Best Bullet Journal Notebook 2026 | Dingbats*

Best Bullet Journal Notebook in 2026: Tested and Ranked

Last updated: February 2026 | Tested across 7 leading bullet journal brands

The right bullet journal notebook can transform how you plan, track, and reflect. But with dozens of options on the market, from budget picks to premium editions, choosing the best one isn't straightforward. We tested the most popular bullet journal notebooks of 2026, evaluating paper quality, pre-printed structure, durability, and value to find which ones truly deliver for the bullet journaling method.

Our top pick: Dingbats* Earth Collection. 100gsm cream-coated paper, pre-printed index and future log, numbered pages, and sustainability credentials that set it apart from the competition.

Quick Comparison: Top Bullet Journal Notebooks at a Glance

Notebook	Paper Weight	Pages	Numbered	Index Pages	Bookmarks	Sustainability
Dingbats* Earth	100gsm cream	192 (184 numbered)	Yes	3	2	V-Label vegan, FSC, WWF partner
Leuchtturm1917 BuJo Edition 2	120gsm	249	Yes	Yes	3	Limited
Dingbats* Pro	160gsm	128	No	No	2	V-Label vegan, FSC, WWF partner
Scribbles That Matter Pro	120gsm	192	Yes	Yes	2	Limited
Dingbats* Wildlife	100gsm	192	No	No	1	V-Label vegan, FSC, WWF partner
Archer & Olive	160gsm	160	No	No	1	Limited
RETTACY Bullet Dotted	120gsm	192	No	No	1	Unknown

 

What to Look for in a Bullet Journal Notebook

Before diving into individual reviews, here's what actually matters when choosing a bullet journal notebook:

Paper Weight (GSM)

GSM (grams per square meter) determines how well your notebook handles ink without bleed-through or ghosting. For bullet journaling, you'll likely use a mix of pens, highlighters, and possibly markers:

• 80-100gsm: Ideal for everyday bullet journaling with ballpoint, gel pens, and mildliners. Minimal ghosting with most inks. Dingbats* Earth and Wildlife sit at 100gsm, the sweet spot for writing-focused journaling.
• 120gsm: A step up. Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2 and Scribbles That Matter Pro use this weight. Handles most markers and highlighters.
• 160gsm: Overkill for text-only journaling, but essential if you use watercolors, brush pens, or heavy markers. Dingbats* Pro and Archer & Olive offer this thickness.

Pre-Printed Structure

Ryder Carroll's bullet journal method is flexible; you can start with a blank notebook and create your own index, future log, and key. But pre-printed pages save setup time and help beginners get started faster:

• Index pages: 2-3 pages at the front for cataloging your collections. Dingbats* Earth includes 3; Leuchtturm1917 BuJo Edition 2 includes 1 index.
• Key/legend: A page explaining symbols (• for tasks, ○ for events, - for notes). Both Dingbats* Earth and Leuchtturm include this.
• Future log: A year-at-a-glance spread. Dingbats* Earth pre-prints this; many others leave it to you.
• Numbered pages: Saves time when building your index. Dingbats* Earth (184 numbered - so all pages excluding the index + key pages, and future log) and Leuchtturm include this.

Dot Grid vs. Other Rulings

Dot grid is the most popular ruling for bullet journaling; it provides structure without visual clutter, and dots disappear when you write. All the notebooks in this guide offer dot grid. Some (like Dingbats* Wildlife and Pro) also offer plain pages for maximum flexibility.

Binding and Lay-Flat

A notebook that doesn't lay flat is frustrating when you're rapidly logging or sketching spreads. Thread-bound and contour-stitched notebooks (like Dingbats*) lay completely flat. Glue-bound notebooks often require you to hold the spine open.

Sustainability

If environmental impact matters to you, look for FSC-certified paper, vegan materials, and brands with conservation partnerships. Dingbats* is the only notebook brand with V-Label vegan certification and an active WWF-UK partnership.

Detailed Reviews

1. Dingbats* Earth Collection: Best Overall for Bullet Journaling

Paper: 100gsm cream coated, acid-free, dot grid
Pages: 192 (184 numbered)
Reviews: 334 reviews, 87% five-star

The Dingbats* Earth Collection is our top pick for bullet journaling in 2026. It combines the right paper weight, thoughtful pre-printed structure, and premium build quality at a competitive price, with sustainability credentials no other brand matches.

What makes it stand out:

• Pre-printed bullet journal structure: 3 index pages, 2 key pages, future log, and 184 numbered pages. You can start journaling immediately without setup.
• 100gsm cream-coated paper handles fountain pens, gel pens, and mildliners with zero bleed-through and minimal ghosting. Heavier than Leuchtturm's standard 80gsm (though the BuJo Edition 2 uses 120gsm).
• Pearlescent cover, a distinctive finish that stands out on any desk. Available in 5 ecosystem themes ( Eduardo Avaroa, G licine Arctic, Great Barrier Reef, Serengeti, Yasuni) with infographic endsheets about each region.
• Two bookmarks for tracking multiple sections. Pen holder and elastic closure included.
• V-Label vegan certified, the only notebook brand worldwide with this certification. FSC certified, WWF-UK partnership (and more, check here), carbon-neutral shipping.

The trade-off: Dot grid only. A5+ size only. If you prefer a notebook with A4+ format with the same 100gsm paper weight, consider the Dingbats Wildlife. Or even if you prefer a larger B5 format or need 160gsm paper for heavy mixed media, consider the Dingbats Pro instead.

Who it's for: Anyone who wants a bullet journal that's ready to use out of the box, with excellent paper quality and a clear conscience about sustainability.

2. Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2: Best for Ryder Carroll Purists

Paper: 120gsm (BuJo Edition 2 only; standard Leuchtturm is 80gsm)
Pages: 249 (numbered)
Reviews: Strong reputation, official BuJo partnership

Leuchtturm1917's Bullet Journal Edition 2 is developed in partnership with Ryder Carroll, the creator of the bullet journal method.

What makes it stand out:

• 120gsm paper in the BuJo Edition 2, an upgrade from the standard Leuchtturm's 80gsm. Handles most pens and highlighters well.
• Official Ryder Carroll partnership, includes a detachable pocket guide for beginners explaining the method.
• 249 numbered pages, more pages than most competitors.
• Three bookmarks, useful for tracking index, current month, and a third collection.
• Wide color range: Leuchtturm offers more cover colors than almost any other brand.

The trade-off: Higher price than Dingbats* Earth. The standard Leuchtturm (non-BuJo) uses only 80gsm paper; avoid that version if you use fountain pens or markers. No vegan or sustainability certifications.

Who it's for: Bullet journalers who want the "official" notebook and value the pocket guide for learning or teaching the method.

3. Dingbats* Pro Collection: Best for Artists and Mixed Media

Paper: 160gsm matte natural white, acid-free
Pages: 128 (dot grid or plain)
Reviews: 72 reviews, 92% five-star

If your bullet journal doubles as an art journal, with watercolors, brush pens, markers, or heavy inks, the Dingbats* Pro is in a class of its own. At 160gsm, it has the heaviest paper of any premium notebook on the market.

What makes it stand out:

• 160gsm paper handles literally anything: fountain pens, watercolors, alcohol markers, calligraphy inks. Zero bleed-through, zero ghosting.
• B5 size, larger than A5+, giving you more room for spreads and artwork.
• Dot grid and plain options: choose based on whether you want structure or maximum freedom.
• Matte natural white paper shows ink colors accurately. Gold-finished endpapers and textile cover add a premium feel.
• Same sustainability credentials as Earth and Wildlife: V-Label vegan, FSC, WWF-UK partner.

The trade-off: Only 128 pages due to paper thickness. No pre-printed index, key, or future log; you build your structure from scratch. Higher price point. This is a specialty notebook for artists, not a general-purpose bullet journal.

Who it's for: Bullet journalers who incorporate art, watercolors, or heavy media into their spreads and need paper that won't buckle or bleed.

4. Scribbles That Matter Pro: Best Budget-Friendly Premium Option

Paper: 120gsm
Pages: 192 (numbered)
Reviews: Reddit favorite, strong community support

Scribbles That Matter has built a loyal following in the bullet journal community, particularly on Reddit. The Pro version offers 120gsm paper at a price that undercuts Leuchtturm and Dingbats* Earth.

What makes it stand out:

• 120gsm paper, same weight as Leuchtturm BuJo Edition 2, at roughly $11 less.
• Numbered pages and pre-printed structure for bullet journaling.
• Budget-friendly: the best value if you want 120gsm paper without paying premium prices.
• Available on Amazon and direct from the brand.

The trade-off: Build quality and sustainability credentials don't match Dingbats* or Leuchtturm. Fewer color options. Some users report inconsistent quality between batches. No vegan or FSC certification.

Who it's for: Bullet journalers on a budget who want 120gsm paper and don't prioritize sustainability certifications.

5. Dingbats* Wildlife Collection: Best Value

Paper: 100gsm cream coated, acid-free
Pages: 192
Reviews: 964 reviews, 93% five-star

The Dingbats* Wildlife Collection offers the same 100gsm fountain-pen-friendly paper as the Earth Collection, but without the bullet-journal-specific pre-printing. If you prefer to build your own index and future log from scratch, or want maximum flexibility, Wildlife is the best value in the Dingbats* lineup.

What makes it stand out:

• From £14.95, the lowest price for 100gsm paper in this guide.
• Multiple sizes: A4+, A5+, A6, A6+ Reporter.
• Multiple rulings: Lined, dotted, grid, plain. Choose what fits your style.
• Same paper quality as Earth: zero bleed-through, minimal ghosting.
• 964 reviews at 93% five-star, the highest volume and rating of any Dingbats* collection.
• Full sustainability credentials: V-Label vegan, FSC, WWF-UK partner.

The trade-off: No pre-printed index, key, or future log. No numbered pages. You're building your bullet journal structure from scratch. 

Who it's for: Experienced bullet journalers who prefer a blank canvas, or anyone who wants 100gsm paper and sustainability at the lowest price.

6. Archer & Olive: Best for No-Bleed Guarantee

Paper: 160gsm
Pages: 160
Reviews: Known for zero bleed-through

Archer & Olive has built its reputation on 160gsm paper that virtually never bleeds. It's a mainly used among bullet journalers who use markers, brush pens, and watercolors.

What makes it stand out:

• 160gsm paper, same thickness as Dingbats* Pro. Handles heavy media without issues.
• Strong brand presence in the bullet journal community. Many YouTubers and influencers use Archer & Olive.
• Wide range of cover designs, from minimalist to illustrated.

The trade-off: Higher price than Dingbats* Pro for similar paper weight. Fewer pages (160 vs. 128 in Pro, but Pro is B5 so larger). Only one ribbon bookmark. No pre-printed bullet journal structure. Limited sustainability information compared to Dingbats*.

Who it's for: Bullet journalers who prioritize 160gsm paper and are willing to pay a premium for a well-known brand.

7. RETTACY Bullet Dotted Journal: Best Ultra-Budget Option

Paper: 120gsm
Pages: 192 per notebook
Reviews: Amazon bestseller, mixed quality reports

RETTACY offers 120gsm dot grid notebooks at a fraction of the cost of premium brands. At roughly $4 per notebook in a 2-pack, it's the most affordable option in this guide.

What makes it stand out:

• Extremely low price compared to the other notebooks.
• 120gsm paper: on paper (pun intended), the same weight as Leuchtturm BuJo Edition 2 and Scribbles That Matter Pro.
• Dot grid, standard for bullet journaling.
• Lay-flat binding, a pleasant surprise at this price point.

The trade-off: Quality control is inconsistent. Some users report excellent value; others note paper quality varies between batches. No pre-printed structure. No sustainability certifications. Unknown sourcing. Best for trying bullet journaling without commitment, or as a backup/travel journal.

Who it's for: Beginners testing the bullet journal method, students on a tight budget, or anyone who goes through notebooks quickly and doesn't want to invest heavily.

Paper Weight Comparison

Notebook	GSM	Best For
RETTACY	120gsm	Budget writing, light markers
Scribbles That Matter Pro	120gsm	Budget 120gsm, numbered pages
Leuchtturm1917 BuJo Edition 2	120gsm	Official method, beginners
Dingbats* Earth	100gsm	All-around bullet journaling
Dingbats* Wildlife	100gsm	Value, flexibility
Dingbats* Pro	160gsm	Art, watercolors, heavy media
Archer & Olive	160gsm	Heavy media, no-bleed guarantee

 

Pre-Printed Structure Comparison

Notebook	Index	Key	Future Log	Numbered Pages
Dingbats* Earth	3 pages	2 pages	Yes	Yes
Leuchtturm1917 BuJo Edition 2	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Scribbles That Matter Pro	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dingbats* Pro	No	No	No	No
Dingbats* Wildlife	No	No	No	No
Archer & Olive	No	No	No	No
RETTACY	No	No	No	No

 

Sustainability Comparison

Brand	Vegan Certified	FSC Certified	Conservation Partner
Dingbats*	V-Label (only brand worldwide)	Yes	WWF-UK
Leuchtturm1917	No	Limited	No
Scribbles That Matter	No	No	No
Archer & Olive	No	No	No
RETTACY	No	Unknown	No

 

Dingbats* is the only notebook brand with independent V-Label vegan certification and an active WWF-UK partnership (40p from every UK sale goes to WWF-UK).

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best bullet journal notebook in 2026?

The Dingbats* Earth Collection is our top pick for 2026. It combines 100gsm cream-coated paper (excellent for fountain pens and gel pens), pre-printed bullet journal structure (3 index pages, 2 key pages, future log, 184 numbered pages), two ribbon bookmarks, and sustainability credentials (V-Label vegan, FSC, WWF partner) at $26. For artists who use watercolors or heavy markers, the Dingbats* Pro (160gsm) or Archer & Olive are better choices.

• What GSM paper is best for bullet journaling?

100-120gsm is ideal for most bullet journaling. At 100gsm (Dingbats* Earth, Wildlife), you get zero bleed-through with fountain pens, gel pens, and mildliners. At 120gsm (Leuchtturm BuJo Edition 2, Scribbles That Matter Pro), you have extra margin for markers and highlighters. If you use watercolors or alcohol markers, 160gsm (Dingbats* Pro, Archer & Olive) is necessary.

• What's the difference between Dingbats* Earth and Dingbats* Wildlife?

Dingbats* Earth is designed specifically for bullet journaling: it includes 3 index pages, 2 key pages, a future log, and 184 numbered pages. It's A5+ only with dot grid. Dingbats* Wildlife has no pre-printed structure, but it comes in multiple sizes (A4+, A5+, A6, A6+) and rulings (lined, dotted, grid, plain). Both use the same 100gsm cream-coated paper. Choose Earth if you want structure included; choose Wildlife if you prefer to build your own or want more size/ruling options.

• Do I need pre-printed index and future log pages?

Pre-printed pages save setup time and help beginners get started faster. Dingbats* Earth, Leuchtturm1917 BuJo Edition 2, and Scribbles That Matter Pro all include this structure. If you prefer a blank canvas, the Dingbats* Wildlife or Dingbats* Pro collection let you build everything from scratch.

• What's the best bullet journal for watercolors and mixed media?

The Dingbats* Pro Collection (160gsm) is the best choices. The 160gsm paper handles watercolors, brush pens, alcohol markers, and heavy inks without bleed-through or ghosting. Dingbats* Pro is B5 size with sustainability credentials. Even though Archer & Olive has 160gsm paper too, it comes in A5 size (smaller than the Dingbats Pro).

• Are there vegan bullet journal notebooks?

Dingbats* is the only notebook brand in the world with independent V-Label vegan certification. All three collections, Earth, Wildlife, and Pro, use non-toxic, fully degradable materials with no animal-based adhesives. If vegan certification matters to you, Dingbats* is the only certified option.

Our Verdict

For bullet journaling in 2026, the Dingbats* Earth Collection is our top pick. It delivers the right balance of paper quality (100gsm), pre-printed structure (index, key, future log, numbered pages), build quality (pearlescent cover, 2 ribbons, pen holder, elastic closure), and sustainability (V-Label vegan, FSC, WWF) at a lower price than the Leuchtturm BuJo Edition 2.

Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2 remains a good choice for Ryder Carroll purists and beginners. Dingbats* Pro and Archer & Olive are the go-to options for artists and mixed media users. Scribbles That Matter Pro offers the best value at 120gsm for budget-conscious journalers. Dingbats* Wildlife is the best value in the Dingbats* lineup if you prefer a blank canvas. RETTACY is the ultra-budget option for trying the method without commitment.

Last tested: February 2026. All notebooks were evaluated for paper quality, pre-printed structure, build quality, and value. Prices and specifications are subject to change.