Quality notebook binders keep your belongings together and organize your things neatly so they won’t slide out and into your bag. You can choose one that zips up to keep everything closed and secured, one with a buckle clasp or one that simply has secure pockets that prevent items from slipping out.
Try Modileben Leather 3-Ring Padfolio with Calculator for a notebook binder with ample storage, a built-in calculator and sturdy construction.
Most binders have simple methods of storage, such as a front and back pocket. However, there are some binders that also have space for your writing utensils, calculator, ruler, protractor and more. These kinds of organizers help you keep track of where your things are, but your notebook should also be attractive enough that you want to use it, so it should look good too.
Binders can break easily. Plastic ones with rubber joints or cheap plastic-covered cardboard ones fall apart easily. These kinds of binders have weak rubber and plastic at the creases where the notebook opens and closes. When it’s overextended or bent the wrong way, these creases tear, and you’re left with a binder that has no front or no back. Look for something made with materials that look good and will last a long time.
Before you buy a notebook binder, look into brands that are known for being durable. A binder with rings that stay clamped shut should be prized over a notebook with a special leather binding, for example.
One of the most annoying sensations in the world is trying to flip to a certain page in your binder only to have the pages bend strangely because they’re caught on uneven binder rings. This happens when you yank the rings apart to open them too often instead of using the switch. This can happen over time even if you use the switch. Higher-quality binders fit together tightly for longer, meaning you won’t have to deal with pages falling out.
All binders should have a front and back pocket, but it’s convenient to have a place to keep pencils, calculators and other tools as well. Many binders also come with a place to insert a label on the spine, so you know what the binder is for at a glance.
No one wants an unstable writing surface — a notebook binder should have enough grip to stick to the desk without moving when you press down on it. Making sure your binder has a little bit of grip can make writing easier and improve the amount of work you can get done in a short amount of time.
Even a small tear can stretch over time and eventually destroy a notebook’s binding. Rubber binders aren’t terribly strong, while leather is the most difficult to break down because of the material’s natural flexibility.
You can expect to spend anywhere from $10-$30 on a notebook binder.
A. The best notebooks are made from composite material covered in leather. They have multiple pockets to store both papers and equipment and have three rings that clamp together and don’t bend out of shape.
A. For a notebook binder to last a long time, it should have strong hinges, tough material and reinforced seams or corners. More often than not, long-lasting options are made from leather.
Modileben Leather 3-Ring Padfolio with Calculator
What you need to know: This three-ring leather notebook binder comes with a calculator and has pockets that hold paper, as well as a special pocket for your smartphone.
What you’ll love: The durable polyurethane leather of this binder can last through years of consistent use. It uses a small magnet to stay closed. It offers decent storage for a good price.
What you should consider: This notebook looks great and does a great job of organizing, but the binder rings are only 1 inch.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Case-it The Universal Zipper Binder
What you need to know: The Case-it Universal binder is utilitarian, making it perfect for school or office use.
What you’ll love: It’s large, capable of holding laptops as well as your papers and writing utensils. A convenient handle and shoulder strap make this binder simple to haul back and forth. It zips closed securely and has many pockets for ample storage.
What you should consider: Some buyers had issues with connector D-rings or zippers breaking after limited use.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: The leather casing of this binder is vegan, making it sustainable and durable.
What you’ll love: There’s a lot of room in this binder, to fit everything from laptops and tablets to credit cards. It has a built-in wallet with many places to store cards.
What you should consider: Some customers have reported that pulling the zipper too hard makes it fall off.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Sam Bramlett writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
