I tested six popular bullet journals—looking at paper weight, layout, and features—to find dependable notebooks for planning, sketching, and heavy-ink use.
I’ve spent weeks using these notebooks as my daily planner, sketchbook, and habit tracker so I could compare how they perform under real-world use.
In this roundup I focused on paper quality, binding and lay-flat performance, extras like pockets and bookmarks, and how portable each journal felt in my bag.
If you want a notebook that won’t ghost or fall apart mid-year, I’ll walk you through which journals I reached for and why.
Across these picks I balanced paper weight, page count, and useful features. Some notebooks prioritize heavy, fountain-friendly paper and long page counts; others give you excellent value with thick 100 gsm pages and handy extras like pockets and sticker labels. I call out which notebooks are best for heavy inks, which are everyday workhorses, and which lean into design and portability so you can match one to how you actually use a journal.
1. PAPERAGE Dotted Journal Notebook — Medium, 100 GSM, 160 Pages, Hardcover – Best Value
I used this durable, compact dot-grid notebook as my go-to carry-along journal. The 100 gsm ivory paper handled most pens and markers with minimal ghosting, and the hardcover plus elastic kept everything tidy when I shoved it in my bag.
Why I picked it: Great paper weight and thoughtful extras at an affordable price.
Best for: Daily note-taking, bullet spreads, and on-the-go planning.
Affordable everyday option that outperforms many budget notebooks.
Pros
- Thick 100 gsm paper
- Solid hardcover and elastic band
- Inner expandable pocket
- Ribbon bookmark included
Cons
- Medium page count for frequent users
- Limited fountain-pen testing notes
My take
I carried this Paperage journal for a month and liked how it sat in my bag without getting battered. The vegan leather cover is water-resistant and the rounded corners prevented scuffs during daily use.
The 100 gsm ivory pages handled my fineliners, gel pens, and most marker pens with little bleed-through. I was able to draw headers and use brush markers for accent colors without worrying the ink would ruin the next page.
Thread binding let the notebook lay flat when open, which made weekly spreads and left/right-hand writing effortless. The sticker labels and inner pocket were small conveniences I used for receipts and a couple of habit tracker stickers.
2. Dingbats A5 Earth Notebook — 100 GSM Cream Paper, 192 Pages, Hardcover – Best Premium Pick
When I wanted a premium, eco-conscious journal with fountain-pen-friendly paper and useful built-in indexing, I reached for the Dingbats. The 100 gsm cream paper and A5 format made long-form notes and intricate spreads comfortable to write on.
Why I picked it: High-quality cream 100 gsm paper and built-in journaling features.
Best for: Fountain-pen users and structured bullet journal systems.
More expensive but justified by paper and craft details.
Pros
- Fountain-pen friendly 100 gsm paper
- Index, numbered pages, future log
- Durable PU vegan leather cover
- Perforated pages and pen holder
Cons
- Heavier than pocket notebooks
- Fewer color options in some markets
My take
I used the Dingbats as my structured planner for several weeks and appreciated the thoughtful touches: indexed pages, numbered sheets, and a future log that helped me keep long-term planning organized.
The cream 100 gsm paper felt smooth under my fountain pen and resisted feathering and bleed-through better than many journals I’ve tried. It also lay flat nicely thanks to the thread binding.
The vegan-certified materials and the tactile faux-leather cover gave this notebook a premium feel. If you like a journal that doubles as a small archive for your year, I found Dingbats excels at that role.
3. Artfan Bullet Dotted Journal — Numbered Pages, Inner Pocket, 124 Pages – Best Starter Bullet Journal
This compact dotted journal was the most affordable option I used and it still offered numbered pages, two bookmarks, and a sturdy cover. It performed well for short projects, travel spreads, and experimentation.
Why I picked it: Affordability plus core bullet-journal features in a compact size.
Best for: Beginners and experimenters who want core features cheaply.
Budget-friendly without feeling cheap on key features.
Pros
- Numbered pages and index
- Two ribbon bookmarks
- Inner pocket and label stickers
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Fewer pages than larger journals
- Columns per page are limited
My take
I started two spreads in this Artfan notebook and appreciated how light it stayed while still offering thick-feeling pages that handled Sharpies better than I expected.
The numbered pages and included label stickers made archiving simple. For short-term projects or trying new layouts, it was a low-risk, high-value option that I didn’t mind tossing in a backpack.
If you frequently tear out pages the pre-numbering can be inconvenient, but for most of my use—quick trackers and daily logs—the size and feature set hit the sweet spot.
4. Biuwory Dotted Journal Notebook — A5, 140 Pages, Faux Leather Hardcover – Best Classic Look
I reached for the Biuwory when I wanted a classic leather-feel journal with gentle, eye-friendly paper. The Tree of Life cover and soft faux leather made it comfortable to hold and pleasant to use as a daily reflective journal.
Why I picked it: Stylish faux leather cover and easy-on-the-eyes paper.
Best for: Daily journaling and elegant, giftable notebooks.
Attractive mid-range option with a classic aesthetic.
Pros
- Soft faux leather cover
- Light-yellow paper that’s easy on eyes
- 180° lay-flat design
- Elastic closure and ribbon bookmark
Cons
- Some pages may stick together initially
- Fewer total pages than larger journals
My take
I used the Biuwory as a personal diary and liked the way the light-yellow paper reduced contrast and lessened eye strain during longer entries.
The faux leather cover felt soft and comfortable to hold; the elastic closure kept everything secure in transit. The layout includes space for dates which made it easy to keep daily reflections tidy.
A few copies had pages that stuck slightly on first opening, but a careful gentle separation resolved it. Overall it felt sturdy and gift-ready.
5. EMSHOI A5 Dotted Notebook — 256 Pages, 120 GSM Paper, Hardcover – Best for Heavy Ink
When I wanted a journal that could tolerate heavier inks and longer-term use, I grabbed the EMSHOI. The 120 gsm pages mean I could use broader pens and multiple layers of scrap papers without worrying much about bleed-through.
Why I picked it: Very thick 120 gsm paper and long page count for heavy use.
Best for: Fountain pens, markers, and long multi-month journaling.
Great mid-price choice considering paper weight and page count.
Pros
- Heavy 120 gsm pages
- Large 256-page capacity
- Perforated sheets and two ribbons
- Sturdy pleather hardcover
Cons
- Some ghosting reported with very wet inks
- Slightly heavier to carry daily
My take
I used the EMSHOI for several months of daily journaling and scrapbook-style inserts; the thicker paper stood up well to glue and layered paper without buckling.
My pens rarely bled through, though very wet marker tips showed some ghosting on occasion. The dual ribbons and back pocket were handy for long projects where I needed quick access to templates or receipts.
The pleather cover resisted wear and took stickers well, which I appreciated when decorating spreads. For anyone who prioritizes paper thickness and page count, this journal is a reliable workhorse.
6. Erik Rick & Morty Bullet Journal — A5, 100 GSM, Spiral-Bound Dotted Notebook – Most Fun Design
I reached for this spiral-bound, character-themed journal when I wanted something playful. The 100 gsm paper and wire-o binding made it easy to sketch and doodle, and the inner pocket and elastic kept loose bits organized.
Why I picked it: Eye-catching designs with functional 100 gsm paper in a spiral format.
Best for: Fans, kids, and anyone who wants a playful notebook.
A fun, mid-range novelty option that still performs.
Pros
- Bold, themed cover art
- 100 gsm paper
- Wire-o binding lies flat
- Inner pocket and elastic band
Cons
- Wire binding can catch in bags
- Some pages arrived dog-eared
My take
I bought this Erik-themed journal as a playful everyday notebook and found the 100 gsm paper comfortable for notes, sketches, and casual planning.
The wire-o binding allowed the journal to lie flat or fold back for quick entries, which I favored for sketching on the go. The included pocket was a good place for stickers or small notes.
A few copies arrived with minor dog-earing on pages, so I handled it gently at first. Overall it’s a durable, character-driven choice for fans who still want decent paper performance.
How I Pick Bullet Journals
Paper weight (GSM) matters
I prioritize paper weight because it dictates which pens and markers I can use without bleed-through.
For everyday planning, 100 gsm is a sweet spot. If I plan to use fountain pens, brush markers, or collage elements, I reach for 120 gsm or heavier.
- 100 gsm: solid for fineliners, gel pens, and light markers
- 120+ gsm: better for fountain pens and wet media
- Ivory/cream paper reduces glare for long writing sessions
Binding and lay-flat performance
I prefer thread-bound or strong spirals that let a journal lay flat—this saves time and keeps spreads consistent.
If I’m sketching across the gutter I choose a notebook that opens 180° or has wire-o binding.
- Thread-bound: clean, durable, great for flat lay
- Wire-o: folds back fully, ideal for single-handed use
- Perforated pages: handy when I need to remove sheets cleanly
Size, portability, and extras
A5 hits my sweet spot for portability and usable space. Pocket sizes are great for quick notes, while larger A5 journals handle complex spreads better.
I value pockets, ribbon markers, elastic closures, and index pages because those small extras shape my daily workflow.
- A5: balanced portability and workspace
- Inner pocket: stores receipts and stickers
- Ribbon bookmarks: mark multiple active pages
Frequently Asked Questions
Which journal is best if I use a fountain pen?
I recommend journals with 100 gsm cream paper or higher—Dingbats performed best for fountain-pen use in my testing.
Do I need 120 gsm paper for regular bullet journaling?
Not always. I use 100 gsm for most bullet spreads, but I reach for 120 gsm when I plan to use markers or glue-in elements.
Are inner pockets and bookmarks worth it?
Yes. I rely on inner pockets to keep stickers and receipts, and I use multiple bookmarks to switch quickly between monthly and daily spreads.
Final Take
After using these six notebooks in everyday practice, I can say there’s no one-size-fits-all journal—your choice should match your tools and habits.
If you want an excellent balance of price and performance, I kept reaching for the Paperage. For fountain-pen users and a more archival approach, Dingbats stood out. For heavy inks and long-term projects, EMSHOI gave me the confidence to paste and write freely.
Pick the notebook that fits how you actually write and carry your spreads, and you’ll be more likely to keep your system going all year.
