Best Paper Shredders
Top paper shredders ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
Affiliate Disclosure: PickClarity earns commissions from qualifying purchases through our partner links. Our rankings are editorially independent — they are never influenced by affiliate relationships or commission rates. Learn more about our methodology.
Find the best for your needs:
Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Fellowes Powershred 79Ci
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 100% Jam Proof technology works reliably
- 16-sheet capacity handles stacks quickly
- SafeSense safety feature
Cons
- Cross-cut only, not micro-cut for P-5 security
- 6-gallon bin fills up with heavy use
Don't buy this if…
- The shredder needs a 20-minute cooldown period after 20 minutes of continuous use.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Very affordable for basic shredding needs
- Shreds credit cards and CDs
- Compact design fits under a desk
Cons
- Only 12-sheet capacity
- No auto-jam prevention technology
Don't buy this if…
- Continuous run time is limited to 5 minutes before the motor requires a 30-minute cooldown.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Micro-cut particles for enhanced security
- Anti-jam technology prevents clogs
- Quiet operation for office environments
Cons
- Smaller 5-gallon waste basket
- 12-sheet capacity is moderate
Don't buy this if…
- Micro-cut shredders require emptying more frequently as particles compact less than cross-cut strips.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 60-minute continuous run time is exceptional
- 17-sheet capacity for heavy use
- Pull-out bin with viewing window
Cons
- Cross-cut security level only P-3
- Louder than some competitors
Don't buy this if…
- Overloading beyond 17 sheets will trigger the auto-reverse but may still cause permanent jams.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 18-sheet capacity for fast shredding
- Large 7.4-gallon wastebasket
- P-4 security level rating
Cons
- Heavier unit at 25 pounds
- No jam-proof technology
Don't buy this if…
- The wastebasket liner is not included and using bags can cause the auto-stop sensor to malfunction.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Auto-feed shreds 80 sheets unattended
- Jam Free technology eliminates clogs
- Hands-free operation saves time
Cons
- Auto-feed is slower than manual feeding
- Paper must be free of clips and staples for auto-feed
Don't buy this if…
- The auto-feed tray cannot handle paper clips or binder clips and they must be removed first.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 300-sheet auto-feed capacity
- P-5 micro-cut security level
- German-engineered for durability
Cons
- Expensive for home office use
- Large footprint requires dedicated space
Don't buy this if…
- The auto-feed mechanism should be cleaned monthly with shredder oil sheets to maintain reliability.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Energy-efficient with 70% less power use
- Micro-cut for better security
- Space-saving design for small offices
Cons
- 12-sheet capacity is moderate
- Smaller waste bin needs frequent emptying
Don't buy this if…
- The energy-saving auto-off can be inconvenient when shredding multiple batches in quick succession.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
Discussion (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your experience!
AI Shopping Assistant
Ask questions about products in this category. Answers are grounded in our evidence data.
Try asking:
Get Alerts
Stay updated when rankings change or prices drop in Paper Shredders.