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10 Best Plastic Folders 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Smead Poly File Folders with Pockets, Set of 30 Plastic Folders for Documents, 1/3-Cut Tabs, File Folders Letter Size, Assorted Primary Colors, Office Supplies, School Supplies (10540)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,425
Material Thickness
Number of Pockets
Color and Design

Most important from
712 reviews

Material Thickness
Sturdy plastic and pocket front make these folders highly durable, increasing efficiency in the office.
Number of Pockets
The clear front pocket is an excellent feature for holding a paper with name and basic client order, making it reusable with subsequent clients.
Color and Design
Vibrant colors provide an option for color coding, making it easy to distinguish client folders.

The Smead Slash Pocket Poly File Folders are a reliable choice for organizing and storing documents. The durable polypropylene material ensures that the folders are tear and water-resistant, making them suitable for regular use and easy to clean. Each folder has a clear slash pocket on the front panel, providing extra storage space for small or additional papers.

The assorted vivid colors, including blue, yellow, purple, red, and green, allow for color-coding, which can help with quick and easy identification of files. Each box contains 30 folders with 1/3-cut tabs, making it easier to label and organize your documents neatly. The letter size is standard, fitting most common documents, and the acid-free and PVC-free material is a plus for those looking to store documents long-term without the risk of deterioration.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The fastener capacity is limited to 20 sheets, which might not be sufficient for heavier document storage needs. Additionally, while the colors are bright and helpful for organization, some users may prefer more neutral or professional tones, which are not available in this assortment. Despite these limitations, this product is best suited for office or home use where document organization and protection are priorities.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,425
Material Thickness
Number of Pockets
Color and Design

Most important from
712 reviews

Material Thickness
Sturdy plastic and pocket front make these folders highly durable, increasing efficiency in the office.
Number of Pockets
The clear front pocket is an excellent feature for holding a paper with name and basic client order, making it reusable with subsequent clients.
Color and Design
Vibrant colors provide an option for color coding, making it easy to distinguish client folders.
#2

Pendaflex 55708 Poly Hanging File Folders, 1/5 Tab, Letter, Assorted Colors (Box of 25)

Rating
8.2
Material Thickness
Color and Design
Additional Features

Most important from
648 reviews

Material Thickness
These folders are exceptionally sturdy and built to last through years of use.
Color and Design
The clear design makes it easy to see contents at a glance without opening each folder.
Additional Features
Included plastic tabs with blank inserts allow for immediate and customizable labeling.

The Pendaflex 55708 Poly Hanging File Folders are a solid choice if you want durable, easy-to-see folders for organizing letter-size documents. Made from tough polyurethane, these folders resist wear and tear better than paper or thin plastic ones. Their clear design helps you quickly find what you need without opening each folder, while the assortment of bright colors (blue, yellow, red, orange, green) lets you color-code files for easier sorting.

Each folder features a 1/5 cut tab on top, giving you five possible positions to arrange labels as you prefer. The box includes 25 clear plastic tabs and blank inserts, so you can customize your labels right away. The size matches standard letter paper (8.5 x 11 inches), fitting most file drawers and cabinets. While these folders don’t have a closure mechanism like snaps or elastic bands, the hanging file design keeps documents secure and upright.

Weighing about 4.5 pounds for the box, they are lightweight yet sturdy. They are great for office or home use where you want a balance of durability, visibility, and color-coded organization. If you need thicker folders or specialized closures for high security, these may not fully meet those needs. For everyday filing, they offer a dependable and user-friendly option.

Rating
8.2
Material Thickness
Color and Design
Additional Features

Most important from
648 reviews

Material Thickness
These folders are exceptionally sturdy and built to last through years of use.
Color and Design
The clear design makes it easy to see contents at a glance without opening each folder.
Additional Features
Included plastic tabs with blank inserts allow for immediate and customizable labeling.
#3

36 Pack Plastic File Folders Colored with Sticky Labels, Sooez Heavy Duty Letter Size Colored File Folders with Erasable 1/3-Cut Tab, Stronger Than Manila File Folder, Perfect for File Organization

Rating
7.9
Material Thickness
Color and Design
Additional Features

Most important from
1839 reviews

Material Thickness
These folders are incredibly durable and built to last far longer than standard manila folders, making them a reliable long-term solution.
Color and Design
The vibrant color assortment not only brightens up any workspace but also makes locating specific documents faster and more intuitive.
Additional Features
The expandable design comfortably holds thick stacks of papers, handling bulky files with ease and maintaining shape without fraying or bending.

The Sooez 36 Pack Plastic File Folders offer a strong and colorful solution for organizing letter-size documents. Made from heavy-duty polypropylene with a thickness of 0.35mm, these folders are more durable and tear-resistant than standard paper manila folders, making them ideal for protecting important papers. The size (11.6" x 9") fits standard letter documents and smaller items like receipts comfortably. They come in six bright colors—blue, green, yellow, purple, red, and orange—which helps sort and locate files quickly while adding a vibrant touch to your workspace. The 1/3-cut tabs offer a larger labeling area that is writable and erasable with pencils or whiteboard markers, complemented by 18 extra sticky labels for even more customization.

One practical feature is the expandable design, allowing each folder to hold up to 200 sheets by expanding up to 1.06" wide, suitable for thicker stacks of documents. These folders fit into hanging file systems as well, increasing their versatility for both home and office use. While the plastic material is waterproof and tear-resistant, the folders may be slightly heavier than paper ones, which could be a consideration if carrying many at once. They do not have a specific closure type like snap or elastic bands, so papers might fall out if not stored upright or in a filing cabinet. These folders provide a reliable, organized, and colorful choice for anyone needing durable, easy-to-label, and expandable plastic folders for everyday document storage.

Rating
7.9
Material Thickness
Color and Design
Additional Features

Most important from
1839 reviews

Material Thickness
These folders are incredibly durable and built to last far longer than standard manila folders, making them a reliable long-term solution.
Color and Design
The vibrant color assortment not only brightens up any workspace but also makes locating specific documents faster and more intuitive.
Additional Features
The expandable design comfortably holds thick stacks of papers, handling bulky files with ease and maintaining shape without fraying or bending.

Buying Guide for the Best Plastic Folders

When it comes to picking the right plastic folder, it's important to consider how you plan to use it. Plastic folders come in various styles, sizes, and features, each suited for different needs. Whether you need them for school, work, or personal organization, understanding the key specifications will help you make the best choice. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a plastic folder.
Material ThicknessMaterial thickness refers to how thick and sturdy the plastic is. This is important because thicker plastic folders are generally more durable and can hold up better to wear and tear. Thickness is usually measured in millimeters (mm). Folders with a thickness of around 0.2mm are lightweight and flexible, suitable for light use. Medium thickness, around 0.3mm to 0.5mm, offers a balance of flexibility and durability, ideal for everyday use. Thicker folders, above 0.5mm, are very sturdy and best for heavy-duty use. Consider how often you'll handle the folder and the weight of the documents you'll store to choose the right thickness.
SizeSize refers to the dimensions of the folder and the type of paper it can hold. This is crucial because you need a folder that fits your documents properly. Common sizes include A4, Letter, and Legal. A4 is widely used internationally, while Letter and Legal sizes are common in the United States. If you frequently handle standard-sized documents, choose a folder that matches those dimensions. For larger or smaller documents, ensure the folder can accommodate them without bending or damaging the papers.
Closure TypeClosure type refers to how the folder stays closed. This is important for keeping your documents secure and preventing them from falling out. Common closure types include snap buttons, elastic bands, zippers, and tuck flaps. Snap buttons and elastic bands are easy to use and provide quick access, making them suitable for frequent use. Zippers offer the most security and are great for transporting documents. Tuck flaps are simple and effective for basic storage. Consider how secure you need your documents to be and how often you'll access them to choose the right closure type.
Number of PocketsThe number of pockets refers to how many separate compartments the folder has. This is important for organizing your documents. Single-pocket folders are straightforward and good for holding a stack of papers. Two-pocket folders allow you to separate different types of documents, such as keeping assignments on one side and notes on the other. Multi-pocket folders, with three or more pockets, are ideal for organizing multiple categories of documents. Think about how you plan to organize your papers and choose a folder with the appropriate number of pockets.
Color and DesignColor and design refer to the visual appearance of the folder. While this might seem less important, it can actually help with organization and personal preference. Brightly colored folders can help you quickly identify different subjects or categories, while more subdued colors might be preferred in professional settings. Some folders also come with patterns or designs that can add a personal touch. Consider how you want to organize your documents and your personal style when choosing the color and design of your folder.
Additional FeaturesAdditional features refer to any extra functionalities the folder might have. This can include things like business card holders, pen loops, or label slots. These features can be important for added convenience and organization. Business card holders are useful for professional settings, pen loops ensure you always have a writing instrument handy, and label slots help you quickly identify the contents of the folder. Think about any extra needs you might have and look for folders that offer these additional features.

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