10 Best Quiet Paper Shredder 2025 in the United States

The Fellowes Powershred 99Ci is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quiet paper shredder, whether for home or office use. One of its standout features is its ultra-quiet operation, making it ideal for shared workspaces where noise can be a concern. With a sheet capacity of up to 18 sheets at once and the ability to shred various materials like staples, credit cards, and CDs, it offers versatility for different shredding needs.

Security is a major plus with the Powershred 99Ci, as it cuts paper into tiny cross-cut pieces, ensuring that sensitive documents are thoroughly destroyed with a security level of P-4. This is particularly beneficial for users who handle confidential information regularly. The 30-minute continuous run time allows for multiple jobs to be completed without interruption, although it does require some cool down afterward, which is worth noting if you have a large volume of shredding to do.

On the downside, while its 9-gallon bin capacity is decent, some users may find it fills up quickly if they're shredding a lot of paper, requiring frequent emptying. Additionally, although the SafeSense Protection feature enhances safety by stopping the shredder when hands come too close, it might be an issue for those who need to shred documents quickly without interruptions.

The Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Cross Cut Paper Shredder is a solid choice for home or small office use, particularly for those who prioritize security alongside quiet operation. Its cross-cut capabilities meet security level P-4 standards, ensuring that sensitive documents are shredded into tiny pieces, which is a strong advantage for users concerned about data privacy. The capacity to shred up to 8 sheets at once makes it convenient for moderate workloads, while it can also handle credit cards and small staples, adding versatility.

On the positive side, the shredder operates quietly, making it suitable for environments where noise is a concern. The 3.7-gallon bin allows for relatively less frequent emptying, and the LED indicators keep users informed about its status, which is user-friendly. Additionally, the overheating protection feature is beneficial for preventing damage during extended use, as the shredder automatically shuts off after three minutes of operation, requiring a cool-down period.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The run time of 3 minutes may limit larger shredding tasks, as heavy users might find it inadequate for high-volume shredding sessions. Also, being restricted to shredding one credit card at a time and not supporting metal cards may be a limitation for some users. Maintenance requires attention, as users need to avoid shredding certain items and be cautious with aerosol products near the unit.

This shredder is ideally suited for individuals or small offices that need a reliable, quiet shredder for light to moderate usage. It stands out for its security features and ease of use, but those with heavier shredding demands may want to explore models with longer run times and greater capacity.

The Fellowes Powershred 225Ci is designed for office environments where quiet, heavy-duty shredding is needed. It can shred up to 22 sheets at once, which is great for handling large tasks without frequent stops. It uses cross-cut shredding, chopping documents into small pieces for strong security, suitable for confidential papers. This model runs continuously thanks to its powerful motor, so you won’t have to wait for it to cool down during long shredding sessions. The large 16-gallon bin means less emptying, making it convenient for busy workplaces.

One of its standout features is the SafeSense technology, which automatically stops shredding if hands or pets get too close, adding an extra layer of safety. It also handles staples, credit cards, and even CDs, which adds to its versatility. The shredder is quiet during operation, helping maintain a peaceful office environment.

This model is quite heavy at over 80 pounds and has been discontinued by the manufacturer, which might make finding replacement parts or support harder in the future. Although it boasts a jam-proof system, very thick or unusual materials could still cause issues. Maintenance is relatively straightforward, but users should still keep the blades clean and lubricated to ensure smooth performance. The Fellowes Powershred 225Ci represents a reliable, secure, and quiet shredder option with a large capacity, well-suited for heavy use but potentially less ideal if you need a lightweight or currently supported model.