10 Best Shredders 2025 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 Fellowes Powershred 485Ci is a heavy-duty, commercial-grade shredder well suited for offices with high shredding demands. It handles up to 30 sheets at once, cutting paper into cross-cut pieces that meet security level P-4, which is good for protecting sensitive information. Its large 35-gallon bin means less frequent emptying, which is convenient for busy environments.

The shredder can handle staples, paper clips, credit cards, and even CDs or DVDs, making it versatile. A standout feature is its 100% Jam Proof System, designed to prevent paper jams and keep shredding smooth. Safety is enhanced by SafeSense Technology, which stops shredding immediately if hands touch the feed opening. The unit runs continuously thanks to a robust motor, which is helpful for long shredding sessions without breaks.

This shredder is quite large and heavy, so it may not be ideal if you need something compact or portable. It is a powerful, reliable machine that fits offices requiring frequent, high-volume shredding with strong security and safety features.

The Amazon Basics 150 Sheet Autofeed Micro Cut Paper Credit Card Shredder is a robust option for those seeking high-security shredding for both documents and credit cards. Its micro-cut technology shreds paper into tiny confetti-like pieces, meeting the P-4 security standards, which is significantly more secure than standard cross-cut shredders. This makes it ideal for sensitive information disposal. The shredder can handle up to 150 sheets via auto feed and 10 sheets manually, which is suitable for both large and small shredding tasks.

Additionally, it doesn't require you to remove staples or small paper clips before shredding, adding to its convenience. Its 8.5-gallon bin capacity is ample for extended use before needing to be emptied. The machine runs for up to 60 minutes with a 45-minute cool-down period when using the auto feed and 10 minutes with a 45-minute cooldown when using the manual slot. Users should be aware of the cool-down times to avoid disruptions.

One notable benefit is its anti-jam auto-reverse feature, which helps prevent paper jams, ensuring smooth operation. However, it's essential to avoid shredding metallic credit cards and using aerosol products near the shredder to prevent damage. LED indicators and energy-saving sleep mode are handy features that contribute to ease of use and efficiency. This shredder is particularly beneficial for offices and individuals requiring high-security document disposal and capable of handling substantial shredding volumes.