The 7 Best Paper Shredders in 2025

The Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Jam-Proof Shredder stands out remarkably in the Best Overall category thanks to its robust multifunctional capabilities. One shining feature is its impressive capacity to handle up to 18 sheets simultaneously, allowing you to shred not just paper but staples, credit cards, and even CDs/DVDs seamlessly. This makes it a fantastic choice for both home offices and larger business settings.

Its Level P-4 security grade ensures that your confidential documents are turned into highly secure cross-cut particles, providing peace of mind when disposing of sensitive information. Additionally, the SafeSense Protection adds an extra layer of safety, deactivating the machine automatically if fingers or paws come close to the shred opening.

One notable feature is its 30-minute run time, facilitating continuous shredding sessions without needing frequent breaks. While the 9-gallon bin is fairly standard, it is complemented by a convenient LED indicator. The shredder's ultra-quiet operation is a significant plus, making it an ideal choice for shared workspaces. Overall, Fellowes has crafted a powerful and reliable shredder that meets a wide range of business needs.

When it comes to high-capacity shredders, the Aurora AU405MA Micro-Cut Shredder truly stands out with its efficient automatic shredding feature and robust capabilities. Designed to tackle up to 400 sheets via its automatic shredding function, it offers an impressive capacity for those with larger volumes of paper to dispose of. The manual option accommodates up to 10 sheets, making it versatile for various shredding needs.

This shredder excels in security, turning documents into confetti-like particles, exceeding standard cross-cut models and meeting the revered P-5 security level. It ensures your sensitive information remains confidential with ease. Its continuous 240-minute run time and anti-jam auto-reverse enhance its performance, ensuring seamless operation without frequent interruptions. Additionally, it operates with a quiet hum, facilitating a peaceful environment even during extended sessions.

The thoughtful design extends to its energy efficiency via Auto Power-Sleep and a substantial 14-gallon bin that includes convenient LED indicators. It’s a compelling choice for high-capacity needs.

The Locksworth AZ1688 Micro-Cut Shredder comfortably earns its place in the 'Best High-Security' category with an impressive P-5 security level. This high-performance shredder transforms sensitive documents into minuscule pieces, providing peace of mind that your confidential information is safe from identity theft and fraud. The ability to shred up to 200 sheets automatically significantly boosts efficiency, tearing through paperwork with minimal manual intervention.

Though the AZ1688 boasts an 8.5-gallon pull-out bin, what really stands out is its user-friendly portability, thanks to smooth-rolling casters, making relocation a breeze. Plus, its ample capacity means less frequent emptying, which naturally enhances productivity. Noteworthy is its non-stop shredding capacity—60 minutes automatically and 30 minutes manually—alongside a reliable anti-jam function that manages interruptions with ease.

In terms of longevity, the thermal protection mechanism sets this shredder apart, ensuring it remains cool under pressure. While some features are more standard, like its manual shredding limit of 10 sheets, it’s the exceptional security and continuous operation that truly make the Locksworth AZ1688 a top pick.

The Amazon Basics 6-Sheet Shredder stands out in the 'Best Budget-Friendly' category, offering an excellent balance of cost and functionality. For those seeking a reliable paper shredder without breaking the bank, this model presents an appealing option. Its capacity to shred up to six sheets of paper at a time, along with credit cards, small paper clips, and staples, makes it versatile for everyday home or small office use.

One of its key features is the crosscut shredding capability, ensuring documents are shredded into small bits for enhanced security. The shredder also includes auto start and thermal protection to prevent overheating, reinforcing its user-friendly design. A manual reverse function helps clear potential paper jams, adding to its reliability.

While it excels in providing essential features, some might find its six-sheet capacity and minimalistic design average compared to more high-end models. Nonetheless, considering its price point, it's a great choice for users focused on cost-efficiency.

The Aurora AU820MA Micro-Cut Shredder stands out in the 'Best Compact' category, combining efficiency and safety in a neat package. Its micro-cut capabilities allow it to shred up to 8 sheets at once, which is quite impressive for such a compact model, making it perfect for anyone needing to handle sensitive information. Furthermore, its ability to handle CDs and credit cards adds an extra layer of versatility, proving this shredder is much more than a simple paper muncher.

In terms of safety, the "ShredSafe" feature offers peace of mind by automatically powering off if it detects forced entry, a great assurance in preventing unwanted accidents. Its continuous shredding capability for up to five minutes without a hitch ensures it meets the demands of everyday use in home or small office settings. Though its 4.8-gallon wastebasket might fill up quickly, especially with bulk jobs, the trade-off for its compact size is one many are willing to accept. Overall, the Aurora AU820MA impresses with its high security level, user-friendly features, and reliable performance, securing its place in the compact category spotlight.

The Fellowes LX22M Micro-Cut Shredder certainly stands out in the 'Best Design' category with its thoughtful and user-friendly features. One of the most notable aspects of its design is the Efficiency Meter, a clever addition that guides users by showing the optimal number of sheets that can be shredded simultaneously. This feature not only enhances the shredding experience but also protects the machine from potential overuse, thus extending its lifespan.

Another highlight is the Bin Full Indicator, which conveniently alerts you when it's time to empty the securely fitted pull-out wastebin. This bin can hold up to 750 shredded sheets, which is a major plus for busy environments. The shredder's design also incorporates mobility, with wheels that make it easy to move around as needed.

While the shredder does require occasional oiling for optimal performance and a cooldown period after 30 minutes of continuous use, these are fairly standard for devices of this type. Overall, the Fellowes LX22M captures the essence of practical design, combining efficiency with security and ease of use.

When it comes to handling the shredding needs of a typical household, the Aurora AU1230XA Anti-Jam Shredder shines as a practical and reliable choice. One of its standout features is the ability to crosscut up to 12 sheets at once, making it a convenient option for those dealing with moderate volumes of paper. This shredder doesn't just stop at paper; its capacity to destroy credit cards and small paper clips adds another layer of versatility.

The anti-jam auto-reverse mechanism is a thoughtful addition that boosts its user-friendliness, allowing for smooth operation without the hassle of manually clearing out jams. With a nonstop 5-minute continuous run time, it efficiently caters to everyday shredding tasks, while the overload and thermal protection keep it running smoothly and safely.

While the security level P-3 might be fairly average for those in need of high-security shredding, it is more than adequate for typical household use. The 5.2-gallon wastebasket, complemented by LED indicator lights, is a practical feature that ensures you won’t have to empty it too frequently. Overall, the Aurora AU1230XA combines effective performance with user-friendly features to make it a great addition to any home office.