How Noisy Is a Home or Office Paper Shredder?

If you’ve ever hesitated to use a paper shredder because of the noise, you’re not alone. Noise levels matter—especially in shared offices or quiet home workspaces. So how loud is a typical home or office paper shredder, really?

Noise is measured in decibels (dB), the standard unit used to describe sound intensity. For context, many common household and office sounds—such as normal conversation, a dishwasher, or background office chatter—sit at around 60 dB, give or take a few decibels depending on distance and the specific device.

Modern paper shredders are designed with noise reduction in mind. In fact, most INFOSTOP home and office paper shredders operate at less than 55 dB. That puts them below the average noise level of everyday household and office equipment, making them surprisingly quiet during operation.

What does that mean in practical terms? A shredder running at under 55 dB won’t disrupt phone calls, virtual meetings, or focused work. It blends comfortably into the ambient sound of a home or office environment—no need to wait until everyone leaves the room to shred sensitive documents.

In short, today’s home and office paper shredders are far quieter than many people expect. With noise levels comparable to calm background sounds, they’re a practical and unobtrusive tool for secure document disposal in any setting.

If you prefer a quiet, distraction-free workspace, explore our popular range of home and office INFOSTOP paper shredders.

Do You Need Advice? For assistance, Contact Shredder Sales by Live Chat or:
Phone: 1800 808 880
Email:   info@shreddersales.com.au