5 Best Quiet Paper Shredders of 2023

A quiet shredder? Might as well find a unicorn!

That’s what most of us think because shredders are usually noisy and often disruptive in the workplace. Therefore, we decided to take out time and find the best performers on the market, with a low noise rating.

It was only after a lot of research and groundwork that we ended up with the 9 best quiet shredders of 2023. Also, we made sure that each of these options is viable from a security standpoint, as we do not want your information to get into the wrong hands.

Without further ado, let’s get down to business.

Best Quiet Paper Shredders 

If you’re in the market for a new paper shredder but don’t want to sacrifice tranquility, we’ve got you covered. Here’s the list of the 5 best quiet paper shredders on the market.

1. Fellowes 62MC 10-Sheet Micro-Cut Home and Office Paper Shredder – Best for Home Office Use

The Fellowes 62MC Home and Office Paper Shredder looks and plays the part. It has won our vote not only from the security point of view but also in terms of noise rating, which is a priority in compact office spaces. So, if you need a machine for light use, we recommend buying this one.

First off, this unit offers a P-4 level of security, providing 6x smaller cuts than cross-cut shredders. Therefore, you can depend on this sleek, black number to reduce paper into tiny, meaningless bits.

It can go through 10 sheets per application and has a runtime of 7 minutes. After that, it takes about an hour to cool down. While that may seem too long, the runtime is sufficient for light-duty shredding jobs. However, in spite of its limited capacity, it can deal with harder materials like plastic cards and stapled papers.

Apart from that, we really like the patented safety lock feature, which disables the machine, making it safe for children and pets. Furthermore, it includes a 5-gallon pull-out bin for quick and mess-free disposal. Lastly, we like that it comes fitted with wheels, so you can conveniently move it anywhere at the office or at home.

If you want a durable deskside shredder, hands down, this is one of the best options. However, if there’s one thing that bothered us, it’d be the paper slot’s design. You need to place the sheets at an angle, and honestly, it’s tedious taking extra time to align each document to pass through the narrow opening.

2. AmazonBasics 15-sheet Cross-Cut Office Shredder – Best for Shared Office Spaces

The AmazonBasics Cross-Cut Shredder is another superior unit, designed for unparalleled cutting performance. We understand your need for security, and that’s why we want you to consider this option to dispose of any material of sensitive nature. Also, it’s quite the looker in all black, giving your workplace a refined touch.

First off, the shredding function begins in auto mode as soon as the sensor detects something (paper, CD, or cards) to be shredded. However, in the oft chance if and when a paper jam occurs, manual reverse helps clear it out instantly.

The micro-cut operation runs continuously for about 8 minutes and then needs a cooling time of 45 minutes. In case the unit continues to work beyond the maximum runtime and gradually starts to overheat, you’ll see a red overheat light indicator turn up. The machine will automatically shut down, preventing overloading.

Besides that, the shredder’s built-in pull-out waste bin provides a large capacity of 6.7 gallons or roughly 600 sheets of paper. Therefore you don’t need to empty it that often. Also, you can use it anywhere at the office or home, thanks to the smooth-rolling wheels, allowing easy placement and transport. All in all, it’s an excellent machine that will truly give you your money’s worth.

Nothing except the long cool-down period. If you’re running a bustling office like clockwork, this machine will cause a lag. Therefore, we suggest looking for other options if you want faster operation and multiple sessions in a day. However, it’s still a good option if you don’t have that sort of a rush.

3. Bonsaii 10-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper Shredder – Best for Heavy-Duty Shredding

Delivering high performance and efficiency, the Bonsaii Micro-Cut Paper Shredder pulls out all stops for your satisfaction. Plus, it’s low on noise and has some great features that will serve you in the long run. So, if you’re looking for a high-performance unit with guaranteed results, get this right away.

First and foremost, this machine can seamlessly handle a thick stack of paper, ensuring high-precision micro-cut shredding. You can go through up to 10 standard weight sheets at a time and run it continuously for up to 240 minutes.

Thanks to the patented cooling system, the machine only needs a 10-minute break after a 4-hour long session. Feel free to chuck in old debit, credit, insurance cards, and CDs in the machine and trust it works without a hitch.

What impressed us the most is its jam protection system with auto start and auto reverse functions, preventing paper jams, overheating, and overloading. This feature alone contributes to its sustainability and extends service life.

Other than that, it comes with a large 7.9-gallon pull-out basket facilitating convenient disposal. While shredding CDs and cards, you may use the smaller 0.37-gallon bin for emptying the trash. All in all, it’s an excellent shredder that can reduce paper into small particles.

We are thrilled with the performance of this high-utility product and have no qualms about its quality. It’s one of those rare machines that works as advertised and has thus earned our seal of approval. That said, it comes with removable casters for easy movement, but it can only go sideways.

4. GBC Cross-Cut Paper Shredder

The GBC Cross-Cut Paper Shredder is a well-built machine that lets you get rid of excess paper in the most hassle-free manner. However, at the same time, it ensures high data security by mincing paper into irrecoverable bits. All in all, it’s a complete package that offers you great convenience and utility in the long run.

It can be a real bother to put single sheets through the slot and wait until it completely shreds before putting it in the next one. So if you’d rather avoid the wait and the manual method, we recommend investing in this GBC model.

It makes short work of shredding as all you need to do is stack the papers into the auto-feed chamber while the machine does the rest. You can load up to 130 sheets at a time. After that, simply shut the lid while the rollers automatically feed them into the cutters.

However, what seals the deal for us are the self-cleaning cutters, automatically removing build-ups that could lead to jams. To top it all, it also includes an auto+ jam clearance function that reverses and refeeds stuck paper.

Furthermore, it features a high-capacity, 7-gallon pull-out bin with a bin-full indicator, simplifying waste collection, and disposal.

Undoubtedly, this model adds efficiency to the workflow, allowing you to shred documents with minimal oversight. However, in this case, the cutters are meant for paper only, so be sure to remove clips, staples, or pins before passing them through. Nevertheless, it’s not a big issue if you need this shredder for light use.

5. Fellowes LX22M Powershred Micro Cut Paper Shredder

The Fellowes LX22M Powershred Micro Cut Shredder is another great buy that’ll impress you with its high utility and range of features. While purchasing office equipment it’s best not to skimp on quality as you’d want it to last through years without giving you much trouble. That’s why we suggest giving this item a shot.

First things first, this powerful unit can shred 20 sheets per pass, allowing you to go through stacks faster. Since it has a security rating of P4, you can rest assured that your documents will be sliced to tiny bits.

Besides, it allows you to monitor real-time performance with bin-full and runtime indicators, which also enhances overall efficiency. What seals the deal for us is the built-in SafeSense technology that stops the shredding function when hands touch the paper opening. Therefore, if you have a home office, you can safely use the machine with children or pets.

Apart from that, you can confidently put in credit cards, CDs, clipped paper, and junk mail, and rely on the shredder to do the job. Meanwhile, the jam prevention function ensures maximum productivity by eliminating glitches. Lastly, it facilitates a continuous runtime of 30 minutes, allowing you to cut large batches at a time.

You must be wondering why we placed it 2nd on our list despite having equally great features. Well, it nearly made it to the first spot but we had to dock a point because of the hefty price tag. Nevertheless, if you’re willing to splurge on a heavy-duty shredder, get this stat.

Best Quiet Paper Shredders Comparison Table

Buying Guide For The Best Quiet Paper Shredder

Knowing all about the 9 best quiet paper shredders of 2022 may seem enough information to go ahead and buy one. But you still need to figure out what will work best in your home or office environment.

That’s why we have put together a list of essential factors that you must consider before buying any of these options. Take a look now.

1. Paper Shredder Cut Variety

As you know by now that shredders are categorized by the way they cut paper. Depending on your requirements, you can choose from the following cut varieties.

• Strip-cut –The simplest of all styles, this method cuts paper into long, thin strips via rotating blades.
• Cross-cut – This cutting method involves two offset series of blades that slice documents into bits of diamond, rectangular, or parallelogram-shaped particles.
• Micro-cut – Much like cross-cut, this type too rips paper into tiny square or circular bits.

From a security standpoint, we suggest opting for either cross-cut or micro-cut shredders.

2. Runtime of Quite Paper Shredders 

Runtime or duty cycle is another essential consideration that must be taken into account. If you’re going to use the shredder frequently, make sure to get a model with a runtime of 10 minutes or above. Anything below that is not suitable for a busy office.

At the same time, also weigh in the cooling time as you do not want to wait too long to use the shredder again.

3. Paper Shredder Anti Jam

This may seem like a no-brainer but pay attention to the anti-jam mechanism of the shredder. Once in a while, your machine can get stuck, but a good jam-clear feature will help you get back on track in no time.

What is the best way to dispose of shredded paper?

Shredded paper can be disposed of in several ways, including recycling, composting, or simply throwing it away in the trash. If you choose to recycle the paper, make sure to check with your local recycling center to see if they accept shredded paper. If you choose to compost the paper, make sure it’s free of any plastic or other materials that can’t be composted.

Can I shred other materials besides paper in a quiet paper shredder?

While quiet paper shredders are designed primarily for shredding paper, some models may be able to shred other materials such as credit cards, CDs, and DVDs. Check the manufacturer’s specifications to see if the shredder is capable of shredding other material

How does a quiet paper shredder compare to a traditional paper shredder?

A quiet paper shredder is designed to operate at a lower noise level than a traditional paper shredder. This is achieved through the use of advanced technology and sound-insulating materials. While quiet paper shredders may have a slightly lower sheet capacity or run time than traditional shredders, they offer the same level of security and are less disruptive in shared office spaces or homes.

How do I maintain my quiet paper shredder?

To maintain your quiet paper shredder, you should regularly oil the shredding blades, empty the waste bin, and avoid overloading the shredder with too many sheets of paper at once. You should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance.

Conclusion

We’re glad you made it to the end of this article, and hopefully, you found it both informative and exciting. Thanks to our meticulous evaluation, we’ve uncovered the top products that offer optimal security, performance, and of course, quiet operation. Out of these 5 best quiet paper shredders, here are the top three expert recommendations.

For the needs of a busy home office or small business, the Fellowes 62MC 10-Sheet Micro-Cut Home and Office Paper Shredder is an ideal option. Combining sleek design, noise control, and a P-4 security level, it provides smaller cuts than cross-cut shredders and sports a convenient 5-gallon pull-out bin for quick disposal.

Office spaces and shared environments will benefit from the AmazonBasics 15-sheet Cross-Cut Office Shredder which is a good option if you’re looking for great performance with fewer disruptions. Beyond its noise-reducing capabilities, the machine features a 6.7-gallon pull-out waste bin, which reduces how often you need to empty it.

Lastly, if high performance and efficient operation are your top priorities, the Bonsaii 10-Sheet Micro-Cut Paper Shredder is the right choice. Capable of shredding up to 10 sheets at once, it has an impressive continuous run time of 240 minutes and a short 10-minute cool-down, making it perfect for heavy-duty shredding sessions.

Congratulations on reaching the end of this journey! Now that you’re equipped with more information on quiet paper shredders, you can make an informed decision that suits your particular requirements. Be confident that picking any of our top three recommended shredders will deliver a reliable and high-quality experience for your home or office needs. Best of luck, and happy shredding!

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