Best Notebooks

Grab a pen and jot down the names of our favorite notebooks!
Whether you’re shopping for notebooks for the upcoming school year, looking for somewhere to jot notes in meetings or just trying your hand at bullet journaling for the first time, it can be hard to figure out what’s the BEST notebook to buy. Luckily for you, we know them all! Read on for our picks for the best notebooks!

Best Notebook for School

5/5
Five Star Spiral Notebook, 5 Subject, College Ruled
Pack of 2 5subject purple notebook contains 200 college ruled sheets that are ink bleed resistant. Unique 11 in. x 8.5 Inch sheet size. Lasts All Year. GUARANTEED! Water-resistant cover provides year long durability.
# of Reviews: 5+

Best Notebook for Work

4.7/5
Calendar Journal- 2-Pack Meeting Book for Daily Notes Taking, Business Planner for Project Management
Meeting Planner: Designed specifically to make notes and reminders about special meetings, this is the ideal way to organize your life
# of Reviews: 810+

Best Notebook for Drawing

4.6/5
Soft Cover Spiral Notebook Journal 2-Pack, Blank Sketch Book Pad, Wirebound Memo Notepads Diary Notebook Planner with Unlined Paper
Perfect size: 19cm x 13cm/ 7.5 “x 5.1”, perfect size for handbag, schoolbag or backpack, easy Blank take pages for running.
# of Reviews: 6720+

Best Bullet Journal

4.7/5
Paperage Dotted Journal Bullet Notebook, Hard Cover, Medium
HARDCOVER JOURNAL: This medium notebook includes rounded corners, 160 pages, 100 gsm ivory paper – thicker than many other journals, 1 sturdy expandable inner pocket, 1 ribbon bookmark, 1 card holder, and an elastic closure band.
# of Reviews: 1410+

Best Notebook for Journaling

4.8/5
Huhuhero Notebook Journal, Classic Ruled Hard Cover
GREAT CLASSIC HARDCOVER RULED NOTEBOOK: Professional black durable faux leather notebook journals. The leather feels soft and smooth, will protect your journal to last for years, the pages are thick and cut evenly, minimal ghosting / bleeding. Easy to lay out flat for comfortable writing and reading.
# of Reviews: 4790+

With the digital world on the rise, many tend to think that notebooks are a thing of the past. While tablets and laptops make it easy for digital note-taking, studies have shown that students who write their notes down, versus typing them, perform better on tests.

This same thought process can be applied to all industries. Jotting down notes in a meeting versus typing them can help you remember tasks or important information better. Writing down important dates in a physical planner will help you stay organized better than utilizing a phone app. Writing down thoughts and dreams is more cathartic than typing a journal entry.

There are so many uses and benefits of writing in a traditional notebook, as opposed to digital note keeping. When it comes to physical notebooks, there are many different aspects to consider.

Paper Size

This is really all personal preference, and depends on what you’ll be using the notebook for, how often you’ll need to carry it around and how much you’ll be putting in it.

The standard size of notebooks is usually U.S. letter size, or A4 – the ISO 216 international paper size standard. If you’re taking notes at school or work, this is the size you’ll most likely want to use. Slightly smaller is B5 – a not too big, not too small alternative to A4 notebooks, perfect for taking lengthy notes but not big enough to feel like a hassle to lug around. A5 notebooks are usually used for journaling or small sketchbooks, and A6 notebooks are considered “pocket sized” as they’re easy to carry around.

Sheet Style

Notebooks come in a number of different sheet styles, depending on your intended use.

The most common sheet styles are lined, graph and plain notebooks. Lined, the traditional style, is great for people using notebooks strictly for writing, whether it’s class notes, meeting info or journal entries. Artists, or just those who need space to think visually, prefer blank or plain notebooks, as they can draw, sketch or express their thoughts in whatever manner. Graph paper, on the other hand, is meant for people like engineers or designers who need the structure to create diagrams, sketches or mock-ups.

Recently, the dotted grid pattern has become increasingly popular as bullet journals have become more widely utilized. This style is incredibly versatile, and features dots to be used as guidelines as you’re writing, but still offering you the unobtrusive, open space to sketch or doodle as needed. Lastly, some notebooks offer pre-formatted sheet styles. This is usually found in planners or journals, and encourage people to utilize the pages in a particular way, like to-do lists, numbered lists or bullet points.

Line Spacing

The typical ruled paper style – considered medium college ruled paper – is 7 mm. This puts a 7 mm space between lines, which is enough space for traditional handwriting. Wide ruled paper, 8mm or larger, is usually used for those with larger handwriting, or children in school, especially when learning to write for the first time. On the other hand, narrow ruled paper, measured at 6 mm, is available for those who have very small handwriting. For graph paper, the standard size is 5 mm.

Best Notebook for School

When looking to buy notebooks for school, you’re going to want these Five Star spiral notebooks. Each notebook includes dividers for 5 different subjects, so you don’t have to lug around five separate notebooks for classes.

With 200 sheets of college-ruled paper, this notebook is perfect for keeping all of your classes organized, or just spreading out information by module or project. Separate content by projects, test reviews and class notes to help you learn and revise your material in an organized manner. Plus, the spiral-bound notebook makes it easy to write on the go, and includes Spiral Lock wire to prevent coil snags, so your book won’t get caught in your backpack or on your clothes like cheaper or flimsier spiral notebooks.

This notebook also features reinforced storage pockets within each divider to help you store loose sheets and papers you’d traditionally lose. Combined with the water-resistant cover and coated back cover, this notebook offers year-round durability and protection for your notes!

RR Rating:
5/5
# of Reviews: 5+
◘ Pack of 2 5subject purple notebook contains 200 college ruled sheets that are ink bleed resistant. Unique 11 in. x 8.5 Inch sheet size. Lasts All Year. GUARANTEED! Water-resistant cover provides year long durability.
◘ Dividers separate subjects and provide convenient storage for loose sheets. Reinforced storage pockets help prevent tears. Spiral Lock wire prevents coil snags so it won't get caught on your clothes or backpack. Notebook is 3-hole punched.
◘ Coated back cover provides durability and protection for your notes. Features Neat Sheet perforated pages to easily tear out paper with clean edges.

Best Notebook for Work

If you’re looking for a notebook that’s strictly for meeting notes and work to-do’s, then look no further! This Juvale calendar journal is designed specifically as a meeting planner, to take notes and reminders about special meetings or important tasks.

Each page features a slot for the date, time, note taker and objective of the meeting, as well as 30 numbered rows for different points and easy organization, and a blank “notes” section for open doodling or freehand bullet points as necessary.

With 160 pages of day-to-day calendar, this notebook is the perfect addition to your work stationery, especially when attending meetings or taking notes is a crucial part of your job description. The notebook features a sturdy double spiral bound design, to allow for easy opening and closing, and makes it easy to lay the notebook flat for better note-taking.

And, this notebook isn’t just about function! The cover is made of 350gsm ivory board and matte lamination with the text “meeting notebook” on it, so the book is both practical and beautiful!

RR Rating:
4.7/5
# of Reviews: 810+
◘ High Quality: The work notebook organizer planner cover is made of ivory board and matte lamination that is stunning and practical
◘ Dimensions: Each organization notebook measures 11 x 8.5 inches without the spiral binding
◘ Meeting Planner: Designed specifically to make notes and reminders about special meetings, this is the ideal way to organize your life
◘ Sturdy Double Spiral Binded: The office notebooks for work can lay flat to easily write and take notes at home, work, or on the go
◘ Easy Organization: Each daily notebook for work has space for the date, time, office meeting objective, and 30 meeting points for clear organization

Best Notebook for Drawing

If you’re looking for a blank notebook to let your drawing and sketches speak for themselves, you need this DSTELIN sketch notebook. Housed in a simple, unsuspecting brown cover, this sketchbook is an easy choice for those who want a blank notebook for drawing or sketching. Whether you’re an artist, a fashion designer, architect or just looking for somewhere to get your doodles out, this notebook is the perfect choice.

At 7.5 x 5.1 inches, the notebook is small enough to carry around with you, and the strong hard-cover will keep your artwork safe. Paired with a durable spiral binding, this notebook can be laid flat for easier drawing and sketching. Plus, the thick paper prevents ink from bleeding through the pages.

With 100 completely blank pages, there’s no limit to what you can use this notebook for, whether it’s for artwork, as a scrapbook or just as a free-ranged notebook for doodling and visual thinking.

RR Rating:
4.6/5
# of Reviews: 6720+
◘ Wide usage: Ideal for a diary, travel journal, poetry work, creativ e writing, making sketches and drawings, Work records, study notes, mood diary, scrapbooks and so on.
◘ Perfect size: 19cm x 13cm/ 7.5 "x 5.1", perfect size for handbag, schoolbag or backpack, easy Blank take pages for running.
◘ Blank inside pages: With 100 completely blank and unlined pages in each of the books, you can draw what you need without the limit of the line, documented in a sketch pad meant for taking with you anywhere.
◘ Material: Strong brown hard cover and blank cream white paper, thick paper prevents ink from inks through the pages, and the durable binding of each spiral notebook keeps these pages together.

Best Bullet Journal

With bullet journaling gaining popularity over the last few years, it can be hard to figure out what notebook is the best for bullet journaling with so many on the market. We’ve found it!

This hardcover notebook features 160 dotted pages to allow for easy bullet journaling. The dotted ruling type allows for writing guidelines, but still gives you the unobtrusive space for creative layouts and free-thinking doodles. With 100gsm ivory paper, this bullet journal is thicker than many others at the same price point, making it the best choice, and can be used with pencil, pens and markers!

Each journal includes a sturdy expandable inner pocket to hold loose items, a ribbon bookmark, a card holder and an elastic closure band to keep it all locked in and safe. Plus, unlike usual thread-bound notebooks, this notebook is designed to lay and open flat, making it easier for you to write and draw in your journal.

Housed in a water-resistant vegan leather cover with rounded corners, this notebook looks as good as it works, and at 5.7 x 8 inches, it’s small enough to carry around with you everywhere, making it ideal for an everyday bullet journal!

RR Rating:
4.7/5
# of Reviews: 1410+
◘ COLORS, SIZES AND PAGE STYLES, OH MY!: Our notebooks are available with lined pages, blank pages (great for sketching), and dotted pages (perfect for bullet journal systems). Select from gorgeous patterns and a variety of color options
◘ ABOUT PAPERAGE: We are committed to bringing our customers premium paper products using high quality components, top notch construction and innovative design. Our Paperage pledge is to provide awesome products at an affordable price without sacrificing quality.
◘ HARDCOVER JOURNAL: This medium notebook includes rounded corners, 160 pages, 100 gsm ivory paper – thicker than many other journals, 1 sturdy expandable inner pocket, 1 ribbon bookmark, 1 card holder, and an elastic closure band.
◘ PREMIUM PAPER: High quality paper is the foundation of our journals. We use 100 gsm acid-free paper in a light ivory color, designed for you to use your favorite pen, pencil, or marker.
◘ QUALITY CONSTRUCTION: This hard cover journal features a water-resistant vegan leather cover, rounded corners, and a thread-bound notebook designed to lay and open flat, ideal for all your writings and drawings!

Best Notebook for Journaling

Whether you just want to let out your daily thoughts into a physical journal, or you’re following particular prompts for introspective thoughts or reflection, you’ll need a notebook that’s designed for writing. This Huhuhero notebook is perfect for that!

Designed with a classic black faux leather hardcover, this notebook is discreet enough to let out all of your inner thoughts. Filled with 128 pages of 120gsm thick lined paper, you can use most pen types – like ballpoint, brush, fineliner and even glitter pens – but you should avoid using alcohol-based markers. With pages that resist environmental damage, your contents will be safe for years and years to come, so you can show your grandkids all of your old notes!

At 8.25 x 5 inches, this notebook is easy to take with you everywhere, so there’s never a bad moment to let your thoughts out! Plus, the thread-bound notebook promises 180-degree lay-flat binding so that it’s easy to write in. Each notebook also includes an expandable pocket, a ribbon bookmark to keep your place and an elastic closure band to keep everything together.

RR Rating:
4.8/5
# of Reviews: 4790+
◘ Expandable Pocket + Elastic Closure Band+ 1 Ribbon Bookmark - The elastic band is strong and the page marker comes in handy. It has a handy-dandy pocket in the back to keep business cards, notes, receipts and other small paper items. Huhuhero notebook will provide perfect writing experience, great for bullet jounaling, studying, journaling, note taking, daily planning, drawing. Premium college supplies, office supplies, art supplies.
◘ GREAT CLASSIC HARDCOVER RULED NOTEBOOK: Professional black durable faux leather notebook journals. The leather feels soft and smooth, will protect your journal to last for years, the pages are thick and cut evenly, minimal ghosting / bleeding. Easy to lay out flat for comfortable writing and reading.
◘ PREMIUM THICK PAPER NOTEPAD – 128 Pages (64 Sheets) 120Gsm thick lined paper, which is 35% thicker than normal. Suit for most pen types, ballpoint pens, brush pens, fineliner pens, glitter pens, EXCEPT Alcohol-based Markers. The paper resists damage from light and air and the paper protects your eyes from irritation. Lines width 6mm. Size: 5"X8.25", Perfect size for carrying around or put into your bag or purse.
◘ LAY-FLAT 180° RULED NOTEPAD - Comfortable writing and reading. Perfect as travel notebook, business notebook, study notebook, journals. Perfect Birthday gift, Halloween gift, Christmas gift, back to college gift for yourself, family and friends. Great journals for writers, business, college; Multipurpose for home, office, work, art and drawings, teaching, studying; convenient for educators, church supplies.

FAQs about the best notebooks

You may have some questions when selecting the best notebooks for you. Refer to these common queries below:

What pens should I use with my notebook?

While this usually depends on what kind of notebook you’re using or what you’re using it for, you can never go wrong with fineliner pens. These are the least likely to bleed through any paper, and can be used for writing, doodling and sketching as needed.

We love these iBayam colored pens. They come in a set of 18 different colors so there’s always a pen for whatever you need, whether it’s color coordinating, sketching or highlighting notes in your class notebook, and at only $7.99, they’re a steal.

How do I know what kind of ruling type I need?

This all depends on what you’re using it for. If you’re looking for a book to use for sketching, you obviously won’t go with a ruled layout. If you’re using the notebook for journaling or taking notes, you likely won’t utilize a blank notebook with no structure. Identifying what you’ll be using the notebook for will help you figure out what type of notebook and rule you should look for and use.

How do I know what size notebook I need?

This one depends on how often you’ll be carrying the notebook around and how you’ll be carrying it. The larger the notebook, the harder it will be to carry it around on a day to day basis. Larger notebooks won’t typically fit in the average handbag, so if you’re looking for something that can fit into a purse, you’ll want something smaller. If your briefcase is already stuffed and can’t fit a thick notebook, you’ll want a small notebook. If you carry around a backpack with tons of space, you can justify using a larger notebook.

For the most part, choosing a smaller notebook is the safest bet for when you’ll be carrying it with you on a daily basis.

Note:

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