Best Paper Shredders of 2026

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 22, 2026

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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 8-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Bonsaii 12-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder Cover #TOP 2
Bonsaii 12-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Bonsaii C237-B Paper Shredder Cover #TOP 3
Bonsaii C237-B Paper Shredder
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Paper Shredders

Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder

Amazon Basics
C276-A US
Black
8 Sheet
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
Cross-cut security
Shreds paper and credit cards
Easy to use
Reliable performance
What We Don't Like
Small waste bin
Not ideal for heavy-duty use

Bonsaii 12-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder

C275-A
Black
1 2 sheet
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 (C275-A)

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
Heavy duty performance
Fast shredding speed
Handles multiple sheets easily
Large capacity bin
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Small paper slot
Not silent
#TOP 3

Bonsaii C237-B Paper Shredder

Child
Black
Bonsaii C237-B Paper Shredder Cover
Bonsaii Paper Shredder for Home Use, 3.4 Gal Wastebasket, 6 Sheet Crosscut Paper Credit Cards, Staples, and Clips Shredder for Home Office Use, Portable Handle Design (C237-B New Version)

The Bonsaii C237-B Shredder is perfect for home or small office use. It cuts paper into tiny pieces, making your documents secure and protecting your privacy. You can shred up to six sheets at once, even if they have staples or clips, and it can also handle credit cards one at a time. The shredder works continuously for three minutes before needing a 20-minute cool-down, so you don’t have to worry about overheating. Its compact size and clear wastebin with a handle make cleanup easy and help it fit neatly under your desk. Plus, it has safety features like auto start/stop and reverse to prevent jams and protect you while using it.

What We Like
Compact size
Cross-cut shredding
Good value for price
Easy to use
Handles credit cards
What We Don't Like
Small bin requires frequent emptying
Cooling time after heavy use

Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Strip Cut Shredder

Amazon Basics
S120-D US
Black
3.4 gallons
Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Strip Cut Shredder Cover
Amazon Basics Paper Shredder for Home and Office, 8-Sheet Strip Cut, CD/ Credit Card Shredder, 3.4 Gallon Wastebasket , Black

The Amazon Basics Shredder is a reliable tool for securely disposing of sensitive documents. It can handle up to 8 sheets of standard paper at once, making it efficient for your shredding needs. The strip-cut design creates 1/4-inch wide strips, ensuring basic security for your information. With the capability to shred CDs and credit cards, you can safely eliminate various types of media. Additionally, the 3.4-gallon bin is easy to empty, and the shredder features a 2.5-minute runtime followed by a 15-minute cool-down, preventing overheating and prolonging the machine's life.

What We Like
Efficient shredding performance
Good value for price
Handles paper, cards, CDs
Easy to use and empty
Compact and lightweight design
What We Don't Like
Smaller waste bin
Strip-cut, not confetti
#TOP 5

Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Shredder

Amazon Basics
S120-E US
Black
8-Sheet
Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Shredder Cover
Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Strip Cut Paper, CD, and Credit Card Shredder with Auto-Off Compact, Portable Design, No Basket, Extendable Arm, Black

The Amazon Basics Shredder is a compact and portable solution for securely disposing of sensitive documents and materials. It can handle up to eight sheets of paper at once, making it easy for you to shred multiple documents in one go without the hassle of removing staples. The shredder also features a dedicated slot for destroying CDs, DVDs, and credit cards, cutting them into three pieces for added security. Designed to fit over most waste baskets, it comes with an extendable arm to accommodate various sizes, providing convenience in any workspace.

What We Like
Compact and portable design
Shreds paper, CDs, credit cards
Efficient 8-sheet shredding
Affordable price
Easy disposal over trash can
What We Don't Like
Strip-cut security level
Some noise during use
#TOP 6

VUSIGN 8-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder

AZ1693-D8
Black
8-sheet cross cut
VUSIGN 8-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder Cover
8-Sheet Cross Cut P-4 Security Paper Shredder, 4.2 Gal Bin with Portable Handle, Credit Card/Staple/Clip Shredder for Home Office

The VUSIGN 8-Sheet Shredder is designed for home or small office use, offering a convenient nonstop shredding time of 4 minutes before it cools down automatically, which helps prevent overheating. It can shred up to 8 sheets of paper at once, including credit cards, staples, and paper clips, turning them into small confetti-like pieces for enhanced security. The shredder also features an easy jam-free system—just a quick reverse motion clears paper jams, keeping your shredding smooth and hassle-free. Plus, the 4.2-gallon bin with a clear window lets you see when it’s full, and the built-in handle makes emptying quick and mess-free.

What We Like
Handles staples and credit cards
Quiet operation
Easy-to-empty bin
Cross-cut security
Compact and portable
What We Don't Like
May jam if overloaded

Bonsaii 12-Sheet Micro Cut Shredders C266-B

C266-B
Black
12 Sheet-6 0Mins
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
Quiet operation
Handles bulk shredding
Easy to empty bin
Strong cooling system
Micro-cut for security
What We Don't Like
Difficult sticker removal
A bit noisy
#TOP 8

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

BONSEN S3112 14-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder

S3112-S
Black+Silver
14-Sheet Cross Cut
BONSEN S3112 14-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder Cover
BONSEN 14-Sheet Paper Shredder for Home Office, Heavy Duty Cross Cut Shredder with 5.3 Gal Pullout Bin, Quiet Shredder for CDs/Credit Card/Staple, P-4 Security, Anti-Jam System

The BONSEN 14-Sheet Shredder is designed to handle your home office shredding needs with ease. It can run nonstop for 20 minutes thanks to its advanced cooling system, letting you shred large amounts of paper without overheating. You’ll appreciate the smart jam-proof system that automatically starts, stops, or reverses to prevent paper jams, saving you time and frustration. With the ability to shred up to 14 sheets at once, plus CDs, credit cards, and staples, this shredder offers versatile security. The 5.3-gallon pull-out bin holds plenty of shredded material, and the clear window helps you know when it’s time to empty it, making your shredding tasks smooth and efficient.

What We Like
Excellent customer service
High shredding capacity
Shreds paper and credit cards
Easy to use
Reasonably quiet operation
What We Don't Like
Occasional paper jams
Shorter run time
#TOP 10

Bonsaii C282-A 12-Sheet Paper Shredder

C282A-12CC
Black
12-Sheet Cross Cut
Bonsaii C282-A 12-Sheet Paper Shredder Cover
Bonsaii 12 Sheet Paper Shredder for Home Office, Heavy Duty Cross Cut Shredder with 5.5 Gal Pullout Bin, Home Shredder for CDs/Credit Card/Document/Mail, P-4 Security Level

The Bonsaii 12-Sheet Shredder is designed for home office use, allowing you to shred up to 12 sheets of paper at once into tiny, secure particles. This feature ensures your sensitive documents are kept safe from prying eyes. With a 5.5-gallon pullout bin, you can shred approximately 350 sheets without needing to empty it frequently, saving you time and effort. The shredder also boasts a 15-minute continuous run time, making it efficient for larger tasks. Plus, its jam-proof system with auto start/stop and manual reverse makes handling paper jams easy, ensuring a smooth shredding experience.

What We Like
Quiet operation
Powerful motor
Handles staples and credit cards
Large pullout bin
Long run time
What We Don't Like
Small basket size
Slightly noisy for some
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 24 paper shredder products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 633,095 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 $45.31.

The paper shredders are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of paper shredders, including bonsaii, VUSIGN, Fellowes, BONSEN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 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 bonsaii bonsaii Amazon Basics Amazon Basics VUSIGN bonsaii Fellowes BONSEN bonsaii
Cut Type Cross Cut Cross Cut Cross Cut Strip Cut Strip Cut Cross Cut Micro Cut Cross Cut Cross Cut Cross Cut
Color Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black Black+Silver Black
Capacity 3.7 Gallons 21 Liters 3.4 Gallons 3.4 Gallons - 16 Liters 4.2 Gallons 5 Gallons 5.3 Gallons 5.5 Gallons
Recommended Uses For Product Shredding Credit Cards, Shredding Paper, Shredding Paper Clips, Shredding Staples document,office use,office Paper Shredding Shredding CD, Shredding Credit Cards, Shredding Paper, Shredding Staples - Shredding Clips, Shredding Credit Cards, Shredding Staples Shredding CD, Shredding Credit Cards, Shredding Paper, Shredding Paper Clips, Shredding Staples Shredding Credit Cards, Shredding Paper Clips, Shredding Paper, Shredding Staples Home, Home Office, Small Office Home office, Document destruction, Identity protection, Credit card disposal, CD disposal
Item Weight - 12 pounds 6.55 pounds - 4.07 pounds 9.46 pounds 16 pounds - 16 pounds 15.97 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 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
Where to Buy