When you’re choosing between Royal and Fellowes paper shredders, you’re looking for powerful protection and reliable performance. Both remain top picks, but they cater to different needs. Let’s dive into a full comparison to help you decide which one fits your home or office best.
Introduction
Royal and Fellowes offer dependable shredders for both personal and professional use. Whether you’re shredding bills, old statements or sensitive documents, getting the right unit makes a big difference in security and efficiency. In this post, we explore how these two brands compare in capacity, safety, noise, and long-term value.
Performance & Sheet Capacity
- Royal offers models from light-use 5‑sheet micro‑cut units to heavy‑duty cross‑cut models handling up to 18 sheets. The Royal 112MX takes 12 sheets, good for moderate daily shredding.
- Fellowes, notably the Powershred 99Ci/79Ci, handles 16–18 sheets and runs up to 20 minutes before needing a cool-down—ideal for high-volume tasks.
In short: Royal suits occasional use, Fellowes is built for heavier workloads.
Cut Type & Security
- Royal gives both cross‑cut and micro‑cut. Cross‑cut reduces paper into confetti (~5/32″ x 15/32″); micro‑cut slices it into tiny particles (~4 x 10 mm).
- Fellowes focuses on high‑security micro‑cut and cross‑cut with small particles, meeting P‑4 or P‑5 classification. These shreds are nearly impossible to reconstruct.
Reliability & Jam Protection
- Royal machines include auto‑start/stop and reverse but can jam under heavy loads.
- Fellowes offers advanced jam‑proof systems and SafeSense technology; it pauses automatically when hands approach the slot.
Result: Fellowes wins for smoother, no‑jam use.
Continuous Run & Cooling Down
- Royal models typically run 5–10 minutes before pausing.
- Fellowes Powershred 79Ci has 20‑minute run time and needs only 30 minutes to cool. This gives Fellowes clear advantage in stamina.
Noise & Ease of Use
- Royal units rate moderate in noise.
- Fellowes often is ultra‑quiet (“SilentShred”), ideal for shared environments like libraries or offices.
Bin Size & Mobility
- Royal 112MX holds a 3–4 gallon bin. Larger models go up to 8 gallons.
- Fellowes models offer 6–9 gallon bins with full‑bin indicators. Both brands include casters for mobility, although Fellowes units are heavier.
Safety Features
- Royal includes auto shut‑off and thermal protection.
- Fellowes adds SafeSense sensors that pause operation when hands touch the slot, plus child‑safe locks—excellent when kids or pets are around.
Warranty & Support
- Royal usually offers 1‑year machine and blades warranty.
- Fellowes backs its products with 2‑year coverage and up to 5 years on cutter blades—better long‑term protection.
Price & Value
Royal shredders often cost less upfront. Fellowes models carry a premium but come with jam‑proof tech, bigger bins, and longer warranties.
If you shred occasionally, Royal offers great value. For frequent, heavy shredding, Fellowes gives peace of mind and workload capacity that justify its higher cost.
User Feedback
Users say:
“Fellowes Powershred 99Ci shreds miscelanous items … runs longer without jam”.
“Royal model from Costco… bag interfered with safety switch”.
So while Royal offers solid shredding, some report minor user hassles. Fellowes earns praise for reliability and jam resistance.
Summary Table
| Feature | Royal Shredders | Fellowes Shredders |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet capacity | 5–18 sheets | 16–20 sheets |
| Cut size | Cross‑cut & micro‑cut | Cross‑cut, micro‑cut (P‑4/P‑5) |
| Runtime | 5–10 minutes | Up to 20 minutes continuous |
| Jam protection | Basic auto reverse | Advanced jam‑proof, SafeSense |
| Noise level | Moderate | Very quiet (“SilentShred”) |
| Bin capacity | 3–8 gal | 6–9 gal with indicators |
| Safety | Thermal shut‑off | SafeSense sensors, child locks |
| Warranty | ~1 year | 2 years (up to 5 on cutters) |
| Price | Budget-friendly | Premium |
| Ideal for | Light/moderate use | Heavy use, shared spaces |
Which One Should You Choose?
Go for Royal if you:
- Shred occasionally (a few documents weekly)
- Want a budget-friendly, reliable shredder
- Need cross-cut or light micro-cut performance
Choose Fellowes if you:
- Shred large volumes regularly
- Want minimal jams and fuss
- Prefer quieter operation and top-tier safety
Design and Build Quality
When comparing the physical design of Royal and Fellowes shredders, a few key differences stand out. Royal shredders typically offer compact frames with simple, no-frills aesthetics. This makes them easy to fit in tight spaces, whether under a desk or in a home office corner.
In contrast, Fellowes machines often sport a more modern and professional look. They’re bulkier due to added features but offer sturdier construction. The materials used in Fellowes products tend to feel more premium, which adds to their durability.
If you’re shopping for a shredder that seamlessly blends into a corporate setting or open workspace, Fellowes might have the edge in visual appeal and resilience. On the other hand, if space is a concern, Royal’s lightweight builds are much easier to move and store.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Keeping a shredder running efficiently requires regular upkeep. Both Royal and Fellowes shredders benefit from occasional oiling and dust removal, but the ease of maintenance differs slightly.
Royal shredders often have smaller bins, so they need to be emptied more frequently. The bins are usually removable, making disposal quick. However, models with bag liners may cause interruptions when improperly aligned.
Fellowes shredders, especially their high-end ones, offer features like pull-out bins with clear windows so you can see when it’s time to empty them. Some even come with self-cleaning cutters or on-screen maintenance alerts—great for avoiding paper buildup.
If you prefer a lower-maintenance experience, Fellowes units typically require less attention and provide helpful prompts to assist with upkeep.
Noise Sensitivity in Workspaces
Noise can be a dealbreaker in certain environments. If you work in a shared office, open-concept area, or even a quiet home, paper shredder volume matters.
Royal models tend to produce a noticeable shredding sound, which can be distracting if used frequently. It’s not overwhelming, but in comparison, Fellowes’ SilentShred™ technology is a game changer. This feature significantly reduces decibel levels without compromising performance.
So, if you’re working late at night or in a shared workspace where silence is golden, Fellowes offers a more discreet shredding experience.
Energy Efficiency and Eco-Friendliness
Shredding documents might not seem energy-intensive, but if you’re conscious about power consumption, it’s something to consider.
Fellowes incorporates Energy Savings Systems in many models. This automatically powers down the unit after inactivity, saving electricity over time. It’s a smart addition that reduces unnecessary power draw without needing manual shutdowns.
Royal shredders, while efficient, don’t always include these power-saving features. Most models still require manual power-off unless you’re using a more premium unit.
If eco-friendliness and lower electricity bills are on your list, Fellowes takes the lead in offering greener operation.
Customer Service and Replacement Parts
After-sales service is crucial, especially if you plan to use your shredder for years. Fellowes is known for responsive customer support, with many users reporting quick assistance and easy access to replacement parts. Their wide distribution network means it’s easier to get help or find accessories if needed.
Royal’s customer service is also dependable, though not as expansive. Finding replacement parts or extended warranties may require a bit more effort, depending on where you buy the machine.
If long-term support is a priority, Fellowes offers a more reassuring experience.
Best Use Case Scenarios
Let’s break it down with some real-world use cases:
- Home Office User (Light Use):
A Royal 112MX or PX1201 is perfect. Affordable, compact, and gets the job done without overkill. - Busy Office with Daily Shredding Needs:
Fellowes Powershred 99Ci or 79Ci is built for this environment. High sheet capacity, jam-proof, and runs longer. - Family Household with Kids:
Fellowes wins here with added safety sensors. You’ll worry less about accidental injuries. - Freelancers or Entrepreneurs on a Budget:
Royal’s price point makes it ideal for small operations needing occasional shredding.
Final Thoughts
Both brands excel but meet different needs. Royal offers affordability and solid performance for everyday users. Fellowes provides durability, bigger capacity, and hassle-free shredding for frequent or heavier users. Think about how much shredding you do, your safety priorities, and your noise sensitivity.
Ready to shred smarter?
- For light, regular shredding: get a Royal cross-cut model.
- For heavy use, quiet performance, and extra protection: pick a Fellowes Powershred.