6 Best Buy Shredders for Cheap in 2025

When it comes to decluttering, securing personal information, or managing waste, a shredder is an essential tool for both home and office use. Whether you need to destroy sensitive documents or shred old paper into manageable pieces, finding an affordable shredder that doesn’t compromise on quality can be a challenge. In this article, we will review the 6 best cheap shredders you can buy in 2025, offering a variety of features, shredding capacities, and price points.

Table of Contents

1. Why You Need a Shredder
2. Top 6 Best Shredders to Buy Cheap in 2025
   • 1. AmazonBasics 12-Sheet High-Security Micro-Cut Shredder
     2. Fellowes Powershred 79Ci Cross-Cut Shredder
     3. Powershred 99Ci 100% Jam Proof Cross-Cut Shredder
     4. Bonsaii 6-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder
     5. Aurora AU870MA High-Security 8-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper Shredder
     6. Fude Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd. Metal Crusher Shredder
3. Factors to Consider When Buying a Shredder
4. Frequently Asked Questions
5. Conclusion

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1. Why You Need a Shredder

Shredders are not just for personal use—they’re indispensable for businesses, too. From protecting sensitive information to keeping your workspace organized, shredders play a crucial role in ensuring both security and cleanliness. Here are some of the main reasons why having a shredder is necessary:

1.1 Protect Sensitive Information

Shredding documents containing personal, financial, or confidential information is one of the most common reasons to buy a shredder. By destroying such documents, you reduce the risk of identity theft or information leaks.

1.2 Maintain Office or Home Organization

Shredders help declutter your space by turning unwanted documents into small pieces, making them easier to dispose of. This helps keep your home or office neat and free from paper piles.

1.3 Environmental Benefits

Shredded paper can often be recycled, contributing to environmental sustainability. By shredding old documents, you reduce the amount of waste and allow the paper to be recycled for new uses.

1.4 Simple and Convenient Disposal

A good shredder can process large amounts of paper quickly and easily, saving time and effort compared to manually tearing documents apart or using inefficient disposal methods.

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2. Top 6 Best Shredders to Buy Cheap in 2025

The following 6 best cheap shredders provide a range of features designed for different needs. Whether you require high-security shredding or a simple, affordable model for home use, there’s something here for everyone.

1. AmazonBasics 12-Sheet High-Security Micro-Cut Shredder

AmazonBasics offers an affordable shredder with micro-cut technology, perfect for those who need a high level of security. This model can shred up to 12 sheets of paper at a time, making it ideal for personal and small office use.

• Shredding Capacity: 12 sheets at a time.
• Security Level: Micro-cut (Level P-4).
• Features: Can shred paper, credit cards, and small paper clips.
• Runtime: Continuous run time of up to 8 minutes.
• Price Range: $$ (Budget-friendly)

Why Choose It? The AmazonBasics 12-Sheet Shredder is a great option for those who need a secure, affordable shredder. It offers a high-security micro-cut shredding option, ensuring your sensitive documents are completely destroyed.

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2. Fellowes Powershred 79Ci Cross-Cut Shredder

The Fellowes Powershred 79Ci is a cross-cut shredder designed for both home and small office use. It can shred up to 16 sheets of paper at once and includes a Jam Proof System to reduce the chances of paper jams.

• Shredding Capacity: 16 sheets at a time.
• Security Level: Cross-cut (Level P-4).
• Features: Can shred paper, credit cards, CDs/DVDs, and paper clips.
• Runtime: Up to 20 minutes of continuous shredding.
• Price Range: $$$ (Affordable for its features)

Why Choose It? The Powershred 79Ci offers excellent value for money with reliable performance and advanced features like the Jam Proof System. It’s a solid choice for those who need to shred larger amounts of paper frequently.

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3. Powershred 99Ci 100% Jam Proof Cross-Cut Shredder

If you’re looking for a high-performance shredder with minimal maintenance, the Powershred 99Ci could be the perfect option. It comes with a 100% Jam Proof System, meaning you won’t have to worry about constant paper jams. The 16-sheet capacity makes it suitable for small to medium office use.

• Shredding Capacity: 16 sheets at a time.
• Security Level: Cross-cut (Level P-4).
• Features: Can shred paper, CDs, DVDs, credit cards, and staples.
• Runtime: 30 minutes of continuous shredding.
• Price Range: $$$$ (Moderate price)

Why Choose It? The Powershred 99Ci is an ideal option for those who need high reliability and jam-free operation, making it a fantastic choice for high-volume shredding.

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4. Bonsaii 6-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder

The Bonsaii 6-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper Shredder is an affordable, compact option that works well for personal use or small offices. It’s easy to use and can handle up to 6 sheets at once. While not as powerful as some other models, it’s still a great choice for those who don’t need to shred large volumes of paper.

• Shredding Capacity: 6 sheets at a time.
• Security Level: Cross-cut (Level P-4).
• Features: Can shred paper, credit cards, and paper clips.
• Runtime: Up to 3 minutes of continuous shredding.
• Price Range: $ (Very affordable)

Why Choose It? The Bonsaii 6-Sheet Shredder is a highly affordable option for light shredding tasks. It offers the right balance of cost and performance for home users or smaller offices.

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5. Aurora AU870MA High-Security 8-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper Shredder

The Aurora AU870MA is a high-security micro-cut shredder that can handle up to 8 sheets of paper at a time. It’s perfect for home offices or personal use where document security is important. It can also shred credit cards, making it a great all-around option.

• Shredding Capacity: 8 sheets at a time.
• Security Level: Micro-cut (Level P-5).
• Features: Shreds credit cards, paper, and small paper clips.
• Runtime: 5 minutes of continuous shredding.
• Price Range: $$ (Affordable for high-security)

Why Choose It? The Aurora AU870MA offers high-level security at an affordable price, making it perfect for those who need a micro-cut shredder but don’t want to spend too much.

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6. Fude Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd. Metal Crusher Shredder

For those needing to shred metal or bulky items in addition to paper, Fude Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd. offers heavy-duty metal crushers and shredders that are ideal for large-scale industrial or commercial use. The metal crushers are perfect for recycling metal waste and turning it into manageable sizes.

• Shredding Capacity: Large volumes of metal, plastic, and waste.
• Security Level: High.
• Features: Can shred metal, tires, pipes, and more.
• Runtime: Continuous operation.
• Price Range: $$$$ (Industrial-grade)

Why Choose It? If your needs go beyond paper and you require a metal shredder, Fude Machinery offers top-notch industrial shredding equipment. It’s ideal for businesses that deal with large quantities of metal waste or require heavy-duty shredding capabilities.

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3. Factors to Consider When Buying a Shredder

When shopping for a shredder, especially on a budget, it’s essential to consider the following factors to ensure you get the best value for your money.

3.1 Shredding Capacity

How many sheets can the shredder handle at once? If you plan to shred large quantities of paper, look for models with higher sheet capacities (12 sheets or more). For light use, a 6-sheet shredder should suffice.

3.2 Security Level

Shredders come with different security levels, ranging from basic cross-cut (P-3) to

high-security micro-cut (P-5). Choose a shredder that matches your security needs, especially if you deal with sensitive information.

3.3 Runtime

Shredders can run for varying amounts of time before needing to cool down. Choose a model with longer runtime if you plan to shred large amounts of paper in one go.

3.4 Price and Warranty

Consider your budget when selecting a shredder. Don’t forget to check the warranty period and customer support to ensure you get a good deal on your purchase.

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4. Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best shredder for home use?

For home use, a 6-8 sheet capacity cross-cut or micro-cut shredder is usually sufficient. The AmazonBasics 12-Sheet Shredder or Bonsaii 6-Sheet Cross-Cut would be excellent choices.

2. Can shredders handle credit cards and CDs?

Yes, many shredders, like the Fellowes Powershred 79Ci, can shred credit cards and CDs/DVDs. Check the specifications to ensure the model you’re interested in offers this feature.

3. How long do shredders last?

The lifespan of a shredder depends on usage and quality. A high-quality shredder, such as the Powershred 99Ci, can last for many years if used properly. Regular maintenance and oiling will help extend its life.

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5. Conclusion

Investing in an affordable shredder is a smart move for both personal and office use. With the 6 best cheap shredders listed above, you can protect sensitive information and keep your workspace organized without breaking the bank. Consider factors like shredding capacity, security level, and runtime to ensure you select the right model for your needs.