Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.
Our Favourites
Editor’s Choice: Bonsaii EverShred C169-B
Luxury Choice: Fellowes Powershred 99Ms
Best for Portability: Bonsaii C209-D
Wastepaper is a surprisingly common feature in many homes and businesses. Often, you throw away countless personal junk mail, as well as bills and leaflets every day. At work, you’ve got unnecessary files and sheets of paper to keep track of throughout the week. It’s perfectly understandable why the best paper shredder is considered a valuable investment.
Paper shredders help you to get rid of wastepaper by cutting down the amount of scrunched up paper balls in the trash can. At the same time, the right shredding equipment can provide peace of mind when it comes to getting rid of sensitive data.
If you’re tired of searching for the right solution, we can help. We’ve done the hard work of searching through related reviews on your behalf, to bring you this list of the top paper shredders. We’ll have you enjoying some stress-free shredding by the time your week is through.
How We Compared Paper Shredders
To find the right office chairs we considered paper shredders including:
- Size
- Runtime
- Type of cut
- Bin capacity
- Additional attributes
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
To find out more about our process please see here.
Best Paper Shredder Review – Top 10 Picks
1. Bonsaii EverShred C169-B (Editor’s Choice)
If you need a shredder that can cut through anything without clogging or jamming, then you’ll love the performance of this EverShred C169-B.
With a running time of up to 30 minutes, you can get through 14 sheets per run. The patented cooling system allows one to use the shredder continuously for half an hour, with a 40-minute recovery time. The cross-cut design means that you end up with paper strips measuring 5 x 40mm.
The EverShred C169-B comes with a jam protection system to ensure that you save time dealing with annoying paper jams. There’s also a large pull-out wastebasket that keeps your emptying times to a minimum. However, some reviewers suggested that it could do with being a lot bigger to contend with the 30-minute run.
Another advantage is that the shredder automatically stops when the trash container is pulled out.
Pros:
- Works for 30 minutes at a time and requires a 40-minute recovery
- Destroys up to 3500 sheets per session with a patented cooling system
- Cross-cut style with numerous sheet capacity
- Overheating and overloading protection included
- Low noise level
Cons:
- Needs a bigger wastebasket like other shredders
- Hard to empty the basket when it’s full
- Paper entry point is a little tight
2. Fellowes Powershred 99Ms (Luxury Choice)
A stunning piece of equipment, this model can easily shred up to 14 sheets per run and work continuously for up to 20 minutes before automatically stopping for a 40-minute cooling break.
The Fellowes Powershred 99Ms is equipped with solid steel blades that can easily cut through clips, staples, CDs and debit cards. It offers a Safesense feature where the machine automatically disables itself if hands come into contact with the opening. Furthermore, its 34-litre bin means you won’t have to empty the container very often, and it should provide you with more than enough capacity to get rid of sensitive data on a regular basis.
Though it’s one of the best shredders on the market, it’s worth noting that emptying the basket can be quite messy. Tiny pieces of paper can get stuck on the mechanism, which could be a bit frustrating for some. But considering the impressive functionality that Fellowes Powershred 99Ms offers, this model is our best paper shredder for a small office.
Pros:
- High-quality construction can cut through 14 sheets at a time
- Safesense technology that protects hands
- 2 x 14 mm micro cut style (DIN P-5)
- Operates silently
Cons:
- May become louder with increased use
- Trash container could be messy to empty
- May be difficult to carry around for some people
3. Bonsaii C209-D (Best for Portability)
If you need to share one shredder with multiple teams, then this cross-cutting device could be an ideal solution.
Designed with robust cutters and steel blades, it can cut through 10 sheets per run. The C209-D is likewise capable of shredding a debit card and staple wires.
Additionally, this equipment comes with an automatic start/stop function and manual reverse to get rid of paper jams. The overheating protection system is likewise integrated to keep the temperature under control. The C209-D desk model is also built with a convenient top handle so you can easily carry it from one room to the next.
Unfortunately, you can only use this shredder for four minutes at a time before it needs a 40-minute cooldown. Furthermore, the device is bulkier than expected.
Pros:
- Robust, lightweight, and portable design
- 10-sheet capacity
- 21-litre trash bin
- Overheating and overloading protection systems included
- Automatic start-stop mode to protect against jams
Cons:
- Slight squeaking sound during operation
- Quite large and bulky
- Only 4 minutes per operation
4. Duronic PS991 (Best Cross-Cut)
If you’ve been searching through shredder device articles for the one that delivers an excellent security level, then this Duronic PS991 is an ideal option.
Powered by a 580W motor, this is one of the robust paper shredders on the market. It has a 22cm paper slot which can take up to 18 A4 sheets per run. The Duronic device can shred cards and DVDs, too, giving you more freedom in getting rid of confidential materials.
The shredder also comes with a reverse feature to prevent paper jams. Additionally, the 31-litre bin capacity will save you so much time in emptying trash.
However, keep in mind that this equipment is a little louder than some shredders. Moreover, the mouthguard can make it a little trickier to use. It’s also necessary to check the dimensions first before you hit the buy button, as this one’s a bit bigger than the others. Nevertheless, we are dubbing this model as the ultimate cross-cut shredder in this rundown.
Pros:
- Crosscut type for additional security
- Numerous sheet capacity per run
- Can cut paper into 4 x 28 mm pieces
- Shred disks and credit/debit cards
- Spacious 31-litre container for shredded paper
- Safety features for the motor
Cons:
- Quite loud compared to some shredders
- The safety guard makes the shredder less convenient
- Not micro-cut shredder compared to other models
- Rather a large equipment
5. Bonsaii 18-Sheet C149-C (Best Heavy-Duty)
Looking for a reliable and robust device to use for your shredding needs? We’ve got you covered.
This C149-C heavy-duty shredder can run for up to 60 minutes, according to the manufacturer. Requiring just a 10-minute rest, this duty cycle is pretty impressive considering that most of these devices overheat quickly. With its advanced cooling system and patented cutting technology, the device can manage up to 18 sheets per pass.
Built with an impressive security level, this cross-cut shredder can turn an A4 sheet into 5 x 40mm strips. Hence, you can rest assured that no one will be able to put your confidential bank statements back together. This Bonsai shredder also has a 23-litre bin capacity. Designed with a transparent viewing window, you’ll know when it’s time to empty the collection bin.
Also equipped with auto start/stop and a reverse button, you won’t have to worry about any jam if you have placed too many sheets into the entry slot. Ideal for credit card shredding, it uses robust steel blades for effortless cutting. You’ll also be able to cut through disks, paper clips, and stapled documents with ease! Moreover, the C149-C shredder is easily transportable, thanks to its four detachable caster wheels.
However, some expert reviews noted that it’s possible to read details on your shredded pieces even if they’ve been printed in a small font. Additionally, you might need to order some shredder oil separately for maintenance. With minimal downsides, the C149-C is still an excellent option for home offices or large businesses.
Pros:
- 60 minutes of high-performance for a reasonable price
- Numerous sheet capacity per feed
- Cross-cutting device for better security level
- Can cut paper up to 6,500 sheets per hour, with 5 x 40mm shred size
- Can shred DVDs, clips, staples, and cards
- Low noise levels at 62 dB
Cons:
- Might be able to read data after shredding
- Requires shredder lubricant for occasional maintenance
- Sensor may fail
6. Fellowes Powershred 6C (Best Value)
Convenient, easy to use, and brimming with functionality, the Fellowes Powershred 6C is our pick for the best budget shredder.
This cross-cut power shredder can easily slice through up to 6 sheets of A4 paper at once. Although it can only run for three minutes at a time, it’s tough enough to cut through a lot of documents in that time. What’s more, if you’re only running a small office or a home office, 3 minutes could be all the time that you need.
There’s a patented safety lock tool included on this device to ensure that no one in your office or household can accidentally activate it. This extra safety feature is fantastic for anyone concerned about having a shredder at home. In addition, this powerful tool comes with a large 11-litre bin to hold all your leftover scraps of paper!
There are a couple of downsides to this product. For instance, it won’t shred more than 6 pages at once without overheating. Thus, it requires a 30-minute cool-down. So if you’re planning on using this device for anything heavy-duty, you might face problems.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Powerful enough for 6 sheets of paper at once
- Cross-cut shredding
- Patented safety lock feature
- 3-minute consistent runtime
- Large 11-litre bin
Cons:
- Overheats when shredding more than 6 sheets at once
- Requires a 30-minute cooldown
7. Duronic PS410 (Best for Office Use)
When it comes to making an excellent investment for improving your business’s security level, the Duronic PS410 is a fantastic option. It’s also this rundown’s best office shredder.
Compact and powerful, it can slice up to 8 sheets of A4 at a time. The Duronic PS410 is designed with micro-cut technology that enables the device to shred a single debit card or sheets of paper into a 4 x 10mm confetti. Its 530W motor can run for three minutes with a 30-minute break in between.
To prevent the desk side shredder from overheating, it comes with built-in Thermal Overload Protection. Additionally, you can use the forward and reverse functions for removing paper jams. There’s also a 14-litre wastebasket that collects shredded paper for quite a while before it needs emptying.
However, some reviewers noted that this unit creates huge wastepaper bulk because of its micro-shredding feature. Nevertheless, there’s little to complain about this model which could deter anyone from recognising a great value for money.
Pros:
- Micro-cut shredder for companies requiring higher privacy and security levels
- Can cut through 8 sheets
- Excellent functionality and heavy-duty performance for a lower price
- Compact design with caster wheels and overheat protection
Cons:
- Short runtime compared to other devices
- Creates a lot of waste due to micro-shredding
- No viewing window to keep track of bin volume
8. Fellowes Powershred M-7CM (Best for Home Use)
If you’re looking for one of the superb devices to help you get rid of sensitive documents, then you can’t go wrong with the Fellowes Powershred M-7CM.
This high-security level shredder can easily cut through seven sheets of A4 size paper per feed. It turns a single sheet into 4 x 35 mm cross-cut shreds in no time.
The spacious 13-litre bin capacity will be more than enough for home office use, too. You can also cut staples and clips. The M-7CM will work consistently for up to 5 minutes at a time, but it requires a 30-minute break. This is a bit longer compared to other shredders, which might be a downside for some buyers. However, even the best paper shredders can’t run consistently and do the job.
Also, it’s worth noting that you’ll need to lubricate your shredder regularly to keep the mechanisms running smoothly. Furthermore, this shredder struggles with thicker sheets or materials such as bank cards and not ideal for heavy-duty jobs.
Pros:
- Manages up to 7 A4 sheets per pass
- Cross-cut shredding for better data security
- Can cut paper clips and gift cards
- 13-litre capacity
Cons:
- Requires regular oil use
- Not ideal for shredding tougher items like a bank card
- Only works continuously for a five-minute cycle
- No handle for easy moving
9. AmazonBasics 5-6 Sheet Cross-Cut (Best Small)
Are you wondering which unit to buy for occasional use? Then you can’t go wrong with this AmazonBasics shredder.
Based on the comments we’ve seen so far, this compact shredder comes with enough power to cut through 6 sheets of paper at a time. The cross-cut design ensures a better quality of safety and privacy than a standard strip-cut.
Designed for light usage, it has a reverse function to clear paper jams quickly. This desk shredder likewise comes with a 14.4-litre bin and a thermal protection system to preserve the motor. In addition to this, AmazonBasics offers a one-year limited warranty.
However, this device will only operate for 2 minutes and requires a 30-minute rest, according to the product detail pages. Also, keep in mind that it may struggle with some materials like bubble plastics.
Pros:
- Cross-cut shredding for better security level
- Capable of cutting 5-6 sheets at a time
- Compact and small design
- Anti-jamming system
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Doesn’t seem very durable
- Only 2 minutes of continuous runtime
10. Fellowes Powershred 60Cs (Best for Personal Use)
If you’re looking for an excellent document shredder with all-around functionality, this Fellowes Powershred 60Cs is right for the job.
Great for either home or office environment, this shredder can cut through 10 sheets per pass. Plus, it can slice through paper clips, staples, or an ATM card.
The Fellowes 60Cs comes with an automatic disabling system called SafeSense. It enables the device to automatically stop working when hands or fingers come too close to the opening. Additionally, this device can shred for up to six minutes before needing a 30-minute rest. Built with a 22-litre bin, its capacity is more than enough to keep you shredding for a while.
One issue is that the tinted window on the front of the unit is too dark. One can hardly see if it’s filling up. Furthermore, some reviewers complained that the sensors can be too sensitive that it gets activated even with paper. Therefore, the equipment tends to stop when you feed the sheets into the entry slot.
Pros:
- Excellent for home or business use
- Cross cut paper shredding with minimal noise
- Shreds 10 sheets per run, plus staple wires and paperclips
- Safety function to protect hands
- Generous 22-litre trash container to hold shredded data
Cons:
- The tinted viewing window is too dark
- Quite bulky unlike some compact shredders
- Sensors can be too sensitive
Key Points in Choosing the Best Paper Shredder
Finding the best shredder for home or business use isn’t always easy. You’ll need to think carefully about what you want your device to accomplish before you start your search.
For instance, what kind of documents and materials will you need a shredder for? Do you want a device that can handle a disk just as easily as an ATM card and paper? Or are you looking for a more basic unit?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to choosing the perfect shredder, there are a few things to consider to help you make the right choice. For instance, ask yourself:
1. Where will the shredder be used?
Are you looking for a device that you can share in your workplace? Or do you just need one for home office use, like for shredding old savings account passbooks or junk mail?
2. How much runtime do you require and does a short cooldown period matter?
Do you need an hour of functionality or will two minutes of robust shredding be enough?
3. What kind of shredding do you need?
Cross-cutting and micro-shredding offer a better standard of privacy when it comes to getting rid of sensitive documents. Strip shredders can easily leave behind details that can still be read. You may use models with lesser security standards if you’re just getting rid of utility bills or useless paperwork.
However, for office use or business services requiring high-security levels, the shred size is quite important.
4. What sort of bin capacity are you looking for?
The bigger the bin capacity, the more you can shred without running back and forth to the recycling bin.
5. Do you need additional attributes for better results?
Some heavy-duty shredders come with slots for DVD and CD shredding, as well as a bank card slot and more. You can also look for models with low noise levels. Decide first on what you’re going to shred before you start shopping among this myriad of shredding machines.
Picking the Most Ideal Shredder for You
The ideal shredder for you will depend on your individual needs. With numerous models available in the market today, choosing the right one may cost a lot of time.
Our exploration of paper shredder reviews leads us to believe that the top contender today is the Bonsaii EverShred C169-B. With a 30-minute shredding session and a 40-minute break, you can shred everything you need in no time. With the cross-cut design, you end up with strips measuring just 5 x 40mm for guaranteed security and optimum recyclability. With additional safety features, and even a jam protection system, it truly thinks of everything.
Of course, you may be looking for something slightly different so, if you’re looking for something more simple or perhaps even something more powerful, then I’m sure you will prefer one of the others on our list. It’s not just about finding the best paper shredder in the UK that matters. Rather, it’s picking what’s ideal for you!
Additional Resources
Rebekah is a writer who loves to explore new products and find hacks that make life easier. She has a knack for all things home improvement, health and fitness. So you’ll often find her on Pinterest or browsing Houzz for ideas.
She’s always looking for the next thing to fix up around the house or what gadget might be just right for her lifestyle. Rebekah enjoys exploring new recipes, taking care of her family, and making sure she stays healthy with regular workouts at the gym.