Best bullet journals for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Dotted Hardcover Notebook is our top pick for 2026 because of its durable construction, 249 numbered pages, and adjustable lay-flat spine that works for both beginners and experienced bullet journalers.
If you need even thicker 160gsm paper, go with the Scribbles That Matter Pro; for a classic look on a budget, the Scribbles That Matter softcover delivers; and if you want the official bullet-journaling experience, the Leuchtturm1917 Edition 2 is the premium choice.
A bullet journal is more than a notebook, it’s a customizable system for tracking tasks, habits, and ideas. The best ones combine durable covers, smooth paper that handles fountain pens, and thoughtful extras like numbered pages and index sections. When choosing, look at paper weight (heavier paper resists bleed-through), binding (lay-flat is ideal), and whether you prefer hardcover or softcover. Also consider total page count and the dot grid spacing, most bullet journals use a 5mm dot grid, which works well for layouts. We researched owner feedback and expert reviews to find five top contenders for 2026. Our picks cover a range of prices and features, from budget-friendly to premium. No matter your style, one of these notebooks will help you stay organized and creative all year.
Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Dotted Hardcover Notebook
the do-it-all default
4.8out of 5The Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 is the gold standard for a reason: it balances quality, versatility, and affordability. The 80gsm paper is smooth and surprisingly resistant with most pens, though heavy ink users may see slight ghosting. The thread-bound spine lies flat, and the numbered pages and table of contents make organizing a breeze.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Scribbles That Matter Pro Dotted Notebook A5
for the heavy-hitter pen user
4.7out of 5Scribbles That Matter Pro steps up where the Leuchtturm1917 falls short: its 160gsm paper virtually eliminates ghosting and bleed-through, even with fountain pens and markers. It also has numbered pages, a generous page count, and a hardcover that feels sturdy. The only downside is the higher price and slightly bulkier feel.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →Moleskine Classic Dotted Notebook Large
the iconic classic
4.5out of 5The Moleskine Classic retains its legendary look and feel, with a rounded spine, elastic closure, and expandable inner pocket. Its paper is thinner than the competition, which means some ghosting even with ballpoints. But if you love the tactile experience and classic design, it’s still a solid choice for minimalists.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Dotted Hardcover Notebook | 4.8 / 5 | $$ | Anyone who wants a reliable, everyday bullet journal that hits the sweet spot between pric | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Scribbles That Matter Pro Dotted Notebook A5 | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Artists, fountain pen enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to use markers or wet inks without | Check price → |
| Best value | Moleskine Classic Dotted Notebook Large | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Traditionalists who value the iconic design and don’t mind a bit of ghosting for the sake | Check price → |
| Best budget | Scribbles That Matter Dotted Notebook A5 Softcover | 4.6 / 5 | $ | Budget-conscious beginners or anyone who wants a reliable bullet journal without spending | Check price → |
| Best premium | Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2 | 4.7 / 5 | $$$ | Bullet journal enthusiasts who want the official system and appreciate the thoughtful extr | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Dotted Hardcover Notebook: the do-it-all default
Best overallThe Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 is the gold standard for a reason: it balances quality, versatility, and affordability. The 80gsm paper is smooth and surprisingly resistant with most pens, though heavy ink users may see slight ghosting. The thread-bound spine lies flat, and the numbered pages and table of contents make organizing a breeze.
Pros
- Lay-flat opening from day one
- 249 numbered pages with an index page
- Two ribbon bookmarks and a pocket in the back
- Available in many cover colors
Cons
- 80gsm paper can ghost with broad, wet fountain pens
- Slightly narrower than true A5 dimensions
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants a reliable, everyday bullet journal that hits the sweet spot between price and performance.Who should skip it
You mainly use wet fountain pens or alcohol markers and need zero bleed-through.2. Scribbles That Matter Pro Dotted Notebook A5: for the heavy-hitter pen user
Runner-upScribbles That Matter Pro steps up where the Leuchtturm1917 falls short: its 160gsm paper virtually eliminates ghosting and bleed-through, even with fountain pens and markers. It also has numbered pages, a generous page count, and a hardcover that feels sturdy. The only downside is the higher price and slightly bulkier feel.
Pros
- Thick 160gsm paper handles almost any pen without bleeding
- Numbered pages and two ribbon bookmarks
- Elastic closure and pen loop
- Sturdy hardcover with a soft-touch finish
Cons
- Heavier and thicker than other A5 notebooks
- Pages are not removable if you make a mistake
Who it’s for
Artists, fountain pen enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to use markers or wet inks without worrying about show-through.Who should skip it
You prefer a slim, lightweight notebook that fits easily in a small bag.3. Moleskine Classic Dotted Notebook Large: the iconic classic
Best valueThe Moleskine Classic retains its legendary look and feel, with a rounded spine, elastic closure, and expandable inner pocket. Its paper is thinner than the competition, which means some ghosting even with ballpoints. But if you love the tactile experience and classic design, it’s still a solid choice for minimalists.
Pros
- Timeless design that feels special
- Expanding back pocket for loose notes
- Thread-bound binding lays mostly flat
- Widely available in many sizes
Cons
- Paper is thin (70gsm) and prone to ghosting
- Dots can be faint and difficult to see in dim light
Who it’s for
Traditionalists who value the iconic design and don’t mind a bit of ghosting for the sake of portability and style.Who should skip it
You need heavy-duty paper that stands up to fountain pens or require a lot of pages (Moleskine only has 192 pages).4. Scribbles That Matter Dotted Notebook A5 Softcover: the budget-friendly workhorse
Best budgetThis softcover version of Scribbles That Matter offers many of the same features as the Pro, numbered pages, thick 100gsm paper, and a pen loop, at a lower price. The paper is sturdy enough for most pens and light markers, and the softcover makes it easier to slide into bags. The trade-off is less durability and no lay-flat promise.
Pros
- Good paper quality for the price (100gsm reduces ghosting)
- Numbered pages and two ribbon bookmarks
- Pen loop and elastic closure included
- Lightweight and flexible cover
Cons
- Softcover can get bent in crowded bags
- Does not lay flat as easily as hardcover notebooks
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious beginners or anyone who wants a reliable bullet journal without spending much.Who should skip it
You prefer a hardcover that can take more abuse, or you need paper thicker than 100gsm for heavy ink work.5. Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2: the ultimate system for purists
Best premiumThe Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2 is specifically designed with the bullet journal methodology in mind: it includes a two-page guide, a legend, and an index that works right out of the box. The paper is the same 80gsm as the classic dotted, but the book lies completely flat thanks to a special binding. It’s expensive, but dedicated fans love the extra touch.
Pros
- Designed in collaboration with Ryder Carroll, the creator of the bullet journal method
- Complete lay-flat binding from the first page
- Pre-printed index, legend, and key for beginners
- Comes with three bookmarks and a removable stencil
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than the standard Leuchtturm1917
- 80gsm paper still ghosts with wet inks
Who it’s for
Bullet journal enthusiasts who want the official system and appreciate the thoughtful extras.Who should skip it
You’re price-sensitive, or you dislike the extra printed elements and want a completely blank slate.Best for specific needs
Best for fountain pen users
If you write with a fountain pen or use alcohol markers, paper thickness matters most. The Scribbles That Matter Pro has 160gsm paper that handles the wettest nibs without bleeding or ghosting. The hardcover and included pen loop make it a pleasure to carry and use daily. Our pick: Scribbles That Matter Pro Dotted Notebook A5.
Best for beginners
Starting a bullet journal can feel daunting, but the Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2 gives you an index and legend already printed inside. Its official lay-flat binding and three bookmarks help you stay organized without any setup. The included stencil is a nice bonus for creating clean layouts. Our pick: Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2.
Best for travelers and minimalists
When you’re on the go, a lightweight notebook is essential. The Scribbles That Matter softcover at budget pricing is slim, flexible, and still has 100gsm paper that resists bleed-through from most pens. The pen loop and two bookmarks keep everything tidy without extra bulk. Our pick: Scribbles That Matter Dotted Notebook A5 Softcover.
Our verdict
No matter your writing style or budget, there’s a bullet journal in this list that fits your needs. For most people, the Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Dotted remains the safest choice, it’s reliable, well-designed, and won’t break the bank. If you find yourself frustrated by ghosting, upgrade to the Scribbles That Matter Pro. And if you love the official method, the Leuchtturm1917 Edition 2 is a lovely indulgence. Pick the one that feels right, and start journaling.