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10 Best Paper Shredders 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Amazon Basics 200-Sheet Auto Feed Cross Cut Paper Shredder with Pullout Basket, Black

The Amazon Basics 200-Sheet Auto Feed Cross Cut Paper Shredder is a solid choice if you need a reliable shredder for home or small office use. It uses cross-cut shredding, which cuts paper into small confetti-like pieces, meeting the high security level P-4 standard—ideal if you want to protect sensitive documents. The standout feature is its large automatic feed tray that can handle up to 200 sheets at once, saving you from constant reloads, plus a manual slot for 10 sheets. You won't have to worry about removing staples, which is convenient.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,269
Shred Type
Additional Features
Bin Capacity

Most important from
70939 reviews

Shred Type
A compact powerhouse that fits neatly in small spaces while efficiently shredding multiple sheets at once.
Additional Features
Its automatic cutter runs a moment longer after shredding to keep blades clean and prevent buildup.
Bin Capacity
The design is sleek with a well-sized bin, making it both functional and visually appealing.
#2
9.1 score

Amazon Basics 18 Sheet Cross Cut Paper, CD, and Credit Card Shredder, Black

The Amazon Basics 18 Sheet Cross Cut Shredder is a solid choice for home or small office use, especially if you need to shred paper, credit cards, and CDs. It offers a good sheet capacity, handling up to 18 sheets at once without needing to remove staples or small clips, which can save you time. The cross-cut style cuts documents into small confetti-like pieces, meeting security level P-3 standards, suitable for protecting sensitive information in everyday use.

Rating
9.1
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Additional Features

Most important from
70939 reviews

Sheet Capacity
This shredder handles multiple sheets at once efficiently, making shredding faster and more convenient than bulkier models that only process single sheets.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
The cutter continues running briefly after shredding to clear the blades, preventing paper buildup and maintaining smooth operation.
Additional Features
Its compact size fits neatly into small spaces like corners or under windows, offering great versatility for home or office setups.
#3
8.5 score

Amazon Basics Paper Shredder for Home and Office, New Model 15-Sheet Cross Cut, CD/Credit Card Shredder, 6 Gallon Wastebasket, Black

The Amazon Basics Paper Shredder is designed for home and office use, offering a good balance of performance and convenience. It handles up to 15 sheets of paper at once, which is solid for everyday tasks like shredding bills, documents, or personal files. The cross-cut shredding creates small pieces, meeting P-4 security standards, so it effectively protects sensitive information. It can also shred CDs, DVDs, and credit cards one at a time, adding to its versatility.

Rating
8.5
Shred Type
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time

Most important from
70939 reviews

Shred Type
It operates quietly and efficiently, capable of shredding thicker mail pages and even plastic bags without overheating.
Sheet Capacity
The shredder handles multiple sheets at once with strong motor power, making it a noticeable upgrade over older models.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
It operates quietly and efficiently, capable of shredding thicker mail pages and even plastic bags without overheating.
Bin Capacity
The bin is generously sized for home or small office use, reducing how often it needs to be emptied despite some messiness.
Additional Features
Its compact size fits easily in small spaces without sacrificing shredding capacity.

Top 10 Best Paper Shredders 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Amazon Basics 200-Sheet Auto Feed Cross Cut Paper Shredder with Pullout Basket, Black

Shred Type: Cross Cut
Sheet Capacity: 200 sheets auto, 10 sheets manual
Run Time and Cool Down Time: 60 min run, 45 min cool down
Bin Capacity: 8.5 gallons
Security Level: P-4
Additional Features: Auto feed, manual slot, anti-jam, LED

Chosen by 1269 this week

Amazon Basics 18 Sheet Cross Cut Paper, CD, and Credit Card Shredder, Black

Shred Type: Cross Cut
Sheet Capacity: 18 sheets
Run Time and Cool Down Time: 30 min run, 10 min cool down
Bin Capacity: 6 Gallons
Security Level: P-3
Additional Features: Shreds cards, CDs; window; casters; LED controls

Amazon Basics Paper Shredder for Home and Office, New Model 15-Sheet Cross Cut, CD/Credit Card Shredder, 6 Gallon Wastebasket, Black

Shred Type: Cross Cut
Sheet Capacity: 15 sheets
Run Time and Cool Down Time: 20 min run, 20 min cool down
Bin Capacity: 6 Gallons
Security Level: P-4
Additional Features: Shreds CDs, DVDs, cards; anti-jam; LED; casters

Amazon Basics Cross Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder, 12 Sheet (New Model), Black

Shred Type: Cross Cut
Sheet Capacity: 12 sheets
Run Time and Cool Down Time: 9 min run, 30 min cool
Bin Capacity: 5 gallons
Security Level: P-3
Additional Features: Auto shut-off, 4-mode switch, LED

GBC Paper Shredder, AutoFeed+, 600 Sheet Capacity, Super Cross-Cut, Office Shredder, 600X (WSM1757510)

Shred Type: Cross Cut
Sheet Capacity: 600 sheets auto, 15 manual
Run Time and Cool Down Time: 240 minutes run time
Bin Capacity: 29 gallons
Security Level: P-4
Additional Features: Lockable tray, full bin, jam sensors

Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder and Credit Card Shredder - Black

Shred Type: Cross Cut
Sheet Capacity: 8 sheets
Run Time and Cool Down Time: 3 min / 30 min
Bin Capacity: 3.7 gallons
Security Level: P-4
Additional Features: Overheating Protection, Auto Shut-off

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

Shred Type: Micro-Cut
Sheet Capacity: 200 sheets
Run Time and Cool Down Time: 60 minutes continuous
Bin Capacity: 8.5 Gallons
Security Level: P-5
Additional Features: Anti-jam auto-reverse, LED indicators

GBC Paper Shredder, 26 Sheet Capacity, Micro-Cut, P-4 Level Security, Anti-Jam, Momentum X26-32 (WSM177005)

Shred Type: Micro Cut
Sheet Capacity: 26 sheets
Run Time and Cool Down Time: Runs until bin full
Bin Capacity: 32 gallons
Security Level: P-4
Additional Features: Anti-jam, shreds staples, cards, CDs
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Buying Guide for the Best Paper Shredders

Choosing the right paper shredder can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right information, you can find a model that fits your needs perfectly. Paper shredders are essential for protecting sensitive information, whether at home or in the office. When selecting a shredder, consider the type of documents you need to destroy, the volume of shredding, and the level of security required. Here are some key specifications to help you make an informed decision.
Shred TypeThe shred type refers to how the paper is cut. There are three main types: strip-cut, cross-cut, and micro-cut. Strip-cut shredders cut paper into long, narrow strips and are the least secure. Cross-cut shredders cut paper into small pieces, providing a higher level of security. Micro-cut shredders offer the highest security by cutting paper into tiny particles. If you are shredding highly sensitive documents, a micro-cut shredder is the best choice. For general use, a cross-cut shredder is usually sufficient.
Sheet CapacitySheet capacity indicates how many sheets of paper the shredder can handle at once. This is important for efficiency, especially if you have a large volume of documents to shred. Shredders with a lower sheet capacity (5-10 sheets) are suitable for occasional use at home. For more frequent use or in an office setting, look for a shredder with a higher sheet capacity (10-20 sheets or more). Consider your typical shredding volume to determine the right capacity for you.
Run Time and Cool Down TimeRun time is how long the shredder can operate continuously before needing to cool down. Cool down time is the period the shredder needs to rest before it can be used again. For light, occasional use, a shredder with a short run time (2-5 minutes) and a longer cool down time (20-30 minutes) may be sufficient. For more intensive use, look for a shredder with a longer run time (10-30 minutes) and a shorter cool down time. If you need to shred large volumes of paper regularly, consider a shredder with continuous run time.
Bin CapacityBin capacity refers to the amount of shredded paper the shredder can hold before it needs to be emptied. A larger bin capacity means less frequent emptying, which is convenient if you shred a lot of paper. For home use, a smaller bin (3-5 gallons) may be adequate. For office use, a larger bin (5-10 gallons or more) is preferable. Consider how often you want to empty the bin and the volume of shredding you do to choose the right capacity.
Security LevelSecurity level is determined by the size of the shredded particles. The smaller the particles, the higher the security level. Shredders are classified by DIN levels, ranging from P-1 to P-7. P-1 and P-2 are basic security levels, suitable for general documents. P-3 and P-4 offer medium security, ideal for confidential documents. P-5 to P-7 provide high security, suitable for highly sensitive information. Choose a security level based on the sensitivity of the documents you need to shred.
Additional FeaturesSome shredders come with additional features that can enhance convenience and safety. Features like auto-feed, which allows you to load a stack of paper for automatic shredding, can save time. Jam-proof technology helps prevent paper jams, making the shredding process smoother. Safety features like auto shut-off when hands are too close to the feed opening can prevent accidents. Consider which additional features are important to you based on your specific needs and preferences.

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