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10 Best Paper Shredders 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.7 score

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

The Amazon Basics Cross Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder is designed to meet the needs of both home and office users. This shredder uses cross-cut technology to chop up paper and credit cards into small pieces, approximately 0.2 x 1.2 inches, achieving a security level of P-3. This is suitable for documents containing sensitive but not highly confidential information. It can handle up to 12 sheets of paper at a time, along with staples and small paper clips, providing convenience and efficiency for medium-sized shredding tasks.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,461
Shred Type
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time

Most important from
65264 reviews

Shred Type
The finely shredded pieces and ability to handle credit cards add to its functionality, making it a highly recommended purchase.
Sheet Capacity
The shredder handles 12 sheets at a time effortlessly, delivering strong performance especially for its price point.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
It operates faster and lasts longer compared to other models like the Aviva, with no issues of paper jamming.
Additional Features
The shredder is praised for its durability and quiet operation, making it a great replacement for older models.
#2
9.4 score

Amazon Basics Cross Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder for Security - 8-Sheet, Heavy Duty, White

The Amazon Basics Cross Cut Shredder is a solid choice for home or small office use where moderate shredding is needed. It securely cuts paper and credit cards into small pieces that meet security level P-4, which is good for protecting sensitive documents. You can shred up to 8 sheets at once, including staples and small paper clips, which is convenient for everyday tasks.

Rating
9.4
Shred Type
Sheet Capacity
Bin Capacity

Most important from
65264 reviews

Shred Type
Delivers excellent shredding performance with the ability to handle up to 8 sheets at once, shredding quickly without jams.
Sheet Capacity
Delivers excellent shredding performance with the ability to handle up to 8 sheets at once, shredding quickly without jams.
Bin Capacity
The bin holds a good amount of shredded material and is easy to empty, minimizing interruptions during use.
Security Level
Transforms sensitive documents into tiny, secure pieces that strongly protect privacy against identity theft.
Additional Features
Shreds credit cards effortlessly, adding to its versatility for home or small office needs.
#3
9.2 score

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

The Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder is designed for home or small office use, offering a reliable option for securely disposing of sensitive documents. One of its standout features is the cross-cut shredding capability, which meets the security level P-4 standards, making it suitable for shredding important paperwork and personal information. The shredder can handle up to 8 sheets of standard paper at a time, which is decent for everyday tasks, and it also accommodates credit cards, staples, and small paper clips, although it cannot shred metallic credit cards.

Rating
9.2
Shred Type
Sheet Capacity
Bin Capacity

Most important from
65264 reviews

Shred Type
This shredder turns sensitive documents into confetti, providing exceptional security and making even the most determined identity thief give up.
Sheet Capacity
The Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder is an excellent choice for home or small office use, offering great value for the price while efficiently handling up to 8 sheets at a time.
Bin Capacity
Its compact design and spacious bin make it convenient for multiple shredding sessions without taking up too much space.

Top 10 Best Paper Shredders 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.7  score

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

Chosen by 1461 this week

Amazon Basics Cross Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder for Security - 8-Sheet, Heavy Duty, White

Shred Type: Cross Cut
Sheet Capacity: 8 sheets
Run Time and Cool Down Time: 3 min run, 30 min cool down
Bin Capacity: 3.7 Gallons
Security Level: P-4
Additional Features: 4-mode switch, LED lights, shreds staples, cards

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

Amazon Basics 6 Sheet Cross Cut Paper and Credit Card Home Office Shredder with 3.8 Gallon Bin, Black

Shred Type: Cross Cut
Sheet Capacity: 6 sheets
Run Time and Cool Down Time: Short run, needs cooldown
Bin Capacity: 3.8 gallons
Security Level: Confetti-like pieces
Additional Features: Auto start, thermal protection, reverse

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

Amazon Basics 150 Sheet Autofeed Micro Cut Paper Credit Card Shredder for Security, Black

Shred Type: Micro Cut
Sheet Capacity: 150 auto, 10 manual
Run Time and Cool Down Time: 60 min run, 45 min cool
Bin Capacity: 8.5 Gallons
Security Level: P-4
Additional Features: Anti-jam, LED, casters, sleep mode

Fellowes Powershred 225Ci 22-Sheet 100% Jam-Proof Crosscut Paper Shredder Commercial Grade for Office, Black 3825001

Shred Type: Cross Cut
Sheet Capacity: 22 sheets
Run Time and Cool Down Time: Continuous duty motor
Bin Capacity: 16 gallons
Security Level: P-4
Additional Features: Jam-proof, SafeSense, ultra-quiet, energy-saving
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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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