We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Cross Cut Shredder 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bonsaii 12-Sheet Paper Shredder for Home Office Use, 10-Minute Cross Cut Shredder with 5.5 Gallons Bin, P-4 High Security Heavy Duty Office Shredder Shred CD/Credit Card

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,356
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Bin Capacity

Most important from
6686 reviews

Sheet Capacity
This shredder is an absolute powerhouse, handling up to 10,000 sheets of old documents without jamming or overheating.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
It's reassuring to have a shredder that can run for an hour without overheating, making it perfect for large shredding sessions.
Bin Capacity
The large bin capacity reduces the frequency of emptying, adding to the overall convenience of the shredder.
Additional Features
The shredder's capacity to handle staples and multiple pages at once without any issues makes it a reliable addition to any home office.

The Bonsaii 12-Sheet Paper Shredder is a versatile option for home office users needing a reliable and efficient shredder. It can handle up to 12 sheets at a time, turning them into small 5mm x 30mm particles, which falls under the P-4 high security level, making it effective for disposing of sensitive documents. Additionally, it can shred staples, paper clips, credit cards, and CDs/DVDs, offering extra convenience and versatility.

The shredder is designed to run continuously for 10 minutes before requiring a 30-minute cool-down period, which is quite reasonable for most home office needs. The 5.5-gallon bin can hold up to 250 sheets of shredded paper, meaning fewer interruptions for emptying. A transparent window allows you to see when the bin needs to be emptied, and a handle design adds to the user-friendly features. Safety is also considered, with a feature that stops the shredder when the head is lifted to prevent accidents. An overheat protection mechanism ensures that the motor is not damaged from excessive use.

One potential downside might be the noise level, which isn't specified but could be a factor for some users. Additionally, while the 10-minute run time is suitable for moderate use, it may not be sufficient for more demanding tasks. The auto start/stop and manual reverse functions help reduce paper jams and make the shredder easier to use. The Bonsaii 12-Sheet Paper Shredder offers a good mix of security, convenience, and safety features at an affordable price point.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,356
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Bin Capacity

Most important from
6686 reviews

Sheet Capacity
This shredder is an absolute powerhouse, handling up to 10,000 sheets of old documents without jamming or overheating.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
It's reassuring to have a shredder that can run for an hour without overheating, making it perfect for large shredding sessions.
Bin Capacity
The large bin capacity reduces the frequency of emptying, adding to the overall convenience of the shredder.
Additional Features
The shredder's capacity to handle staples and multiple pages at once without any issues makes it a reliable addition to any home office.
#2

Bonsaii 12-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder, 5.5 Gal Home Office Heavy Duty Shredder for Paper, Credit Card, Mail, Staples, with Transparent Window, High Security Level P-4 (C275-A)

Rating
9.8
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Security Level

Most important from
6686 reviews

Sheet Capacity
It can easily process multiple sheets at once and even manages stapled papers smoothly, speeding up shredding sessions.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
The machine runs for extended periods without overheating, far outperforming previous shredders that required frequent cool-downs.
Security Level
The shredder's high security level ensures sensitive documents, credit cards, and CDs are destroyed into very small pieces.
Bin Capacity
Its bin capacity is generous, reducing how often it needs to be emptied during regular use.
Noise Level
Though compact, the shredder's taller design offers ergonomic comfort, making shredding less of a chore.
Additional Features
This shredder has proven to be incredibly durable, handling thousands of sheets without jamming or breaking down.

The Bonsaii 12-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder is a solid choice for home or small office users needing reliable document destruction. It can handle up to 12 sheets at once, which is quite generous for this category, helping you finish shredding tasks faster. It offers a 5-minute continuous run time before needing to cool down, so it’s good for moderate but not heavy daily use.

The shredder meets a high security standard (P-4), turning paper, credit cards, and even CDs into very small pieces, which is great if you want to protect sensitive information. Its 5.5-gallon bin with a transparent window lets you easily see when it’s time to empty, and the compact size means it fits well in small spaces like under a desk or in a corner. It includes helpful safety features like auto start/stop and reverse to clear jams, plus overheat protection to extend its lifespan.

This shredder offers a good balance between capacity, security, and convenience, making it suitable for individuals or small teams who don’t shred massively large volumes daily but want dependable performance and safety.

Rating
9.8
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Security Level

Most important from
6686 reviews

Sheet Capacity
It can easily process multiple sheets at once and even manages stapled papers smoothly, speeding up shredding sessions.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
The machine runs for extended periods without overheating, far outperforming previous shredders that required frequent cool-downs.
Security Level
The shredder's high security level ensures sensitive documents, credit cards, and CDs are destroyed into very small pieces.
Bin Capacity
Its bin capacity is generous, reducing how often it needs to be emptied during regular use.
Noise Level
Though compact, the shredder's taller design offers ergonomic comfort, making shredding less of a chore.
Additional Features
This shredder has proven to be incredibly durable, handling thousands of sheets without jamming or breaking down.
#3

Fellowes ‎Powershred 79Ci 16-Sheet 100% Jam-Proof Heavy Duty Crosscut Paper Shredder Machine for Office and Home, Black/Dark Silver 3227919

Rating
9.7
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Bin Capacity

Most important from
10874 reviews

Sheet Capacity
Handles thick junk mail with ease, making it ideal for disposing of personal information securely.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
The shredder operates continuously for extended periods before needing a cool-down, perfect for heavy-duty use.
Bin Capacity
Despite the bin being a bit small, it efficiently manages large volumes of shredding in short periods.
Noise Level
The quiet operation is a standout feature, much quieter than other shredders used in office settings.
Additional Features
Shreds staples and paper clips without any issues, showcasing its robust performance.

The Fellowes Powershred 79Ci is a robust cross-cut shredder ideal for both home and office use. One of its standout features is its impressive sheet capacity, capable of shredding up to 16 sheets at once, along with staples, credit cards, paper clips, CDs/DVDs, and junk mail. This makes it highly versatile and efficient for heavy-duty use. It offers a high level of security with a P-4 security grade, transforming documents into 397 small particles, which is excellent for disposing of confidential information.

The shredder operates continuously for up to 20 minutes before requiring a cool-down period, which is quite good for medium-sized shredding jobs. Additionally, it features Fellowes' SafeSense Technology, which stops the shredder when hands or pets are near the paper entry, enhancing safety. The 6-gallon pull-out bin is easy to empty and comes with an LED indicator to alert when full, though some might find the bin capacity slightly on the smaller side for extensive use.

One notable advantage is its ultra-quiet operation, making it suitable for shared workspaces without causing distractions. The shredder is also designed to be jam-proof, automatically powering through tough jobs without interruption. However, its weight of 28.2 pounds and dimensions of 10.25 x 15.2 x 21.1 inches might make it less portable than some lighter models. This shredder combines efficiency, security, and quiet operation, making it a strong candidate for those needing reliable shredding capabilities in a home or office setting.

Rating
9.7
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Bin Capacity

Most important from
10874 reviews

Sheet Capacity
Handles thick junk mail with ease, making it ideal for disposing of personal information securely.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
The shredder operates continuously for extended periods before needing a cool-down, perfect for heavy-duty use.
Bin Capacity
Despite the bin being a bit small, it efficiently manages large volumes of shredding in short periods.
Noise Level
The quiet operation is a standout feature, much quieter than other shredders used in office settings.
Additional Features
Shreds staples and paper clips without any issues, showcasing its robust performance.

Buying Guide for the Best Cross Cut Shredder

Choosing the right cross-cut shredder involves understanding your specific needs and the key features that will best serve those needs. Cross-cut shredders are essential for securely disposing of sensitive documents by cutting them into small pieces, making it difficult for anyone to reconstruct the information. To make an informed decision, consider the following key specifications and how they align with your requirements.
Sheet CapacitySheet capacity refers to the number of sheets a shredder can handle at once. This is important because it determines how quickly you can shred documents. Shredders with a lower sheet capacity (around 5-10 sheets) are suitable for personal or light office use. Medium capacity shredders (10-20 sheets) are ideal for small offices, while high capacity shredders (20+ sheets) are best for larger offices with heavy shredding needs. Consider how often and how much you need to shred to choose the right capacity.
Run Time and Cool Down TimeRun time is the duration a shredder can operate continuously before needing to cool down, while cool down time is the period it needs to rest before it can be used again. This is crucial for efficiency, especially in busy environments. Short run times (2-5 minutes) with longer cool down times (20-40 minutes) are typical for personal use. For small to medium offices, look for shredders with moderate run times (10-20 minutes) and shorter cool down times (10-20 minutes). Heavy-duty shredders can run continuously for 30 minutes or more with minimal cool down. Match the run time and cool down time to your shredding volume and frequency.
Security LevelSecurity level indicates how small the shredder cuts the paper, which affects how difficult it is to reconstruct the shredded documents. This is measured by the P-rating scale, from P-1 (least secure) to P-7 (most secure). For general home use, a P-3 or P-4 rating is usually sufficient. For sensitive personal information or small office use, a P-4 or P-5 rating is recommended. For highly confidential documents, such as those in legal or financial sectors, a P-6 or P-7 rating is necessary. Choose the security level based on the sensitivity of the documents you need to shred.
Bin CapacityBin capacity refers to the volume of shredded paper the shredder can hold before it needs to be emptied. This is important for convenience and efficiency. Smaller bins (up to 5 gallons) are suitable for personal use, as they need to be emptied more frequently. Medium bins (5-10 gallons) are good for small offices, while larger bins (10+ gallons) are ideal for high-volume shredding environments. Consider how often you want to empty the bin and the volume of shredding you do to choose the right capacity.
Noise LevelNoise level is the amount of sound the shredder produces while operating, measured in decibels (dB). This is important for maintaining a comfortable working environment. Shredders with lower noise levels (under 60 dB) are ideal for shared or quiet spaces. Medium noise levels (60-70 dB) are acceptable for most office environments. Higher noise levels (above 70 dB) might be suitable for industrial settings but can be disruptive in an office. Consider the noise tolerance of your environment when choosing a shredder.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of a shredder. Look for features like jam prevention, which helps avoid paper jams and reduces downtime. Auto-feed allows you to load a stack of papers and walk away, saving time. Safety features, such as automatic shut-off when hands are near the feed opening, are important for preventing accidents. Energy-saving modes can reduce power consumption when the shredder is not in use. Consider which additional features will be most beneficial for your specific needs.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now