The Best Binders

Binders offer easy solutions to your paper-saving woes. Check out our favorite binders for ideas on what could work best for you.

Buying Guide for the Best Binders

Why buy a binder?

If you’re sick of sorting through the contents of your backpack when you get home from school, you’ll want to pick up some binders. English and math assignments getting smooshed together, crinkled, and moist from your leaking water bottle are no good! Being a student is challenging enough. It’s time to get some binders to keep your papers, assignments, and important documents safe and organized, don’t you think?

What should you look for in a binder?

• Looks: If you’re going to make regular use of your binder, you might as well like how it looks. Seriously, you’re probably less motivated to use a binder with a dull or unappealing appearance. Reflect on what you need a binder for. If it’s for business, you may want to stay away from garish colors but opt for a leather or faux leather cover. For storing and organizing recipes, you might go for a simple binder with a transparent cover. Make a collage of your favorite foods and slip it inside; get creative!
• Quality Parts: We’ve probably all struggled with cheaply-made O-rings. Over time, they become misaligned; occasionally, paper can snag and rip. Look for quality-made rings. You may find that binders with more than three rings work better by holding and protecting your paper more securely. 
• Versatility: Sure, you can always personalize a binder; in that way, most binders offer a degree of versatility. But some are designed to give you several options so that you can use them for more than one purpose. Take the journal binder we review. It includes blank, lined, and grid paper, each of which can be helpful for writing or sketching, depending on your style. There’s also a calendar with room for daily notes. Other binders may be great for students and professionals, depending on which color you choose.

How are binders sized?

Most binders are about 10 inches wide and 12 inches tall to fit standard 8.5- x 11-inch paper. However, there are ledger and junior or half sizes for different sizes of paper. The thickness of the binder varies a lot and depends on the size of the rings—many are an inch thick, but they go up to several inches.

Our Picks for the Best Binders

Pros: As the brand name suggests, ordinary items like a three-ring binder fulfills everyday paper-organizing needs. This binder measures 11.8 x 10.1 x 1.6 inches, suitable for storing on most bookshelves. A binder with these dimensions also holds standard-sized documents. It’s categorized as a 1-inch binder to indicate the size of the three metal rings. The Amazon Basics binder holds up to 175 sheets of paper and features a customizable front and back cover and spine, owing to its transparent plastic cover. There are also two interior pockets to use as you wish.

Cons: These rudimentary binders may look and function a bit cheaper than you’d expect.

Bottom Line: Its forté may be its drawback to some, but the simplicity of these binders makes it an easy option for those who just want a darn binder. It’s authentic to its name.

 

Pros: An organizer and tote for students, the Case-it binder works like a charm with its many features and fun colors. Open the binder with the gusseted zipper and lay it flat on a table. One side features three 3-inch O-rings, which hold up to 600 sheets of paper. Plus, five-color tab separators help organize class papers like hand-outs, rubrics, and assignments. The opposite side comprises an expandable file folder. Write class names on the included perforated paper slips that slide into the transparent colored tabs for ultimate efficiency at school. Use the inner mesh pouch and an exterior zipped pocket for storing pens, mobile phones, and other personal items. Look like a professional by using the shoulder strap or carrying handle. Either way, this binder resembles a briefcase.

Cons: It’s more expensive.

Bottom Line: The Mighty Zip makes good on its promises to provide excellent organization for busy students. It also comes in various colors and prints to choose from.

 

Pros: This is a great bulk buy if you need high-capacity three-ring binders. They’re basic in build but unique in the number of sheets of paper each can store. That’s more than 950 8.5- x 11-inch papers each. Thank the three sturdy 5-inch D-rings for that. The clear plastic cover on the front, back, and spine offers space to customize the binder to your taste. You could print a picture of your favorite X-Man, unicorn, or simple solid-colored paper. There are two interior, opaque pockets for holding cards or notes.

Cons: Some users say the binder doesn’t hold up structurally if filled to the max capacity; it also lacks organizational separators, which is vital with such a large amount of paper.

Bottom Line: Get huge three-ring binders for storing a lot of paper at a reasonable price. If you feel you need more organization to a binder full to the brim, consider purchasing separating tabs. It might just do the trick!

 

ers.

Pros: This is the binder you reach for when you want to journal about your day, write those ideas for a novel you have brewing, or put recipes to try. Open the polyurethane leather cover, flip over the protective plastic page to view your calendar, and use a nice ink pen on the thick, bleed-proof paper if you like. The six-ring binder safely holds the A5, 6.3- x 8.7-inch paper. The journal also has practical features like card pockets to place your business card, photos, ID, or pressed flowers. Make it what you want. It also includes a pen holder and a magnetic button.

Cons: You may find the faux leather cover cheap in look and feel.

Bottom Line: It works as a diary, business planner, or daily journal. Now that’s a versatile binder that makes a perfect gift, too.

 

Pros: Digital payment may be the norm, but small business owners often use checks, especially if they’re just beginning to avoid the associated fees of credit and debit card payments. If you depend on checks, you may want to improve the organization and filing of your business transactions. This seven D-ring checkbook binder holds 600 standard-sized checks. It measures 14.2 x 2 x 9.9 inches and features high-quality PU leather for a professional look. There’s even an interior zip closure pouch and pen holder.

Cons: You may be disappointed if you want the look, feel, and scent of genuine leather, as the Juvale binder is made of faux leather.

Bottom Line: If you rely on checks for personal or business, you probably need no convincing that a binder would be a sensible purchase. This binder stands out for its seven-ring design that adds security and easy page-turning.

Final Thoughts

Our favorite binders for storing and organizing important papers and documents could be just what you need as you head back to school or straighten out your important paperwork.