Whether you’re a small business, a corporate organization, an educational institution, or a government office, you need to manage and destroy documents and media securely and efficiently. Paper shredders are an instrumental tool in this endeavor, and there are a variety of inexpensive paper shredders available. When wading through the options, consider features such as noise level, efficiency, security features, shredding capacity to make the best choice.
Trying to choose the best paper shredder can be time-consuming. In this shredder buying guide, we did the hard work for you and meticulously evaluated numerous models to choose the three top shredders for home, commercial, and heavy duty use. Below you will find a 2-minute overview of our picks to help you make the best choice.
3 Top Shredders Compared
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The Basics |
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Type of Use |
Personal/Deskside |
Mid-Sized Office |
Large Office |
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Noise Level |
Very Quiet < 55 db |
Quiet ≤ 60dB |
Very Quiet |
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Objects Shredded |
Paper Staples Paper Clips Credit Cards CDs/DVDs |
Paper Staples Paper Clips Credit Cards |
Paper Staples Paper Clips Credit Cards CDs/DVDs |
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Anti-Jam Features |
Reverse Button Auto-Reverse when Overloaded |
Auto-Reverse when Overloaded |
Reverse Button Auto-Reverse when Overloaded ECC Electronic Capacity Control |
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Technical Aspects |
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Safety Features |
User Lock Door Open Detection Reverse Function |
SafeSense Technology for Employees |
SPS Safety Package |
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Cost |
$ |
$$ |
$$$ |
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Shredding Type |
Cross Cut |
Micro Cut |
Cross Cut |
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Shredding Capacity |
12 Sheets |
300 Sheets (Auto) 8 Sheets (Manual) |
25-35 sheets |
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Security Level & Shred Size |
P-4 4mm x 28mm |
P-5 2.4mm x 15.9mm |
P-4 4mm x 40mm |
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Shred Speed |
12 Feet / Minute |
7 Feet / Minute |
18 feet / Minute |
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Waste Bin Capacity |
8.5 Gallons |
16 Gallons |
26 Gallons |
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Feed Opening |
9-1/2" |
9" |
10-1/4" |
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Pros/Cons |
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Pros |
Low maintenance Great security Fast shredding Quality brand |
Durable Automatic feeding Micro-cut security Long run time Reputable brand name |
Automatic oiler Free supplies included Large waste bin Limited lifetime warranty on blades CE, UL, CUL, GS Certified |
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Cons |
Higher investment for home use |
Can be noisy to some users Doesn’t shred CDs/DVDs |
Initial investment required |
Quick FAQs
What is better: cross cut or micro-cut shredder?
Cross cut and micro cut both make small particles of your papers, but micro cut are smaller, making it a better choice for security.
What's the difference between a shredder and a cross cut shredder?
Shredder is just a more general term. Strip cut, cross cut, and micro cut are all types of shredders and refer to the shredded particle size.
Are micro-cut shredders worth it?
Given how common identity theft is, yes, micro-cut (or at minimum, cross cut) shredders are worth it and recommended.
How much should I spend on a paper shredder?
That depends on your volume and shred needs. Are you shredding paper only or media too? Is it for the home where you will use it once a week or an office with multiple daily users?
What to look for when buying a paper shredder?
Security level, cut type, sheet capacity, noise level, safety features, what it will shred, daily users, and warranty are some of the key features to compare.
Buy Your Perfect Paper Shredder Today
Trying to find the best paper shredder can be challenging, but with these top three models, you’re set to make an informed decision based on your unique needs. The right shredder makes your document shredding easy.
Ready to buy a top shredder?
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