Why it's best: The Fellowes 32057 is on the higher end of the price spectrum for budget paper shredders but delivers the power and capacity needed for most personal office spaces. The Fellowes P-57Cs can handle up to 8 sheets of paper at once and has a reverse function to help in the event of clogging. The shredder can handle envelopes, standard sized paper, staples, and credit cards. The machine comes with a high-capacity 5 gallon wastebasket so you don’t have to empty it as often. Designed for light use, the 32057 can handle up to 160 sheets of paper per day. The shredder stops as soon as the paper is shredded, cutting back on extended noise. The P-57Cs combination of power, reliability, and an affordable price make it the best cross cut budget paper shredder available. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Amazon.com
Why it's a best pick: The Aurora AS420C is one of the best budget paper shredders on the market – at a price of only $29.99 it can shred junk mail, documents with staples and paper clips, credit cards, and more. The slim design allows this shredder to fit almost anywhere in the home or office. The basket capacity is rated at 40 sheets, which is not huge, but for light use it will not require emptying too often. The power cord is detachable and there is a built-in handle for easy carrying on the top of the shredder/basket combo. The AS420C is reliable, easy to use, portable, and small enough to fit in almost any space, which makes it one of the best cheap paper shredders available. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Amazon.com$22.30
Why it's a best pick: With the ability to cross shred paper, credit cards, paper clips, staples, and sensitive documents with ease, the Aurora AS890C is one of the best budget crosscut shredders available. The AS890C has a sleek design that allows it to fit into any home or office situation, but is also powerful enough to run without fail for light to average use. However, it’s not a corporate shredder, so don’t expect it to run all day. The power supply will trip with over-use and will not cool down for about 24 hours, which can be inconvenient. The paper feeder measures a width of 8.7”, enough to fit most standard size papers and envelopes. The shredder handles junk mail with ease and shreds right through junk credit cards and thick paper documents. The 8 sheet capacity is great – it can handle multiple pages and documents at once, eliminating the need to feed one sheet of paper at a time. Priced around $40, the Aurora AS890C is both affordable and powerful. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Amazon.com$29.01
Why it's a best pick: The Fellowes P-40 shredder is a great budget cross cut shredder that comes at an affordable price and provides the power and durability for most home or small office settings. The P-40 has a durable design and easily shreds documents, junk mail, credit cards, and staples for a carefree shredding experience. It’s equipped with a reverse switch in case of a jam and a 3.7 gallon bucket that allows you to use this shredder with ease and limited frustration. The only downside to the P-40 is that it does not shred CDs with ease, but for the price it is one of the best budget paper shredders available. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Amazon.com$57.51
Why it's a best pick: The Fellowes P70CM shreds junk mail, personal documents, and other papers easily and efficiently. The P70CM shreds paper in confetti fashion with the cross cut blade which makes the documents unreadable for prying eyes. The shredder can fit up to 7 sheets without getting clogged, and has an attractive clear basket to determine when it needs emptying. Priced at around $60, it is on the higher end of the budget shredder category. However, this shredder is made for durability and will last, making it worth the price. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
