The best...paper shredders

Ativa MD Pro 1200

This reliable and affordable 12-sheet cross-cut shredder is also “virtually silent.” Built-in handles increase its portability, and it even signals when the bin needs emptying.

$190, officedepot.com

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Source: Good Housekeeping

GearHead Home/Office Cross-Cut Shredder

Auto-start and auto-stop features allow you to feed this shredder a small stack of paper and then walk away.

$80, homedepot.com

Source: ApartmentTherapy.com

Black & Decker Studio Shredder

A mere 4 inches wide, “this stylish, lightweight device is ideal for small spaces.” It can handle six sheets at a time, and is also available in white or a brilliant red.

$60, amazon.com

Source: Good Housekeeping

Fellowes Powershred 79Ci

This “tough-as-hell” 14-sheet strip-cut shredder is virtually idiot-proof. It shuts off if fingers touch the feed slot, and it handles misfeeds with aplomb.

$179, walmart.com

Source: Wired

GoEcoLife 20-Sheet Paper Shredder

A great choice if you have “stacks and stacks of evidence to be destroyed.” This commercial-grade shredder turns most anything into “unreadable particles.”

$700, goecolife.com

Source: Wired