Best Quiet Paper Shredders of 2026

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

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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 S3112 14-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder Cover #TOP 3
BONSEN S3112 14-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Quiet Paper Shredders

#TOP 1

BONSEN Paper Shredder S3201

S3201
black
No Handle-Black
BONSEN Paper Shredder S3201 Cover
BONSEN Paper Shredder for Home Office, 4 Gallons Bin, 10-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder, P-4 High Security Level, Quiet Credit Card Shredder with Jam Proof System (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
#TOP 2

BONSEN S3106 12-Sheet Micro Cut Shredder

S3106
black+gray
BONSEN S3106 12-Sheet Micro Cut Shredder Cover
BONSEN 12-Sheet Micro Cut Paper Shredder for Home Office Use, High Security Level P-4/55 dB 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

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
#TOP 4

Bonsaii Quiet Cross-Cut Shredder

C237-B-WHT
White
6-sheet | Cross Cut
Bonsaii Quiet Cross-Cut Shredder Cover
Bonsaii Quiet Cross-Cut Shredder, Ideal for Home Offices, Low-Noise Shredder, 6 Sheets at Once, Perfect for documents, Mail & Staples, 3.4-Gallon Wastebasket, Easy-Carry Handle, White

The Bonsaii Quiet Shredder is designed to make your home or small office shredding tasks simple and efficient. It can shred up to six sheets of paper at once, as well as credit cards and junk mail, helping you quickly dispose of sensitive documents. Its compact size and handy carrying handle allow you to easily place it in tight spaces or move it around as needed. You can shred continuously for up to three minutes, which means you can handle large jobs without constant breaks. Plus, its smart auto start, stop, and reverse features help prevent paper jams, while built-in overheating protection keeps the shredder safe and long-lasting.

What We Like
Shreds up to 6 sheets
Compact and portable design
3-minute continuous shredding
Auto start/stop and reverse
Overheat protection
#TOP 5

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 6

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
#TOP 7

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
#TOP 8

BONSEN S3113 300-Sheet Auto Feed Paper Shredder

S3113
Black
300-Sheet Auto-Feed
BONSEN S3113 300-Sheet Auto Feed Paper Shredder Cover
BONSEN 300-Sheet Auto Feed Paper Shredder, 60 Minutes Non-Stop Commercial Grade Heavy Duty Shredders for Office, 8.1 Gallon Micro Cut Document Shredder, P-4 Security Level,58dB Super Quiet (S3113)

The BONSEN Auto Feed Shredder is designed to handle large shredding tasks with ease, letting you automatically shred up to 300 sheets at once, saving you time and effort. For smaller jobs, you can use the manual slot to shred up to 12 sheets or even destroy staples, paper clips, credit cards, and CDs. It supports long shredding sessions with up to 60 minutes of continuous automatic use, perfect for busy offices. Plus, it ensures high security by cutting documents into tiny micro-cut pieces, protecting your sensitive information while operating quietly to keep your workspace peaceful.

What We Like
300-sheet auto-feed capacity
60-minute continuous run time
Micro-cut security
Quiet operation (≤58 dB)
#TOP 9

Wingwise 15-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder

P-4/Manual 15 Sheet/26L/15mins
15 Sheets
P-4 Cross Cut
Wingwise 15-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder Cover
Wingwise 15-Sheet Paper Shredder with 58dB Quiet Operation, P4 Cross-Cut Security for Home Office, 15-Minute Run Time & 5.8-Gallon Bin – Shreds Credit Cards & CDs

The Wingwise Quiet Cross-Cut Shredder is designed to handle your heavy shredding needs with ease. You can shred up to 15 sheets at once, even if they have staples, making it perfect for busy workspaces. Its quiet operation, running at just 58dB, means it won’t disturb your focus or others nearby. The shredder cuts documents into tiny, secure pieces, keeping your sensitive information safe and meeting high security standards. Plus, with a 15-minute continuous run time, you can tackle large jobs without worrying about the machine overheating or jamming, helping you stay productive and stress-free.

What We Like
15-sheet heavy-duty capacity
Quiet 58dB operation
High-security P4 cross-cut
15-minute continuous runtime
#TOP 10

KRT Ultra-Quiet 15-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder

KRT KRT
PSC418D
Black
KRT Ultra-Quiet 15-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder Cover
KRT Ultra-Quiet Paper Shredder 38dB,30 Min Run Time,15 Sheet Cross-Cut (4x38mm) for Office/Home,8 Gal Pullout Bin with Casters,Shreds CDs/Credit Cards,Anti-Jam Technology,Black

The KRT Quiet Paper Shredder offers a quiet shredding experience at just 38 dB, making it perfect for home offices where noise can be a distraction. Its 30-minute continuous run time with an advanced cooling system allows you to shred large amounts without frequent breaks. You can shred up to 15 sheets at once along with credit cards, CDs, and staples, providing versatile use for your document disposal needs. The large 8-gallon bin with a clear window means less frequent emptying, and the 360-degree swivel casters make moving the shredder around your workspace effortless. This shredder combines convenience with security and ease of use.

What We Like
Quiet operation
Long continuous run time
Shreds various materials
Large capacity bin
Easy mobility with casters
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 63,338 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 $88.32.

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, bonsaii, Fellowes, Wingwise, KRT KRT. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 761 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.