The 10 Best Paper Shredders

Sara Mandeed
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Papers are one of the most common situations where we think about doing something about our environment. Trash, waste, big problems for our environment… the environment is today's most important issue and we have to think about it. So, don't think anymore the environment is in your hands, do something. Make a decision: paper shredder, one of the best devices to be used at home.

There is no doubt that using a paper shredder is very important today. Whether it be at home, your shop or in the company, this is one of the best ways to keep your environment save and to protect your privacy. Here we present you the best models from around the world. If you want to know how this device can help you, this is the moment to do it.

NameCategoryProduct
Fellowes Powershred 79Ci 100% Jam Proof MediumBest OverallFellowes Powershred 79Ci 100% Jam Proof Medium
AmazonBasics Paper Shredder Sharpening & Lubricant SheetsBudget PickAmazonBasics Paper Shredder Sharpening & Lubricant Sheets
BOXIS AutoShred 120-Sheet Auto Feed Microcut Paper ShredderUpgrade PickBOXIS AutoShred 120-Sheet Auto Feed Microcut Paper Shredder

1. Fellowes Powershred 79Ci 100% Jam Proof Medium

Our rating: 9 / 10

Fellowes Powershred 79Ci 100% Jam Proof Medium

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Pros:

  • 100-percent jam proof
  • Powerful engine
  • Durable, long-life cutter blades
  • Different cutting capacities
  • 16-sheet capacity
  • Easy to clean

Overview:

If you are looking for a paper shredder for home office, the Fellowes Powershred 79Ci is absolute best on our list. It is powerful, durable, well-built and super-easy to use. It is very durable and long-lasting. It is a very user-friendly and pretty straightforward in design. It is easy to clean.

The Fellowes Powershred 79Ci is a high security all metal strip cut shredder. It allows you to shred sheets in sizes of 3-9/16" width x 3-1/2" height x 0.5" to 16 sheets per pass. It is equipped with an Industrial-capacity 15-inch cut diameter shear blades which are very durable and can run continuously. It also features six-cycle engine automatically switches to 'Ready' mode after start-up. It has a cutting capacity of up to 8 mm of paper per pass.

2. AmazonBasics Paper Shredder Sharpening & Lubricant Sheets

Our rating: 9 / 10

AmazonBasics Paper Shredder Sharpening & Lubricant Sheets

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Pros:

  • 12 lubricant sheets
  • Essential for busy offices
  • Easy to use
  • Reduces noisy paper jams
  • Applicable for shredding private files
  • Shreds 24 pieces of paper at a time
  • High quality, standard sized sheets
  • Safe for AmazonBasics shredder
  • Specifically designed for AmazonBasics shredder
  • Leaves less waste

Cons:

  • Takes a bit of time to shred large stacks
  • Not suitable for shredding CDs and DVDs
  • Not suitable for heavy duty shredding

It seems like there is a new threat to internet security every other week, and the threats are not limited to crooked government officials. We all need to protect ourselves, and shredders are the answer. Luckily, the AmazonBasics Paper Shredder Sharpening & Lubricant Sheets help cut down on paper jams and make your shredding experience easier and more enjoyable.

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

Our rating: 9 / 10

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

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Pros:

  • Built-in jam-clearing technology
  • Ultra-quiet operation
  • Maximum security (Micro-cut technology)
  • Continuously shuts off after 60 minutes of non-operation to avoid overheating
  • Solid and smooth shredding performance
  • Deep plastic bin

Cons:

  • Large and bulky
  • Low shredding capacity (12 sheets per pass)
  • Overpriced

If you’re looking for one of the best home paper shredders in the market, and you’re forking out the money for it, then we’re glad to introduce you to the Aurora AU1210MA.

This shredder offers 10, 12, and 14 sheet cross-cut and micro-cut paper shredding capabilities. Plus, it comes with a feed throat length of 12 inches. However, we recommend using the standard cross-cut option (14 sheets per pass) if you want to be more environmentally conscious. This is because the micro-cut option uses more power, generates a lot of debris, and results in a bigger storage footprint.

The AU1210MA can handle CDs, credit cards (up to six per pass), and paper clips. The material can be shredded at a speed of 28 feet per minute. According to user reviews, it has a 61-minute continuous run time.

4. AmazonBasics 6-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Home Office Shredder

Our rating: 8 / 10

AmazonBasics 6-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Home Office Shredder

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Pros:

  • Basic, but reliable shredder
  • Environmental-friendly
  • Affordable
  • Easy to empty
  • Fits in any desk
  • Safe-to-touch cutters
  • 6-sheet capacity

Cons:

  • Works poorly with paperclips
  • Material used is not very sturdy

The AmazonBasics 6-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Home Office Shredder is probably the most suited to lightweight paper shredding that your home office needs. It has a comfortable 6-sheet shredding capacity, making it a budget friendly purchase. Also, another great feature is that it comes with an eye hole for easy paper disposal.

Apart from that, a shredder that can give you peace of mind is essential. Safety is a feature that many people overlook, but must have. Fortunately, this shredder is safe and comfortable to touch. Any accidental contact with the cutters can be avoided due to the safe-to-touch feature. That means it’s safe for small children or seniors working at the office.

In addition, one of the best features is the auto reverse feature which is a safety feature. The machine makes sure the sheets are securely shredded by reversing them if there is any issue.

5. Bonsaii 18-Sheet Heavy Duty EverShred C149-C Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder 60 Minutes Running Time

Our rating: 8 / 10

Bonsaii 18-Sheet Heavy Duty EverShred C149-C Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder 60 Minutes Running Time

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Pros:

  • Shreds documents into tiny pieces that are hard to assemble
  • 5.6 gallon pullout waste bin
  • 6 minute run time
  • Easy-to-use navigation and intuitive controls

Cons:

  • Sucks up bad quality paper with more ease
  • Cannot shred CDs, DVDs, credit cards or staples
  • Lacks an auto-shutoff feature
  • Minimal warranty

This Bonsaii heavy-duty shredder is a 16-sheet cross-cut shredder that can shred credit cards and paper clips to protect your identity. It is also equipped with a phone alert system that signals you when a paper jam occurs, preventing possible damage to your device.

This shredder can also shred CDs and DVDs but not paperclips or staples. It also has a 5.6 gallon pullout waste bin for easy emptying. The shredder comes with a jam sensor and an auto start/ stop button, making it a convenient addition to anyone’s home office.

6. Aurora AU1020MA High-Security 10-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper

Our rating: 8 / 10

Aurora AU1020MA High-Security 10-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper

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Pros:

  • Shreds 10 sheets per pass
  • Cuts paper, CD's, credit cards and more
  • Portable
  • Auto start and auto reverse features
  • Safety lock

Cons:

  • Manual reverse override
  • Short power cord

Paper shredders are one of the most essential office supplies to have. Nobody wants to keep sensitive documents laying around after the day is over. However, paper shredders range in price from the basic compact models to the all-powerful super shredders that are capable of shredding everything.

One of the best affordable paper shredders we can find is the Aurora AU1020MA micro-cut shredder. It’s designed to be compact and portable for easy use in the home or office. Designed with safety in mind, this shredder comes with a manual reverse function for an extra layer of safety.

Aurora is also known for their excellent customer service and their willingness to replace or repair their products; a rarity among home electronics companies, and a reason why we have included the Aurora paper shredder on our list of the best paper shredders for home and office use in 2020.

7. Bonsaii 14-Sheet Cross-Cut Heavy Duty Paper Shredder

Our rating: 8 / 10

Bonsaii 14-Sheet Cross-Cut Heavy Duty Paper Shredder

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Pros:

  • Continuous running time for up to 30 minutes
  • Safety Power and Start Button
  • Continuous paper shredding, up to 14 sheets
  • High Capacity & Auto Forward and Reverse
  • Auto stop when full and inside paper pull-out system
  • Shred size, 3/32 x 7/8 inches, model C169-B
  • Silent operation
  • Auto Jam-Proof
  • Shreds Credit Cards and Staples with a Capacity of 1in. x 3.157in

Cons:

  • Lots of Plastic
  • Doesn’t shred CDs
  • Doesn’t shred DVDs
  • Doesn’t shred phone books

Worried about who’s trying to figure out your identity by getting their hands on your personal documents? If you want the best paper shredder, a cross-cut like the Bonsaii 14-Sheet Cross-Cut Heavy Duty Paper Shredder with Auto Jam-Proof System is the best paper shredder, and our top pick.

This one rolls through 14 sheets of paper at once, all for about 30 minutes straight, and at a top shredding speed of up to 20 feet per minute. Each sheet comes out in hundredths of an inch – usually around 3/32 by 7/8 inches.

8. Bonsaii 10-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder

Our rating: 8 / 10

Bonsaii 10-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder

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Pros:

  • Safe for handling personal documents, credit cards, CDs and DVDs
  • Garbage can is spacious – perfect for stuffing a large volume of shredded documents
  • Transparent window gives you a clear view of the contents of the can
  • Energy saving function – shuts off automatically when the can’s full
  • Extremely quiet operation for a paper shredder
  • Offers multiple add-on features like bin labels, lock and child safety latches
  • Ability to shred up to 220 sheets per minute
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Carrying handle and integrated wheels for easy transportation
  • It automatically turns off after 8 minutes of inactivity to save power

Cons:

  • Bin might not be big enough for some users
  • Trimmed paper has to be pushed in manually
  • Lacks some features other shredders in the same price range include, like auto start/stop, and automatic reverse
  • Shreds only documents, DVDs, CDs and credit cards

9. AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Capacity

Our rating: 7 / 10

AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Capacity

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Pros:

  • Fulfills basic shredding needs
  • Easy to replace the blades
  • Has a 4.1-gallon wastebasket
  • Safe when touching accidentally
  • Cheap price

Cons:

  • Only good for personal use
  • Somewhat flimsy materials
  • Sound is pretty loud
  • Can jam easily

The Amazon Basic 8 Sheet Cross Cut Shredder is a basic option that can fulfill the shredding needs of a small business. It is one of the cheapest heavy duty paper shredder out there. It can shred up to 8 sheets of paper at a time and reduce them to 1/4 of their size in 4 passes. The run time of this shredder is approximately 12 minutes.

The main user has to switch off the shredder manually when finished. It runs at 15,500 rotations per minute, which makes it one of the fastest shredders. It is capable of shredding CDs too, but can only handle up to 5 CDs. It can also shred credit cards, but it is not recommended for ID cards.

10. Royal 14 Sheet Micro Cut Shredder

Our rating: 6 / 10

Royal 14 Sheet Micro Cut Shredder

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Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • High-security punching slot
  • Solid construction
  • Comes with a 2-year warranty
  • Lifetime oil top-up program

Cons:

  • Cumbersome to use
  • Oil oil top-up might not be feasible for some users

This Royal 14 Sheet Micro Cut shredder (MC14MX) is an ideal machine for your home office. It has a very powerful motor that can shred through multiple sheets in less than 1 minute, all the while generating very little noise.

The micro cutting technology cuts your documents into small particles so that fewer sheets can equal to a great deal more security. The shredder offers an automatic start/stop switch and can be safely operated by pushing its safety reverse button. You won’t have any problem getting it to fit in your home or office with its small and compact design.

This shredder comes with a 2-year warranty on its motor and parts, effectively giving you peace of mind that it will last for years before breaking down. The Royal MC14MX is also backed by a lifetime oil top-up program, which will automatically ensure you’re running smoothly for years to come. All you have to do is use the coupon and Royal will ship you an oil supply free of charge.

11. BOXIS AutoShred 120-Sheet Auto Feed Microcut Paper Shredder

Our rating: 6 / 10

BOXIS AutoShred 120-Sheet Auto Feed Microcut Paper Shredder

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Pros:

  • Great for office use
  • Lightweight and quiet
  • Large 5.5-gallon bin makes it easy to empty the shredder
  • Jam prevention feature
  • Safety shield to stop shredding when the bin is full
  • Lifetime warranty
  • 30-day money back guarantee

The Boxis AutoShred 120-Sheet Auto Feed Microcut Paper Shredder is the best paper shredder for home and office use. As a 125-sheet shredder, the machine reduces any office waste into tiny pieces that are unrecognizable, which is why it is a suitable choice for home use.

At 5.5 gallons, this shredder comes with a large bin that can hold a lot of used papers, making the cleaning process of the shredder more efficient. It comes with an auto trim feature that enables the shredder to get rid of the extra margin on the side of the paper that helps reduce the amount of jamming that might occur in the shredder.

Trusted by both home and office users, the shredder comes with a safety shield that increases the safety of the shredding process and reduces the risk of injury. The boxis shredder also comes with a lifetime warranty, making it an outstanding choice for any household or office.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who makes the best paper shredder for home use?

Paper shredders serve two purposes. First, they are invaluable for destroying sensitive documents containing personal information. Second, they are excellent tools for all the junk mail you receive. Keep in mind that if you plan on using your paper shredder for any of the above purposes, you’ll want to purchase one that has features designed to properly destroy sensitive data.

In our opinion, the best paper shredder for home use is the AmazonBasics 12 Sheet Cross-Cut Paper and CD Strip-Cut Paper & Credit Card Shredder (B00009YYV7). However, if you need to destroy CDs and credit cards, too, then you might want to consider the AmazonBasics 16-Sheet High-Security Micro-Cut Paper, CD, and Credit Card Shredder (B004Y2XV5Y) .

Why do we like the AmazonBasics paper shredders?

What is the most secure paper shredder?

The problem with a cross-cut shredder is that, over time, the paper curls. That causes sheets to turn into scrolls. What results is a big mess.

So what's the best paper shredder? The more shreds it generates, the better. Cross-cut shredders are the most secure because you can't piece them back together. The more wheels the shredder has, the better.

The 6-wheel Fellowes Powershred M-10CX Micro-Cut paper shredder handles CDs and credit cards, shreds staples and paperclips, and has a separate slot for paper.

What should I look for in a paper shredder?

To begin with, look for shredders that are made from material that is fireproof. This is usually named as metal and is usually meant to stand outside. You want to look for sheet-feed paper shredders that are extremely easy to use. The best shredders will definitely have a cross-cut option and also a high number of sheets at a time. There are also shredders with transparent windows that allow you to watch exactly what’s happening inside the unit. This is especially ideal for parents who wish to assure that their children are not sticking their hands inside the unit.

Conclusion

We have found that there are two ways to safely rid yourself of unwanted documents or other paper products: First, shredding with a small electric paper shredder, and second, with a high-quality crosscut paper shredder. Both methods are effective, but each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. While both methods effectively eliminate papers from prying eyes, choosing the right method is an important decision. Out of the two, the crosscut paper shredders are actually much safer to use.

Our Recommendation

NameCategoryProduct
Fellowes Powershred 79Ci 100% Jam Proof MediumBest OverallFellowes Powershred 79Ci 100% Jam Proof Medium
AmazonBasics Paper Shredder Sharpening & Lubricant SheetsBudget PickAmazonBasics Paper Shredder Sharpening & Lubricant Sheets
BOXIS AutoShred 120-Sheet Auto Feed Microcut Paper ShredderUpgrade PickBOXIS AutoShred 120-Sheet Auto Feed Microcut Paper Shredder