10 Best Paper Shredders 2025 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 Cross Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder is designed to meet the needs of both home and office users. This shredder uses cross-cut technology to chop up paper and credit cards into small pieces, approximately 0.2 x 1.2 inches, achieving a security level of P-3. This is suitable for documents containing sensitive but not highly confidential information. It can handle up to 12 sheets of paper at a time, along with staples and small paper clips, providing convenience and efficiency for medium-sized shredding tasks.

The shredder operates with a runtime of 9 minutes followed by a 30-minute cool down period to prevent overheating, which is decent for intermittent use but may be limiting for heavy-duty tasks. The automatic shut-off feature when it overheats adds a safety layer. The 5-gallon bin capacity minimizes the frequency of emptying, although users with high-volume shredding needs might find it insufficient. The unit includes a 4-mode control switch and LED status indicators, which enhance usability by providing clear operation statuses.

One noteworthy aspect is the quality inspection each unit undergoes, ensuring reliability, although users might find paper shreds inside the machine initially. The shredder is compact and lightweight, making it easy to fit into home or office spaces without being intrusive. Users should follow the guidelines provided in the user manual for optimal performance and longevity. Avoiding aerosol products around the shredder and not shredding metallic items are crucial precautions.