Head-to-head · Best Paper Shredders

Fellowes Powershred 40C vs Staples 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Shredder (ST62153)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Fellowes Powershred 40C comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.7 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about heavy-duty office users needing fast shredding — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Paper Shredders

Fellowes Powershred 40C

4.7

$59.99as of Jul 7

The Fellowes Powershred 40C is praised for its exceptional speed, shredding up to 180 pages per minute, and quiet performance. PCMag and TechGearLab reviewers noted its durability in handling thick documents, staples, and paper clips. However, the shredder's cross-cut security level is considered less secure than micro-cut models, and its high cost may not justify the purchase for occasional users. It's best suited for offices with heavy shredding needs.

Strengths

— Fast shredding speed of over 180 pages per minute
— Quiet operation during shredding tasks
— Durable construction handling staples and paper clips without issues

Watch-outs

— Expensive price point
— Only cross-cut security level (not micro-cut)

$59.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #2 in Best Paper Shredders

Staples 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Shredder (ST62153)

4.5

$159.99as of Jul 7

The Staples 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Shredder (ST62153) delivers P-4 security shredding with 4.3mm x 12mm particle size suitable for personal and office use. Reviewers noted its ability to handle paper, credit cards, CDs/DVDs, staples, and paper clips. The unit operates quietly at 65 decibels and includes safety features such as auto reverse and overload protection. However, it requires a 40-minute cool-down period after 20 minutes of continuous operation and comes with only a 1-year limited warranty. This shredder is ideal for individuals or small offices seeking reliable medium-use shredding capabilities.

Strengths

— Provides P-4 security level shredding with pieces sized at 4.3mm x 12mm
— Shreds paper, credit cards, CDs/DVDs, staples, and small paper clips
— Features quiet operation at 65-decibel noise level

Watch-outs

— Limited 1-year warranty
— Requires 40-minute cool-down period after 20 minutes of continuous use

$159.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Fellowes Powershred 40C

The Fellowes 40C is unmatched in speed, shredding over 180 pages per minute, which is far faster than the Wolverine SD9520, Staples ST62153, and Aurora AU120MA. It also features a large 9-gallon bin, reducing the frequency of emptying compared to the Bonsaii C206-H and Fellowes LX85. However, it lacks micro-cut shredding and is more expensive than other models, making it less appealing for users who prioritize security over speed or budget.

Staples 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Shredder (ST62153)

The Staples ST62153 offers a 4.3mm x 12mm particle size for P-4 security, which is finer than the Fellowes LX85's cross-cut but not as secure as the Wolverine SD9520's P-5. It uniquely handles CDs, DVDs, and credit cards, which the Bonsaii C206-H and Fellowes 40C cannot do. However, it requires a 40-minute cool-down period after 20 minutes of use, unlike the Aurora AU120MA, which has no such limitation and offers much higher capacity.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Fellowes Powershred 40C	Staples 12-Sheet Micro-Cut Shredder (ST62153)
Security Level	Cross-cut	P-4
Bin Capacity	9 gallons	5-gallon
Shred Speed	180 pages per minute	6 feet per minute
Cut Type	Cross Cut	4.3 x 12
Sheet Capacity	18 sheets	12
Run Time	45 minutes	20 minutes
Noise Level	—	65-decibel

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