Best Quiet Paper Shredders of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

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Quiet paper shredders are the perfect solution for those looking for a shredder that won't disrupt the peace and quiet of their workspace. These shredders are designed to operate at a low decibel level, making them ideal for use in shared spaces or quiet environments. Despite their quiet operation, they still offer powerful shredding capabilities, ensuring that sensitive documents are destroyed thoroughly and efficiently. With a variety of models available, there's a quiet paper shredder to suit every need and budget. Whether you're looking for a personal shredder for home use or a heavy-duty model for an office setting, a quiet paper shredder is a great investment for anyone looking to protect their sensitive information.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

BONSEN Paper Shredder S3201 Cover #TOP 1
BONSEN Paper Shredder S3201
ftb score rating icon 9.8
BONSEN S3106 12-Sheet Micro Cut Shredder Cover #TOP 2
BONSEN S3106 12-Sheet Micro Cut Shredder
ftb score rating icon 9.7
BONSEN Paper Shredder, 18-Sheet 30 Mins Nonstop Heavy Duty Cover #TOP 3
BONSEN Paper Shredder, 18-Sheet 30 Mins Nonstop Heavy Duty
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Quiet Paper Shredders

#TOP 1

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
High security level
Easy operation
Large transparent bin
#TOP 2

BONSEN S3106 12-Sheet Micro Cut Shredder

S3106
Black
12-Sheet Micro Cut
BONSEN S3106 12-Sheet Micro Cut Shredder Cover
BONSEN 12-Sheet Micro Cut Paper Shredder for Home Office Use, High Security Level P-4 /55dB Ultra-Quiet/40-Minutes Shredding Shreds Credit Card/Staples, 5.3-Gallons Pullout Bin (S3106)

The BONSEN Micro Cut Shredder is designed for both home and office use, providing high security with its ability to shred up to 12 sheets at once into tiny pieces. This means you can dispose of sensitive documents safely. With a 40-minute continuous run time, you can shred a large volume of paper without interruptions. Additionally, it operates at a quiet 55dB, allowing you to work in peace without noise distractions. The auto anti-jam system helps prevent frustrating paper jams, automatically reversing to clear any blockages, ensuring a smooth shredding experience.

What We Like
High security micro-cut shredding
40-minute continuous operation
Ultra-quiet performance
Auto jam prevention
#TOP 3

BONSEN Paper Shredder, 18-Sheet 30 Mins Nonstop Heavy Duty

S3104
Black
20-Sheet Cross Cut
BONSEN Paper Shredder, 18-Sheet 30 Mins Nonstop Heavy Duty Cover
BONSEN Paper Shredder, 20-Sheet 60 Mins Nonstop Heavy Duty Paper Shredder for Office, 60dB Ultra Quiet Cross-Cut Shredder with 6.6 Gals Basket, Anti-Jam CD and Credit Shredder for Home Office (S3104)

The BONSEN Paper Shredder is a heavy-duty, cross-cut shredder that can shred up to 18 sheets at a time. It features a 6.6 gallon bin capacity, an advanced cooling system to prevent overheating, and an ultra-quiet motor that operates at ≤52dB. Customers praise its performance, reliability, and ease of use, though some note that it is bulky and heavy.

What We Like
High security level P-4 shredding
Advanced cooling system
Ultra-quiet motor
Reliable performance
Easy to use
#TOP 4

BONSEN 24-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder

S3105
Black
24-Sheet Cross-Cut
BONSEN 24-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder Cover
BONSEN Heavy Duty Paper Shredder, 24-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder, 40-Min Continuous Running Time, Commercial Grade Shredder for Office, 9-Gallon Big Basket, 55dB Super Quiet, P-4 High Security (S3105)

The BONSEN Heavy Duty Paper Shredder is a commercial grade shredder perfect for office use. It has a 24-sheet shredding capacity and shreds paper into small pieces of 5/32 x 1-12/32 inches. It also has a 9-gallon large wastebasket and a 40-min long run time. Its 55 dB low noise level provides a quiet and smooth shredding experience. The user-friendly and anti-jam design includes 3 convenient buttons, overheating, and overloading protection systems. It also has auto start and reverse functions to avoid paper jams.

What We Like
Can shred up to 24 sheets of paper (per time) and junk mails/CDs/staples/clips/credit cards to protect your sensitive information perfectly
9-gallon bin can hold 650 sheets of A4 paper scraps for less frequent emptying
Designed with 40-min continuous running time and 55 dB ultra-low noise level for a quiet and smooth shredding experience

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
High security micro-cut with 12 sheet capacities
Shreds paper, CDs, DVDs, credit cards into small pieces
Nonstop 60-minute continuous run time
Anti-jam auto-reverse to clear paper jams
Ultra-quiet operation
5.0-Gallon pullout bin with LED indicator lights

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
Enhanced security
Versatile shredding capabilities
Quiet operation
Safety lock for added protection
Convenient pull-out bin
#TOP 7

Wingwise 58dB Quiet Paper Shredder

Wingwise
S3308
4 Gallon(P-4)
4 Gallon(P-4)
Wingwise 58dB Quiet Paper Shredder Cover
Wingwise 58dB Quiet Paper Shredder for Home Office, P-4 Cross Cut Level, Fast Shredding, 4 Gallon Bin, 8 Sheet (LITE)

The Wingwise Quiet Shredder is designed to make your shredding tasks efficient and hassle-free. It cuts documents into tiny pieces, ensuring your sensitive information is securely destroyed. You can shred up to 8 sheets at once, along with credit cards and staples, saving you time. With its quiet operation at just 58 dB, you can work uninterrupted while the shredder handles your documents. The 210W motor allows for continuous shredding for up to 10 minutes, so you won't have to pause frequently. Plus, the automatic start feature means you can start shredding with just a push of a button.

What We Like
Quiet operation
Shreds credit cards
Continuous shredding capability
Easy mobility with casters
#TOP 8

Aurora AU1262XA Shredder

AU1262XA
Gray,White
Aurora AU1262XA Shredder Cover
Aurora AU1262XA Anti-Jam 12-Sheet Crosscut Paper and CD/Credit Card Shredder, White/Gray

The Aurora AU1262XA Shredder is a versatile and efficient shredding machine that can handle all your paper and digital media destruction needs. With its crosscut design and 12 sheet capacity, it can easily shred documents, CDs, DVDs, and credit cards into small pieces for enhanced security. The anti-jam auto-reverse feature ensures smooth operation by clearing any paper jams, while the quiet operation allows for a peaceful working environment. The shredder also offers a nonstop 6-minute continuous run time, making it suitable for large shredding tasks. With a 4-gallon pullout bin and LED indicator lights, you can easily monitor the shredder's status. The included moving casters provide added convenience and mobility.

What We Like
Versatile shredding capabilities
Anti-jam auto-reverse feature
Quiet operation

Aurora Commercial Grade 200-Sheet Auto Feed High Security Micro-Cut Paper Shredder

AU200MA
white
Aurora Commercial Grade 200-Sheet Auto Feed High Security Micro-Cut Paper Shredder Cover
Aurora Commercial Grade 200-Sheet Auto Feed High Security Micro-Cut Paper Shredder/ 60 Minutes/Security Level P-5

The Aurora Commercial Grade 200-Sheet Auto Feed High Security Micro-Cut Paper Shredder is a high-security shredder that can shred up to 200 sheets at once and meets the P-5 security level standards. It has a continuous run time of 60 minutes and an anti-jam auto-reverse feature for clearing paper jams. Additionally, it has an 8.5-gallon pullout bin with LED indicator lights and ultra-quiet operation. The shredder also features auto Power-Sleep for energy saving and safety.

What We Like
Can shred up to 200 sheets at once
Meets P-5 security level standards
Continuous run time of 60 minutes
Auto-reverse feature for clearing paper jams
Ultra-quiet operation
#TOP 10

Wingwise 58dB Quiet Paper Shredder

Wingwise
S3509
Black
Wingwise 58dB Quiet Paper Shredder Cover
Wingwise 58dB Quiet Paper Shredder for Home Office, P-5 Micro Cut High Security, 5.8 Gallon Large Bin Shredders, 9 Sheet, Shreds CD, Credit Card

The Wingwise Quiet Shredder offers an excellent shredding experience with its low noise level of just 58 dB, making it ideal for home offices. You’ll appreciate the easy mobility provided by its four casters, allowing you to move it around your workspace without hassle. It features a spacious 5.8-gallon bin, which means less frequent emptying and more time for shredding. Additionally, this shredder utilizes advanced micro-cut technology, shredding up to 9 sheets at a time into tiny pieces for enhanced security, perfect for protecting sensitive documents and information.

What We Like
Quiet operation
Easy to move
Large capacity bin
High-security shredding
Buying Guide Image

Guidelines for Choosing the Right Quiet Paper Shredders

Introduction

Paper shredders are essential tools for anyone looking to securely dispose of confidential documents. If you’re in the market for a paper shredder, you’ll need to consider a few factors to ensure you get the right one.

Things to Consider

When shopping for a paper shredder, there are several factors to consider. Noise level is an important factor to consider, as a quiet paper shredder will be much more pleasant to use in your home or office. You’ll also need to consider the capacity of the shredder, as well as the type of shred it can produce.

Noise Level

When it comes to noise level, most paper shredders can be quite loud. If your paper shredder is located in a shared workspace or in your home, a loud paper shredder can be disruptive and unpleasant. Fortunately, there are a number of paper shredders available that are designed to be quiet.

Generally, the higher the price tag, the quieter the paper shredder will be. It’s also important to note that shredding speed can affect noise level; shredding paper more quickly will usually result in a louder noise.

Shredding Capacity

The shredding capacity of a paper shredder is measured in sheets. This refers to the maximum number of sheets of paper that can be shredded at one time. Most paper shredders are capable of shredding anywhere from two to 20 sheets of paper in a single pass.

Type of Shred

Most paper shredders can produce two different types of shred: cross-cut and micro-cut. Cross-cut shredders produce thin strips of paper, while micro-cut shredders produce tiny particles. Cross-cut shredders are more common and less expensive, but micro-cut shredders provide an extra level of security for confidential documents.

Conclusion

When shopping for a quiet paper shredder, there are a few factors to consider. Noise level is an important factor, and it’s usually proportional to the price tag. You should also consider the shredding capacity and type of shred the shredder can produce. With a bit of research, you should be able to find a quiet paper shredder that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there such a thing as a quiet paper shredder?

Yes, there are quiet paper shredders available on the market. These shredders are designed to minimize noise so that they don't draw attention while you're disposing of sensitive documents. They are ideal for situations where you need to maintain a quiet environment.

2. How can I make my shredder quieter?

To make your shredder quieter, it is important to keep it properly lubricated. Regularly oiling your shredder will not only reduce noise but also ensure smooth operation and prevent strain on the motor and cutting cylinders. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for oiling your shredder to achieve optimal performance and noise reduction.

3. What is the noise level of a paper shredder?

A good paper shredder can keep the noise level between 60 and 70 decibels. This range is designed to provide a comfortable noise level for your ears while still effectively shredding documents. While some noise is inevitable with paper shredders, choosing a model within this range can help minimize the disturbance caused by shredding.

4. Why are paper shredders so loud?

Paper shredders can become loud if they haven't been serviced or properly lubricated. Over time, gears, chains, bearings, and bushes can become poorly lubricated, resulting in extra noise. Loose chains and grub screws that act as drive components can also generate mechanical noise. Regular maintenance and proper lubrication can help reduce the noise levels of paper shredders.

5. Can you spray WD-40 in a shredder?

No, it is not recommended to use WD-40 to lubricate a paper shredder. WD-40 is not designed for shredder head lubrication. It is best to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper lubrication of your shredder to ensure smooth operation and reduce noise.

Editor's Notes

During our quiet paper shredder research, we found 24 quiet paper shredder products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 95,000 customer reviews through our big data system to write the quiet paper shredders list. We found that most customers choose quiet paper shredders with an average price of $107.92.

The quiet paper shredders are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of quiet paper shredders, including BONSEN, Aurora, Fellowes, Wingwise. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 827 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

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.