Are you a disorganized, paper-shredding slob? Do your coworkers have to deal with the aftermath of your mess every day? Well, it’s time to get your act together and find the best cheap paper shredder under 50$!
We all have to do it at some point in our lives: get rid of such sensitive paper. And shredding is the most common way to go about this task. But not all shredders are created equal, and there can be a vast difference between a good one and a bad one. It gets even harder to choose when you are on a budget. So, what is the best paper shredder under 50$ for someone like you? Read on to find out!
Best Paper Shredders Under 50 in 2024
You may have wondered what the best paper shredder for home or office use is. Below we have reviewed one of the best affordable paper shredders under 50$ on Amazon for you. Let’s dive in!
| PAPER SHREDDERS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora AU875XA Paper and Credit Card Shredder | 10/10 (Editor's Choice) | |
| Fellowes Powershred P-30C | 9/10 | |
| GBC ShredMaster Basic Home Shredder | 9/10 | |
| Amazon Basics Shredder | 8/10 | |
| 8-Sheet Strip-Cut Home Paper Shredder | 8/10 | |
| Aurora AS810SD 8-Sheet Strip-Cut Paper, CD and Credit Card Shredder Basket | 7/10 | |
| RAGU Paper Shredder | 8/10 |
Aurora AU875XA Paper and Credit Card Shredder
| Pros | Cons |
| Shreds credit cards, paper, clips | Topples easily |
| Overheat/overload protection | Messy to empty the bin |
| 3.7-gallon bin capacity |
This paper shredder is the perfect addition to your home office. Its single-handed lifting handle makes emptying the wastebasket easy, and its LED indicator light lets you know when it’s time to empty the basket. The Aurora AU875XA features overheat and overload protection so that you don’t have to worry about damaging your machine or burning yourself while using this product. Let us look into some details of this highly rated paper shredder.
Lightweight and portable
This product is very compact and portable, perfect for those who need some shredding done on the go. Its dimensions are 15.39 inches in height, 12.19 inches in width, and 7.36 inches in depth. The weight of this product is only about 4kg, making it easier to transport.
Basic Security Level
The Aurora AU875XA cross-cut shredder can handle eight sheets of paper at once, and it also destroys credit cards and small paper clips. Despite taking eight sheets of paper at once, it destroys credit cards one at a time. It is a p3 security level, meaning that its shredded paper will be about 3/16 x 1-27/32 inches.
Overheating Protection
This low-cost shredder can work continuously for about 3 minutes, after which it will require a cooldown of about half an hour. If you forget to turn it off on time, it will flash an LED to remind you to turn it off. This prevents an overheating of the motor.
Fellowes Powershred P-30C
| Pros | Cons |
| Safety lock | Somewhat noisy |
| 1-year warranty | |
| Shreds clips, cards, pins |
The Fellowes Powershred P-30C offers the ultimate combination of high performance, safety, and convenience. This high-security shredder will destroy your documents into tiny particles that are virtually impossible to reassemble. The P-30C is a cross-cut shredder, which allows you to shred credit cards and staples. It is a great way to protect your identity from theft while keeping your home or office safe from fire hazards caused by storing excessive paper documents.
6-sheet capacity
This affordable shredder can take in 6 papers at a time, making it one of the best. It also has a ten-sheet variety which is somewhat more expensive. For the sake of staying within budget, we will only be focusing on the cheaper type. It deals with those six sheets pretty well and is excellent for someone with occasional shredder use.
Credit Cards, Clips, And Staples
Apart from paper, this shredder can deal with cards, clips, and staples. This multipurpose use is excellent for almost everyone. After all, we all leave pins in our documents before shredding them sometimes! The shredder features a p4 security level which is quite good, shredding paper and other material in 5/32 x 11/32 inch pieces.
Safety lock
The safety lock of this shredder is great for a home office with your kids, helping it climb our list of the best shredders for home and office use. This is because you can rest assured that your kids won’t be able to open the machine and get hurt while the shredder is running. This can be a lifesaver!
GBC ShredMaster Basic Home Shredder
| Pros | Cons |
| Very cheap | Only 2.38-gallon bin |
| Covered blades for safety | Strip cut shredding |
| Two-year warranty | 2-minute run-time |
The GBC Shredmaster Basic home shredder is the perfect shredder for a small office or home office. This 2 minutes run-time shredder can handle up to 6 sheets of paper at a time and features manual reverse jam prevention. The GBC Shredmaster Basic has an easy-to-use control panel with a one-touch start/stop button that will help you get through your daily document destruction quickly and easily. Truly one of the best inexpensive paper shredders.
Desktop-style Device
The GBC shred master basic has all the portability that you would want from a small shredder. It has a slim, sleek design that allows you to keep it anywhere, from on the top of your shelf to the narrow space to its side.
Strip-cut Shredding
If security is your utmost priority, this paper shredder may not be for you. It offers strip-cut shredding, which leaves papers in long strips. This means that your data may be readable even after being shredded, especially if it is in tiny fonts or any data code is written vertically. If security is not that important for the documents you want to shred, opt for this model. Strip-cut shredding is faster and consumes less power.
Other features:
This paper shredder features a very easy-to-use interface that is suitable for even non-techy people like me. Moreover, for added safety, it has covered blades that will prevent injury. This is especially important if you are buying the shredder for a home office with your children around. You won’t have to worry about your toddler injuring himself.
We must mention that this paper shredder is relatively small with a bin capacity of 2.4 gallons and a run-time of just 2 minutes. However, this is good enough for many people’s shredding needs.
Amazon Basics Shredder
| Pros | Cons |
| Shreds cards, clips, staples | Produces some dust |
| Overheating protection | Somewhat noisy |
| Cross-cut shredding |
If you were waiting for the best value paper shredder, here it is! AmazonBasics Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder is a reliable and efficient shredder for home or office use. Despite not being a big paper shredder, it features an acceptable bin capacity of 4 gallons. This company gives six different models with increasing paper shredding capacity. The one we are reviewing is their best budget model, which shreds up to 8 documents at a time! Other models vary between 6-sheet, 8-sheet, 12-sheet, 15-sheet, 18-sheet, and 24 sheet variations which all have different prices. Only the 6 and 8 sheet models come under our 50$ mark!
Cross-cut shredding
Every small shredder that allows cross-cut shredding is basically a winner. It provides an excellent level of security at a p3 level and will prevent any data breach by cutting up the documents in sizes of 0.2 x 1.9 inches. It also shreds credits cards, pins, and clips with ease. However, it can take only one credit card at a time, so be careful not to jam more than one inside!
Run-time and thermal protection:
The shredder features a run-time of 3 minutes which is enough for most people’s shredder needs. After that, it needs a cooldown of 30 to 40 minutes. This is to prevent the motor from overheating. The best part is, instead of giving you alerts, it will automatically shut itself off after 3 minutes, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn it off. Trust me; this is a great feature for forgetful people like me.
Other features
With its 4-gallon bin, four power modes, LEDs that indicate power on and overheating, it is hard to go wrong with this model. It is also straightforward to operate and empty out, making your shredding endeavors even more convenient.
8-Sheet Strip-Cut Home Paper Shredder
| Pros | Cons |
| Low-cost | Strip-cut shredding |
| Shreds CDs, DVDs, credit cards | Small basket |
| One year warranty |
If you are looking for the most versatile option under 50$, this is your best bet. Not only does it shred the regular paper, clips, and staples, but it goes one step ahead by also shredding CDs, DVDs, and a lot more. That is a lot to offer for the price. For this value paper shredder under 50$, let us look into some details.
Overheat and Overload Protection
This paper shredder is a lifesaver for anyone who is forgetful like me and forgets to turn their machines off. It gives you a warning when you have either used your shredder for long or its full bin capacity. It has a run-time of 3 minutes with a 30 minute cooldown period. When its 3.5-gallon wastebasket is complete, it will give you an indication to empty it out. In both scenarios, if you fail to comply, it features an automatic shut down feature that prevents any damage to the device, enhancing its longevity.
Strip-cut shredding
This paper shredder is of great value but not the best for providing maximum security. It uses basic strip-cut shredding that will not make your data unreadable. It is suitable for destroying documents as long as they are not sensitive.
Optimal Noise level
Most people take issue with how noisy shredders are. It is even more annoying to use such devices in a shared workplace. Bonsai has made this paper shredder good enough for silence, producing an optimal noise level of 62 decibels. This will make sure that those around you do not get disturbed while you get everything done.
Aurora AS810SD 8-Sheet Strip-Cut Paper, CD and Credit Card Shredder Basket
| Pros | Cons |
| Portable | Strip-cut shredding |
| Shreds CDs, DVDs, credit cards | Small bin |
| Easy to use |
Aurora AS810SD is a strip-cut paper shredder that features powerful performance and safety. This machine can shred up to 8 sheets of paper at once, which means you can get the job done quickly. The Aurora AS810SD paper shredder also has manual forward and reverse to clear paper jams, so you don’t have to worry about wasting time and energy with paper jams.
Destroys Multiple materials
With most cheap shredders (even the best), you only expect paper shredding with a few staples or clips. However, heavy-duty shredding like credit cards and CDs are pretty rare, but not with this one! NOt only can it shred the usual paper, pins, and staples, but it also shreds cards, one at a time. Moreover, you can even expect it to shred unwanted CDs without a problem. For this reason, we think this is one of the best value shredders on the market.
Other features
This shredder has an auto-start mode, starting its shredding procedure as soon as you feed paper to it. When you take a break between shredding, it goes on standby mode to conserve energy.
It does have a smaller bin capacity at 3.5 gallons which will get full quite quickly. That is, however, quite normal for paper shredders of this compact size. Its compact size is perfect for shredding on the go. All in all, if you have occasional shredding needs, you can’t go wrong with this model.
RAGU Paper Shredder
| Pros | Cons |
| P-4 Security Level | 2.9 Gallon Basket |
| Cross-cut shredder | Hard to feed paper |
| Sturdy Motor |
The RAGU 6-Sheet Capacity Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder with Paper Jam Proof System is the perfect shredder for your home or small office. The compact design of this machine allows it to be placed on a desk or shelf, making it easy to use anywhere. It features a 6-sheet capacity that can shred paper, credit cards, staples and more. This product also has an auto start/stop feature that turns the machine off when it senses a paper jam. Let us dive into some of the amazing features of this great inexpensive paper shredder.
Sturdy Motors
With most of the affordable shredders that we reviewed, it was hard to call them sturdy because of their lightweight build. Despite this one being lightweight, it has really sturdy blades that shred paper with no issues. It even shreds credit cards beyond repair. You wont have to worry about it self-deteriorating as it shreds away all those unwanted documents. Even the sturdiness is enough to give this the title of the greatest affordable shredder to buy.
Security:
While cross-cutting techniques themselves are a win, the size of the cut particles does matter. The smaller the pieces, the better the shredding. After all, you do not want any sensitive information to end up on one shredded piece. This cheap paper shredder is one of the best in the market because it shreds paper into 5/32” x 1-1/2” cross-cut particles. keeping your data unbreachable.
Other Features:
For all those concerned about safety, this paper shredder has a safety lock design, turning itself off as soon as you try to open the lid. Moreover, it also has an auto-start feature that makes it start shredding when you feed paper to it. Not only that but it has a manual reverse feature to help you resolve paper jams. All in all, this is one of the highest-rated paper shredders under 50 that you can find!
Please note, however, that its bin capacity is smaller than some models in this price range on the market so you may have to empty it out more.
Factors to consider before buying a paper shredder
Price:
Consider what level of quality and functionality fits your budget. For example, if you’re looking for something that will last five years or more but don’t care about added security features like micro-cut blades, then save yourself some hassle by opting out of those higher-priced models -you might end up saving hundreds! There are plenty of lower-cost alternatives available on the market today as well, so it should never come down to just price alone in deciding whether or not to buy a particular model. You can easily find great options under 50$, as you will see soon.
Shredding Capacity:
Once you decide to purchase a paper shredder, the first task is to determine how many sheets it can handle in one go. If your work involves lots of documents with sensitive information, this would be an important consideration. The shredders that we are going to mention are all going to be intended for small office use. They will shred 2 to 10 documents in one go. For many, that is enough. If you need a greater shredding capacity, you will have to go higher up the price spectrum.
Run time:
It’s important to consider the run time of a paper shredder and not just its speed. After all, if you’re going for a 4-hour job with hundreds of documents to shred, then it won’t be worth buying one with only 30 minutes of run-time. Therefore, when looking into purchasing a new paper shredder, make sure that this factor is also taken into consideration! The shredders that we are reviewing will usually give you a run time of 10 minutes or less with an average speed of 1 to 3 minutes per shredding. After that, they require a cooldown period.
Overheating/Overloading Protection:
When buying a paper shredder, you should look for whether or not it has an overheating or overloading protection system- which shuts down the machine if the motor starts heating up too much and could potentially start a fire. This can prevent significant fire hazards and save you from life-threatening situations. After the overheating, you will have to let the shredder rest before it works again.
Some shredders also have overloading protection and will alarm you if there is too much paper in them. This is to prevent any damage to the hardware. Some shredders have these features like alarms, LED lights, or an automatic turn-off feature. The overloading will require you to clear the blockage in the shredder before using it again.
Bin Capacity:
The bin capacity is another thing to consider before buying a paper shredder. It’s important because it can dictate how many sheets of paper you’re able to put in at one time and if the machine has enough space for them all. For example, with an 8-sheet model, you would have room for eight pages in total. If you have a workload that requires more than eight pages a day, you will find yourself emptying the bin way often than you would prefer
Anti-jam feature:
With cheaper paper shredders, paper jamming is more of a problem than higher-end models. It is, therefore, heaven to have an anti-jamming feature installed. This feature prevents paper jams, and even if one happens, it allows you to resolve it quickly. Manually trying to fix a paper jam can leave you seriously injured, so never try it!
Type of shredding required:
For a small home office, you may only need to shred paper. For people who do not have very sensitive papers to be shredded, consider purchasing an inexpensive strip-cut shredder that will cut into small strips so they can be easily disposed of in regular trash cans and recycled once full.
Suppose someone needs their machine to destroy more challenging items like cutting up credit cards. In that case, they should consider the type of shredding before making any purchase decisions! Also, always keep in account what the manufacturer says should be shredded by the machine. Never give a machine more than it can handle.
Strip-Cut Vs. Cross-Cut Vs. Micro-Cut
Do you want your papers to be shredded in broad strips, or do thin, delicate cuts?
In the world of good paper shredders, there’s a long-standing debate between strip cutters and cross-cutters. The former are big fans for their ability to accommodate large stacks while also being quick on cost per pound; however, they have one drawback: security codes printed in the small font can sometimes be seen because the strips are not too narrow. Moreover, any numbers written vertically will remain as is. The width of the strips is about 1/4 or 1/8 inches.
Cross-cutting devices take care of that problem by cutting documents into small cross-sections but require more time and power, simultaneously costing you more money when paying your electric bill over time. Needless to say, they are much safer if you have sensitive information to shred. The pieces from this shredder usually have a width of 3/16 inches.
Now imagine if we could have an even smaller cut? This new kind, micro-cuts, is making waves because the added precision means anything from an old report card to the most secret FBI information can be shredded beyond repair. They shred the pieces in about 5/52 inches of width. This is the maximum-security option, but of course, they are the most expensive and high-end shredders.
Paper shredders have quite a wide range. They can go from hundreds of dollars to just under 50 dollars. It just depends on the features you want from your device and how much you are willing to pay. A paper shredding machine is a good tool for securing your important information, no matter what it may be. A well-made device can make the process of disposing of documents private and secure by turning them into tiny pieces that are hard to read or see! Though we typically don’t think about our actions’ consequences on our own or other people’s privacy and security when disposing of papers, there are many instances where they aren’t just harmless pieces of scrap–they’re dangerous! if you have any documents that have sensitive information that needs to be thrown away, be sure to shred them first Also, Shredding paper is an environmentally friendly way to dispose of it. This process breaks the sheets down into smaller pieces, which take up less space in a landfill and decompose faster. Paper shredders can be used to slice paper in a matter of minutes. However, some models will take up to 30 minutes after continuous use for cooling down and may not work as quickly or efficiently in the process. The average person might think that using a paper shredder takes just five-ten minutes, but different types of shredders vary from one another; this means some machines only work at peak efficiency if they have time off between uses while others stay constantly running without any break needed even though it may slow their output speed slightly. The time will also vary based on what you are trying to shred. Paper usually takes the least time. The more you go towards more rigid materials like CDs, the longer it will take to shred. With any ordinary paper shredder, you can easily do the job by just putting paper in it. All you will have to do is push a button and wait for the machine to do its job!How much is a paper shredder?
Why do I need a paper shredder?
How long does it take to shred?
How to use a paper shredder?
Conclusion:
With all the data breaches and identity theft, it’s important to ensure your personal information is secure. Paper shredders are a necessity in our day-to-day lives. They’re not just for spies anymore! If you don’t have one yet, and if you’re looking to get the greatest bang for your buck, then you will undoubtedly have benefited from our affordable recommendations on paper shredders under 50$. We hope that this list has helped narrow down the search process. Which paper shredder did you choose as our top pick? Let us know in the comments below!
