In today’s digital age, keeping your personal and sensitive information safe from prying eyes is essential. One way to do this is by using a paper shredder to destroy any physical documents containing sensitive information before disposing them.

However, buying a paper shredder can be expensive, especially for those on a tight budget. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of six budget-friendly paper shredders under $100 for home and office use.

In this article, we’ll look closer at these shredders, their features, and why they’re an excellent investment for anyone looking to secure their information without breaking the bank.

AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Strip-Cut Shredder

The AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Strip-Cut Shredder is a reliable, affordable shredder perfect for home or small office use. It can shred up to 8 sheets of paper at a time into 1/4-inch-wide strips, making it ideal for basic security needs.

The shredder also has a compact design, making it easy to store under a desk or in a closet when not in use. In addition, it features an automatic start and stops function and a manual reverse function to clear paper jams.

At a price point of under $50, the AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Strip-Cut Shredder is an excellent option for those on a tight budget who still want to keep their information secure.

Bonsaii DocShred C156-D 12-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder

The Bonsaii DocShred C156-D 12-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder is an excellent option for those needing more shredding power. This shredder can shred up to 12 sheets of paper at a time into small cross-cut particles, making it more secure than a strip-cut shredder.

It also has a convenient automatic start and stops function and a manual reverse function for clearing paper jams. In addition, the shredder has a relatively large bin capacity and can shred other items like credit cards and staples.

At a price point of under $70, the Bonsaii DocShred C156-D 12-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder is a solid choice for home and office use.

Aurora AS890C 8 Sheet Crosscut Paper/Credit Card Shredder

The Aurora AS890C 8 Sheet Crosscut Paper/Credit Card Shredder is a compact and affordable shredder that can handle both paper and credit cards. It can shred up to 8 sheets of paper at a time into small cross-cut particles, making it more secure than a strip-cut shredder.

The shredder also features an automatic start and stop function and a manual reverse function to clear paper jams. It has a relatively small bin capacity but is easy to empty and maintain.

At a price point of under $50, the Aurora AS890C 8 Sheet Crosscut Paper/Credit Card Shredder is an excellent option for those looking for a basic and affordable shredder that can handle both paper and credit cards.

Fellowes 9C4 9-Sheet Powershred Cross-Cut Deskside Paper Shredder

The Fellowes 9C4 9-Sheet Powershred Cross-Cut Deskside Paper Shredder is a reliable and efficient shredder perfect for deskside use. It can shred up to 9 sheets of paper at a time into small cross-cut particles, making it more secure than a strip-cut shredder.

The shredder also features an automatic start and stop function and a manual reverse function for clearing paper jams. In addition, it has a relatively large bin capacity and can shred other items like credit cards and staples.

At a price point of under $90, the Fellowes 9C4 9-Sheet Powershred Cross-Cut Deskside Paper Shredder is an excellent investment for those who need a high-quality shredder for home or office use.

Aurora AU870MA High-Security Micro Cut Paper Shredder

The Aurora AU870MA High-Security Micro Cut Paper Shredder is a top-of-the-line shredder offering high-level security for sensitive information. It can shred up to 8 sheets of paper at a time into tiny 5/32″ x 15/32″ micro-cut particles, making it one of the most secure shredders on the market.

It also features an automatic start and stops function and a manual reverse function to clear paper jams. In addition, the shredder has a relatively large bin capacity and can shred other items like credit cards and staples.

At a price point of under $80, the Aurora AU870MA High-Security Micro Cut Paper Shredder is an excellent investment for anyone who needs to shred highly sensitive documents.

What is the most reliable paper shredder?

Identifying a single “most reliable” paper shredder is difficult, as different shredders have varying features and are suited to different needs. However, a few brands consistently receive high ratings for their shredders’ reliability and durability.

These brands include Fellowes, AmazonBasics, Bonsaii, and Aurora. When looking for a reliable paper shredder, it’s essential to consider factors such as shredding capacity, security level, ease of use, and bin capacity.

It’s also a good idea to read customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of the experiences other users have had with the shredder you’re considering.

What is the best shredder for your money?

The best shredder for your money depends on your specific needs and budget. That being said, there are a few shredders that are known for offering excellent value for their price:

1. AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Strip-Cut Shredder: This shredder is one of the most affordable options on the market, costing under $50. It is a primary, no-frills shredder that can handle up to 8 sheets of paper at a time.
2. Bonsaii DocShred C156-D 12-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder: This shredder offers more power than the AmazonBasics option, shredding up to 12 sheets of paper at a time into small cross-cut particles. It also has a relatively large bin capacity and can shred other items like credit cards and staples for under $70.
3. Fellowes Powershred 79Ci 16-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder: If you’re willing to spend a bit more money (around $200), the Fellowes Powershred 79Ci offers excellent value. It can shred up to 16 sheets of paper at a time into small cross-cut particles and has a relatively large bin capacity. It also has advanced features such as SafeSense technology and an energy-saving sleep mode.

Ultimately, the best shredder for your money will depend on your specific needs and budget, but these three options are great starting points.

How much should I spend on a paper shredder?

The amount you should spend on a paper shredder depends on your specific needs and how frequently you plan to use it.

For occasional home use, a basic shredder can be found for under $50. If you have a home office or small business, you may need a more robust shredder that can handle larger volumes of paper and other materials, costing between $50 and $200.

Industrial shredders can cost several thousand dollars if you require a shredder for heavy daily use, such as in a large office setting.

When determining how much to spend on a shredder, consider the volume of materials you need to shred, the level of security required for the information being shredded, and any special features you may need, such as the ability to shred CDs or credit cards.

It’s also essential to look for a shredder with a warranty to protect your investment. Ultimately, the amount you should spend on a paper shredder will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Is a cross-cut or micro-cut shredder better?

Both cross-cut and micro-cut shredders offer better security than strip-cut shredders, as they shred paper into smaller pieces. However, micro-cut shredders are generally considered more secure than cross-cut shredders.

This is because they slice paper into smaller pieces, making it more difficult for someone to assemble the shredded material.

Micro-cut shredders typically shred paper into size 5/32″ x 15/32″, while cross-cut shredders produce larger pieces, usually around 1/4″ x 2″. While both types of shredders offer a high level of security, micro-cut shredders are generally considered the better option for those who need to shred highly sensitive documents.

However, it’s important to note that micro-cut shredders can be more expensive than cross-cut shredders, and they may only be necessary for some.

For example, a cross-cut shredder may be sufficient if you only shred documents with sensitive personal information. However, a micro-cut shredder may be a better option if you’re shredding documents with highly sensitive information, such as financial or legal documents.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when choosing a paper shredder, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and budget. Several affordable options are available for home and office use, such as the AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Strip-Cut Shredder and the Bonsaii DocShred C156-D 12-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder, both of which offer good value for their price.

However, if you require a shredder for heavy daily use or need to shred highly sensitive documents, investing in a more expensive shredder, such as the Fellowes Powershred 79Ci 16-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder or a micro-cut shredder may be better.

Ultimately, the essential factor is to choose a shredder that can provide you with the level of security you need for your sensitive information while also fitting within your budget.