Best Bullet Journal Notebooks

Starting a bullet journal? You need to invest in a reliable notebook. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of fantastic options to choose from. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the best bullet journal notebooks in 2023. No matter your paper preference or budget, scroll down to meet the notebook of your dreams.

LEUCHTTURM1917 A5 Notebook

• Pages: 123
• Ruling: Squared

The LEUCHTTURM1917 is hands-down the best notebook for bullet journals you can buy. It opens flat so you can write, draw and scribble from all angles — at home and on the move. There’s also an internal pocket for storing documents, receipts and other loose paper. Pages are numbered and there’s a table of contents at the front.

We’ve been using the LEUCHTTURM1917 since it was introduced in 2011 and can’t think of a single reason to shop around except price: It isn’t the cheapest notebook out there. But the quality speaks for itself — the LEUCHTTURM1917 is built to last, and that’s why it’s known as the (un)official bullet journal notebook.

Poluma A5 Notebook

• Pages: 128
• Ruling: Dotted

For a notebook that costs $10 on Amazon, it’s hard to fault the Poluma Dotted A5. It’s remarkably sturdy and is bound (pun totally intended) to stand the test of time. Just like the LEUCHTTURM1917, it too has an internal pocket for storing loose paperwork until you’ve had a chance to file it away at home or at the office.

Our only complaints are that the paper is a little on the thin side (you’ll need to use a lighter ballpoint and not something as ink-heavy as a fountain pen if you don’t want the ink to bleed through) and the hardcover doesn’t open flat, making it hard to sketch. Overall, it’s fantastic cheap alternative to the LEUCHTTURM1917.

Moleskine Classic Notebook XL

• Pages: 192
• Ruling: Plain, Dotted

Those after something a little larger than an A5 notebook ought to turn their attention to the Moleskine Classic Notebook XL. Measuring in a little smaller than A4, it’s the largest notebook in Moleskine’s Classic Notebooks collection, featuring an open-flat soft cover and an accordion-style inner pocket for holding loose papers.

Not sure? Here’s what one customer had to say: “This is my favorite notebook of all time! I’ve ordered 4 of these within a year! I have turned it into my planner/everything notebook. I throw it in my purse (a large one, of course) and it goes everywhere with me. I use this everyday, multiple times a day and it takes a beating.”

Northbooks A5 Notebook

• Pages: 142
• Ruling: Dotted

If you’re looking for a portable notebook for bullet journals with perforated pages, then look no further than the Northbooks Dotted A5. There isn’t much to say here other than it does one thing and one thing well: Provides a stack quality tear-away paper for all your notes, reminders, lists, sketches, designs and musings.

Don’t just take our word for it, though. Here’s what one customer had to say: “Paper is comparable in quality and writing area to Moleskine journals. Love the fact that all of the pages are perforated instead of just the last eight.” Another added: “Excellent for journaling. Pages don’t bleed and are a nice weight for my pens.”

How to Choose a Notebook for Bullet Journaling

The first thing to consider when choosing a notebook for a bullet journal is size. Decide whether you’re looking for something you can slip in your jacket pocket or one to carry around in a backpack or handbag. If it’s the former you’re after, you’ll want either an A5 or an A6 notebook. If it’s the latter, an A4 will do the trick.

Next, decide on a ruling. Do you want plain, dotted or ruled paper? Most people tend to opt for dotted rulings for their bullet journals, but there’s no one rule to follow here. Choose whatever you feel most comfortable with. We’ve included a variety of different notebooks above, so there should be something for everyone.

Finally, think about any features that could be of use. We’re talking about things like perforated edges for tearing out pages and internal pockets for storing any scraps of paper you accumulate as you go about your day. Other things to consider are numbered pages, removable dividers and the option to add additional pages.