7+ Best Paper Shredders in 2024 (May)

Do you think tossing your sensitive documents into the trash is better than using a paper shredder? That’s not the best practice because it allows thieves to steal your documents, and it is always important to protect against identity theft.

Therefore, consider investing in a paper shredder machine that easily, quickly, and efficiently destroys your documents. These machines reduce your documents into tiny scraps, making them useless.

With these paper shredders, you can shred sensitive and confidential documents. These machines are great add-ons to your office and home spaces. These best paper shredders are more affordable, portable, and compact.

You are in the right place if you are hunting for the best shredders for your requirements. This article details the best paper shredders and includes a guide for choosing the best paper shredder.

Also, see our blogs on the best label makers and best budget 3D printers.

02/19/2024 09:28 pm GMT

 

What is the Best Paper Shredder Overall?

Fellowes Powershred 79Ci is the best paper shredder as it is comprehensive and well-featured. If you want to have to look into other options, have a look at the comparison table below.

 

Also have a look at our features on the best colored pencils, the best pens, the best mechanical pens. Plus our top watercolor resources.

 

7+ Best Paper Shredders in 2024

1. Fellowes Powershred 79Ci (Editor’s Choice)

The best paper shredder overall

Dimensions: 20.25 x 16.25 x 11.63 inches | Weight: 12.8 Kilograms |  Paper Capacity: 16 sheets  | Mode: Automatic | Bin Size: 6 Gallons | Cut Style: Cross-cut | Max run time: 10 min

If you are searching for a comprehensive and well-featured paper shredder, then Fellowes Powershred 79Ci is the ideal one for you. It features a jam-proof system to eliminate paper jams.

One thing it features is ultra-quiet performance.  Furthermore, the machine comes with an energy-saving system to ensure optimal energy consumption and 100% efficiency, making it at the top of our list of the best paper shredders.

It also includes Safe Sense technology to stop the operation when hands touch the paper opening. This paper shredder can shred 16 sheets per pass into tiny 5/32″ x 1-1/2″ cross-cut particles.

While the paper shredder machine may be on the pricier side, it’s important to recognize the value it brings in terms of its durability, efficiency, and advanced features.

Pros	Cons
➕ Can shred 16 sheets at once	➖ Expensive
➕ Can be used for up to 10 mins
➕ Can shred docs, CDs, and cards as well

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

2. Bonsaii Paper Shredder C149-C

Best value paper shredder

Dimensions: 37 x 1 x 64 inches | Weight: 23.11 Pounds |  Paper Capacity: 18 sheets  | Mode: Automatic | Bin Size: 6 Gallons | Cut Style: Cross-cut | Max run time: 60 Min

If you are looking for the best value for a long-running paper shredder, then this is the one for you. Bonsaii Paper Shredder C149-C runs continuously for 60 minutes, requiring only 10 minutes of cool-down time with its patented cooling system.

It has a motor that maintains an incredible silence that would make it fit to work in libraries. This cross-cut shredder can shred up to 18 sheets in a single feed of A4 size.

One aspect that stands out of this system is the jam detection system, which automatically reverses the paper and starts its operation.

It can shred 18 sheets per feed, including CDs/DVDs, credit cards, and staples. With its 8.7 inches entry slot, it will accept all the letters and legal-size documents and dampen the noise.

Though the Bonsaii Paper Shredder C149-C is smaller than other best paper shredders, it allows easy placement in various settings, especially those with limited space availability.

Pros	Cons
➕ Can shred 18 sheets at once.	➖ Bin is not large
➕ Can shred up to 60 mins continuously.
➕ Can shred docs, CDs, staples, and cards.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

3. 15-Sheet Shredder Amazon Basics 

The best budget paper shredder   

Dimensions: 11 x 14.4 x 20.9 inches | Weight: 22 Pounds |  Paper Capacity: 15 sheets  | Mode: Automatic | Bin Size: 6 Gallons | Cut Style: Cross-cut | Max run time: 20 min

The 15-Sheet Shredder Amazon basics is the best one that fits any budget. This paper shredder cuts diagonally in a cross-cut style to make slices more secure to destroy all sensitive documents, cards, and more.

It has an automatic mode that starts once the machine detects a paper or other document to shred and stops entirely if there is nothing. It can perform reverse functioning if the paper is not wholly shredded or remains un-shredded, which also helps prevent paper jamming.

A notable feature of this paper shredder is its thermal protection, which turns off the machine automatically once the engine reaches the maximum run time and helps prevent the device from overheating.

One notable drawback of this paper shredder is its lower sheet capacity compared to other models on the market. While some shredders can simultaneously handle larger volumes of paper, this one has a more limited sheet capacity.

Pros	Cons
➕ Budget-friendly	➖ Lower sheet capacity than other shredders.
➕ Can shred cards, documents, and CDs

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

4. Fellowes Powershred 99Ci

Best paper shredder for offices 

Dimensions: 19.69 x 14.56 x 27.56 inches | Weight: 36.38 Pounds |  Paper Capacity: 18 sheets  | Mode: Automatic | Bin Size: 9-gallon | Cut Style: Cross-cut | Max run time: 30 Min

The Fellowes Powershred 99Ci is essential for office use to securely shred all sensitive documents, CDs, DVDs, and other confidential documents.

It can shred 18 sheets per pass into cross-cut particles. From our first-hand experience, we were impressed that it can shred continuously for up to 30 minutes.

However, 40-minute cool-down period. It also features a 9-gallon bin to collect the waste.

It comes with SafeSense Technology which stops shredding if it detects hands touching the paper opening. This shredder can shred faster than micro-cut shredders with its cross-cut style securely.

Pros	Cons
➕ Can shred 18 sheets at once.	➖ Expensive
➕ Run rate of 30 mins continuously.
➕ Bin size is big enough to collect all the waste.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

5. Dahle PaperSAFE PS 100 Paper Shredder

The best oil-free paper shredder 

Dimensions: 8.5 x 13.75 x 14.5 inches | Weight: 9.5 Pounds|  Paper Capacity: 10 sheets  | Mode: Automatic | Bin Size: 4 Gallons | Cut Style: Cross-cut | Max run time: 5 mins

Are you searching for an oil-free paper shredder machine then the oil-free, hassle-free and easy maintenance of the Dahle PaperSAFE PS 100 Paper Shredder is for you.

This shredder produces particles of  3/16″ x 11/16″ from documents, statements, or any other sensitive documents.

It prevents annoyance and waste of time by automatically reversing in the event of an overfeed with its automatic jam protection.

This shredding machine can also shred credit cards, paper clips, and staples. It also comes with a thermally protected motor that prevents overheating after a continuous run of about five minutes.

For easy usage and convenience, features include simple controls, automatic on/off, and an easy-empty waste bin that you may pull off simply after use.

While it can be seen as a minor drawback, the paper shredder’s run rate may be lower compared to some other models on the market. However, this can be viewed positively, as the lower run rate allows the machine to operate with less noise and heat generation.

Pros	Cons
➕ Automatic Jam Protection	➖ Run rate is low
➕ Thermal protection motor
➕ Will produce particles very small after shredding

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

6. Aurora AU1285MD

Best paper shredder for small office and home use

Dimensions: 13.19 x 9.92 x 11.77 inches | Weight: 17.9 Pounds |  Paper Capacity: 12 sheets  | Mode: Automatic | Bin Size: 1.8 Gallons | Cut Style: Micro-Cut | Max run time: 5 min

If you are searching for a high-security micro-cut for your professional use, Aurora AU1285MD is the ideal choice. It provides maximum protection by making the document four times smaller than many others.

It comes equipped with anti-jam and auto-reverse technology to avoid paper jams which are ideal for small offices and homes. It also contains LED status indicator lights that indicate on/off, overheats, overloads, and pull-out bin doors open and close.

This paper shredder machine shreds CDs/DVDs, cards, stationery clips, and staples. It features a continuous running rate of about 5 mins for silent operation. It also includes a small bin of 1.8 gallons.

Unfortunately, the Aurora AU1285MD has a relatively smaller bin capacity. However, The compact bin size allows for a more space-efficient design, making it ideal for environments with limited space availability.

Pros	Cons
➕ Can shred CDs/DVDs, cards, stationery clips, and staples.	➖ Bin capacity is less.
➕ Anti-jam and Auto-reverse technology

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

7. BONSEN 10-Sheet Super Micro-Cut Paper Shredder

Best micro-cut paper shredder 

Dimensions: 14 x 9.4 x 21.1 inches | Paper Capacity: 10 sheets  | Mode: Automatic | Bin Size: 5.3 Gallons | Cut Style: Micro-Cut | Max run time: 30 min

BONSEN 10-Sheet Super Micro-Cut Paper Shredder is designed with the inspiration of office use with premium quality.

It features top Security Level P-5 with a super micro-cut shredder. This paper shredder can shred up to ten sheets each time, making them into tiny 2 x 12mm particles. It can also shred staples, cards, stationery, and legal documents to ensure the safety of your confidential information.

It has a run rate of 30 minutes for continuous operation time. It also includes a patented cooling system to ensure the cooling down of the machine after constant use.

The super micro-cut shredder also contains an automatic reverse function to protect the device from paper jams. The anti-jam system will detect the overload and reverse to clear the jam, and after removing the excess, it will resume again.

It comes with a 58dB low noise operation to keep you out of disturbance from your work and maintain silence. It has a 5.3-gallon removable bin and easy-operation functionality indicators and buttons.

One downside to consider with the BONSEN 10-Sheet Super Micro-Cut Paper Shredders is their relatively lower paper capacity in relation to their price.

However, it’s worth noting that the shredder’s performance, durability, and advanced features still make it a worthwhile investment, despite its lower paper capacity.

Pros	Cons
➕ Super micro-cut shredder	➖ Paper capacity is low in relation to price.
➕ Automatic mode.

 

Latest Price on Amazon:

 

How to Choose the Best Paper Shredder

Before choosing the best shredder for you, you must consider your needs and the below-mentioned factors.

Cut Type

The cut type is an essential feature to consider before buying a shredder. There are two types, one being strip-cutting, and the other, being cross-cutting.

The strip-cut paper shredder cuts your paper or document into dozens of strips, but thieves may reassemble them in case of theft, and these shredders are common in homes, schools, and offices.

The cross-cut paper shredders offer high security by cutting the paper or documents into much smaller pieces which makes it much harder to reassemble. This paper shredder is ideal for bank documents, oil documents, confidential documents, and business deals.

Shredder Acceleration

Usually, these shredders operate quickly to save time and effort. Depending on the size and make of the machine, the cycle time for these machines can range from two minutes to an hour.

Some machines maintain their acceleration and operational condition until a specific runtime, after which they must cool off. Do your research beforehand to ensure you have no regrets and work efficiently to save time and minimize your efforts.

Noise Levels

These paper shredder machines are noisy, so you must check beforehand if it won’t ruin your place’s silence. You can determine this by checking out the machine’s decibel rating.

Capacity 

After you decide to buy the shredding machine, you should also consider the device’s shredding capacity. Capacity refers to the maximum number of sheets that can pass through per pass and the soft sizes that can be passed through a paper shredder machine.

The shred machine should be capable of shredding all sorts of sizes, types, and numbers of sheets. Choosing the depending on capacity should be ideal depending on the usage. However, it should be capable of shredding simple paper to industrial documents and cards. It should also be capable of heavy-duty and departmental use.

Power Saving

You must check the power consumption of these paper shredder machines. Check for the power savings models as they continuously consume 80% of the energy of other shredders.

Some of the best paper shredders, such as those frequently used in offices, may utilize a lot of power when you use them, so this is an essential factor to consider.

Security Features 

Security features are essential factors in choosing a paper shredder. More expensive shredders may use lasers and sensors to detect foreign objects and stop the blades before causing damage.

The safety interlock, laser, and sensors are ideal for pets and kids. These sensors can detect nearby movements or objects and trigger the shredder to stop if something gets too close to the opening. This is particularly important to prevent pets or children from accidentally getting injured while the shredder operates.

Advanced Features

Advanced features are present in all expensive machines, so they are important to consider.

Heavy-duty motors that can work continuously are essential when working in collaboration. You should look into shredders with a continuous-duty engine to run non-stop so you can shred as much as possible because some machines require cooling down after some time.

Furthermore, choosing a device that starts automatically can save you some time and make your work easier.

The best way to keep any machine efficient is by regularly oiling it, and if you are using it occasionally, you can do so manually. However, if you use devices regularly and for heavy duty, then you must oil them often, which is a common task that many forget. As a result, some machines feature an automatic oiler to eliminate one more task from your “to-do” list.

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

Wrapping Up

It is important to choose the best paper shredder for your needs. To make it easier, this article compiles a list of the best paper shredders that will serve all your needs.

It also includes a guide on how to choose the right paper shredder to help you understand to choose the best and right one. It includes all kinds of paper shredders for every use from the premium ones to the best budget ones in the list.

You might also be interested in our blog on the best black and white printers for home offices and businesses.

Choose the right one depending on your needs and the type of documents or files you would want to destroy to prevent unusual activities. If you have chosen with the help rundown in this article, let us know in the comments.

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