Finding the Best Paper Shredder on Amazon: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024
In 2024, ensuring your privacy and the security of your personal information is more important than ever, making the best paper shredder a must-have item for homes and offices alike. Paper shredders not only help you dispose of sensitive documents securely but also promote a clutter-free environment. With a plethora of options available on Amazon, it can be challenging to find the best model suited to your needs.
This article delves into the top 10 paper shredders available on Amazon and provides a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re searching for a shredder that can handle a large volume of papers, a compact model for home use, or one with advanced security features, you’ll find the best best paper shredder that suits your requirements.
Top 10 Best Paper Shredders on Amazon
1. AmazonBasics 8-Sheet High-Security Paper Shredder
The AmazonBasics 8-Sheet High-Security Paper Shredder is perfect for home or small office use. It features a compact design while offering high-security level P-4 shredding, turning your documents into unreadable strips.
It can shred up to 8 sheets of paper at once and has a 3-minute continuous run time, making it ideal for light shredding tasks. The 4.1-gallon bin minimizes the need for frequent emptying.
Key Features:
- 8-sheet capacity
- High-security P-4 shredding
- 3-minute continuous run time
- 4.1-gallon wastebasket
This shredder is also user-friendly and wields safety features like auto shut-off to prevent overheating.
- Cross-cut paper and credit card shredder cuts material into approximate 0.2 x 0.7 inches (5 x 18 mm) pieces; meets security level P-4 standards
- Shreds up to 8 sheets of 20-pound bond paper at a time; shreds credit cards (one at a time, but not suitable for metal credit cards), staples, and small paper clips
- 3 minute runtime and 30 minute cool down; if unit goes beyond max run time, it automatically shuts off to prevent overheating
- 4 mode control switch (auto/on, off, reverse, forward) and LED status indicators for power on, overheat and overload; easy to empty 3.7 gallon bin
- Quality tested: As part of Amazon Basics quality inspections, we test every shredder before shipping it, which means you may see some paper shreds from the testing
2. Fellowes Microshred 99Ci Paper Shredder
The Fellowes Microshred 99Ci is designed for heavy-duty shredding. It can shred 18 sheets at once into tiny confetti-style particles, providing maximum security with a P-5 security rating.
This shredder also features a 100% jam-proof system that prevents paper jams, along with a 60-minute continuous run time, making it suitable for larger shredding tasks.
Key Features:
- Shreds 18 sheets at once
- P-5 security rating
- 60-minute continuous run time
- Automatic shut-off feature
The Fellowes 99Ci also has a level sensor that informs you when the bin is nearly full.
- Crosscut Document Shredder: The perfect paper shredders for home offices and businesses, our heavy-duty paper shredders can accommodate up to 18 sheets of paper at a time and also shred staples, credit cards, paper clips, CDs/DVDs, and junk mail
- Ultra-Secure Shredding: Ideal for disposing of highly confidential documents, our heavy-duty shredder tears paper into 397 5/32 x 1-½” cross-cut particles for enhanced security; Level P-4 security grade
- SafeSense Protection: Designed to help protect more than just your identity, our shredders for home use and offices come equipped with proprietary technology that automatically disables the shredder when hands or paws touch the paper opening. Select models.
- Continuous 30-Minute Run Time: Our ultra-efficient home and office shredder runs for up to 30 minutes before needing to cool down, meaning you're able to complete multiple shredding jobs in 1 sitting
- Perfect for shared workspaces, this portable shredder has ultra-quiet operation and automatically detects and powers through tough jobs to prevent jams; Also includes a 9-gallon pull-out bin with a LED bin-full indicator
3. Bonsaii DocShred C560-D Paper Shredder
The Bonsaii DocShred C560-D is an excellent choice for small offices. This dual-functional shredder can handle 12 sheets at once while also shredding credit cards and CDs.
With anti-jam technology and a 5-minute continuous run time, it’s perfect for minimal downtime during shredding tasks.
Key Features:
- 12-sheet capacity
- Shreds credit cards and CDs
- 5-minute run time
- Auto-reverse function
Its sleek design and 3.4-gallon waste basket make it a useful and aesthetically pleasing addition to any workspace.
- Product Dimension: 12.64 x 7.91 x 18.5 inches
- Home Office Paper Shredder: With 10 sheets of shredding capacity (letter size, 75g/m²), crosscut paper shredder shreds paper into tiny pieces measuring 13/64 x 45/64 inches (5x18mm) destroys junk mail/staples/ credit cards(one at a time) as well
- Shredders for Home Use Heavy Duty: 4-minute continuous running time with 40 minutes cool-down time, paper shredders for home office fulfill small office and home SOHO use
- Easy Operation & Security Protection: Paper shredders for home office heavy duty is easy to operate with light-indication, overheat protection to help you use paper shredder without worrying and prolong its working period
- Large Gallon Basket: 5.5 gallons large wastebasket capacity, Shredders for home office heavy duty can hold up to 320 sheets of paper, no need to empty the bin frequently, visible basket window, conveniently see when it is full, no worry about being jammed
4. Aurora AU1230XA 12-Sheet Crosscut Paper Shredder
The Aurora AU1230XA is a versatile 12-sheet crosscut shredder designed for maximum security. With a P-4 security rating, it efficiently cuts paper into small particles.
This model also includes a 3.4-gallon bin, which allows for extended use without frequent emptying. It can shred staples and credit cards, adding to its functionality.
Key Features:
- Crosscut shredding up to 12 sheets
- P-4 security rating
- Can shred staples and credit cards
- 3.4-gallon wastebasket
Its compact design ensures it can fit in small spaces while still providing robust performance.
- Crosscut with 12 sheet capacities; destroys credit cards and small paper clips
- Shreds paper, credit cards into small pieces (3/16 by 1-9/16 inches), security level P-3
- Nonstop stop 5-minute continuous run time; anti-jam auto-reverse to clear paper jams
- Overload and thermal protection, 4-mode power switch (auto-off-reverse-forward)
- 5.2-Gallon wastebasket with LED indicator lights standby/ overheat
5. Royal 29185U 5-Sheet Paper Shredder
The Royal 29185U is a compact and cost-effective option for personal use. It can shred up to 5 sheets at a time and features a shredding speed of 6.5 feet per minute.
This shredder is ideal for handling personal documents and is equipped with a safety lock while in operation.
Key Features:
- 5-sheet capacity
- Compact design
- Affordable price point
- Safety lock feature
Its small size makes it perfect for personal desks or home use.
6. Swingline GBC ShredMaster 12X Paper Shredder
The Swingline GBC ShredMaster 12X is a crosscut shredder that can handle 12 sheets of paper at once. Perfect for light office use, it easily shreds credit cards and staples as well.
This model operates quietly and includes a 5-gallon bin, reducing the need for frequent emptying.
Key Features:
- 12-sheet shredding capacity
- Quiet operation
- 5-gallon wastebasket
- Can shred credit cards
It is an efficient and powerful shredder, combining versatility and practicality in one unit.
- Shreds 12 sheets per pass into 5/32 x 1-9/16” cross-cut particles (Security Level P-4) for enhanced security on highly confidential documents to help keep your information safe
- Provides powerful deskside shredding for paper, staples, paper clips, credit cards and unopened junk mail
- Patented Safety Lock disables shredder for added safety protection
- 5-gallon pull-out bin keeps shreds contained and workspaces clean
- Shreds continuously for up to 20 minutes before a cool down period is needed allowing you to complete small shredding jobs in one sitting
7. Aurora AU1260XA 12-Sheet Crosscut Paper Shredder
The Aurora AU1260XA is another excellent choice for those needing secure shredding without sacrificing space. With a 12-sheet capacity and a P-4 security rating, it efficiently handles various materials.
This shredder comes with a 4.8-gallon wastebasket and offers a sleek finish that suits any office setting.
Key Features:
- 12-sheet capacity
- Cuts paper into small crosscut particles
- 4.8-gallon wastebasket
- Can shred credit cards and staples
Its intelligent design ensures it meets the needs of both home and small business users alike.
- Crosscut with 12 sheet capacities; destroys CDs, DVDs, credit cards and small paper clips.
- Shreds paper, CDs, DVDs, credit cards into small pieces (3/16 by 1-3/32 inches), security level P-4.
- Anti-jam Auto-reverse to clear paper jams; quiet operation.
- Nonstop 6-minute continuous run time.
- 4-gallon pullout bin with LED indicator lights Standby/ Overheat / Overload/ Door open/ Bin-full status; moving casters included.
8. Fellowes Powershred 79Ci 14-Sheet Paper Shredder
The Fellowes Powershred 79Ci is designed for heavy-duty usage with the capacity to shred 14 sheets of paper at once. The security rating of P-4 allows for safe disposal of confidential documents.
This model boasts a 30-minute continuous run time and an anti-jam system, providing reliability for busy office environments.
Key Features:
- 14-sheet capacity
- P-4 security rating
- 30-minute continuous run time
- Anti-jam technology
Moreover, the Fellowes 79Ci features a SafeSense technology that stops shredding when hands touch the paper entry.
- Crosscut Document Shredder: The perfect paper shredders for home offices and businesses, our heavy-duty paper shredders can accommodate up to 16 sheets of paper at a time and also shred staples, credit cards, paper clips, CDs/DVDs, and junk mail
- Ultra-Secure Shredding: Ideal for disposing of highly confidential documents, our heavy-duty shredder tears paper into 397 5/32 x 1-½” cross-cut particles for enhanced security; Level P-4 security grade
- SafeSense Protection: Designed to help protect more than just your identity, our shredders for home use and offices come equipped with proprietary technology that automatically disables the shredder when hands or paws touch the paper opening. Select models.
- Continuous 20-Minute Run Time: Our ultra-efficient home and office shredder runs for up to 20 minutes before needing to cool down, meaning you're able to complete multiple shredding jobs in 1 sitting
- Convenient Features: Perfect for shared workspaces, this portable shredder has ultra-quiet operation and automatically detects and powers through tough jobs to prevent jams; Also includes a 6-gallon pull-out bin with a LED bin-full indicator
9. AmazonBasics 15-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder
The AmazonBasics 15-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder is a strong contender in the shredding market. This shredder allows shredding of up to 15 sheets simultaneously and features cross-cut technology for enhanced security.
It also has a 3.6-gallon bin that requires minimal emptying, making it efficient for long shredding sessions.
Key Features:
- 15-sheet capacity
- Cross-cut capability
- 3.6-gallon wastebasket
- Auto shut-off feature
This shredder is perfect for both home and office environments when dealing with sensitive information.
- Cross cut shredder turns paper into small pieces (0.16 x 1 in, 4 x 25 mm); meets security level P-4 standards
- Shreds up to 15 sheets of 20-pound bond paper at a time, including staples and small paper clips; 8.7-inch-wide entry
- Destroys CDs, DVDs, and credit cards (one at a time, through dedicated slot)
- 4 mode control switch (auto/on, off, reverse, and forward) and anti-jam auto reverse
- LED indicators for on, overload, overheat, bin full, and door open
10. Royal Sovereign RDS-20P 20-Sheet Paper Shredder
For those requiring heavy duty, the Royal Sovereign RDS-20P 20-Sheet Paper Shredder is an excellent option. This model allows shredding of up to 20 sheets at a time and provides P-4 level security.
It features a large 8-gallon bin suitable for extensive work and continuous runtime without interruptions.
Key Features:
- 20-sheet capacity
- P-4 security rating
- Continuous run time
- Large 8-gallon wastebasket
The Royal Sovereign shredder is built for commercial use and offers unmatched performance and durability.
- Efficiency: Auto-feed can shred 150 sheets. Manual feed can shred 10 sheets
- Quiet Operation: Operates under 62 dB
- Security: Uses P-5 level micro-cut security to offer high protection for confidential information and documents
- Safety: Shredder will turn off when the bin is open and automatically reverse when the machine is jammed. Also features overheat protection that turns off the unit if the motor gets too hot
- Easy Maintenance: The bin full indicator will notify the user when to empty the 6.6 gallon (25L) basket, making clean up a breeze
Buying Guide for the Best Paper Shredder
When choosing the best paper shredder for your needs, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you select a model that’s effective, reliable, and suited to your specific requirements.
1. Shredding Capacity
The shredding capacity refers to how many sheets of paper a shredder can handle at once. Models generally range from 5 to 20 sheets per pass. Determine how much volume you’ll be shredding regularly. For small personal use, a shredder that handles 5-10 sheets may suffice, while larger offices would benefit from higher-capacity models.
2. Security Level
The level of security needed is essential, especially when shredding sensitive information. Shredders have different security ratings, with P-1 being the lowest (strip-cut) and P-7 being the highest (micro-cut). For personal documents, a P-3 to P-4 rating may be adequate, while businesses dealing with confidential data should consider P-5 or P-6 options.
3. Run Time
Continuous run time is crucial, particularly for bulk shredding tasks. Some models are designed for short use (a couple of minutes continuously) while others can operate for 30 minutes or more. Evaluate the shredding volume and choose accordingly to avoid overheating issues.
4. Jam Prevention Features
Nothing can be more frustrating than paper jams. Look for models that include anti-jam technologies, which can help prevent these occurrences by automatically reversing the papers or providing a jam release option.
5. Wastebasket Size
A wastebasket that is too small can lead to frequent emptying, which can become inconvenient. Choose a shredder with a sufficiently sized bin to match your shredding frequency and volume.
6. Additional Features
Consider other features such as the ability to shred credit cards, CDs, or optical media, automatic shut-off settings for safety, noise levels, and whether the model has a safety lock feature.
Conclusion
Investing in the best paper shredder is a proactive way to protect your personal and sensitive information. The models listed above in 2024 exemplify the variety of shredders available, catering to different needs, preferences, and budgets. When selecting a shredder, consider your regular usage, the security level required, and any additional features that may improve your experience. With careful selection, you can ensure peace of mind while securely disposing of paperwork and reducing clutter in your workspace.