More categories
More categories

Smart Shopper is reader supported. When you shop our picks, we may receive a commission.

The best paper shredders for every office and home

Whether you need a small paper shredder for home use or a heavy-duty office device for larger tasks, we've got you covered.

Published Jan 11, 2024
4 min. reading time
three of the best paper shredders from Insignia, Bonsaii, Amazon

A paper shredder is more than just another office appliance – it's a key player in data security. 

Whether you're a small business owner or a homeowner, protecting your confidential information should be a top priority. 

That's why we've rounded up a list of the best paper shredders. These shredders not only provide the utmost security but also offer features for easy operation and longevity. 

So, if you need a new and improved device, keep scrolling to find your next appliance.

Read more: Need a new printer? Shop our top picks here

Top shredders at a glance

Insignia 10-sheet Crosscut Paper/CD Shredder with viewing window
Top multi-purpose pick
Insignia 10-sheet Crosscut Paper/CD Shredder
$59.99 at Best Buy
Fellowes Powershred 6ct Crosscut Paper Shredder with viewing window
Best for homes
Fellowes Powershred 6ct Crosscut Paper Shredder
$46.99 at Target
Bonsaii Paper Shredder 18-sheet Crosscut Shredder with viewing window
Suitable for large documents
Bonsaii Paper Shredder 18-sheet Crosscut Shredder
$159.99 at Walmart
Fellowes AutoMax 100MA 100-sheet Microcut Shredder with pull-out bin
For fast shredding
Fellowes AutoMax 100MA 100-sheet Microcut Shredder
$222.49 at Staples

Top multi-purpose pick

Insignia 10-sheet Crosscut Paper/CD Shredder with viewing window
Photo: Best Buy

Specifications

  • Type: Crosscut

  • Capacity: 10 sheets

Pros & Cons
  • User-friendly

  • Overload and overheat protection

  • Built-in wastebasket and viewing window

  • No wheels

  • No anti-jam technology

Whether you're protecting clients or your personal details, it's important to ensure private information stays that way.

And this pick is the reliable companion you need in our information-heavy world. 

This versatile shredder cuts up to ten sheets of standard-sized paper at once, effortlessly handling staples, small paper clips, CDs and credit cards. 

Its integrated wastebasket also collects your shredded items for easy disposal whenever you're ready while the viewing window provides a handy way to monitor capacity.

Specifications

  • Type: Crosscut 

  • Capacity: 6 sheets

Pros & Cons
  • Jam-resistant

  • Easy lift-off head

  • Safely shreds staples and plastic credit cards

  • 40 minute cool-down period

If you need a dependable tool for personal use, let this shredding machine be your next purchase.

With the ability to shred six sheets per pass cross-cut pieces, this shredder offers a solid layer of security for your sensitive documents. But beyond paper, it can also efficiently shred staples and plastic credit cards, making it a versatile addition to your home office. 

As for convenience, its four-gallon bin is equipped with an easy lift-off head for easy waste disposal and reduced gadget emptying.

Backed by a one-year product warranty and an extended three-year cutter warranty, this shredder is a reliable investment for protecting your personal information.

Suitable for large documents

Specifications

  • Type: Crosscut

  • Capacity: 18 sheets

Pros & Cons
  • Quiet operation

  • 60-minute continuous running time 

  • Jam-proof design

  • Reviewers say the bin is small

Bonsaii's paper shredder offers big capacity, quiet operation and fast shredding speeds, making this the ideal addition for a bustling home office. 

As a multi-purpose powerhouse, this wide unit can manage more than just paper — it's equipped to decimate CDs, DVDs, credit cards and even those stubborn staples that usually necessitate removal. 

But that’s not all. 

Thanks to its 8.7-inch wide entry slot, it can handily accommodate both letter and legal-sized documents. And with a motor that carefully curbs grinding and shredding noise, this piece of office equipment is not just an efficient tool, but a quiet one too.

Specifications 

  • Type: Microcut

  • Capacity: 100 sheets

Pros & Cons
  • Auto-reverse to prevent misfeeds

  • Jam-free shredding

  • High level of security

  • Tends to overheat

This two-in-one auto-feed model is as efficient as it is versatile and capable of shredding up to 100 sheets in just five minutes.

Its speed means you can effectively multitask while ensuring your sensitive documents are securely disposed of, achieving peace of mind without compromising your time.

It offers both auto-feed and manual shredding capabilities, allowing flexibility according to your shredding needs. Whether it's old credit card bills or paper clips that need shredding, it can handle both without a hitch.

Best of all? It’s equipped with an auto-reverse function designed to prevent any misfeeds or paper jamming, thus ensuring a smooth, interruption-free shredding process.

Specifications

  • Type: Crosscut

  • Capacity: 8 sheets

Pros & Cons
  • LED status indicators 

  • Automatic shut off and cool down

  • Dedicated card slot

  • Takes a while to cool down

With an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 211,000 reviews, this compact shredder could be your answer to an efficient, hassle-free way to manage your documents. 

Though lightweight and slender, this shredder has the stamina you need for larger tasks. 

It's capable of shredding up to eight sheets of 20-pound bond paper at a time, including small staples and paper clips, effectively handling a variety of paper thicknesses. It also offers a privacy level meeting P-3 standards, breaking down your materials into tiny pieces for extra security. 

Even its credit card function wins high praise, with a feature that destroys one card at a time through a dedicated slot.

What are the grades of paper shredders?

Paper shredders are graded based on their cut type and the level of security they offer:

  • Strip-cut shredders offer the lowest level of security, turning paper into long, vertical strips.

  • Cross-cut shredders offer a higher level of security by cutting paper into short, crosswise strips. 

  • Micro-cut shredders offer the highest level of security, shredding paper into tiny pieces, making them nearly impossible to reconstruct. These heavy-duty shredders are perfect for offices that deal with sensitive information daily.

What are the best paper shredders?

The best paper shredder for home use depends on the volume and type of paper shredding you need to handle.

For more extensive use, the Insignia 10-Sheet Crosscut Paper/CD Shredder offers a sizable shredding capacity that can tackle paper, staples, small paperclips, CDs and credit cards, making it a great pick for tackling several shredding tasks.

The Fellowes Powershred 6ct Crosscut Paper Shredder,  on the other hand, impresses with its easy lift-off head, paper jam-resistant design and automatic design, making it a reliable machine for any home or office.

So why wait? Upgrade your office equipment and ensure your documents are disposed of safely and efficiently with our top paper shredders today!


Did you like this article? For more great deals and shopping ideas, find us now on your favorite social networks: Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!


Prices updated on 01/11/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.

Lauren Pascal Professional Headshot
Written by
Lauren Pascal

A self-proclaimed ‘obsessed TikTok user,’ Lauren Pascal uses her knowledge to help readers shop for trendy new products. Lauren is also an experienced travel writer and recently wrote informative pieces for travellers during the pandemic.