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6 Best Royal Paper Shredders 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Royal PX1201 Cross-Cut Paper Shredder

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,284
Shred Type
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time

Most important from
303 reviews

Shred Type
The bin pulls out easily, and the shredded paper is the expected size, though it's best not to overfill it to avoid making a mess.
Sheet Capacity
While the shredder is decent and offers good value for the price, it's best not to put in the maximum 12 sheets at once to avoid straining the motor.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
For heavy use, like shredding 12 years of receipts and tax returns, the shredder performed well with only a few jams, though it needed to cool down periodically.
Noise Level
The new Royal shredder is delightfully quiet and works just as well as the old one, which had been reliable for several years.
Additional Features
The shredder handles credit cards well, but CDs require using the reverse and forward buttons several times.

The Royal PX1201 Cross-Cut Paper Shredder is a medium-duty shredder that comes with several practical features. One of its strong suits is its ability to shred up to 12 sheets in a single pass, which is quite efficient for home or small office use. Additionally, it handles credit cards, making it versatile for different shredding needs. The cross-cut type ensures a higher level of security by turning documents into 5/32' x 1 1/4' shreds, which makes it difficult for anyone to piece together the shredded documents. This is beneficial for maintaining privacy and preventing identity theft.

The shredder comes with a 5.28-gallon bin capacity, which is decent for its size and means you won't need to empty it too frequently. It also operates relatively quietly, so it won't be too disruptive in an office setting. The shred type and security level are quite suitable for sensitive documents, but it may not meet the highest security standards for extremely confidential information. Additionally, users might find the 15-pound weight a bit heavy if they need to move it around frequently.

The product dimensions are compact enough, making it easy to fit into small spaces. It has been on the market since 2011, so it may lack some of the latest technological advancements found in more recent models. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Royal PX1201 provides reliable shredding performance for its category.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,284
Shred Type
Sheet Capacity
Run Time and Cool Down Time

Most important from
303 reviews

Shred Type
The bin pulls out easily, and the shredded paper is the expected size, though it's best not to overfill it to avoid making a mess.
Sheet Capacity
While the shredder is decent and offers good value for the price, it's best not to put in the maximum 12 sheets at once to avoid straining the motor.
Run Time and Cool Down Time
For heavy use, like shredding 12 years of receipts and tax returns, the shredder performed well with only a few jams, though it needed to cool down periodically.
Noise Level
The new Royal shredder is delightfully quiet and works just as well as the old one, which had been reliable for several years.
Additional Features
The shredder handles credit cards well, but CDs require using the reverse and forward buttons several times.
#2

Royal 95001G 126X 12-Sheet Crosscut Paper Shredder

Rating
10.0
Bin Capacity

Most important from
28 reviews

Bin Capacity
The design allows for easy maintenance, as the basket slides out effortlessly for emptying without needing to remove the top.

The Royal 95001G 126X Paper Shredder is designed for users who need a reliable and versatile shredding machine. With a 12-sheet shredding capacity, it can handle multiple sheets of paper at once, as well as credit cards, staples, and small paper clips, making it convenient for office use. The cross-cut shredding mechanism ensures that documents are shredded into small 5/32 in. x 1-1/4 in. pieces, providing a good level of security for sensitive information.

Additionally, the auto start/stop feature and thermal overload protection add to its convenience and safety, making it user-friendly and durable. The shredder comes with a 5-gallon bin, which is capable of holding a considerable amount of shredded material before needing to be emptied, reducing the frequency of maintenance. The shredder is relatively compact with dimensions of 13.75 x 10 x 18.25 inches and weighs 17.42 pounds, which should fit comfortably in most office spaces.

This shredder is an excellent option for small to medium-sized offices that require a balance of performance, security, and convenience in their paper shredding tasks.

Rating
10.0
Bin Capacity

Most important from
28 reviews

Bin Capacity
The design allows for easy maintenance, as the basket slides out effortlessly for emptying without needing to remove the top.
#3

Royal 14-Sheet MicroCut Shredder (MC14MX)

Rating
9.9
Sheet Capacity
Security Level
Noise Level

Most important from
477 reviews

Sheet Capacity
The shredder handles large stacks of paper efficiently, even exceeding its stated capacity without significant issues.
Security Level
The micro-cut feature provides excellent security, producing tiny shreds that make it nearly impossible to reconstruct documents.
Noise Level
This shredder is impressively quiet, making only a slight tinkling noise compared to the loud racket of other shredders.
Additional Features
The wheels and pull-out basket are convenient features, making it easy to move and empty the shredder.

The Royal 14-Sheet MicroCut Shredder (MC14MX) is a solid choice for those needing an efficient and secure shredder for home or office use. One of its major strengths is its ability to handle up to 14 sheets of paper in one pass, which is quite high and can save time for users with large shredding jobs. The micro-cut feature ensures that documents are shredded into very small pieces, enhancing security and making it appropriate for sensitive information disposal.

Additionally, it can shred CDs and DVDs, adding versatility for users who need to dispose of more than just paper and credit cards. The pull-out basket is a user-friendly feature that makes emptying the shredded materials easy and mess-free. With an 8.5-gallon bin capacity, this shredder can hold a significant amount of waste, reducing the frequency of emptying.

The shredder's auto start/stop feature adds convenience and ease of use. This shredder is best suited for those who need a reliable, high-capacity shredder with robust security features.

Rating
9.9
Sheet Capacity
Security Level
Noise Level

Most important from
477 reviews

Sheet Capacity
The shredder handles large stacks of paper efficiently, even exceeding its stated capacity without significant issues.
Security Level
The micro-cut feature provides excellent security, producing tiny shreds that make it nearly impossible to reconstruct documents.
Noise Level
This shredder is impressively quiet, making only a slight tinkling noise compared to the loud racket of other shredders.
Additional Features
The wheels and pull-out basket are convenient features, making it easy to move and empty the shredder.

Buying Guide for the Best Royal Paper Shredders

When choosing a paper shredder, it's important to consider your specific needs and the environment in which the shredder will be used. Whether you need a shredder for personal use, a home office, or a large business, understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision. The right shredder will ensure your documents are securely destroyed, protecting sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. Here are the key specifications to consider when selecting a paper shredder.
Shred TypeThe shred type refers to how the paper is cut by the shredder. There are three main types: strip-cut, cross-cut, and micro-cut. Strip-cut shredders cut paper into long, narrow strips and are the least secure. Cross-cut shredders cut paper into small pieces, providing a higher level of security. Micro-cut shredders offer the highest security by cutting paper into tiny particles. If you need to destroy highly sensitive documents, a micro-cut shredder is the best choice. For general use, a cross-cut shredder is usually sufficient.
Sheet CapacitySheet capacity indicates how many sheets of paper the shredder can handle at once. This is important because it affects how quickly you can shred documents. Shredders with a low sheet capacity (5-10 sheets) are suitable for personal or occasional use. Medium capacity shredders (10-20 sheets) are ideal for small offices or moderate use. High capacity shredders (20+ sheets) are designed for heavy use in larger offices. Consider how much paper you need to shred regularly to determine the appropriate sheet capacity for your needs.
Run Time and Cool Down TimeRun time refers to how long the shredder can operate continuously before needing to cool down. Cool down time is the period the shredder needs to rest before it can be used again. Shredders with short run times (2-5 minutes) and long cool down times (20-40 minutes) are suitable for light, occasional use. For more frequent use, look for shredders with longer run times (10-30 minutes) and shorter cool down times (10-20 minutes). Continuous run shredders are available for heavy-duty use, allowing for non-stop shredding without the need for cool down periods.
Bin CapacityBin capacity refers to the volume of shredded paper the shredder's waste bin can hold. A larger bin capacity means you won't have to empty the bin as frequently. Small bin capacities (1-5 gallons) are suitable for personal or light use. Medium bin capacities (5-10 gallons) are ideal for small offices. Large bin capacities (10+ gallons) are designed for heavy use in larger offices. Consider how often you want to empty the bin and the volume of paper you typically shred to choose the right bin capacity.
Security LevelSecurity level is determined by the size of the shredded particles and is classified by the DIN 66399 standard. Levels range from P-1 to P-7, with P-1 being the least secure and P-7 being the most secure. For general documents, a P-3 or P-4 shredder is usually sufficient. For confidential or sensitive documents, a P-5 or higher shredder is recommended. If you need to destroy highly classified or top-secret documents, a P-7 shredder is necessary. Assess the sensitivity of the documents you need to shred to determine the appropriate security level.
Noise LevelNoise level is an important consideration, especially if the shredder will be used in a shared or quiet environment. Shredders are typically measured in decibels (dB). Lower noise levels (below 60 dB) are ideal for quiet environments like home offices or shared workspaces. Medium noise levels (60-70 dB) are acceptable for most office environments. Higher noise levels (above 70 dB) may be disruptive in quiet settings but are often acceptable in larger, noisier office environments. Consider where the shredder will be used and choose a noise level that won't be disruptive.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features can enhance the functionality and convenience of a shredder. Some common features include auto-feed, which allows you to load a stack of paper for automatic shredding; jam-proof technology, which prevents paper jams; and safety features like automatic shut-off when hands are too close to the feed opening. Consider which features are important to you based on your shredding needs and preferences. These features can make the shredding process more efficient and user-friendly.

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