There is a unique power in putting pen to paper. Journaling is more than just recording events; it’s a practice in mindfulness, a tool for creativity, and a sanctuary for your thoughts. But the experience is profoundly shaped by the notebook you choose. The right one invites you to write, with paper that feels good under your pen and a format that suits your style.
From the student on a budget to the dedicated bullet journalist, everyone has different needs. This roundup covers a wide spectrum of notebooks, from multi-packs perfect for color-coding different aspects of your life to premium, hardcover journals designed to become personal heirlooms. Whether you prefer wide-ruled, college-ruled, dotted, or grid paper, the perfect companion for your writing journey is here.
The Best Notebooks for Every Journaling Style
- Mead Spiral Notebook, 6 Pack, College Ruled
- Oxford Spiral Notebooks, 6 Pack, Wide Ruled
- SUNEE Spiral Notebooks, 3 Pack, Aesthetic Colors
- Mead Spiral Notebook, 6 Pack, Wide Ruled
- LEUCHTTURM1917 Hardcover Medium A5 Notebook
- Rhodia A5 Webnotebook, Dot, Black
- PAPERAGE Lined Pocket Journal Notebook, 2 Pack
- Essentials Grid-lined Notebook, Large, A5 Size
- SeQeS A5 Bullet Dotted Journal Notebook
- Moleskine Classic Expanded Hardcover Notebook
Mead Spiral Notebook, 6 Pack, College Ruled
For the practical journaler who needs multiple notebooks for different purposes, this six-pack from Mead is an excellent value. Each notebook contains 70 college-ruled, double-sided sheets, providing 140 pages for writing. The college ruling is ideal for those who prefer more lines per page, allowing for detailed entries and efficient use of space.
The sheets are perforated for clean and easy tear-out, and each notebook is 3-hole punched for convenient storage in a binder. The covers are coated for durability and feature a writable label, helping you stay organized. This pack is a reliable and affordable choice for students, professionals, or anyone who likes to keep separate journals for work, school, and personal thoughts.
Oxford Spiral Notebooks, 6 Pack, Wide Ruled
If you have larger handwriting or simply prefer more space between your lines, this six-pack of wide-ruled notebooks from Oxford is a perfect fit. The wide ruling accommodates larger writing styles comfortably, making it a great option for quick journaling sessions or for those who find college-ruled paper too restrictive.
These notebooks are designed for everyday use and can handle a variety of writing instruments, from mechanical pencils to gel pens and highlighters. The micro-perforated sheets are a key feature, ensuring that pages you want to keep stay securely in the binding, while unwanted pages can be removed cleanly and neatly. This pack offers both versatility and organization for your writing needs.
SUNEE Spiral Notebooks, 3 Pack, Aesthetic Colors
For those who value both function and style, SUNEE offers a three-pack of spiral notebooks in elegant, aesthetic colors. The assorted shades of Gray-Green, Beige, and Red are perfect for color-coding different journals—one for work, one for creative ideas, and one for personal musings. Each notebook contains 70 college-ruled pages with red margin lines.
Beyond their pleasing appearance, these notebooks are highly practical. The pages are micro-perforated for a clean tear-out and are 3-hole punched for binder storage. The paper is designed to accommodate double-sided writing and helps prevent ink bleed-through from popular gel pens, making your journal entries as neat as the notebooks themselves.
Mead Spiral Notebook, 6 Pack, Wide Ruled
This classic six-pack from Mead provides reliable wide-ruled notebooks that are ideal for younger students or anyone who appreciates extra space between lines. With 70 double-sided sheets per notebook, you have ample room for daily entries, lists, and notes. The wide ruling is specifically designed to make writing more comfortable for those who need it.
Durability and organization are key here. The sheets are perforated for easy removal, and the overall sturdy construction includes coated covers and a writable label on the front. Being 3-hole punched, these notebooks can be easily integrated into a larger binder system, keeping your journals tidy and accessible.
LEUCHTTURM1917 Hardcover Medium A5 Notebook
The LEUCHTTURM1917 is a legendary name in the world of journaling, and for good reason. This A5 hardcover notebook is a premium tool for serious writers. It features 251 numbered pages of acid-free paper that is highly compatible with ink, helping to prevent bleed-through. The thread-bound design allows the notebook to lay perfectly flat, making writing across the entire page a smooth experience.
It is packed with thoughtful features that enhance its functionality. You get an expandable pocket in the back cover, two ribbon page markers, and an elastic closure band to keep everything secure. This notebook is built to be a long-lasting repository for your thoughts, stories, and plans.
Rhodia A5 Webnotebook, Dot, Black
Rhodia is celebrated for its high-quality paper, and the Webnotebook is a prime example. This A5 notebook is bound in a sleek black leatherette cover and features 90g ivory brushed vellum paper. This specific paper is a favorite among fountain pen users for its smooth texture and excellent resistance to ink bleed and feathering.
The dot grid layout offers the best of both worlds: it provides subtle guidance for writing and drawing without being as obtrusive as lined or grid paper. Combined with an elasticated strap to keep the notebook closed, the Rhodia Webnotebook is a sophisticated and functional choice for discerning journalers.
PAPERAGE Lined Pocket Journal Notebook, 2 Pack
For journaling on the move, the PAPERAGE pocket journals are an ideal companion. This two-pack of small, hardcover notebooks is designed for portability, easily fitting into a purse or back pocket. Despite their compact size, they don’t compromise on quality, featuring 160 pages of thick, 100 gsm acid-free paper in a light ivory color.
The thread-bound, lay-flat design ensures writing ease for both right and left-handed users. These durable notebooks also include practical elements like a vegan leather cover, an inner expandable pocket, a ribbon bookmark, and an elastic closure band. They are perfect for capturing thoughts and ideas whenever inspiration strikes.
Essentials Grid-lined Notebook, Large, A5 Size
If you enjoy structured journaling, sketching, or bullet journaling, this grid-lined notebook is a superb option. It offers 192 pages of grid-lined paper, providing a clean and organized framework for your entries. The grid pattern is excellent for creating layouts, drawing charts, or simply keeping handwriting neat and aligned.
A major advantage of this notebook is its paper quality. The 120-gsm acid-free paper is 25% heavier than many leading brands, which significantly reduces ghosting and supports a wide range of media, including pens and pencils. This makes it a sturdy and reliable choice for creative and functional journaling.
SeQeS A5 Bullet Dotted Journal Notebook
Designed specifically for bullet journal enthusiasts and artists, the SeQeS notebook stands out with its exceptionally thick, 160gsm paper. This premium weight virtually eliminates bleed-through and ghosting, even when using markers and fountain pens. The dot grid layout offers maximum flexibility for writing, drawing, and designing custom spreads.
This is a feature-rich journal that comes with everything you need to start. It includes a durable hardcover, reinforced lay-flat binding, two bookmarks, a pen loop, an inner pocket, and even a mini metal stencil and stickers. It’s a comprehensive kit for anyone serious about their bullet journaling practice.
Moleskine Classic Expanded Hardcover Notebook
The Moleskine Classic Expanded is the larger-format version of the iconic notebook, offering even more space for your thoughts. Known for its simple, durable design, it features a sturdy hardcover, an elastic closure, a ribbon bookmark, and an expandable rear pocket for loose notes and mementos.
This expanded edition provides extra pages for those who write voluminously. The acid-free paper works well with a variety of pens, and the classic design ensures it will stand the test of time. It’s a timeless choice for writers, travelers, and professionals who want a reliable and respected journal for their daily recordings.
Buying Guide: How to Pick Your Perfect Journaling Notebook
As someone who has filled more notebooks than I can count, I can tell you that the right one makes all the difference. Your journal is a personal space, and its physical form can either inspire you to write or leave it gathering dust on a shelf. When you’re looking for the best notebooks for journaling, there are a few key things I always consider.
First, think about the paper. This is the most important relationship you’ll have with your journal. If you use fountain pens, you need thick, smooth paper that won’t bleed or feather. I look for notebooks that specifically mention high GSM (grams per square meter); 100 GSM is a great starting point for ink lovers. If you’re a pencil person or use ballpoint pens, you have more flexibility, but good quality paper still feels so much nicer to write on. Then there’s ruling. Do you need the structure of lined pages, the freedom of blank ones, the organization of dots, or the classic guide of grids? I’ve found dot-grid pages to be a fantastic middle ground, offering structure without being as imposing as solid lines.
Next, consider the binding and cover. A lay-flat binding is a game-changer. There’s nothing more frustrating than fighting with a spine to write in the gutter. Stitched bindings and spiral-bound notebooks typically handle this best. The cover needs to be durable enough to survive being carried in a bag, but also pleasing to your eye. A hardcover offers great protection, while a soft, flexible cover can make a journal feel more personal and cozy. I also pay close attention to the size. A large, A4-sized notebook is great for sprawling thoughts and pasting in mementos, but it’s not very portable. A compact, A6-sized one can go anywhere with you but might feel restrictive. The A5 size is, for me, the perfect sweet spot.
Finally, don’t forget the little details that make a journal uniquely yours. Do you want numbered pages for easy reference? A built-in bookmark ribbon to hold your place? An elastic closure to keep everything secure? A back pocket for storing tickets or photos? These features might seem small, but they add up to create a truly functional and enjoyable tool for your daily practice. Your journal is a companion for your thoughts, so taking the time to find one that fits your specific needs is well worth the effort.
FAQ
What is the best paper weight (GSM) for journaling?
This really depends on your writing tools. For most people using standard pens or pencils, paper around 80-100 GSM is sufficient. If you love using fountain pens, markers, or other wet media, I strongly recommend looking for paper that is 100 GSM or higher. This heavier weight prevents ink from bleeding through to the other side of the page, keeping your entries clean and readable.
Are dotted journals better than lined ones?
“Better” is subjective, but dotted journals have become incredibly popular for a good reason. The dots provide a subtle guide for writing in straight lines, but they are also perfect for creating drawings, charts, or bullet journal layouts without the visual clutter of full lines. I find they offer the most versatility, which is why they are a top choice for many people looking for the best notebooks for journaling.
How do I choose the right size journal?
Think about your portability needs and writing style. If you plan to carry your journal with you every day, a smaller size like A6 or B6 is very convenient. If you write long, detailed entries or like to include sketches and collages, a larger A4 notebook gives you more space to work. The A5 size is the most common and is often considered the perfect balance between portability and writing real estate.
What is the benefit of a lay-flat binding?
A lay-flat binding, often achieved through stitched sections or a spiral, means your notebook will open completely flat on a table. This makes writing across the entire page, especially the inner margin, much more comfortable. You don’t have to constantly press down on the spine to keep the book open. For me, this is a non-negotiable feature in a journal I plan to use every day.
Are expensive notebooks worth the money?
They can be, if the features align with what you value. A more expensive notebook often uses higher quality materials: thicker, acid-free paper that won’t yellow over time, a more durable cover, and superior binding. If your journal is a long-term keepsake, investing in a well-made notebook ensures it will hold up for years. However, there are also many excellent and affordable options that get the job done perfectly well.
How long does a typical journal last?
The lifespan of a journal depends entirely on its page count and how frequently you write. A standard 192-page notebook might last a few months if you write a page every day. If you’re a more sporadic writer, it could last a year or more. I usually check the page count before buying to get a rough idea of how long it will serve me.