#10 Best Paper Shredders Under $300 2023

It’s important to take notice of what you’re getting for your money. A lower price could sacrifice key features, and convenience may sacrifice safety. Whether it's for personal or business use, a shredder can help you dispose of your most sensitive information—on paper documents, CDs, or even credit cards. Here's what to consider when shopping for the best paper shredders under $300!

👤 Written by: A. K. Sari
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A paper shredder is a home-office basic that is a crucial tool for securely destroying sensitive documents. You might not need the most expensive option, though, unless you’re a secret agent or the main character in a legal thriller. Realistically, you need a paper shredder that can shred multiple pages at once and run for a long time without overheating.

There are also shredders that shred in multiple directions for higher levels of security and ones that let you shred non-paper objects like CDs and credit cards. The right one for you depends primarily on what you’ll be shredding and how often. So, to help you find the best one for your specific needs, we will give you some recommendations of the best paper shredders Under $300 which will help you destroy the important data that you have to keep safe with an affordable but quality budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Why choose paper shredders under $300?

When you use and compare several different paper shredders, the value of each one becomes clear. When you buy your first basic shredder, you probably don’t know much right away about all of its functions and features.

After you’ve upgraded a few times, you start to notice more than just the big differences. We made sure to choose models that offer the best value, which means they can do the job better than more expensive models, last longer than similarly priced models, and do more for the same price.

What features can paper shredders under $300 get?

Small and medium-sized businesses may not need a shredding service. Instead, get an office shredder. Here is a list of things we think you should think about when looking for the best paper shredders under $300.

  • Bin Capacity. No need to be confused about shredder capacity. There are affordable garbage container sizes for shredders. Just adjust it to fit.
  • Noise Levels. Look for a machine that has a way to cut down on noise.
  • Ability to shred more than just paper. Shredders now have slots that can be used to shred plastic and media made of plastic.
  • Safety features. A safety shield should also go around the opening of your shredder.

What things to consider before buying best paper shredders under $300?

Whether you’re looking for a paper, plastic, or sheet shredder, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

  1. Number of Sheets: A paper shredder’s capacity determines its size. As the quantity of sheets increases, so does the shredder’s cost.
  2. Jamming: Most paper shredders jam. Some models are more prone to jamming and quicker to fix.
  3. Credit cards: Since credit cards are not made of paper, some cheaper shredders may not be able to shred them or may have trouble doing so.
  4. Volume: This is also related to how many papers you can shred at once.
  5. Type of Cut: Most paper shredders cut papers by making cross-cuts, but there are other ways to cut paper, such as making micro-cuts.

How long do the best paper shredders under $300 usually work?

The longer the shredder can run without stopping to cool down, the more paper you can shred without stopping. Less expensive shredders can run for less than five minutes, while the best models for homes and small offices can run for 10 minutes or more. When we tested the shredders, most of the bins were full after 10 to 15 minutes of nonstop shredding. This makes claims of very long run times pointless.

*Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more
Name Rank Check Prices
AS662C Cross-Cut Paper Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics
AS662C Cross-Cut Paper
#1 Amazon eBay
AU1265MA Micro-Cut Shredder Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics
AU1265MA Micro-Cut Shredder
#2 Amazon eBay
C169-B Paper Shredder Bonsaii
Bonsaii
C169-B Paper Shredder
#3 Amazon Bonsaiishop.com eBay
Powershred 79Ci Cut Shredder Fellowes
Fellowes
Powershred 79Ci Cut Shredder
#4 Amazon Fellowes.com eBay
Powershred 99Ci Cross-Cut Shredder Fellowes
Fellowes
Powershred 99Ci Cross-Cut Shredder
#5 Amazon Fellowes.com eBay
Powershred 125Ci Cross-Cut Shredder Fellowes
Fellowes
Powershred 125Ci Cross-Cut Shredder
#6 Amazon Fellowes.com eBay
1758581 Paper Shredder GBC
GBC
1758581 Paper Shredder
#7 Amazon Gbc.com eBay
TR-NMC122A Micro-Cut Shredder TRU RED
TRU RED
TR-NMC122A Micro-Cut Shredder
#8 Amazon Staples.ca eBay
TR-BMC163A Micro-Cut Shredder TRU RED
TRU RED
TR-BMC163A Micro-Cut Shredder
#9 Amazon Staples.com eBay
Powershred 225Mi Micro-Cut Shredder Fellowes
Fellowes
Powershred 225Mi Micro-Cut Shredder
#10 Amazon Fellowes.com eBay

10 List of Best Paper Shredders Under $300

  • Amazon Basics AS662C Cross-Cut Paper
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    #1

    Amazon Basics AS662C Cross-Cut Paper

    Best Affordable Cross-Cut Shredder

    1  readers vote
    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    If all you need is a regular paper shredder, Amazon Basics is the right place to look. It doesn’t cut too quickly and can’t run for too long, but it’s great for home or light office use. This cross-cut paper shredder can handle six pages at once and can also cut credit cards, but only one at a time. This model also has a waste basket that holds 3.8 gallons. This under $300 paper shredder, on the other hand, is leagues ahead of many other similar-priced models because it can shred paper quickly.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Ideal for light-duty shredding jobs
    Highly affordable
    Suitable for shredding six pages at a time
    Decently sized bin
    Compact shredder

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Two minutes of runtime
    Needs a lot of time after overheating

    What other experts liked

    If you forget to turn the shredder off or unplug it before emptying the bin, the safety switch will keep your fingers safe.
    Life Wire

    What other experts didn't like

    The 4.8-gallon paper basket is small. Most residential and small office shredders feature 6- to 9-gallon bins.
  • Amazon Basics AU1265MA Micro-Cut Shredder
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    #2

    Amazon Basics AU1265MA Micro-Cut Shredder

    Best Home-Office Paper Shredder

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Amazon Basics Micro-Cut Shredder ran smoothly for much longer than its five-minute run time. This under $300 paper shredder chops paper into 5/32-by-15/32-inch fragments. This makes reassembling sensitive papers difficult. It can also shred old plastic credit cards, and it has a separate slot for data DVDs, which helps keep the main shredder gears from wearing out too quickly.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Low price
    Relatively secure shredding
    Good basket capacity
    Shreds optical discs and plastic cards as well as paper

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Somewhat slow
    Modest duty cycle

    What other experts liked

    12-Sheet Micro-Cut Shredder is cheaper than cross-cut shredders and has a huge wastebasket.

    What other experts didn't like

    On the bin's front is a little glass that shows how full it is. On the floor, the port is hard to see.
    Life Wire
  • Bonsaii C169-B Paper Shredder
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    #3

    Bonsaii C169-B Paper Shredder

    Best Paper Shredders Under $150

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    If you have to shred a lot of papers often, you need something that can keep going for a long time. The Bonsaii EverShred is what that thing is. You can get through your stacks of paper in one sitting if you can shred for up to 30 minutes straight. This shredder can handle 14 sheets of paper at once and shreds them into pieces that are 5 x 40 millimeters in size. It is made with a jam protection system that automatically reverses when a jam is found.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Quieter than average
    Reverse jamming function
    30-minute runtime
    10-minute cool-off
    Can shred up to 14 sheets per pass
    Moderately large waste bin with an easy-emptying mechanism

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Low portability

    What other experts liked

    The basket fills slowly, so it may hold the more shredded paper. 30-minute shredding sessions are common. You can empty the basket and operate the machine for longer than 30 minutes. It's also silent.

    What other experts didn't like

    14 sheets are listed on the package. I'm destroying your regular-weight tax forms. Used 5 times to shred two sheets each time.
    Fakespot
  • Fellowes Powershred 79Ci Cut Shredder
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    #4

    Fellowes Powershred 79Ci Cut Shredder

    Best Paper Shredders Under $200

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Fellowes Powershred 79ci lives up to its name in a great way. Powershred can destroy staples, credit cards, paper clips, CDs, DVDs, junk mail, and just about anything else you can think of. One of the main selling points of this under $300 paper shredder is that it doesn’t get jammed.  The Powershred can be used for up to 20 minutes, and then it needs 30 minutes to cool down. Also, it has a great slot and plenty of power.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Jam-proof system
    Digitalized interface with LED indicators
    SilentShred for soundless operation
    SafeSense tech neutralizes the risk of injury
    Excellent runtime
    Can shred paper clips, CDs, DVDs, and paper quickly

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Cut pieces aren’t as small as would be expected
    The bin fills up pretty quickly

    What other experts liked

    The Fellowes Powershred 79Ci shreds office documents easily. It works nicely as a small office or home shredder.

    What other experts didn't like

    It's hard to attach the wheels, and the wheels keep them from locking into place.
    Iron Shield Security
  • Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Cross-Cut Shredder
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    #5

    Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Cross-Cut Shredder

    Best Quiet Paper Shredders

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Fellowes Powershred 99Ci securely shreds about 180 pages per minute, so you can quickly get rid of a lot of sensitive documents. This shredder has an impressive run time. It can run for 30 minutes straight without stopping before it needs a break. It also works quietly so it doesn’t bother other people. This product has four wheels that make it easy to move around your home. A nine-gallon bin is the right size for one to three people, and you won’t have to empty it very often.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Quiet
    Fast
    Large waste bin
    Can shred close to 20 sheets at once
    Handles staples, optical discs, plastic cards, and junk mail in addition to paper

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Large and heavy
    On the pricey side
    Not secure enough for secret documents

    What other experts liked

    The trash can is 9 gallons. Like its siblings, it boasts an easy-to-pull-out design. If your bin is full, it may take 3–4 months to empty.
    Iron Shield Security

    What other experts didn't like

    For a manual-feed shredder, the 99Ci is heavy and large. It is 25.2 by 11.4 by 17.3 inches (HWD) and weighs 36.3 pounds. 
  • Fellowes Powershred 125Ci Cross-Cut Shredder
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    #6

    Fellowes Powershred 125Ci Cross-Cut Shredder

    Best Paper Shredders Under $450

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Fellowes Powershred 125Ci is one of the most powerful paper shredders you can buy. It is made to power through tough jobs without getting stuck. It has sensors that keep it from running over capacity. This best paper shredder under $300 stands out because it can handle up to 20 papers at once and has a 14-gallon wastebasket, which is bigger than most shredders and gives you more time between emptyings. It even has an LED light that lets you know when it’s time to empty it.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Energy-saving system
    The runtime of a full hour before cooling off
    Shredding capacity of 20 sheets cross-cut per pass
    Improved SilentShred and SafeSense technologies

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Doesn’t feature a separate bin for plastic and non-paper waste

    What other experts liked

    If you want an affordable shredder, look no further. This unit's bin can handle huge jobs. It's jam-proof and won't jam.

    What other experts didn't like

    The shredder shreds to the side and turns off before the bag is full. You must keep taking out the bin, putting shreds in the middle, and pressing.
    Verna S.
  • GBC 1758581 Paper Shredder
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    #7

    GBC 1758581 Paper Shredder

    Best for Appearance-Conscious Small Offices

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The GBC is like a Chihuahua of paper shredders: it’s small, cute, noisy, and quick. This paper shredder is made for light-duty use and works well at home or in an office for one person. It’s small, has soft curves, and comes in two glossy colors. It’s a model you won’t want to hide when guests come over. This under $300 paper shredder is a personal shredder that works best for light-duty use. It is cheap, fast as lightning, and its small basket can hold more paper than you might think.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Inexpensive
    Stylish
    Compact
    Small shred size means greater security
    Wicked-fast shredding, at nearly double its rated speed

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Strictly for light-duty use
    Noisy
    No jam protection

    What other experts liked

    I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to shred personal information to protect against ID theft.
    Staples Customer

    What other experts didn't like

    It doesn't have the auto-feed feature of our Editors' Choice for small-office shredders
  • TRU RED TR-NMC122A Micro-Cut Shredder
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    #8

    TRU RED TR-NMC122A Micro-Cut Shredder

    Best Compact Micro-Cut Shredder

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This Tru red shredder could shred one sheet of paper at a time for five minutes without stopping or giving an error message. It could also shred stacks of paper that were anywhere from one to twelve sheets thick. The bin is 5.8 gallons big and can hold tiny pieces of paper from more than 150 sheets. What’s more, this machine is easy to use in every way. And, even though it’s about 21 pounds, this under $300 paper shredder doesn’t feel too heavy, and its four wheels, two of which have brakes, make it easy to move.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Can shred continuously
    Simple to use and clean
    Makes tiny shreds

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    On the loud side

    What other experts liked

    You get a lot for your money. Cutting action is very good. Set clear goals for how many sheets per pass.
    Chris W. Poveromo

    What other experts didn't like

    Hard to keep the electricity going. After two times with small sheets, it got stuck. Not able to make it work. Very bad value for the price.
    JOAN P.
  • TRU RED TR-BMC163A Micro-Cut Shredder
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    #9

    TRU RED TR-BMC163A Micro-Cut Shredder

    Best Paper Shredders Under $250

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    In a time when cyber-attacks and hacking are often in the news, businesses can’t afford to forget that sensitive paper documents can also be stolen. The TRU RED 16-Sheet Micro-Cut Commercial Shredder can cut paper into so many tiny pieces that only a government intelligence service with a lot of time and energy would even try to put them back together. With its micro-cut security, ability to shred more than 16 sheets of paper at once, large waste bin, and ability to shred things other than paper.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Secure micro-cut shredding
    Large collection basket
    Also handles paper clips, staples, optical discs, and credit cards

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Slower than some other shredders in its class

    What other experts liked

    This Shredder works well. It can shred up to 20 sheets at once, has a huge basket, and can shred various objects other than paper.

    What other experts didn't like

    This Shredder never seemed decent when I bought it. After a month or two, I couldn't get to the paper. Misshredded paper. It wasn't helpful.
    NicoleC
  • Fellowes Powershred 225Mi Micro-Cut Shredder
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    #10

    Fellowes Powershred 225Mi Micro-Cut Shredder

    Best Jam-proof Micro-Cut Shredder

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    The Fellowes Powershred 225Mi paper shredder is for people who need to shred a lot of paper. It costs a lot of money, but it works very well. This has a two-year warranty, and the cutter itself has a seven-year warranty. It can cross-cut 20 sheets at once, which lets it work continuously. Even better, like all shredder products, this shredder has a number of smart ways to get rid of paper jams.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Can shred up to 16 sheets per pass
    Non-stop shredding guarantee
    Jam-proof system
    Cuts material into micro-sized particles

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Could be a bit sturdier
    Weighs a ton

    What other experts liked

    This is a small office, and it works as well as we thought it would. The machine is quiet. Very happy with how it turned out.
    T. Hunt

    What other experts didn't like

    For such a heavy machine, the plastic part of the casters looks pretty fragile
    Paper-pusher

Conclusion: Best Paper Shredders Under $300

Every business should have a paper shredder, and there’s no good reason not to. With cheap options for the home that cost as little as $30, you can save a lot of money and protect yourself from liability. We hope this summary was helpful and that you were able to find the best paper shredders under $300 for you, whether you were looking for cross-cut shredders or micro-cut shredders that can handle up to eight sheets of paper, or any other kind of paper shredder.

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