The 5 best paper shredders of 2026, as tested by Consumer Reports

Tax season leaves behind stacks of W-2s, bank statements, and receipts that contain enough personal data to fuel identity theft. Tossing those documents in the recycling bin feels harmless, but it exposes Social Security numbers and account details to anyone willing to dig. A paper shredder turns sensitive paperwork into particles too small to reassemble.

Consumer Reports tested 19 models on security, speed, capacity, convenience, and noise to find which ones perform best.

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At $390, the Wolverine SD9520 is the highest-scoring paper shredder in Consumer Reports' ratings with an 83 out of 100. Its micro-cut blades reduce paper to 0.4-inch shreds, a P-5 security level that CR rates as excellent. CR also highlights the 15-sheet capacity and fast speed, noting the model ran for 24 minutes in overheat testing before needing a cooldown.

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The Fellowes Powershred LX22M is priced at $346 and scored 81 in Consumer Reports' testing. Up to 20 sheets fit through the feed slot at once, and the micro-cut shreds measure 0.5 inches for a P-4 security level. CR calls the overall performance outstanding, noting the model ran the full 30 minutes of overheat testing without stopping and is quieter than most.

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At $235, the Aurora AU2260XA scored 74 in Consumer Reports' testing. Up to 22 sheets fit through the slot at a time, the highest capacity on this list, though the cross-cut shreds measure 1.2 inches for only P-4 security. CR describes overall performance as fine, praising the model for running the full 30 minutes of overheat testing without stopping.

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The $115 HP $HPQ AF1009 is the only model on this list with an auto-feed tray, and it scored 70 in Consumer Reports' testing. That tray has a 100-sheet capacity for hands-free operation, and micro-cut shreds at 0.5 inches are rated excellent for security by CR. CR notes the model is among the fastest tested, though the 4.5-gallon bin and eight-minute overheat run time are better suited to light or moderate jobs.

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The VidaTeco 1201C is the most affordable option on this list at $60 and scored 63 in Consumer Reports' testing. Its 14-sheet capacity and full 30-minute overheat run time are strong for this price, but cross-cut shreds at three inches long are rated only P-3 for security, the lowest level among these picks. CR says the model performs reasonably well overall, citing fast speed but noting it is noisier than most.