How to Choose the Perfect Notebook: A Practical Buyer’s Guide

Whether for jotting down a brilliant idea, organising a complex project, or simply keeping a journal, the notebook remains a timeless companion. But with an overwhelming selection available, how do you find your way? This guide is here to help, offering clear criteria and practical advice, whether you're an on-the-go professional, a diligent student, or a creative in search of the perfect blank page.

By the Joybuy Editorial Team, July 9, 2026

Size, Paper, Binding: The 3 Criteria for Making the Right Choice

Before you begin, here are the key points to consider to find the notebook that's truly right for you.

Size: A Matter of Portability and Comfort

The size of your notebook directly impacts its daily usability.

• Pocket sizes (A6-type): The A6 notebook (10.5 x 14.8 cm) is the king of portability. It slips into any bag or jacket pocket, perfect for taking notes on the fly.
• Intermediate sizes (A5-type): The A5 size (14.8 x 21 cm) strikes the perfect balance. It offers ample writing space while remaining easy to carry. It's the ideal all-rounder, great for meetings as well as for keeping a personal journal.
• Large formats (A4-type or 24x32 cm): Perfect for stationary use at the office or at home, they provide maximum surface area to organise your ideas without feeling cramped.

Paper Quality: At the Heart of Your Writing Experience

The paper weight, expressed in grams per square metre (gsm), is crucial for a smooth glide and the feel beneath your pen.

• 70-80 gsm: A standard weight, perfect for writing with a ballpoint pen or pencil. It ensures the notebook is lightweight with a high page count.
• 90-100 gsm: This superior quality paper, which is more opaque and smoother, is a delight for fountain pens and fine-liners. The ink won't bleed through, an essential feature for those seeking a notebook for writing without compromise.
• 120 gsm and up: Reserved for artistic uses (drawing, watercolour), this very thick paper can handle various techniques without ever buckling.

Cover and Binding: A Question of Style and Durability

The cover protects your notes while defining your notebook's character.

• Soft cover: Lightweight and flexible, it fits easily into an already full bag.
• Hard cover: Sturdy and robust, it protects your notes and provides a stable surface for writing anywhere, even without a desk.
• The little extras: An elastic closure, bookmark, pen loop... these practical details often make all the difference in daily use.

Our Recommended Notebook Picks

Here are three models that stand out and meet specific needs.

Jubiluu A6 Premium Hardcover Pocket Notebook

Why we love it: This model combines a professional aesthetic with well-thought-out features for daily use. Its rigid PU cover gives it a premium feel, while its thick paper ensures excellent writing comfort.

Key features:

• Quality paper: 80 sheets of off-white, lined 100 gsm paper for a smooth writing experience with no show-through.
• Integrated accessories: It comes equipped with a ribbon bookmark, an elastic closure band, and a pen loop.
• Portable format: Its A6 notebook size is ideal for carrying it with you everywhere.
• Durable cover: The rigid PU hardcover effectively protects the pages from the rigours of transport.

Who is it for? For professionals, journaling enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a lined notebook that is elegant, functional, and easy to carry.

MOLESKINE Classic Pocket Softcover Notebook

Why we love it: With its iconic design, the Moleskine is a true benchmark for creatives and nomads. Its soft cover and clever design make it a highly versatile writing companion.

Key features:

• Flexibility: Its soft cover and rounded corners allow it to slip easily anywhere.
• Lays flat: Its stitched binding allows for a perfect 180° opening, ensuring optimal writing comfort.
• Acid-free paper: The ivory-coloured 70 gsm pages are sourced from sustainably managed forests (FSC certified).
• Practical details: It includes an expandable inner pocket for storing documents, an elastic closure, and a ribbon bookmark.

Who is it for? For creatives, travellers, and professionals looking for a timeless design, great flexibility, and details that make organisation easier.

CLAIREFONTAINE Koverbook Stitched Notebook 24 x 32 cm

Why we love it: The Koverbook is the ultimate all-in-one solution: a notebook integrated directly into an ultra-durable cover. Its design is engineered for heavy use and flawless organisation.

Key features:

• 2-in-1 concept: Its transparent polypropylene cover includes two large flaps that serve as bookmarks and storage pockets.
• High-quality vellum paper: 96 pages of Clairefontaine 90 gsm paper, the standard for its whiteness and incomparable smoothness. The paper is PEFC certified and made in France.
• Large format: The 24 x 32 cm size, larger than A4, offers generous writing space for classes or large-scale projects.
• Unbeatable durability: The solid cover protects the notebook from wear, stains, and tears.

Who is it for? Ideal for university and school students, and anyone who needs a large-format, ultra-resistant notebook capable of holding loose sheets.

Still Haven't Found Your Perfect Match?

Does this selection not quite meet your needs? Explore our complete collection to discover other sizes, colours, and paper types. Your perfect writing companion is surely waiting for you there.

Explore our full range of blue paper

Notebooks: Your Questions, Our Answers

What paper weight should I choose for my notebook?

It all depends on your favourite pens! For a simple ballpoint pen, a 70 to 80 gsm paper will do the job. If you're a fan of fountain pens or fine-liners, aim for at least 90 gsm to prevent ink from bleeding through the page. Thicker paper always guarantees better writing comfort and superior opacity.

A5 or A6 Notebook: Which one to choose?

It's primarily a question of size and use. The A6 notebook (10.5 x 14.8 cm) is a pocket-sized, ultra-portable format. The A5 notebook (14.8 x 21 cm) is twice as large, offering better writing comfort while remaining easy to carry. In short: A6 for maximum portability, A5 for the ideal compromise between space and portability.

How can I use a notebook to be more organised?

It's an incredibly versatile tool! You can adopt a structured method like the Bullet Journal (BuJo) with its codes and symbols to manage your tasks and events. You can also create your own rules: dedicate sections to your projects, keep to-do lists, or use it as a personal journal to track your goals and reflections.