Best 5 Paper Shredders Under $50: Affordable & Gets The Job Done!

Do you want to find a with a reasonable price below $50?

Keep reading all you need to know.

We picked models with good features, so they won’t last only a few months. If you don’t know which features you should look for, here is our buying guide with short but useful information about the best paper shredder under $50 offer.

Our Top Picks

Is $50 Enough For A Good Paper Shredder?

If you are looking for a basic shredder without fancy features, the highest level of security, and large sheet and bin capacity, then you won’t have to spend more than 50 dollars. Even for this price, you can find quality models that safely destroy documents.

Should You Consider Them Reliable?

Yes, they are reliable and durable, made to last you for years. However, do not expect to get a shredder with many advanced features, like automatic detectors or models that can shred high volumes of paper at once and that can last for long.

Cutting Mechanism

Without splashing out and spending a certain amount of money, you won’t be able to buy a micro-cut shredder. However, you can buy various cross-cut and strip-cut types, even for way less than $50. A cross-cut destroys pages into short strips (shaped like confetti or diamonds) by cutting them horizontally and vertically. On the other hand, strip-cut can only slice paper into long strips of different widths. In conclusion, for better security, it is important to pick a cross-cut model over a strip-cut model.

Security Rating

For 50 dollars or less, you will be able to get yourself a P-2 (strip-cut) or P-3 (cross-cut) machines. These security levels are laid out by the international DIN 66399 standard, where P-1 is the lowest level and P-7 is the highest level of security for paper destruction. For a shredder to be a P-2 level, it has to cut paper into strips that are equal to or less than 6 mm (¼”) wide. A P-3 shredder can be both a strip-cut or the most basic cross-cut shredder.

Which Shredders Can You Get For Under That Amount?

While you cannot get advanced shredders for such a small price, you will still be able to choose between different types at such an affordable price.

Manual Shredders

Shredding machine for manual operation can either be a handheld type of shredder or the one that features a turning knob and a plastic transparent bin. The first of the two is operated by hand-cranking and you can either use it above a bin of your choice or with a disposable catch bag. The latter will require you to turn the knob so that the blades can shred paper before it gets disposed of inside the bin under the blades.

Electric Machines

For easier operation, you can also get small portable options, or even bigger electric models. The small ones can connect by USB and are otherwise similar to handheld models. On the other hand, the bigger electric models will offer you a bigger sheet capacity and even cross-cut mechanisms for medium security.

Models Without Wastebasket

Another type of electric cutter for paper is the one that comes without the wastebasket. The basket-less models allow you to place it on top of different bin sizes with the help of an extendable arm. Just like portable models, those are easier to stow away when not in use.

What Are They Intended For?

Now that you know what kind of shredders you can find for this money, you should also know what its benefits and its limitations are.

Benefits

First of all, you won’t spend a fortune on this office technology. Secondly, they will be suitable for small spaces thanks to their small dimensions. Some of them, you can even place under your desk, in a closet, or keep on your desktop for on-hand shredding. They are a great addition to your home and office, shredding junk mail and other similar papers. Likewise, most of them come with a warranty in case anything happens.

Limitations

You will not be able to get a P-4 or higher level if you don’t spend at least a hundred dollars. This means that they are not suitable for shredding papers with confidential information. Likewise, they won’t be able to shred more than around 8 sheets of paper per pass or run for longer than 5 minutes continuously.

Which Security Level Do You Need?

If you are not planning to use your device for shredding confidential data and personal identifiable information, you won’t need the one with a security level higher than P-3. If you want to shred secret and top-secret information, you can only do so with level 6 shredders and NSA-approved shredders for government agencies.

Features To Expect From Shredders For Less Than $50

A shredder that costs this much usually comes with the following features:

Sheet & Bin Capacity

A cheap paper shredder will rarely be suitable for cutting more than 8 sheets of paper at once. Never exceed the maximum sheet capacity per pass if you want it to run properly. The bin capacity is another important feature; if the bin capacity is low, you need to empty it often. A large bin capacity is a good option if you need to use it daily, but they aren’t intended for that. So the bin with 4 gallons or below capacity is enough for rare shredding.

Run Time

Duty cycle or run time is one thing you will have to sacrifice when saving money. Models in this price range can run continuously for only 2 to 3 minutes. If you want a longer run time, you will have to invest more money.

Cooldown Time

Once the maximum run time is reached, you need to turn the device off to save the motor and prevent overheating. You won’t find shredders that cost little money with a cooldown time shorter than 30 minutes.

Overheat/Overload Protection

Choose the one that has some safety features. Some models have LED indicators that detect if there is too much paper in the bin or if the motor starts to overheat. Then you need to shut off the device or it will shut off by itself.

Materials It Can Shred

While affordable models are a good option for occasional paper shredding, sometimes they can also handle other materials and types of media. For instance, some can also shred CDs/DVDs, paper clips, staples, credit cards, etc.

Will It Prevent Paper Jams?

Each shredder should have some paper jams protection. The manual reverse feature will reverse the blades if the paper gets stuck. Don’t try the clear the paper jams with your hands, you can get hurt. Push that button and when the paper goes out, insert it again.

Noise Level

If possible, the device should not produce noise louder than around 60 decibels. Otherwise, you could be distracted at work, get a headache, or even compromise your hearing.

What Do Warranties Protect Against?

If you are wondering whether a warranty will cover paper jams or user-caused failures, we have bad news. Warranty coverage depends from seller to seller, but unresolved paper jams usually do not fall under hardware failure, which does not make them eligible for Limited Warranty plans.

5 Best Paper Shredders Under $50 Reviews

Aurora AU875XA Paper Shredder

Lightweight Product
Aurora AU875XA is a compact shredder, it fits under your desk or in the corner of the room of your home. Its dimensions are 15.39 inches of height, 12.19 inches of width and 7.36 inches of depth. Aurora weighs 8 pounds only, it is easy to move it or transport it.

Basic Security Level
It is a cross-cut that has the ability to shred paper, credit cards and paper with staples and clips. You can insert maximally 8 sheets of paper per pass. But put only one credit card at the time. The security level is P-3, so it shreds into the particles of 3/16 x 1-27/32 inches.

Overheating Protection
Aurora runs 3 minutes continuously and after that time it requires a cool-down period of 30 minutes. If you leave the shredder to work longer than its max time, the LED indicator will alert you. This feature prevents overheating. Turn on the auto mode and it will start to work automatically.

Anti-jam Feature
Push the manual reverse button if there is too much paper in the machine. This feature will reverse the blades and clear the paper jams. The lift-off bin has a capacity of 3.7 gallons. There is a convenient handle for easy emptying. The paper entry is 8.7 inches wide.

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Fellowes Powershred P-30C Shredder

6-sheet Capacity
The Fellowes P-30C is available in two versions, as 10-sheet model or 6-sheet. Of course, the 10-sheet is more expensive than the smaller version. So, the focus is on the lower sheet device. The warranty lasts 1 year. Also, there is a warranty for cutters which lasts 3 years.

Single User
Fellowes cross-cut office shredder is ideal for personal or home office use. It shreds the paper into small criss-cross particles of 5/32 x 11/32 inches. Insert all your confidential documents, because it provides a P-4 security level, which is very high.

Credit Cards, Clips And Staples
Besides the paper, it shreds small paper clips, staples and plastic credit cards. Powershred P-30C runs 3 minutes continuously. Like each one above, it also requires a cool-down period. Leave it for up to 40 minutes, then you can use it again.

Safety Lock
The waste bin has a capacity of 4 gallons, it isn’t necessary to empty it often. It has a lift-off head for easy emptying. When the shredder runs, use the patented safety lock, it will disable the shredder and add more safety. No one could open it during shredding time.

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GBC PS06-02 Paper Shredder

Desktop-style Device
GBC PS06-02 is a compact device. You can place it on your desk or even on the shelf. It fits anywhere. GBC has the ability to shred paper with clips and staples, so you don’t have to remove them before shredding.

Spaghetti-like Strips
The warranty for this small item lasts 2 years. This is strip cut, so it turns the paper into spaghetti-like strips. They are long, so it is possible to read the information on them. The security level is basic, P-2.

2-minute Run Time
GBC is perfect for home or personal use. You can insert 6 sheets of paper at the time. Its run time last 2 minutes before the needed cool-down period. When the bin is full, you need to lift up the head of the device and empty it. Its capacity is 2.38 gallons.

Covered Blades
It is good that it has some safety features. For example, the blades are covered, which prevents injuries. GBC has a simple interface so it is to control it. There is a manual reverse button that cleans up the paper jams.

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AmazonBasics Paper Shredder

Six Models
AmazonBasics is an ideal choice for home office use. There are many similar AmazonBasics models with a different sheet capacity. You can decide between 6-sheet, 8-sheet, 12-sheet, 15-sheet, 18-sheet and 24-sheet models. The price changes with a higher sheet capacity.

Cross-cut Shredder
In this small review, we focus on AmazonBasics with max 6 sheets of paper per single pass. This shredder measures 12.10 x 7.70 x 15 inches. It weighs 8 pounds only. This model fits in small offices. AmazonBasics destroys the paper in a cross-section of 0.2 x 1.9 inches.

Tested Device
It meets the P-3 security level, so it notintended for sensitive documents. When you shred the paper, you don’t have to remove paper clips or staples. Also, you can insert one credit card at a time. The bin has a capacity of 3.8 gallons. The model is tested before shipping.

3-mode Control Switch
On the control panel, you can find three modes – auto, reverse and off. The run time lasts 2 minutes and the cool-down period lasts 30 minutes. You need to let the device to cool down, so it won’t overheat. If you leave it to shredding, the AmazonBasics will shut off automatically.

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Bonsaii S120-C Paper Shredder

Strip-cut Shredder
This electric machine is compact and suitable for home or small office use. Its dimensions are 14 inches in height, 13.4 inches in width and 6.9 inches in depth. Bonsaii DocShred S120-C is a strip-cut device with a basic security level so you can shred your mail with it too.

Solid Cutters
Bonsaii is equipped with solid and durable cutters. They are able to paper, credit cards, CDs, DVDs, staples and clips. It shreds everything you need. You can maximally insert 8 sheets per single pass. The shredded strip measures 6 mm.

Thermal Protection
This small business paper shredder runs 3 minutes without stopping. Then it requires 30 minutes to cool-down. If Bonsaii shreds beyond its limit, the light indicator will turn on and warn you. Then the thermal protection feature will shut off the device to protect the motor.

Optimal Noise Level
Like overheat protection, there is overload protection will indicate when the bin is full. It produces 62 decibels, that is optimal for shared workspaces. There is an auto-start mode which starts when detecting the paper and manual reverse for paper jam protection.

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What Can You Do To Protect It?

Every shredder requires maintenance to run properly. You will need to empty the bin before it gets too full, as well as invest in shredder oil or lubricant sheets to keep the blades oiled. You will prolong the lifespan of your shredding device, keep it from squeaking, and minimize the occurrence of paper jams