If you’re a journal junkie like me, you know the thrill of cracking open a fresh notebook, ready to capture your thoughts, dreams, or grocery lists. But not all journals are created equal.
Some will inspire you to write your next great novel, while others will leave you frustrated with ink bleeding through the pages.
After personally testing countless journals—spilling coffee on them, stuffing them in backpacks, and scribbling to my heart’s content—I’ve narrowed down the 15 best journals for 2024.
Best Journals of 2024 – Tested & Rated
| Category | Journal Name |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Leuchtturm1917 |
| Best Budget-Friendly | Dingbats Earth Notebook |
| Best Guided Journal | The Five Minute Journal |
| Best Journal for Writing | Moleskine Classic Notebook |
| Best Bullet Journal | Scribbles That Matter |
| Best Leather Journal | Midori Traveler’s Notebook Bundle Set |
| Best Journal for Men | Rustic Ridge Leather Journal |
| Best Journal for Women | Papier Journal |
| Best Journal for Kids | My First HappyMe Journal |
| Best Eco-Friendly Journal | Northbooks Dotted Journal |
| Best Travel Journal | Peter Pauper Press Travel Journal |
| Best Planner Journal | Panda Planner Pro |
| Best Creative Journal | Archer & Olive Dot Grid Journal |
| Best Minimalist Journal | Baron Fig Confidant |
| Best Pocket Journal | Field Notes Original |
What Makes a Good Journal?
A good journal is more than just a notebook—it’s a companion for your thoughts.
When choosing a journal, consider the texture and thickness of the pages, how well it handles different types of ink, the durability of the cover, and the overall design. A journal should invite you to write, draw, or plan without fear of ink bleeding through or pages tearing out.
It’s also essential that it suits your style—whether that’s minimalist and sleek or colorful and creative.
The 15 Best Journals Explained
Now, let’s go over the details of the best journals you can get your hands on this year.
Leuchtturm1917 – Best Overall
The Leuchtturm1917 is the gold standard of journals.
It’s got that perfect balance of quality and functionality. The 80gsm pages are smooth, providing a delightful writing experience whether you’re using a fountain pen or a regular ballpoint.
Ink rarely bleeds through, even with heavier inks, which is a big win.
The journal lays flat when open, making it easy to write on both sides of the page. It also comes with an index and numbered pages—perfect for those who like to keep things organized. With over 30 colors to choose from, there’s a Leuchtturm1917 for everyone.
Dingbats Earth Notebook – Best Budget-Friendly
The Dingbats Earth Notebook is an eco-conscious choice that doesn’t skimp on quality.
For under $16, you get 100gsm pages that feel substantial and work well with most pens, including some markers.
There’s minimal ghosting, and the paper has a nice texture that’s a joy to write on. The hardcover is durable yet flexible, and the design is inspired by nature, which adds a nice touch. It’s also vegan-certified, so it’s a guilt-free purchase for the eco-minded.
The Five Minute Journal – Best Guided Journal
If you’re into journaling for personal growth but struggle to find the time, The Five Minute Journal is a game-changer.
It guides you through daily prompts that help you focus on gratitude, self-improvement, and mindfulness.
The layout is simple, and the prompts are quick to fill out, making it easy to stick with it.
The paper quality is decent, though it’s more about the content than the materials here. It’s a bit pricier, but for what it offers in terms of mental well-being, it’s worth it.
Moleskine Classic Notebook – Best Journal for Writing
The Moleskine Classic Notebook is a writer’s best friend. The acid-free pages are smooth and perfect for long writing sessions, whether you’re jotting down notes or penning your next novel.
The elastic closure keeps everything tidy, and the built-in bookmark is a nice touch.
One thing to note—while it’s great for most pens, fountain pen users might experience some ghosting.
However, the overall writing experience, portability, and classic design make this journal a top pick for writers.
Scribbles That Matter – Best Bullet Journal
Bullet journaling enthusiasts will love the Scribbles That Matter notebook.
The pages are 160gsm—thick enough to handle heavy inks, watercolors, and even some light brush pens without bleeding or ghosting.
The dot grid is perfect for creating layouts, and the pre-printed key and index pages are super handy.
The cover is durable and comes in vibrant colors, and it has a nice lay-flat design. If you’re serious about bullet journaling, this one’s a winner.
Midori Traveler’s Notebook – Best Leather Journal
The Midori Traveler’s Notebook isn’t just a journal—it’s an experience.
The leather cover is soft, durable, and ages beautifully, developing a unique patina over time. Inside, you can customize it with different inserts—plain, grid, or lined—depending on your needs. The paper is thin but strong, and it holds up well to most inks.
The modular design makes it perfect for travelers or anyone who likes to mix things up in their journaling routine.
Rustic Ridge Leather Journal – Best Journal for Men
With its rugged, masculine design, the Rustic Ridge Leather Journal is perfect for those who want a journal that looks as good as it feels.
The leather is thick and sturdy, with a vintage look that will appeal to men who appreciate craftsmanship.
The pages are unlined, offering complete freedom to write, draw, or sketch.
The paper is thick enough to prevent ink from bleeding through, making it a great choice for fountain pen users.
Papier Customizable Journal – Best Journal for Women
Papier’s customizable journals are a hit for a reason—they’re beautiful, functional, and uniquely yours.
You can choose from various designs and even add your name or a favorite quote on the cover.
The pages are 85gsm, which is a good balance between weight and portability. It’s not just pretty; it’s practical, with a durable hardcover and smooth pages that make writing a pleasure.
This journal is as much a fashion statement as it is a writing tool.
HappyMe My First Journal – Best Journal for Kids
The HappyMe My First Journal is an excellent choice for kids aged 3-6, designed to make journaling both fun and meaningful.
It features daily prompts that encourage young children to express their thoughts and feelings through writing and drawing, helping them develop emotional awareness and communication skills.
The journal’s bright illustrations and interactive format make it engaging for kids, transforming journaling into an enjoyable activity.
Durable and well-crafted, the HappyMe My First Journal is built to withstand the rigors of daily use.
Its 100 gsm paper is thick enough to handle various types of pens and crayons without bleeding through, and the sturdy binding ensures it lasts throughout the 12-week journaling period.
Northbooks Dotted Journal – Best Eco-Friendly Journal
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Northbooks Dotted Journal is a fantastic choice.
Made in the USA with recycled paper and vegan glue, it’s an environmentally conscious pick.
The 90gsm pages are thick and smooth, perfect for bullet journaling or sketching.
The dot grid is subtle, giving you the flexibility to create your layouts. It’s a minimalist’s dream—clean, simple, and sustainable.
Peter Pauper Press Travel Journal – Best Travel Journal
For those who love to document their travels, the Peter Pauper Press Travel Journal is a must-have.
It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry on your adventures. The pages are cream-colored and smooth, giving your writing a timeless look.
There’s a section for recording details like accommodations and itinerary, as well as plenty of blank pages for notes and sketches.
The vintage-style cover adds a touch of charm, and it’s durable enough to withstand the rigors of travel.
Panda Planner Pro – Best Planner Journal
The Panda Planner Pro is a productivity powerhouse.
It combines a planner and a journal into one, helping you stay organized and focused on your goals. The layout is structured, with sections for daily, weekly, and monthly planning, as well as space for journaling and reflection.
The pages are 120gsm, thick enough to prevent bleeding even with heavy inks.
If you’re looking for a journal that will help you take charge of your day , the Panda Planner Pro is your go-to.
It’s more than just a place to jot down notes; it’s a tool for transforming your habits and achieving your goals.
The sleek design and durable cover mean it can handle daily use, whether at home or on the go.
The undated format is a bonus, allowing you to start whenever you’re ready without wasting any pages. It’s an investment in your productivity and well-being.
Archer & Olive Dot Grid Journal – Best Creative Journal
For the artistically inclined, the Archer & Olive Dot Grid Journal is a masterpiece.
With 160gsm ultra-thick paper, this journal is a dream for anyone who loves to use markers, brush pens, or even light watercolors.
No bleed-through, no ghosting—just a pure, crisp canvas for your creativity.
The dot grid format provides the perfect structure for everything from bullet journaling to intricate doodles.
The hardcover is both stylish and sturdy, with a variety of beautiful designs to choose from. This journal is perfect for those who want to express their creativity without limits.
Baron Fig Confidant – Best Minimalist Journal
The Baron Fig Confidant is the epitome of minimalist elegance.
With its cloth-bound cover and lay-flat design, this journal is all about simplicity and function.
The pages are acid-free and have just the right amount of tooth to handle different types of ink without smudging.
The 5.4″ x 7.7″ size is ideal for portability while still providing plenty of space for your thoughts.
It’s perfect for those who prefer a clean, distraction-free journaling experience. If you’re someone who appreciates quality and understated design, the Baron Fig Confidant will not disappoint.
Field Notes Original – Best Pocket Journal
Sometimes, you need a journal that fits right in your pocket, and the Field Notes Original delivers.
This small, rugged notebook is perfect for jotting down ideas, lists, or sketches on the go.
The 48-page memo book features graph, ruled, or plain pages, depending on your preference. While the paper is thinner than some of the others on this list, it’s durable enough to handle everyday writing with a ballpoint pen or pencil.
The covers come in a variety of colors and designs, adding a bit of personality to your pocket carry.
Field Notes are ideal for anyone who values portability and practicality in their journaling.
If you want another opinion on the best journals, check out this video:
Final Thoughts: Best Journals
Journals are more than just paper and binding—they’re a reflection of who we are and what we value.
Whether you’re documenting your travels, planning your day, or simply capturing your thoughts, the right journal can make all the difference.
Each of the journals on this list has been tested, rated, and loved for different reasons, and there’s something here for everyone.
You can find these journals on Amazon, manufacturer websites, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and many other stores near you.
If you’ve never kept a journal before, now’s the perfect time to start.