The best sketchbooks and notebooks you can buy

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AI-generated summary · updated September 10, 2026 · verify details before purchase.

1. 

   1 Best overall Strathmore

   Strathmore 400 Series Sketch Pad, 9x12 inch

   ★★★★★4.7/5 $11.71 Only 1 left

   Versatile heavyweight paper suitable for both dry and light wet media; a favorite among artists for its durability and smooth texture.

   • Excellent paper quality
   • Lies flat when open
   • Good for multiple media

   • Slight tooth may not suit ultra-fine detail

   View on Amazon manufacturer site
2. 

   2 Best budget pick Canson

   Canson XL Series Sketch Pad, 9x12 inch

   ★★★★★4.6/5 $14.95 Only 1 left

   Affordable sketch pad with 100 sheets of lightweight, acid-free paper; ideal for daily sketching and practice.

   • Very affordable
   • Acid-free paper
   • Lots of sheets

   • Paper is thin for wet media
   • Spiral binding can snag

   View on Amazon manufacturer site
3. 

   3 Best for portability Moleskine

   Moleskine Art Collection Sketchbook, Large

   ★★★★☆4.4/5 $14.00 Only 2 left

   Iconic hardcover sketchbook with thick, ivory paper that handles pencil, pen, and light washes; includes elastic closure and bookmark.

   • Compact and stylish
   • Durable cover
   • Acid-free paper

   • Expensive per page
   • Not for heavy wet media

   View on Amazon manufacturer site
4. 

   4 Best for watercolor Pentalic

   Pentalic Aqua Journal, 5x8 inch

   ★★★★☆4.5/5 $15.00 Only 1 left

   Designed for wet media with 140lb/300gsm watercolor paper; lay-flat binding and heavy-weight sheets resist buckling.

   • Handles watercolor well
   • Lay-flat binding
   • Durable paper

   • Small size only
   • Limited sheets (40)

   View on Amazon manufacturer site
5. 

   5 Best for mixed media LEUCHTTURM1917

   Leuchtturm1917 Sketchbook, Medium (A5)

   ★★★★☆4.3/5 $26.75

   Hardcover sketchbook with numbered pages, table of contents, and gusseted pocket; 90gsm paper is suitable for pencil, pen, and light washes.

   • Numbered pages
   • Sturdy hardcover
   • Detachable pages

   • Paper too thin for heavy media
   • Expensive

   View on Amazon manufacturer site
6. 

   6 Best for drawing Stillman & Birn

   Stillman & Birn Beta Series Sketchbook, 8.5x11 inch

   ★★★★★4.6/5 $22.40 Only 20 left

   Creamy, off-white paper with a slight tooth that takes graphite, charcoal, and pen beautifully; 100gsm weight resists erasing wear.

   • Excellent tooth for drawing
   • Lay-flat binding
   • Archival quality

   • Not for wet media
   • Pricey

   View on Amazon manufacturer site
7. 

   7 Best for pen & ink Rhodia

   Rhodia Classic DotPad, A4

   ★★★★☆4.5/5 $37.06 Only 3 left

   Smooth, bright white, 80gsm paper that is fountain pen friendly; dot grid layout aids drawing and layout work.

   • Ultra-smooth surface
   • Fountain pen friendly
   • Perforated sheets

   • Thin paper may bleed with heavy ink
   • No cover protection

   View on Amazon manufacturer site
8. 

   8 Best value pack ARTEZA

   Arteza Sketch Book, 9x12 inch, Pack of 2

   ★★★★☆4.4/5 $24.99

   Two sketchbooks with 100 sheets each of 68lb/100gsm acid-free paper; durable hardcover and ribbon bookmark.

   • Great value
   • Acid-free paper
   • Hardcover protection

   • Paper not ideal for wet media
   • Binding may loosen over time

   View on Amazon

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