10 Best Cross Cut Shredder 2026 in the United States

The Amazon Basics 18 Sheet Cross Cut Shredder is a versatile and strong performer in its category. It can handle up to 18 sheets of paper at once, which is quite efficient for home or small office use. You don’t need to worry about removing staples or small paper clips, as it can shred those too, along with CDs, DVDs, and credit cards through a dedicated slot.

The shredder has a decent run time of 30 minutes before needing a 10-minute cool down, which is adequate for periodic shredding tasks but could be limiting for extensive use. It meets the P-3 security level, turning paper into small confetti-like pieces, providing a good standard of security for most sensitive documents. The 6-gallon bin capacity is ample, reducing the frequency of emptying, and the window allows you to see when it’s full.

This shredder also features useful controls and status indicators for ease of use. However, at 24.4 pounds, it’s relatively heavy, though the included casters help with mobility. Quality testing ensures reliability, but you might find some paper shreds from pre-shipping tests. This shredder is a solid choice for those needing robust shredding capabilities.

The Fellowes Powershred 325Ci is a robust commercial-grade shredder with a high sheet capacity, allowing you to shred up to 22 sheets per pass. This makes it suitable for heavy-duty use in an office setting or for individuals who require frequent shredding. The continuous duty motor is particularly advantageous as it supports non-stop shredding, eliminating the need for cooling down periods, which is a common inconvenience with other models.

The security level is P-4, meaning it shreds documents into small enough particles to protect sensitive information effectively. The shredder includes a substantial 22-gallon bin, reducing the frequency of emptying and featuring an LED indicator to signal when the bin is full, adding convenience to its use. The 100% Jam Proof System is a significant strength, ensuring a smooth shredding process without interruptions. Additionally, SafeSense Technology adds an extra layer of security by stopping the shredder if hands touch the paper opening, which is a beneficial safety feature.

On the downside, the shredder may be slightly noisy, which can be a distraction in quiet office environments. Also, the size and commercial nature might be overkill for home use or smaller offices. The packaging clearly indicates the content, which might be a privacy concern for some buyers. The Fellowes Powershred 325Ci excels in shredding performance, security, and capacity, making it an excellent choice for high-volume shredding needs.

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.