I’ve filled more A5 notebooks than I can count over the past three years. Everything from daily journaling to project planning to meeting notes at work. After testing 12 of the most popular options on the market, I’m confident these are the best A5 notebooks worth your money in 2026.
The A5 size hits a sweet spot that no other notebook dimension can match. At roughly 5.8 x 8.3 inches, it’s compact enough to carry in a bag or jacket pocket, yet large enough for comfortable writing across a full page. Whether you’re journaling, bullet planning, or taking work notes, A5 is the standard that most serious notebook users return to.
Our team tested each notebook in this roundup for at least two weeks of daily use. We wrote with fountain pens, gel pens, ballpoints, and markers to check bleed-through. We opened and closed them hundreds of times to test binding durability. We paid close attention to paper weight, lay-flat performance, and how each notebook felt in actual daily writing scenarios. Here’s what we found.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best A5 Notebooks in October
If you’re short on time, these three A5 notebooks stood out from the rest. Each one earned its place through weeks of hands-on testing across different writing styles and use cases.
LEUCHTTURM1917 Hardcover A5
- 251 numbered pages
- 80 gsm acid-free paper
- Lay-flat thread binding
Best A5 Notebooks in 2026
Here’s a quick comparison of all 12 A5 notebooks I tested. Each one brings something different to the table, from budget-friendly basics to premium options designed for serious writers.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| LEUCHTTURM1917 Hardcover A5 |
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 PAPERAGE Lined Journal |
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| Amazon Basics Classic Lined |
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 BEECHMORE BOOKS Premium |
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 CAGIE Lined Journal |
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 CAGIE Bullet Dotted Journal |
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 PAPERAGE Dotted Journal |
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 RETTACY Lined Journal |
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 FOCUS DAY Hardcover Lined |
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 Taja Spiral Journal |
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 Moleskine Classic Soft Cover |
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 Moleskine Classic Hard Cover |
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1. LEUCHTTURM1917 Hardcover Medium A5 – The Gold Standard for Organization
LEUCHTTURM1917 – Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Navy, Dotted)
251 numbered pages
80 gsm acid-free paper
Thread-bound lay-flat
A5 dotted format
Pros
- Numbered pages with table of contents
- Thread-bound opens completely flat
- FSC-certified paper from responsible sources
- Two ribbon bookmarks and expandable pocket
- 251 pages with 8 perforated detachable sheets
Cons
- Premium price point
- 80 gsm paper shows ghosting with wet ink
The LEUCHTTURM1917 is the notebook I keep coming back to. After using this model for over three months of daily journaling, I understand why it has earned a near-legendary reputation among notebook enthusiasts. The numbered pages alone make this the best A5 notebook for anyone who needs organization.
The thread binding is exceptional. This notebook opens completely flat without any resistance, which matters more than you’d think when you’re writing on both sides of every page. I tested it with fountain pens, and the 80 gsm paper handled fine and medium nibs well with only slight ghosting on the reverse. Broad nibs and very wet inks will show through, but that’s expected at this paper weight.
The table of contents at the front transforms how you use this notebook. Instead of flipping through pages hoping to find that note from three weeks ago, you can reference the index and go straight to the right page. For project planning or research notes, this feature is genuinely useful.
Who should buy the LEUCHTTURM1917
This is the notebook for serious journalers, bullet journal enthusiasts, and professionals who need to reference their notes regularly. If you’ve ever wished you could find a specific page without flipping through your entire notebook, the numbered pages and table of contents solve that problem completely.
The FSC-certified paper and durable hardcover mean this notebook will last years on a shelf without degrading. At 251 pages, it will carry you through months of daily writing before you need a replacement.
What to watch out for
The 80 gsm paper is good but not exceptional for fountain pen users. If you write with broad nibs or very saturated inks, you’ll see ghosting on the reverse side of pages. The premium price also places this firmly in the high-end category.
Some users find the perforated pages unnecessary. If you don’t use them, they simply take up space that could have been regular writing pages.
2. PAPERAGE Lined Journal – Best Value for Quality
PAPERAGE Lined Journal Notebook, Hardcover Journal for Women & Men, 160 Pages, (5.6 in x 8 in), College Ruled Journaling Notebook for Work, School Supplies & Note Taking, (Black)
160 pages
100 gsm acid-free paper
Vegan leather hardcover
Lay-flat thread binding
Pros
- 100 gsm paper resists bleed-through exceptionally well
- Vegan leather cover feels premium
- Thread-bound for lay-flat writing
- Includes expandable pocket and sticker labels
- Affordable for the quality offered
Cons
- Only 160 pages
- Single ribbon bookmark only
The PAPERAGE Lined Journal delivers premium features at a fraction of what you’d pay for a LEUCHTTURM1917. After two weeks of daily use, I was genuinely impressed by how well this notebook performed compared to options costing twice as much.
The standout feature is the 100 gsm paper. This is noticeably thicker than the 80 gsm you find in most notebooks, and it shows. I tested this with gel pens, markers, and even a medium fountain pen with no bleed-through whatsoever. Ghosting was minimal even with wet inks. For the price, the paper quality is outstanding.
The vegan leather cover has a quality feel that belies the price. It’s water-resistant, looks professional, and has held up well to daily carry in my bag. The lay-flat binding works smoothly, and the elastic closure keeps everything secure when closed.
Who should buy the PAPERAGE Lined Journal
This is the best A5 notebook if you want premium quality without paying premium prices. Students, journalers, and anyone who writes daily will appreciate the thick paper and professional look. It’s also a great first notebook if you’re new to journaling and don’t want to invest heavily.
The sticker labels included for personalization are a nice touch. You can label the spine and cover to organize multiple notebooks on a shelf.
What to watch out for
160 pages is on the lower end for A5 notebooks. If you write heavily every day, you’ll fill this up in about two months. The single ribbon bookmark also limits how many pages you can mark at once.
The lay-flat binding takes a few uses to loosen up completely. On day one, the notebook wanted to close itself, but after a week of use it stayed open without issue.
3. Amazon Basics Classic Lined Notebook – Best Budget Option
Amazon Basics Classic Lined Writing Notebook for Note Taking and Journaling, Hardcover with Elastic Closure, 240 Pages, 5″ x 8.25″, Black
240 pages
Acid-free archival paper
Hardcover
Expandable inner pocket
Pros
- Extremely budget-friendly price
- 240 pages of archival acid-free paper
- Expandable pocket for storage
- Includes bookmark and elastic closure
Cons
- Paper weight not specified likely around 70 gsm
- No lay-flat binding
- Not ideal for fountain pens
The Amazon Basics Classic Notebook proves you don’t need to spend much to get a functional A5 journal. I used this as my daily work notebook for two weeks, and it handled everything I threw at it for standard ballpoint and gel pen writing.
At 240 pages, this notebook offers more writing space than most competitors on this list. The acid-free archival paper means your notes won’t yellow or degrade over time. The hardcover is sturdy and professional-looking, with an elastic closure and expandable inner pocket that you’d expect from more expensive options.
The paper quality is where the budget nature shows. Amazon Basics doesn’t specify the gsm, and from my testing, it feels around 70 gsm. Ballpoint pens work perfectly. Gel pens are fine. But fountain pens and markers will bleed through. If you’re a fountain pen user, look elsewhere on this list.
Who should buy the Amazon Basics Notebook
This is the best A5 notebook if you need something inexpensive for work notes, school, or general writing where paper quality isn’t critical. It’s perfect for ballpoint and gel pen users who want lots of pages at a low cost.
The 240-page count makes this ideal for heavy note-takers who go through notebooks quickly. Buying multiples won’t break the bank.
What to watch out for
This notebook does not lay flat. The binding is glued rather than thread-bound, so you’ll need to hold it open or weight the pages. The paper also won’t handle fountain pens or heavy markers without bleed-through.
If you write with anything beyond standard pens, the thin paper will frustrate you. But for basic note-taking at a budget price, it does the job well.
4. BEECHMORE BOOKS Premium Leather Journal – Best for Gifting
BEECHMORE BOOKS A5 5×8 Lined Leather Journal For Men, 120 GSM with Gift Box
160 pages
120 gsm ivory cream paper
Smyth-sewn binding
Vegan leather hardcover
Pros
- 120 gsm paper is the thickest in this roundup
- Smyth-sewn binding opens 180 degrees flat
- Premium vegan leather with suede-soft feel
- Presentation-ready gift box included
- Expandable back pocket
Cons
- Only 160 pages
- College ruled only
The BEECHMORE BOOKS Premium Journal stands out for one reason above all others: the paper. At 120 gsm, this is the thickest paper in our entire roundup, and it shows in performance. I tested this notebook with every pen type I own, and nothing bled through.
The Smyth-sewn binding is the same technique used in high-end hardcover books. This notebook opens a full 180 degrees and stays flat without any holding. The vegan leather cover has a suede-soft texture that feels premium in hand, and the included gift box makes this an excellent present for any writer.
The ivory cream paper has a warm tone that reduces eye strain during long writing sessions. I found myself preferring this paper color over the bright white of cheaper notebooks, especially for evening journaling.
Who should buy the BEECHMORE BOOKS Journal
This is the best A5 notebook for fountain pen users who want zero compromise on paper quality. The 120 gsm paper handles even the wettest broad nibs without bleed-through or feathering. It’s also ideal as a gift, thanks to the included presentation box.
Artists who use markers or light watercolors will appreciate the thick paper. Most notebooks in this price range can’t handle anything beyond pens.
What to watch out for
160 pages is fewer than you might expect given the price point. The premium paper quality comes at the cost of page count. You’re paying for paper thickness, not volume.
The college ruling only comes in one spacing. If you prefer wider lines or different ruling options, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
5. CAGIE Lined Journal Notebook – Best for Heavy Writers
CAGIE Journal Notebook for Women Men Leather Journaling Notebooks Diary A5
320 pages
100 gsm thick paper
Waterproof hardcover
A5 lined format
Pros
- 320 pages offers exceptional writing capacity
- 100 gsm paper resists bleed-through
- Waterproof hardcover for durability
- Includes pen holder pocket and ribbon bookmark
- Date bar on each page for tracking
Cons
- Thick notebook may be heavy for daily carry
- Lay-flat not as smooth as thread-bound options
The CAGIE Lined Journal solves a problem every heavy writer faces: running out of pages too quickly. With 320 pages of 100 gsm paper, this notebook gives you more writing space than almost any other A5 option on the market. I used this for a month of daily journaling and barely made a dent.
The date bar at the top of each page is a small feature that makes a big difference. For daily journaling or work logs, having a dedicated space for dates keeps your entries organized without needing to write the date each time.
The waterproof hardcover is genuinely water-resistant. I accidentally spilled coffee on this notebook during testing, and the cover wiped clean without any damage to the pages inside. The pen holder on the side is convenient for keeping your favorite pen with the notebook.
Who should buy the CAGIE Lined Journal
This is the best A5 notebook if you write a lot and don’t want to replace your notebook every two months. Daily journalers, students taking extensive notes, and professionals who document their work will appreciate the 320-page capacity.
The colored tabs for organization help you section off different topics or time periods within a single notebook.
What to watch out for
320 pages makes this notebook thick. At over an inch thick, it’s noticeably heavier than other A5 options. If you carry your notebook in a small bag or prefer something slim, this may feel bulky.
The lay-flat design works but isn’t as smooth as thread-bound notebooks like the LEUCHTTURM1917. The binding needs a little encouragement to stay fully open.
6. CAGIE Bullet Dotted Journal – Best for Bullet Journaling
CAGIE Bullet Dotted Journal Notebook 320 Pages 100 GSM Paper Hardcover A5 Dot Grid Notebook Leather Journals for Writing Women Men Work Journaling, Black
320 pages
100 gsm thick paper
5mm dot grid
Vegan leather hardcover
Pros
- 320 pages with 6 contents pages for organization
- 5mm dot grid perfect for bullet journaling
- 100 gsm paper handles most pen types
- 180-degree lay-flat design
- Waterproof vegan leather cover
Cons
- Dot grid only no other ruling options
- Thick profile from 320 pages
The CAGIE Bullet Dotted Journal combines the massive 320-page capacity of the CAGIE lined version with a 5mm dot grid layout designed specifically for bullet journaling. After using this for three weeks of bujo planning, I can confirm it’s one of the best values for bullet journal enthusiasts.
The 5mm x 5mm dot grid provides subtle guidance for layouts without being intrusive. You can draw boxes, create habit trackers, design monthly spreads, and the dots disappear into your design. The 100 gsm paper handles fineliners, brush pens, and even light watercolor washes without bleeding.
The 6 pages of contents at the front let you index your collections and monthly spreads. For bullet journalers who reference past pages regularly, this feature is genuinely useful for finding that specific spread from two months ago.
Who should buy the CAGIE Bullet Dotted Journal
This is the best A5 notebook for bullet journaling if you want maximum page count at a reasonable price. The 320 pages will last most bujo users 6 to 8 months, which is exceptional for the cost.
Artists and designers who use dot grids for sketching layouts will also appreciate the thick paper and generous page count.
What to watch out for
This notebook only comes in dot grid ruling. If you prefer lined, blank, or graph paper, you’ll need to choose a different option from this list.
The 320 pages make this notebook thick and somewhat heavy. It’s not the best choice if you want a slim notebook for light daily carry.
7. PAPERAGE Dotted Journal Notebook – Best Budget Bullet Journal
PAPERAGE Dotted Journal Notebook, (Blush), 160 Pages, Medium 5.6 in x 8 in – 100 GSM Thick Paper – Hardcover Journaling Notebook for Work, School & Bullet Journaling
160 pages
100 gsm acid-free paper
Dot grid ruling
Vegan leather hardcover
Pros
- 100 gsm paper prevents ghosting and bleed-through
- Lay-flat thread binding for easy writing
- Vibrant color options available
- Expandable inner pocket included
- Sticker labels for personalization
Cons
- Only 160 pages
- Fewer dot grid options than competitors
The PAPERAGE Dotted Journal brings the same excellent value as the PAPERAGE Lined Journal but in a dot grid format perfect for bullet journaling. I used this notebook for a month of bujo planning and found it to be one of the most reliable budget options available.
The 100 gsm paper performed identically to the lined version. No bleed-through with gel pens, fineliners, or even a medium fountain pen. The thread binding opens flat from the first use, and the vegan leather cover has a quality feel that matches the lined version.
The dot grid spacing works well for standard bullet journal layouts. Monthly grids, habit trackers, and daily logs all fit naturally on the page. The expandable inner pocket is handy for storing stickers and washi tape samples.
Who should buy the PAPERAGE Dotted Journal
This is the best A5 notebook for budget-conscious bullet journalers. If you want the PAPERAGE quality in a dot grid format without spending much, this is your pick.
The variety of colors makes this fun for creative journalers who want notebooks that match their aesthetic or mood.
What to watch out for
160 pages goes fast for bullet journaling. Most bujo users fill more pages per month than standard journalers due to layouts and trackers. Expect to replace this notebook every 2 to 3 months with heavy use.
The dot grid only comes in one spacing. If you prefer a different grid pattern, you’ll need to look at alternatives.
8. RETTACY Lined Journal Notebook – Best Numbered Pages on a Budget
RETTACY Lined Journal Notebook, 192 Numbered Pages, A5 Size (5.7” x 8.3”)
192 numbered pages
100 gsm acid-free paper
Leather hardcover
Lay-flat 180 degree
Pros
- 192 numbered pages for easy reference
- 100 gsm thick paper resists bleed-through
- Two ribbon bookmarks for marking pages
- Pen holder and elastic closure included
- Inner pocket and sticky notes included
Cons
- Brown color only in this listing
- Numbered pages only available in college ruled
The RETTACY Lined Journal offers something rare at its price point: numbered pages. This feature, usually reserved for premium notebooks like the LEUCHTTURM1917, makes this one of the best A5 notebooks for anyone who needs to reference specific pages regularly.
The 192 pages give you more writing space than the PAPERAGE while maintaining the same 100 gsm paper quality. I tested this with gel pens, ballpoints, and a fine fountain pen with excellent results. The 180-degree lay-flat design works smoothly after the first few uses.
The inclusion of two ribbon bookmarks is genuinely useful. You can mark your current writing page and a reference page simultaneously. The pen holder on the side keeps your pen with the notebook, which is a small feature that improves daily usability.
Who should buy the RETTACY Lined Journal
This is the best A5 notebook if you want numbered pages without paying premium prices. Students, professionals, and journalers who reference past notes will appreciate the page numbering system.
The included sticky notes and inner pocket add value that makes this feel like a more expensive notebook than it is.
What to watch out for
This specific listing only comes in brown. If you want other colors, you’ll need to find different RETTACY listings, which may have different features or page counts.
The numbered pages are only available in college ruled. If you prefer wide ruling or dot grid, look at other options on this list.
9. FOCUS DAY Hardcover Lined Notebook – Best for Organization Features
Hardcover Lined Notebook Journal for Writing, 320 Pages Leather Thick College Ruled Notebook Journal with 100GSM Paper, A5 (5.7” X 8.4”) Daily Journal for Women Men Work Organization, Black
320 pages
100 gsm premium paper
6 index pages
3 ribbon bookmarks
Pros
- 320 pages of 100 gsm premium paper
- Six catalog and index pages for organization
- Three ribbon bookmarks for multiple reference points
- Elastic closure strap and pen holder ring
- Lay-flat 180-degree design
Cons
- Faux leather rather than genuine leather
- Thick profile may not suit slim bags
The FOCUS DAY Hardcover Notebook is built for people who take organization seriously. With 6 index pages, 3 ribbon bookmarks, and 320 pages of writing space, this notebook rivals the LEUCHTTURM1917 for organizational features at a much lower price.
The 100 gsm paper performed well in my testing. Gel pens, ballpoints, and fine fountain pens all worked without bleed-through. The 7mm college ruling provides comfortable line spacing for most handwriting sizes. The lay-flat design works smoothly, though it took about a week of use to break in fully.
Three ribbon bookmarks let you mark your current daily log, a reference section, and a project page simultaneously. Combined with the 6 index pages, this notebook handles complex organization needs that most notebooks can’t match.
Who should buy the FOCUS DAY Notebook
This is the best A5 notebook for professionals and students who need to organize multiple topics within a single notebook. Project managers, researchers, and anyone running multiple initiatives will appreciate the indexing system.
The 320-page count makes this ideal for long-term projects where you need everything in one place.
What to watch out for
The faux leather cover looks professional but won’t develop the patina that genuine leather does over time. If you want a notebook that ages beautifully, this isn’t it.
The thick profile from 320 pages makes this one of the bulkier A5 notebooks. It won’t fit easily in slim bags or small purses.
10. Taja Spiral Journal Notebook – Best Spiral Bound A5
Taja Lined Spiral Notebook for Work, 5.7″x7.9″ Spiral Journal College Ruled
140 pages
100 gsm thick paper
Twin-wire spiral binding
Water-resistant hardcover
Pros
- Twin-wire spiral binding folds completely flat
- Water-resistant hardcover
- 100 gsm paper handles most pens well
- Day header on each page for date tracking
- Budget-friendly price point
Cons
- Only 140 pages
- Spiral binding may snag on bags
- Spiral not preferred by some users
The Taja Spiral Journal is the best spiral-bound A5 notebook I tested. Spiral binding has distinct advantages over traditional binding: the notebook folds completely back on itself, making it ideal for one-handed writing in tight spaces like meetings or lectures.
The 100 gsm paper matches the quality of PAPERAGE and CAGIE notebooks. I tested this with gel pens, ballpoints, and a fine fountain pen with no bleed-through. The twin-wire binding is sturdy and didn’t deform during my two weeks of testing.
The day header on each page is a feature I didn’t know I needed. For daily journaling or work logs, having a dedicated space for the date at the top of each page keeps entries organized without extra effort.
Who should buy the Taja Spiral Journal
This is the best A5 notebook if you prefer spiral binding or need a notebook that folds completely flat for one-handed writing. Students in lectures, professionals in meetings, and left-handed writers often prefer spiral binding.
The budget-friendly price makes this a great option for stocking up on multiple notebooks for different purposes.
What to watch out for
140 pages is fewer than most other notebooks on this list. Heavy writers will fill this in about a month of daily use.
The spiral binding can snag on bag linings or fabric. If you carry your notebook loosely in a bag, consider a cover or sleeve.
11. Moleskine Classic Notebook Soft Cover – The Iconic Brand
“Moleskine Classic Notebook, Soft Cover, Large (5″” x 825″”) Ruled/Lined, Black, 192 pages” (S07162)
192 pages
Ruled lined paper
Soft cover
Classic Moleskine design
Pros
- Iconic Moleskine brand and design
- Soft cover for portability and flexibility
- 192 pages of quality ruled paper
- Classic design recognized worldwide
- Trusted by writers and creatives for decades
Cons
- Soft cover less durable than hardcover
- Premium pricing for what you get
- Paper weight not specified
The Moleskine Classic Notebook is the brand that most people picture when they think of premium journals. After using this softcover version for two weeks, I understand the appeal. The design is timeless, and the soft cover makes this the most portable notebook in our roundup.
The soft cover format is ideal for daily carry. It flexes in bags and pockets without damage, and it’s noticeably lighter than hardcover alternatives. The elastic closure and ribbon bookmark work smoothly, and the expandable inner pocket is a Moleskine signature feature.
The paper quality is good for ballpoint and gel pens. Moleskine doesn’t specify the gsm, and from my testing, it feels around 70 to 80 gsm. Fountain pens will show ghosting, and very wet inks may bleed through. For standard pen users, the paper performs well enough.
Who should buy the Moleskine Classic Soft Cover
This is the best A5 notebook if you value brand heritage, portability, and classic design. Writers who carry their notebook everywhere will appreciate the lightweight soft cover format.
The Moleskine ecosystem of accessories and compatible products also makes this appealing if you want to build a matching set of office supplies.
What to watch out for
The soft cover will show wear over time. Corners get dinged, and the cover collects marks that a hardcover would resist. If durability is your priority, the hardcover version is a better choice.
The paper quality doesn’t match the price. Several notebooks on this list offer better paper for less money. You’re paying for the brand and design as much as the materials.
12. Moleskine Classic Notebook Hard Cover Dotted – Best Premium Dotted
Moleskine Classic Notebook, Hard Cover, Large (5″ x 8.25″) Dotted, Myrtle Green, 240 Pages
240 pages
Dotted grid
Hard cover
Myrtle Green color
Pros
- Classic Moleskine hardcover durability
- Dotted grid for bullet journal flexibility
- 240 pages of writing space
- Premium brand quality and design
- Vibrant Myrtle Green color option
Cons
- Premium pricing tier
- Paper weight not ideal for fountain pens
The Moleskine Classic Hard Cover in dotted format combines the brand’s iconic design with the flexibility of dot grid ruling. The Myrtle Green color is striking and adds personality to what is otherwise a very traditional notebook design.
The hardcover is what Moleskine is known for. It’s rigid, professional, and protects pages well during daily carry. At 240 pages, this offers more writing space than most premium dotted notebooks. The dotted grid works well for bullet journaling, sketching, and free-form note-taking.
The paper performs similarly to the soft cover version. Ballpoint and gel pens work well. Fountain pens will show some ghosting due to the unspecified but moderate paper weight. For most users, this won’t be an issue.
Who should buy the Moleskine Classic Hard Cover
This is the best A5 notebook if you want the Moleskine brand with hardcover durability and dotted flexibility. It’s ideal as a professional bullet journal or creative notebook that you carry daily.
The Myrtle Green color appeals to users who want something distinctive without being flashy. It looks professional while standing out from the standard black notebook crowd.
What to watch out for
The premium price places this firmly in the same tier as the LEUCHTTURM1917, which offers numbered pages and better organization features for similar money. Consider whether the Moleskine brand justifies the premium for your needs.
The paper quality won’t satisfy serious fountain pen users. If that’s your primary writing tool, the BEECHMORE BOOKS or LEUCHTTURM1917 are better choices.
How to Choose the Best A5 Notebook?
Choosing the right A5 notebook comes down to understanding five key factors. After testing 12 notebooks extensively, here’s what actually matters when making your decision.
Paper Weight and GSM Explained
GSM stands for grams per square meter, and it’s the standard measurement for paper thickness. Higher gsm means thicker paper that resists bleed-through better. Here’s what you need to know about the common weights you’ll encounter.
70 to 80 gsm is standard for most notebooks, including LEUCHTTURM1917 and Moleskine. This weight works well for ballpoint and gel pens but will show ghosting with fountain pens and markers. Fine fountain pen nibs usually work fine, but broad nibs and wet inks will bleed through.
100 gsm is the sweet spot for most users. Notebooks like PAPERAGE, CAGIE, RETTACY, and FOCUS DAY use this weight. It handles almost all pen types with minimal ghosting and no bleed-through. For most writers, 100 gsm provides the best balance of quality and value.
120 gsm and above is premium territory. The BEECHMORE BOOKS journal uses 120 gsm paper, which handles even the wettest fountain pens and markers without issue. This weight is ideal for artists, heavy fountain pen users, and anyone who wants zero compromise on paper quality.
Binding Types: Thread, Spiral, and Glued
Thread binding is the gold standard for notebooks. The LEUCHTTURM1917, PAPERAGE, and BEECHMORE BOOKS all use thread binding, which allows the notebook to open completely flat. This is the best binding type for writing across both pages without fighting the spine.
Spiral binding, like the Taja Spiral Journal, lets you fold the notebook completely back on itself. This is ideal for one-handed writing in tight spaces. The trade-off is that spiral bindings can snag on bags and don’t look as professional as thread-bound options.
Glued binding is the most common budget option, like the Amazon Basics Notebook. Glued bindings don’t lay flat and tend to crack over time. They’re functional but not ideal for serious writing.
Page Count: More Isn’t Always Better
The notebooks in this roundup range from 140 pages to 320 pages. More pages means you won’t need to replace your notebook as often, but it also means a thicker, heavier book to carry.
For daily journaling, 160 to 192 pages typically lasts 2 to 3 months. The PAPERAGE and RETTACY notebooks hit this sweet spot. For heavy writers or project documentation, 240 to 320 pages reduces how often you need to start a new notebook. The CAGIE and FOCUS DAY options excel here.
Ruling Style: Lined, Dotted, or Blank
Lined ruling is the most common and works for general writing, journaling, and note-taking. If you’re unsure what you need, lined is the safe choice. Most notebooks on this list offer lined options.
Dotted ruling has become incredibly popular for bullet journaling. The subtle dot grid provides guidance for layouts without being intrusive. The LEUCHTTURM1917, CAGIE Bullet, and PAPERAGE Dotted are excellent dotted options.
Blank ruling suits artists and sketchers who want complete freedom. None of the notebooks in this roundup focus on blank pages, but some brands like PAPERAGE offer blank versions of their notebooks.
Fountain Pen Compatibility
If you write with fountain pens, paper quality matters more than any other factor. From my testing, here’s how the notebooks rank for fountain pen compatibility. The BEECHMORE BOOKS with 120 gsm paper is the clear winner, handling even broad wet nibs without bleed-through.
The PAPERAGE, CAGIE, RETTACY, and FOCUS DAY notebooks with 100 gsm paper handle fine and medium fountain pen nibs well. Ghosting is minimal, and you can write on both sides of the page comfortably.
The LEUCHTTURM1917 with 80 gsm paper works with fine nibs but shows ghosting with medium and broad nibs. The Amazon Basics and Moleskine notebooks are not recommended for fountain pen use due to their lighter paper weight.
Frequently Asked Questions About A5 Notebooks
What is the best A5 notebook for everyday writing?
The LEUCHTTURM1917 Hardcover is the best A5 notebook for everyday writing, thanks to its numbered pages, lay-flat thread binding, and 251 pages of acid-free paper. For budget-conscious buyers, the PAPERAGE Lined Journal offers excellent 100 gsm paper quality at a much lower price point.
Which A5 notebook is best for fountain pens?
The BEECHMORE BOOKS Premium Journal is the best A5 notebook for fountain pens because its 120 gsm paper handles even broad wet nibs without bleed-through. The PAPERAGE and CAGIE notebooks with 100 gsm paper also work well with fine and medium fountain pen nibs.
How many pages should an A5 notebook have?
Most A5 notebooks have between 160 and 251 pages. For daily journaling, 160 to 192 pages typically lasts 2 to 3 months. For heavy writers or project documentation, consider 240 to 320 page notebooks like the CAGIE or FOCUS DAY to reduce how often you need replacements.
What is the difference between A5 and A6 notebooks?
A5 notebooks measure approximately 5.8 x 8.3 inches, while A6 notebooks measure about 4.1 x 5.8 inches. A5 is the more popular size for journaling and note-taking because it offers more writing space while remaining portable. A6 is better for pocket carry and quick notes.
Are Moleskine notebooks worth the price?
Moleskine notebooks offer iconic design and brand recognition, but their paper quality typically doesn’t match the price. Notebooks like the LEUCHTTURM1917 offer numbered pages and better organization features for similar money, while PAPERAGE offers better paper quality at a lower price. Moleskine is worth it if you value brand heritage and classic design.
Final Thoughts on the Best A5 Notebooks
After testing 12 notebooks over several weeks, the LEUCHTTURM1917 remains the best A5 notebook overall for its unmatched organization features and proven durability. The PAPERAGE Lined Journal takes the best value spot with premium 100 gsm paper at an accessible price. And for budget buyers, the Amazon Basics Classic delivers functional writing space at the lowest cost.
Fountain pen users should look at the BEECHMORE BOOKS with its exceptional 120 gsm paper. Bullet journalers will find the CAGIE Bullet Dotted Journal offers the best combination of page count and dot grid quality. Whatever your writing style, one of these best A5 notebooks will serve you well in 2026 and beyond.
The right notebook makes a real difference in how much you enjoy writing. Pick the one that matches your needs, and start filling those pages.