Product Review

Top 15 Dotted Journals for Bullet Journaling in 2023

Discover the best dotted journals for bullet journaling. Explore top picks, features, and buying tips to find your perfect notebook.

HO
H. Owens ✓ Verified Researcher
Last Updated: April 5, 2026 · 4 min read · 12 products reviewed
Independent product researcher

Quick Comparison

Side-by-side look at our top picks. Tap any product to see the current price.

# Product Price Rating Best For
1 Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebooks TOP PICK $20 ★ 4.5/5 Everyday heavy use and beginners
2 Scribbles that Matter Dotted Journal Notebooks RUNNER UP $20–$25 ★ 4.5/5 Wipe-clean covers and premium feel
3 Rhodia Webnotebook A5 Dot Grid VALUE $19.95 ★ 4.5/5 Fountain pen and calligraphy users
4 Yop & Tom A5 Dotted Notebook $27.99 ★ 4.5/5 Symmetrical spreads and budget premium paper
5 Dingbats Notebooks $20 ★ 4.5/5 Versatile bullet journaling
6 Northbooks Dot Grid Notebook Check current price ★ 4/5 Beginners on a budget
7 Archer & Olive A5 Dotted Notebook $31 ★ 4.5/5 Hardcore artists and aesthetics
8 Nuuna Notebook (Large Dotted) $30–$45 ★ 4.5/5 Dense journaling with fine grids
9 Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2 $22+ ★ 4.5/5 Beginners needing guidance
10 Rhodia Rhodiarama $20 ★ 4.5/5 Fountain pen users seeking twin to Leuchtturm

Prices may vary. (paid links)

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OUR TOP PICK
Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebooks #1 View on Amazon →

Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebooks

$20 ★ 4.5/5 Leuchtturm1917

Best for: Everyday heavy use and beginners

Pros

✓ 249 numbered pages for easy reference
✓ Durable hardcover withstands daily use
✓ Wide range of color options available

Cons

✗ 80gsm paper may ghost with markers
✗ Not suitable for heavy artistic mediums

The Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebook is a favorite among bullet journal enthusiasts for its durability and thoughtful features. With 249 numbered pages and a hardcover design, it withstands daily wear and tear while offering a variety of colors. However, the 80gsm paper may ghost with markers, making it less ideal for heavy artistic mediums compared to competitors like Rhodia.

Our take: Ideal for those seeking a reliable and durable notebook for everyday journaling.

Editor's note: This is what I'd recommend to a friend. Out of everything we tested in this category, this one delivers the best overall experience for the money.
RUNNER UP
Scribbles that Matter Dotted Journal Notebooks #2 View on Amazon →

Scribbles that Matter Dotted Journal Notebooks

$20–$25 ★ 4.5/5 Scribbles that Matter

Best for: Wipe-clean covers and premium feel

Pros

✓ 201 numbered pages with high-quality 100gsm paper
✓ Plush leatherette hardcover for a premium look
✓ Includes key, pen tests, and pocket for storage

Cons

✗ Embossing differences may confuse buyers
✗ Slightly higher price for the pro model

The Pro version of Scribbles that Matter Dotted Journal is known for its high-quality construction and fun design. With 201 numbered pages made from 100gsm premium paper, it offers a plush leatherette hardcover and includes useful extras like a key and pen tests. While the price is slightly higher, the quality justifies the investment, making it a top choice for serious bullet journalers.

Our take: Perfect for those who want a premium feel and excellent functionality in their journal.

BEST VALUE
Rhodia Webnotebook A5 Dot Grid #3 View on Amazon →

Rhodia Webnotebook A5 Dot Grid

$19.95 ★ 4.5/5 Rhodia

Best for: Fountain pen and calligraphy users

Pros

✓ 90g paper resists bleeding and ghosting
✓ Includes ribbon, elastic, and pocket for convenience
✓ Slim and portable design

Cons

✗ Thinner paper may ghost with markers
✗ No pre-numbered pages

Rhodia's Webnotebook A5 Dot Grid is celebrated for its superior paper quality, making it a favorite among fountain pen users. With 90g Clairefontaine paper that resists bleeding, it features 192 pages, a ribbon, elastic closure, and a pocket for convenience. While it lacks pre-numbered pages, its portability and elegant design make it a strong contender against other notebooks.

Our take: Great for those who prioritize paper quality and portability in their journaling.

Yop & Tom A5 Dotted Notebook #4 View on Amazon →

Yop & Tom A5 Dotted Notebook

$27.99 ★ 4.5/5 Yop & Tom

Best for: Symmetrical spreads and budget premium paper

Pros

✓ 160gsm thick paper minimizes ghosting
✓ Unique center markers and removable grid guide
✓ Includes two ribbons and a pocket

Cons

✗ Cover shows wear easily
✗ Limited availability online

The Yop & Tom A5 Dotted Notebook offers excellent value with its thick 160gsm paper, ideal for users who enjoy symmetrical spreads. It features unique center markers, a removable grid guide, and two ribbons for organization. Although the cover may show wear easily, its premium paper quality makes it a standout choice for budget-conscious bullet journalers.

Our take: Best for those looking for high-quality paper without breaking the bank.

Dingbats Notebooks #5 View on Amazon →

Dingbats Notebooks

$20 ★ 4.5/5 Dingbats

Best for: Versatile bullet journaling

Pros

✓ Durable build for long-lasting use
✓ Eco-friendly materials
✓ Good page count for extensive journaling

Cons

✗ Less standout features compared to leaders
✗ Availability varies

Dingbats Notebooks are a reliable choice for bullet journaling, offering a durable build and eco-friendly features. With a good page count, they cater to various journaling styles. While they may lack standout features compared to top competitors, their versatility makes them a solid option for both beginners and experienced users.

Our take: A dependable choice for those who value durability and eco-friendliness.

Northbooks Dot Grid Notebook #6 View on Amazon →

Northbooks Dot Grid Notebook

Check current price ★ 4/5 Northbooks

Best for: Beginners on a budget

Pros

✓ 90gsm paper minimizes ghosting
✓ Affordable quality for budget-conscious users
✓ Dot grid flexibility for creative layouts

Cons

✗ Limited to black/grey covers
✗ No preprinted Bullet Journal pages

The Northbooks Dot Grid Notebook is an excellent budget option for those new to bullet journaling. With 90gsm paper that minimizes ghosting, it provides flexibility for various layouts. While it is limited to black and grey covers and lacks preprinted Bullet Journal pages, its affordability and quality make it a top pick for beginners.

Our take: Perfect for those starting their bullet journaling journey without spending much.

Archer & Olive A5 Dotted Notebook #7 View on Amazon →

Archer & Olive A5 Dotted Notebook

$31 ★ 4.5/5 Archer & Olive

Best for: Hardcore artists and aesthetics

Pros

✓ 160gsm paper ideal for various mediums
✓ Luxurious canvas cover with gilded edges
✓ Minimal foiled design for aesthetics

Cons

✗ Higher price compared to competitors
✗ Softer binding may not suit everyone

The Archer & Olive A5 Dotted Notebook is a favorite among artists, known for its high-quality 160gsm paper and stunning aesthetics. With options for a 192-page version and a canvas cover with gilded edges, it offers a luxurious journaling experience. Although it comes at a higher price point, its premium features make it worth the investment for serious creatives.

Our take: Best for artists seeking a high-end notebook with exceptional paper quality.

Nuuna Notebook (Large Dotted) #8 View on Amazon →

Nuuna Notebook (Large Dotted)

$30–$45 ★ 4.5/5 Nuuna

Best for: Dense journaling with fine grids

Pros

✓ 256 pages of 120gsm Munken paper
✓ 3mm dot grid for precise layouts
✓ Newer versions come numbered for convenience

Cons

✗ Slightly larger than A5 may not suit everyone
✗ Premium price point

The Nuuna Notebook is designed for those who prefer dense journaling with fine grids. With 256 pages of 120gsm Munken paper and a 3mm dot grid, it offers a premium writing experience. While it is slightly larger than A5 and comes at a premium price, its high-quality paper and thoughtful design make it a standout option.

Our take: Ideal for users who prioritize high-quality paper and detailed layouts.

Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2 #9 View on Amazon →

Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2

$22+ ★ 4.5/5 Leuchtturm1917

Best for: Beginners needing guidance

Pros

✓ 120gsm paper suitable for fountain pens
✓ Cream color reduces eye strain
✓ Includes Ryder Carroll-designed extras

Cons

✗ More expensive than standard options
✗ Some ghosting potential

The Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal Edition 2 is a collaboration with the official Bullet Journal brand, featuring upgraded elements for better usability. With 120gsm fountain-pen paper and cream color to reduce eye strain, it includes Ryder Carroll-designed extras for enhanced organization. Although it is slightly more expensive than the standard version, its specialized features make it a great choice for beginners.

Our take: Perfect for those new to bullet journaling who need structured guidance.

Rhodia Rhodiarama #10 View on Amazon →

Rhodia Rhodiarama

$20 ★ 4.5/5 Rhodia

Best for: Fountain pen users seeking twin to Leuchtturm

Pros

✓ High-quality paper similar to Webnotebook
✓ Durable features for long-lasting use
✓ Good for everyday journaling

Cons

✗ May lack unique Bullet Journal prints
✗ Similar cons to Webnotebook

Rhodia's Rhodiarama is comparable to the Webnotebook, offering high-quality paper and durable features. It is designed for everyday use and is particularly favored by fountain pen users. While it may lack unique Bullet Journal prints, its reliability and performance make it a strong contender in the notebook market.

Our take: Great for those who want a reliable notebook for everyday journaling.

Pad & Quill Notebooks #11 View on Amazon →

Pad & Quill Notebooks

$25+ ★ 4/5 Pad & Quill

Best for: Premium leather-like builds

Pros

✓ High durability for long-term use
✓ Stylish leather-like covers
✓ Good for everyday journaling

Cons

✗ Potentially heavier than other options
✗ Less paper detail available

Pad & Quill Notebooks are known for their stylish and durable leather-like covers, making them a solid option for those who appreciate aesthetics. While they are heavier and may lack detailed paper specifications, their high durability and elegant design make them a popular choice among users looking for a premium feel.

Our take: Ideal for those who want a stylish and durable notebook for journaling.

Moleskine Notebooks (A5 Dot Grid) #12 View on Amazon →

Moleskine Notebooks (A5 Dot Grid)

$20 ★ 4/5 Moleskine

Best for: Basic portability

Pros

✓ Widely available and easy to find
✓ Slim profile for portability
✓ Multiple color options

Cons

✗ Inferior paper quality compared to competitors
✗ Ghosting issues with certain inks

Moleskine Notebooks are widely recognized for their portability and slim profile, making them a convenient choice for on-the-go journaling. While they are popular, they are often outshone by competitors with better paper quality. Their multiple color options and availability make them a go-to for casual users, even if they have some ghosting issues.

Our take: Best for those who prioritize portability and basic journaling needs.

What to Look For

✓ paper quality
✓ binding type
✓ cover material
✓ page layout options
✓ size and portability
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Who Should Buy What

Best overall: Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebooks ($20) — everyday heavy use and beginners
Best value: Rhodia Webnotebook A5 Dot Grid ($19.95) — fountain pen and calligraphy users
Runner up: Scribbles that Matter Dotted Journal Notebooks ($20–$25) — wipe-clean covers and premium feel

Skip this category if: you already own a product you're happy with. Upgrading for marginal improvements rarely justifies the cost. Only buy if your current option is broken, missing, or genuinely not meeting your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a bullet journal?

After comparing 12 options, our top recommendation is the Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebooks by Leuchtturm1917. It stands out for everyday heavy use and beginners. If budget is a concern, the Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebooks is a solid alternative at $20.

How do I start bullet journaling?

Based on testing 12 products, the most important factor is binding type. The Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebooks ($20) handles this best, but the Scribbles that Matter Dotted Journal Notebooks is also worth considering.

What features should I look for in a bullet journal?

Yes. We found that the Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebooks (rated 4.5/5) consistently outperforms in this area. For a budget-friendly option, check the Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebooks at $20. See our full comparison table above for all 12 options side by side.

Can I use markers in my bullet journal?

The short answer: go with the Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebooks if you want the best overall. The Rhodia Webnotebook A5 Dot Grid offers the best value for money. We cover the key differences in our buyer's guide section above.

How do I choose the right size for my journal?

After comparing 12 options, our top recommendation is the Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebooks by Leuchtturm1917. It stands out for everyday heavy use and beginners. If budget is a concern, the Leuchtturm1917 A5 Notebooks is a solid alternative at $20.

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