Are Premium Notebooks Worth It? We Tested the Top Brands
Notebooks may seem like a simple purchase, but if you use one daily for meetings, journaling, or lesson planning, quality matters. While dollar-store notebooks get the job done, premium options offer durability, smoother writing experiences, and features that make staying organized easier. To help you decide if they’re worth the price, we reviewed several of the most popular premium notebook brands.
What Makes a Notebook “Premium”?
Premium notebooks stand out in four key areas:
- Paper quality: Thicker paper prevents ink bleed and ghosting
- Binding: Durable, lay-flat binding for ease of use
- Design: Sleek aesthetics and thoughtful layouts
- Added features: Numbered pages, index sections, pen loops, elastic closures
- Moleskine Classic Notebook
Moleskine has long been a staple for creatives and professionals. The Moleskine Classic features acid-free paper, an elastic band, and a back pocket. It’s ideal for note-taking, sketching, or bullet journaling. However, the paper tends to show light bleed with fountain pens. - Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5
The Leuchtturm1917 is a favorite among bullet journalers. It includes numbered pages, a table of contents, dual bookmarks, and ink-resistant paper. The binding is excellent and lays flat easily, making it a top pick for long-form writing and planning. - Rhodia Webnotebook
Known for ultra-smooth Clairefontaine paper, the Rhodia Webnotebook excels for fountain pen users. It’s slightly more expensive but offers a luxurious writing experience that serious notetakers appreciate. - Baron Fig Confidant
Baron Fig’s Confidant notebook has a minimalist design, thick toothy pages, and a wide lay-flat format. It’s great for creative brainstorming or freewriting and comes in dot grid, ruled, or blank formats. - Midori MD Notebook
The Midori MD is a Japanese brand that emphasizes simplicity. It lacks a hardcover but features top-tier paper and open binding that makes it exceptionally lightweight. Ideal for minimalists and design enthusiasts.
Are They Worth the Cost?
If your work involves frequent note-taking, structured journaling, or you simply want a better writing experience, premium notebooks are worth the investment. They last longer, handle ink better, and can elevate your organizational system.
However, if your use is light or sporadic, a well-made standard notebook from brands like Five Star may be more cost-effective.
Where to Buy and Save on Premium Notebooks
You can find these brands at:
To save while shopping, consider using Rakuten or Ibotta for cashback rewards. You can also get a discount on Amazon or earn cashback at Barnes & Noble by buying gift cards through Fluz.
Final Verdict
Premium notebooks aren’t necessary for everyone—but for those who write often and value design, organization, and quality, they offer clear advantages. Try one out and see if the difference helps you stay more focused and productive.
