10Best.Guide

Moleskine Notebooks

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Durable cover and spine
  • Classic and professional look
  • Comes in various colors
  • Great for journaling and writing
  • Soft and velvety cover
Cons
  • Paper could be heavier
  • Threading may break
Bottom Line
Moleskine notebooks are a classic and professional option for journaling, note-taking, and traveling. They have a durable cover and spine, come in various colors, and hold up well over time. The paper could be heavier, and there may be issues with threading breaking, but overall, they are a great choice for those who value a classic and professional look.
Pros
  • Good quality paper that doesn't bleed through
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Professional and sleek appearance
  • Perfect size for portability
  • Tactile and satisfying to use
Cons
  • Thin paper that shows ink through the back
  • Inconsistent quality in recent years
Bottom Line
The Moleskine Classic Notebook is a high-quality and durable notebook that is perfect for those who want to take notes in style. However, the thin paper may not be suitable for those who use ink or pencil heavily, and there have been some issues with inconsistent quality and packaging during shipping.
Pros
  • Perfect size and weight for note-taking.
  • Soft paper that takes most types of ink beautifully.
  • Professional and classy appearance.
  • Leather binding is well-made.
  • Bookmark and closing strap are useful.
Cons
  • Paper is too thin.
  • New paper is not as smooth as the old paper.
Bottom Line
Moleskine notebooks are a professional and classy option for note-taking and organizing thoughts, but the quality has declined in recent years with thinner paper and warping pages. They are expensive, but worth the investment for those who prioritize appearance and organization.
Pros
  • Large number of pages (200 or 400)
  • Sturdy and well-bound
  • Good for dry media (pencil, ballpoint)
  • Elastic band closure
  • Good for Bullet Journaling
Cons
  • Paper quality has gone down
  • Bleed-through with wet media (fountain pens, markers)
Bottom Line
Moleskine expanded notebooks are a good option for those who need a large number of pages and prefer dry media. However, the paper quality has gone down and may not be suitable for wet media. The notebooks are reasonably priced and well-suited for Bullet Journaling.
Pros
  • Thick and expanded size
  • Good quality feel and leather binding
  • Protective cover and folder for loose pages
  • Great for sketching and thumbnailing
  • Bound beautifully and elastic closure is well made
Cons
  • Pages are too thin and transparent
  • Pages fold and mark easily
Bottom Line
The Moleskine Expanded 400 page lined journal is a great option for those looking for a lot of pages and a smooth surface for writing and bullet journaling. However, the thin and transparent pages may not be suitable for those who want to use certain pens and highlighters.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Moleskine Notebooks

Overview

Moleskine notebooks are a popular choice for writers, artists, students, and professionals alike. With a wide range of sizes, paper types, and cover materials, there is a Moleskine notebook to suit every need. In this buying guide, we will explore the different types of Moleskine notebooks, key considerations when choosing a notebook, important features to look for, pricing information, tips for using your notebook, and frequently asked questions.

Types

Moleskine notebooks come in a variety of types, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most popular types:

1. Classic Notebooks: These are the most iconic Moleskine notebooks, with a durable cover and acid-free paper. They come in a variety of sizes and colors, and are perfect for everyday use.

2. Cahier Notebooks: These notebooks have a flexible cover and come in sets of three. They are lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for travel or on-the-go use.

3. Limited Edition Notebooks: Moleskine releases limited edition notebooks throughout the year, featuring unique designs and themes. These notebooks are highly collectible and make great gifts.

4. Smart Notebooks: Moleskine's smart notebooks allow you to digitize your notes and sketches using the Moleskine app. They come with a special pen that tracks what you write, and the app allows you to edit and share your notes.

Key Considerations

When choosing a Moleskine notebook, there are several key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Size: Moleskine notebooks come in a variety of sizes, from pocket-sized to large. Consider how you will be using your notebook and choose a size that fits your needs.

2. Paper Type: Moleskine notebooks come with a variety of paper types, including lined, dotted, and blank. Think about what you will be using your notebook for and choose a paper type that works for you.

3. Cover Material: Moleskine notebooks come with a variety of cover materials, including hardcover, softcover, and leather. Consider the durability and style of each option when making your choice.

Features

Moleskine notebooks come with a variety of features to enhance your writing and drawing experience. Here are some of the most important features to look for:

1. Acid-Free Paper: Moleskine notebooks use acid-free paper, which helps prevent yellowing and deterioration over time.

2. Elastic Closure: Many Moleskine notebooks come with an elastic closure to keep your notebook securely closed when not in use.

3. Ribbon Bookmark: Moleskine notebooks often come with a ribbon bookmark, making it easy to keep your place in your notebook.

4. Expandable Pocket: Some Moleskine notebooks come with an expandable pocket in the back, perfect for storing loose papers or notes.

Prices

Moleskine notebooks vary in price depending on size, type, and features. Classic notebooks start at around $10, while limited edition and smart notebooks can cost upwards of $30.

Tips

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your Moleskine notebook:

1. Use a ruler or straight edge to keep your lines straight and your drawings precise.

2. Experiment with different pen and pencil types to find the ones that work best with your notebook and paper type.

3. Use the expandable pocket to keep loose papers or notes organized and easily accessible.

4. Consider using your notebook for more than just writing - try using it as a planner, sketchbook, or journal.

FAQs

Q: Are Moleskine notebooks refillable?

A: No, Moleskine notebooks are not refillable. However, they do come in a variety of sizes and types to suit different needs.

Q: Can I use a fountain pen with a Moleskine notebook?

A: Yes, Moleskine notebooks are compatible with fountain pens. However, the paper is not specifically designed for fountain pens and may not be as smooth as specialty paper.

Q: How do I clean my Moleskine notebook?

A: Moleskine notebooks should be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning products, as they may damage the cover or paper.

Q: Can I customize my Moleskine notebook?

A: Yes, Moleskine offers customization options for some of their notebooks, including adding a personal message or logo to the cover.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • High quality brand
  • Durable and reliable
  • Comes in different sizes and colors
  • Luxurious and practical
  • Holds up well to heavy amounts of ink laydown
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Page thickness is not what it once was
Bottom Line
Moleskine notebooks are a high-quality and reliable option for those who want a luxurious and practical notebook. However, they can be expensive and the page thickness and paper quality may not be consistent.
Pros
  • Great size for writing a lot on each page.
  • Dot spacing is perfect.
  • Sits flat.
  • Simple design.
  • Paper weight is heavy enough to prevent ink bleeding through.
Cons
  • Thin paper that bleeds through easily.
  • Dots are not super dark.
Bottom Line
The Moleskine notebook is a great option for those who want a durable and well-designed notebook to write in. However, the thin paper may not be suitable for those who use liquid ink pens or have a heavy hand when writing.
Pros
  • Great quality and durable.
  • Conveniently shaped and perfect size.
  • Cheaper alternative to other brands.
  • Perfect for note-taking and journaling.
  • Sturdy covers and quality paper.
Cons
  • Shipping issues with third-party sellers.
  • Misleading product description.
Bottom Line
Moleskine notebooks are a great choice for those who want a durable, convenient, and compact notebook for note-taking, journaling, and travel experiences. However, buyers should be aware of potential shipping issues with third-party sellers, misleading product descriptions, and the possibility of some pens bleeding through the paper.
Pros
  • Great color selection
  • Dotted pages make notebook versatile
  • High-quality paper texture
  • Moleskine stands by their product
  • Good means to "refresh" memory
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Pages are too thin for fountain pens
Bottom Line
The Moleskine dotted journal is a high-quality notebook with versatile dotted pages and a great color selection. However, it is expensive and the thin pages may not be suitable for all writing instruments.
Pros
  • Trusted brand
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Convenient size for carrying around
  • Good for bullet journaling and note-taking
  • Grid lines are helpful for mapping and organizing
Cons
  • Inconsistent quality
  • Expensive
Bottom Line
Moleskine Classic Hard Cover Squared Notebook 5x8 is a trusted and durable option for those who need a convenient size for carrying around and good quality paper for bullet journaling and note-taking. However, it is expensive and may have inconsistent quality and bleed-through with some pens. The grid lines may not line up across pages and the lines in squared notebooks are too dark.
Please add more products to compare
You can compare up to four products at once
{{compareData.brand}}