Reviews You Can Rely On

Amazon Basics 24-Sheet Cross-Cut Review

A powerful model for those that need to shred 100+ pages a day
gearlab tested logo
Amazon Basics 24-Sheet Cross-Cut Review
Credit: Amazon
Price:  $227 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Amazon
By Max Mutter and Steven Tata  ⋅  Nov 18, 2022
81
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 12
  • Shredding Quality - 40% 7.8
  • Speed - 35% 9.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 6.2
  • Noise - 10% 9.0

Our Verdict

The Amazon Basics 24-Sheet Cross-Cut is an exceptional paper shredder that offers great all-around performance, earning it a spot at the top of our awards podium. This model boasts impressive power that can eat through thick envelopes, credit cards, and CDs with ease. Its high capacity capabilities, fast shredding speed, and easy to empty bin make it a perfect companion for any home or small office. In fact, the only negative thing we have to say about this model is that it might actually be a bit overkill for most homes.
REASONS TO BUY
Fast
Powerful
Relatively quiet
REASONS TO AVOID
Very large

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best for High-Security Shredding
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Best Buy Award
Best on a Tight Budget
Top Pick Award
Best Desktop Style Model
Price $227 List
$169.10 at Amazon
$127 List$77 List
$74.56 at Amazon
$56 List
$36.48 at Amazon
$45 List
$34.81 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
81
82
67
58
44
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line A great and fast model, but if you're looking for speed there are better options in the same price rangeA relatively quiet, intuitive paper shredder with high-end micro-cutting capabilitiesA great household paper shredder that is small, intuitive, fast and budget-friendlyFor the majority of home offices, this model is both a great choice and a great valuePerfect if you only shred a few pages here and there, and don't have too much space to spare
Rating Categories Amazon Basics 24-Sh... Amazon Basics 12 Sh... Aurora AU1230XA Ant... Amazon Basics 8-She... Aurora AS420C Desktop
Shredding Quality (40%)
7.8
9.2
6.0
5.8
4.4
Speed (35%)
9.0
8.0
8.0
6.5
2.4
Ease of Use (15%)
6.2
7.0
6.0
5.7
7.1
Noise (10%)
9.0
7.0
6.0
3.0
7.0
Specs Amazon Basics 24-Sh... Amazon Basics 12 Sh... Aurora AU1230XA Ant... Amazon Basics 8-She... Aurora AS420C Desktop
Advertised Sheet Capacity 24 12 12 8 4
Measured Sheet Capacity 26 16 13 11 4
Bin Capacity 7 gallons 5.7 gallons 5.2 gallons 4.1 gallons 1.32 gallons
Maximum Sheets per Minute 114 133 168 96 24
Shred Type Cross-Cut Micro-Cut Cross-Cut Cross-Cut Cross-Cut
Shred Size 7/32" x 1-27/32" 5/32" x 15/32" 3/16" x 1-9/16" 3/16" x 1-27/32" 1.5" x 1-17/20"
Dimensions 11.9" x 16.3" x 26.2" 14.5" x 10.3" x 20.5" 13.31" x 8.46" x 15.87 12.8" x 7.3" x 15.9" 9.49" x 6.93" x 9.92"
Weight 36.5 lbs 21.1 Ibs 13.1 Ibs 8.3 lbs 4.9 lbs

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Amazon Basics 24-Sheet Cross-Cut is a great all-around shredder, providing near-perfect functionality for those that shred hundreds of pages per month.

Performance Comparison


amazon basics 24-sheet cross-cut - while it may be overkill for some homes, we love using the basics...
While it may be overkill for some homes, we love using the Basics 24-sheet shredder.
Credit: Laura Casner

Shredding Quality


This model is so powerful that it bested its own capacity claim in our tests, easily dispensing with a 26-sheet thick stack of paper without complaint. It ate through the thickest of junk mail envelopes with ease and readily shredded both credit cards and CDs.

amazon basics 24-sheet cross-cut - this shredder is both thorough and powerful.
This shredder is both thorough and powerful.
Credit: Laura Casner

This almost over-the-top power adds some peace of mind, as you never have to worry that something made it through the blades without being completely shredded (unless you try to really push the limits and shove 30 sheets into it at once).

Speed


The Amazon Basics 24-Sheet was also one of the fastest models we tested, hitting a maximum rate of 114 sheets per minute. This is an impressive figure and is likely fast enough for something like a legal office that has to dispose of a lot of documents. That being said, our fastest model topped out at an impressive 185 sheets per minute, so the Amazon Basics came in just a bit behind it.


Ease of Use


The Amazon Basics 24-Sheet has a design that leads to an overall friendly user experience. The controls are intuitive, there are warning lights indicating if there is a jam, if the bin is open, or if the machine is overheating. There is a lip guard that prevents any fingers from getting into the blades and any CD shards from flying out. The large seven-gallon bin is easy to remove and empty. The main drawback is that this shredder is quite large. It's too big to be hidden under a desk and will need its own space. Luckily the wheels make it fairly easy to move around.

amazon basics 24-sheet cross-cut - we appreciate the simple, straightforward controls and indicator...
We appreciate the simple, straightforward controls and indicator lights.
Credit: Laura Casner

Noise


If speed and shredding quality aren't enough then the noise factor, or lack-there-of, is sure to sell you on this 24-Sheet shredder. While no shredder sounds good, this one is one of the least offensive. It emits a low-pitched moan that isn't too grating and can even blend into the background on occasion. There weren't many competitors in our test suite that are this pleasant to run for extended periods of time.

amazon basics 24-sheet cross-cut - unlike many of its competitors, while still somewhat loud, the...
Unlike many of its competitors, while still somewhat loud, the AmazonBasics 24-Sheet Cross-Cut does not emit an offensive sound.
Credit: Laura Casner

Should You Buy the Amazon Basics 24-Sheet Cross-Cut?


The Amazon Basics 24-Sheet is a great shredder for those that regularly shred 100+ pages daily. No model that we've come across can match its combination of speed and power, making it perfect for people that both shred a lot, and tend to shred thick documents or stuffed envelopes. If you rarely or ever shred more than 20 pages at a time, this machine is definitely overkill, and thus likely not the best use of your funds.

amazon basics 24-sheet cross-cut - this device is great for the active shredder, but may be overkill...
This device is great for the active shredder, but may be overkill for the casual user.
Credit: Laura Casner

What Other Paper Shredder Should You Consider?


If you are seeking heightened security from your shredder, consider the micro-cutting Amazon Basics 12 Sheet Micro-Cut machine. It costs less, and the tiny pieces of shredded paper proved to be considerably more difficult to re-assemble, boosting the protection this machine grants your sensitive information.

Max Mutter and Steven Tata