Bullet journal for planning

Data as of Oct 15, 2026Reviewed by

How we measure

Which brands AI mentions

#BrandMentioned in
=1Leuchtturm191795%
=1Archer & Olive90%
3Scribbles That Matter50%
=4Notebook Therapy31%
=4Rhodia26%

Mentioned in · Jul 8 – Oct 15, 2026

ChatGPT SearchChatGPT SearchGoogle AI ModeGoogle AI Mode

Widest split: Scribbles That Matter, 36% on ChatGPT Search and 65% on Google AI Mode.

  • =1Leuchtturm1917ChatGPT Search 95%Google AI Mode 95%
  • =1Archer & OliveChatGPT Search 91%Google AI Mode 90%
  • 3Scribbles That MatterChatGPT Search 36%Google AI Mode 65%
  • =4Notebook TherapyChatGPT Search 18%Google AI Mode 45%
  • =4RhodiaChatGPT Search 36%Google AI Mode 15%

Questions and answers

  • ChatGPT SearchOct 6, 2026

    1. 1Leuchtturm1917
    2. 2Rhodia
    3. 3Archer & Olive
    4. 4Walmart

    If you mean the best notebook for bullet journaling, my top pick right now is:

    LEUCHTTURM1917 Bullet Journal 2nd Edition

    $31.95

    🏆 Best overall: LEUCHTTURM1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2

    It’s the one I’d recommend for most people because it combines 120 gsm paper, a dot grid, numbered pages, and built-in Bullet Journal features like the key, index, future log, and page dividers.

    Other great choices

    LEUCHTTURM1917 Bullet Journal 2nd Edition

    $31.95

    Rhodia Goalbook A5

    $33.75

    LEUCHTTURM1917 120G Notebook

    $35.62

    Pen+Gear A5 Dot Journal

    $12.72

    • Best for traditional BuJo: Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2 — purpose-built for the method.
    • Best paper/writing feel: Rhodia Goalbook — smooth 90 gsm Clairefontaine paper, 224 numbered pages, index, and calendar pages.
    • Best for lots of markers/art: Archer & Olive — its 160 gsm paper is substantially better for brush pens, watercolor, and heavy markers, with much less ghosting/bleed-through.
    • Best cheap option: Pen+Gear A5 Dot Journal — 100 gsm paper and 240 pages for around $13 in the current listing.

    My personal ranking:
    🥇 Leuchtturm1917 BuJo Edition 2
    🥈 Rhodia Goalbook
    🥉 Archer & Olive (if you're artistic)

    If you tell me your budget and whether you use pens, markers, or colored pencils, I can narrow it down to the perfect one for you.

    Sources cited in this answer3

    Google AI ModeSep 18, 2026

    1. 1Leuchtturm1917
    2. 2Notebook Therapy
    3. 3Paperage
    4. 4Exceed

    The Leuchtturm1917 Edition 2 is widely considered the best overall bullet journal because it was co-created with the bullet journaling community to include numbered pages, an index, a pen loop, and sturdy 80g/m² paper that balances thickness with portability.

    Different notebooks excel depending on your specific creative style, paper preferences, and budget.

    Top Bullet Journals by Category

    • Best Overall: Leuchtturm1917 Official Bullet Journal — Features 120g/m² or 80g/m² paper options, guided index pages, page markers, and a robust hardcover binding that lays completely flat.
    • Best for Heavy Artists & Paint: Dingbats Notebooks* — Uses ultra-thick 160g/m² cream paper that handles watercolor, markers, and acrylic paints with zero ghosting or bleed-through.
    • Best Aesthetic & Design: Tsuki by Notebook Therapy — Famous for unique linen covers, gold foil accents, and ultra-thick 160g/m² pages tailored for creative and aesthetic spreads.
    • Best Value / Budget: Paperage Dotted Journal Grid Notebook — Offers great quality 100g/m² paper, a durable faux-leather cover, and an affordable price tag ideal for beginners.
    • Best Accessible Store Brand: Exceed by Walmart — Highly praised in the journaling community for offering heavy GSM paper options and smooth pages at an affordable price right on retail shelves.

    Key Factors to Consider

    • Paper Weight (GSM): Choose 80–100 GSM if you use standard pens and prefer a lightweight book. Choose 120–160 GSM if you use brush pens, highlighters, or paints.
    • Size: A5 is the gold standard size for most people, offering plenty of space without being too heavy to carry.

    If you'd like, tell me:

    • What types of pens or markers you plan to use
    • Whether you prefer minimalist planning or artistic designs

    I can narrow down the exact notebook and paper weight for your style.

    Sources cited in this answer3

  • ChatGPT SearchOct 15, 2026

    1. 1Archer & Olive
    2. 2Leuchtturm1917
    3. 3Rhodia

    The best notebooks for the bullet journal method are ones that make it easy to combine daily to-do lists, monthly planning, habit tracking, notes, and personal goals in one place. You don't need a complicated planner—the beauty of bullet journaling is that you build the layout yourself.

    My recommendation: Start with an A5 notebook with dotted pages, a lay-flat binding, and paper thick enough to handle your favorite pens without excessive bleed-through.

    What to look for in a bullet journal

    • Archer & Olive A5 Softcover Notebook | Paper Kooka

    1. Dotted pages

    Dots make it easy to draw calendars, habit trackers, weekly spreads, and custom tables while keeping your handwriting neat.

    • Tomoe River FP A5 Notebook (368 pages) - Dot Grid | PenSachi - Japan Limited Fountain Pen

    2. Good-quality paper

    Important if you use gel pens, markers, highlighters, or fountain pens. Look for paper that minimizes feathering and bleed-through.

    • 【子彈筆記】A5綁帶筆記本(空白本 點陣內頁 記事本 手帳 日記本 行事曆 手冊 辦公 文具) - momo購物網 - 好評推薦 -2026年4月

    3. A practical binding and useful extras

    A notebook that opens flat, has page numbers, and includes ribbon bookmarks makes daily planning easier.

    4 notebooks worth considering

    These are my top picks for different bullet-journaling styles, based on their features and current product listings.

    • Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2 A5 Dotted Black | Pen & Tool

    1. Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2

    (Best overall)

    Around $32–34

    Designed specifically for bullet journaling, with numbered pages, a grid guide, and helpful setup guidance. Great for someone who wants an organized system without starting entirely from scratch.

    Best for: everyday planning and structured collections.

    Explore Leuchtturm1917

    • Rhodia Rhodiarama GoalBook A5 Raspberry

    2. Rhodia Softcover Goalbook - Dot grid 224 Numbered pages - 6 …

    Around $34–38

    Smooth, 90 gsm ivory paper, numbered pages, and built-in calendar and index features make it a strong choice for a clean, practical planning system.

    Best for: writing-heavy journals and pen enthusiasts.

    View at Target

    • Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal - Medium (A5) - Emerald - Dotted | JetPens

    3. Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 Notebook - Black, Dot Grid

    Around $27

    A versatile hardcover notebook with numbered pages, an index, and 5 mm dot-grid paper. A good option if you want to customize every spread yourself.

    Best for: beginners and minimalist bullet journaling.

    View at Goulet Pens

    • Archer and Olive Bullet Journal Review - Rae's Daily Page

    4. Archer & Olive dotted notebook

    Premium, typically higher-priced

    Worth considering if you enjoy colorful spreads, illustrations, brush pens, and decorative habit trackers. Check the paper weight of the specific edition before buying.

    Best for: artistic and creative journaling.

    Explore Archer & Olive

    Which one should you choose?

    If your priority is…My pick
    A complete bullet-journal experienceLeuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2
    Smooth writing and planningRhodia Goalbook
    Simple, flexible everyday useLeuchtturm1917 standard A5 dotted notebook
    Art, color, and decorative layoutsArcher & Olive

    One important distinction: the standard Leuchtturm1917 notebook typically uses 80 gsm paper, while the Bullet Journal Edition 2 has a thicker-paper version. If you use alcohol markers, even thick paper may not prevent bleed-through.

    One question to narrow it down: Will your bullet journal be mostly functional planning (tasks, schedules, goals and habits), or do you want an artistic journal with colored pens, drawings and decorative layouts? That makes a big difference to which notebook is best.

    Sources cited in this answer4

    Google AI ModeOct 15, 2026

    1. 1Bullet Journal
    2. 2Leuchtturm1917
    3. 3Archer & Olive
    4. 4Notebook Therapy
    5. 5Tsuki
    6. 6Stalogy
    7. 7Scribbles That Matter
    8. 8Dingbats* Notebooks

    When choosing the best notebook for the bullet journal (BuJo) method, the ideal choice depends on your pen preferences, love for heavy art/markers versus minimal writing, and whether you prefer built-in system features (like an index and numbered pages).

    The top-performing notebooks for bullet journaling, categorized by what they do best, include:

    • Leuchtturm1917 (Official Bullet Journal Edition): The gold standard created in collaboration with BuJo creator Ryder Carroll. It features upgraded 120gsm paper, pre-printed index, future log, page numbers, a pocket, and bookmark ribbons. It is pen-agnostic and strikes an ideal balance without feeling too bulky.
    • Archer & Olive: The fan-favorite for heavy artistic spreads, watercolor, and brush markers. It boasts ultra-thick 160gsm bright white or black pages with virtually zero ghosting or bleed-through, lovely decorative linen covers, and a back pocket.
    • Dingbats (Earth Collection): * A top eco-friendly and vegan-certified choice. It features cream-colored 100gsm fountain-pen-friendly paper, micro-perforated pages, a pen holder, an index, and numbered pages.
    • Notebook Therapy (Tsuki Collection): Highly praised for its aesthetic, whimsical covers and ultra-thick 150gsm–160gsm paper. It handles mixed media and light painting exceptionally well while maintaining a cozy, creative vibe.
    • Stalogy 365 Days: The minimalist and daily-logger favorite. It uses ultra-thin 57gsm Tomoe River-style paper, meaning you get 365 days of pages in a sleek, surprisingly thin profile. Great for compact writing, though wet fountain pen inks may show slight ghosting.
    • Scribbles That Matter: A budget-friendlier alternative to luxury thick-page notebooks. It features 160gsm paper, numbered pages, an index, a pen test page, and a very durable faux-leather cover.

    If you'd like to narrow this down, tell me:

    • What kind of pens and markers do you plan to use (gel pens, fountain pens, heavy markers, or watercolors)?
    • Do you prefer a minimalist rapid-logging style or an artistic, creative layout?

    I can pinpoint the exact brand and paper weight (GSM) that fits your style.

    Sources cited in this answer5

Also asked as

  • I need a notebook for bullet journaling, which ones are the best?