A cross-cut shredder cuts paper in two directions, which leaves small pieces instead of long strips. Beyond the cut type, the figures that matter are how many sheets it takes per pass, how long it can run before a rest, how big the bin is and what else it accepts.
The six shredders below range from a 6-sheet desk model to a 200-sheet auto feed machine. Capacities, particle sizes and run times come from each product’s listing page and are the makers’ own figures. We have not used these shredders ourselves, and we state cut type only.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Sheets per pass | Sets how many pages you can feed at once |
| Run time | Many models stop to cool after a few minutes |
| Bin size | A larger bin means fewer trips to empty it |
| Accepted items | Staples, clips and cards vary by model |
| Size and weight | Deskside bins and under-desk fit differ |
Specs at a Glance
| Shredder | Capacity | Bin and run time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics 8-sheet | 8 sheets of 20 lb paper | 3.7 gal; 3 min run, 30 min rest | Pieces about 0.2 x 0.7 in; 70 dB listed |
| Amazon Basics 6-sheet | 6 sheets | 3.8 gal | 7.7 x 12.1 x 15 in; 8 lb |
| Fellowes 14C10 | 14 sheets | 5 gal; 10 min run | Pieces 5/32 x 1-9/16 in; pull-out bin |
| Suntiko 14-sheet | 14 sheets | 25 L (6.6 gal) | Pieces 4 x 35 mm; CDs accepted; 68 dB listed |
| Amazon Basics 200-sheet | 200 auto, 10 manual | 8.5 gal; 60 min run auto | Pieces 4 x 20 mm; 32.9 lb |
| Fellowes 99Ci | 18 sheets (see note) | 9 gal; 30 min run | Pieces 5/32 x 1-1/2 in; 62.1 dB listed; 36.4 lb |
The 6 Best Cross-Cut Paper Shredders
1. Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder
A corded cross-cut shredder that takes up to 8 sheets of 20 pound bond paper at a time, one credit card at a time, staples and small paper clips, with a 3.7 gallon bin. The maker lists pieces of about 0.2 by 0.7 inches, a 3 minute run followed by a 30 minute rest and a four-mode switch.
Suits: light desk use. Strengths: accepts cards and staples and has an overheat shut-off. Weaknesses: a short run time. Skip it if you shred in long sessions.
View Amazon Basics 8-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder on Amazon
2. Amazon Basics 6-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder
A 6-sheet cross-cut shredder with a 3.8 gallon bin that the maker lists for paper, credit cards, small paper clips and staples. It has auto start, thermal overheat protection and manual reverse for jams. The listing gives 7.7 by 12.1 by 15 inches and 8 pounds.
Suits: a small shelf or under-desk spot. Strengths: a light body and a manual reverse. Weaknesses: the smallest sheet capacity in the group. Skip it if you feed stacks.
View Amazon Basics 6-Sheet Cross-Cut Paper and Credit Card Shredder on Amazon
3. Fellowes 14C10 14-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder
A 14-sheet cross-cut shredder with pieces of 5/32 by 1-9/16 inches, a 5 gallon pull-out bin that the maker says holds over 250 shredded sheets and a 10 minute continuous run time. It takes credit cards, paper clips, staples and unopened junk mail, and the maker describes quiet operation.
Suits: a home office with steady paper. Strengths: a pull-out bin and a longer run time. Weaknesses: a larger body than the 6 and 8 sheet models. Skip it if you want the smallest shredder.
View Fellowes 14C10 14-Sheet Cross-Cut Home Office Paper Shredder on Amazon
4. Suntiko 14-Sheet Cross-Cut Shredder
A corded 14-sheet shredder with 4 by 35 mm cross-cut pieces, a 25 liter (6.6 gallon) bin, a listed 68 dB and an ABS body. The maker says it shreds CDs, credit cards, staples and paper clips and has a jam-proof system. Its guidance mentions a duty cycle of 3 to 5 minutes on and 30 minutes off.
Suits: a home office that also shreds discs. Strengths: a 6.6 gallon bin and CD handling. Weaknesses: a lesser-known brand and a short duty cycle. Skip it if you want a long run time.
View Suntiko 14-Sheet Cross-Cut Heavy Duty Paper Shredder on Amazon
5. Amazon Basics 200-Sheet Auto Feed Shredder
An auto feed cross-cut shredder with a 200-sheet tray, a manual slot for 10 sheets, 4 by 20 mm pieces and an 8.5 gallon pull-out bin. The maker lists a 60 minute run with the auto tray, then a 45 minute rest, plus anti-jam reverse and a sleep mode. It weighs 32.9 pounds.
Suits: a team that shreds batches. Strengths: hands-free feeding and a big bin. Weaknesses: the largest and heaviest here at 32.9 pounds. Skip it if space is tight.
View Amazon Basics 200-Sheet Auto Feed Cross-Cut Paper Shredder on Amazon
6. Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Cross-Cut Shredder
A heavy-duty cross-cut shredder with a 9 gallon bin, a 30 minute continuous run time and 5/32 by 1-1/2 inch pieces. The maker says it also takes staples, credit cards, paper clips, CDs, DVDs and junk mail and calls it jam-proof. The bullet text says 18 sheets while the details table says 34, so check the page.
Suits: a busy office. Strengths: a long run time and a 9 gallon bin. Weaknesses: 36.4 pounds and conflicting sheet figures. Skip it if you want a light machine.
View Fellowes Powershred 99Ci Cross-Cut Paper Shredder on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Follow the maker’s run and rest times.
- Follow the maker’s guidance on unplugging before you empty the bin.
- Read the maker’s manual for what to keep clear of the opening.
- Do not exceed the stated sheet count.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Feeding more sheets than the listed capacity.
- Shredding items the maker does not list.
- Ignoring the rest time after a long run.
- Choosing a bin too small for your volume.
Cross-Cut Shredder FAQ
What is the difference between strip-cut and cross-cut?
Strip-cut leaves long strips. Cross-cut cuts in two directions and leaves small pieces.
Can I shred credit cards?
Most models here list them, usually one at a time. Check each page for limits.
The Short Version
For light desk use, the Amazon Basics 8-sheet. For a small light body, the Amazon Basics 6-sheet. For a pull-out bin, the Fellowes 14C10. For discs, the Suntiko. For batches, the Amazon Basics 200-sheet. For long runs, the Fellowes 99Ci.
