The Ultimate Bullet Journal Notebook review
I know, I know, we have alllllll been there! Wondering what notebook to get? Wondering which will suit your needs and which will be perfect for your year. So I created this HUGE bullet journal notebook review to help our newbies out! We have also highlighted which are front runners in the notebook quality, newbies and value for money!
This is an honest review about how I like notebooks, so I want to make that clear up front, that what I like might not be what you like. Notebooks are all about personal preference so keep reading to find something that matches you and your needs. So if you are looking for the “best” bullet journal, while you might find one here in this list, it might not be the one that I called “the best”
For me the top bullet journals were:
- Best bullet journal for value for money: Tumbitri Metri
- Best Quality bullet journal Notebook: Archer and Olive
- Best bullet journal notebook for watercolor: Archer and Olive
- Easiest bullet journal notebook to use: The Happy Planner – Happy notes
- Best customised bullet journal Notes books: Citrus Book Bindery
- Best bullet journal notebook for newbies: Lemome
If you want to see any individual reviews you can find them here
*Please note that the prices listed are updated often so the ones in the images reflect the price at the time of publishing this post
Lets get started! In alphabetical order because that makes logical sense!
Some bullet journal notebook review terminology
Before we get started, I want to make sure we are all on the same page with terminology!
Ghosting: Where you can see pen marks though the paper
Bleeding: When the pen or marker bleeds through the paper
A5: is the size of standard notebook
GSM: Is the weight of the paper (grams per square metre) and the higher the gsm, the thicker and more robust the paper.
Ana Tomy Notebook Review Summary
Now this customisation takes on a whole new level! You can choose your paper layout, notebook layout, and all the colors, down to the elastic and ribbon! Cute! I loved popping my name on the cover in foil. Those are the kinds of extra touches I like in a customised notebook! But it comes with a hefty price tag of $33 for those nice features. And when it comes down to it, is it worth it the money when the paper is average? Well – thats up to you! It has a ton of pages which is great, but the GSM is one of the LOWEST!
| Details | Information |
| Notebook Name | Ana Tomy |
| Price | $33.00 |
| Number of Pages | 180 numbered pages |
| Paper gsm | 86gsm (but you can mix in watercolor and sketch paper which is thicker) |
| Number of dots | 24×39 dots |
| Size of dots | 0.5mm |
| Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Elastic Closure 1x Ribbons |
| Ghosting and Bleeding? | Ghosting and bleeding |
| Sizes available | A5 |
| Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard covers available |
| Colors available? | Multiple colors available – fully customisable |
| Index/Key or additional pages? | Index, Page Numbers, as well as vision pages, goal setting and mote |
| Additional extras | Can be completely customised and personalised covers available |
| Overall rating | 2/5 Customising is fun, but the paper quality lets it down – again. At the lowest paper quality this is hard to overcome |
Archer and Olive Watercolor Notebook Review Summary
Archer and Olive Signature 160gsm Notebooks
This notebook wins our “best quality” award in this review. Why? Because they are beautifully made and the owner, Bonnie, is the most incredible woman! Her business ethics are outstanding and values are so special!
Now this notebook has received some flack recently for being pricey, and it was compared with some other 160gsm notebooks, now what this highlighted to me, was that the comparison notebooks were just not half as well cared for in manufacture as the A&O was, nor was the level of care taken in the customer service, the business and those values I spoke about earlier. Personally, I exclusively use this notebook and the planner as my personal planners because I believe that every dollar I spend, shows want kind of community I want to build at that includes in my choice of notebook.
Now while there is are the planner, and black out book, I wont specifically review these here, because they have the same quality paper, and I’ve include the images below. I will review the watercolor notebook however.
| Details | Information |
| Notebook Name | Archer and Olive |
| Price | $31.00 |
| Number of Pages | 160 pages |
| Paper gsm | 160gsm |
| Number of dots | 27×37 dots |
| Size of dots | 0.5mm |
| Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? |
Elastic Closure 2x Ribbons Pen Loop |
| Ghosting and Bleeding? | None |
| Sizes available | B5 and A5 |
| Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard covers available |
| Colors available? | Multiple colors available |
| Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
| Additional extras | None |
| Overall rating | 5/5 Yes the price point is a little high, but it is everything this notebook stand for that makes me love it. |
Archer and Olive Watercolor Notebook
I’ve already covered above why I adore the A&O brand. And this is one of those reasons. The community was eager for a journal that could be a dot grid and also used with heavy watercolor.
That being said, was the dawn of a game changer. Absolutely a little more pricey, but when you are dealing with 120 pages of gorgeous hot pressed cotton watercolor pages they surely you understand!
| Details | Information |
| Notebook Name | Archer and Olive |
| Price | $50.00 |
| Number of Pages | 120 pages |
| Paper gsm | 200gsm |
| Number of dots | 24×39 dots |
| Size of dots | 0.5mm |
| Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Elastic Closure Pen Loop |
| Ghosting and Bleeding? | None |
| Sizes available | A5 |
| Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard covers |
| Colors available? | Multiple colors available |
| Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
| Additional extras | Ring bound |
| Overall rating | 5/5 If you want a heavy watercolor notebook that will withstand lashings of water when painting, then this notebook is for you! |
Citrus Book Bindery Notebook review summary
Looking for more practical customisation? Well CBB has it in spades! But the price starts getting pretty steep pretty quickly. For a notebooks with 144 numbered pages A5 and a back pocket, with ribbons it starts heading towards the $65 mark. So the price of $32 is the base price with zero additionals, so it can be considered as a really pricy notebook.
What makes this notebook pretty cool, is it is hand made by the owner and her husband.
| Details | Information |
| Notebook Name | Citrus Book Bindery |
| Price | $32.00 |
| Number of Pages | 240 numbered pages |
| Paper gsm | 120-225gsm |
| Number of dots | 28×41 dots |
| Size of dots | 0.5mm |
| Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Customisable ribbon number Elastic Closure |
| Ghosting and Bleeding? | barely any |
| Sizes available | Multiple sizes available |
| Hard/Soft Cover? | Mainly hard covers |
| Colors available? | Multiple colors |
| Index/Key or additional pages? | If you want them |
| Additional extras | You can ask for additional extras like rounded corners or special binding |
| Overall rating | 3/5 One of my favorite notebooks, because its hand made by the owner |
Dingbats Notebook review Summary
Now, I can open a can of worms on Dingbats, and lets take a few steps back, about 2 years ago they did something incomprehensible – twice. And I swore to myself never to buy or support such egregious behavior – but curiosity got the better of me, and I believe in second and third chances, so decided to give them a go.
So what did they do? 1. they were caught out in blatant plagiarism, they would lift images from peoples instagram and super impose them on their notebooks claiming they did them. They did this with a number of photos, and when confronted they back tracked and denied. They were finally upfront about it and apologised to all those involved. At around the same time – they ran a competition where you had to “vote” for your favorite. This community is about supporting each other, not about pitting people against each other in a popularity contest. Uncool and really messed up.
But – In saying all of that – I am a strong believer of second chances and bought some in the last sale. UUURG! SO YELLOW! Maybe i had become so used to the bright white pages of the A&O but sooooo yellow.
| Details | Information |
| Notebook Name | Dingbats |
| Price | $19.95 |
| Number of Pages | 192 pages – perforated |
| Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
| Number of dots | 29×40 dots |
| Size of dots | 0.5mm |
| Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
| Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some but not majorly |
| Sizes available | A4-B6 |
| Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
| Colors available? | Multiple colors |
| Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
| Additional extras | None |
| Overall rating | 2/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Graphic Arts notebook review summary
This was another interesting find, heaps of pages, but slightly thinner and uncoated. There is quite a bit of ghosting and some bleeding. Its an interesting notebook and I havent seen many people using it, but its quite a good starter note book!
I think the price point is slightly high but for what you are getting is probably worth it. It also has pretty bright white paper which is lovely and bright!
| Details | Information |
| Notebook Name | Graphic Arts |
| Price | $19.99 |
| Number of Pages | 249 numbered pages |
| Paper gsm | 100gsm coated |
| Number of dots | 28×39 dots |
| Size of dots | 0.5mm |
| Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 2x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
| Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some |
| Sizes available | A5 |
| Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
| Colors available? | Minimal choices |
| Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
| Additional extras | None |
| Overall rating | 3/5 Its a perfectly good notebook for newbies and those who are just looking to change |
Happy Planner Review Summary
Happy Notes Review
I am so sad that I discovered this notebook late! If I was starting out again, I would probably chose this to start with, because the pages are disk bound so total removable if you make a mistake.
The pages are really thick, far thicker than I expected and they hold up to watercolor incredibly well. You can combine a notebook and planner to make it a simple system for you!
| Details | Information |
| Notebook Name | The Happy Planner |
| Price | $10.99 |
| Number of Pages | 60 pages |
| Paper gsm | 120gsm |
| Number of dots | 44×49 dots |
| Size of dots | 0.4mm |
| Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Disk bound so pages can be removed, can add additional pen loops and closures |
| Ghosting and Bleeding? | Very little, and even holds up to watercolor |
| Sizes available | Big, Classic, Half sheets and Mini |
| Hard/Soft Cover? | Flexible covers |
| Colors available? | Multiple colors and designs |
| Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
| Additional extras | You can get the matching sticker sets or additional dashboards to add |
| Overall rating | 4/5 If I could start again, I would probably go this route, cheap and easy to maintain and simple to use. |
Karst Stone Paper Notebook review
Now this a weird one! If you are wanting something a little different then this notebook might be for you. The paper is made with stone paper – yes stones. But It does make the paper waterproof which is a total bummer on the watercolor or juicy pen front because nothing dries and it takes an age for things to stop smudging!
It is claimed as tear proof, which is moderately true, and if you do get something wet on the page, you can dry it with a dryer but the heat crumples the paper to ash! And makes the paper “ROCK” hard!
| Details | Information |
| Notebook Name | Karst Stone Paper |
| Price | $25.95 |
| Number of Pages | 144 pages |
| Paper gsm | 100gsm |
| Number of dots | 27×40 dots |
| Size of dots | 0.5mm |
| Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x ribbon |
| Ghosting and Bleeding? | Ghosting, no bleeding |
| Sizes available | B5 and A5 |
| Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard covers |
| Colors available? | Limited muted tones |
| Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
| Additional extras | Made from stone paper |
| Overall rating | 1/5 Kinda expensive for what you are getting. |
Lemome notebook review
Our first award winner in this review! Winner for our “Best for Newbies” award! This notebook is cheap and cheerful! It is already made with thick paper and is coated for those of us that love the ‘ol fountain pen use!
So with that in mind – here are the specs!
| Details | Information |
| Notebook Name | Lemome |
| Price | $15.99 |
| Number of Pages | 180 numbered pages |
| Paper gsm | 120gsm |
| Number of dots | 28×40 dots |
| Size of dots | 0.5mm |
| Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? |
Elastic Closure 2x Ribbons Pen Loop |
| Ghosting and Bleeding? | Some ghosting, but very little and minimal bleeding |
| Sizes available | A5 |
| Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard covers available |
| Colors available? | Multiple colors available |
| Index/Key or additional pages? | Index, Page Numbers, Perforated back pages |
| Additional extras | Can be completely customised and personalised covers available |
| Overall rating | 4/5 Perfect for newbies because it is not to expensive and pretty awesome overall. |
Leuchtrum 1917 notebook review summary
This notebook sets the benchmark for notebooks on the market, it is considered the “official bullet journal notebook” and even is sold on the bullet journal website with the bullet journal branding…
In reality the benchmark has been set pretty low! With the ghosting and bleeding the LT1917 drives me bonkers, but some of you might like that!
| Details | Information |
| Notebook Name | Leuchtrum 1917 |
| Price | $19,94 |
| Number of Pages | 249 numbered pages |
| Paper gsm | 80gsm |
| Number of dots | 28×39 dots |
| Size of dots | 0.5mm |
| Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? |
Elastic Closure 2x Ribbons Pen Loop |
| Ghosting and Bleeding? | A lot of ghosting even with simple black pens. |
| Sizes available | A5 |
| Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard covers available |
| Colors available? | Multiple colors available |
| Index/Key or additional pages? | Index, Page Numbers, Perforated back pages |
| Additional extras | Archival stickers |
| Overall rating | 2/5 Completely over rated |
Millegram notebook review
The only B5 notebook on the list of this review, and also comes in a A5. It has a fabric cover and has a great price point. But the paper is “paper thin”. Literally. The paper is almost see-through at times, transparent like, and when you pummel it watercolor or juicy pens, you’ll see some serious bleedthrough and ghosting!
Moleskine Notebook review
The very first notebook I owned! And probably the thinnest and worst! But – it deserves to be in the running for being on the dot grid notebook map. I guess you get what you pay for and these notebooks are cheap, but really, you really are getting some bleeding and ghosting pages for that. And heaps of them!
| Details | Information |
| Notebook Name | Moleskine |
| Price | $11.03 |
| Number of Pages | 240 pages |
| Paper gsm | 70gsm |
| Number of dots | |
| Size of dots | 0.5mm |
| Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 1x ribbon Elastic Closure |
| Ghosting and Bleeding? | All the ghosting and all the bleeding |
| Sizes available | Many sizes available in this brand |
| Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard and soft covers |
| Colors available? | Multiple covers |
| Index/Key or additional pages? | None |
| Additional extras | None |
| Overall rating | 1/5 It is my least favorite notebook of all time. |
Mossery Co notebook review
This was a fun notebook to order, you can spend some time customizing your covers and personalising gives such a nice touch! But here’s the thing, customising a notebook isn’t everything, using it is. And while the mossery notebook is damn cute, it just doesnt hold up to really juicy pens and watercolor.
| Details | Information |
| Notebook Name | Mossery Co |
| Price | $23.50 |
| Number of Pages | 160 numbered pages |
| Paper gsm | 100gsm |
| Number of dots | 29×38 dots |
| Size of dots | 0.5mm |
| Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Elastic Closure 1x Ribbons |
| Ghosting and Bleeding? | Ghosting and bleeding |
| Sizes available | B5 to A6 |
| Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard covers available |
| Colors available? | Multiple colors available – customisable |
| Index/Key or additional pages? | Key, Index, Page Numbers, as well as vision pages, goal setting and mote |
| Additional extras | Can be completely customised and personalised covers available |
| Overall rating | 2/5 Customising is fun, but the paper quality lets it down |
Rhodia Goal Book notebook review
This is an interesting notebook, it has some amazing paper, its made with clairefontain paper which is buttery smooth and lush! But this also makes the paper buttery in color! SO it is pretty yellow.
The goal book has all the key things you need to get started with a bullet journal, like an index, a future log and events log and monthly log, which is a fab start, especially with those numbered pages.
DetailsInformation Notebook Name Price Number of Pages 120 pages Paper gsm 90gsm Number of dots 29×41 dots Size of dots 0.5mm Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops?
| Details | Information |
| Notebook Name | Rhodia Goal Book |
| Price | $22.89 |
| Number of Pages | 120 numbered pages |
| Paper gsm | 90gsm Paper is very creamy |
| Number of dots | 29×41 dots |
| Size of dots | 0.5mm |
| Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Elastic Closure 1x Ribbons |
| Ghosting and Bleeding? | Its pretty good at handling wet pens and watercolor, but still bleeds and ghosts a bit |
| Sizes available | B5 to A6 |
| Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard covers available |
| Colors available? | Multiple colors available – customisable |
| Index/Key or additional pages? | Index, future log and monthly log |
| Additional extras | |
| Overall rating | 2/5 Its not the worst, its not the best, but definitely worth a mention! |
Scribbles that matter notebook review
Scribbles that matter went and changed their notebook paper a number of times, now this may seem harsh, but instead of swimming in their own lane and focusing on what the customer wanted and doing it well, they have started swimming in other lanes and not doing well. Yes they are popular, yes they are cute, but really when it comes down it it, I think they have strayed from what their core customer was.
I like the old coated paper, and thats what made it cool. But now, they are trying to compete instead of doing well at what they were good at.
| Details | Information |
| Notebook Name | Scribbles that matter |
| Price | $20.79 |
| Number of Pages | 150 numbered pages |
| Paper gsm | 160gsm |
| Number of dots | 27×39 dots |
| Size of dots | 0.5mm |
| Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | Elastic Closure 2x Ribbons Pen loop |
| Ghosting and Bleeding? | No ghosting, some bleeding |
| Sizes available | B5 to A6 |
| Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard covers available |
| Colors available? | Multiple colors available |
| Index/Key or additional pages? | Key, Index, Page Numbers, pen test page |
| Additional extras | None |
| Overall rating | 3/5 I dont love the new 160gsm uncoated paper, but it is fine if you are wanting something a a little less pricey but with better quality |
Tumbetri Metri notebook review summary
When I was approached by TM to review their notebooks I was hesitant. But SO glad I did! I put this one in the “best value for money” category because of its bonus features which make it stand out against the Lemome!
Its a great notebook for newbies and those wanting to try something a little different, the pages are whiter than the lemome and while they are the same thickness and also coated, it makes it lush to use with watercolor.
| Details | Information |
| Notebook Name | Tumbetri Metri |
| Price | $16.95 |
| Number of Pages | 180 pages |
| Paper gsm | 120gsm coated |
| Number of dots | 27×38 dots |
| Size of dots | 0.5mm |
| Ribbons, Elastic closure or pen loops? | 3x Ribbons Elastic Closure Pen loop |
| Ghosting and Bleeding? | Barely any |
| Sizes available | A5 |
| Hard/Soft Cover? | Hard Covers |
| Colors available? | Minimal choices |
| Index/Key or additional pages? | Index and Key |
| Additional extras | Cute ruler and stencil |
| Overall rating | 4/5 The yellow paper drives me nuts |
Watch the full review video here
PLEASE NOTE: I am aware of the sound and music issues related to this video – the video for 2021 will indeed be improved 🙂
