Buying one of the best paper shredders can be a significant investment. Well, it is an ideal machine for destroying unnecessary papers around your office or home. This is the best way to safeguard sensitive materials from prying hands and even eyes.
Most of all, paper shredders are readily available in the market so that you can get a compact, affordable and reliable one. Though it can be a daunting task to pick a high-quality paper shredder, this buying guide got the top ten, ranking Aurora AU1210MA as the best of all. This is because of its high performance, large capacity, and unmatched quality.
According to our research, we picked the top best, checking on the shredder’s safety, paper capacity, performance, type, and versatility.
Best Paper Shredders Basic Features Comparison Table
| Product | Description |
| Amazon Basics Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder | Brand: Amazon Basics Item Dimensions: 12.8 x 7.3 x 15.9 inches Color: Black Item Weight: 8.3 Pounds Capacity: 4.1 Gallons |
| Amazon Basics 12 Sheet Shredder | Brand: Amazon Basics Item Dimensions: 10.24 x 14.17 x 20.04 inches Color: Black Item Weight: 21.1 Pounds Capacity: 5.7 Gallons |
| Aurora AU870MA Shredder | Brand: Aurora Item Dimensions: 7.13 x 11.81 x 17.44 inches Color: Black Item Weight: 11.7 Pounds Capacity: 3.9 Gallons |
| Fellowes 3103201 Powershred W11C | Brand: Fellowes Item Dimensions: 16.88 x 20.88 x 15 inches Color: Black, Silver Item Weight: 14 Pounds Capacity: 5.5 Gallons |
| bonsaii 10-Sheet Paper Shredder | Brand: bonsaii Item Dimensions: 12.64 x 7.76 x 18.5 inches Color: Black Item Weight: 11.86 Pounds Capacity: 21 Liters |
| bonsaii Paper Shredder, 18-Sheet | Brand: Bonsaii Item Dimensions: 14.17 x 11.22 x 21.46 inches Color: Black Grey Item Weight: 23.11 Pounds Capacity: 23 Liters |
| Aurora AU1220XA 12 | Brand: Aurora Item Dimensions: 13.31 x 8.49 x 15.87 inches Item Weight: 12.74 Pounds Capacity: 5.2 Gallons |
| Fellowes Powershred 79Ci | Brand: Fellowes Item Dimensions: 20.25 x 16.25 x 11.63 inches Color: Black; Silver Item Weight: 12.8 Kilograms Capacity: 23 Liters |
| Aurora AU1210MA | Brand: Aurora Item Dimensions: 14.41 x 11.02 x 19.33 inches Item Weight: 22.4 Pounds Capacity: 5 Gallons Operation Mode: Automatic |
| Bonsaii Shredders for Home, 8-Sheet | Brand: bonsaii Item Dimensions: 13.3 x 6.88 x 13.97 inches Color: Black Capacity: 3.5 Gallons Operation Mode: Automatic |
Leading 10 Best Paper Shredder- Buying Guide
1. Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Capacity, Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder
Meet this fantastic shredder that can crosscut and even shred credit cards. It is an excellent office or home device that you can use to meet maximum security. Through the dedicated slot, it can destroy small papers within minutes.
It is a tested device, so you should not worry about its quality. Have an assurance that it can serve for many years. Also, remember to keep this product away from aerosol products.
Features
High quality
This is a tested product, and that is why you may find some paper shreds inside. Never doubt products from amazon when it comes to quality.
Super speed
The shredding rate is reasonable as it can shred 8 sheets of 20-pound bond paper. Still, it can shred credit cards at a time through the slot into small paper clips.
Crosscut shredder
If you get to read more on crosscut shredder details, you’ll understand how secure it is to use this type of shredder. This product shreds diagonally to destroy credit cards and other types of papers.
Safety
Amazon Basics Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder is a great device that shuts off if it runs beyond its maximum time. This is to prevent the motor from overheating.
Reverse function
Such a machine can reverse the un-shredded papers or the partially shredded ones for proper shredding. With this machine, you are sure that all documents are shredded evenly.
Pros
- Beneficial reverse function
- Easy to start
- Crosscut capabilities
- It is a quality device
- It’s a speedy device
Cons
- Not the best option for busy offices
2. Amazon Basics 12 Sheet High-Security Micro-Cut Paper, CD and Credit Card Shredder
Check out this high-quality paper shredder you can use to shred paper documents. It would be best if you did not wander around your office on how you will offer security to some unwanted but essential documents. It is a device with impressive features that can make your shredding easy and faster.
Again, it’s quiet when shredding documents into small particles. See the remarkable features like the reverse function to ensure all the documents have been cut. The quality and design of this machine are super with a good shredding speed.
Key Features
Reverse Function
You can retrieve papers that have not been cut perfectly through this function. Also, you have the un-shredded back for proper shredding.
East To Start
High-security micro-cut paper and credit card shredders come with auto-on mode. The shredding happens if any document is detected on this device. Also, it stops on its own after shredding.
Safety
After shredding, this machine shuts off to prevent the motor from overheating. Moreover, it is an amazon product that can’t run beyond its maximum time.
Micro-Cut Shredder
It is the best compared to crosscut and strip shredders. It’s a micro-cut shredder that cuts papers into tiny particles.
It is also an ideal product for shredding credit cards. It ensures maximum security protection.
Pros
- It is a micro-cut shredder
- Easy to start
- It comes with a reverse function
- The thermal protection for safety reasons
- Shreds 12 sheets of 20-pound papers
Cons
- It is not that cheap
3. Aurora AU870MA High-Security 8-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper Credit Card Shredder
Consider this excellent shredder for micro-cutting and shredding of papers and credit cards. Besides, it comes with a basket making it the best for office and home use. And because of this, security is a guarantee. Again, at a time, it can shred 8 sheets into 5/32 x 15/32 inch pieces.
It is an advantage because crucial information will not land in the wrong hands. Also, the performance is good as it can thread continuously for 5 minutes with the 8.7 inches throat.
Features
Micro-cuts paper
We all eye for high security regarding personal and office documents. AU870MA is the right product to cut documents into tiny particles rather than using crosscut shredders.
Safety
It is equipped with auto shut-off, and an overhead LED indicator. This is to shut down the machine after maximum shredding to avoid overheating the motor. The feed entry is also safe.
Effortless emptying
The hand handle is integrated for easy lifting when taking your wastebasket for emptying.
Shredding speed
This device can shred 8 sheets at a time. Again, it can continuously operate for 5 minutes, making it the best small office shredder.
Warranty
Purchasing this product assures you of a 1-year warranty. So in case of damages before one year, you can return for a replacement.
Pros
- It’s a fast shredding device
- Micro-cut capabilities
- It comes with safety features
- No jam when shredding
- It comes with a wastebasket
Cons
- Not the best for big organizations
4. Fellowes 3103201 Powershred W11C
It is always advisable to have a quality paper shredder for security reasons. Fellowes 310301 is one of the perfect devices you can trust around your home or office. It can shred 11 sheets per pass into 431 cross strips. You can also use it to shred credit cards and staples.
In addition, it is equipped with a safety lock feature that ensures the shredder is disabling when moved to lock position hence increasing safety. The pullout bin with this shredder makes it perfect for deskside use. Also, it comes with a warranty, so purchase it with courage.
Features
Function
Fellowes 310301 is a super shredder you can use to crosscut documents. Still, you can use it to cut staples and credit cards into small particles.
safety lock Feature
The safety lock feature disables the shredder after it finishes shredding. Because of this feature, you can safely keep your pets and kids around.
Includes
The box comes with a product manual for instructions, W-11c 11 sheet paper, credit card crosscut 3103201 shredders, and an 11-sheet crosscut shredder.
Speed
Shredders are different when it comes to shredding time. You may need more run time if you’re in a busy organization. The above shredder can continuously shred for 5 minutes.
Easy To Empty The Bin
The gallon bin is easy to lift because of the hand handle. It serves you when emptying your bin.
Pros
- Easy to empty the bin
- It comes with safetylock feature
- Can run for 5 minutes non-stop
- It’s quiet
- It is a powerful device
Cons
- Not the best for volume shredding
5. Bonsaii 10-Sheet Paper Shredder, Credit Card Cross-Cut Shredders
According to a crosscut shredder details written online, this Bonsaii has been voted one of the best. It is a multipurpose shredder you can use to destroy credit-card bills, ATM receipts, pay stubs, and many other unusable documents. This is the perfect of keeping your unwanted records safe.
You should not fret when it comes to disposal, as this device comes with a handle around the wastebasket for portability. The features are appealing, so owning this machine is a goal.
Features
Multipurpose Shredder
Bonsaii 10-sheet shredder is a multipurpose device that you can use to destroy pay stubs, ATM receipts, and other unnecessary documents.
Super Quality
For this shredder, the quality is unmatched. The solid cutter and the steel blades can serve you for several years.
Easy To Operate
This device got a sensor that detects any document that needs shredding. It is also a safe machine as it stops immediately after lifting the head. Moreover, the overload and overheat protection ensure safe and fast operations.
Large Basket
The 5.5 gallons basket has a large capacity and can take 320 sheets of paper. Indeed, you’ll not always run to empty the wastebasket. Also, the basket comes with a transparent window to note when it’s full.
Performance
Bonsaii 10-sheet shredder is a device that can operate for 4 minutes continuously. It is the best small office shredder with a cooling time of 40 minutes.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- It comes with solid cutters and steel blades
- Easy portable
- It’s a multipurpose shredding device
- Spacious wastebasket
Cons
- Ideal for small tasks
- Some people find it to be expensive
6. Bonsaii Paper Shredder, 18-Sheet 60-Minutes Paper Shredder
Grab this fastest paper shredder for your office and home use. It is a quiet shredder for all sorts of unwanted documents. It’s a machine that will never disrupt you when doing other things within your office. It comes with a duty motor that operates at 5.3 feet per minute.
In addition, its 8.7” entry slot accepts all sized documents and letters. The technology used is appealing, and it’s easy to operate.
Features
Enough Capacity And a Warranty
The pullout wastebasket can hold 400 sheets of A4 paper at a time. You’ll not frequently be emptying the basket. Again, the transparent window lets you know when the wastebasket is full.
Performance
Bonsaii C149-C is a shredder that can operate continuously for 60 minutes. It uses a modern cooling and cutting system to shred fast, making it the fastest paper shredder. It is the best pick for heavy-duty.
Quiet And Easy Mobility
With this shredder, you have the most incredible experience as it is a silent device. Besides, it comes with 4 casters to ease movements to any place.
Reverse And Auto-Start Function
These features contribute to jam-free operations overheating of the motor. The overload protection prolongs the lifespan of your shredder. By pressing the power switch, shredding happens immediately so long there are some documents inside.
Jam Function
The jam detection system reverses papers that have not been well shredded.
Pros
- Quite shredding
- Great performance
- It’s a quality device
- Reverse function
- It comes with a large capacity basket
Cons
- It is pricy
7. Aurora AU1220XA 12 Sheet Crosscut Paper and Credit Card Shredder
Do you want to do away with identity theft? Then, you need a quality paper shredder device. Aurora AU1220XA is a shredder you can consider for office and home use. At a time, it can destroy 12 sheets into 3/16 x 1-9/16 inches shredded particles.
Still, you can use this shredder to destroy credit cards to ensure no information falls into the wrong hands. The 8.7 inches throat allows 3 minutes of continuous shredding. This product comes with a handle for easy emptying.
Features
Function
You can use Aurora AU1220XA to destroy small papers within your home or small office. Again, you can use crosscut credit cards.
Performance
The AU1220XA can destroy 12 sheets of paper at a time. It can perform without a stop for 3 minutes.
Safety Features
This device comes with an LED indicator, light, and overheat indicator to prevent the motor from overheating.
Easy to Empty
The single-hand handle enhances easy lifting when emptying your shredder. It won’t be a tiring process.
Overload Protection
This is a feature that prevents paper am during shredding. The auto-stop for paper jam ensures your device performs perfectly.
Pros
- 4-mode power switch
- Highly portable
- Overload protection
- It comes with several safety features
- Can destroy credit cards and small papers
Cons
- Not the best for bulky shredding
8. Fellowes Powershred 79Ci Duty Cross, Cut Shredder
Buy this best compact shredder to crosscut 16 sheets of paper into 397 small particles. However, this device can be ideal for credit cards, CDs/DVDs, paper clips, junk mail, and staples. Moreover, it comes with appealing features to make your shredding effortless.
You will enjoy jam-free operations maximizing operations. It also operates under advanced technology, which disables the shredder if a person or pet touches the paper opening. Further, it comes with a pull-out bin and can operate for 20 minutes non-stop.
Features
Functionality
Fellowes Powershred 79Ci Duty Cross, Cut Shredder is a perfect device to shred credit cards, CDs/DVDs, staples, junk mail, and other paper documents.
Crosscut Shredder
A crosscut shredder is a machine you can consider for cutting papers into small particles. This device can continuously operate for 20 minutes. Additionally, it is a more secure shredder than strip-cut shredder and faster than micro-cut shredders.
SafeSense Technology
It is a feature that can disable your shredder if a person or pet touches the paper opening. It ensures maximum protection.
Quiet Device
It doesn’t matter if you are in a shared office; it performs quietly
Jam Proof System
It is a system that prevents paper. This applies more when your shredder is dealing with demanding jobs.
Pros
- It comes with a jam-proof system
- SafeSense technology
- It’s a speedy machine
- Good performance
- It comes with energy-saving system
Cons
- It is expensive
9. Aurora AU1210MA 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper Shredder
Are you looking for a reliable paper shredder for your home and office use? Then Aurora AU1210MA is a standard device that can offer excellent services. It’s a credit card micro-cutting machine with a 5-gallon pullout basket that can keep you from identity theft.
Besides, it can micro-cut 12 sheets of paper into 5/32 x 15/32 inches particles. The 8.7 inches throat got casters to allow mobility. Also, it comes with other impressive features that make threading easy and safe.
Features
Capabilities
Aurora AU1210MA shredder can micro-cut credit cards, CDs, and other types of papers. It is a safety device that can cut pieces into 5/32 x 15/32 inches particles.
Speed
This is one of the speedy shredders you can consider for office and home use. Aurora AU1210MA can continuously shred for 60 minutes.
Auto-Reverse Function
This function prevents paper jams. Also, you are sure that poorly shredded papers are taken back for proper cutting.
Easy To Empty
First, this device comes with a caster to easy mobility. Again, the basket is removable so emptying it is easy and fast.
Quiet Operations
It is such a joy to invest in this fantastic paper shredder that doesn’t produce so much noise when in process. You can peacefully concentrate on other vital issues.
Pros
- It’s a micro-cut shredder
- Operates quietly
- Comes with casters
- It has a pullout basket for easy emptying
- Anti-jam function
Cons
- Costly
10. Bonsaii Shredder, 8-Sheet StripCut CD and Credit Card Paper Shredder
Bonsaii 8-sheet shredder is a machine that can shred multi-page documents into small strips. Well, it’s a device that can fulfill your shredding needs within your office and home. In addition, it’s a multipurpose product that can destroy CDs, DVDs, credit cards, and stables. This is the best way you can keep your unwanted information safe.
Again, the bin has enough capacity with a paper jam protection system. Also, this device comes with auto-reverse functions, overloading, and overheating protection.
Features
Anti-Jam System
This low noise shredder got an angled entry that contributes to safety. Also, the reverse function and auto start mode are for jam protection throughout the shredding operations.
Multipurpose
Meet this security device that can strip cut 8-sheets of A4 size. Well, you can use it to destroy ATM receipts, DVDs, clips, bills, staples, credit cards, CDs, junk mail, pay stubs, and more.
Overheat Protection
This is the best small office shredder that can shred continuously for 3minutes with a cool-down cycle of 30 minutes—the overheat and overload indicators signal when the shredder exceeds its operating time.
Large Capacity
Bonsaii 8-sheet shredder starts to shred immediately after a paper is dropped inside. After that, the shredded paper moves to the 3.5-gallon bin.
Easy Operation
Using this Bonsaii product is easy and fast because of the pullout bin.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Got overheat and overload sensors
- It comes with a user manual
- Large capacity bin
- It’s a multi-function shredder
Cons
- Not the best for large volume tasks
Best Paper Shredder Buying Guide- Top Considerations
When shopping for the best paper shredders, you must navigate through the different types. However, you must consider more than the type. Take a look at the below considerations to make a good choice that can fulfill your shredding needs.
Security
High-level security must be ringing in your mind when purchasing a paper shredder. If you want to shred sensitive documents, you must mull on the most suitable cut. You can consider strip cuts but remember, someone can piece them tighter. So, they are the least secure.
The cross cuts are better because they cut horizontally and vertically. Through they add some security, an idle thief can piece them together. Micro cuts are the best when it comes to high-level security. They shred papers into tiny particles that can’t be pieced together.
Shredding Needs
Your shredding needs should direct you to a suitable device. If you run a big organization and always process thousands of sheets or papers daily, you need a powerful and speedy shredder. This is to avoid wasting a lot of time. But if you shred once in a while, you can look for a medium paper shredder that won’t cost you much.
Cost
Apart from having a financial plan, you need a paper shredder to satisfy your needs. Besides, shredders that process volumes of papers tend to be more pricy than the low-capacity ones. Remember, you will get a product worth your money. Consider an affordable paper shredder that can work effectively.
Additional Features
Most of all, it is advantageous to go for the modern paper shredder equipped with additional features. Some are; reverse feeds, safety sensors, indicator lights, less noise, and more. Indeed, it is advisable to check through a product to ensure it has your preferred features.
Types of Paper Shredders
Paper shredders are of importance around offices, organizations, and even homes. They are designed differently. They include;
Crosscut Shredders
These types of shredders come with cutting cylinders. They do cut lengthways and widthways. You will note rectangular chips. It is advantageous to use these shredders as it is not easy to read any information after the shredding.
Strip-Cut Shredders
They are also referred to as spaghetti cut shredders, best for cutting CDs and credit cards. They cut papers into long parallel lengths. The length of the paper will determine the size of the strips. The advantage of these shredders is that they are cheaper and can shred more sheets.
Micro-Cut Shredders
Micro-cut shredders perform the same way as crosscut shredders. But, they cut evenly into more minor chips. So, it is a more secure option, but they are a bit slower. But all you need is top security, right!
How Do Paper Shredders Work?
First, the rollers on the shredder snatch the paper from the current feeder. The paper moves to the shredder for shredding to take place immediately. Paper shredders are designed to ensure papers keep in line for proper shredding hence avoiding paper jam.
Still, you can feed your device with more documents as the rollers keep the sheets of paper rolling to the shredder. Lastly, the papers are cut depending on the type of shredder you have.
How To Oil-Paper Shredders?
Maintaining your paper shredder is a must if you want the warranty to cover you. The only way you can achieve this is by oiling the cutting heads regularly. If you have a crosscut one, be ready to oil it more frequently than the other types of shredders.
Also, if you are using your shredder frequently, you must lubricate it every four hours. It is vital to read the manufacturer’s manual on the oil to use on your shredder. Then, take an A4 size paper (the one you can remove oil from it) and zigzag the prescribed oil on it. Don’t drizzle too much oil but make sure the zigzag touches side to side.
Pass the oiled paper to the machine. As shredding happens, the oil will coat the blades. The blades distribute the oil to other parts of the shredder. Ensure the paper is not damaged. Still, you can add more papers to have the excess oil from the shredder blades.
FAQ: Paper Shredders
What Is The Most Reliable Shredder?
Micro-cut shredders are the best as they turn papers into tiny particles. They guarantee top security.
Is Cross Cut or Strip-Cut Shredder Better?
They are good when it comes to securing your unwanted documents. But, crosscuts are best as they cut horizontally and vertically.
Can You Shred Paper Twice?
Yes, you can. If you need double-cut shredding, you need to use two shredders. Feed papers into the first shredder; it discharges to the next shredder for tinnier particles after shredding.
What Is The Difference Between Micro-Cut And Crosscut Shredders?
Micro-cut shreds papers into tiny particles and crosscut cuts lengthways and widthways.
Do I Need a Paper Shredder?
Yes, you do. The reason is you need to destroy all your unnecessary documents to avoid identity theft.
Conclusion
Purchasing one of the best paper shredders can be a challenge. It doesn’t matter if you need it for your office or home use, but a reliable one can serve you well. In this article, we’ve elaborated more on the shredder types to know the one that can assure you the highest security.
Moreover, the above list of top paper shredders and the buying guide should give insights on having the right pick. Be considerate of the shredder’s performance, features, and capacity keeping in mind your shredding needs.