5 Best Sketchbooks - May 2026

80-sheet, standard-sized sketchbook gives artists a flat surface to work on individually, or combine both sides into a single masterpiece.

Check Price Check Price

PROS

Favorite among artists of all kinds.
Lay-flat design helps artists utilize every inch of paper space.
Excellent sketchbook for dry mediums and some light washes.
Round edges prevent dog-earing.
Smooth drawing surface for small detail work and with enough tooth to capture large objects, too.
Magnetic seal protects the paper in your bag or backpack.

CONS

Beware of wet mediums and alcohol inks, as they're prone to bleed right through.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Bachmore

Drawing Pad, 9 x 12-Inch

Best for Beginners

Bargain brand mixed media sketchbook that gives artists more freedom than similarly priced competitors.

Check Price Check Price

PROS

100 two-sided sheets adjust to whatever artists work on next.
Heavy paper improves pencil sketches, pen and ink drawings, and light washes without warping or unattractive smudges.
More paper to work with.
Spiral-bound design lets artists flip to the next page without warping and bending.

CONS

Weak cover may break if you're not careful.
While built to hold some paint, lightweight primers are best for wet mediums and help offset the bleeding.

illo

Pocket Sketchbook, 4.5 x 4.5-Inch

Best for Urban Sketching

Heavy paper provides a tougher surface to sketch on, while lay-flat design lets artists explore different mediums and applications.

Check Price Check Price

PROS

180 gsm ideal for urban sketchers who need enough weight for light washes with wet mediums.
Strap on the hardcover offers improved protection.
112 pages is more than most mixed media sketchbooks offer.
Square design perfect for sharing on social media.

CONS

While the paper stands up to light washes, additional primer is recommended for heavy painting.

Arteza

Mini Sketchbook, 3.5 x 5.5-Inch, Set of 2

Pocket-Sized Fun

A favorite among sketchers who want something small that's accessible for spur-of-the-moment inspiration as they go about their day.

Check Price Check Price

PROS

Fits in artist's pocket, purse, bag, or hand.
Heavy paper holds up to light washes as well as pencil sketches, making it suitable for urban sketchers and mixed media artists alike.
Hard case protects the paper, while rounded edges prevent unneeded folds.

CONS

Small size is a nuisance for those who work on larger pieces.

Strathmore

400 Series Recycled Sketch Pad, 9 x 12-Inch

Simple Yet Solid

Go-to basic sketching pad with fine-toothed paper that lets dry mediums shine on the surface.

Check Price Check Price

PROS

120 sheets give artists plenty of room to sketch, doodle, illustrate, and plan their next masterpiece.
While it isn't the best for preservation, it's a perfect pad for simple projects, concept sketches, and with some care and extra steps, archival use.
Natural tone lets artwork pop off the sheet without artificial brightness.

CONS

Front cover breaks easily in bag and offers minimal protection for the paper inside.
Beware of bleeding markers.

Why trust BestReviews?

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews

How We Tested

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights

First Reviewed

October 27, 2021

Models
considered

Hours
researched