Shredders Comparison - July 2025

Our Top 3 Picks
Here are the top 3 recommended products with more information to help you find the right product for you9.8
1Amazon BasicsAmazon Basics 8-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder and Credit Card Shredder - Black
Main highlights- Shreds up to 8 sheets of 20-pound bond paper at a time; shreds credit cards (one at a time, but not suitable for metal credit cards), staples, and small paper clips
- Quality tested: As part of Amazon Basics quality inspections, we test every shredder before shipping it, which means you may see some paper shreds from the testing
- Cross-cut paper and credit card shredder efficiently cuts material into 0.24 x 0.98 inches (6 x 25 mm) pieces; meets security level P-4 standards
- 4 mode control switch (auto/on, off, reverse, forward) and LED status indicators for power on, overheat and overload
- 3 minute runtime and 30 minute cool down; if unit goes beyond max run time, it automatically shuts off to prevent overheating
9.7
2Amazon BasicsAmazon Basics 12-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder and Credit Card Shredder
Main highlights- Shreds up to 12 sheets of 20-pound bond paper at a time, also can shred credit cards (one at a time, but not suitable for metal credit cards), staples, and small paper clips
- Quality tested: As part of Amazon Basics quality inspections, we test every shredder before shipping it, which means you may see some paper shreds from the testing
- Cross-cut paper and credit card shredder efficiently cuts material into 0.24 x 1.38 inches (6 x 35 mm) pieces; meets security level P-4 standards
- 9 minute runtime and 30 minute cool down; if unit goes over max run time, it automatically shuts off to prevent overheating
- 4 mode control switch (auto/on, off, reverse, forward) and LED status indicators for power on, overheat and overload; 5 gallon bin reduces empty frequency
9.5
3Amazon Basics12% OffAmazon Basics 8-Sheet Strip-Cut Paper Shredder, CD, and Credit Card Shredder
Main highlights- Strip-cut paper shredder shreds up to 8 sheets of 20-pound bond paper at a time (no need to remove staples or small paper clips); destroys CDs, DVDs, and credit cards (one at a time, but not suitable for metal credit cards)
- Shreds paper into 0.24-inch-wide strips; meets security level P-2 standards
- Run time is 2 minutes on / 15 minutes off; if shredder runs continuously beyond the max run time, it will automatically shut off to protect the motor from overheating
- Quality tested: As part of Amazon Basics quality inspections, we test every shredder before shipping it, which means you may see some paper shreds from the testing
- 4 mode control switch (auto/on, off, reverse, forward) and LED status indicators for power on and overheat; easy to empty 3.4 gallon bin
Shredders Buyer's Guide

Introduction to Shredders
A shredder is a machine designed to cut documents, paper, and other materials into small pieces. It is a great way to make sure that confidential information is kept secure as it can’t be read by anyone who should not have access to it. Shredders come in many different shapes and sizes, and can be used for a variety of tasks. The most common types are strip-cut, cross-cut, and micro-cut shredders. There are also other more specialized shredders such as those that can shred CDs, DVDs, and credit cards. It is important to know the differences between these shredders so that you can choose the right one for your needs.
Types of Shredders
Strip-cut shredders are the most basic type of shredder. They cut the paper into long strips, which makes them an ideal choice for general home use. Cross-cut shredders are more secure than strip-cut shredders as they cut the paper into small pieces. These are more suitable for businesses and offices that are more concerned with security. Micro-cut shredders are the most secure type of shredder as they cut the paper into very small pieces. These are ideal for businesses or individuals who are particularly concerned with security and want to make sure that no one can access their confidential information.
Shredder Capacity
Another important factor to consider when buying a shredder is the capacity of the shredder. Shredders come in different sizes and can shred different amounts of paper at once. For home use, a small shredder is usually sufficient. However, if you are using a shredder in an office or large business, a larger capacity shredder may be necessary. Look for a shredder with a capacity of at least 10 sheets of paper at once, or higher if it is going to be used frequently.

Shredder Speed
The speed of a shredder is also an important factor to consider. The speed of a shredder is usually measured in feet-per-minute (FPM). A higher FPM means that it can shred more documents in less time. Look for a shredder that can shred at least 10-12 FPM for home use, and at least 15-20 FPM for office use.
Noise Level
Another important factor to consider when buying a shredder is the noise level. Some shredders can be quite loud and may be distracting in an office or home environment. Look for a shredder that has a low noise output (under 50 dB) to ensure that it won’t be disruptive.
Other Features
When shopping for a shredder, you may also want to consider other features such as an auto-stop feature, which will stop the shredder if it is overloaded. You may also want to look for a shredder that has a reverse switch, which will allow you to reverse the paper if it gets jammed. Finally, you may want to look for a shredder that has a wastebasket that can be easily emptied and a shredder that has a long warranty. These features can help to ensure that your shredder will last for a long time.

Our ranking system
At BestChoice.ca, our team curates a selection of top products from a vast array available online, using a sophisticated ranking system based on carefully defined criteria.While traditional hands-on testing has its merits, our use of AI technology offers distinct advantages. AI allows us to process and analyze vast amounts of data from multiple sources, providing a comprehensive view that goes beyond what manual testing can achieve. This approach enables us to deliver insights that are aligned with current trends and consumer preferences, ensuring our reviews are both relevant and up-to-date.