level of the shredder. Different shredders are rated based on the level of security they provide. The higher the security level, the smaller the pieces of paper will be, and the more difficult it will be to reconstruct the document. For businesses handling highly sensitive information, it is important to choose a shredder with a high security level.

Capacity

Paper shredders come in a range of capacities, from small personal shredders to large commercial shredders. It is important to choose a shredder with a capacity that is appropriate for the amount of paper you need to shred on a regular basis. A shredder with a large capacity will be able to handle more paper at once, but it will also be more expensive and take up more space. On the other hand, a shredder with a small capacity will be more affordable and compact, but it may not be able to handle large shredding jobs.

Features

When choosing a paper shredder, it is also important to consider the additional features it offers. Some shredders have a built-in wastebasket, making it easy to dispose of the shredded paper. Others have a jam-resistant design, which prevents the shredder from getting stuck when shredding large amounts of paper. Some shredders even have a reverse function, which allows you to easily un-jam the shredder if it does get stuck.

Price

Of course, price is also a key consideration when choosing a paper shredder. As with any purchase, it is important to balance the features and capacity of the shredder with its price. It may be tempting to choose the cheapest shredder on the market, but keep in mind that it may not have the features or capacity you need. On the other hand, a more expensive shredder may offer additional features and a larger capacity, but it may not be necessary for your needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right paper shredder requires careful consideration of the cutting style, security level, capacity, features, and price. By considering these factors, you can select a shredder that is well-suited to your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is better cross cut or micro-cut shredder?

A micro-cut shredder offers higher security compared to a standard cross-cut shredder. The paper particles produced by a micro-cut shredder are smaller, providing better protection against document reconstruction.

2. How much does a decent shredder cost?

The cost of a shredder depends on its intended use. For a home office, prices range from $50 to $150 for P-3 level shredders. For a small office, expect to spend between $150 and $400 for P-3 level shredders. Heavy-duty shredders for more demanding shredding tasks can cost $750 or more.

3. How many years do paper shredders last?

On average, a paper shredder can last about 10 years. However, the lifespan may vary depending on the specific model and how frequently it is used. Some higher-quality shredders can last even longer.

4. How do you destroy a document without a shredder?

If you don't have access to a shredder, there are alternative methods to destroy documents. These include burning the paper, soaking it in water and bleach, composting it, cutting or shredding by hand, attending a community shredding event, or hiring a professional paper shredder service.

5. How often do you need to lubricate a paper shredder?

To keep your paper shredder in good working condition, it is recommended to oil cross-cut shredders each time you empty the waste basket or at least twice a month. Micro-cut shredders should be oiled more frequently, ideally after every 15 minutes of use.

6. What is the life expectancy of a shredder?

The typical life expectancy of a standard office shredder is around 36 months. However, frequent use can significantly reduce this lifespan. Additionally, maintenance and cleaning costs should also be considered when evaluating the overall expenses of shredding.

Editor's Notes

During our paper shredder research, we found 25 paper shredder products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 781,686 customer reviews through our big data system to write the paper shredders list. We found that most customers choose paper shredders with an average price of $61.17.

The paper shredders are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of paper shredders, including Fellowes, bonsaii, Aurora, BONSEN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.

Paper Shredders Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Amazon Basics Amazon Basics Fellowes bonsaii bonsaii Aurora BONSEN bonsaii bonsaii Fellowes
Cut Type Micro Cut Cross Cut Cross Cut Cross Cut Cross Cut Micro Cut Cross Cut - Cross Cut Cross Cut
Capacity 4 Gallons 3.7 Gallons 6 Gallons 5 Gallons 3.4 Gallons 5 Gallons 4 Gallons - 4.2 Gallons 9 Gallons
Color Black Black Black Black - Gray, Black black Black Black Black/gray
Recommended Uses For Product Shredding Paper, Shredding CD, Shredding Credit Cards - Shredding Credit Cards, Shredding Paper Clips, Shredding CD, Shredding Paper, Shredding Staples document,office use,office Shredding Paper, Shredding Credit Cards, Shredding Staples office Shredding Paper, Credit Cards, Staples, Paper Clips - Shredding Paper, Shredding Credit Cards, Shredding Staples, Shredding Paper Clips, Not Shredding CD document,office
Item Weight - - 11.38 pounds 12 pounds - 22.4 pounds 10.3 pounds 16 pounds - 1 pounds
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
Where to Buy