Buyer’s Guide
How to Choose the Right Paper Shredder
Not all shredders are equal. The right machine depends on how many people will use it, how often, how sensitive your documents are, and what features matter to you. Follow our 6-step guide to find the perfect match — from personal home shredders to heavy-duty office models.
6-Step Guide
Choose the Right Shredder in 6 Steps
Work through each step in order — your answers narrow down the ideal model for your exact situation.
Step 1
Where will the shredder be located and how many people will use it?
Step 2
How frequently will the shredder be used?
Step 3
Which type of feed — hands-free Auto Feed or Manual?
Load a stack of documents into the tray and walk away. The machine pulls and shreds each sheet automatically while you do something else. Ideal if you value your time over raw shredding speed.
Best for multitasking ✋You feed sheets directly into the slot. Handles multiple sheets per pass, making it faster per minute than auto feed. Better choice when speed matters and you’re actively at the machine.
Best for speedStep 4
What security level do you need?
Security levels are defined by the international DIN 66399 standard — P-1 (lowest) to P-7 (highest). The level you need depends on the sensitivity of your documents. See the full security level chart below for a detailed breakdown.
Step 5
Select paper feed capacity and bin size
A higher paper feed capacity means fewer passes to clear a stack. A larger bin means less frequent emptying. Both reduce interruptions during your working day.
Step 6
Which features will make your job easier?
Not all shredders offer the same features. Check which of these matter to your usage before making a final decision.
DIN 66399 Standard
Paper Shredder Security Levels — P-1 to P-7
The higher the security level, the smaller the shred particle — and the harder it is to reconstruct your documents. Choose based on how sensitive your information is.
Ready to find your perfect shredder?
Browse 250+ models by category, brand, security level, or duty rating — or speak to our specialists for a free recommendation.