New year, new bujo!

Updated: December 5, 2020 at 2pm PT
Originally Posted: November 26, 2019 at 6:00am PT

The end of the year is fast approaching which means it’s time for a new bullet journal.

If you’re new to bullet journaling or you’re looking for a new notebook, I’ve compiled a quick comparison guide of three dot grid notebook brands below. You’ll find information regarding size, material, paper color and weight, and—of course—pen tests for bleeding, ghosting, and scratch.

Notebook Brands: Overview

Leuchtturm1917: Official bullet journal brand with a myriad of colors
Note: For the purposes of this guide, I’ll only be reviewing the Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover A5 notebooks, without the Bullet Journal features.

I used the Leuchtturm1917 for my 2017 and 2018 bullet journals, in royal blue and nordic blue respectively.

Dingbats: The eco-friendly choice
On their site Dingbats claims, “all materials are degradable and recyclable.” They also promote a “future in which humans live in harmony with nature.”

For 2019, I went with the Wildlife Blue Whale Notebook.

Archer & Olive: For multimedia journalists and supporters of woman-owned businesses
According to the founder, Bonnie Kuhl, their mission is to “help you plan your days with intention, improve your mental health, and carve time out for creativity.”

My 2020 bujo is the Night Sky 192 Page Notebook. It reminds me of the Alaska state flag and that makes me happy.

Comparison Guide

General Features:

All notebooks have an elastic closure, at least one bookmark, and a pocket. The Leuchtturm1917 had the most pages and an index, but I don’t really use an index in my notebooks. If I were to use one, I don’t mind creating my own on a blank page.

Although the Leuchtturm1917 also had numbered pages, I don’t mind numbering my own pages in case I mess up and need to cover the page or tear it out for scratch paper.

I’ve listed additional features in my bullet journal comparison guide chart further down below!

Size: Smallest A5 to largest A5 (inches)

1. Tie: Archer & Olive and Leuchtturm1917 - 5.7 x 8.2

2. Dingbats - 6.3 x 8.5

Margins: Smallest to biggest margin

1. Archer & Olive

2. Tie: Leuchtturm1917 and Dingbats

Paper Brightness: From white to cream

1. Archer & Olive

2. Leuchtturm1917

3. Dingbats

Paper Smoothness: From the smoothest to roughest feel

1. Dingbats

2. Archer & Olive

3. Leuchtturm1917

After switching to the Archer & Olive notebook for 2020, I still miss the feel of the Dingbats notebook in 2020—it’s much silkier than the Archer & Olive and Leuchtturm1917 notebooks.

Bleeding: Most to least ink soaking through the page

1. Leuchtturm1917

2. Dingbats

3. Archer & Olive

In both the Dingbats and Leuchtturm1917, the Sharpie Ultra Fine Point pen bled through a bit. On the other hand, the Archer & Olive paper held up even to the Sharpie!

Ghosting: Most to least visible ink on the other side of the page

1. Leuchtturm1917

2. Dingbats

3. Archer & Olive

True to its description, the Archer & Olive notebook had zero ghosting, except for the Sharpie which I don’t typically use in my bullet journals anyway.

Scratch: Most to least sound when using brush pens, markers, or highlighters

1. Archer & Olive

2. Tie: Leuchtturm1917 and Dingbats

To be honest, I was surprised at how much my brush pens and markers scratched against the Archer & Olive notebook, especially since the pens didn’t sound as bad. The sound isn’t a deal breaker for me though.

Cover Durability: Most to least durable

1. Dingbats

2. Archer & Olive*

3. Leuchtturm1917*

The Dingbats cover is textured so it has held up to scuffs and marks very well. The smooth hardcover of the Leuchtturm1917 shows scuffs and marks a bit more. A year later, the Archer & Olive’s linen hardcover is holding up pretty well. While my Leuchtturm1917 is tearing slightly near the binding, the Archer & Olive shows no signs of tearing, so it moves up the ranking in terms of durability.

*Originally, I ranked the Leuchtturm1917 and Archer & Olive as a tie.

Cover Cleanability: Most to least easy to clean

1. Dingbats

2. Leuchtturm1917

3. Archer & Olive**

Both the Dingbats and Leuchtturm1917 are pretty easy to clean if needed, but I ranked the Dingbats notebook higher due to its textured cover. The Archer & Olive’s linen cover attracts dust and I’m honestly a little scared of spilling something on it. I wouldn’t know how to clean it!

**While I didn’t spill anything on the Archer & Olive, and therefore still don’t know how to clean spills off the cover, I decided that I don’t like the linen cover as much as I like the Leuchtturm1917’s vinyl-like cover and the Dingbats PU vegan leather cover. A lint roller cleans the dust right off the Archer & Olive, but it’s still annoying for a $35 notebook.

Price: Highest to lowest price (USD)

1. Archer & Olive - $35.00

2. Tie: Leuchtturm1917 and Dingbats - $19.95

I definitely splurged on the Archer & Olive notebook for 2020 due to its superior paper quality. I also don’t mind paying a little extra to support a small, woman-owned business.

Overall, while the price, cover, and lack of perforated pages or silk feel are downsides, I’m going with the Archer & Olive for a second year in a row. I enjoyed the thicker, bright white paper and I can’t wait to try out Archer & Olive’s acrylograph markers!

I would still return to Dingbats because it is eco-friendly and I do miss the textured, PU leather cover.

I also changed my mind on going back to the Leuchtturm1917. The Leuchtturm1917 is still a good choice for anyone who isn’t bothered by a little ghosting or bleeding. While I wouldn’t buy the Leuchtturm1917 for multimedia, I would buy it again for its range of color options and for simpler, back-to-basics bujo-ing. In fact, I’m using one right now as a diary-style notebook and I couldn’t be happier.

Sometimes, simple is best.

I hope this (updated) bullet journal notebook comparison guide helps you on your bujo notebook hunt. If you have any questions that would help you make a notebook decision, comment below, DM me on IG, or email me at here—I’d love to assist.

Q: What’s your favorite journal or planner? What notebook/planner comparisons would you like to see next?

Happy journaling, my friends!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, but is not sponsored. For more information, view my disclosure policy here. All thoughts and opinions are my own

This post goes well with:

2022 Bullet Journal Set-Up
2021 Bullet Journal Review
2020 Yearly Bullet Journal Set-Up
2019 Bullet Journal Review
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