10 Best Shredders 2026 in the United States

The Amazon Basics 24 Sheet Cross Cut Shredder is a solid choice for home or small office use, especially for those looking to securely dispose of sensitive documents. Its cross-cut design turns paper into tiny pieces, providing a commendable security level (P-4), which is crucial for personal and financial information. With a robust sheet capacity of up to 24 sheets at a time, it suits moderate shredding needs efficiently. This makes it great for users who frequently handle documents that require shredding, alongside the ability to shred CDs, DVDs, and credit cards—albeit one at a time.

A notable strength is its decent run time of 40 minutes, allowing for extended use without frequent breaks. However, it does require a 50-minute cool down period after this, which could be a limitation for users with larger shredding tasks. The shredder includes helpful features like an auto-start function, anti-jam reverse, and LED indicators for alerts, enhancing usability.

On the downside, it weighs about 31.6 pounds, which may make it less portable than lighter models, and its size could take up significant desk space. Users should also be cautious not to attempt shredding metallic items as this can damage the machine. Additionally, while the pull-out bin holds 7 gallons, frequent emptying may be needed if used for large projects.

The Amazon Basics 18 Sheet Cross Cut Shredder is a solid choice for both home and small office use, particularly for those seeking a reliable way to dispose of sensitive documents and other materials securely. Its cross-cut shredding capability ensures that paper is turned into small, confetti-like pieces, meeting a security level P-3 standard, which is suitable for basic personal data protection. The ability to shred up to 18 sheets at once, along with dedicated slots for CDs, DVDs, and credit cards, adds versatility to its functionality, making it more than just a paper shredder.

One of the key strengths of this shredder is its relatively high sheet capacity, allowing for efficient shredding without needing to frequently reload. Additionally, the 6-gallon bin is large enough to hold a good amount of shredded material, reducing the need for constant emptying. The inclusion of casters makes it easy to move around, and the LED status indicators provide clear information about the shredder’s operation.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The 30 minutes of continuous run time followed by a 10-minute cool-down period can be limiting if you have a large volume of shredding to complete in one go. While the noise level is generally manageable, it may still be noticeable in a quiet setting, which could be a factor for some users. Additionally, while the shredder is efficient, users should be aware that it may not handle thicker staples or multiple layers of paper as smoothly as some higher-end models.

The Amazon Basics 200-Sheet Auto Feed Cross Cut Shredder is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and secure paper shredder. It uses cross-cut shredding, which slices paper into small confetti-like pieces, meeting a high security standard (P-4), making it effective for protecting sensitive documents. One of its standout features is the large 200-sheet auto-feed tray, allowing you to shred stacks of paper without manual effort, along with a 10-sheet manual slot for quick jobs.

Equipped with an 8.5-gallon pull-out bin, it reduces the frequency of emptying, and LED indicators alert you if the bin is full or if there’s a paper jam. The shredder can run continuously for up to 60 minutes with the auto-feed, followed by a 45-minute cool down to prevent overheating, which may be inconvenient during frequent large shredding tasks. It also includes safety and energy-saving features like automatic shutoff and sleep mode.

However, it does not handle items such as metallic credit cards or aerosols, limiting its use to paper and staples only. The shredder operates fairly quietly and has an easy-to-use control switch with anti-jam reverse, reducing user frustration. Due to its size and weight, it is better suited for a dedicated spot in an office rather than being moved around frequently. For home or small office use, this model offers a dependable balance of capacity, security, and ease of use without being overly complicated.