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The short answer: For most people, Leuchtturm1917 offers the best all-around balance of paper quality, features, and durability, making it ideal for bullet journaling and daily writing. Rhodia wins on buttery-smooth paper and minimal bleed-through at a slightly lower price, while Moleskine excels in classic aesthetic and cultural cachet but has more ink bleed and ghosting. The right choice depends on your writing tools and whether you prioritize style over function. Check our best journals buying guide for more options.
The heart of any journal is its paper. Here’s how these three stack up with different pens.
Moleskine: Uses 70gsm ivory paper. It feels smooth but is relatively thin. With fountain pens or heavy ink, you’ll likely see ghosting (shadows of previous pages) and some bleed-through, especially with wet nibs. Gel pens and ballpoints work fine. The paper has a slight texture that some find pleasant.
Leuchtturm1917: Features 80gsm acid-free paper with a subtle grid or dot pattern. It’s a bit thicker and more opaque than Moleskine. Most fountain pens (fine and medium nibs) write with minimal ghosting and no bleed, though very wet inks may still show through. It handles a range of media well, including markers like Tombow dual brush pens, though heavy layering can cause bleed.
Rhodia: Known for its ultra-smooth, coated paper (90gsm for most notebooks). This coating prevents ink from soaking in too quickly, so the ink dries slower but produces crisp, sharp lines with no feathering. Bleed-through is rare even with fountain pens, and ghosting is minimal. However, the smoothness can cause smudging if you’re not careful, and it’s not ideal for dry media like pencil or pastel because it has little tooth.
Bottom line: If you use fountain pens or want the least bleed, Rhodia leads. For a good compromise, Leuchtturm1917 is solid. Moleskine is best for classic ballpoint users who don’t mind a bit of ghosting.
Journals aren’t just paper; they’re systems.
Moleskine: Offers classic ruled, dotted, squared, and plain. It includes a ribbon bookmark, an elastic closure, and an expandable inner pocket. The pages are not numbered, and there’s no table of contents, which can be a drawback for bullet journalists. The cover is a hard, slightly textured cardboard that develops a patina with use.
Leuchtturm1917: This is a bullet journal favorite because it comes with numbered pages (up to 251) and a pre-printed table of contents. It has two ribbon bookmarks, an elastic closure, a pocket, and a sticker sheet for labeling. Available in a wide array of colors and layouts (dot, lined, grid, plain). The cover is a sturdy hardcover with a slightly soft-touch feel.
Rhodia: Often found as staple-bound notebooks or with a softcover, though they also have hardcover options. Many Rhodia notebooks have perforated pages for easy removal. The layout is typically graph, lined, or dot, but you won’t find numbered pages or tables of contents. The cover is flexible (some have a metal back), and they lie flat easily thanks to the lay-flat binding.
Bottom line: For organization and long-term projects, Leuchtturm1917 wins with its numbering and TOC. Moleskine offers a simpler, more traditional feel. Rhodia is great for on-the-go notes where you might tear out pages.
How well do these journals hold up to daily use?
Moleskine: The hardcover is durable, but the binding is glued (perfect bound). Over time, pages can come loose if you open it flat aggressively. The elastic band stretches, and the cover corners may wear. Many users report the cover scuffs easily.
Leuchtturm1917: Also uses a glued binding, but it’s reinforced and lies flatter than Moleskine. The hardcover is robust, and the spine holds up well. The ribbon bookmarks are stitched in, which adds durability. It’s generally considered more sturdy than Moleskine.
Rhodia: The lay-flat binding is a standout. Most Rhodia notebooks open completely flat without any resistance. Their softcover with a metal back panel (like the classic Webnotebook) provides a solid writing surface. The paper is tear-resistant. The cover is less protective than a hardcover, so it might dent in a bag.
Bottom line: If you write on the go or need to lay the book flat, Rhodia is best. For overall ruggedness, Leuchtturm1917 edges out Moleskine.
Prices vary, but generally:
Moleskine: Often the most expensive for what you get. A classic hardcover notebook (roughly 240 pages) can cost around $20 to $25. You’re paying for the brand name and design.
Leuchtturm1917: Similar price range, often $20 to $30 depending on size and edition. Given the extra features (numbered pages, two bookmarks), it offers better value for the price.
Rhodia: Typically more affordable. A Webnotebook (90 sheets, 180 pages) costs around $15 to $20. The paper quality is exceptional for the price.
Remember that prices fluctuate, so check current listings. For budget-conscious buyers who still want quality, Rhodia is the clear winner.
Your choice depends on your primary use:
Choose Moleskine if: You value the aesthetic, use ballpoint or gel pens, and don’t need extensive organization. It’s a classic that looks great on a desk.
Choose Leuchtturm1917 if: You bullet journal, want a system with page numbers and a TOC, and use a variety of pens. It’s the most versatile and durable for long-term journaling.
Choose Rhodia if: You use fountain pens, want buttery-smooth paper with minimal bleed, and prefer a lay-flat design. It’s also the best value if you go through journals quickly.
For an even deeper dive into other great journals, including options for specific needs, check out our comprehensive journal buying guide.
Q: Which journal has the least ink bleed-through?
A: Rhodia, thanks to its coated 90gsm paper. Leuchtturm1917 is second, and Moleskine has the most bleed.
Q: Can I use watercolor or markers in these journals?
A: None are specifically designed for wet media. Light watercolor may work on Leuchtturm and Rhodia, but heavy washes will warp or bleed. Markers like Tombow can ghost on all three; Leuchtturm1917 is often recommended for mild marker use.
Q: Are these journals fountain pen friendly?
A: Yes, but with differences. Rhodia and Leuchtturm1917 are very fountain pen friendly, while Moleskine can bleed with wetter pens.
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