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10 Best Cross Cut Shredder 2025 in the United States

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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
10.0
Chosen by1,437
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Bin Capacity

Most important from
6065 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
10.0
Chosen by1,437
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Bin Capacity

Most important from
6065 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
10.0
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Security Level

Most important from
6065 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
10.0
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Security Level

Most important from
6065 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 12 Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Home Office Paper Shredder, 19.50" H x 9.69" W x 13.44" D

Rating
9.8
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Bin Capacity
Noise Level

Most important from
5549 reviews

Run Time and Cool Down Time
It runs without overheating quickly and hasn’t jammed, demonstrating reliable and consistent performance.
Bin Capacity
The removable pull-out bin is a standout feature, making it extremely easy to empty without heavy lifting or mess.
Noise Level
The shredder operates quietly and efficiently, with a fast feed that handles shredding tasks smoothly.
Additional Features
Handles staples, paper clips, and credit cards effortlessly, adding versatility beyond just paper shredding.

The Fellowes Powershred 12 Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder is a solid choice for home and small office use, especially if you need to securely destroy sensitive documents. It can handle up to 12 sheets at once, which helps save time on bigger shredding tasks. The cross-cut style cuts paper into small pieces (about 5/32 x 1-9/16 inches), meeting a P-4 security level that’s good for protecting confidential information. One nice feature is its ability to run continuously for 20 minutes before needing a cool down, so you can finish small jobs without interruption.

The shredder also accepts staples, paper clips, credit cards, and unopened junk mail, adding to its versatility. The 5-gallon pull-out bin is convenient and keeps your workspace tidy, but if you have very heavy shredding needs, you might find yourself emptying it often. Safety is well thought out with a patented lock that disables the shredder, helping prevent accidents.

Fellowes shredders generally operate quietly enough for shared spaces. The size of the shredder is compact enough for deskside use without taking up too much room. This model weighs about 17 pounds, making it fairly portable if needed. This shredder is ideal for everyday personal or small office use where security and ease of use matter. If you regularly shred large volumes or need very long continuous run times, you might want to consider a higher-capacity model. For typical home or office document disposal, it balances speed, security, and safety well.

Rating
9.8
Run Time and Cool Down Time
Bin Capacity
Noise Level

Most important from
5549 reviews

Run Time and Cool Down Time
It runs without overheating quickly and hasn’t jammed, demonstrating reliable and consistent performance.
Bin Capacity
The removable pull-out bin is a standout feature, making it extremely easy to empty without heavy lifting or mess.
Noise Level
The shredder operates quietly and efficiently, with a fast feed that handles shredding tasks smoothly.
Additional Features
Handles staples, paper clips, and credit cards effortlessly, adding versatility beyond just paper shredding.

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.

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