Aurora AS420C Desktop Review

While certainly not the most capable shredder in our lineup, the Aurora AS420C is tiny and inexpensive, making it perfect for those that only shred a few sheets here and there. It received the lowest overall score after we ran our side-by-side tests, but that's only because it is quite sleek and small compared to most others. Its compact size makes it a perfect choice for those that don't need to shred often. You can read more on the specifics of its performance below.

Performance Comparison

Paper must be folded to fit through the small slot.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Shredding Quality

Due to its small capacity, the Aurora AS420C earned a low score in shredding quality. We found that it certainly maxed out at its advertised capacity of four sheets. Anything more and you could hear the engine whining like a sad dog.

Also, the paper slot is only 4.5 inches wide, so you have to fold the pages in half to get them through the shredder. It is rated to shred credit cards, which it was able to do in our testing. However, the motor whined, indicating that it was working very hard to do so. If you just need a shredder for the occasional document or credit card, this is more than enough power. If you shred more regularly and thus need a bit more robustness then you may want to check out some of our higher-performing models.

Cross-cut level security is likely plenty for most people.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Speed

Here again, the AS420C Desktop's small size is a limitation. If you're fast at folding paper to put it through the shredder, you can get this machine to eat up about 24 pages in a minute.

However, the bin only holds 40 sheets, so you'll fill it up pretty fast. Obviously, this shredder isn't designed for speed, so it's a poor choice if you have bigger shredding jobs. If you're looking for speed and you don't mind spending a smidgen more, you should take a look at our higher-performing models.

Ease of Use

The Aurora AS420C is a very simple device with just one switch. This switch lets you turn it on, off, and run the blades in reverse in case something is stuck.

There is a convenient little handle for when you need to remove the shredding unit and empty the bin. However, that bin does fill up fast due to its tiny size. The bin's capacity is around 40 sheets, so if you only shred a few pages here and there you won't have to empty it too often.

The handle makes things a little easier when you need to empty the bin.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

This simple user experience fits well with the Aurora AS420C Desktop's streamlined, space-saving pedigree. If you're looking for more advanced features like safety sensors, overheating sensors, and jam-proof technology, you're going to have to get a larger and more expensive machine.

The AS420C has simple controls.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Noise

We expected a tiny shredder like this one to sound high-pitched and shrill, but we were pleasantly surprised. While the sound it emits certainly isn't cheery, it was of a medium-ish pitch that wasn't too grating on the ears.

Seeing as this is a low-capacity shredder that likely won't be used for long stretches at a time, the noise level is completely acceptable. Occasional use of this shredder, even in a crowded cubicle space, likely won't aggravate your neighbors.

The AS420C's noise is relatively innocuous and probably won't be too grating to most people.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman

Value

If you're short on space but want to be able to quickly shred the occasional sensitive paper document that comes your way, the Aurora AS420C Desktop is a great value. It is a very budget-friendly shredder that can quickly take care of a short document, and then disappear into a closet or corner of your desk until it's needed again. If you're looking for a higher capacity and more power, you'll have to spend a little more.

Conclusion

If shredding is an occasional chore for you, the Aurora AS420C Desktop offers a simple solution that doesn't take up much space. It certainly isn't a workhorse and will have trouble shredding large quantities, but in this increasingly paperless world, it may be all you need.

A compact shredder with low volume capabilities.

Credit: Jenna Ammerman