Best Sketchbooks & Notebooks Under $100 (2026)
We selected products under $100 and ranked them by value score using paper type/weight, sheet count, binding, size options, and overall versatility
The Verdict
- Best Overall: 9x12 Sketch Book 3-Pack, Spiral Bound, 100 Sheets each — Best for versatile sketching: three 9x12 spiral books with high-sheet counts and acid-free paper for extended practice
- Best Value: Strathmore 400 Series Colored Pencil Pad, 18x24, 30 sheets — Best for colored pencil work: large-format pad with heavyweight sheets tailored to colored-pencil layering and blending
This roundup highlights sketchbooks and notebooks under $100 chosen for paper quality, sheet count, binding style, and versatility for drawing, mixed media, or journaling. Selections were scored by value using paper weight/surface, format options, and user-focused features like spiral binding and size variety
Top Picks
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1
Best Overall 9x12 Sketch Book 3-Pack, Spiral Bound, 100 Sheets each
Best for versatile sketching: three 9x12 spiral books with high-sheet counts and acid-free paper for extended practice
A 9x12 spiral-bound sketch book set with durable paper for drawing, painting, and writing. Customers note good quality, durability, and versatile use for various media
- acid-free paper
- top spiral bound for easy page turning
- 3-pack for bulk use
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2
Best Value Strathmore 400 Series Colored Pencil Pad, 18x24, 30 sheets
Best for colored pencil work: large-format pad with heavyweight sheets tailored to colored-pencil layering and blending
Color pencil paper pad with smooth, durable surface for erasing and reworking. Customers praise smooth texture and vivid color blending for portraits and landscapes
- durable surface withstands erasures
- smooth texture for color pencils
- works with mixed media (graphite, charcoal)
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3
Strathmore Mixed Media & Bristol Paper Pads (18x24, 9x12)
Best mixed-media option: includes both mixed media and bristol surfaces suited for wet and dry techniques
Strathmore paper pads with vellum surface for wet and dry media; manufactured in the United States. Customers note smooth vellum finish, good thickness, and versatile drawing capabilities
- vellum surface for versatile media
- heavy-weight, durable paper
- made in the United States
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4
Soucolor spiral sketchbooks 9x12, 300 sheets
Best for bulk sketching: high sheet count 9x12 spiral pads that keep a studio stock of drawing pages handy
Spiral-bound sketchbooks with 100 sheets per pad, 68lb/100gsm acid-free paper, suited for drawing, sketching, and painting. Customers note good paper quality and suitable size for tote bags, with some mixed views on texture and durability
- 100 sheets per pad
- acid-free paper
- portable 9x12 size
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5
Travelogue Drawing Book, Grand Portrait 10-1/2 x 8-1/4 (Ivory Black)
Best travel-friendly drawing book: compact portrait format with media-friendly paper for on-location sketching
A heavyweight drawing notebook with buff 130gsm paper, 64 sheets for sketching with pen, ink, pencil, charcoal, and markers. Customers note its velvety texture and suitability for quick travel sketches
- heavyweight paper
- durable cover with elastic closure
- versatile media compatibility
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6
Travelogue Drawing Book, Grand Portrait 10-1/2 x 8-1/4, Cadmium Green Artist Journal
Best for tactile color studies: travel sketchbook with bone-color, midweight paper that enhances tonal work and sketches
Compact travel sketchbook with heavyweight 130gsm buff paper for pen, pencil, charcoal, and markers. Sturdy cover with elastic closure and rounded corners. Customers note its velvety texture and suitability for quick sketches
- heavyweight drawing paper
- durable European cloth cover
- elastic closure with rounded corners
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7
Castle Art Supplies Premium Sketch Books 9x12, 200 sheets
Best cartridge-paper pack: substantial 200-sheet spiral pads aimed at regular sketching and practice sessions
Premium spiral-bound sketch books with 90gsm cartridge paper, perforated sheets for easy removal. Users note sturdy binding and good value for drawing and doodling
- perforated display-ready sheets
- durable spiral binding
- 90gsm cartridge paper
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8
Canson XL Bristol Pad, Vellum 19x24, 25 sheets
Best bristol option: large vellum-surface bristol pad for precise ink, marker, and pencil work requiring smooth finish
Smooth, bright white bristol paper suitable for pencil, pen, ink, and colored pencil. Users note good texture for pen and ink drawings and value for money, with some concerns about durability
- smooth texture
- bright white paper
- wide compatibility with media
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9
Paper Junkie 48-Pack Small Blank Notebooks (4.25 x 5.5 in) Brown Kraft
Best pocket notebooks set: abundant small blank notebooks ideal for notes, mini-sketches, and gifting
Small blank notebooks for journaling and sketching; versatile mini journals for creativity and note-taking. Customers cite value for money and suitability as gifts, with decoration and craft use noted
- bulk 48-pack for groups
- blank pages for sketching
- kraft material with customization option
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10
Hygloss Blank Books 50 Pack – 4.25 x 5.5 Assorted Colors
Best colorful mini journals: multi-pack of small blank books that suit kids, prompts, and portable sketching
Set of 50 blank books for drawing and writing, featuring 24 unlined pages in a compact 4.25" x 5.5" size. Great for stories, journaling, or sketching; customers praise their color variety and creative potential
- 50 blank books
- assorted colors
- 24 unlined pages