The most popular names in this product category include Fellowes, Aurora, Royal, and store brands such as Staples. carefully scrutinized the available options and paper shredder reviews to find the best paper shredders under $75. The market is awash in paper shredders at prices ranging from about $15, for what's essentially a motor head that can be set atop a wastebasket, to more than $2,000, for a professional-grade model designed for a busy office that goes through lots of paper. Unless you want to painstakingly cut up old tax returns, bank statements, credit cards, and more by hand, a paper shredder is a must-have item. Identity theft and other forms of data theft make shredding essential for individuals as well as organizations. (A separate slot for CDs/DVDs shreds with a straight cut.) Users appreciate convenience features such as the wheels and pull-out basket and say shredding proceeds quickly and relatively quietly. Takeaway: The AmazonBasics 8-Sheet Micro-Cut Shredder provides the high level of security many home users seek, chopping paper into teeny particles measuring 5/32 x 15/32 inches. Some reviewers grouse about flimsy build quality.

Relatively short 2-minute run time and long 40-minute cool-down period.Some users report problems with auto-on, saying the unit continues to run when not in use unless switched off manually (frequent cleaning of the sensor may mitigate this issue).4.1 out of 5 stars from nearly 3,000 reviewers on Amazon.Comparatively quiet for this price class.Pull-out 3-gallon receptacle with a window.Automatic shut-off if the unit begins to overheat.Performs as advertised, most reviewers say.This model shreds paper into 1/5 x 1 1/3-inch bits and, unlike most others tagged with a budget price, it can handle paper clips - a time saver when cleaning out files. Takeaway: Users like the low-cost efficiency of the Insignia NS-PS10CC from Best Buy, although some caution that this 10-sheet cross-cut shredder is at its best with a maximum of five sheets. Relatively long 50-minute cool-down period before the shredder can be used again.No specification for run time, prompting surprise among some users when it begins overheating after several minutes.Dull-looking design compared with others in its class.4.5 out of 5 stars from nearly 2,000 reviewers on.Performs consistently and meets the expectations of most home users.Handle for lifting the motor head off the bin.Large 5.3-gallon wastebasket with a window to show when it's getting full.Chews up paper clips, staples, and CDs/DVDs in addition to paper.Despite some grousing about a less-than-advertised capacity and run time, this is one of few micro-cut models in the budget zone. Takeaway: Best Buy's Insignia NS-PS10MC is the shredder for frugal consumers seeking a very high level of security for documents and media meant for disposal. May balk when presented with more than several sheets, some users report.Long cool-down time of 50 minutes before the shredder can be used again.Information on run time and cool-down period appears only in fine print, prompting surprise among some users when the unit begins overheating after several minutes.4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 1,100 reviewers on.Indicator lights for power, overload, and overheat.

Pull-out 4.5-gallon receptacle with window makes for easy disposal.

Accepts staples, credit cards, and CDs/DVDs (the latter in a separate slot).

Minces up to 10 sheets of paper into tiny 1/10 x 2/5-inch pieces.

Impressive all-around performance, reviewers say.

In general, though, reviewers extol its durability, safety lock, and seemingly effortless performance. A tiny minority balk at the windowless wastebasket design and the position of the feed slot, and a few report jams and malfunctions. A strong brand following only solidifies praise for this 11-sheet cross-cut model. Takeaway: This Fellowes shredder is beefy enough for home or small office use and carries on like a champ, users say.

Feed slot near the back of the unit may discourage storage under a desk.

Does not accept CDs/DVDs or paper clips.

4 out of 5 stars from more than 3,000 reviewers on Amazon.

Unusually long 3-year warranty on the cutter (1 year on the entire machine).

Patented safety lock disables the shredder.

Long 5-minute run time and short 20-minute cool-down period.

Shredded particles measure 5/32 x 1 3/8 inches for good security.

Plenty of power quickly cuts through thick paper and multiple sheets, users say.

Mailmate paper shredder