Below, our picks of the best notebooks. “A durable notebook that’s a dream to write in!” Best Budget: Staples 1 Subject Notebook at Staples “A great value and they come in packs of six.” “A dotted notebook to help you create functional lists and schedules.” “This professional and portable notebook contains 48 ruled pages.” “An all-in-one college note-taking bible.” “Sophisticated and impressively durable.” “Has faux leather covers on both the front and back.” “A weatherproof pocket-sized notepad that you can take on-the-go.” If you’ve ever used a Moleskine notebook, you know why people love them so much. Every inch of these products is carefully considered, and the end result is a durable notebook that’s a dream to write in! Yes, they’re more expensive than your standard spiral notebook, but the cost is worth it for a better writing experience. This Classic Soft Cover Notebook is 7.8 x 10 inches with rounded corners and an elastic closure. It comes in a variety of colors, and there’s a built-in ribbon bookmark to hold your place, as well as an expandable inner pocket on the back cover. The notebook opens at 180 degrees, so it will lie flat as you write, and you can even choose from ruled, dotted, or grid pages. Basically, it’s the perfect notebook for every purpose! Reviewers call this their “favorite notebook of all time,” explaining that it has a luxurious feel and wears well, even if you throw it in a backpack to carry around every day. People use it for writing, bullet journaling, sketching, and planning their schedules, and many say they will purchase this product again and again! Price at time of publish: $25 These notebooks measure 8 x 10.5 inches with 70 sheets in each. They include wide-ruled pages, which are great for younger kids, and they’re held together by a standard spiral spine. Plus, the notebooks include three-hole punches, so you can clip them into a binder if you want. Overall, the Staples 1-Subject Notebooks are a utilitarian choice for anyone who’s on a budget. Price at time of publish: $10 If you’re ready to get started, you’ll need a canvas like the Dotted Grid Notebook. It comes in five fun colors and measures 5 x 8.5 inches. There are 64 dotted sheets in the hard faux-leather cover, and it stays shut thanks to an elastic band. Additionally, the pages are designed to prevent bleeding, and there’s a pocket inside where you can store miscellaneous papers. Reviewers say this is an amazing option for a bullet journal, as you can color to your heart’s content without worrying about bleeding or transfer. Price at time of publish: $12 These notebooks are 3.5 x 5.5 inches and each one contains 48 ruled pages—though you can get them with blank or grid pages, as well. They’re made in the USA and fit perfectly in your pocket without seeming bulky. Reviewers say these notebooks are rugged and have high-quality paper, but a few do mention they wish the notebooks didn’t say “Field Notes” across the front. Beyond that, you couldn’t ask for a better work notebook. Price at time of publish: $13 This super-durable five-subject notebook measures 11 x 10 inches and has 200 college-ruled sheets. The front and back covers are made from hard plastic, and there’s a fabric guard over the spine to prevent it from snagging on other binders or your clothes. You can easily tear out the perforated pages, and the notebook features a pen loop on the outside so you’re never without a writing implement. It even has two expanding pocket folders and five movable dividers. Numerous reviewers say this five-subject notebook is “perfect for college” since it’s durable and versatile. Price at time of publish: $11 Happy users say this leather notebook is ideal for work, school or travel writing, and many like that you can use fountain pens on it. The notebook includes a durable strap to hold it shut, and it comes in several sizes to suit your needs. Price at time of publish: $27 This hardcover notebook measures 8.5 x 5.7 inches and includes faux leather covers on both the front and back. There are an impressive 180 pages, and the unique spine allows this notebook to lie flat as you’re writing—plus, it includes a pen loop. There’s a tight elastic band to hold it shut when not in use, and you can store notes, business cards, and other items in the expandable pocket inside. According to reviewers, this notebook exceeds expectations with its high-quality paper, abundant pages, and durability. What more could you really ask for? Price at time of publish: $14 This pocket-sized notebook is 3 x 5 inches and contains 50 sheets of all-weather paper that repel water, sweat, and dirt. You have to use a standard pencil or all-weather pen to write in it, as water-based ink won’t stick, but reviewers say it’s ideal for those in professions or hobbies that force you to be outside during bad weather! Price at time of publish: $9 for blue
Page Format
Don’t judge a notebook by its cover. The most important component of a notebook is its pages, and how well they fit your intended use and preferred format. Some people like blank pages, others favor lined pages, European-style grids, or dotted bullet journals. If you plan to rip out pages on a regular basis, look for a notebook with perforated pages to produce a cleaner result.
Hard or Soft Cover
Choose a soft-cover notebook if you’re looking for a workhorse that you can use to take class notes until you recycle it at the end of term. If you have a tendency to beat up your notebooks, choose a plastic hard cover that will help keep it intact. And if you’re looking for a notebook to create a personal diary, travel journal, baby book, or other keepsake, choose a bound notebook with a durable leather or faux-leather cover that will make it feel special.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written and researched by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer specializing in decorating and design. She covers home products for The Spruce and is a regular contributor to popular sites such as Forbes, USA Today, Food52.
