The Top 5 Best Bullet Journal Notebooks

Finding the perfect Bullet Journal notebooks can be a daunting task. This sea of journal notebooks is overwhelming. Since I’ve been Bullet Journaling every single day for over 3 years now, I’ve tried a lot of dot-grid notebooks along the way.

So, I’ve narrowed down your search to the best and the brightest. These 5 journal notebooks stood the test of time and are sure to have options for every variety of journaling. If you’re looking for a sure thing — look no further. I’ve got you!

Before I started my Bullet Journal obsession I was intimidated by the dotted journal — there was so much opportunity for mistakes! But now that I’ve taken the plunge, I’ll never go back. The dot grid allows so much freedom to design layouts, doodle ideas, and pretend you’re just naturally good at drawing straight lines.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. You never pay more,  but I may receive a small commision that supports this site and all the free content you love. I never recommend a product unless I have used it myself and loved it.

My Top 5 Dot Grid Journal Notebooks — You Can’t Go Wrong!

Use the links below to skip to the Bullet Journal Notebooks you want to read about. Here they are, in no particular order:

1. Leuchtturm1917
2. Scribbles that Matter
3. Dingbats
4. Rhodia Rhodiarama
5. Pad & Quill

Each of these wonderful journal notebooks has their own pros and cons. The type of dotted journal notebook you need really depends on your planner personality. Are you a Scribe? A Boss Lady? Keep your personal preferences in mind when making your decision.

Leuchtturm1917 Journal Notebooks

Features

• 249  numbered pages
• 2 bookmarks
• 3-page index
• large back pocket
• perforated tear out pages in the back
• $17 – $25

The Leuchtturm1917 might be the most popular journal notebooks for Bullet Journaling and for good reason. In 2 years of Bullet Journaling, I’ve used  3 Leuchtturm1917s and they all held up extremely well to everyday use. Leuchtturm even released an official “Bullet Journal” edition of their notebook, with extra features and in-depth instructions. But, this version of slightly more expensive. Though, it’s still a great option for a Bullet Journal beginner who could use some training wheels.

Also, Leuchtturms come in 4 different sizes, a variety of colors, as well as dotted, lined and squared versions. In short, you’ll find one that’s perfect for you.

For more details and how it measures up to the Scribbles that Matter notebook, take a look at my comparison post.

Pros

First, the Leuchtturm1917 is very durable and can withstand lots of abuse. If you’re a heavy everyday user, the Leuchtturm will hold up like a champ.  And 249 pages means it will last longer than some of the other notebooks on this list, so you are buying journals less often. Also, I love that it comes in any color imaginable! You literally have a rainbow of options! Overall, the Leuchtturm1917 is one of the best notebooks you’ll ever own It will definitely be there when your grandchildren are ready to read about your adventures.

Cons

While the paper is decent, it is thinner than all of the notebooks on this list. So, this means you will have some bleed thru with heavier pens or markers. Consequently, make sure you test your pens on some of the tear-out pages to avoid a mess.

If this sounds like the journal for you, you can pick up the Leuchtturm1917 dotted notebook. Alternatively, if you’re just starting out and want something more specific to Bullet Journaling, pick up a special edition.

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Scribbles that Matter Dotted Journal Notebooks

Features

• 201 numbered pages
• premium paper (100SG)
• built-in key and color code page
• 2 pen test pages
• large back pocket
• 2 bookmarks
• pen loop
• $20 – $25

After using the Scribbles that Matter notebook for my Fall Bullet Journal and I have to say I’m in love. These notebooks are high quality and so much fun to use. Their hardcover is a plush leatherette that feels great in the hand and is easy to wipe clean. Also, they come in an iconic and a pro version. As far as I can tell, the only difference between these versions is the original has a cover heavily embossed with their signature doodles, and the pro version is embossed only along the spine and lower back.

If you’d like to know more about this notebook and how it compares to the Leuchtturm as a Bullet Journal, take a look at my comparison post.

Pros

There are a lot of wonderful reasons to choose this notebook. First, the paper is extremely high quality — thick, smooth, and resistant to bleed thru, making it a dream to write on. Next, there’s a built-in pen test page in the back ensures you’ll never ruin your new pages. Finally, the built-in key and color code is also a really fun feature, giving you more ways to customize your journal with less work on your part.

This is also one of the most affordable notebooks on the list and they now have come in three new pastel colors!

Overall, I’m so impressed with this notebook and I will be using it again and again on my journal journey!

Cons

At 200 pages, this won’t last as long as a Leuchtturm1917. But, this isn’t a deal breaker for me, though it’s something to consider if you want to buy notebooks less often. Also, the pen loop on the side is also subject to break, as almost all pen loops are.

Do you like the embossed cover and the thick, smooth pages? Then this is the notebook for you. Take your pick between the iconic one with the embossed cover or the more elegant pro version.

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Dingbats

Features

• 1 bookmark
•  inner pocket
• 192 numbered 100gsm  pages
•  all pages are micro-perforated
•  pen loop
• vegan PU leather
• elastic closure
• $19.95

Dingbats has some of the highest quality paper on the market today. They apply a special coating to it that makes it practically bleed proof! So, to prove how well it worked, I created a pen test page in my Dingbats notebook to test their bleed proof claims.

The paper held up amazingly well! If ghosting and bleed thru are a big concern for you, definitely give Dingbats a try!

Dingbats also stands out in that all their notebooks are 100% vegan. No animal is ever harmed in the making of their leather or paper. If you want to learn more about these fantastic notebooks, check out my in-depth review of their brand new Earth Collection!

Do you want a notebook as vegan as you are? Or, are you tired of seeing what you wrote on the other side of the page bleeding through and ruining two pages? Then give Dingbats Earth Collection Dot Grid Notebooks a try.

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Rhodiarama Dot-Grid Bullet Journal Notebooks

Features

• flexible leatherette cover
• 80 sheets of premium paper
• 1 bookmark
• expanding inner pocket
• $16 – $25

Next, the Rhodiarama is a soft cover notebook with a rich leatherette cover. It comes in a small variety of colors that while beautiful, are limited. Also, each color comes with the signature orange elastic closure and orange inside cover front and back — it’s a fun contrast. Overall, this notebook is great for the minimalist who doesn’t want a lot of bells and whistles. Basically, what it lacks in features it makes up for in incredibly high-quality Clairefontaine paper.

This paper will bleed through if your pen is really putting out the ink, but generally, it keeps your lines sharp. Consequently, I feel that this is more of a writer’s journal than an artist’s.

Rhodia does carry a hardcover journal with your choice of dot and lined paper called the Rhodia Webnotebook, but sadly, the only colors available in the dot grid are orange (is the new black?) and black (is the old black). Despite my preference for black clothes, I want my notebooks in color. It’s a shallow concern, but I want what I want. If Rhodia ever puts their dot grid Webnotebook out in a variety of colors I will jump at the chance to buy one! (Hint, hint, Rhodia.)

I use the ruled version of this flexible notebook for my Morning Pages. It’s an absolute joy.

Pros

Two words: Clairefontaine paper. Truly, this paper is hailed by many experts as the best paper in the world. You’ll become a paper snob. Pinkies up, everyone!

Cons

At 80 pages, you’ll get to the end quicker. But, if you’re a minimalist when it comes to your journal that may not be a problem for you.

A Bullet Journal-Centric Option

Rhodia has addressed some of the Rhodiarama’s shortcomings with their Goalbook. It’s over twice as thick, just as flexible, has two bookmarks, and is built for Bullet Journaling. Also, it even has a calendex and a future log.

A flexible cover? And some of the finest writing paper in the world? This might be the Bullet Journal notebook for you. If you’re not soaking your pages in ink or paint and love the smooth feeling of a nib on a silky surface, the Rhodiarama is your book.

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Pad & Quill

Features

• 192 numbered pages in 100 GSM
• ink-proof and acid-free recycled paper
• linen cloth hardback cover
• the Smyth-sewn bookbinding lays flat
• expandable pocket
• 2 bookmarks

For those of you who don’t know, Pad & Quill is a company that makes artisan cases for the iPhone and iPad as well as beautiful genuine leather bags. They are known for their high-quality craftsmanship. Now, they’ve created their first line of high-end notebooks, and the results are all class.

If you want a more detailed breakdown on just what I think of these luxurious journal notebooks, take a look at my full review.

The linen cover, the writer’s paper, the attention to detail — Pad & Quill really knocked this one out of the park. If you pick this one up, you won’t be disappointed.

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I hope you’ve enjoyed this round-up of some of the best notebooks around! Which notebook would you choose? Have you used any of these for your journaling? How did it go? I’d love to hear your experiences and suggestions! Let me know in the comments!

Happy Journaling!

Need the perfect pen to go with your perfect notebook? Check out 8 perfect pens for journaling!