10 Best Paper Shredders 2026 in the United States

The Amazon Basics 200-Sheet Auto Feed Cross Cut Paper Shredder is a solid choice if you need a reliable shredder for home or small office use. It uses cross-cut shredding, which cuts paper into small confetti-like pieces, meeting the high security level P-4 standard—ideal if you want to protect sensitive documents. The standout feature is its large automatic feed tray that can handle up to 200 sheets at once, saving you from constant reloads, plus a manual slot for 10 sheets. You won't have to worry about removing staples, which is convenient.

It can run continuously for 60 minutes on auto feed before needing a 45-minute cooldown, which is decent for its category but means heavy use requires some breaks. The pull-out bin holds 8.5 gallons, enough for a good amount of shredded paper before needing emptying, and LED indicators help you avoid jams or overfills. Controls are straightforward with options for auto, on, off, forward, and reverse, plus an anti-jam feature to reduce paper jams. It also has an energy-saving sleep mode and automatic motor shutoff for protection.

Its manual feed capacity is limited to 10 sheets, so for occasional non-batch shredding, it might feel a bit slow. Also, it cannot shred metallic items like credit cards, so you'll need a different device for that. At about 33 pounds and moderate size, it’s easy enough to place on or under a desk. This model is well suited for quick, high-volume paper shredding with strong security and automatic feeding, but users should be prepared to pause during extended use due to cooldown times.

The Amazon Basics 18 Sheet Cross Cut Shredder is a solid choice for home or small office use, especially if you need to shred paper, credit cards, and CDs. It offers a good sheet capacity, handling up to 18 sheets at once without needing to remove staples or small clips, which can save you time. The cross-cut style cuts documents into small confetti-like pieces, meeting security level P-3 standards, suitable for protecting sensitive information in everyday use.

This shredder can run continuously for up to 30 minutes before needing a 10-minute cooldown, which is helpful if you have lots of shredding to do but less suitable for heavy, nonstop shredding tasks. The 6-gallon bin is a decent size, letting you shred a fair amount before needing to empty it, and the window is handy for checking the fill level. Controls are straightforward with just three buttons and clear LED indicators to show power, overload, or if the door is open. A nice extra is the ability to shred credit cards and CDs, though these must be done one at a time through a special slot. The shredder’s size and weight are manageable for a stationary spot, and casters make it easier to move around if needed.

If you regularly shred large volumes, the required cool-down period might interrupt your workflow. While it handles staples and small clips, it is advisable to be cautious with larger or thicker materials. This shredder balances good capacity, security, and versatility at a reasonable price, making it well-suited for everyday home or office shredding but less ideal for heavy-duty or continuous heavy shredding.

The Amazon Basics Paper Shredder is designed for home and office use, offering a good balance of performance and convenience. It handles up to 15 sheets of paper at once, which is solid for everyday tasks like shredding bills, documents, or personal files. The cross-cut shredding creates small pieces, meeting P-4 security standards, so it effectively protects sensitive information. It can also shred CDs, DVDs, and credit cards one at a time, adding to its versatility.

Its run time allows continuous operation for 20 minutes before requiring a 20-minute cool down, which suits moderate shredding jobs rather than heavy, continuous use. The 6-gallon bin is fairly spacious, reducing how often you need to empty it. Features like anti-jam auto-reverse and LED indicators help prevent and manage common issues such as paper jams or overheating. Mobility is enhanced by casters, making it easy to move around an office or home workspace. The 8.7-inch-wide entry can handle a variety of paper sizes, including stapled or clipped sheets, adding convenience.

A limitation is that shredding CDs and credit cards is restricted to one at a time, which might slow down the destruction of multiple items. Additionally, the automatic shutoff and cool down may slow larger shredding tasks. This shredder represents a reliable choice for users needing solid security and moderate shredding capacity in a compact, mobile design, making it well suited for home users or small offices with regular but not heavy shredding demands.