9 Best Quiet Paper Shredders of 2023
Maintaining that extra level of security is essential in today’s technologically advanced world. And one of the best ways to do it is by destroying private documents safely. A paper shredder is one of the most cost-effective ways to destroy old documents and prevent any kind of fraudulent crimes from harming you. It will shred […]
Maintaining that extra level of security is essential in today’s technologically advanced world. And one of the best ways to do it is by destroying private documents safely.
A paper shredder is one of the most cost-effective ways to destroy old documents and prevent any kind of fraudulent crimes from harming you. It will shred your documents into tiny pieces or strips and make it impossible for anyone to put them back together.
Not only does it shred paper, but is also capable of cutting through paper clips, credit cards, and CDs. A quiet shredder will eat its way through your documents without causing any disturbance in the workspace.
But the problem is that there are multiple choices, and choosing the perfect one can be quite challenging.
To save you from a taxing expedition, this comprehensive list of 9 excellent options has been curated. We have also included a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right one for your needs.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Here is the list of the 9 best quiet paper shredders that you can use to securely dispose of confidential documents.
Why Did We Like It?
We loved the auto mode, which detected the papers as soon as we put them inside, and it automatically started working. The machine shuts off when the shredding is done, saving power and making the entire process extremely convenient.
Another significant advantage is that you need not remove staple pins and paper clips. Just put in the bunch of paper that you do not require anymore, and it will shred it in minutes. Also, it has the power to cut through CDs, DVDs, and credit cards, destroying any kind of information stored.
In case you change your mind midway through the process, there is a reverse function that will stop the machine. Once this happens, you can take out the half-shredded or un-shredded items. We loved how this prevented paper jams from occurring.
Overall, this is one of the most user-friendly products with a 3-mode control switch and an overheat LED indicator.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Although the product functioned efficiently, the only glitch we noticed was that it produced dust every time it cut through paper. But again, this will not be a significant hindrance, and all you need to do is clean the area once a day if you plan to shred a lot of paper.
Why Did We Like It?
A vital aspect of the already mentioned patented cooling technology is that the cooling time is reduced to 10 minutes only. After every half an hour, pause for 10 minutes before you can begin shredding again.
Besides, what makes it even better is that it is a highly reliable and durable product with an anti-jam system. It will automatically reverse the machine any time you put in too many papers. Long story short, it is equipped to prevent jams from happening in the first place. Furthermore, it works well with thick papers and cards and will eat up credit cards in a jiffy.
It also has a rapid shredding speed of 1.9m per minute. There is a 22 cm entry slit through which you will be able to put in papers of any size. In case they are small, like postcards or receipts, it is best to put them in the middle for the most efficiency.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The device weighs 16.8 pounds, which is slightly heavier than some of the other options. But it has a larger capacity too, which compensates for the extra weight, and you can still move it easily from one room to another. So, we will not be holding it against this shredder, considering the brilliant features on offer.
Why Did We Like It?
To prevent jamming, this device has an angled feed entry, which allows you to enter your papers at a certain angle. This avoids all kinds of accidents and provides smooth functioning. This is accompanied by overload protection which prevents you from putting in too many papers at once.
Ranking high on safety, it also comes with an overheating LED status indicator, which will inform you anytime the machine heats up beyond normal. We could run the machine for 5 minutes non-stop before having to pause and let it cool.
Besides, a reverse option will immediately stop the shredding process midway and will allow you to take out the remaining papers from inside.
Coming to the collection bin, we got a 3.9-gallon capacity basket, which was where the shredded paper would collect. It had a lifting handle that can be used to remove the bin when you need to clear it.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The feed slot is only 8.5 inches wide, and thus you will have to look at it carefully while tossing in the papers. This is an area where the product can improve further as that will make it more user-friendly. With a wider feed, you will not have to be careful while aiming at it.
Why Did We Like It?
First of all, we will begin with SafeSense technology. This is a brilliant attribute of this product as it disables the machine and stops functioning as soon as you touch the paper feed opening. We could safely use it around kids and pets for this reason.
Also, this unit will shred papers in criss-cross directions into tiny pieces. This is an alternative to strips, and it ensures that your documents are destroyed permanently. There would be no chance of putting together the pieces.
Along with this, it is also known to be 100% jam-proof and will not allow you to exceed the maximum number of papers that can be put in at one time. It can eat through CDs, plastic cards, and other thick materials easily, and they will never lead to jamming.
Furthermore, it does its job extremely quietly, and you can even place it in meeting rooms without causing any distractions.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We loved the performance of this product, but we have a complaint regarding the cooling period. It runs perfectly for 20 minutes but takes another half an hour to cool off. This is a pretty long period, and your work may get slowed down.
Why Did We Like It?
This product comes with a sufficient capacity of 5.2 gallons, which can effectively hold a lot of shredded paper at one time. We did not need to empty it very often, saving time in the process.
Furthermore, we found that the shredder works very well with paper clips and pins. It will eat through them too, and you do not have to take out staple pins separately.
To clear it out, the unit is equipped with a single handle. This makes it super easy to pull out the waste bin and throw away the waste paper.
Additionally, this product comes with a 4-mode control switch along with an LED status indicator for overload and thermal protection. This will tell you if the shredding is done or if the machine has become overheated. We did not have to keep a watch over it constantly, and this helped us concentrate on other work while it shreds.
What Could’ve Been Better?
This product does not work well with larger sets of paper. It will entirely cut through 8-12 sheets, but be careful about putting it in a whole envelope with cards and paper bunches. This may lead the machine to stop working. So, we recommend you do not exceed 12 papers at one time.
Why Did We Like It?
The shredder has separate red and green indicator lights, which will tell you when the feed capacity has been reached. We found these lights to be helpful while filling it with paper. The moment you cross its limit, the red will indicate that you should stop, and this prevents jams from occurring in the first place.
We also loved the versatility that it offered. While the primary cutter works with paper, there is another special cutter for discs and credit cards. This will prevent the main one from getting damaged or from losing its sharpness.
Additionally, it comes with a 5-gallon bin, which will collect all the shredded pieces. This bin is big enough to hold a lot of paper and can easily fit in materials obtained from 20 minutes of continuous shredding.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The container has a window, but this window is placed low, and one cannot see through it without having to bend over. It will not be visible from your chair, but again, this is not a deal-breaker, and we will still recommend buying this.
Why Did We Like It?
The patented cooling system ensured that you could run this device for 60 minutes continuously. This is quite a long period compared to some of its peers, and we believe this would be a perfect fit for large offices.
Coming to cutting efficiency, this product is equipped with a super alloy steel cutter which is self-lubricated and very resistant to wear and tear. This will not only shred paper but will slice through credit cards, and CDs too. The 40Cr steel grade gear wheel is very hard and is known to be durable too.
Also, with a noise level of 58 dB, you can expect ultra-quiet performance, and we could easily have a conference in the same room without any disturbance.
Topping it all, the jam reverse system turned out to be very beneficial as it was completely automatic. It had the ability to detect and clear paper jams on its own.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We felt that the product could have better wheels. When the rest of its body is so sturdy, we had expected the wheels to be so too. But one of them came off, and we had to fix it back again and this happened within the first month. It should not be a problem for those who are not planning to move it often.
Why Did We Like It?
This is one of the safest shredders to use around pets and children. We were very worried about having it around them, but the company had dealt with this issue well. The safety lock stops this machine from working every time someone touches the feed.
Also, we loved the 4.75-gallon capacity of the waste bin. The large capacity will save a lot of time as you do not need to empty it often. When you do want to clean it, a lift-off head and handle will ensure you do it easily.
Additionally, we found the size to be compact, and it could easily fit beside our work desk. It will take up as much area as a small dustbin, and hence, the size will never be an issue.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We found that the product temporarily jams if it overheated while functioning. So, it is best to stop it exactly after 5 minutes and let it cool down. But we felt that the 20-minute cooling period is pretty long and may not suit those who have to shred tons of paper.
Why Did We Like It?
This product is resistant to jams, and we have rarely faced any problems with jamming. In case it does jam, there is an auto-reverse function that will stop the machine and release the papers. This ensures that the machine stays well and that there are no issues with the performance.
Coming to its functioning, you can work with it for 30 minutes before you have to let it cool down. In case it overheats before that, the machine will immediately stop operating. You can start it again once the body has reached room temperature.
Another impressive feature is the 9-inch paper slot that it has. The slot is big enough for you to fit in a bunch of sheets without any hindrance. But you must stay within the limit of 12 sheets at one time.
What Could’ve Been Better?
We felt that the customer service could have been a lot better. The first product we received had some issues with it, and on contacting the customer service team, we were asked to ship at our expense. This had us spending much more than we expected, which could have been avoided.
Best Quiet Paper Shredders
Here is the list of the 9 best quiet paper shredders that you can use to securely dispose of confidential documents.
1. AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Capacity, Cross-Cut Paper, and Credit Card Shredder
Perfectly shred multi-page documents with ease, thanks to the AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Capacity, Cross-Cut Paper, and Credit Card Shredder. It is excellent for home and office use with a large bin of 4.1 gallons, which holds the shredded papers. Equipped with a see-through window, feel the satisfaction of turning your old documents into shredded confetti.
Amazon Basics 8 Sheet Cross Cut Paper and Credit Card...
- Cross cut shredder turns paper into small pieces (0.2 x 1.9...
- Shreds up to 8 sheets of 20-pound bond paper at a time,...
Pros
- Equipped with a 3-mode control switch
- User guide provided
- 4.1-gallon bin
- Overheat LED indicator
Cons
- Produces some dust
Dimensions: 16″ x 1″ x 27″ | Weight: N/A | Shred Capacity: 8 Sheets | Bin Capacity: 4.1 Gallons | Runtime: 3 Minutes | Security Level: P-3 | Warranty: 1 Year
2. Bonsaii 15-Sheet Cross-Cut Heavy Duty Paper Shredder
It should come as no surprise that this is one of our top recommendations. If you need a machine for a big office or a large household, the Bonsaii 15-Sheet Cross-Cut Heavy Duty Paper Shredder is an excellent choice. Equipped with a patented cooling system, it can run for 30 minutes at a stretch without overheating.
Bonsaii 14-Sheet Office Paper Shredder, 30-Minute Crosscut...
- 【Paper Shredder for Office】Based on the patented cooling...
- 【Shredder for Office Heavy Duty】Max 14 sheets of paper...
Pros
- Manual and automatic reverse options
- Wastebasket capacity of 4.8 gallons
- Transparent window for easy viewing
- Overheating thermal protection
Cons
- Slightly heavy
Dimensions: 12.6″ x 9.5″ x 19.9″ | Weight: 18.01lbs | Shred Capacity: 15 Sheets | Bin Capacity: 5 Gallons | Runtime: 30 Minutes | Security Level: P-4 | Warranty: 1 Year
3. Aurora AU870MA High-Security 8-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper Credit Card Shredder
Known for its high-security micro-sized cuts, the Aurora AU870MA High-Security Paper Credit Card Shredder will make sure your personal information is completely destroyed. It cuts paper 6 times smaller than others and will give you the peace of mind of having destroyed every bit completely.
Aurora AU870MA High-Security 8-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper Credit...
- High-security micro-cut with 8 sheet capacity; destroys...
- Shreds paper and credit cards into tiny pieces (5/32 by...
Pros
- Basket capacity of 230 sheets
- 5-minute continuous run time
- Features auto-start function
- Backed by Aurora 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- Feed slot could be wider
Dimensions: 7.13″ x 11.81″ x 17.44″ | Weight: 11.7lbs | Shred Capacity: 8 Sheets | Bin Capacity: 3.9 Gallons | Runtime: 5 Minutes | Security Level: P-4 | Warranty: 1 Year
4. Fellowes Powershred 79Ci Medium
If you are looking for a shredder for your home, this product will fit in brilliantly well with a light body and superior performance. The Fellowes Powershred 79Ci Medium, Duty Cross, Cut Shredder is made to handle tough jobs and is 100% energy efficient. It stops automatically when not in use, saving any extra additions to your electricity bill.
Fellowes Powershred 79Ci 16-Sheet 100% Jam-Proof...
- Crosscut Document Shredder: The perfect paper shredders for...
- Ultra-Secure Shredding: Ideal for disposing of highly...
Pros
- Optimal energy efficiency
- SafeSense technology
- Safe to use around children and pets
Cons
- It takes time to cool down
Dimensions:13.8″ x 18.5″ x 23.1″ | Weight:28.2lbs | Shred Capacity: 16 Sheets | Bin Capacity: 6 Gallons | Runtime: 20 Minutes | Security Level: P-4 | Warranty: 1 Year
5. Aurora AU1230XA Anti-Jam 12-Sheet Crosscut Paper and Credit Card Shredder
Looking for an average-sized shredder for your home or office space? The Aurora AU1230XA Anti-Jam 12-Sheet Shredder is a perfect choice to stay protected from identity theft. Destroy every bit of information with this crosscut option that has the capacity to shred continuously for 5 minutes straight.
Sale
Aurora AU1230XA Anti-Jam 12-Sheet Crosscut Paper and Credit...
- Crosscut with 12 sheet capacities; destroys credit cards and...
- Shreds paper, credit cards into small pieces (3/16 by 1-9/16...
Pros
- LED indicator lights
- 5 minutes continuous run-time
- 4-mode control switch
- Single handle for easy lifting
Cons
- Not sufficient for broader shredding needs
Dimensions: 9″ x 1″ x 16″ | Weight: 13.01lbs | Shred Capacity: 12 Sheets | Bin Capacity: 5.2 Gallons | Runtime: 5 Minutes | Security Level: P-3 | Warranty: 1 Year
6. GBC Junk Mail Super Cross-Cut Paper Shredder
Shred your entire box of receipts within 20 minutes with this exceptional unit. The GBC Junk Mail Super Cross-Cut Paper Shredder will cut through sheets and CDs with ease. It is also a very affordable option and will not burn a hold in your pockets.
GBC Paper Shredder, Junk Mail, 12 Sheet Capacity, Super...
- SUPER CROSS-CUT SHREDDER – Eliminate mess and clutter with...
- JAM-FREE SHREDDING – Red and green LED lights indicate...
Pros
- 5-gallon bin for collection
- Separate cutters for discs
- Comes with a limited 1-year warranty
- Cool-down indicator
Cons
- The window is placed low
Dimensions: 19″ x 10.8″ x 18.6″ | Weight:12.12lbs | Shred Capacity: 12 Sheets | Bin Capacity: 5 Gallons | Runtime: 4 Minutes | Security Level: P-4 | Warranty: 1 Year
7. WOLVERINE 18-Sheet 6 Gallons Pullout Waste Bin SD9113
Being one of the most affordable products available today, the WOLVERINE 18-Sheet 6 Gallons Pullout Waste Bin SD9113 will impress you with its large capacity and run time. We were pleased with the functioning and the large 6-gallon bin, which could hold shredded papers for more than a month.
WOLVERINE 18-Sheet 60 Mins Running Time Cross Cut High...
- CROSS-CUT SECURITY LEVEL P-4 to secure confidential...
- CONTINUOUS RUNNING TIME UPTO 60 MINUTES supported by a...
Pros
- Large transparent window
- Powerful 40Cr steel grade gear wheel
- Powerful alloy steel cutter
- ETL Certified product
Cons
- Wheels are not very strong
Dimensions: 13.4″ x 10.4″ x 22″ | Weight: 26lbs | Shred Capacity: 18 Sheets | Bin Capacity: 6 Gallons | Runtime: 60 Minutes | Security Level: P-4 | Warranty: 1 Year
8. Fellowes Powershred W11C, 11-Sheet Shredder
Now that we are nearing the end of this list, it is time to introduce the Fellowes Powershred W11C, 11-Sheet Shredder. Destroy 11 papers at one time with this powerful option. Secure your sensitive documents and make sure they stay confidential with this product at home.
Fellowes 3103201 Powershred W11C, 11-Sheet Cross-cut Paper...
- Shreds 11 sheets of paper per pass into 431 (5/32 x1-3/8"...
- Runs for up to 5 minutes before a cool down period is needed
Pros
- Known to be very reliable
- Child-safe/pet-safe shredder
- Handle provided for easy lifting
- Compact and fits anywhere
Cons
- May jam if overheated
Dimensions: 8.5″ x 13.8″ x 18″ | Weight: 14lbs | Shred Capacity: 11 Sheets | Bin Capacity: 4.75 Gallons | Runtime: 5 Minutes | Security Level: P-4 | Warranty: 1 Year
9. Royal 112MX 12-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder Black
Compatible with medium to large offices, the Royal 112MX 12-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder Black impressed us with a large waste bin and a 12-sheet paper loading capacity. We loved its automatic switch and off functions, and it turned out to be pretty energy efficient for us.
Royal 112MX 12-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder Black
- Royal Machines 112MX 12-Sheet Cross Cut Shredder Shreds CD's...
- 12-sheet capacity cross-cut with Auto Start/Stop
Pros
- Automatic reverse function
- Very efficient customer service
- Shuts down if overheated
Cons
- Unsatisfactory customer service
Dimensions: 15″ x 12.25″ x 16.5″ | Weight: 16.95lbs | Shred Capacity: 12 Sheets | Bin Capacity: 3.25 Gallons | Runtime: 30 Minutes | Security Level: N/A | Warranty: 1 Year
| Product | Dimensions | Weight | Shred Capacity | Bin Capacity | Runtime | Security Level | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AmazonBasics Shredder | 16″ x 1″ x 27″ | N/A | 8 Sheets | 4.1 Gallons | 3 Minutes | P-3 | 1 Year |
| Bonsaii Paper Shredder | 12.6″ x 9.5″ x 19.9″ | 18.01lbs | 15 Sheets | 5 Gallons | 30 Minutes | P-4 | 1 Year |
| Aurora AU870MA | 7.13″ x 11.81″ x 17.44″ | 11.7lbs | 8 Sheets | 3.9 Gallons | 5 Minutes | P-4 | 1 Year |
| Fellowes Powershred 79Ci | 13.8″ x 18.5″ x 23.1″ | 28.2lbs | 16 Sheets | 6 Gallons | 20 Minutes | P-4 | 1 Year |
| Aurora AU1230XA | 9″ x 1″ x 16″ | 13.01lbs | 12 Sheets | 5.2 Gallons | 5 Minutes | P-3 | 1 Year |
| GBC Paper Shredder | 19″ x 10.8″ x 18.6″ | 12.12lbs | 12 Sheets | 5 Gallons | 4 Minutes | P-4 | 1 Year |
| WOLVERINE SD9113 | 13.4″ x 10.4″ x 22″ | 26lbs | 18 Sheets | 6 Gallons | 60 Minutes | P-4 | 1 Year |
| Fellowes Powershred W11C | 8.5″ x 13.8″ x 18″ | 14lbs | 11 Sheets | 4.75 Gallons | 5 Minutes | P-4 | 1 Year |
| Royal 112MX | 15″ x 12.25″ x 16.5″ | 16.95lbs | 12 Sheets | 3.25 Gallons | 30 Minutes | N/A | 1 Year |
Buying Guide For The Best Quiet Paper Shredder
Shredding documents that have confidential information has become very essential today, and paper shredders are the best way to make it happen. Now that you have gone through the 9 top products, you will know that each one is unique in its own way. They have different capacities and run times. To help you make a choice, we have detailed the critical points that need to be kept in mind. We hope this guides you toward buying the one that fits the best.-
Size
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Jam-proof
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Capacity and Run-time
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Indicator Lights
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