How to Choose the Right Notebook: A Complete Buying Guide

In our all-digital age, the humble paper notebook is holding its own. Essential for organising your thoughts, planning projects, or simply letting your creativity flow, it remains an invaluable tool. Yet, with an overwhelming number of options available, finding the perfect writing companion can quickly become a daunting task. Size, paper, cover, features… every detail matters.

This guide is here to help. As the Head of Product Recommendations at Joybuy, my mission is simple: to give you practical, concrete advice to help you find the notebook that perfectly meets your needs, without drowning you in marketing jargon.

How to Choose the Right Notebook for Your Needs?

Before we unveil our top picks, let's review the key criteria for making an informed choice.

1. Size: A Matter of Portability and Use

The size of your notebook determines how you'll use it day-to-day.

• The A5 notebook (14.8?x?21?cm) is the perfect balance. It's large enough for comfortable note-taking in meetings or classes, yet compact enough to slip into any bag.
• The pocket notebook, often in A6 size (10.5?x?14.8?cm), is the ideal companion for those who are always on the go. It's perfect for capturing a fleeting idea, keeping a to-do list, or serving as a travel journal.

2. Cover and Paper: Your Guarantee of Durability and Writing Comfort

A hardcover offers better protection and a stable writing surface, even without a desk. It’s a mark of sturdiness, essential for a personal journal or a personal planner you want to keep for years to come.

The paper weight is just as crucial. Paper that is 100?g/m? or heavier is highly recommended. It provides a much smoother writing experience and, most importantly, prevents ink from bleeding through the page (the infamous "ghosting" effect), even with a fountain pen. A lined notebook with quality paper ensures impeccable readability and organisation.

3. Features: For Tailored Organisation

The little extras often make the biggest difference. An elastic closure keeps the notebook securely shut and protects the pages. One or more ribbon bookmarks help you find important information at a glance. For those seeking maximum flexibility, an undated planner allows you to start planning at any time of the year without wasting pages.

Top Notebook Picks for Every Need

Now that we've covered the basics, here are three models that stood out to us for their quality and thoughtful features.

1. Jubiluu A5 Textured Hardcover Lined Notebook

What sets it apart: Its understated elegance and high-quality materials make it a highly versatile choice. The textured cover has a pleasant tactile feel, while the cream-coloured paper is particularly easy on the eyes.

Advantages:

• Versatile A5 size, suitable for both the office and your studies.
• Textured hardcover for durability and a refined aesthetic.
• Cream-coloured 100?g/m? paper that handles most inks well.
• 96 sheets (192 pages), lined for structured note-taking.
• Includes a ribbon bookmark and an elastic closure.

Who is it for? Ideal for professionals, students, or anyone looking for a reliable and elegant daily writing companion, whether as a personal journal or for meeting notes.

2. Jubiluu A6 Premium PU Hardcover Pocket Notebook

What sets it apart: Its compact size and features designed for mobility. The game-changing detail: its pen loop, which means no more digging through your bag to find something to write with.

Advantages:

• Compact A6 size, a true pocket notebook.
• Durable and stylish PU leather cover, available in 10 colours.
• Off-white 100?g/m? paper with 80 sheets (160 pages).
• Comprehensive features: bookmark, elastic closure, and a pen loop.
• Can be used as a pocket planner thanks to its lined layout.

Who is it for? Perfect for creatives, travellers, and on-the-go professionals who love to jot down ideas, lists, and thoughts on the spot.

3. Jubiluu A5 Undated 18-Month Planner

What sets it apart: Its absolute flexibility. Designed as an undated planner, it lets you organise 18 months without the constraints of a pre-filled calendar.

Advantages:

• Undated personal planner for complete organisational freedom.
• 112 sheets (224 pages) with monthly and weekly views.
• High-quality 100?g/m? paper for optimal writing comfort.
• Sturdy hardcover available in multiple colours.
• Convenient A5 size for detailed planning.

Who is it for? For anyone who likes to structure their goals, track projects, or organise their daily life long-term, but wants the freedom to start whenever they like.

Looking for Other Options?

Our selection highlights versatile models, but your needs might be more specific. If you're looking for a particular design, a different size, or other features, feel free to explore our full collection of branded notepads to find the perfect one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Notebooks

What paper weight should I choose for a notebook?

It all depends on your writing tools. An 80?g/m? paper may be sufficient for a ballpoint pen. However, to use a fountain pen, fine-liner, or highlighter without the ink bleeding through, a weight of 100?g/m? or more is highly recommended. This will provide much better writing comfort and opacity.

What's the difference between an A5 and an A6 notebook?

It's primarily a matter of size and, therefore, use. The A5 size (14.8?x?21?cm) is equivalent to an A4 sheet folded in half. It's the most versatile size, ideal for comprehensive note-taking. The A6 size (10.5?x?14.8?cm) is a quarter of an A4 sheet. It's a true pocket notebook, easy to carry everywhere.

Why choose an undated planner?

An undated planner offers maximum flexibility. You can start using it at any time of the year without ever wasting pages. It's the perfect solution if you have irregular usage patterns or if you want to start your planning outside of the traditional January start. This transforms it into a fully customised personal planner.