Best Bullet Journal Notebook: The List For 2023

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Once you decided to give bullet journaling a try, your next step is to find the best bullet journal notebook.

Now, when keeping a bullet journal is so hyped, there are many bujo notebook options to choose from, and, as a consequence, you may get stuck easily.

Because, what the best bullet journal notebook means?

Maybe the one you see in your favorite bullet journalist’s Instagram feed?

Or maybe the one with the highest rate on Amazon?

So today, you’re going to learn:

• how to choose the perfect bullet journal that will work for YOU

• things to consider before you click the “add to cart” button

• my top 10 favorite bullet journal notebook list

Let’s get started.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It means that I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase a product that I have recommended. It won’t cost you any extra money.

Which Notebook is The Best for Bullet Journaling 

Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Archer & Olive Dot Grid Notebook

Photo Credit: Archer & Olive

Format: 160 pages (no page numbers)

Size: A5 (8.25 x 5.75 inches)

Paper: 160 gsm, dot grid, white

Cover: hard

Other: 2 ribbons, elastic band, back pocket, opens flat, pen holder

Price: $31

See More

In general, in this kind of blog post, you can find my favorite bullet journal notebook list below.

However, if you still want to find out how to make the final decision whether to buy this or that bullet journal notebook, then keep reading.

What Journal Should I Use for a Bullet Journal

Back in 2018, when I started my first bullet journal, it was a big challenge to find the best bujo notebook. 

Although I read a ton of notebooks reviews and watched a ton of Youtube hauls, I still didn’t know which one of these bullet journal products was best, particularly for my needs.

With this in mind, along with my best bullet journal notebook list, I put down some questions to ask before you even start shopping at Amazon. 

What Kind of Bullet Journaling Are You Leaning Towards

Generally, the bullet journal system, designed by Ryder Caroll, was created to be a simple and quick productivity tool.

Basically, it seems that bullet journaling splits into two directions.

On one hand, it’s kept in a traditional, basic way.

On the other hand, you can choose to keep an artistic one.

In most cases, if you stumble upon a bullet journal hype on Instagram and/or Pinterest, you may be thinking that bullet journaling is all about fancy lettering, creative art masterpieces, and cute doodling.

At least, this was my case.

However, keep in mind that, again, the bujo system was originally developed to be first and foremost simple and functional.

Obviously, don’t get me wrong – if creating artistic bujo pages is your thing, it’s absolutely ok to do this.

I mention it only because it’s important to know what kind of bullet journal you want to start with before you choose a notebook.

Is it Your First Notebook

Along with it, if it’s your very first bullet journal, no matter what kind of bujo (classic or artistic one) you choose, just do your budget a favor, get the cheapest ordinary school notebook, and use it as your bujo for one month.

In most cases, it’ll be a little bit painful, especially if you’re a stationery nerd like me.

However, this one-month trial period allows you to see if bullet journaling is actually your thing, without spending a fortune and risking a waste of money.

Because we all know these bullet journal supplies can be really pricey.

Obviously, if you still want to use a regular notebook for bullet journaling, good for you (and your wallet).

What Is Your Bujo Goal

Although bullet journal originally referred to this simple notebook with symbols, now it’s a general term for an art journal, daily log, diary, sketchbook, journaling, etc.

With this in mind, some bullet journal notebooks will work better than others according to your purpose.

For example:

• if you want to start journaling with writing prompts, the notebook with lined pages will be more convenient to use than a dotted one

• for art journaling, you may prefer a blank notebook with thick pages 

• by contrast, a dotted notebook with a soft cover is perfect as a planner carried in a tote daily

What Is Your Price Point

Next, you need to set your bullet journal notebook budget.

From anything than $8 to even $30, these products can be both affordable and pricey indeed.

As a rule, the price strongly depends on:

• number of pages

• pages quality & thickness

• cover type & design

• additionally gadgets like pen loops, back envelopes, or premade pages

Firstly, you may think that spending $30 on a notebook is insane.

But in my opinion, it’s all about the experience you get in return. 

There’s some kind of a guilty pleasure, when you’re writing words smoothly with a fountain pen, touching an elegant cover, and flipping through soft pages.

Other Things To Consider

Additionally, you want to think about the following bullet journal notebook features.

Pages

Definitely, you want to check:

• number of pages (with a comparison to price)

• if they’re numbered or perforated

• if they lay flat when open

• some notebooks have preprinted basic bullet journal pages like a key, index, and pen test.

Size & Weight

As a rule, choosing the right (for you) notebook’s size and weight is crucial for comfortable bullet journaling.

Just imagine carrying over 20 oz in your student bag daily.

On the other hand, trying to fit a monthly cleaning schedule in a pocket-size notebook will be hard as well.

As you can see, sometimes size matters.

Generally, you can find bullet journal notebooks in different sizes.

For instance, you can get (affiliate link) Moleskine classic notebook in the following sizes:

• pocket (3.5 x 5.5 inches)

• medium (4.5 x 7 inches)

• large (5 x 8.25 inches)

• XL (7.5 x 9.75 inches)

Next, let’s talk about the paper.

Paper Thickness (gsm)

First and foremost, when it comes to paper quality, there is one measurement, specifying the paper thickness, you need to look at. 

It’s measured in grams per square meter (gsm). 

As a rule, the higher this number, the thicker the paper.

And the thicker the paper, the less ghosting and bleeding through.

So keep this in mind while reading the best bullet journal notebook reviews.

Because of different bullet journal goals, the same bujo notebook might work for someone, but not necessary for you. 

For example, I use my bujo mostly in a classic way, as a planner.

Currently, I rarely add doodles, drawings, or any other kind of decoration. 

For this reason, I really enjoy my Leuchtturm 1917 notebook with a paper thickness of 80 gsm.

But if you read some reviews, you see that other bullet journalists complain about thin pages and ghosting, even when using basic Crayola markers.

Compare to Dingbats (100 gsm) or Archer & Olive (160 gsm!) notebooks, it should come as no surprise that 80 gsm paper is thin and ghosting appears.

Paper Color

Personally, I prefer whiter shades of paper to yellowish ones.

Paper Layout

Again, as I mentioned before, there’re several options from which to choose depending on your bullet journal purpose.

So if you want to:

• use a notebook for daily journaling then choose the lined pages

• unleash your creativity and start an art journal, the plain notebook (or regular sketchbook) is a great option

• organize your days and be more productive, then get a dotted or squared notebook

Obviously, feel free to use whatever page layout you want.

However, last year I bought a lined notebook by mistake.

Although the notebook quality was amazing, creating the bullet journal spreads onto lined pages was a nightmare

Cover

Without a doubt, the bullet journal notebook in softcover is

• cheaper

• flexible

• easier to carry around

However, it can get easily worn out just after a few uses.

On the other hand, a notebook in hardcover is:

• usually heavier

• more expensive

But they:

• definitely last longer

• give this unique, luxury experience.

Finally, it’s time to focus on tiny details.

They seem to be unimportant at first sight, but the lack of these features might be annoying in the long run.

Ribbons

First and foremost, having a ribbon in your bujo notebook allows you to mark specific pages inside the journal. 

In my opinion, the best bullet journal notebook should have at least two ribbons. 

From my experience, usually, you need to mark two pages at the same time.

For example, a monthly habit tracker and an actual weekly spread.

Elastic Band

Basically, an elastic band keeps your notebook closed safely.

Back Pocket

Also, having a back pocket in a bullet journal notebook helps you keep loose post-it notes in one place.

Pen Holder

Moreover, such a small thing as a pen loop prevents you from constantly digging around in your bag, searching for a pen.

Cover Design

Although it may sound obvious, choosing the cover design you love motivates you to use your bullet journal on a daily basis.

For instance, my (affiliate link) yellow Leuchtturm 1917 notebook makes me feel energized.

Definitely, it boosts my mood with its sunny, happy color.

What is The Best Bullet Journal Notebook

Before you start scrolling through my top ten favorite bullet journal notebooks, I only want to address the whole ghosting thing.

As I mentioned before, whether your writing product bleeds through or not depends strongly on the paper’s thickness.

For instance, this is what Sakura Pigma Micron ink pen ghosting looks like while writing in three different notebooks:

To sum up, pay attention to the gsm number and remember the higher this number, the thicker the paper, and the less ghosting and bleeding through.

The Notebooks for Classic Bullet Journaling

Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Best Bullet Journal Notebooks for Artists

Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2023-09-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Archer & Olive Dot Grid Notebook

Photo Credit: Archer & Olive

Format: 160 pages (no page numbers)

Size: A5 (8.25 x 5.75 inches)

Paper: 160 gsm, dot grid, white

Cover: hard

Other: 2 ribbons, elastic band, back pocket, opens flat, pen holder

Price: $31

See More

The Best Bullet Journal Notebooks – Final Thoughts

To sum up, I hope you find this best bullet journal notebook comparison helpful.

Although I’m not able to predict whether this or that notebook will work or not, I tried to cover everything you need to know before making a decision.

No matter if you start bullet journaling or just want to pick the best bullet journal notebook for next year, focusing on the main features mentioned above will help you limit your options.

There’s only one last tip I want to tell you. Stop overthinking. Set an alarm and get the perfect journal for your needs.

What’s Next? Discover Other Bullet Journal Related Articles:

Best Bullet Journal Supplies You Need for 2023

Best Daily Journals For 2023

Sticky Note Planning in a Bullet Journal

The Best Bullet Journal Notebook