The Best Paper Shredders, Tested

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Explore some of the best paper shredder options for safely disposing of sensitive materials, including medical records, financial information, and private documents.

Paper shredders were once primarily used in business, government, and health care facilities where sensitive documents had to be destroyed to comply with privacy laws. But as identity theft concerns continue to rise, many people rely on paper shredders in personal spaces like home offices. These shredders dispose of private records, junk mail, and paper documents.

We tested a group of the most popular paper shredders in our home office, using them on documents, CDs, DVDs, and even some credit cards. We ranked them based on how thoroughly they destroyed sensitive materials as well as price, size, and capacity. Based on our results, the following models earned a spot on our lineup of the best paper shredders for most users.

1. BEST OVERALL: Aurora AU1210MA 12-Sheet Microcut Paper Shredder
2. RUNNER-UP: Fellowes 100% Jam-Proof Crosscut Paper Shredder
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Aurora AS420C 4-Sheet Crosscut Paper Shredder
4. HEAVY-DUTY PICK: Bonsaii 18-Sheet Heavy-Duty Paper Shredder
5. BEST HIGH-CAPACITY: Aurora AU2030XA 20-Sheet Crosscut Paper Shredder
6. BEST FOR HOME USE: Bonsen 8-Sheet Crosscut Paper Shredder
7. ALSO CONSIDER: Aurora AU870MA High-Security 8-Sheet Paper Shredder

How We Tested the Best Paper Shredders

Before choosing which paper shredders to test, we researched over 35 best-selling models. We looked at different price ranges and focused on models with high ratings and positive customer reviews. We gave extra consideration to the Aurora brand since it’s well known in the document-shredding world. Still, we did not automatically eliminate other brands if their models demonstrated excellent performance and were crafted with quality materials.

In actual testing, we shredded documents, letters, and paper products to observe how well each model handled the recommended maximum number of sheets. For models designed to destroy additional materials, we tested their capabilities using CDs, DVDs, and credit cards.

We measured noise levels using a decibel tester a few feet away from the operating machine. Additionally, we recorded any instances of jams and noted if the shredders automatically reversed and cleared the blockages. We also monitored and recorded overheating during testing.

We noted the waste bin size for each machine and evaluated for practicality and convenience. To assess performance objectively, we used a rubric to grade each model, awarding points based on efficiency and functionality. After testing, we averaged the scores to determine each model’s ideal application.

Our Top Picks

Ultimately, the best paper shredder for you will depend on what you need to shred and the level of security you’re looking for. The following list of paper shredders varies in cost and intended use, but each one earned its spot on our lineup by excelling in our hands-on tests.

Best Overall

Aurora AU1210MA 12-Sheet Microcut Paper Shredder

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With a P-4 security rating, the Aurora AU1210MA paper shredder transformed our documents into tiny confetti-like particles. (See the Security Level section below for an in-depth description of security ratings.) It effortlessly handled the manufacturer’s recommended 12-sheet paper stack without jamming, as well as CDs and credit cards. We even tested it by not removing staples from some papers, and it still operated without jamming.

We used a decibel tester and measured the noise level from a distance of 2 feet away while the shredder was running, and it produced a moderate 76.9 decibels—comparable to the noise level of a vacuum. It’s not silent, but neither is it annoyingly loud.

We wanted to test the machine’s advertised ability to clear jams, so we ran a stack of 20 sheets of paper through. The AU1210MA jammed as expected, but then it automatically reversed direction and cleared the blockage—we didn’t have to do anything. The Aurora showed no signs of overheating throughout about 1.5 hours of near-continuous testing.

This shredder has a generous 5-gallon waste bin that slides out from the front for convenient dumping. However, with its tall, narrow design and grinding head that weighs about 22 pounds, this unit is slightly top-heavy—a potential tipping hazard—warranting caution in households with small children who might attempt to climb on it. Overall, this is an excellent shredder for anyone looking for a high degree of security.

Read our full review: Aurora AU1210MA 12-Sheet Microcut Paper Shredder

Product Specs 

• Type: Microcut
• Page capacity: 12 sheets
• Security level: P-4
• Shreds: Paper, CDs, DVDs, credit cards, small paper clips

Pros

• High-security microcutting; renders tiny 5/32 inch long by 15/32 inch wide shreds
• Versatile operation; destroys CDs and DVDs in addition to shredding paper
• Auto-reverse feature senses paper jams and intuitively reverses to clear jams
• Slide-out 5-gallon bin holds ample waste, reducing the need for frequent dumping

Cons

• Top-heavy design may pose a tipping risk, particularly in households with small children

Get the Aurora 12-sheet paper shredder at Amazon or Walmart.

Runner-Up

Fellowes 100% Jam-Proof Crosscut Paper Shredder

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With a 16-sheet paper capacity, the Fellowes jam-proof shredder is efficient and effective. One standout feature is its quiet operation, measuring just 59.7 decibels on our decibel tester—a level comparable to normal conversation. This makes it ideal for shared work spaces where minimizing distractions is essential. Additionally, the oversize 6-gallon waste bin provides ample space for shredded materials, reducing the frequency of required emptying.

The Fellowes shredder comes with SafeSense technology, which immediately stopped the shredder when we touched the rim of the feeder opening with our hands. We really liked this feature because it offers peace of mind, especially in households with children or pets.

We pushed the shredder’s limits by shredding several old CDs and DVDs, and it didn’t miss a beat. We then attempted to shred a thicker-than-recommended stack of 22 sheets of paper, and it jammed. The auto-reverse function immediately took over, reversed the paper, and cleared the jam.

This is a powerful machine, but it overheated after about 25 minutes of sustained use. A warning light on the control panel came on, and we had to wait about 15 minutes before it cooled down sufficiently to resume testing. While this cooldown period might not be an issue for most users, it’s essential to be aware of it if you plan on prolonged shredding sessions.

In terms of design, the Fellowes shredder is slightly heftier than some competitors, weighing just over 28 pounds. While its size and weight make it slightly less portable, we found it to be durable and sturdy, making it an asset to any small or home office.

Product Specs 

• Type: Crosscut
• Paper capacity: 16 sheets
• Security level: P-4
• Shreds: Paper, CDs, DVDs, credit cards, small paper clips, staples

Pros

• Large 6-gallon collection bin reduces the need for frequent emptying
• SafeSense technology detects hands near the feeder and stops the machine
• Jam-proof system detects jams and reverses to clear away blockages

Cons

• At 28 pounds, the shredder is on the heavy side, so it’s best kept in a single location

Get the Fellowes paper shredder at Amazon, Walmart, or Sam’s Club.

Best Bang for the Buck

Aurora AS420C 4-Sheet Crosscut Paper Shredder

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The budget-friendly Aurora AS420C is a compact and convenient solution for light shredding needs. This model accommodates four sheets of paper at once, but it’s important to note it can handle only two letter-size sheets because you’ll need to fold the sheets lengthwise to fit into the machine’s feeder slot. Its lightweight design (about 6 pounds) makes it portable and easy to carry. While it effectively shreds credit cards, it cannot destroy CDs or DVDs.

An obvious limitation of this shredder is its runtime: It operated continuously for about 5 minutes before it overheated. Following this, it required a cooldown period of approximately 15 minutes before we could start testing again. Consequently, it likely won’t suit larger offices with heavier shredding needs. However, it is a practical solution for personal use or small home offices where you want to occasionally shred a paper or two.

We added two extra sheets of paper during testing, and the shredder jammed. Although the Aurora AS420C doesn’t have an auto-jam clearing function, we switched it into reverse, which brought the paper back out and cleared the jam. The Aurora AS420C comes with a 1.32-gallon waste bin, which is relatively small and necessitates more frequent emptying. However, its compact size makes it ideal for desktop use or storage on a shelf beside the printer. It boasts a P-3 security rating, which is sufficient protection for most sensitive documents.

Product Specs 

• Type: Crosscut
• Page capacity: 4 sheets
• Security level: P-3
• Shreds: Paper, credit cards

Pros

• Compact size makes it ideal for desktop use in small home offices
• Features a thermal protection mechanism that shuts the shredder off if overheating
• Includes a letter opener and detachable power cord for added versatility

Cons

• Small-capacity collection bin may make it necessary to empty the bin frequently
• Only operates continuously for a few minutes and then requires about 15 minutes to cool down
• Security level rating is not as high as the other shredders we tested

Get the Aurora 4-sheet paper shredder at Amazon or Walmart.

Heavy-Duty Pick

Bonsaii 18-Sheet Heavy-Duty Paper Shredder

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With an 18-sheet capacity, the Bonsaii shredder quickly destroys sensitive documents. The shredder comes with a generous 6-gallon waste bin, so we could shred dozens of sheets before emptying the bin. The Bonsaii also shredded CDs and credit cards without any issues.

We tested the Bonsaii continuously for about an hour, and in that time, it never overheated. We put our hands on the outside of the grinding head and felt some warmth, but the overheated light never came on—not even when we tried to run a stack of 25 sheets through. The overloaded sheets jammed the shredder, but the machine automatically reversed and cleared the jam. During testing, the noise level reached a comfortable 62.3 decibels, which we found very tolerable.

Initially, we had a little trouble getting the bin back into place after emptying. We thought we’d replaced it, but the machine would not run. It took about 10 minutes of troubleshooting to determine that the Bonsaii has a safety feature and the motor will not operate if the bin isn’t installed correctly. Though it wasn’t visibly out of place, we pushed the bin in firmly, and the machine turned back on.

We also ran into an issue when we inadvertently shredded some junk mail that included a return envelope with a plastic window. The heat from the grinding blades melted the plastic, resulting in a burnt plastic smell, and we had to scrape some plastic residue from the blades manually. To be fair, that was a user error, but likely one that others could easily make.

Overall, the Bonsaii paper shredder was impressive and durable—capable of handling heavy-duty shredding tasks. Its large waste bin, extended runtime, and jam-proof operation make it an excellent choice for busy office use.

Product Specs 

• Type: Crosscut
• Page capacity: 18 sheets
• Security level: P-4
• Shreds: Paper, CDs, DVDs, credit cards, small paper clips, staples

Pros

• Large 6-gallon capacity waste bin reduces the need for frequent emptying
• Accommodates up to 18 sheets of paper at once without jamming
• Auto reverses and clears paper jams on its own
• Destroys CDs, DVDs, and credit cards in addition to paper

Cons

• Waste bin must be pushed all the way in or the shredder will not run

Get the Bonsaii paper shredder at Amazon, Walmart, or Bonsaii.

Best High-Capacity

Aurora AU2030XA 20-Sheet Crosscut Paper Shredder

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The Aurora AU2030XA shredder quickly shreds high volumes of paper to a P-4 security level. With an impressive 20-sheet capacity, this shredder effortlessly handles large stacks of paper, making it ideal for busy work environments. It consistently performed well during our testing, ensuring secure and fast shredding of paper, CDs, DVDs, and credit cards.

One of the standout features of the AU2030XA is its jam-free operation. Even when we deliberately fed 30 sheets of paper, successfully jamming it, the shredder automatically reversed and cleared the jam. Another handy feature is its TouchGuard safety function: If we touched the metal strip at the mouth of the feeder while the machine was operating, the shredding immediately stopped.

The sizable 7-gallon waste bin provides plenty of space for shredded materials, reducing the frequency of required emptying and enhancing overall user convenience. Furthermore, the shredder operates quietly, reaching a noise level of only 62 decibels, ensuring a relatively noise-free work environment. This is a pretty beefy office machine, weighing almost 42 pounds, but it comes with optional castor wheels that can make it more portable if desired.

Product Specs

• Type: Crosscut
• Page capacity: 20 sheets
• Security level: P-4
• Shreds: Paper, credit cards, CDs, DVDs, small paper clips, staples

Pros

• Impressive 20-sheet capacity for fast and efficient bulk shredding
• Automatic paper-jam protection; machine stops, reverses, and clears jams
• TouchGuard safety sensor detects hands near the feeder and stops the machine
• Quiet operation (62 decibels) won’t bother other workers or family members

Cons

• Heavy at 41.89 pounds, although it comes with optional caster wheels for portability

Get the Aurora 20-sheet paper shredder at Amazon, Walmart, or Office Depot.

Best for Home Use

Bonsen 8-Sheet Crosscut Paper Shredder

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The Bonsen eight-sheet crosscut paper shredder is a semi-compact practical shredding solution for home use. With an eight-sheet capacity, this shredder handles moderate amounts of paper, making it suitable for personal and small home office needs. During our testing, it demonstrated consistent and reliable performance, effectively shredding documents and sensitive materials.

The Bonsen handled an eight-sheet stack quickly, but it jammed when we added just one more sheet. Since it doesn’t feature an automatic jam-clearing function, we had to manually switch it into reverse mode, which brought the stack back up and out and cleared the jam. We also noticed it tended to overheat within about 7 to 9 minutes, requiring 15 minutes to cool down.

This shredder registered 64 decibels on our tester—pretty good for helping maintain a relatively quiet work environment. It has a security rating