9 Journal Notebooks I Love (And Why You Might, Too)

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There’s something really satisfying about opening a fresh journal notebook. Having the right notebook, no matter what you use it for, makes the experience smoother, prettier, and more personal. 

Over the years, I’ve tested a lot of different notebooks—some minimalist, some fancy, some budget-friendly—and I’ve narrowed down my favorites.

Here are my top picks for journal notebooks I keep coming back to (in no particular order). If you’re hunting for your next journal companion, one of these might just be the one.

Disclaimer: None of these are affiliates. I’m genuinely sharing what I’ve used and love. I will earn NO commissions from any of these products. 

1. Archer & Olive

Best for: Bullet journaling, bold art pens and watercolors, junk journaling, and zero ghosting

Archer & Olive^® notebooks are a favorite in the journaling world for a reason. The thick 160gsm paper handles pretty much anything—fountain pens, brush markers, gel pens—without bleeding or ghosting. 

The dot grid is subtle but helpful, and the hardcover designs? Gorgeous. They’re made by a small woman-owned company that really values creativity and mental wellness. These are an investment, but they feel luxurious every time I open one.

2. Allie Ryaz

Best for: Bullet journaling and thoughtful journaling

Allie Ryaz^® notebooks are handmade with an earthy, vintage touch that makes journaling feel extra intentional. Each journal feels like a keepsake, with textured covers and soft Tomoe River paper that’s just right for fountain ink pens. 

The brand is small and indie, and that shows in the quality and care. I love using mine when I want to slow down and write something meaningful—it feels more personal, like I’m writing a letter to my future self.

3. Moleskine

Best for: Sleek, classic journaling on the go, bullet journaling, quick notetaking

Moleskine^® notebooks are iconic journals for a reason. The simple design, rounded corners, and reliable quality make them a favorite among writers, artists, and planners. The paper is thinner (so if you use heavy pens, there may be some bleed-through), but the portability and brand legacy make up for it. 

I always keep one of these in my bag. It’s perfect for brain dumps, quick sketches, or capturing those fleeting ideas that hit when you’re out and about.

4. Leuchtturm1917

Best for: Organization lovers and bullet journaling

Leuchtturm1917^® notebooks are basically the cousin of the Moleskine. They come with numbered pages, a table of contents, two bookmarks, and a variety of colors and layouts (dot grid, lined, plain). 

The paper is smooth and performs decently with most pens. These are great if you like structure with a bit of flexibility. If you’re new to bullet journaling and want to test out different mediums, Leuchtturm1917^® is an affordable, quality notebook to invest in.

5. Traveler’s Company Notebook

Best for: Adventurous souls and memory keepers

This notebook system is designed for people who love to collect experiences. The Traveler’s Company^® makes a beautiful leather cover with elastic bands to hold multiple refillable inserts. 

You can customize it to hold journal pages, calendars, art paper, and even zipper pouches. It’s perfect for travel journaling or creative scrapbooking. I love mine for family trips and junk journaling—it’s messy and imperfect in the best way. 

6. Midori MD Notebook

Best for: Minimalist journaling and smooth writing

Midori MD^® notebook journals are understated in the best way. The cover is a clean, creamy white, and the binding is exposed, making it feel raw and authentic. The paper is silky smooth and handles fountain pens beautifully. 

These notebooks are about simplicity. I reach for mine when I want my writing to feel clean and intentional. The craftsmanship here is so quietly excellent.

7. Yansanido Spiral Notebook

Best for: Budget journaling, school notes, brain dumps, or quick writing sessions

If you’re not looking to splurge but still want something that holds up, the Yansanido^® spiral notebooks are a solid pick as an affordable journal. They’re colorful, functional, and come in packs—perfect if you go through notebooks quickly like I do. 

The spiral binding makes them easy to flip open and lay flat, and while the paper isn’t fancy, it’s dependable. I keep a few around for everyday use, quick planning, brain dumps, or writing with kids nearby.

8. Stalogy Editor’s Series Notebook

Best for: Lightweight structure and daily logging

Stalogy’s Editor’s Series^® notebooks are thin, minimalist, and surprisingly versatile. They’re designed in Japan for editors and note-takers, with super lightweight paper that still holds ink well. 

The pages have tiny pre-printed dates and numbers at the top, so you can log daily entries without much setup. It’s not as customizable as a bullet journal, but it keeps things neat effortlessly. If you’re trying to build a daily journaling habit, this is a great helper.

9. JetPens Tomoe River S Kanso Noto Notebook

Best for: Fountain pen users and paper texture lovers

Tomoe River paper has a cult following, and for good reason. It’s incredibly thin but resists bleed-through like magic. The JetPens exclusive Kanso Noto^® notebook combines this legendary paper with a simple but elegant binding. 

It’s ideal for fountain pens, ink swatches, or anyone who loves how writing feels on smooth paper. It may crinkle a bit (because it’s so thin), but I find that adds a tactile element that makes journaling more immersive.

Other Notebooks I Want to Try

While the list of notebook above includes the ones I’ve personally used and loved, there are a few others that come up often in the journaling world:

• Rhodia – Known for buttery-smooth paper, especially great for handwriting practice and sketching. I’ve used a notepad, but would like to try a full notebook one day.
  
• Baronfig – Minimalist, thoughtfully designed notebooks with a creative-community vibe. They have some fun notebooks, too, that I would love to try.
  
• Dingbats*– Eco-friendly notebooks with cute animal logos and strong environmental values. Based on their website, their design and quality are comparable to Archer & Olive^®, but with more affordable prices.
  
• Northbooks – Clean design, USA-made, and a good option for eco-conscious writers. I love these kinds of notebooks for junk journaling and traveling.
  

Experience the Right Journal Notebook

Journaling is more about the experience. The feel of the cover, the sound of the page turning, the way the ink glides (or scratches)—it all matters (at least to me). These journal notebooks have made a difference in how I approach writing, planning, and reflecting. 

Some days I reach for a luxurious hardcover; other days I just need a cheap spiral to get my thoughts out. If you’re new to journaling or just looking for your next notebook fix, I hope this list helps you find a journal that feels just right for you. 

Let me know what you’re using. And, if you are using a notebook not listed here, please share it with me. I’m always exploring notebooks and would love to learn more about what’s out there.