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The Best Paper Shredders To Dispose of Confidential Documents

Rising Tech Review Team
Written By Rising Tech Review Team
Last updated: Apr 1, 2025, 12:29 PM
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highest-rated paper shredder

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If you’re looking to protect your privacy, you’ve probably considered buying a paper shredder. A good shredder is essential for effectively destroying any documents or items that contain sensitive information, like bank statements or tax forms.

In this post, we’ll review the top paper shredders of 2025 and provide information on features, specifications, and more. We’ll also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about paper shredders, like what type is best for home use, how long they last, and how to clean them. Whether you need a low-cost shredder for occasional use or a heavy-duty shredder to ensure all your sensitive documents stay secure, we’ve got you covered.

View all Contents
  • Buying Guide: Paper Shredders
    • Factors To Consider Before Purchasing a Paper Shredder
    • Tips To Maintain a Paper Shredder
    • Benefits of Using a Paper Shredder
  • People Also Asked
  • Your Trust, Our Core Commitment
  • Contributors
  • Related Reads

Our Top Picks

  • Bonsaii Paper Shredder: Best Overall (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this paper shredders ↓
  • Amazon Basics Paper Shredder: Most Durable (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this paper shredders ↓
  • Aurora Paper Shredder: Most Quiet (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this paper shredders ↓
  • BONSEN Paper Shredder: Best Features (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this paper shredders ↓
  • Fellowes Paper Shredder: Most Efficient (Shop Now) →
    Read more about this paper shredders ↓

Detailing the Finest Paper Shredders of 2025

Bonsaii Paper Shredder

Best Overall
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The Bonsaii Paper Shredder is the perfect choice for home offices that need heavy-duty shredding capabilities. This shredder can easily shred up to 10 sheets of paper, along with staples and credit cards. It also features a 5.5-gallon wastebasket capacity and a transparent window, so you can easily see when it’s full and won’t accidentally jam it up. A notable feature of this shredder is its easy operation and safe protection. The light indicator will let you know when to shut off the machine, while the overheating protection will help extend the machine’s lifetime. 

Additionally, it has a five-minute continuous running time and 40 minutes of cool-down time for your convenience. For peace of mind, this pick comes with a one-year limited warranty. So if you ever have any issues or questions, their professional customer service team is available 24 hours a day to help you troubleshoot. With its powerful 10-sheet capacity, large wastebasket capacity, easy operation and safety protection features, and warranty, this pick is the best overall option on our list. 

Why It’s a Best-Seller
  • Low-profile design fits in any space 
  • Safety features prevent overheating and shutdown 
  • Cross-cut shredding for extra security 
What to Note
  • May slow with four sheets of paper

Amazon Basics Paper Shredder

Most Durable
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The Amazon Basics Paper Shredder is a great way to keep confidential documents secure. The cross-cut shredder can effortlessly shred up to six sheets of paper and even credit cards, paper clips, and staples, so you can rest assured that your sensitive information won’t fall into the wrong hands. It features an auto start and thermal protection function to ensure safe use and prevent overheating. In addition, if any papers get jammed up during shredding, you can simply press the manual reverse button to clear it.

The product is made with durable materials for long-lasting performance. With its useful design and 4.1-gallon capacity, it’s perfect for use in both home offices and small businesses. It’s also lightweight and compact enough for convenient portability providing effortless storage and effortless moving between rooms or offices. 

Why It’s a Best-Seller
  • Compact design with an eight-sheet feed rate 
  • Operates for three minutes at a time
  • Ideal for personal or small office use 
What to Note
  • Loud during operation

Aurora Paper Shredder

Most Quiet
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The Aurora Paper Shredder offers exceptional security for disposing of confidential documents. Its micro-cut shredding technology cuts paper, CDs, DVDs, and credit cards into tiny pieces measuring 0.16 by 0.49 inches to ensure no personal information is recognizable. The machine has a high sheet capacity of up to 12 sheets at once, making it easy to quickly shred large batches in a short amount of time. The energy-efficient motor also runs for up to 60 minutes continuously, so you can be sure your sensitive information is secure. 

The anti-jamming auto-reverse technology that it features clears paper jams with ease while its ultra-quiet operation allows you to keep any unwanted attention away. LED indicator lights on the 5.0-gallon pullout bin let you know when it’s full, overloaded, or if the door is open. This pick has an intuitive design and its compact size means it takes up minimal desktop space, so it’s ideal for small spaces.

Why It’s a Best-Seller
  • Shreds up to 12 pages at a time 
  • Can handle credit cards and CDs/DVDs
  • Large bin capacity of 5 gallons 
What to Note
  • Plastic parts may be flimsy

BONSEN Paper Shredder

Best Features
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The BONSEN Paper Shredder is a powerful and convenient tool for properly shredding confidential documents. The eight-sheet capacity allows you to quickly shred up to 192 sheets of paper in just five minutes, making it ideal for home office or heavy-duty use. Not only that, but it can also quickly destroy staples, paper clips, credit cards, and other mail with a P-4 security level. The 4-gallon bin holds up to 210 sheets of shredded A4 paper, reducing the need for frequent emptying. The transparent window also makes it easy to see when the bin is full.

This shredder has four simple switch modes, FWD/AUTO/OFF/REV, for easy operation and a manual reverse function to clear paper jams with ease. Safety protection features such as an overheating protection system help prevent machine damage while auto stop when the shredder’s head is lifted ensures safety for users. Despite its powerful motor, the shredder operates quietly with a maximum noise level of only 60 decibels. With its compact size, this product not only fits under most desks but can also save valuable space in your home office. 

Why It’s a Best-Seller
  • Versatile for shredding paper, cards, and staples
  • Adequate-sized bin with transparent window
  • The switch changes color when overheated
What to Note
  • Noisier than some other models

Fellowes Paper Shredder

Most Efficient
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The Fellowes Paper Shredder is the perfect tool for home and office use. This machine offers superior security with its cross-cut destruction system, effectively shredding nine sheets of paper at a time into small 0.16 x 1.38-inch particles — suitable for security level P-4. In addition to paper, this model shreds staples, paper clips, and credit cards, ensuring added protection for your privacy. The shredder operates quietly, producing minimal noise which ensures fewer distractions in shared workspaces or at home. 

With a maximum continuous run time of five minutes, this unit can handle large document shredding tasks with ease. A 30-minute cool-down period is required after each period of five minutes to protect the machine from overheating. Safety has been carefully considered in the design of this product; it comes equipped with a patented safety lock that disables the machine when not needed. This additional feature provides extra protection to people and pets alike.

Why It’s a Best-Seller
  • Successfully handles 4-inch thick papers 
  • Does not overheat often
  • Handles staples and credit cards 
What to Note
  • Motor may groan when feeding multiple sheets

Buying Guide: Paper Shredders

In this day and age, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. With almost one-third of Americans having been the victim of identity theft, it’s clear that taking steps to safeguard your data is an absolute must. That’s where paper shredders come in — by securely disposing of sensitive documents, they can help keep your personal information out of the wrong hands. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? In this buyer’s guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pick the perfect paper shredder for your needs.

Factors To Consider Before Purchasing a Paper Shredder

Shredding capacity

When looking for a paper shredder, it’s important to consider the amount of paper it can handle in one pass-through. Choose a paper shredder that can shred a larger number of pages in one go, as this will be more efficient and cost-effective in the long run. 

Shredding speed

The speed of the paper shredder is also an important factor to take into consideration as this will affect how quickly documents will be destroyed. Look for models that offer faster speeds so that large batches of documents can be shredded quickly and efficiently.

Jam prevention

Paper shredders can often get jammed when too many sheets are being fed into them at once. To avoid this issue, choose a model with jam-prevention technology so that documents are shredded quickly and easily without interruption. 

Security level

One of the most important aspects to consider when looking for a paper shredder is the security level it offers. For example, P-2 paper shredders are suitable for personal documents while P-3 are suitable for documents containing sensitive information or financial records. 

Basket or bin capacity

The trash bin or basket capacity should also be taken into account when choosing a paper shredder. The overall capacity of the bin should accommodate all of your shredded documents without needing to be emptied frequently. Typically, a shredder with a bin capacity of around 5-10 gallons is suitable for home or small office use. For medium to large offices with higher shredding volumes, a bin capacity of 20 gallons or more may be necessary. 

Tips To Maintain a Paper Shredder

Regular cleaning

Clean your shredder on a regular basis to prevent paper dust and debris from accumulating. Turn off the shredder and unplug it before cleaning. Use a soft cloth or a cleaning brush to remove dust or paper particles from the blades, cutting heads, and feed openings. Avoid using liquids or abrasive materials.

Proper use

Use the shredder within its specified capacity. Overloading the shredder can strain the motor and cause it to overheat or malfunction. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the number of sheets or the maximum thickness of paper that the shredder can handle.

Remove staples and paper clips

Before feeding documents into the shredder, remove any staples, paper clips, or other non-paper items. These can damage the shredder blades and reduce their efficiency. Consider using a staple remover or paper clip remover to safely detach them. Some models may be equipped to handle these metal objects, but you’ll need to check the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Cool-down period

If you have been shredding a large amount of paper continuously, give your shredder a break as recommended by the manufacturer. Continuous use without a cool-down period can cause the motor to overheat.

Avoid shredding adhesive labels or sticky notes

Adhesive labels, sticky notes, or other sticky materials can accumulate on the shredder blades, reducing their effectiveness. Avoid shredding such items to prevent jamming and damage.

Benefits of Using a Paper Shredder

Confidentiality and privacy

Shredding documents ensures the confidentiality and privacy of the information they contain. Whether it’s personal records, business documents, or client information, shredding helps maintain the secrecy of sensitive data.

Compliance with data protection regulations

Many industries and organizations are subject to data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the healthcare sector. Properly shredding documents helps organizations comply with these regulations and avoid legal and financial penalties.

People Also Asked

What makes a good paper shredder?

A good paper shredder should be able to effectively destroy confidential documents and have the capability to shred large volumes of paper. It should also have multiple cutting heads, a sheet capacity appropriate for your needs, and adjustable settings that allow for different levels of cross-cut shredding.

What should I consider before buying a paper shredder?

Before purchasing a paper shredder, consider the size and type of documents you are planning to shred, the frequency with which it will be used, and your budget. Additionally, other important factors include the type and size of the cutting head, noise level, jam and overload protection features, safety features, and portability options.

How much does a good paper shredder cost?

The price of a quality paper shredder typically ranges from $40 to $500, depending on the features listed above. 

What safety features are available for paper shredders?

Most paper shredders have safety features to help prevent injury while operating or setting up the machine. These features typically include an automatic shut-off when overheated or when hands get too close to the blades, as well as a blade guard for additional protection. 

What can I shred in a paper shredder?

Most paper shredders can handle standard letter-sized documents as well as large sheets such as newspapers, magazines, and catalogs. Some models may also be able to handle CDs or DVDs, credit cards, and other small items. 

Are there any special features I should look for in a paper shredder?

Yes — some special features to look for in a paper shredder include an automatic reverse button that allows stuck papers to be released without having to manually open up the shredding mechanism. Additionally, many models offer jam-proof or overheating protection to prevent motor damage in case too much paper is fed into the machine at once. 

Should I do maintenance on my paper shredder?

Yes, it is important to regularly clean out any dust or debris that has been collected inside the machine as this can cause jams and reduce performance over time. Additionally, some manufacturers recommend oiling the blades after every use or once every few weeks to maintain optimal performance. 

Is it possible to get replacement parts for my paper shredder?

Yes, replacement parts such as blades and gears are available from most major manufacturers and can be easily ordered online or from local retailers if needed. 

How do I know if my paper shredder is working properly?

It is important to frequently check for any signs of wear or damage on both the outside casing and internal components of your machine. Additionally, confirm that the machine runs smoothly without strange noises to check that it is functioning properly or needs servicing and maintenance. 

Are there any environmental considerations when choosing a paper shredder?

Yes! Some eco-friendly models are available that utilize recycled materials in their construction while also reducing power consumption when in use. Additionally, many shredded pieces can be recycled or composted after use which is a great way to further reduce waste and preserve natural resources.

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Contributors

Rising Tech Review Team
Rising Tech Review Team
At Rising Tech, we’re a team of tech lovers who believe technology should enhance your life, not complicate it. We're passionate about bringing you the latest and greatest in smart home devices, wearable tech, office gadgets, phones, and computers. Our goal is simple: to help you understand your options and make the best choices—no fluff, no bias.
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