10 Best Inexpensive Paper Shredders 2025 in the United States

The Amazon Basics 18-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder is a versatile and efficient choice for those looking to securely dispose of sensitive documents, CDs, DVDs, and credit cards. Its cross-cut design shreds paper into small confetti-like pieces, meeting P-3 security standards, making it suitable for most home and small office needs. With a high sheet capacity, it can handle up to 18 sheets of paper at once, including staples and small paper clips, adding convenience to your shredding tasks. Additionally, it has a dedicated slot for shredding CDs, DVDs, and credit cards one at a time, which broadens its usability.

The shredder boasts a 30-minute run time with a necessary 10-minute cool down period, protecting the motor from overheating by automatically shutting off if it exceeds the maximum run time. This feature ensures durability but may be a drawback for continuous, heavy-duty shredding sessions. The 6-gallon bin capacity with a viewing window allows for fewer trips to empty the bin and easier monitoring of the fill level. This shredder also comes with safety features such as LED status indicators and three push-button controls, enhancing user safety and operational ease.

At 24.44 pounds, it may be bulkier than some other models, but its attached casters offer mobility around the office or home. While it has been quality tested by the manufacturer, resulting in some pre-existing paper shreds in the bin, this assures a tested and reliable product. Though it might not be the quietest option, and the noise level could be a consideration for noise-sensitive environments, it combines security, capacity, and convenience at an affordable price, with some limitations in terms of continuous use and noise level.

The Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder is a budget-friendly option that meets the key needs for an inexpensive paper shredder. It uses a cross-cut method to shred paper and credit cards into small pieces (0.2 x 0.7 inches), achieving a security level of P-4, which is suitable for most personal or small office needs. With a sheet capacity of up to 8 sheets of 20-pound bond paper at a time, it also handles credit cards (one at a time), staples, and small paper clips, offering versatility.

Its 3-minute runtime is adequate for small shredding jobs, although the 30-minute cool down period might be a drawback for heavy use, as it requires frequent breaks to avoid overheating. The shredder features a 3.7-gallon bin, which is relatively easy to empty but might require frequent disposal if used regularly. Safety features include overheating protection and an automatic shutoff when the maximum runtime is exceeded, reducing the risk of damage. The shredder operates with a 4-mode control switch and LED status indicators, which provide clear information on power, overheat, and overload status.

It's important to note that metal credit cards should not be shredded, and aerosol products should be kept away from the unit. The shredder has a compact design (12.8 x 7.32 x 14.9 inches) and weighs 8.7 pounds, making it suitable for small spaces.

The Bonsaii 6-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper Shredder is a solid choice for home and small office use if you're looking for an affordable, high-security shredder. It offers P-4 level security, which means it shreds documents into very small pieces (5/32 x 15/32 inches), ensuring your personal information remains safe. Supporting up to 6 sheets at a time, it can also handle credit cards, staples, and paper clips, which adds to its versatility and convenience. Despite its compact size, it includes a 3.4-gallon bin with a transparent window, making it easy to see when it’s time to empty it.

This shredder is user-friendly, featuring auto start/stop and a manual reverse function that helps clear paper jams effortlessly. Additionally, the overheating and overloading thermal protection system helps prolong the machine's life and enhance safety.

The 6-sheet capacity might be limiting if you have larger shredding tasks, and the bin capacity, though sufficient for home use, could fill up quickly in a busier office setting. With a customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 58,000 reviews, it’s clear that many users are satisfied with it. If your shredding needs are moderate and security is a priority, this Bonsaii shredder is a commendable option.