Buyer's Guide: How to Choose the Right A5 Notebook

An A5 notebook may seem like a simple object. Yet, finding the perfect companion for your thoughts, projects, or class notes can sometimes be a real challenge. The shelves are overflowing with models that have tempting covers but whose quality leaves much to be desired after just a few weeks. To save you from unpleasant surprises and buyer's remorse, our editorial team has broken down the classic mistakes and the essential criteria to check.

Buying a notebook shouldn't be a lottery. Two classic traps await the unsuspecting buyer?:

1. Paper that "drinks" ink?: A beautiful cover can hide poor-quality paper that allows ink to show through (ghosting) or even seep through the page (bleeding). The result?: every other page becomes unusable, and the joy of writing is completely ruined.
2. Binding that doesn't hold up?: A notebook that refuses to open flat is a constant source of frustration. Even worse, a cheap, simply glued binding can eventually fall apart, scattering your precious notes.

Key Criteria to Check Before Buying

To make an informed choice, you just need to master a few technical specifications that make all the difference in quality and user comfort.

Paper Weight: More Than Just a Number

The paper weight, expressed in grams per square metre (gsm or g/m?), is the key indicator of the paper's thickness and opacity.

• 70-80?gsm?: This is the standard weight for printer paper or a school exercise book. Perfect for taking notes with a pencil or ballpoint pen, it will quickly show its limitations with a fountain pen or felt-tip markers.
• 100?gsm or more?: This is the recommended weight for optimal writing comfort. It significantly reduces show-through (the infamous ghosting) and prevents ink from bleeding through the page. This is a non-negotiable criterion for fans of journaling notebooks, calligraphy, or anyone who uses highlighters extensively.

The Binding: The Skeleton of Your Notebook

The method used to assemble the pages has a direct impact on the notebook's durability and user comfort.

• Sewn binding?: Here, the sheets are gathered into signatures and then sewn together. This technique ensures a perfectly flat opening (lay-flat), ideal for writing across the entire surface of the page. It's the most durable option, often associated with hardcover notebooks.
• Spiral binding?: Extremely practical, it allows for a full 360-degree opening. A wise choice for students or professionals who often need to write in tight spaces.
• Stapled binding?: Lightweight and budget-friendly, this is found on the thinnest notebooks or A6 pocket notebooks.

The Cover and Extras That Make a Difference

The cover protects your notes, but it also defines the style of your notebook. A hardcover provides a stable writing surface even without support, while a softcover is lighter to carry in a bag. Also, consider the details that make all the difference in daily use: an elastic closure, one or more ribbon bookmarks, or a gusseted pocket at the back of the notebook for slipping in a few documents.

Recommended A5 Notebooks

Because every user is unique, here is our selection of recommended models, categorised by use case to help you find the notebook that's right for you.

IDEAL FOR: DAILY ORGANISATION

Jubiluu A5 Softcover 3-Pack Stitch Notebook

Why we love it : For those who juggle multiple projects or subjects, this three-pack is a solution that's as budget-friendly as it is functional. Their lightweight design makes them perfect companions for classes or meetings.

How It Avoids the Pitfall

Its sewn binding guarantees it opens perfectly flat. No more frustration from not being able to write properly near the centre fold.

The Key Feature

The three-pack offers excellent value for money. The 80 gsm paper is a smart compromise for everyday note-taking with a ballpoint pen or pencil.

IDEAL FOR: JOURNALING AND CREATIVE WRITING

Jubiluu A5 Textured Hardcover Lined Notebook

Why we love it : Designed for those who see their notebook as a personal object and a true creative tool. It's perfect for a personal diary or bullet journaling, where aesthetics and paper quality are essential criteria.

How It Avoids the Pitfall

Its ivory-coloured 100 gsm paper is the perfect defence against ink bleed-through. It handles fountain pens, fine-liners, and highlighters without any issue.

The Key Feature

Its textured hardcover is as pleasant to the touch as it is durable. The ribbon bookmark and elastic closure are practical details that make organisation easier.

IDEAL FOR: FLEXIBLE PROFESSIONAL PLANNING

Jubiluu A5 Undated Hardcover 18-Month

Why we love it : This undated planner is the solution for professionals and students who want long-term planning with the freedom to start at any time of the year.

How It Avoids the Pitfall

It puts an end to the waste of traditional dated planners. Its flexible structure adapts to your schedule, while its hardcover and 100 gsm paper ensure it will hold up over 18 months of heavy use.

The Key Feature

A functional layout with undated monthly and weekly views. It is available in several understated colours for a consistently professional look.

Frequently Asked Questions About A5 Notebooks

What's the real difference between 80 gsm and 100 gsm paper?

80 gsm paper is sufficient for everyday use with a ballpoint pen or pencil. However, if you're a fan of fountain pens, fine-liners, or like to highlight your notes, 100 gsm paper (or higher) is essential. The writing experience is much smoother and, most importantly, the ink won't show through on the other side. This keeps both sides of the page perfectly usable.

Can a lined A5 notebook make a good personal diary?

Absolutely. The A5 format is often seen as the perfect balance: large enough to write comfortably, yet compact enough to be carried anywhere. For a personal diary, we recommend a model with a hardcover for durability, paper of at least 100 gsm for a smooth writing experience, and an elastic closure to ensure the privacy of your thoughts.

How can I be sure a notebook opens completely flat?

The secret is in the binding. For a 100% flat opening, choose notebooks with a sewn binding (sometimes referred to as lay-flat) or a spiral binding. Be wary of simple glued bindings, especially on entry-level models: they are often too stiff and tend to break over time.