You may have tried bullet journaling before, or seen it crop up on your Pinterest or Instagram feed, or maybe you've never heard of it!
I've been keeping a bullet journal for nearly 5 years now, and have made just about every mistake you can - so I know exactly what not to do. Stay tuned to learn about the best bullet journaling techniques, pages, and tools you can use to create the best bullet journal.
Bullet journaling is popular organisational technique for those looking to reflect, and enjoy a more visual and creative way to organise day-to-day tasks and thoughts.
While many of us use digital calendars to track appointments and social events, keeping a bullet journal is a more liberating alternative, as you can personalise your journal to fit your way of thinking.
Bullet journals typically have dotted rather than lined pages, making them perfect for ticking off to-do lists. You can also create your own symbol system to signify personal achievements, intentions and appointments.
I tested 5 of the best bullet journal brands with a huge range of materials so you don't have to. Read on to discover the winner!
Jump straight to...
- How we tested
- Scribble & Dot bullet journal
- Yop & Tom bullet journal
- Scribbles That Matter bullet journal
- What is bullet journaling?
- What to include in a bullet journal?
- Bullet journal FAQs
For more on bullet journals, take a look at our detailed guide on how to bullet journal and where to start.
How we tested
Five points were allocated across five different criteria: construction, writing tools, art tools, features, and value for money.
Each bullet journal underwent rigorous testing with an extensive range of writing tools, from fine liners to brush pens, alongside a diverse selection of art mediums, including watercolour and acrylic.
I also considered factors such as binding style, size availability, cover material, and paper gsm, along with internal elements like index pages, key pages, and inclusion of features such as a grid guide.
I weight up the price and overall value for money of each journal to ascertain the final rating.
Best bullet journals
1. Scribble & Dot bullet journal
Key features
- Paper gsm: 160
- Number of pages: 162
- Size: A5
- RRP: £17.95
The Scribble & Dot bullet journal has quickly become my favourite for its luxurious yet durable design. The cushioned A5 cover, crafted from deep green fabric with a gold foil monstera leaf motif, feels high-end and remains unscathed after weeks of use.
Its 160 pages of 160gsm paper are perfect for all my writing and drawing needs, complemented by two satin ribbon page markers, an elastic closure, and a back pocket for storing extras. The journal lays flat thanks to its sewn binding, making it easy to write on any page, and the faint grid dots are unobtrusive.
In terms of performance, most pens, including Staedtler fine liners and Pentel brush pens, work flawlessly with no feathering, ghosting, or bleeding. Even art tools like watercolours, gouache, and acrylics perform excellently without bleeding or feathering, even when heavily diluted.
Despite its high-quality feel and numerous features, this journal is incredibly affordable and even comes wrapped in gift paper, making it perfect as a gift. Using the Scribble & Dot bullet journal has been a joy, seamlessly integrating into my daily routine and enhancing my planning and creative activities.
Read my full review for more on the Scribble & Dot bullet journal.
Pros: Luxurious feeling cushioned hard cover | Fantastic value for money | High quality 160gsm paper | Comes in gift box
Cons: No centre marks for finding the middle of the page easily
- Buy now from Amazon (£14.95 | $13.95), Etsy (£17.95 | $23.72), Not on The High Street (£24.95)
For more journal inspiration, explore these 18 art journal ideas to spark your creativity.
2. Yop & Tom Vegan Leather Hardback bullet journal
Key features
- Paper gsm: 160
- Number of pages: 160
- Size: A5
- RRP: £19.99
The vegan leather cover of Yop & Tom A5 Dotted Notebook is available in a range of colours and gold-embossed motifs, and feels buttery smooth - although it gained a few marks and signs of wear easily.
The journal’s 160 pages of 160gsm paper handled almost all my pens and art mediums without issue, and its sewn binding allows it to lay nearly flat. Practical elements such as the elastic closure, two satin ribbon page markers, and reinforced pocket for storage add to its appeal.
What truly sets this journal apart are its unique features. It’s the only one I've tested with centre markers on each page, making it incredibly easy to find the middle, which is really handy for precise layouts. Additionally, the included Grid Guide is a game-changer, offering a variety of page layouts and grid sizes for creating custom spreads—something all journals should have.
Priced at £19.99, it strikes a balance between affordability and quality, making the Yop & Tom bullet journal a fantastic choice that I highly recommend.
Read my full review for more on the Yop & Tom bullet journal.
Pros: Handy grid guide is simple, yet invaluable addition | High quality 160gsm paper | Huge range of colours and embossed detail | Good value
Cons: Cover doesn't feel as high quality as some others on test
- Buy now from Amazon (£19.99 | £27.99), Walmart ($24.99)
Record your adventures with our favourite travel journal ideas!
3. Scribbles That Matter bullet journal
Key features
- Paper gsm: 160 (120 available)
- Number of pages: 150
- Size: A5 (B5 Pro version available)
- RRP: £26.97
If you're looking for a journal that's as funky and bold as you, the Scribbles That Matter Dotted Journal is the perfect choice! With its vegan leather cover imprinted with iconic designs available in various vibrant colours, it stands out in any setting. If you're not such a fan of the designs, the Pro edition offers a plain finish for a more understated look.
The journal includes 150 pages of either 160gsm or 120gsm paper, sewn binding, an elastic closure, two satin ribbon page markers, and a reinforced pocket for added functionality.
In my experience, the paper quality is excellent, handling most pens, including Staedtler fine liners, Pentel gel pens, rollerballs, and brush pens, without feathering, ghosting, or bleeding. Only alcohol-based markers had issues, which was expected. Art mediums also performed well, with no bleeding or ghosting.
The journal features a 'belongs to' page, key, index, pen test page, page numbers, and a measuring ruler for creating spreads. Despite its higher price at £26.97, the included fine liner and ruler add value, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking for a quality journal that's both functional and fun.
Read my full review for more on the Scribbles That Matter bullet journal.
Pros: High quality 160gsm paper | Quality vegan leather cover | Comes with pen and grid guide
Cons: Not a fan of the cover design, but others are available | Quite expensive
- Buy now from Amazon (£19.97 | $19.97)
4. Yop & Tom Paper Hardback bullet journal
Key features
- Paper gsm: 120
- Number of pages: 180
- Size: A5
- RRP: £14.99
If you're on a bit more of a budget and are less fussed about fancy artworks, the Yop & Tom Paper Hardback bullet journal is a great choice. I loved its vibrantly coloured cover, though it did show scratches within the first few days and felt less durable compared to vegan leather competitors. However, its affordability at £14.99 makes it an appealing option.
With 180 pages of 120gsm paper, it offers more pages than many other journals, though the paper is thinner. It features two satin ribbon page markers and an elastic closure, though it lacks a pocket for storing loose items, which I found to be a minor inconvenience.
In terms of performance, most pens worked well, but some, like the uni-ball rollerball and Staedler felt tip, showed slight feathering and ghosting. Alcohol-based markers, as expected, bled through. Surprisingly, art mediums like watercolours and gouache performed well with minimal ghosting and paper degradation.
The journal includes a key, index page, pen test page, page numbers, and centre marks, which I found very useful for creating layouts. Given its price and features, this journal offers excellent value for money and is ideal for those who prefer a minimalist approach and won't heavily use brush pens or felt tips.
Read my full review for more on the Yop & Tom Paper Hardback bullet journal.
Pros: Most pages on test with 180 | Affordable price | Plenty of features | Handy centre marks for finding middle of page easily
Cons: Cover scratched quite quickly | Thinner 120gsm paper | No 'belongs to' page
- Buy now from Amazon (£14.99 | $19.99)
5. Leuchtterm1917 Dotted Notebook Classic
Key features
- Paper gsm: 80
- Number of pages: 123
- Size: A5 (B5, B6, B6+ available)
- RRP: £19.50
If you're looking for a lightweight journal that's flexible and colorful, the Leuchtterm1917 Dotted Notebook is a solid choice. I loved its soft, leather-feel cover and the 'flop factor' that makes it easy to lay flat while writing.
With 123 pages of 80gsm paper, it's slimmer and lighter than other journals I've tested, making it easy to carry around. It comes with two satin ribbon page markers, an elastic closure, and a pocket filled with a sticker set for labelling and archiving.
In my experience, the Leuchtterm1917 handled art mediums like watercolours and gouache well, with minimal paper degradation despite the lighter weight. However, all pens caused ghosting, and felt tips and water-based brush pens had slight bleeding. The paper's smooth sheen made writing with brush pens easy, without feathering.
Despite having fewer pages and a lower gsm than other journals, its high-quality cover and array of colours make it appealing. Though relatively expensive, it’s a great option if you prefer a slim, softcover journal and don't mind some ghosting. I used it as a bullet journal for four years before switching to thicker paper, appreciating its light, slim profile.
Read my full review for more on the Leuchtterm1917 soft cover dotted journal.
Pros: 'Flop factor' | Stands up to paint | Lightweight and portable
Cons: Causes ghosting with most pens | Thinner paper | Fewer pages | Still fairly expensive
- Buy now from Amazon (£16.44 | $22.95), Ryman (£19.99)
Also consider...
We haven't tested these journals, but we think they'd make a good choice!
Papier dotted journal
Papier is a wonderful place to look for bullet journals - it's hard to pick a favourite as there are so many gorgeous designs available! We were taken with this fun and quirky bright orange and pink flowery design. Choose between plain, dotted or lined to suit your bullet journaling preferences.
- Buy now from Papier (£23 | $28)
The Positive bullet journal
As an official bullet journal, rather than a standard dotted notepad, you'll find a fantastic mix of motivational phrases, geometric pages and colour in the Positive Bullet Journal from author Alison McDowall.
Keep track of your day-to-day appointments as well as your monthly intentions in this lovely bullet journal. Or why not grab your favourite pencils and enjoy a soothing afternoon of doodles and colouring?
- Buy now from Waterstones (£24.99)
Feeling crafty? Make your own bullet journal with our guide on how to make an embroidered journal.
Moleskin Large Soft Cover Dotted Notebook
Moleskine notebooks are popular with artists and writers and are inspired by the type of journals used by Picasso, Van Gogh and Hemingway.
They're high quality and come with beautiful ivory coloured paper. This particular design features a soft black cover and dotted pages.
Welcome a loved one's little one into the world with our baby scrapbooking ideas.
Etsy bullet journal
Feeling fruity? This peachy design is a sweet pick, and it's an affordable choice too proving you don't have to splash out to create a gorgeous stationery collection!
Featuring spiral binding, and 80 dotted pages, this bullet journal is the perfect tool to start your journaling journey.
- Buy now from Etsy ($6.80 | $5.89)
If you're on the lookout for bullet journal accessories, check out the best watercolour pens and the best drawing pencils.
Undated, premade bullet journal
This bullet journal is perfect for beginners because it comes with pre-designed sections. My Journal Addiction has created this pre-drawn bullet journal which has 12 original themes.
It contains 208 A5 pages which features everything from weekly spreads, habit trackers, expense pages, and much more.
- Buy now from Etsy ($43.72)
Watercolour Rose bullet journal
This pretty watercolour bullet journal is available to buy over on Amazon and is by the German company Michael Fischer.
It's received great reviews and is on the cheaper end of the bullet journal market making it a fab option for beginners.
What is bullet journaling?
In simple terms, bullet journaling is a means of staying organised by combining elements of a planner, diary, to-do list, and journal. Developed by Ryder Carroll, bullet journaling offers a customisable approach to organising tasks, events, goals, and thoughts using a simple system of bullet points.
In recent years, bullet journaling has become something of an internet craze, with bujo-users sharing their artistic creations on social media platforms. Some users choose to follow a monthly theme, incorporating drawings and artwork into their life planning.
However, the original 'rapid logging' style of bullet journaling, where tasks and events are quickly recorded using symbols, encourages simple, productive note-taking that anyone can do.
What to include in a bullet journal?
Typically, a bullet journal consists of a future log, monthly log, daily log, index, and collections.
- The future log is your year in advance. Dedicate a few pages at the beginning of you bujo to logging each month of the coming year, with some space for dates or notes.
- The monthly log is an overview of your month. Use a double page spread to draw a calendar, or simply list the dates down one side of the page to make notes and add events or deadlines.
- The daily log consists of your day-to-day plans and events in detail. Draw empty bullets for incomplete tasks, fill them in once completed, use a dash for notes, exclamation mark for events, or devise your own key to suit your needs.
- Index: Most of the bullet journals I tested include an index at the front, which is useful for keeping pages and collections organised.
- Collections are pages grouped by themes of information and events that you've noted down and wish to reference later.
This is a good guideline for where to start, but you can structure your bullet journal however you like! Many bujo-ers include habit trackers, mood trackers, and gratitude sections in their journals. You can even track your menstrual cycle or finances, or phases of the moon! Whatever you're interested in, there's room for it in your bullet journal.
Bullet journal FAQs
What is paper gsm?
Paper gsm stands for grams per square metre. Standard notebook paper typically has a gsm ranging from 60 to 100. However, it can vary depending on the brand and intended use of the notebook.
Most of the bullet journals featured in my review come with 160gsm paper, reflecting a trend among major bullet journal brands to elevate gsm levels over time. This adjustment accommodates bullet journal enthusiasts, enabling them to explore a diverse range of mediums for their themed spreads without worrying about ink bleeding.
What is feathering/ghosting/bleeding?
Different pens can cause different effects on paper, resulting in a distorted look on the page.
- Feathering describes the effect of ink spreading out from the original line in a vein-like appearance, and usually happens on thinner paper used with fountain pens or rollerballs.
- Ghosting is when a faint shadow of the pen shines through onto the other side of the paper, and usually occurs with thinner paper.
- Bleeding is when the ink spreads from the original line in an even expansion, or soaks through completely onto the other side of the page, and is often exhibited by alcohol-based pens such as Sharpie or Promarkers.
Water or alcohol based pens?
In general, water-based pens are better for bullet journaling as they prevent bleeding or ghosting. Most gel pens, rollerballs, and fine liners are water-based, as well as certain felt tips and brush pens.
Alcohol-based pens are best used for illustration and art works, as they offer smooth application and vibrant colours that can be blended easily. However, they should be used with smooth, high gsm paper and they tend to bleed through journal paper.
Soft or hard cover?
Softcover journals feature flexible covers made of materials like cardstock or fabric, offering portability and lightweight design for everyday use. They frequently offer fewer pages and are convenient for carrying in bags or pockets but may offer less protection and durability compared to hardcover journals.
Hardcover journals, on the other hand, have rigid covers made of materials like cardboard or chipboard, providing sturdiness and better protection for the pages inside. They are more durable and long-lasting, and often have more pages and thicker paper.
Make your bullet journal your own
There are many benefits to using a bullet journal, and here at Gathered we love how you can turn something as simple as an empty, dotted notepad, into a personal, organisational and reflective tool that works for you specifically. Once you've built up a few, you have the pleasure of reading past bullet journals, so it's a lovely way to reminisce too.
There are no rules of exactly what you have to include either, so grab a bullet journal - whatever your budget or experience - and make it your own!
Personalise your bullet journal with Gathered!
Fancy adding a touch of glamour to your bullet journal? Find inspiration with our favourite glitter glue crafts.
